NewzIntel.com

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Leader Of One Of Newark’s Largest Open-Air Drug Markets And Last Of 26 Defendants Sentenced To 168 Months’ Imprisonment

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – a Newark, New Jersey man was sentenced today for his role as the leader of an expansive drug trafficking organization that distributed significant quantities of drugs and used firearms to protect their drug operation in Newark, New Jersey, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

    Shaheed Blake, a/k/a “Sha Gotti,” a/k/a “Sha,” a/k/a “Bruh,” 41, was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment followed by 5 years’ supervised release by U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin in Newark, New Jersey.  He was the last among his 25 co-defendants to be sentenced in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey in Newark. 

    Blake’s 25 conspirators were previously sentenced as follows:

    • Anderson Hutchinson was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment;
    • Jabaar Blake was sentenced to 163 months’ imprisonment;
    • Jason Colon was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment;
    • Keyenn Rodgers was sentenced to 150 months’ imprisonment;
    • William Teal was sentenced to 132 months’ imprisonment;
    • Brian White was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment;
    • Todd Garrett was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment;
    • Anthony Bowens was sentenced to 88 months’ imprisonment;
    • Dorrell Blake was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment;
    • Daquan Lockhart was sentenced to 90 months’ imprisonment;
    • Aldoray McClain was sentenced to 72 months’ imprisonment;
    • Sharif Davis was sentenced to 72 months’ imprisonment;
    • Roger Thomas was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment;
    • Lamont Pugh was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
    • David Rogers was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
    • Hanif Yarrell was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
    • Aaron Watson was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
    • Marquise O’Neal was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
    • Jaleel Metz was sentenced to 66 months’ imprisonment;
    • Bernard Brown was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
    • Jesse Scott was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
    • Rasheem Langley was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
    • Shadesasha Ford was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
    • Linwood Lyles was sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment; and
    • Andrew Knox was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment.

    This case was the result of a long-running wiretap investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Newark Police Department.

    According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    Defendants were members and associates of a Bloods-affiliated gang that called itself the “CKarter Boys,” a play on “the Carter”—the name of the drug distribution building in the 1991 film New Jack City.  As Bloods members, the CKarter Boys used the letters “CK” to signify “Crip Killer,” a sign of disrespect to their rival street gang, the Crips.

    The investigation revealed that the organization’s leaders—Blake and Anderson Hutchinson, a/k/a “Murda Rah”—operated a massive drug market that flooded the streets of Newark with heroin and crack cocaine 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

    Blake, Hutchinson, and members of their organization sold heroin and crack cocaine to customers out of two neighboring houses near the Newark-Irvington border.  These drug dens were located in the heart of a residential community, just two blocks from the Thurgood Marshall Elementary School, a public school serving children from Pre-K to Fifth Grade.  On average, just one of these locations, which Blake controlled, generated approximately $10,000 per day in revenue from narcotics sales, and, on at least one occasion, revenue exceeded $13,000 in a single shift.

    One of the abandoned residences was virtually impenetrable due to the organization’s efforts to fortify the structure by boarding up all doors and windows. The defendants gained access to the residence through a second-floor window by way of a ladder that conspirators then brought inside the residence.  Once inside the abandoned residence, the defendants would sell heroin and crack cocaine through a small hole that was cut out on a first-floor outer wall, allowing customers to purchase narcotics in exchange for cash, similar to a restaurant’s drive-through window.  In a backyard shed, the defendants stored narcotics, a communal cell phone that was used to operate the business, multiple firearms, and several boxes of ammunition.

    The investigation resulted in charges against 26 defendants, including Blake, two other leaders, middlemen who assisted with transporting drugs and drug proceeds, distributors, and suppliers.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of ATF, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks, Jr. in Newark, and members of the Newark Department of Public Safety, under the direction of Director Emanuel Miranda, with the investigation. He also thanked the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, the New Jersey State Police, the Irvington Police Department, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, the Belleville Police Department, the West Orange Police Department, the Livingston Police Department, the Nutley Police Department, the Orange Police Department, and the Verona Police Department.

    The CKarter Boys were prosecuted as part of the Newark Violent Crime Initiative (“VCI”).  The VCI was formed in August 2017 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Newark’s Department of Public Safety for the sole purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Newark.  As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community.  The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the ATF, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New Jersey Division, the U.S. Marshals, the Newark Department of Public Safety, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Parole, the Essex County Correctional Facility, New Jersey State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, New Jersey Department of Corrections, the East Orange Police Department, and the Irvington Police Department.

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Desiree Grace, Chief of the Criminal Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olta Bejleri and Jake A. Nasar of the Criminal Division in Newark.

                                                               ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Help Unveil Bill to Raise Minimum Age to Buy Assault Weapons

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    February 14, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – On the seventh anniversary of the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today joined U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) in announcing legislation to raise the minimum age to purchase assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines from 18 to 21, the same age requirement that already applies to purchasing handguns from federally licensed dealers.  Individuals under 21 have used assault weapons in some of the most devastating school shootings in U.S. history, including the mass shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

    “Congress cannot sit by and do nothing while gun violence remains the number one killer of children in America,” said Duckworth.  “As we remember the 17 lives cut short at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, we must honor their memory with action.  The Age 21 Act is commonsense gun safety legislation that would help prevent mass shootings and do more to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of those who would seek to harm themselves or others.  If Republicans were truly ‘pro-life,’ they would support our bill and help us save lives.”

    “Gun violence continues to shatter families and communities throughout America.  Our existing laws allow far too many guns to fall into the wrong hands.  That is why I’m signing onto the Age 21 Act, which prohibits the sale of assault weapons, handguns, large-capacity ammunition feeding devices, and related ammunition to individuals under the age of 21,” said Durbin.  “This legislation is one of many steps we must take to address the gun violence epidemic across the United States.”

    Gun violence is a national crisis, claiming over 46,000 lives in 2023 — the third-largest number of gun-related deaths in American history.  Assault weapons, originally engineered for military combat to maximize damage, are frequently used in mass shootings because of their ability to inflict catastrophic harm in mere seconds.  More than 85 percent of deaths in public mass shootings involving four or more fatalities were caused by assault rifles.  Furthermore, shootings involving assault weapons or large-capacity magazines result in more than 2.5 times as many people being shot compared to incidents involving other firearms. 

    The bill’s restrictions on the sale of assault weapons, handguns, large-capacity ammunition feeding devices, and related ammunition to individuals under the age of 21 would apply to both federally licensed and private sellers.  Additionally, the legislation would bar most individuals under 21 from possessing these items, with limited exceptions for specific circumstances such as service in law enforcement or the armed forces.

    In addition to Durbin, Duckworth, and Padilla, the Age 21 Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    The Age 21 Act is endorsed by organizations including Brady: United Against Gun Violence, March for Our Lives, Giffords, Newtown Action Alliance, and Everytown for Gun Safety.

    Durbin and Duckworth are fierce advocates for common-sense gun safety legislation that would help save lives.  Durbin and Duckworth were strong supporters of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), which cracks down on straw purchasing and gun trafficking, expands background checks for buyers under 21 years of age, takes steps to close the “boyfriend loophole,” supports state red flag laws, and offers billions in funding for counseling, mental health, and trauma support for victims of gun violence. Durbin and Duckworth are also continuing to push for the Assault Weapons Ban and additional gun safety measures.

    While Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Durbin held a full committee hearing on public safety and gun safety laws in a post-Bruen America; filed an amicus brief in opposition to legal challenges in U.S. v. Rahimi, in which the Supreme Court ultimately ruled to uphold a ban on firearm possession for domestic violence offenders; condemned the Supreme Court decision in Garland v. Cargill, which ruled a bump stock does not convert a rifle into a machine gun; and introduced legislation to curb firearms trafficking enabled by weak American gun laws, among other efforts.

    A one-pager on the bill is available here.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Men’s behaviour change program expanded

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 19 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Women

    The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to create a safer New South Wales by taking a whole of community approach to addressing domestic and family violence, with Men’s Behaviour Change Programs (MBCPs) rolled out across an additional seven locations.

    $10 million is being invested to increase the availability of these programs across the state as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $245.6 million package to address domestic and family violence in New South Wales, which has included:

    • Implementing the state’s first ever Primary Prevention Strategy
    • Working to expand the Staying Home Leaving Violence program state wide
    • Introducing new offences for repeated and serious breaches of Apprehended Domesticc Violence Orders
    • Making it harder than ever for alleged domestic violence offenders to get bail
    • Introducing Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Orders
    • Modernising the definition of ‘stalking’ to include technology based harassment.

    MBCPs are evidence-based group programs and services that focus on working with perpetrators of domestic and family violence to reduce or prevent the recurrence of abusive behaviour by a perpetrator towards a partner or family member. Between 2022 and 2024, 1,800 men participated in MBCPs in NSW.

    The Minns Labor Government’s priority remains the safety of victim-survivors of domestic and family violence and ensuring they have access to support when they need it.

    Following this expansion, the programs will now be available across 35 locations through 15 providers. The new locations are:

    • Nowra, Shoalhaven LGA – Anglicare
    • Ulladulla, Shoalhaven LGA – Anglicare
    • Forster, Mid-Coast LGA – Manning Support Services
    • Gloucester, Mid-Coast LGA – Manning Support Services
    • Lithgow, Lithgow LGA – Plus Community
    • Blacktown, Blacktown LGA – Relationships Australia
    • Maitland, Maitland LGA – Relationships Australia

    Providers must be registered as compliant with the Practice Standards for Men’s Domestic Violence Behaviour Change Programs and deliver evidence-based interventions, as well as additional one-on-one supports.

    Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

    “The NSW Government is working hard to build a safer New South Wales.

    “These programs are about taking accountability, about breaking the cycle of violence by working with perpetrators to understand their behaviour is never acceptable.

    “The fact is to build a safer New South Wales, free from domestic and family violence, we need men who use violence to take responsibility for their actions and change their behaviour.”

    NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin said:

    “Addressing domestic and family violence is a priority in our state and nation.

    “The expansion of the Men’s Behaviour Change Program will promote the safety of women and children by holding men accountable for their violent and abusive behaviour and supporting them to change.

    “Programs like this can encourage participants to take responsibility for their behaviour and provide them with the skills and tools necessary to stop using violence and maintain respectful relationships.”

    MBCP provider Relationships Australia NSW CEO Elisabeth Shaw said:

    “Promoting the safety of women and children is essential to preventing domestic and family violence in our communities.

    “Our Men’s Behaviour Change Program works with men who use violence to take responsibility, guiding them to be accountable for their actions and stop abusive behaviours in their family relationships.

    “These men have recognised the need to change and have sought support to become safer partners and fathers. Through the program, they reflect on their behaviour, understand the underlying drivers of violence, and learn practical tools and strategies to manage themselves and de-escalate potentially aggressive situations.

    “We also work with the men’s current or former partners and their children to ensure their safety and support recovery. Many have shared with us that they are now living in safe and respectful homes, free from violence.”

    Support services:

    For information on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.

    If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

    If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN on 13 92 76.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Requires Transparency for the American People About Wasteful Spending

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    PROMOTING TRANSPRENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a memorandum requiring radical transparency regarding wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars by the federal government.
    It requires all departments and agencies to disclose details about terminated programs, cancelled contracts, and discontinued grants to the fullest extent allowed by law.
    PUTTING AN END TO WASTEFUL SPENDING: By signing this memorandum, President Trump recognizes that the American people have a right to see how the federal government has wasted their hard-earned wages.
    The United States government has wasted taxpayer dollars on programs, contracts, and grants that do not serve the American public’s interests.
    For too long, taxpayers have subsidized ideological projects overseas and domestic organizations engaged in actions that undermine the national interest.
    The Biden Administration spent billions on electric vehicle charging stations, yet only a fraction were completed.
    The Trump Administration recently canceled a Biden-era $50 million environmental justice grant to an organization that believes “climate justice travels through a Free Palestine.”
    Numerous USAID grants have come under review, including $1.5 million to “advance diversity equity and inclusion in Serbia’s workplaces and business communities.”
    The Biden Administration gave nearly $4.6 million to help foreign groups promote LGBT projects like drag shows and pride parades. 
    The Trump Administration found $20 billion parked at a financial institution by the Biden Administration to fund partisan pet projects.
    President Trump’s Department of Education canceled $881 million in unnecessary contracts that were not benefiting students, including a $4.6 million contract just to coordinate Zoom and in-person meetings.
    President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has already recovered $1.9 billion in taxpayer funds “misplaced” by the Biden Administration.
    The Government Accountability Office released a report last year estimating that the federal government “could lose between $233 billion and $521 billion annually to fraud.”
    KEEPING HIS PROMISE TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE: President Trump campaigned on a promise to return power back to the American people by “cleaning out the Deep State, firing rogue bureaucrats and career politicians, and targeting government corruption.”
    President Trump recently signed a memorandum to stop last-minute collective bargaining agreements issued by the Biden Administration designed to constrain the incoming Trump Administration from reforming government.
    President Trump created the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to bring accountability and transparency to federal spending, ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and effectively.
    President Trump launched a 10-to-1 deregulation initiative, ensuring every new rule is justified by clear benefits for taxpayers.
    The Trump Administration is aggressively investigating Biden-era programs that wasted billions of taxpayer dollars on inefficient and politically-driven projects, including canceling unnecessary government contracts and grants that do not serve the national interest.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Reins in Independent Agencies to Restore a Government that Answers to the American People

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    RESTORING DEMOCRACY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN GOVERNMENT: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order ensuring that all federal agencies are accountable to the American people, as required by the Constitution. Under this Executive Order:
    The Order notes that Article II of the U.S. Constitution vests all executive power in the President, meaning that all executive branch officials and employees are subject to his supervision.
    Therefore, because all executive power is vested in the President, all agencies must: (1) submit draft regulations for White House review—with no carve-out for so-called independent agencies, except for the monetary policy functions of the Federal Reserve; and (2) consult with the White House on their priorities and strategic plans, and the White House will set their performance standards.
    The Office of Management and Budget will adjust so-called independent agencies’ apportionments to ensure tax dollars are spent wisely.
    The President and the Attorney General (subject to the President’s supervision and control) will interpret the law for the executive branch, instead of having separate agencies adopt conflicting interpretations.
    REINING IN INDEPENDENT AGENCIES: So-called independent agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have exercised enormous power over the American people without Presidential oversight.
    These agencies issue rules and regulations that cost billions of dollars and implicate some of the most controversial policy matters, and they do so without the review of the democratically elected President.
    They also spend American tax dollars and set priorities without consulting the President, while setting their own performance standards.
    Now they will no longer impose rules on the American people without oversight or accountability.
    ENSURING A GOVERNMENT THAT ANSWERS TO THE PEOPLE: This order fulfills President Trump’s promise to restore constitutional governance and accountability to the entire executive branch.
    Executive power without responsibility has no place in our Republic. The United States was founded on the principle that the government should be accountable to the people. That is why the Founders created a single President who is alone vested with “the executive Power” and responsibility to “take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed.”
    Voters and the President can now hold all Federal agencies—not just Cabinet departments—responsible for their decisions, as the Constitution demands.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President George Washington’s Birthday, 2025

