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Category: Vehicles

  • MIL-OSI Security: Additional 12 Defendants Charged in RICO Conspiracy for over $263 Million Cryptocurrency Thefts, Money Laundering, Home Break-Ins

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WASHINGTON – A four-count superseding indictment, unsealed today in U.S. District Court, charges 12 additional people – Americans and foreign nationals – for allegedly participating in a cyber-enabled racketeering conspiracy throughout the United States and abroad that netted them more than $263 million. Several were arrested this week in California, while two remain abroad and are believed to be living in Dubai.

    The superseding indictment and the arrests were announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Executive Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Washington, D.C. Field Office.

    The defendants, listed below, face charges that include RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and obstruction of justice. The superseding indictment adds charges originally brought against Malone Lam on Sept. 19, 2024.

    According to the superseding indictment, the enterprise began no later than October 2023 and continued through March 2025. It grew from friendships developed on online gaming platforms.

    Members of the enterprise held different responsibilities. The various roles included database hackers, organizers, target identifiers, callers, money launderers, and residential burglars targeting hardware virtual currency wallets.

    Database hackers hacked websites and servers to obtain cryptocurrency-related databases or purchased databases on the darkweb. Organizers and target identifiers organized and collated information across the databases to determine the most valuable targets. Callers cold-called victims and used social engineering to convince them their accounts were the subject of cyberattacks and the enterprise callers were attempting to help secure their accounts. Money launderers received the stolen crypto currency and turned it into fiat U.S. currency in the form of bulk cash or wire transfers.

    According to the indictment, members and associates of the enterprise used the stolen virtual currency to purchase, among other things, nightclub services ranging up to $500,000 per evening, luxury handbags valued in the tens of thousands of dollars that were given away at nightclub parties, luxury watches valued between $100,000 and $500,000, luxury clothing valued in the tens of thousands of dollars, rental homes in Los Angeles, the Hamptons, and Miami, private jet rentals, a team of private security guards, and a fleet of at least 28 exotic cars ranging in value from $100,000 to $3.8 million.

    According to the indictment, members of the enterprise laundered stolen cryptocurrency proceeds by moving the funds through various mixers and exchanges using “peel chains,” pass-through wallets, and virtual private networks to mask their true identities. 

    The indictment alleges that in one instance on Aug. 18, 2024, Malone Lam and contacted a victim in D.C. and, through the communications with that victim, fraudulently obtained over 4,100 Bitcoin — worth over $230 million at the time. In another instance in July 2024, Malone Lam and others are accused of stealing over $14 million in cryptocurrency from an additional victim.

    The indictment alleges that members of the enterprise also committed home break-ins. As alleged in the Indictment, Marlon Ferro traveled to New Mexico in July 2024 and broke into a victim’s home to steal their hardware virtual currency wallet while Lam monitored the victim’s location by logging into his iCloud account.

    The superseding indictment also alleges that the enterprise engaged in significant money laundering activity. Kunal Mehta, Hamza Doost, Joel Cortez, and Evan Tangeman are alleged to have engaged in unlicensed crypto-to-cash services for the enterprise, obtained luxury rental homes for members of the enterprise using fake identity documents, booked private jet travel with stolen cryptocurrency for the enterprise, concealed ownership of exotic cars by registering them in shell company names, and shipped bulk cash through US mail to members of the enterprise hidden in squishmallow stuffed animals.

    Following his arrest in September 2024 and continuing while in pretrial detention, Lam is alleged to have continued working with members of the enterprise to pass and receive directions, collect stolen cryptocurrency, and to have enterprise members buy luxury Hermes Birkin bags and hand deliver them to his girlfriend in Miami, Florida.

    This ongoing investigation is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and the IRS-Criminal Investigation Washington D.C. Field Office. Significant investigative and operational support was provided by the FBI’s Los Angeles and Miami field offices.

    The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Rosenberg, Acting Deputy Chief of the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

    If found guilty, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    Defendants

    NAME, AGE, & ALLEGED ROLE AKAs HOMETOWN CHARGES
    Malone Lam, 20, Social Engineering, Organizer “King Greavys,” “$$$,” “7,” “Kg,” “Anne Hathaway”