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    class=”has-text-align-center”>By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation
    Today, our Nation commemorates the Father of our country, the patriarch of our freedom, and a timeless exemplar of valor and virtue:  the first President of the United States, George Washington.  On President Washington’s Birthday, we honor his heroic legacy and steadfast love of country.
    As our Nation’s first chief executive, President Washington was a key architect of our Federal Government and constitutional order.  He was a visionary unifier, a fierce advocate for an America First foreign policy, and a man of devout faith.  To this day, he lives on in our souls as the original American patriot, the face of the American Revolution, and a legendary titan of American liberty.
    Through his presidency, private life, and personal conduct, George Washington was a model of public service and a living reminder that no challenge is too great for the strength of the American spirit.
    In the winter of 1776, with the Revolutionary War raging and the Continental Army on the verge of collapse, General Washington refused to surrender.  Low on supplies and teetering on the edge of defeat, he carried on, writing “Victory or Death” before departing for battle.  In the waning hours of Christmas night, Washington’s Continental Army ventured through miles of ice-cold darkness with nothing but patriotism in their hearts, courage in their veins, and faith in their God — going on to defeat the enemy and forever change the course of history.
    President Washington’s unflinching devotion to the common good remains the mandate of every American citizen.  As my Administration continues the work of reforming our country, we look to George Washington, the sacrifices he made, and the victories he won.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 17, 2025, as a reserved holiday commemorating George Washington’s Birthday.
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
    seventeenth day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Solving the Child Care Shortage: Governor Shapiro and Lt. Governor Davis Lead Roundtable on 2025-26 Budget Proposal to Expand Child Care Workforce with Community Leaders, Parents, and Families in Allegheny County

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    February 18, 2025 – Pittsburgh, PA

    Solving the Child Care Shortage: Governor Shapiro and Lt. Governor Davis Lead Roundtable on 2025-26 Budget Proposal to Expand Child Care Workforce with Community Leaders, Parents, and Families in Allegheny County

    Governor Josh Shapiro and Lt. Governor Austin Davis hosted a roundtable at the YMCA Child Development Center at Duquesne University to highlight the Governor’s 2025-26 proposed budget, which builds on his efforts to make child care more accessible and affordable. Over the past two years, Governor Shapiro has taken steps to lower child care costs, and this year’s budget proposal focuses on expanding the child care workforce to ensure more Pennsylvania families can access the care they need.

    Governor Shapiro, Lt. Governor Davis, Second Lady Blayre Holmes Davis, and key stakeholders, including President of the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh Amy Kienle, CEO of Partner4Work Robert Cherry, child care workers and teachers, and parents participated in the roundtable. Leadership from the Greater Pittsburgh YMCA, Duquesne University, Early Learning Investment Commission (ELIC), and the General Assembly also attended. The discussion focused on the Governor’s proposed budget investments to address workforce challenges, reduce costs, and increase access to quality child care for Pennsylvania families.

    “My budget prioritizes workforce development to tackle shortages in critical sectors like child care,” said Governor Shapiro. “With 3,000 unfilled child care jobs across Pennsylvania, too many families are struggling to find safe, affordable care – forcing parents out of the workforce and making it harder to get ahead. That’s why I’m proposing a $55 million investment to provide child care workers with at least $1,000 in recruitment and retention bonuses, strengthening our workforce and helping to solve this problem.”

    Speaker list:
    Governor Josh Shapiro
    Lt. Governor Austin Davis
    Second Lady Blayre Holmes Davis
    Amy Kienle, President/CEO, YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh
    Robert Cherry, CEO, Partner4Work
    Tracey Spear, Child Care Center Director
    Amanda Eadie, Teacher & Duquesne Student
    Hana Naghamouchi, Teacher & Duquesne Student

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Nan Orrock to Hold Press Conference Announcing Legislation on Georgia Anti-Abortion Centers

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (February 18, 2025) — On Wednesday, February 19, at 12:30 p.m., Sen. Nan Orrock (D–Atlanta) will join Rep. Anne Allen Westbrook (D–Savannah) to announce legislation that would ban the state funding of anti-abortion centers. They will be joined by members of the Amplify Georgia Collaborative to discuss the effects of these centers and the goals of the legislation.

    EVENT DETAILS:                      

    • Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
    • Time: 12:30 p.m.
    • Where: Georgia State Capitol, South Steps, 206 Washington St., Atlanta, GA 30334
    • This Event is Open to the Public.

    MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

    We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Jantz Womack at SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    “Georgians have a right to understand the full range of pregnancy options and to receive reliable medical information free of political bias,” said Sen. Orrock. “Anti-abortion clinics were found to provide high levels of false and misleading health information. Advertised services do not align with what is actually available and do not comply with prevailing medical guidelines. Georgia continues to have one of the highest maternal mortality rates of any state. Investing in healthy pregnancies and healthy babies must be our top priority. We must act to protect the public’s right to accurate healthcare information. Public funding for these anti-abortion clinics should end. Instead, let’s invest wisely and increase access to real healthcare.”

    # # # #

    Sen. Nan Orrock serves as the Democratic Caucus Secretary. She represents the 36th Senate District which includes portions of Fulton County. She may be reached at 404.463.8054 or by email at nan.orrock@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Talonvest Secures $14.4M in Financings for two California Properties

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Talonvest Capital, Inc. is proud to announce two recent closings for SoCal Self Storage. The first was a $7,200,000 non-recourse permanent loan for a self storage facility located at 2550 Willow Lane in Thousand Oaks, California. The property spans 54,937 NRSF and features a total of 525 units. The property benefits from its prime location along the 101 Freeway, which sees over 170,000 vehicles per day. Concurrently, Talonvest negotiated a second loan on behalf of SoCal Self Storage for a facility encompassing 42,979 NRSF spanning 499 units and located in the economically vibrant community of Torrance, California.   The $7,200,000 non-recourse refinance loan features a 10-year loan, full-term interest only payments, and an attractive fixed interest rate.

    Thanks to the lender competition facilitated by Talonvest, the client secured cash out, loan terms surpassing those offered by life companies, financial cash management triggers waived, and a loan spread well below 200 bps on both transactions. Bill Bromiley, Principal of Syndicated Real Estate Investments, remarked, “The Talonvest team secured an excellent interest rate while structuring favorable loan terms for us, and they proactively managed a seamless closing.” Denny Geiler, Principal of Polo Properties, LLC, added, “Their deep understanding of the capital markets was invaluable, and their hands-on involvement throughout the process had a direct and positive impact on our results.” The Talonvest team responsible for these assignments included Eric Snyder, Kim Bishop, Ivan Viramontes, Morgan Johnson and Lauren Maehler.

    About Talonvest Capital Inc.

    Talonvest Capital is a commercial real estate advisory firm specializing in sourcing cutting-edge lending programs and advising on capital market trends for industrial, self-storage, multifamily, office, and retail property owners. Talonvest Capital offers a unique boutique approach by leveraging the company’s collective institutional knowledge and remaining highly engaged throughout the entire assignment, including the closing process, to deliver tailored capital solutions for their clients.   Learn more at https://talonvest.com.

    Thousand Oaks, CA

    Torrance, CA

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/df7d6e81-7b58-458f-bb15-905101bbcc6c

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7078ee40-6c8a-4c41-b9db-ec8708468e8e

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australian LGBTIQ+ politicians were hit with vile online abuse at the last federal election. The coming campaign could be even worse

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elise Stephenson, Deputy Director, Global Institute for Women’s Leadership, Australian National University

    Newly published research has found clear evidence that openly lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, and queer+ (LGBTIQ+) Australian politicians were disproportionately targeted with personal abuse on social media at the last federal election. Given global trends, it’s unlikely to be any different this year.

    Simply logging off is not an option for candidates, who need to communicate with voters. As a result, some politicians will continue to face risky online visibility.

    Since Elon Musk acquired Twitter/X, hate speech has surged, particularly for public figures such as parliamentarians.

    So what do these trends mean for queer candidates ahead of this year’s election? And why does it matter for the next generation of politically engaged young people?

    Queer politicians targeted

    We analysed more than 100,000 tweets across the Twitter profiles of eight openly queer politicians and candidates (Penny Wong, Julian Hill, Nita Green, Tim Wilson, Janet Rice, Rachael Jacobs, Claire Garton, Stephen Bates) during the 2022 federal election campaign. We compared them with eight other politicians (Zoe Daniel, Graham Perrett, Lidia Thorpe, Anthony Chisholm, Barbara Pocock, Simon Birmingham, Deborah O’Neill, David Shoebridge) in the same period.

    We suspected that political hopefuls who publicly identified as LGBTIQ+ may have experienced greater levels of abuse and harassment. But what we found surprised us.

    The level of online intimidation was roughly the same for queer and non-queer politicians. However, the type of abuse differed significantly.

    Queer politicians endured highly personal harassment that specifically targeted their gender or physical appearance. They suffered nasty queer-specific slurs, transphobic messages and ableist language. Essentially, nothing that was related to their policies or politics.

    Meanwhile, straight, cisgender politicians received harassment that was typically political in nature. More of it focused on their party or platform. It wasn’t as personal (with the exception of Thorpe, who received high levels of racist abuse). While overtly hostile, for straight politicians in general much of the harassment received might be considered an unavoidable part of the democratic political process in the social media age.

    Our research provides a useful retrospective of some of the vitriol that proliferated during the last election.

    One such event began with YouTube commentator Jordan Shanks breaking a salacious story of repeated sexual misconduct by staffers in Canberra, purportedly in MPs offices and in the parliamentary multi-faith prayer room.

    Our data tracked the way queer male politicians were wrongly affiliated and tagged in the scandal. They were unfairly accused and ridiculed. The unfounded attacks were non-partisan, involving politicians from across the major parties. This indicated a single point of commonality – their sexuality.

    Liberal MP Tim Wilson, who had no involvement in the scandal, received over 2000 tweets explicitly mentioning the incident. Many were overtly homophobic, using terms such as “toy boy”, “rentboy”, “parasite” and “prayer room pervert”.

    How it puts off politically engaged young people

    The data indicates that queer politicians face a double bind. The personal hate they experience negatively impacts them as individuals and also distracts from genuine political debate. Trolling, hate speech, and a prohibitive online environment stymies open and constructive political dialogue.

    Furthermore, identity based harassment discourages queer people from pursuing political careers in the first place. Or staying in politics once they’ve experienced the hate. It erodes their sense of safety when engaging in public discourse and undermines the foundations upon which democracy is built.

    In a follow-up study of 98 politically engaged, young gender and sexuality diverse people, we found that online violence and a lack of workplace safety were some of the biggest barriers for them in considering a career in politics.

    The upcoming election

    We expect the personal harassment of queer politicians will continue to escalate across multiple platforms, including X, Facebook and Instagram.

    For instance, we have seen a sharp rise in anti-LGBTIQ+ hate and extremism across the United States. Online spaces are likely to become even less safe for queer politicians in 2025, than they were in 2022.

    Big tech is making it easier for abuse and harassment to flourish in the online world.

    Musk has fired 80% of engineers responsible for content regulation on X. He has also liked transphobic tweets and deemed the words “cis and “cisgender ” to be slurs, that were subsequently banned on X.

    Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg has also removed protections that prevented hate speech on Facebook.

    More users are deserting X due to the malicious content and lack of safeguards. But with a closely integrated social media environment, online violence can follow politicians across platforms, both social and legacy. There is no escaping the bile.

    Demanding better of online platforms

    Social media regulation is difficult. Tech giants have already threatened to withdraw their services from Australia over laws that would force them to pay for news content.

    Online platforms may claim to only be the “messenger”, but the reality is that design features like anonymity and business decisions like removing content moderation will cause even more harm.

    Until a critical mass of countries demand better protections, some individuals, including queer politicians, will always be at a disadvantage in this asymmetric online war.

    Elise Stephenson receives funding from the Australian Research Council. Elise is part of research projects funded by the eSafety Commissioner on combating online violence. The research quoted in this article received funding from the Gender Institute at the ANU.

    Gosia Mikolajczak collaborates with Women for Election on a project funded by the Australian Government Office for Women, aiming to increase the number and diversity of women running for public office. She has previously worked on an Australian Research Council Linkage project that examined gender inequalities in local government in Victoria.

    Blair Williams and Jack Hayes do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Australian LGBTIQ+ politicians were hit with vile online abuse at the last federal election. The coming campaign could be even worse – https://theconversation.com/australian-lgbtiq-politicians-were-hit-with-vile-online-abuse-at-the-last-federal-election-the-coming-campaign-could-be-even-worse-250039

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: DR Congo: MSF adapts response as violence spreads in South Kivu News Feb 18, 2025

    Source: Doctors Without Borders –

    In the north of South Kivu province, MSF continues to provide support to various departments in Minova General Referral Hospital, three other health centers in Minova health zone, and Numbi health center. These are areas where there are still thousands of displaced people.

    Marcus Bachmann, MSF head of programs for South Kivu province, breaks down the current situation on the ground.

    A family fleeing violence waits to take a boat at the port of Bukavu, South Kivu province. | DR Congo 2025 © Amani Alimasi/MSF

    What’s happening in South Kivu right now?

    While the hotspot of the conflict has been North Kivu, neighboring South Kivu province has also long been receiving displaced people and has been touched by the violence. In the first three weeks of 2025, with the intensification of the conflict, MSF-supported health structures in northern South Kivu received more than 315 injured patients. 

    In late January, M23 took control of Numbi in the highlands of northern South Kivu, and of Minova, by the shores of Lake Kivu. Following the takeover of Goma, North Kivu’s capital, the group continued making quick advances in South Kivu. Last week, they captured the strategic towns of Kalehe and Kavumu.

    The city has been quite empty, with hardly any traffic, and very few people walking in the streets, as many residents opted to stay at home and others left town. The situation is still volatile.

    Marcus Bachmann, MSF head of programs for South Kivu province

    Over the weekend, M23 fighters progressively entered Bukavu, South Kivu’s capital and one of the most populated cities in eastern DRC, as FARDC troops and allied forces reportedly withdrew from the town. Major armed clashes haven’t taken place in Bukavu, but there has been widespread looting and shootings amid the chaos. The city has been quite empty, with hardly any traffic, and very few people walking in the streets, as many residents opted to stay at home and others left town. The situation is still volatile. 

    An MSF team installs a medical consultation tent in Cibitoke province, Burundi, where people fleeing fighting in DRC have been arriving since mid-February 2025. | Burundi 2025 © MSF

    How is MSF responding?

    We were not running regular medical activities in Bukavu, but we have offices to coordinate activities in the province. However, we have now started to support four hospitals in the city to deal with big influxes of injured and to reinforce capacity for treating victims and survivors of sexual violence. 

    By Monday, February 17, our supported hospitals in Bukavu had already received 48 injured patients with wounds from gunshots and shrapnel, as a result of the violence that has taken place over the last few days. In one of the hospitals, they received 42 of these patients; all the injured were civilians, including 11 people under 18 years of age, and 16 of them were women. 