    Miami, Florida,

    Los Angeles, Calif.,

    Singapore

    		 RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    Marlon Ferro, 19, Money Laundering, Residential Burglary “Marlo,” “GothFerrari” Santa Ana, California RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    Hamza Doost, 21, Money Laundering “Scyllia” Hayward, California RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    Conor Flansburg, 21,   Database Hacker, Caller, and Organizer “O O,” “Green Room,” “@d0uu0b” Newport Beach, California RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
    Kunal Mehta, 45, Money Laundering “Papa,” “The Accountant,” “Shrek,” “Neil” Irvine, California RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    Ethan Yarally, 18, Caller “Rand,” “15%” Richmond Hill, New York RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
    Cody Demirtas, 19, Caller “KO,” “Kody” Stuart, Florida RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
    Aakash Anand, 22, Caller, Money Laundering “Light,” “Dark” New Zealand RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    Evan Tangeman, 21, Money Laundering “E,” “Tate,” “Evan | Exchanger” Newport Beach, California RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    Joel Cortes, 21, Money Laundering “J” Laguna Niguel, California RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    First Name Unknown-1 , Last Name Unknown-1, Database Hacker “Chen,” “Squiggly” Unknown RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    First Name Unknown-2 , Last Name Unknown-2, Database Hacker “Danny” “Meech” Unknown RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    John Tucker Desmond, 19, Destroyed Evidence

    –

    		 Huntington Beach, California Obstruction of Justice

    24cr417

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Baltimore Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms Trafficking Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Baltimore, Maryland – Today, Steven Lee, 38, of Baltimore, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking in federal court. 

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the plea with Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

    According to the guilty plea, on April 17, 2024, Lee and co-conspirator Cedrick Brinkley agreed to sell firearms to an ATF undercover agent. The undercover agent explained that the purpose of buying the firearms was to resell to an individual in New Jersey. Additionally, on April 17, law enforcement observed Brinkley and Lee sitting in a vehicle at the location where they planned to meet the undercover agent. Brinkley exited his vehicle, met with the undercover agent, and exchanged five 9-millimeter pistols for $6,100.

    On April 24, 2024, Brinkley and Lee arranged to sell additional firearms to the undercover agent. Prior to the transaction, law enforcement observed Brinkley and Lee meeting in a public parking lot. Brinkley retrieved a black bag from Lee’s vehicle, re-entered his vehicle, and then drove to the meeting location. Lee did not physically attend the meeting with the undercover agent.

    At the meeting with the undercover agent, Brinkley brought the black bag, removed five firearms from the bag, and handed them to the undercover agent. The undercover agent wanted to negotiate a better price, so Brinkley called Lee on speakerphone to discuss prices with the agent directly. During the call, Lee described the firearms in detail, including one of the firearms that had a machinegun conversion device affixed to it.

    The undercover agent reiterated to Brinkley and Lee that the purpose of buying the firearms was to resell them for profit. Then the undercover agent paid Brinkley $7,800 for five firearms, which included pistols of various calibers; one of which had a machinegun conversion device attached to it. In total, the coconspirators sold 10 firearms to the undercover agent; three of them were previously reported stolen.

    On July 2, 2024, authorities executed a search warrant for Lee’s Baltimore residence. During the search, law enforcement recovered a Taurus PT709 pistol loaded with six rounds of ammunition from Lee’s bedside table. Law enforcement also recovered additional ammunition from Lee’s residence and vehicle. Due to a previous felony conviction, Lee is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

    Lee faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Tuesday, August 19, at 10 a.m. Brinkley’s trial date is pending.

    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.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF for its work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney James O’Donohue who is prosecuting the case.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Foreign Nationals Arrested in Vermont Border-Crossing Event

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on May 13, 2025, Emmanuel Pierre Andre Irene, 26, and Erika Brezault, 23, citizens of Haiti, were arrested by the United States Border Patrol in the town of Troy, Vermont. Both were charged by criminal complaints—Irene with illegally entering the United States as an alien, and Brezault with transporting Irene in furtherance of his illegal entry. Irene and Brezault both appeared on May 14, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered that Brezault be released on conditions of pretrial supervision pending further proceedings. Judge Doyle accepted Irene’s plea of guilty to illegal entry and sentenced Irene to a time-served sentence.

    According to court records, around 1:00 am on May 13, 2025, one individual was observed walking south in Canada on a road that reaches the United States border; later, at approximately 3:30 am, one individual was observed walking south in the United States in an area close to that Canadian road, approximately a half-mile south of the international border. U.S. Border Patrol agents and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents responded to the scene to search for the suspected illegal entrant in the area of Mud Creek, approximately two miles east of the village of North Troy, Vermont. At approximately 9:23 am, an HSI agent made contact with a Massachusetts-plated vehicle that had been pulled over to the side of Bear Mountain Road, and he spoke with the two occupants. The driver was later identified as Brezault, and the passenger was later identified as Irene. They told the agent they were from Haiti and were now living in Worchester, Massachusetts. A uniformed Border Patrol agent joined the HSI agent, and they spoke with Brezault and Irene, who both claimed to have Temporary Protected Status in the United States. After an agent pointed out Irene’s wet, muddy clothing and informing them of the camera images of the male subject approaching and then being south of the international border, Irene admitted to entering the United States from Canada by walking through the woods. Brezault also admitted to picking up Irene after he crossed into the United States. Both defendants were detained and later charged with the respective offenses.

    The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Brezault is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Brezault faces up to five years’ imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

    Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations.

    The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Lasher. Brezault is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Emily Kenyon, and Irene was represented by Karen Shingler, Esq.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Missouri Woman Admits International Embezzlement that Cost Employer $3.8 Million

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – A Missouri woman on Thursday admitted embezzling at least $3.8 million from her employer with the help of co-conspirators in China.

    Bridget Thebeau, 45, of St. Charles County, Missouri, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to five counts of wire fraud. She admitted embezzling from her employer from roughly January 2015 to March 2024 via more than 200 fraudulent purchase orders. Thebeau struck a deal with some of her employer’s suppliers in China in which she caused the company to pay the suppliers for products that the company did not need and never received. In exchange, Thebeau’s co-conspirators in China shared the proceeds of the scam with her. Thebeau tried to hide her crime with fraudulent shipping labels and fraudulent bills of lading issued by the China-based suppliers, fraudulent invoices that she created and claimed she had issued to the company’s customers and false information she supplied to the company’s owner and accountants.

    Ultimately, Thebeau triggered fraudulent payments of at least $3,821,152 to the company’s China-based suppliers, and in return her co-conspirators wired her more than $2 million.

    Thebeau was hired in 2002 by the family-owned company. Her crime resulted in substantial financial hardship to the company’s owner, who is no longer able to retire due to her embezzlement, the plea agreement says.

    Thebeau is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 11, 2025. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both prison and a fine.

    The U.S. Secret Service and the Chesterfield Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Ladendorf is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Six Illegal Aliens Charged For Brutal Murder Of South Carolina Mother in Random Attempted Robbery

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    LANCASTER, SC – Local authorities have charged six illegal aliens, between the ages of 13 and 21, with the random murder of a South Carolina mother of two, Larisha Sharell Thompson. They have also been charged with burglary and attempted armed robbery.

    The six illegal aliens allegedly pulled up alongside Thompson, fatally shot her and attempted to enter her vehicle. Not only did these individuals allegedly murder this innocent mother, but they are also accused of attempting to rob a convenience store. 

    Photo: Lancaster Sherriff’s Office

    On May 12, local authorities announced the arrests of six illegal aliens from Honduras including Asael Torres-Chirinos, Jarby Ramos-Ardon, Jeyson Salgado-Pineda, and three juveniles, ages 13, 14 and 15, for the murder of Thompson and the convenience store burglary.

    Torres-Chino was previously arrested in 2023 for domestic violence.  

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed detainers on all six criminal illegal aliens as they await criminal prosecution in South Carolina. 

    Statement Attributable to Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin: 

    “Larisha Sharell Thompson’s life was tragically taken by criminal illegal aliens. She was a mother who was driving to a friend’s house when her life was brutally taken by these criminal aliens who should have never been in our country. President Trump and Secretary Noem will always fight for the victims of illegal alien crime and their families. The safety of American citizens comes first.” 

    Secretary Noem relaunched the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office. The VOICE office was shuttered by the previous administration, which left victims of alien crime without access to many key support services and resources. The office was first launched in 2017 by the Trump administration as a dedicated resource for those who have been victimized by crime that has a nexus to immigration. 

    If you or a loved one has been impacted by a crime committed by an illegal alien, you are not alone. Call 1-855-48-VOICE (1-855-488-6423). 

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash Two Wells

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash at Two Wells.

    Just before 5am, Friday 16 May, police and emergency services were called to Port Wakefield Highway, Two Wells (near the intersection with Port Gawler Road) after reports of a crash between a car and truck. On arrival, the driver of the car was trapped and fire crews quickly worked to remove them from their vehicle. The driver was subsequently airlifted to hospital with life threatening injuries.

    The driver of the truck, a 30-year-old-man from Mallala, was uninjured and was taken to hospital for mandatory blood tests.

    Major Crash investigators are making their way to the scene.

    Port Wakefield Road is closed to all northbound traffic from Port Gawler Road and diversions are in place via Old Port Wakefield Road. Road users are asked to avoid the area.