    In the north of South Kivu province, MSF continues to provide support to various departments of Minova General Referral Hospital, three other health centers in Minova health zone, and Numbi health center. These are areas where there are still thousands of displaced people.

    What to know about the intensified conflict in DR Congo

    View the timeline

    In Uvira, further south in South Kivu province, where our teams have been providing care for patients with mpox in recent months, the situation has also become quite concerning. Fighting has been reported on the road from Bukavu to Uvira, and the general hospital there is receiving dozens of injured people, including civilians. 

    We are closely assessing the situation and exploring ways to scale up our emergency efforts to respond to the humanitarian needs of people in areas around Minova, Bukavu, and Uvira. 

    As thousands of people have been crossing the border from South Kivu into Burundi to seek refuge in the province of Cibitoke, MSF has immediately dispatched a team to assess the urgent needs and provide emergency assistance in cooperation with the Burundian authorities. MSF’s priority is to support access to primary health care through mobile clinics, improve sanitation and access to water, and fight epidemics such as measles and cholera. 

    Congolese people fleeing violence are sheltering in Burundi’s Cibitoke province. | Burundi 2025 © MSF

    MSF is supporting Congolese refugees in Burundi

    Thousands of people fleeing the fighting in the DR Congo have crossed the border into Burundi in recent days. In cooperation with Burundian authorities, MSF has sent a team to the province of Cibitoke to assess needs and provide emergency assistance.

    The priority for MSF teams in Burundi will be to help people access primary health care through mobile clinics, improve access to water and prevent the risk of epidemics such as measles and cholera.

    What are the main concerns about the situation in South Kivu?

    The spread of violence and armed clashes, as well as related logistic constraints such as the closure of airports and lake navigation routes, is affecting our ability to provide medical care in various parts of northern South Kivu province. We urge all the parties to the conflict to ensure the protection of civilians, humanitarian workers, and medical infrastructure and personnel in all areas affected by the conflict.

    Due to the volatility of the situation, there is a risk of humanitarian needs exacerbating, particularly among communities that have been displaced for a long time. 

    We are also concerned about the potential surge in outbreaks of diseases, such as cholera. Our teams are prepared to respond if needed, including providing safe drinking water to communities.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Expanded critical care at Rockyview Hospital

    Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring Albertans can access the health care services they need, when and where they need them. The completion of this $84-million project is a significant investment in health care infrastructure in Calgary, enhancing the hospital’s intensive care, coronary care and endoscopy services, increasing critical care capacity, and improving access to life-saving treatment.

    “We are committed to ensuring Albertans can access the health care services they need when and where they need them. The completion of this project means Albertans with serious heart conditions will receive prompt and high-quality care, leading to improved health outcomes.”

    Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health

    In just two months, Rockyview General Hospital will open a new intensive care unit (ICU) and coronary care unit (CCU) that increases staffed bed capacity by almost 50 per cent. By expanding capacity, the new units – purpose-built for efficiency – will ease pressure on emergency resources and ensure faster access to treatment, substantially improving care for critical patients. The expansion also relocates the integrated ICU and CCU into a larger, modernized space to meet the growing demand for critical care services.

    “We’re proud to have completed a project that will greatly enhance health care services available to residents of Calgary and the neighbouring communities. Providing Albertans with the critical infrastructure they need to access healthcare services close to home is a top priority for my ministry.”

    Pete Guthrie, Minister of Infrastructure

    As part of the $84-million investment, the modernization of the Florence and Lloyd Cooper Endoscopy Unit is being supported by $10 million from the Calgary Health Foundation. The expansion includes a new procedure room and a 75 per cent increase in post-procedure recovery bays, improving access to essential procedures to diagnose critical conditions like colon cancer.

    “The expansion and enhancement of the Florence and Lloyd Cooper Endoscopy Unit at Rockyview General Hospital is critical to continue to meet the growing needs of patients in southern Alberta. It is going to have a significant impact on the timely diagnosis and treatment of prevalent digestive disorders, improved patient care and on the ever-growing demands on the health care system. We are incredibly grateful for our donors who made this $10-million gift possible.”

    Murray Sigler, president and CEO, Calgary Health Foundation 

    Alberta Health Services will begin operationalizing the upgraded spaces this winter, with the facilities expected to open to patients in April 2025.

    “We are grateful to the Government of Alberta and the Calgary Health Foundation for their ongoing support and partnership. With the addition of more beds, the new joint ICU and CCU will enhance care for critically ill patients and those with a range of heart conditions. Rockyview’s expanded endoscopy unit will also better serve patients and families with a new procedure room and an increase in recovery bays, resulting in reduced wait times for patients with gastrointestinal or respiratory issues.”

    Jennifer Coulthard, senior operating officer, Rockyview General Hospital

    Alberta’s government continues to invest in health care infrastructure that increases capacity, reduces wait times and ensures timely, high-quality care for all Albertans.

    Quick facts

    • Three beds have been added to the ICU and five beds have been added to the CCU.
    • The number of post-procedure recovery bays in the endoscopy unit has increased to 21 bays from 12 bays.
    • The redeveloped ICU and CCU space was purposefully built in 2010 to accommodate this new expansion.

    Related information

    • Calgary Health Foundation

    Related news

    • Work begins on Rockyview General Hospital (April 25, 2023)
    • Budget 2021: Investing in Calgary’s Rockyview hospital (April 28, 2021)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: African Union Summit: African Development Bank President Highlights a Decade of Economic Transformational Impact

    SOURCE: African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

    During the final day of the assembly, several African governments and AU officials paid tribute to Dr. Adesina for his exceptional leadership of the Bank and strong global advocacy for Africa, He ends his tenure as the Bank Group’s president on 1st September 2025

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, February 18, 2025 – “It’s been my greatest honor to serve you and Africa”—Adesina tells African leaders
    Governments across Africa pay tribute to Adesina’s exceptional leadership
    UN Secretary General Guterres says global financial architecture hampering Africa’s development, calls for reforms

    African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org/en) President Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, delivered a compelling farewell address to Heads of State and Government at the 38th African Union Summit, highlighting a decade of remarkable achievements by the Bank in driving Africa’s economic transformation. Adesina’s participation at the august continental gathering in Addis Ababa ended on a high note as African leaders considered and endorsed four Bank-led initiatives including the drive to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030, measuring Africa’s green wealth as part of its GDP, a $20 billion facility to provide Africa with a financial buffer and a roadmap for the continent to achieve inclusive growth and rapid sustainable development.

    Adesina, who is also the Chairman of the Group’s Boards of Directors, underscored the impact of the Bank’s High 5s Agenda—Light up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa—which has impacted more than half a billion lives across the continent.

    “It has been an unprecedented partnership to advance the goal of the African Union towards achieving Agenda 2063: the Africa we want,” said Adesina who in February 2022, became the first president of the Bank Group to address the AU Summit.

    During the final day of the assembly, several African governments and AU officials paid tribute to Dr. Adesina for his exceptional leadership of the Bank and strong global advocacy for Africa, He ends his tenure as the Bank Group’s president on 1st September 2025.

    The February 15–16 Summit saw the election of Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf as Chairperson of the African Union Commission, taking over from Moussa Faki Mahamat. Algeria’s Ambassador, Salma Malika Haddadi, was elected the Commission’s Deputy Chairperson.

    Reflecting on his tenure at the helm of the African Development Bank, Dr. Adesina said the Bank has transformed 515 million lives, including 231 million women, over the past decade:

    127 million people gained access to better services in terms of health.
    61 million people gained access to clean water.
    33 million people benefited from improved sanitation.
    46 million people gained access to ICT services, and
    25 million people gained access to electricity.

    He cited the landmark Africa Energy Summit held in Tanzania in January, where 48 nations signed the Dar Es Salaam Declaration to adopt bold policies in support of an initiative by the World Bank and the African Development Bank to extend electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030. That meeting, attended by 21 heads of state, secured $48 billion in commitments from the two institutions and an additional $7 billion from other development partners.

    The Addis Ababa Summit endorsed the Dar Es Salaam Energy Declaration, the Baku Declaration by African Heads of State on Measuring the Green Wealth of Africa. The Assembly also adopted the African Financing Stability Mechanism, a groundbreaking initiative by the African Development Bank to provide $20 billion in debt refinancing for African nations alongside  the Strategic Framework on Key Actions to Achieve Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development in Africa report which  outlines key actions required to enable Africa to achieve, and sustain an annual growth rate of at least 7% of GDP over the next five decades.

    On food security, Adesina cited the Bank’s Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT), the Dakar 2 Food Summit that mobilized $72 billion in 2023, and the $1.5 billion Africa Emergency Food Production Facility that was launched in May 2022 to avert a major food and fertilizer crisis triggered by global conflicts.

    “The African Development Bank accelerated food production in Africa. Over 101 million people became food secure. We mobilized $72 billion to implement the food and agriculture delivery compacts across the continent,” he stressed. With the support of the Bank, Ethiopia has achieved self-sufficiency in wheat production within four years and is now a wheat-exporting nation.

    A Decade of Transformative Impact

    With a strong focus on job creation, the Bank has trained 1.7 million youth in digital skills and is rolling out Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Banks to drive youth-led economic growth. “Our goal is simple: create youth-based wealth across Africa,” Adesina reiterated.

    Additionally, the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative has provided $2.5 billion in financing to over 24,000 women-owned businesses, said Adesina.

    Over the past decade, the African Development Bank has invested over $55 billion in infrastructure, making it the largest multilateral financier of African infrastructure.

    The Bank has also prioritized healthcare, committing $3 billion in quality healthcare infrastructure and another $3 billion for pharmaceutical development, including establishing the Africa Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation.

    Historic Financial Mobilization for Africa

    Under Adesina’s presidency, the Bank achieved its largest-ever capital increase, growing from $93 billion in 2015 to $318 billion currently. The most recent replenishment of the African Development Fund, the Bank Group’s concessional window, raised a record $8.9 billion for Africa’s 37 low-income countries, setting the stage for a target of $25 billion for its upcoming 17th replenishment.

    The Africa Investment Forum, a joint effort with eight other partner institutions, has also mobilized over $200 billion in investment commitments, reinforcing Africa as a leading investment destination.

    As he bade farewell, the outgoing Bank chief expressed gratitude to the African Heads of State, the African Union Commission, regional economic communities, and the people of Africa for their unwavering support.

    “As today will be my final attendance of the AU Summit as President of the African Development Bank, I would like to use this opportunity to immensely thank your Excellencies Heads of State and Government for your extraordinary support over the past ten years. I am very grateful for your always being there for the African Development Bank—your Bank. I am very grateful for your kindness, friendship, and partnership as we forged global alliances to advance the continent’s interest around the world,” he said.

    The 2025 Summit under the theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” drew global political leaders and other dignitaries, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley.

    Guterres reiterated calls for reform of the international financial architecture, which is hampering the development of many African economies, beset by expensive debt repayments and high borrowing costs, which limits their capacity to invest in education, health and other essential needs.

    Prime Minister Mottley emphasized Africa’s strategic role in shaping global economic trends, particularly highlighting the continent’s control of 40% of the world’s minerals. She stressed the importance of addressing emerging challenges like artificial intelligence, urging African nations to take a proactive role in technological advancement rather than becoming “victims of technology.”

    She also underscored the urgency of removing artificial barriers between Africa and the Caribbean, calling for the elimination of transit visa requirements to boost trade and integration. Mottley echoed demands for reparatory justice, noting that both the Caribbean and Africa began their independence journey with “chronic deficits” in resources, fairness, and opportunity.

    Opening the Summit on Saturday, Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed urged continued unity among member countries in addressing the challenges.

    “In a world marked by rapid change and multiple challenges, we find ourselves at the crossroads of uncertainty and opportunity. This movement calls upon us to strengthen our collective resolve, embrace resilience and foster unity across Africa”, he said.

    Dr. Adesina’s speech (https://apo-opa.co/4kiP9Ph)
    AU Summit pictures (https://apo-opa.co/4i03e1S)

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Colleagues Warn IRS Staffing Cuts Will Cause a Tax Refund Train Wreck, Degrade Taxpayer Service, Undermine Law Enforcement

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    With Tax Filing Season Underway, Trump Cuts Have Already Hampered Key Tax Filing Assistance Programs; Democrats Warn Further Cuts Could Hurt Families Waiting for Refunds

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, Finance Committee Ranking Member U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and six Democratic committee members warned the Trump administration and IRS leadership today that staffing reductions at the IRS resulting from Trump’s hiring freeze and potential layoffs would likely delay tax refunds, harm taxpayer service, and undermine law enforcement efforts. The senators urged the Administration to end the IRS hiring freeze immediately, avoid further staffing cuts, and protect the Criminal Investigation division that plays a key role in combating drug and human trafficking, terrorism, and sanctions evasion.

    Regarding the impact of the hiring freeze and layoffs on taxpayer refunds and service, the senators wrote: “Americans need the IRS to be fully staffed with employees who can answer their questions, process their returns, send them refunds, and keep IRS systems online and functional. It is nearly inevitable that this hiring freeze, compounded by layoffs and further reductions in staff mandated as a result of Elon Musk’s unprecedented power grab, will delay refunds and degrade taxpayer service. Millions of Americans plan their budgets around timely refunds every filing season. These reckless decisions on the part of Elon Musk and the Trump administration will likely cause serious financial hardship for people across the country.”

    Regarding the impact on law enforcement and national security: “IRS Criminal Investigation is at the forefront of federal law enforcement efforts to investigate fentanyl trafficking by cartels, human trafficking, terrorism financing, and sanctions evasion. For example, CI was the lead investigative agency in the largest international fentanyl/opioid seizure in U.S. history. This operation took down a massive drug trafficking operation and seized 864 kg of drugs, including an astounding 64kg of fentanyl and fentanyl-laced opioids, enough to kill thousands of people. CI was also responsible for the dismantling of several large fentanyl trafficking networks operated by the Sinaloa cartel, including a collaboration with Chinese money laundering organizations. An indefinite hiring freeze at CI would endanger both public safety and national security by directly hampering multi-agency efforts to pursue and dismantle these highly dangerous criminal networks.”

    The complete text of the letter to Treasury Secretary Bessent, OMB Director Vought, acting OPM Director Ezell and acting IRS Commissioner O’Donnell is available here.

    U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-Va.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) also signed the letter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Sues to Shut Down Atlanta-Area Return Preparers

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    The Justice Department filed a complaint today in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia seeking to bar three Atlanta-area tax return preparers from owning or operating a tax return preparation business and preparing federal tax returns for others, as well as to require the defendants to disgorge the fees they received for fraudulently prepared returns.

    The civil complaint was filed against Mabika Ilunga; Simon Ilunga; Simon Ilunga Jr.; Mabilus Inc. doing business as Metro Insurance and Tax Service; Big Cheez Inc. doing business as Metro Insurance and Tax Service and SN Tax Services Inc. doing business as Metro Insurance and Tax Service. According to the complaint, the defendants prepared and filed tax returns that falsely understated their customers’ federal income tax liabilities by fabricating, among other things:

    • Businesses and related business expenses and losses;
    • Education and qualified electric vehicle credits;
    • Unreimbursed employee business expenses and
    • Dependents and filing status.

    The defendants fabricated these items to inflate their customers’ refunds and increase their eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit.

    According to the complaint, the defendants prepared thousands of tax returns for 2020 through 2023, and already prepared over 400 returns between the start of the 2025 filing season and today’s filing. The complaint alleges that the IRS reviewed income tax returns for 34 of the defendants’ customers and found that returns for 33 of those customers had errors that required an adjustment, often included without the customers’ knowledge or consent. As a result, the complaint alleges that the defendants have cost the United States lost tax revenue as well as the time and resources necessary to investigate the false returns. The complaint further alleges that the defendants harmed their customers who could potentially face large income tax debts and may be liable for penalties and interest.

    The Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

    Return preparer fraud is one of the IRS’ Dirty Dozen Tax Scams and taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant. (More information can also be found here.) The IRS has information on its website for choosing a tax preparer, has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers, and offers information on how to avoid “ghost” tax preparers, whose refusal to sign a return should be a red flag to taxpayers. The IRS also has a checklist of things to remember when filing income tax returns in 2025.

    In addition, IRS Free File, a public-private partnership, offers free online tax preparation and filing options on IRS partner websites for individuals whose adjusted gross income is under $84,000. For individuals whose income is over that threshold, IRS Free File offers electronical federal tax forms that can be filled out and filed online for free. The IRS has tips on how seniors and individuals with low to moderate income can get other help or guidance on tax return preparation, too.

    In the past decade, the Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found this page. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Hansen Launches AI-Powered Virtual Agent to Enhance Customer Experience

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MELBOURNE, Australia, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hansen Technologies (ASX:HSN), a leading global provider of software and services to the energy, utilities, communications, and media industries, is unveiling an advanced AI solution to enhance the customer support experience. Hansen’s AI Virtual Agent is a Conversational (ConvAI) and Generative AI (GenAI) solution that is designed to integrate with Customer Information Systems (CIS) and is optimised for Hansen CIS, supporting diverse customer care needs. These can include setting up new accounts, updating personal information, processing bill payments, arranging payment plans, and transferring services.

    As utility and communications companies around the globe work to enhance customer satisfaction while alleviating pressure on overburdened call centre staff, those leading the charge are achieving success by delivering intelligent, seamless customer experiences—without compromising on cost efficiency. However, early AI-based customer support solutions fell short, struggling with limited natural language processing capabilities and a lack of industry-specific expertise. As a result, they were unable to handle the complexity and high volume of customer interactions spanning multiple communication channels.

    Hansen’s AI Virtual Agent is built to streamline key processes in call centres, making interactions more efficient and customer focused. By managing complex queries across voice, email, SMS and messaging platforms simultaneously, it shortens response times, improves customer satisfaction, and drives operational excellence. This Hansen solution is built on large language models and has been specifically fine-tuned to address sector-specific needs and is offered in a SaaS deployment model on AWS cloud infrastructure. It already supports queries in multiple languages and the company plans to further build on these.

    David Castree, President of Energy & Utilities at Hansen, explains: “With engineering innovation, and a clear focus initially on the utility sector we are proud to bring Hansen’s AI Virtual Agent to market and deliver a seamlessly integrated Conversational and Generative AI solution working alongside existing call centre agents to elevate the customer service experience. Importantly for companies, the cost per engagement has the potential to decrease by up to two-thirds, while the capacity to handle call volume is no longer constrained by the number of service centre lines or available agents.”

    Hansen has made a significant strategic investment for a minority interest in Dial AI, an innovative software engineering company, to bring this industry-leading AI solution to market.

    For further information about Hansen’s AI Virtual Agent or Hansen CIS, part of the Hansen Suite for Energy & Utilities, please visit www.hansencx.com.

    About Hansen
    Hansen Technologies (ASX: HSN) is a leading global provider of software and services to the energy & utilities and communications & media industries. With its award-winning software portfolio, Hansen serves customers in over 80 countries, helping them to create, sell, and deliver new products and services, manage and analyse customer data, and control critical revenue management and customer support processes.
    For more information, visit www.hansencx.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Alberta scores big with major sport events

    Alberta is continuing to build upon the province’s strong reputation as a premier destination for world-class sporting events and sports fans, hosting five major national and international competitions over the next two months. These events will drive thousands of athletes, coaches, officials and spectators to the province, invigorating the local economies of the host communities and showcasing Alberta’s beauty, vibrancy and world-class facilities on the global stage.

    Alberta’s government has committed more than $440,000 through the Major Sport Event grant program to support the success of these five events.

    “Alberta is a rising star in sport tourism, garnering recognition as a must-see destination for sports fans worldwide, and it’s because of the continued success of the major national and international events we host each year. With each event we host, we’re driving economic growth, boosting tourism and supporting local businesses – and, most importantly, we’re creating lasting feelings of pride in our province and our athletes. Alberta’s government is proud to support events that build community, while giving a platform for our athletes to shine.”

    Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport

    From Feb. 19 to 22, the 2025 FIS Snowboard Slopestyle and Halfpipe World Cups will be taking place at Winsport in Calgary. The events will feature about 380 of the world’s best snowboarders and are anticipated to generate more than $3 million for Calgary’s economy. Alberta’s government is providing a total of $250,000 in funding to the Canadian Snowboard Federation for the planning, staging and delivery of the two World Cups.

    In addition to the FIS Snowboard World Cups, there are two other major national and international sporting events taking place in Calgary this week: the Western Transmountain Festival and the World Youth Open dodgeball tournament. The Western Transmountain Festival is currently ongoing at Calgary’s Brookfield Residential YMCA, where local swimmers are competing alongside Canada’s top swimming talent, including Team Canada Olympians. The inaugural World Youth Open dodgeball tournament will be taking place from Feb. 18 to 22, with more than 200 participants flocking to Calgary’s MNP Community and Sport Centre to take part in the fun.

    “The impressive lineup of sporting events leading into March underscores the year-round impact that sport tourism brings to our city and province, driving visitation even during traditionally softer months. In February alone, sporting events secured by Tourism Calgary are projected to generate more than $11.2 million in economic impact, reinforcing the vital role these events play in our local economy.” 

    Carson Ackroyd, senior vice-president of sales, Tourism Calgary

    Additionally, the 2025 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals will return to the Canmore Nordic Centre March 17-23. More than 800 skiers will race in sprints, distance events, and team competitions on Canmore’s iconic trails. Alberta’s government has committed $95,000 in Major Sport Event grants for the planning, staging and delivery of the competition, which is expected to contribute $4.6 million to Alberta’s economy.

    “The Canmore community welcomes the energy of more than 800 athletes and their support teams to our mountain home for the 2025 Nordiq Canada Nationals. Together, we work to grow winter experiences through sport tourism, providing our local businesses with important support during quieter months.”

    Rachel Ludwig, CEO, Tourism Canmore Kananaskis

    Alberta’s Major Sport Event grant program provides up to $250,000 to eligible sport events to help with costs associated with hosting national and international competitions, including facility rentals, venue enhancements, promotional and marketing campaigns, and more. Applications for the next round of Major Sport Event grants are open until April 1, 2025.

    Quick facts

    • International and national sport events funded in this intake:
      • 2025 Western Transmountain Festival – Calgary – Feb. 14-22, 2025
      • World Dodgeball Federation World Youth Open – Calgary – Feb. 18-22, 2025
      • 2025 FIS Snowboard Halfpipe World Cup – Calgary – Feb. 19-21, 2025
      • 2025 FIS Snowboard Slopestyle World Cup – Calgary – Feb. 20-22, 2025
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    • Western Transmountain Festival 
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    • Strengthening Alberta’s sport legacy (Aug. 8, 2024)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Made-in-B.C.: Throne speech focuses on economic security in face of Trump tariffs

    Lt. Gov. Wendy Cocchia has delivered the speech from the throne outlining the B.C. government’s plan to defend British Columbians from the economic impacts of the U.S. presidency and secure a stronger future for the province.

    “We are at a crossroads. The journey ahead won’t be easy but there’s no place I would rather be to face the threat of tariffs than right here in B.C., and nothing I’d want to be more than Canadian,” said Premier David Eby. “We have everything we need to protect ourselves from the economic impacts of the Trump presidency and come out stronger. That includes our most precious resource of all: British Columbians. Our people are hard-working, resilient and ready to meet this moment the same we always have – by looking out for each other and building together.”

    With U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s tariff threats looming over Canada and British Columbia, the throne speech outlined concrete steps the B.C. government will take to grow a more self-reliant economy at home that delivers good-paying jobs. The speech also noted the crucial importance of creating wealth and reorienting the government to meet the challenges of a changing world.

    The B.C. government expects to introduce two bold new laws to get energy and critical infrastructure built faster, and British Columbia’s economy growing.

    A new budget will be introduced that will focus on economic security and carefully managing finances to protect the front-line public services on which people rely.

    Some highlights from the speech from the throne:

    • Standing strong for Canada: with a tough and thoughtful response to any attack on Canada’s economy and sovereignty, as part of a united Team Canada approach.
    • Creating good jobs in a growing economy: by fast-tracking major private-sector resource projects and building on B.C.’s strengths in technology, life sciences and film.
    • Diversifying where B.C. sells its products: with new trade missions to strengthen relationships around the world and by breaking down trade barriers within Canada.
    • Strengthening access to health care: by attaching more people to a family doctor and building new hospitals throughout the province.
    • Helping with costs: by delivering more homes people can afford, locking in child care and car insurance savings, and passing new consumer-protection laws.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Spring Sitting of Legislature will Begin with Budget on March 19

    Source: Government of Canada regional news



  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fund to better recognise and support survivors

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is continuing to respond to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care by establishing a fund to honour those who died in care and are buried in unmarked graves, and strengthen survivor-led initiatives that support those in need.

    “The $2 million dual purpose fund will be available for local authorities to care and memorialise unmarked graves associated with psychiatric and psychopaedic sites. The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found there are at least 4,000 unmarked graves in Auckland, Waikato, Nelson, Rangitikei, Horowhenua, Porirua, Otago, Westland and Canterbury. 

    “Authorities with sites in those areas can apply for funding to memorialise those who are buried, in ways their communities deem appropriate,” Lead Coordination Minister Erica Stanford says. 

    The fund will also support initiatives by non-governmental organisations and community groups to deliver effective support and services to survivors of abuse in care.

    “This includes educational workshops, initiatives to promote awareness and prevention of abuse in care, navigation support, and individual and collective advocacy for survivors,” Ms Stanford says.

    The fund is administered by Community Operations Hāpai Hapori in partnership with the Crown Response Office (CRO).

    “We respect and recognise the significance of these sites, and the work that has gone on locally to ensure they can endure. It’s important survivors are enabled to identify the supports and solutions that are meaningful to them. The fund will be non-contestable, meaning all applicants that meet the criteria will receive funding of up to $50,000 per application,” says Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector Louise Upston.

    Notes to editors

    The fund responds to recommendations 5, 19 and 20 of Whanaketia.

    Applications can be submitted at www.communitymatters.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health and Business – The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners Partners with Tribal to Transform Learner Management

    Source: Tribal Group

    Wellington,  February 5, 2025 – Tribal Group, a leading provider of education technology, is delighted to announce its partnership with The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College). Following an extensive evaluation process, the College has selected Tribal’s ebs learner management system to assist the transformation of their learner experience and streamline operations as part of Te Kāpehu Whetū, their programme for mapping operational needs and identifying suitable tools.

    The College identified the need for a more robust, future-proofed system following their commitment to delivering seamless training experiences to support the next generation of specialist general practitioners and rural hospital doctors.

    Toby Beaglehole, College Chief Executive says, “The change in our system was essential to accommodate our organisation’s growth and future needs. Te Kāpehu Whetū represents our continuous improvement approach to finding the right tools that align with our processes and support our vision for the future.”

    A Rigorous Selection Process

    The College’s search for a new solution began in 2022. After conducting desktop research and gathering recommendations from other organisations in the New Zealand tertiary education and membership sectors, Tribal ebs emerged as an option due to its intuitive functionality and deep integration capability.

    “We needed a solution that was not only advanced in its core capabilities but also came from a provider deeply embedded in the education sector. Tribal stood out not just for its extensive experience but for its ability to future-proof our organisation through ongoing R&D and sector insights,” said Mr Beaglehole.

    The partnership will see Tribal ebs become the central system supporting the College’s learner journeys, from application through their training and into Fellowship, while integrating seamlessly with their other systems.

    Delivering Modern, Learner-Centric Solutions

    The learner and staff portals within Tribal ebs were major factors in the College’s decision, offering intuitive user experiences with powerful behind-the-scenes functionality. The system will also automate many of the College’s operational processes.

    Steve Exley, Tribal’s General Manager in New Zealand, added, “We are proud to partner with the College and support their journey towards a more robust system that enhances their operations and the services they provide. This collaboration signifies the strength of Tribal ebs in the tertiary education sector, particularly here in Aotearoa New Zealand.”

    A Broader Impact on the Tertiary Education and EdTech Sectors

    This collaboration highlights the increasing need for future-ready solutions within the tertiary education sector. The College’s adoption of Tribal ebs not only showcases the adaptability of the platform but also underscores Tribal’s deep commitment to addressing the diverse needs of education organisations, particularly in New Zealand and the wider Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

    The partnership also celebrates Tribal’s launch of advisory services in APAC, reinforcing its presence and expertise in education technology throughout the region.

    “This partnership with Tribal  enables  us to leverage new technology to enhance our educational infrastructure. By integrating Tribal ebs, we are laying the groundwork for a future-ready institution that aligns with our strategic goals to nurture new generations of specialist GPs and rural hospital doctors,” concludes Mr Beaglehole.

    Mark Pickett, CEO of Tribal Group, remarked, “Our collaboration with the College reaffirms Tribal Group’s commitment to delivering solutions that address the intricate needs of educational institutions. By providing a comprehensive and adaptable learner management system, we are committed to fostering innovation and operational excellence within the College, ensuring they remain at the forefront of medical education.”

    Next Steps for the Partnership

    The College has already initiated workshops with Tribal’s implementation team, and the first project milestone—go-live for applications for the 2026 intake of general practice and rural hospital trainees—is set for March 2025.

    About Tribal

    Tribal Group plc is global leader in education technology, offering solutions that empower institutions to improve efficiency, innovate processes, and enhance the learner experience. Working with Higher Education, Further and Tertiary Education, schools, Government and State bodies, training providers and employers, in over 55 countries; Tribal Group’s mission is to empower the world of education with products and services that underpin learner success.

    About The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners  

    The Royal New Zealand College Of General Practitioners is New Zealand’s largest medical college with a membership of over 6,000 GPs, rural hospital doctors, and registrars.  The College sets standards for general practice in New Zealand, providing research, assessment, ongoing education, advocacy and support for general practitioners and general practice. They advocate for equity, access, and sustainable healthcare and believe fundamentally that regardless of who or where they are, every New Zealander should have access to their own GP.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – Patients, clinicians to pay price for Te Whatu Ora digital services cuts – RACS

    Source: Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)

    Te Whare Piki Ora o Māhutonga – the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) – says proposed cuts to Te Whatu Ora’s digital services were made with reference to financial considerations, not clinical ones.