    Anyone who witnessed this crash or has dashcam is asked to contact police. You can anonymously provide information to Crime Stoppers online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Welsbach Technology Metals Acquisition Corp. (“WTMA”) and Evolution Metals LLC (“EM”) Announce Effectiveness of SEC Registration Statement Ahead of Strategic Business Combination

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Chicago, IL and St. Louis, MO , May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Welsbach Technology Metals Acquisition Corp. (OTC: WTMA), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company, and Evolution Metals LLC, which is dedicated to developing a secure, reliable global supply chain for critical minerals and materials (CMM), today announced that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has declared effective their registration statement on Form S-4, paving the way for the consummation of this previously- announced business combination.

    In connection with the business combination WTMA and EM plan to acquire 100% interest of five operating companies: (1) KCM Industry Co., Ltd., (2) NS World Co., Ltd., (3) KMMI INC., (4) Handa Lab Co., Ltd., and (5) Critical Mineral Recovery, Inc. Upon closing, the combined company will be renamed Evolution Metals & Technologies Corp. (“EM&T” or referred to in the Form S-4 as “New EM”), and expects to trade on Nasdaq under the symbol EMAT.

    EM&T’s business is to leverage advanced technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to provide integrated midstream and downstream CMM recycling and processing of oxides, metals, magnet alloys, battery materials, and rare earth magnets for key industries including, but not limited to, the automotive, aerospace, defense, healthcare, high tech, consumer electronics and appliances, and renewable energy industries, while driving a sustainable future.

    “This is an important step in our mission to build a Western critical materials champion,” said Daniel Mamadou, CEO of Welsbach Technology Metals Acquisition Corp. “It perfectly aligns with our original vision to bring together proven technologies, experienced operators, and strategic capital to solve one of the most urgent supply chain vulnerabilities in the Western world. EM&T is not just another company – we believe it is the platform that will deliver on what others have only promised.”

    David Wilcox, Managing Member of Evolution Metals LLC, added, “Today marks a transformative step toward American resilience in critical materials. This merger represents a direct response to the policy imperatives outlined by the U.S. government from reshoring strategic industries to securing CMM supply chains. The future of EM&T is built to execute on those priorities with speed and scale. “The immediate need for critical minerals and materials is mid-stream processing. Without the combined expertise of separation, salts for batteries, metals, alloys, metallics, sintered and bonded magnet-making capabilities under one Western roof, Chinese companies will continue to monopolize key steps in this supply chain, leaving all other nations and industries vulnerable. By integrating CMM recycling, processing, and advanced materials production, EM&T expects to be positioned to reduce dependence on China-controlled supply chains and strengthen America’s industrial and national security. EM&T plans to deliver real impact – environmentally, strategically, and economically.”

    About Welsbach Technology Metals Acquisition Corp.

    Welsbach Technology Metals Acquisition Corp. (OTC: WTMA) is a blank check company focused on identifying high-impact technology metals businesses aligned with global sustainability and security trends. One of WTMA’s co-sponsors, Welsbach Holdings Pte Ltd, is an independent platform focused on the support and development of projects related to technology metals and materials.

    About Evolution Metals LLC

    Evolution Metals LLC is committed to establishing a secure, robust and reliable supply chain for critical minerals & materials (CMM) that is 100% independent of China for sourcing or supplying feedstocks. EM’s strategy is to acquire and develop manufacturing, recycling and processing facilities to produce essential products (including magnets, battery feedstocks and related materials) for industrial uses such as, but not limited to, electric vehicles, electronics, environmental technologies and aerospace and defense applications. EM aims to support the creation of jobs, industry and manufacturing to promote a greener future by providing bespoke solutions to support its clients globally.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements made in this press release are “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “strive,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking . The forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations and beliefs of the management of WTMA and EM, as applicable, and are inherently subject to uncertainties and changes in circumstances and their potential effects and speak only as of the date of such statement. There can be no assurance that future developments will be those that have been anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those discussed and identified in public filings made with the SEC by WTMA and the following: WTMA’s ability to complete the proposed Business Combination or, if WTMA does not consummate such proposed Business Combination, any other initial business combination; the risk that the consummation of the proposed Business Combination is significantly delayed; the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed Business Combination; the risk that the announcement and consummation of the proposed Business Combination disrupts EM’s current plans; New EM’s ability to successfully integrate the business and operations of the target companies (the “Target Companies”) into its ongoing business operations and realize the intended benefits of New EM’s acquisition of the Target Companies; New EM’s ability to secure sufficient funding to successfully rebuild Critical Mineral