    It argues any projected cost savings don’t factor in the potential impact on clinical staff, clinical standards and patient safety and wellbeing.

    “These proposed changes may seem like a simple money saver, but we haven’t seen any analysis that weighs the expected cost savings against the risks to patient outcomes,” says Dr Ros Pochin, Chair of the RACS Aotearoa New Zealand National Committee.  

    She says the current state of the IT systems hospital clinicians rely on are “not what you would hope for from a modern healthcare system”.

    “We need systems that talk to each other across hospitals and regions; reliable technology and uninterrupted remote access, especially for the smaller rural and regional centres; and a support team with the capacity to help when there are issues or outages. I can’t see how the proposals allow for these much-needed upgrades. In fact, they’ll likely make matters worse. The loser is always the patient and the clinicians trying to do their best for them.”

    The Digital Services Consultation Document proposes significant changes to Te Whatu Ora’s digital infrastructure, including the termination or deferral of 136 digital projects and a near 50% reductions in digital services staff. The changes aim to address financial deficits but raise concerns regarding their potential impact on clinical standards, patient safety, and the overall effectiveness of the healthcare system.

    “These drastic changes, focused almost exclusively on cost-saving measures, have been made without consulting those who are most affected – the frontline medical professionals who deliver care,” says Dr Pochin.

    “This is a strategic shift being pushed through without the necessary evidence or clinical scrutiny. While it may offer short-term savings, the long-term performance and human cost could be profound.”

    RACS, which is committed to equitable, quality healthcare, is voicing its strong objections to these changes, which threaten to destabilise an already fragile health workforce and undermine the safety and efficacy of patient care. It is calling for an immediate suspension of the current decision-making process and urges Te Whatu Ora to engage in a thorough, evidence-based consultation with clinical professionals

    As Aotearoa New Zealand navigates its future healthcare needs, RACS remains committed to advocating for the changes that will best serve the health and wellbeing of all communities, and is ready to work alongside Te Whatu Ora and other stakeholders to shape a better, safer, and more equitable system for the country.

     

    About the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)

    RACS is the leading advocate for surgical standards, professionalism and surgical education in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. The College is a not-for-profit organisation that represents more than 7000 surgeons and 1300 surgical trainees and Specialist International Medical Graduates. RACS also supports healthcare and surgical education in the Asia-Pacific region and is a substantial funder of surgical research. There are nine surgical specialties in Australasia being: Cardiothoracic Surgery, General Surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Paediatric Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Urology and Vascular Surgery. www.surgeons.org

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: An Updated Climate Change Vulnerability Index (CCVI 4.0) for Species Climate Adaptation Planning

    Source: US Geological Survey

    An Updated Climate Change Vulnerability Index (CCVI 4.0) for Species Climate Adaptation Planning

    NatureServe recently released CCVI 4.0, the latest version of the Climate Change Vulnerability Index for terrestrial and freshwater species. Developed in collaboration with multiple CASCs, the update integrates a decade of new science and features a new web-based platform. 

    A new version of NatureServe’s Climate Change Vulnerability Index (CCVI 4.0) is now available online, offering practitioners and policymakers an improved cost-effective way to evaluate species vulnerability to climate change. The newest update was developed in collaboration with multiple USGS Climate Adaptation Science Centers and incorporated direct input from partners, including many state fish and wildlife agencies who use the CCVI to inform State Wildlife Action Plans. The CCVI tool can be used in many ways, including to identify at-risk species and areas home to a high number of at-risk species, to determine which climatic factors are significant for a species, and to help researchers identify species that have been insufficiently studied. 

    The CCVI determines species vulnerability using three key factors: Climate exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Climate exposure refers to the magnitude and rate of climate change a species experiences, sensitivity evaluates how strongly those changes affect it, and adaptive capacity describes the species’ ability to adjust to changing conditions. The last major update to the CCVI was made in 2015, but much has changed since then. The updated CCVI 4.0 now incorporates a decade of new scientific insights on how climate change impacts terrestrial and freshwater species and provides a new web-based platform to improve data sharing and collaboration. It also includes updated climate exposure data, a new vulnerability comparison across two future emissions scenarios, and a refined adaptive capacity framework created by researchers from the Northwest CASC.  

    Looking ahead, researchers from NatureServe and the USGS CASC network plan to keep refining the CCVI 4.0 by testing additional climate variables and including scenario-planning features. These improvements will help natural resource managers navigate uncertain futures in conservation planning and decision-making. 

    Access CCVI 4.0 on the NatureServe website 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Sues to Shut Down Atlanta-Area Return Preparers

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    The Justice Department filed a complaint today in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia seeking to bar three Atlanta-area tax return preparers from owning or operating a tax return preparation business and preparing federal tax returns for others, as well as to require the defendants to disgorge the fees they received for fraudulently prepared returns.

    The civil complaint was filed against Mabika Ilunga; Simon Ilunga; Simon Ilunga Jr.; Mabilus Inc. doing business as Metro Insurance and Tax Service; Big Cheez Inc. doing business as Metro Insurance and Tax Service and SN Tax Services Inc. doing business as Metro Insurance and Tax Service. According to the complaint, the defendants prepared and filed tax returns that falsely understated their customers’ federal income tax liabilities by fabricating, among other things:

    • Businesses and related business expenses and losses;
    • Education and qualified electric vehicle credits;
    • Unreimbursed employee business expenses and
    • Dependents and filing status.

    The defendants fabricated these items to inflate their customers’ refunds and increase their eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit.

    According to the complaint, the defendants prepared thousands of tax returns for 2020 through 2023, and already prepared over 400 returns between the start of the 2025 filing season and today’s filing. The complaint alleges that the IRS reviewed income tax returns for 34 of the defendants’ customers and found that returns for 33 of those customers had errors that required an adjustment, often included without the customers’ knowledge or consent. As a result, the complaint alleges that the defendants have cost the United States lost tax revenue as well as the time and resources necessary to investigate the false returns. The complaint further alleges that the defendants harmed their customers who could potentially face large income tax debts and may be liable for penalties and interest.

    The Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

    Return preparer fraud is one of the IRS’ Dirty Dozen Tax Scams and taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant. (More information can also be found here.) The IRS has information on its website for choosing a tax preparer, has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers, and offers information on how to avoid “ghost” tax preparers, whose refusal to sign a return should be a red flag to taxpayers. The IRS also has a checklist of things to remember when filing income tax returns in 2025.

    In addition, IRS Free File, a public-private partnership, offers free online tax preparation and filing options on IRS partner websites for individuals whose adjusted gross income is under $84,000. For individuals whose income is over that threshold, IRS Free File offers electronical federal tax forms that can be filled out and filed online for free. The IRS has tips on how seniors and individuals with low to moderate income can get other help or guidance on tax return preparation, too.

    In the past decade, the Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found this page. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Romanian Man Guilty of Access Device Fraud Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson announced that DORU ADAMESC, a/k/a “Petru Golban,” (“ADAMESC”), age 32, a national of Romania, pled guilty on February 13, 2025 before Chief United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown, to conspiracy to commit access device fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(b)(2).

    According to court documents, on May 19, 2024 and May 20, 2024, ADAMESC, and a co-conspirator, purchased items at retail establishments so that they could approach the credit card reading machines.  ADAMESC’s co-conspirator then distracted the cashiers while ADAMESC covertly installed card skimmers on the credit card reading machines.  ADAMESC was arrested on June 5, 2024, when he returned to one of the stores to attempt to retrieve a skimming device.  A search of his vehicle resulted in the seizure of two large magnets, commonly used to activate the Bluetooth capabilities on skimming devices.  ADAMESC’s cellular phones were seized; one phone contained a photo of approximately 60 gift cards spread out on a counter.  Such gift cards are typically re-encoded with stolen card numbers in order to make fraudulent purchases or withdrawals.

    Law enforcement officers also seized six credit card skimmers before ADAMESC was able to retrieve them.  These skimmers captured approximately 421 credit, debit, and Electronic Benefit Transfer (“EBT”) cards.

    ADAMESC faces up to 7.5 years imprisonment, up to 3 years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.  Sentencing before Chief Judge Brown has been scheduled for May 22, 2025.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Special Agents of the United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General; Special Agents with the United States Secret Service; Deputies with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office; Deputies with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office; Deputies with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office; and Officers of the New Orleans Police Department, in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: CVR Energy Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Reported full-year 2024 net income attributable to CVR Energy stockholders of $7 million and EBITDA of $394 million.
    • Paid cumulative cash dividends attributable to 2024 of $1.00 per share.
    • Enhanced liquidity by $408 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 through a Term Loan and the sale of our 50 percent interest in Midway Pipeline.

    SUGAR LAND, Tx, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CVR Energy, Inc. (“CVR Energy” or the “Company”) (NYSE: CVI) today announced fourth quarter 2024 net income attributable to CVR Energy stockholders of $28 million, or 28 cents per diluted share, compared to fourth quarter 2023 net income attributable to CVR Energy stockholders of $91 million, or 91 cents per diluted share. Adjusted loss for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 13 cents per diluted share compared to adjusted earnings of 65 cents per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2023. Net income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $40 million, compared to net income of $97 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Fourth quarter 2024 EBITDA was $122 million, compared to fourth quarter 2023 EBITDA of $204 million. Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $67 million, compared to adjusted EBITDA of $170 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.

    For full-year 2024, the Company reported net income attributable to CVR Energy stockholders of $7 million, or 6 cents per diluted share, compared to net income attributable to CVR Energy stockholders for full-year 2023 of $769 million, or $7.65 per diluted share. Adjusted loss for full-year 2024 was 51 cents per diluted share compared to adjusted earnings of $5.64 per diluted share for full-year 2023. Net income for full-year 2024 was $45 million, compared to net income of $878 million for full-year 2023. Full-year 2024 EBITDA was $394 million, compared to full-year 2023 EBITDA of $1.4 billion. Adjusted EBITDA for full-year 2024 was $317 million, compared to adjusted EBITDA of $1.2 billion for full-year 2023.

    “CVR Energy’s 2024 full-year and fourth quarter results for its refining business were lower than the previous year due to reduced crack spreads and, to a lesser degree, decreased throughputs,” said Dave Lamp, CVR Energy’s Chief Executive Officer. “We commenced our planned Coffeyville turnaround early, which should position us well for the improvement in cracks we expect as summer driving season begins and capacity rationalization occurs.

    “CVR Partners operated well during 2024, with consolidated ammonia plant utilization of 96 percent,” Lamp said. “The Partnership is pleased to have declared a fourth quarter 2024 cash distribution of $1.75 per common unit, with cumulative cash distributions of $6.76 per common unit for 2024.”

    Petroleum Segment

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Compared to Fourth Quarter 2023

    The Petroleum Segment reported fourth quarter 2024 net income of $35 million and EBITDA of $72 million, compared to net income of $158 million and EBITDA of $196 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA for the Petroleum Segment was $9 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $152 million for the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Combined total throughput for the fourth quarter of 2024 was approximately 214,000 barrels per day (“bpd”), compared to approximately 223,000 bpd of combined total throughput for the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Refining margin for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $165 million, or $8.37 per total throughput barrel, compared to $307 million, or $15.01 per total throughput barrel, during the same period in 2023. Included in our fourth quarter 2024 refining margin were favorable mark-to-market impacts on our outstanding Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) obligation of $57 million, unfavorable derivative impacts of $6 million from open crack spread swap positions and unfavorable inventory valuation impacts of $12 million. Excluding these items, adjusted refining margin for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $6.45 per barrel, compared to an adjusted refining margin per barrel of $12.91 for the fourth quarter of 2023. The decrease in adjusted refining margin per barrel was primarily due to a decrease in the Group 3 2-1-1 crack spread.

    Full-Year 2024 Compared to Full-Year 2023

    The Petroleum Segment reported full-year 2024 net income of $70 million and EBITDA of $223 million, compared to net income of $1.1 billion and EBITDA of $1.2 billion for full-year 2023. Adjusted EBITDA for the Petroleum Segment was $138 million for full-year 2024, compared to $903 million for full-year 2023.

    Combined total throughput for full-year 2024 was approximately 196,000 bpd, compared to approximately 208,000 bpd for full-year 2023.

    Refining margin was $684 million, or $9.53 per total throughput barrel, for full-year 2024 compared to $1.7 billion, or $21.82 per total throughput barrel, for full-year 2023. Included in our full-year 2024 refining margin were favorable mark-to-market impacts on our outstanding RFS obligation of $89 million, unfavorable derivative impacts of $22 million from open crack spread swap positions, and unfavorable inventory valuation impacts of $6 million. Excluding these items, adjusted refining margin for full-year 2024 was $8.67 per barrel, compared to an adjusted refining margin per barrel of $18.11 for full-year 2023. The decrease in adjusted refining margin per barrel was primarily due to a decrease in the Group 3 2-1-1 crack spread.

    Renewables Segment

    Effective for the year ended December 31, 2024, and due to the prominence of the renewables business relative to the Company’s overall 2024 performance, we have revised our reportable segments to reflect a new reportable segment – Renewables. The Renewables Segment includes the operations of the renewable diesel unit and renewable feedstock pretreater at the refinery in Wynnewood, Oklahoma.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Compared to Fourth Quarter 2023

    The Renewables Segment reported fourth quarter 2024 net loss of $3 million and EBITDA of $3 million, compared to net loss of $30 million and EBITDA loss of $26 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA for the Renewables Segment was $9 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to Adjusted EBITDA loss of $17 million for the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Total vegetable oil throughput for the fourth quarter of 2024 was approximately 187,000 gallons per day (“gpd”), compared to approximately 200,000 gpd for the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Renewables margin was $14 million, or 79 cents per vegetable oil throughput gallon, for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to a loss of $17 million, or 90 cents per vegetable oil throughput gallon, for the fourth quarter of 2023. Factors contributing to our fourth quarter 2024 renewables margin were lower cost of sales of $46 million due to a decrease in vegetable oil feed prices and an increase in the Heating Oil – Bean Oil (“HOBO”) spread of 7 cents per gallon driven by a decrease in soybean oil prices of 9 cents per pound due to increased U.S. soybean oil inventories resulting from higher production levels.

    Full-Year 2024 Compared to Full-Year 2023

    The Renewables Segment reported full-year 2024 net loss of $21 million and EBITDA of $3 million, compared to net loss of $36 million and EBITDA loss of $17 million for full-year 2023. Adjusted EBITDA for the Renewables Segment was $10 million for full-year 2024, compared to Adjusted EBITDA loss of $5 million for full-year 2023.

    Total vegetable oil throughput for full-year 2024 was approximately 151,000 gpd, compared to approximately 226,000 gpd for full-year 2023.

    Renewables margin was $44 million, or 80 cents per vegetable oil throughput gallon, for full-year 2024 compared to $22 million, or 27 cents per vegetable oil throughput gallon, for full-year 2023. Factors contributing to our full-year 2024 renewables margin were favorable cost of sales of $284 million due to lower vegetable oil feed prices, an increase in the HOBO spread of 59 cents per gallon driven by a decrease in soybean oil prices of 14 cents per pound due to increased U.S. soybean oil inventories resulting from higher production levels and an increase in renewable diesel yield due to improved catalyst performance in the current year.

    Nitrogen Fertilizer Segment

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Compared to Fourth Quarter 2023

    The Nitrogen Fertilizer Segment reported net income of $18 million and EBITDA of $50 million on net sales of $140 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to net income of $10 million and EBITDA of $38 million on net sales of $142 million for the fourth quarter of 2023.

    CVR Partners’ fertilizer facilities produced a combined 210,000 tons of ammonia during the fourth quarter of 2024, of which 80,000 net tons were available for sale, while the rest was upgraded to other fertilizer products, including 310,000 tons of urea ammonia nitrate (“UAN”). During the fourth quarter of 2023, the fertilizer facilities produced 205,000 tons of ammonia, of which 75,000 net tons were available for sale, while the remainder was upgraded to other fertilizer products, including 306,000 tons of UAN.

    For the fourth quarter of 2024, average realized gate prices for UAN declined by 5 percent to $229 per ton and ammonia improved by 3 percent to $475 per ton when compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. Average realized gate prices for UAN and ammonia were $241 per ton and $461 per ton, respectively, for the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Full-Year 2024 Compared to Full-Year 2023

    The Nitrogen Fertilizer Segment reported net income of $61 million and EBITDA of $179 million on net sales of $525 million for full-year 2024, compared to net income of $172 million and EBITDA of $281 million on net sales of $681 million for full-year 2023.

    For full-year 2024, our fertilizer facilities produced a combined 836,000 tons of ammonia, of which 270,000 net tons were available for sale, while the rest was upgraded to other fertilizer products, including 1,273,000 tons of UAN. For full-year 2023, the fertilizer facilities produced 864,000 tons of ammonia, of which 270,000 net tons were available for sale, while the remainder was upgraded to other fertilizer products, including 1,369,000 tons of UAN.

    For full-year 2024, average realized gate prices for UAN declined by 20 percent to $248 per ton and ammonia declined by 16 percent to $479 per ton when compared to the full-year 2023. Average realized gate prices for UAN and ammonia were $309 per ton and $573 per ton, respectively, for full-year 2023.

    Corporate and Other

    The Company reported income tax benefit of $26 million, or (137.2) percent of income before income taxes, for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to an income tax expense of $207 million, or 19.1 percent of income before income taxes, for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in income tax expense was due primarily to a decrease in overall pretax earnings for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. In addition, the change in the effective tax rate was due primarily to changes in pretax earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests and the impact of federal and state tax credits and incentives generated in relation to overall pretax earnings for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023.

    Cash, Debt and Dividend

    During the fourth quarter of 2024, we completed two liquidity enhancing transactions generating net proceeds of $318 million from the senior secured term loan facility (the “Term Loan”) issuance and approximately $90 million of gross proceeds from the sale of our subsidiary’s 50% interest in the Midway Pipeline.

    Consolidated cash and cash equivalents was $987 million at December 31, 2024. Consolidated total debt and finance lease obligations was $1.9 billion at December 31, 2024, including $569 million held by the Nitrogen Fertilizer Segment.

    CVR Partners announced that the Board of Directors of its general partner declared a fourth quarter 2024 cash distribution of $1.75 per common unit, which will be paid on March 10, 2025, to common unitholders of record as of March 3, 2025.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Earnings Conference Call

    CVR Energy previously announced that it will host its fourth quarter and full-year 2024 Earnings Conference Call on Wednesday, February 19, at 1 p.m. Eastern. This Earnings Conference Call may also include discussion of Company developments, forward-looking information and other material information about business and financial matters.

    The fourth quarter and full-year 2024 Earnings Conference Call will be webcast live and can be accessed on the Investor Relations section of CVR Energy’s website at www.CVREnergy.com. For investors or analysts who want to participate during the call, the dial-in number is (877) 407-8291. The webcast will be archived and available for 14 days at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/4a2maqba. A repeat of the call can be accessed for 14 days by dialing (877) 660-6853, conference ID 13751234.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements concerning current estimates, expectations and projections about future results, performance, prospects, opportunities, plans, actions and events and other statements, concerns, or matters that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements,” as that term is defined under the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future: continued safe and reliable operations; drivers of our results; EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA; asset utilization, capture, production volume, throughput product yield and crude oil gathering rates; cash flow generation; operating income and net sales; throughput; refining margin; crack spreads, including the improvement thereof; capacity rationalization; impact of costs to comply with the RFS and revaluation of our RFS liability; crude oil and refined product pricing impacts on inventory valuation; derivative gains and losses and the drivers thereof; crack spreads, including the drivers thereof; demand trends; RIN generation levels; ethanol and biodiesel blending activities; inventory levels; benefits of our corporate transformation to segregate our renewables business; access to capital and new partnerships; RIN pricing, including its impact on performance and the Company’s ability to offset the impact thereof; carbon capture and decarbonization initiatives; ammonia and UAN pricing; global fertilizer industry conditions; grain prices; crop inventory levels; crop and planting levels; demand for refined products; economic downturns and demand destruction; production levels and utilization at our nitrogen fertilizer facilities; nitrogen fertilizer sales volumes; ability to and levels to which we upgrade ammonia to other fertilizer products, including UAN; income tax expense, including the drivers thereof; changes to pretax earnings and our effective tax rate; the availability of tax credits and incentives; production rates and operations capabilities of our renewable diesel unit, including the ability to return to hydrocarbon service; renewable feedstock throughput; use of proceeds under our debt instruments; debt levels; cash and cash equivalent levels; dividends and distributions, including the timing, payment and amount (if any) thereof; direct operating expenses, capital expenditures, depreciation and amortization and turnaround expense; cash reserves; timing of turnarounds; impacts of any pandemic; labor supply shortages, difficulties, disputes or strikes, including the impact thereof; and other matters. You can generally identify forward-looking statements by our use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “explore,” “evaluate,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “seek,” “should,” or “will,” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Investors are cautioned that various factors may affect these forward-looking statements, including (among others) the health and economic effects of any pandemic, demand for fossil fuels and price volatility of crude oil, other feedstocks and refined products; the ability of Company to pay cash dividends and of CVR Partners to make cash distributions; potential operating hazards; costs of compliance with existing or new laws and regulations and potential liabilities arising therefrom; impacts of the planting season on CVR Partners; our controlling shareholder’s intention regarding ownership of our common stock or CVR Partners’ common units; general economic and business conditions; political disturbances, geopolitical instability and tensions; existing and future laws, rulings, policies and regulations, including the reinterpretation or amplification thereof by regulators, and including but not limited to those relating to the environment, climate change, and/or the production, transportation, or storage of hazardous chemicals, materials, or substances, like ammonia; political uncertainty and impacts to the oil and gas industry and the United States economy generally as a result of actions taken by a new administration, including the imposition of tariffs or changes in climate or other energy laws, rules, regulations, or policies; impacts of plant outages; potential operating hazards from accidents, fires, severe weather, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, or other natural disasters; and other risks. For additional discussion of risk factors which may affect our results, please see the risk factors and other disclosures included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our other Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings. These and other risks may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made only as of the date hereof. CVR Energy disclaims any intention or obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law.

    About CVR Energy, Inc.
    Headquartered in Sugar Land, Texas, CVR Energy is a diversified holding company primarily engaged in the renewable fuels and petroleum refining and marketing businesses, as well as in the nitrogen fertilizer manufacturing business through its interest in CVR Partners, LP. CVR Energy subsidiaries serve as the general partner and own 37 percent of the common units of CVR Partners.

    Investors and others should note that CVR Energy may announce material information using SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls, webcasts and the Investor Relations page of its website. CVR Energy may use these channels to distribute material information about the Company and to communicate important information about the Company, corporate initiatives and other matters. Information that CVR Energy posts on its website could be deemed material; therefore, CVR Energy encourages investors, the media, its customers, business partners and others interested in the Company to review the information posted on its website.

    Contact Information:

    Investor Relations
    Richard Roberts
    (281) 207-3205
    InvestorRelations@CVREnergy.com

    Media Relations
    Brandee Stephens
    (281) 207-3516
    MediaRelations@CVREnergy.com

    Non-GAAP Measures

    Our management uses certain non-GAAP performance measures, and reconciliations to those measures, to evaluate current and past performance and prospects for the future to supplement our financial information presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). These non-GAAP financial measures are important factors in assessing our operating results and profitability and include the performance and liquidity measures defined below.

    As a result of continuing volatile market conditions and the impacts certain non-cash items may have on the evaluation of our operations and results, the Company began disclosing the Adjusted Refining Margin non-GAAP measure, as defined below, in the second quarter of 2024. We believe the presentation of this non-GAAP measure is meaningful to compare our operating results between periods and better aligns with our peer companies. All prior periods presented have been conformed to the definition below.

    The following are non-GAAP measures we present for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:

    EBITDA – Consolidated net income (loss) before (i) interest expense, net, (ii) income tax expense (benefit) and (iii) depreciation and amortization expense.

    Petroleum EBITDA, Renewables EBITDA, and Nitrogen Fertilizer EBITDA – Segment net income (loss) before segment (i) interest expense, net, (ii) income tax expense (benefit), and (iii) depreciation and amortization.

    Refining Margin – The difference between our Petroleum Segment net sales and cost of materials and other.

    Adjusted Refining Margin – Refining Margin adjusted for certain significant noncash items and items that management believes are not attributable to or indicative of our underlying operational results of the period or that may obscure results and trends we deem useful.

    Refining Margin and Adjusted Refining Margin, per Throughput Barrel – Refining Margin and Adjusted Refining Margin divided by the total throughput barrels during the period, which is calculated as total throughput barrels per day times the number of days in the period.

    Direct Operating Expenses per Throughput Barrel – Direct operating expenses for our Petroleum Segment divided by total throughput barrels for the period, which is calculated as total throughput barrels per day times the number of days in the period.

    Renewables Margin – The difference between our Renewables Segment net sales and cost of materials and other.

    Adjusted Renewables Margin – Renewables Margin adjusted for certain significant noncash items and items that management believes are not attributable to or indicative of our underlying operational results of the period or that may obscure results and trends we deem useful.

    Renewables Margin and Adjusted Renewables Margin, per Vegetable Oil Throughput Gallon – Renewables Margin and Adjusted Renewables Margin divided by the total vegetable oil throughput gallons for the period, which is calculated as total vegetable oil throughput gallons per day times the number of days in the period.

    Direct Operating Expenses per Vegetable Oil Throughput Gallon – Direct operating expenses for our Renewables Segment divided by total vegetable oil throughput gallons for the period, which is calculated as total vegetable oil throughput gallons per day times the number of days in the period.

    Adjusted EBITDA, Petroleum Adjusted EBITDA, Renewables Adjusted EBITDA, and Nitrogen Fertilizer Adjusted EBITDA – EBITDA, Petroleum EBITDA, Renewables EBITDA, and Nitrogen Fertilizer EBITDA adjusted for certain significant non-cash items and items that management believes are not attributable to or indicative of our underlying operational results of the period or that may obscure results and trends we deem useful.

    Adjusted Earnings (Loss) per Share – Earnings (loss) per share adjusted for certain significant non-cash items and items that management believes are not attributable to or indicative of our on-going operations or that may obscure our underlying results and trends.

    Free Cash Flow – Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures and capitalized turnaround expenditures.

    We present these measures because we believe they may help investors, analysts, lenders and ratings agencies analyze our results of operations and liquidity in conjunction with our U.S. GAAP results, including but not limited to our operating performance as compared to other publicly traded companies in the refining and fertilizer industries, without regard to historical cost basis or financing methods and our ability to incur and service debt and fund capital expenditures. Non-GAAP measures have important limitations as analytical tools, because they exclude some, but not all, items that affect net earnings and operating income. These measures should not be considered substitutes for their most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures. See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” included herein for reconciliation of these amounts. Due to rounding, numbers presented within this section may not add or equal to numbers or totals presented elsewhere within this document.

    Factors Affecting Comparability of Our Financial Results

    Petroleum Segment

    Major Scheduled Turnaround Activities – Our results of operations for the periods presented may not be comparable with prior periods or to our results of operations in the future due to capitalized expenditures as part of planned turnarounds. Total capitalized expenditures were $58 million and $60 million during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The next planned turnaround commenced in January 2025 at the Coffeyville Refinery.

    Midway JV Disposition – On December 23, 2024, a subsidiary of the Company sold the 50% limited liability company interests it owned in the Midway Pipeline, LLC to Plains Pipeline, L.P. in exchange for cash consideration of approximately $90 million. The sale resulted in a gain of $24 million within Other income (expense), net in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

    CVR Energy, Inc.
    (unaudited)

    Consolidated Statement of Operations Data

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Year Ended
    December 31,
    (in millions, except per share data)  2024     2023     2024     2023 
    Net sales $ 1,947     $ 2,202     $ 7,610     $ 9,247  
    Operating costs and expenses:              
    Cost of materials and other   1,653       1,802       6,448       7,013  
    Direct operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)   165       166       667       670  
    Depreciation and amortization   72       75       290       291  
    Cost of sales   1,890       2,043       7,405       7,974  
    Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)   35       34       139       141  
    Depreciation and amortization   2       1       8       7  
    (Gain) loss on asset disposal   (1 )     —       —       2  
    Operating income   21       124       58       1,123  
    Other income (expense):              
    Interest expense, net   (20 )     (9 )     (77 )     (52 )
    Other income, net   27       4       38       14  
    Income before income tax expense   28       119       19       1,085  
    Income tax expense (benefit)   (12 )     22       (26 )     207  
    Net income   40       97       45       878  
    Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest   12       6       38       109  
    Net income attributable to CVR Energy stockholders $ 28     $ 91     $ 7     $ 769  
                   
    Basic and diluted earnings per share $ 0.28     $ 0.91     $ 0.06     $ 7.65  
    Dividends declared per share $ —     $ 2.00     $ 1.50     $ 4.50  
                   
    Adjusted (loss) earnings per share $ (0.13 )   $ 0.65     $ (0.51 )   $ 5.64  
    EBITDA* $ 122     $ 204     $ 394     $ 1,435  
    Adjusted EBITDA* $ 67     $ 170     $ 317     $ 1,164  
                   
    Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic and diluted   100.5       100.5       100.5       100.5  

    ____________________

    * See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” section below.

    Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data

    (in millions) December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 987   $ 581
    Working capital   726     497
    Total assets   4,263     4,707
    Total debt and finance lease obligations, including current portion   1,919     2,185
    Total liabilities   3,375     3,669
    Total CVR stockholders’ equity   703     847

    Selected Consolidated Cash Flow Data

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Year Ended
    December 31,
    (in millions)  2024    2023     2024     2023 
    Net cash flows provided by (used in):              
    Operating activities $ 98   $ (36 )   $ 404     $ 948  
    Investing activities   43     (58 )     (121 )     (239 )
    Financing activities   312     384       (482 )     (40 )
    Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 453   $ 290     $ (199 )   $ 669  
                   
    Free cash flow * $ 40   $ (94 )   $ 181     $ 708  

    _____________________

    * See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” section below.

    Selected Segment Data

      Three Months Ended December 31, 2024   Three Months Ended December 31, 2023
    (in millions) Petroleum   Renewables   Nitrogen Fertilizer   Consolidated   Petroleum   Renewables   Nitrogen Fertilizer   Consolidated
    Net sales $ 1,755   $ 93     $ 140   $ 1,947   $ 1,997   $ 110     $ 142   $ 2,202
    Operating income (loss)   4     (3 )     26     21     144     (31 )     17     124
    Net income (loss)   35     (3 )     18     40     158     (30 )     10     97
    EBITDA *   72     3       50     122     196     (26 )     38     204
                                   
    Capital Expenditures: (1)                              
    Maintenance $ 24   $ 1     $ 15   $ 40   $ 24   $ 1     $ 11   $ 36
    Growth   7     —       3     11     5     8       —     13
    Total capital expenditures $ 31   $ 1     $ 18   $ 51   $ 29   $ 9     $ 11   $ 49
      Year Ended December 31, 2024   Year Ended December 31, 2023
    (in millions) Petroleum   Renewables   Nitrogen
    Fertilizer    		   Consolidated   Petroleum   Renewables   Nitrogen
    Fertilizer    		   Consolidated
    Net sales $ 6,920   $ 289     $ 525   $ 7,610   $ 8,287   $ 559     $ 681   $ 9,247
    Operating income (loss)   12     (22 )     90     58     982     (37 )     201     1,123
    Net income (loss)   70     (21 )     61     45     1,071     (36 )     172     878
    EBITDA *   223     3       179     394     1,185     (17 )     281     1,435
                                   
    Capital Expenditures: (1)                              
    Maintenance $ 90   $ 3     $ 30   $ 127   $ 94   $ 2     $ 28   $ 128
    Growth   38     8       7     54     14     54       1     69
    Total capital expenditures $ 128   $ 11     $ 37   $ 181   $ 108   $ 56     $ 29   $ 197

    ______________________

    * See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” section below.

    (1)   Capital expenditures are shown exclusive of capitalized turnaround expenditures and business combinations.

      

      December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
    (in millions) Petroleum   Renewables   Nitrogen
    Fertilizer    		   Consolidated   Petroleum   Renewables   Nitrogen
    Fertilizer    		   Consolidated
    Cash and cash equivalents (1) $ 735   $ 13   $ 91   $ 987   $ 375   $ 16   $ 45   $ 581
    Total assets   3,288     420     1,019     4,263     2,978     344     975     4,707
    Total debt and finance lease obligations, including current portion (2)   354     —     569     1,919     44     5     547     2,185

    ___________________________

    (1)   Corporate cash and cash equivalents consisted of $148 million and $145 million at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
    (2)   Corporate total debt and finance lease obligations, including current portion consisted of $996 million and $1,594 million at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

    Petroleum Segment

    Key Operating Metrics per Total Throughput Barrel

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Year Ended
    December 31,
       2024    2023    2024    2023
    Refining margin * $ 8.37   $ 15.01   $ 9.53   $ 21.82
    Adjusted refining margin *   6.45     12.91     8.67     18.11
    Direct operating expenses *   5.13     4.69     5.86     5.34

    ___________________

    * See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” section below.

    Throughput Data by Refinery

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Year Ended
    December 31,
    (in bpd) 2024   2023   2024   2023
    Coffeyville              
    Gathered crude 69,560   61,733   71,382   62,263
    Other domestic 47,732   57,161   39,360   49,930
    Canadian 3,969   6,109   7,304   3,265
    Condensate —   7,115   3,177   7,566
    Other crude oil 5,709   —   2,546   —
    Other feedstocks and blendstocks 14,997   16,321   12,511   13,490
    Wynnewood              
    Gathered crude 55,507   49,061   46,185   50,900
    Other domestic —   2,974   980   2,112
    Condensate 10,747   17,192   9,165   15,228
    Other feedstocks and blendstocks 5,482   4,888   3,668   3,465
    Total throughput 213,703   222,554   196,278   208,219

    Production Data by Refinery

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Year Ended
    December 31,
    (in bpd) 2024   2023   2024   2023
    Coffeyville              
    Gasoline         72,868             76,921             69,771             69,847  
    Distillate         61,016             62,570             56,690             57,888  
    Other liquid products         3,775             4,168             5,125             4,388  
    Solids         4,349             4,798             4,762             4,123  
    Wynnewood              
    Gasoline         40,139             42,363             33,106             38,843  
    Distillate         24,473             25,432             20,917             24,978  
    Other liquid products         4,405             5,480             4,551             6,882  
    Solids         12             9             9             10  
    Total production         211,037             221,741             194,931             206,959  
                   
    Light product yield (as % of total crude throughput) (1) 102.7 %   103.0 %   100.2 %   100.2 %
    Liquid volume yield (as % of total throughput) (2) 96.7 %   97.5 %   96.9 %   97.4 %
    Distillate yield (as % of total crude throughput) (3) 44.2 %   43.7 %   43.1 %   43.3 %

    ______________________

    (1)   Total Gasoline and Distillate divided by total Gathered crude, Other domestic, Canadian, and Condensate throughput (collectively, “Total Crude Throughput”).
    (2)   Total Gasoline, Distillate, and Other liquid products divided by total throughput.
    (3)   Total Distillate divided by Total Crude Throughput.

    Key Market Indicators

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Year Ended
    December 31,
    (dollars per barrel)  2024     2023     2024     2023 
    West Texas Intermediate (WTI) NYMEX $ 70.32     $ 78.53     $ 75.77     $ 77.57  
    Crude Oil Differentials to WTI:              
    Brent   3.69       4.32       4.09       4.60  
    WCS (heavy sour)   (12.25 )     (22.91 )     (13.86 )     (17.97 )
    Condensate   (0.24 )     (0.30 )     (0.48 )     (0.21 )
    Midland Cushing   0.87       1.09       1.10       1.26  
    NYMEX Crack Spreads:              
    Gasoline   13.84       13.69       20.91       27.88  
    Heating Oil   23.40       41.34       26.67       40.60  
    NYMEX 2-1-1 Crack Spread   18.62       27.52       23.79       34.24  
    PADD II Group 3 Product Basis:              
    Gasoline   (4.03 )     (4.75 )     (6.52 )     (2.92 )
    Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD)           (4.57 )             (2.96 )             (4.96 )             (1.02 )
    PADD II Group 3 Product Crack Spread:              
    Gasoline   9.81       8.94       14.40       24.96  
    ULSD   18.83       38.38       21.71       39.57  
    PADD II Group 3 2-1-1   14.32       23.66       18.05       32.27  

    Renewables Segment

    Key Operating Metrics per Vegetable Oil Throughput Gallon

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Year Ended
    December 31,
       2024    2023     2024    2023
    Renewables margin * $ 0.79   $ (0.90 )   $ 0.80   $ 0.27
    Adjusted renewables margin *   1.16     (0.43 )     0.93     0.41
    Direct operating expenses *   0.48     0.37       0.57     0.35

    __________________________

    * See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” section below.

    Renewables Throughput Data

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Year Ended
    December 31,
    (in gallons per day) 2024   2023   2024   2023
    Corn Oil 81,497   90,932   52,807   53,661
    Soybean Oil 105,351   109,242   98,439   172,297
    Other feedstocks and blendstocks 91,709   46,210   58,730   51,039
    Total throughput 278,557   246,384   209,976   276,997

    Renewables Production Data

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Year Ended
    December 31,
    (in gallons per day) 2024    2023    2024    2023 
    Renewable diesel 163,110     176,200     134,399     200,015  
    Renewable naphtha 19,731     32,886     17,101     34,099  
    Renewable light ends 88,938     94,952     62,424     92,802  
    Other 67,293     42,106     41,064     45,552  
    Total production 339,072     346,144     254,988     372,468  
                   
    Renewable diesel yield (as % of corn and soybean oil throughput) 87.8 %   88.0 %   89.2 %   88.5 %

    Key Market Indicators

      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended
    December 31,
       2024    2023    2024    2023
    Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) soybean oil (dollars per pound) $ 0.43   $ 0.52   $ 0.44   $ 0.58
    Midwest crude corn oil (dollars per pound)   0.46     0.62     0.50     0.61
    CARB ULSD (dollars per gallon)   2.28     2.90     2.47     2.89
    NYMEX ULSD (dollars per gallon)   2.23     2.85     2.44     2.81
    California LCFS (dollars per metric ton)   72.05     68.71     60.07     72.52
    Biodiesel RINs (dollars per RIN)   0.66     0.84     0.59     1.35

    Nitrogen Fertilizer Segment

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Year Ended
    December 31,
    (percent of capacity utilization) 2024   2023   2024   2023
    Ammonia utilization rate (1) 96 %   94 %   96 %   100 %

    _____________________

    (1)   Reflects our ammonia utilization rates on a consolidated basis. Utilization is an important measure used by management to assess operational output at each of the Nitrogen Fertilizer Segment’s facilities. Utilization is calculated as actual tons produced divided by capacity. We present our utilization for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and take into account the impact of our current turnaround cycles on any specific period. Additionally, we present utilization solely on ammonia production rather than each nitrogen product as it provides a comparative baseline against industry peers and eliminates the disparity of plant configurations for upgrade of ammonia into other nitrogen products. With our efforts being primarily focused on ammonia upgrade capabilities, this measure provides a meaningful view of how well we operate.

    Sales and Production Data

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Year Ended
    December 31,
       2024    2023    2024    2023
    Consolidated sales (thousands of tons):              
    Ammonia   97     98     271     281
    UAN   310     320     1,260     1,395
                   
    Consolidated product pricing at gate (dollars per ton): (1)              
    Ammonia $ 475   $ 461   $ 479   $ 573
    UAN   229     241     248     309
                   
    Consolidated production volume (thousands of tons):              
    Ammonia (gross produced) (2)   210     205     836     864
    Ammonia (net available for sale) (2)   80     75     270     270
    UAN   310     306     1,273     1,369
                   
    Feedstock:              
    Petroleum coke used in production (thousands tons)   123     131     517     518
    Petroleum coke used in production (dollars per ton) $ 55.71   $ 77.09   $ 59.69   $ 78.14
    Natural gas used in production (thousands of MMBtus) (3)   2,224     2,033     8,667     8,462
    Natural gas used in production (dollars per MMBtu) (3) $ 3.00   $ 2.95   $ 2.56   $ 3.42
    Natural gas in cost of materials and other (thousands of MMBtus) (3)   2,352     2,317     7,755     8,671
    Natural gas in cost of materials and other (dollars per MMBtu) (3) $ 2.50   $ 2.83   $ 2.50   $ 3.84

    ______________________

    (1)   Product pricing at gate represents sales less freight revenue divided by product sales volume in tons and is shown in order to provide a pricing measure that is comparable across the fertilizer industry.
    (2)   Gross tons produced for ammonia represent total ammonia produced, including ammonia produced that was upgraded into other fertilizer products. Net tons available for sale represent ammonia available for sale that was not upgraded into other fertilizer products.
    (3)   The feedstock natural gas shown above does not include natural gas used for fuel. The cost of fuel natural gas is included in direct operating expense.

    Key Market Indicators

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Year Ended
    December 31,
      2024    2023    2024    2023
    Ammonia — Southern plains (dollars per ton) $ 526   $ 648   $ 526   $ 564
    Ammonia — Corn belt (dollars per ton)   595     704     573     644
    UAN — Corn belt (dollars per ton)   274     301     277     311
                   
    Natural gas NYMEX (dollars per MMBtu) $ 2.98   $ 2.92   $ 2.41   $ 2.67

    Q1 2025 Outlook

    The table below summarizes our outlook for certain refining statistics and financial information for the first quarter of 2025. See “Forward-Looking Statements” above.

      Q1 2025
      Low   High
    Petroleum      
    Total throughput (bpd)   120,000       135,000  
    Direct operating expenses (in millions) (1) $ 95     $ 105  
    Turnaround (2)   150       165  
           
    Renewables      
    Total throughput (in millions of gallons)   13       16  
    Direct Operating expenses (in millions) (1) $ 8     $ 10  
           
    Nitrogen Fertilizer      
    Ammonia utilization rate   95 %     100 %
    Direct operating expenses (in millions) (1) $ 55     $ 65  
           
    Capital Expenditures (in millions) (2)      
    Petroleum $ 30     $ 40  
    Renewables   2       5  
    Nitrogen Fertilizer   12       16  
    Other   —       2  
    Total capital expenditures $ 44     $ 63  

    ____________________

    (1)   Direct operating expenses are shown exclusive of depreciation and amortization and, for the Nitrogen Fertilizer Segment, turnaround expenses and inventory valuation impacts.
    (2)   Turnaround and capital expenditures are disclosed on an accrual basis.

    Non-GAAP Reconciliations

    Reconciliation of Consolidated Net Income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Year Ended
    December 31,
    (in millions)  2024     2023     2024     2023 
    Net income $ 40     $ 97     $ 45     $ 878  
    Interest expense, net   20       9       77       52  
    Income tax (benefit) expense   (12 )     22       (26 )     207  
    Depreciation and amortization   74       76       298       298  
    EBITDA   122       204       394       1,435  
    Adjustments:              
    Revaluation of RFS liability, favorable   (57 )     (57 )     (89 )     (284 )
    Unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives   6       (67 )     22       (32 )
    Inventory valuation impacts, unfavorable   20       90       14       45  
    Gain on sale of equity method investment   (24 )     —       (24 )     —  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 67     $ 170     $ 317     $ 1,164  

    Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share to Adjusted Earnings per Share

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Year Ended
    December 31,
       2024     2023     2024     2023 
    Basic and diluted earnings per share $ 0.28     $ 0.91     $ 0.06     $ 7.65  
    Adjustments: (1)              
    Revaluation of RFS liability, favorable   (0.43 )     (0.42 )     (0.67 )     (2.12 )
    Unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives   0.04       (0.50 )     0.16       (0.23 )
    Inventory valuation impacts, unfavorable   0.16       0.66       0.12       0.34  
    Gain on sale of equity method investment   (0.18 )     —       (0.18 )     —  
    Adjusted (loss) earnings per share $ (0.13 )   $ 0.65     $ (0.51 )   $ 5.64  

    ___________________

    (1)   Amounts are shown after-tax, using the Company’s marginal tax rate, and are presented on a per share basis using the weighted average shares outstanding for each period.

    Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Year Ended
    December 31,
    (in millions)  2024     2023     2024     2023 
    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 98     $ (36 )   $ 404     $ 948  
    Less:              
    Capital expenditures   (55 )     (55 )     (179 )     (205 )
    Capitalized turnaround expenditures   (7 )     (4 )     (53 )     (57 )
    Return on equity method investment   4       1       9       22  
    Free cash flow $ 40     $ (94 )   $ 181     $ 708  

    Reconciliation of Petroleum Segment Net Income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Year Ended
    December 31,
    (in millions)  2024     2023     2024     2023 
    Petroleum net income $ 35     $ 158     $ 70     $ 1,071  
    Interest income, net   (4 )     (10 )     (21 )     (75 )
    Depreciation and amortization   41       48       174       189  
    Petroleum EBITDA   72       196       223       1,185  
    Adjustments:              
    Revaluation of RFS liability, favorable   (57 )     (57 )     (89 )     (284 )
    Unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives, net   6       (67 )     22       (30 )
    Inventory valuation impact, unfavorable (1)   12       80       6       32  
    Gain on sale of equity method investment   (24 )     —       (24 )     —  
    Petroleum Adjusted EBITDA   9       152       138       903  

    Reconciliation of Petroleum Segment Gross Profit to Refining Margin and Adjusted Refining Margin

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Year Ended
    December 31,
    (in millions, except throughput data)   2024     2023     2024     2023 
    Net sales $ 1,755     $ 1,997     $ 6,920     $ 8,287  
    Less:              
    Cost of materials and other   (1,590 )     (1,690 )     (6,236 )     (6,629 )
    Direct operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)   (101 )     (96 )     (421 )     (406 )
    Depreciation and amortization   (41 )     (47 )     (174 )     (185 )
    Gross profit   23       164       89       1,067  
    Add:              
    Direct operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)   101       96       421       406  
    Depreciation and amortization   41       47       174       185  
    Refining margin   165       307       684       1,658  
    Adjustments:              
    Revaluation of RFS liability, favorable   (57 )     (57 )     (89 )     (284 )
    Unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives, net   6       (67 )     22       (30 )
    Inventory valuation impact, unfavorable (1)   12       80       6       32  
    Adjusted refining margin $ 126     $ 263     $ 623     $ 1,376  
                   
    Total throughput barrels per day   213,703       222,554       196,278       208,219  
    Days in the period   92       92       366       365  
    Total throughput barrels   19,660,650       20,474,980       71,837,644       75,999,905  
                   
    Refining margin per total throughput barrel $ 8.37     $ 15.01     $ 9.53     $ 21.82  
    Adjusted refining margin per total throughput barrel   6.45       12.91       8.67       18.11  
    Direct operating expenses per total throughput barrel   5.13       4.69       5.86       5.34  

    _____________________

    (1)   The Petroleum Segment’s basis for determining inventory value under GAAP is First-In, First-Out (“FIFO”). Changes in crude oil prices can cause fluctuations in the inventory valuation of crude oil, work in process and finished goods, thereby resulting in a favorable inventory valuation impact when crude oil prices increase and an unfavorable inventory valuation impact when crude oil prices decrease. The inventory valuation impact is calculated based upon inventory values at the beginning of the accounting period and at the end of the accounting period.

    Reconciliation of Renewables Segment Net Loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Year Ended
    December 31,
    (in millions)  2024     2023     2024     2023 
    Renewables net loss $ (3 )   $ (30 )   $ (21 )   $ (36 )
    Interest expense, net   —       (1 )     (1 )     (1 )
    Depreciation and amortization   6       5       25       20  
    Renewables EBITDA   3       (26 )     3       (17 )
    Adjustments:              
    Unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives, net   —       —       —       (2 )
    Inventory valuation, (favorable) unfavorable (1)   6       9       7       14  
    Renewables Adjusted EBITDA $ 9     $ (17 )   $ 10     $ (5 )

    Reconciliation of Renewables Segment Gross Loss to Renewables Margin and Adjusted Renewables Margin

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Year Ended
    December 31,
    (in millions, except throughput data)   2024     2023     2024     2023 
    Net sales $ 93     $ 110     $ 289     $ 559  
    Less:              
    Cost of materials and other   (79 )     (127 )     (245 )     (537 )
    Direct operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)   (8 )     (7 )     (31 )     (28 )
    Depreciation and amortization   (6 )     (5 )     (25 )     (20 )
    Gross loss   —       (29 )     (12 )     (26 )
    Add:              
    Direct operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)   8       7       31       28  
    Depreciation and amortization   6       5       25       20  
    Renewables margin   14       (17 )     44       22  
    Unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives, net   —       —       —       (2 )
    Inventory valuation, (favorable) unfavorable (1)   6       9       7       14  
    Adjusted renewables margin $ 20     $ (8 )   $ 51     $ 34  
                   
    Total vegetable oil throughput gallons per day   186,970       200,174       151,278       225,957  
    Days in the period   92       92       366       365  
    Total vegetable oil throughput gallons   17,201,274       18,416,045       55,367,620       82,474,473  
                   
    Renewables margin per vegetable oil throughput gallon $ 0.79     $ (0.90 )   $ 0.80     $ 0.27  
    Adjusted renewables margin per vegetable oil throughput gallon   1.16       (0.43 )     0.93       0.41  
    Direct operating expenses per vegetable oil throughput gallon   0.48       0.37       0.57       0.35  

    ____________________

    (1)   The Renewables Segment’s basis for determining inventory value under GAAP is FIFO. Changes in renewable diesel prices can cause fluctuations in the inventory valuation of renewable diesel, work in process and finished goods, thereby resulting in a favorable inventory valuation impact when renewable diesel prices increase and an unfavorable inventory valuation impact when renewable diesel prices decrease. The inventory valuation impact is calculated based upon inventory values at the beginning of the accounting period and at the end of the accounting period.

    Reconciliation of Nitrogen Fertilizer Segment Net Income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Year Ended
    December 31,
    (in millions)  2024    2023    2024    2023
    Nitrogen Fertilizer net income $ 18   $ 10   $ 61   $ 172
    Add:              
    Interest expense, net   7     7     30     29
    Depreciation and amortization   25     21     88     80
    Nitrogen Fertilizer EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA $ 50   $ 38   $ 179   $ 281

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Capital Southwest Announces Leadership Changes

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Michael Sarner to Succeed Bowen Diehl as President & Chief Executive Officer
    Chris Rehberger Promoted to Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer & Secretary
    Tabitha Geiger Promoted to Chief Compliance Officer

    DALLAS, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Capital Southwest Corporation (“Capital Southwest” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: CSWC), an internally managed business development company focused on providing flexible financing solutions to support the acquisition and growth of middle market businesses, announced today that Chief Financial Officer Michael Sarner has been appointed by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) to succeed Bowen Diehl as President and Chief Executive Officer of Capital Southwest. Mr. Sarner has also been appointed to serve on the Board. Both appointments are effective February 17, 2025. Mr. Diehl will continue to serve the Company in an advisory capacity for at least another year.

    In addition, Chris Rehberger has been promoted from Executive Vice President of Finance and Treasurer to Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer & Secretary of the Company, and Tabitha Geiger has been promoted from Deputy Compliance Officer to Chief Compliance Officer of the Company, effective February 17, 2025.

    “On behalf of the Board, we want to both acknowledge and celebrate Bowen’s long career at Capital Southwest,” said David Brooks, Chairman of the Board. “We greatly appreciate the leadership he has provided to Capital Southwest over the past decade and we wish him the very best. Succession planning has always been a priority for the Company, and Michael, Bowen and the Board are all in agreement that it is time to transition the leadership of Capital Southwest. Michael and Bowen have both been fully immersed in the strategy and operations of the Company, which will make this a smooth transition.”

    “I couldn’t be more optimistic about the future of Capital Southwest under Michael’s leadership. He has worked tirelessly by my side over the past decade building a best-in-class BDC and, together with the rest of our leadership team, I am confident the firm has the right team to continue executing Capital Southwest’s strategy going forward,” said Bowen Diehl. “I am very proud of what we have built here together and I am grateful for having had the opportunity over the past ten years to lead Capital Southwest’s transformation into a BDC with one of the most robust business models in the industry. While stepping down is clearly bittersweet, succession planning is an important part of a company’s evolution, and I very much look forward to supporting Capital Southwest in any way that Michael and the team find helpful, in the short term as an advisor, and in the long term as a fellow shareholder.”

    Mr. Sarner joined Capital Southwest in 2015 and brings more than thirty years of financial, treasury and BDC experience to his new role. He has been instrumental in planning and executing on both the corporate and capitalization strategy for Capital Southwest, raising over $2 billion in both debt and equity. In addition to serving as Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Sarner also served as the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary. He also has served on the Investment Committee for the entirety of his time with Capital Southwest. Previously, he spent fifteen years at American Capital in a variety of financial roles, including Executive Vice President and Treasurer.   

    “I’m honored to be entrusted with Capital Southwest’s future,” said Michael Sarner, President and Chief Executive Officer. “The Company is well-positioned for growth with a strong and cohesive leadership team – including Chris with whom I’ve worked closely with for the past two decades. I look forward to fostering the growth of the entire Capital Southwest team, as well as providing leadership for the Company with a renewed vision for the future.”

    Mr. Rehberger joined Capital Southwest in 2015 and has twenty years of experience in corporate finance roles within the BDC space. Mr. Rehberger additionally spent ten years in corporate finance roles at American Capital working alongside Mr. Sarner. Mr. Rehberger earned a bachelor’s in commerce with a concentration in finance from the McIntire School and a master’s from the Darden School of Business, both from the University of Virginia.

    Ms. Geiger has almost a decade of experience. Previously, she spent eight years in compliance consulting with IQ-EQ, where she was responsible for implementing and overseeing compliance programs for private equity, venture capital and hedge fund managers. Ms. Geiger earned a BS in Agricultural Communications and Journalism from Texas A&M University and her JD from South Texas College of Law. She is licensed to practice law in Texas.

    About Capital Southwest
    Capital Southwest Corporation (Nasdaq: CSWC) is a Dallas, Texas-based, internally managed business development company with approximately $1.7 billion in investments at fair value as of December 31, 2024. Capital Southwest is a middle market lending firm focused on supporting the acquisition and growth of middle market businesses with $5 million to $50 million investments across the capital structure, including first lien, second lien and non-control equity co-investments. As a public company with a permanent capital base, Capital Southwest has the flexibility to be creative in its financing solutions and to invest to support the growth of its portfolio companies over long periods of time.

    Media Relations Contact:
    Lauren DiGeronimo
    laurend@trailrunnerint.com

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Michael Sarner
    msarner@capitalsouthwest.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Hassan and Cornyn Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Against Child Identify Theft

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and John Cornyn (R-TX) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to help parents protect their children from identity theft.

    “New parents have enough to juggle without having to jump through hoops to protect their children’s financial future,” said Senator Hassan. “Identity theft can be especially damaging to children because they may not be aware that their identity was stolen until they become adults. This bipartisan bill will streamline the process for parents to protect their children’s credit file by freezing it.”

    “Children are easy targets for identity theft, leaving them vulnerable to years of undetected fraud,” said Senator Cornyn. “By streamlining the process for parents to freeze their children’s credit files, our bill would help protect families from financial damage and identity theft.”

    “TransUnion welcomes the opportunity to help parents protect their children’s financial well-being with this legislation,” said TransUnion. “We are proud to be a partner in every parent’s mission to safeguard their children and help them build for a bright future.”

    Studies show that nearly one million children a year are victims of identity theft, costing families nearly $1 billion annually as criminals can use the identities to open up credit cards and make transactions in a child’s name. The best way to protect against this form of identity theft is for parents to freeze their children’s credit file. However, today the process can be cumbersome, requiring parents to contact each of the three major credit bureaus individually.

    The Credit Freeze for Kids Act will allow parents to contact only one of the agencies to freeze their children’s credit file and then require the notified credit bureau to inform the other credit bureaus of the freeze within three days.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar Joins Fischer, Duckworth and Colleagues to Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Make E15 Available Year-Round

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and 11 other Senators to introduce bipartisan legislation to make E15 available year-round. The Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 would enable the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends higher than 10 percent, helping to lower fuel prices and provide certainty in fuel markets for farmers and consumers.

    “I have long pushed to make E15 available year-round because investing in affordable, readily-available biofuels produced in the U.S. is good for drivers and farmers alike,” said Klobuchar. “By ensuring consumers can access E15 gasoline throughout the year, our bipartisan legislation will lower prices at the pump, support farmers, benefit our broader economy, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. It’s critical that we diversify our fuel supply and invest in affordable energy solutions. I look forward to working with Senators Fischer and Duckworth to pass this bipartisan bill.”

    “It’s time to once and for all solidify President Trump’s pledge to allow the sale of year-round E15—giving America’s producers and consumers the certainty they deserve. My bill will put an end to years of patchwork regulations and finally make nationwide, year-round E15 a reality. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and the Senate, as well as with President Trump, to get this bill signed into law,” said Fischer.

    “For our country to remain a global energy leader, we must continue to invest in renewable and clean energy so we can decrease our emissions and dependence on foreign oil,” said Duckworth. “Producing less expensive fuel choices like E15 that can be sold year-round would help lower gas prices, protect the environment, support our farmers and drive economic opportunity throughout the Midwest. I’m proud to join Senator Fischer in reintroducing our bipartisan legislation that would do just that.”

    Additional cosponsors of this bipartisan bill include U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Thune (R-SD), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Mike Rounds (R-SD). Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Angie Craig (D-MN) lead companion legislation in the House.

    Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, American Petroleum Institute, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmer Union, and National Association of Convenience Stores endorsed the legislation.

    Klobuchar has long been a strong advocate for investing in renewable fuel infrastructure, increasing American biofuel production, and upholding the Clean Air Act’s RFS.

    In 2023, Klobuchar and Grassley led a bipartisan letter urging the EPA to strengthen the RFS by maintaining the blending requirements for 2023; denying all pending Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs); eliminating proposed retroactive cuts to the renewable volume obligations (RVOs); and setting RFS volumes at the statutory levels.

    In February 2024, Klobuchar and Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) led a group of 40 bipartisan members of Congress urging the Biden Administration to act quickly to ensure that the model used to determine eligibility for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) tax credits unlocks the potential held by farmers, ethanol producers, and airlines to reduce carbon emissions from aviation. 

    In January 2024, Klobuchar, along with Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL.) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced the Farm to Fly Act. This legislation would help accelerate the production and development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through existing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs and allow further growth for alternative fuels to be used in the aviation sector, creating new markets for American farmers.

    In June 2021, Klobuchar announced the introduction of a package of bipartisan bills to expand the availability of low-carbon renewable fuels, incentivize the use of higher blends of biofuels, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    In 2021, Klobuchar and Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) reintroduced the bipartisan Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Investment and Market Expansion Act to create a renewable fuel infrastructure grant program and streamline regulatory requirements to help fuel retailers sell higher blends of ethanol.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Houston felon sentenced for federal firearms violation in Eastern District of Texas

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BEAUMONT, Texas – A Houston convicted felon has been sentenced to prison for a federal firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    Bobby Ray Emanis, 40, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon and was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone on February 18, 2025.

    According to information presented in court, in September 2023, a deputy with the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a suspicious vehicle on County Road 2286 in Cleveland.  The vehicle was parked in the roadway with its lights off.  The truck had no front license plate and no registration sticker in the windshield.  Emanis was identified as the driver and informed the deputy there was a sawed-off shotgun behind the seat.  The loaded shotgun was recovered.  Further investigation revealed Emanis was a convicted felon, having been previously convicted of numerous violations in Liberty County, Nacogdoches County, and Harris County.  As a convicted felon, Emanis knew he was prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    This case was investigated by the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Quinn.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –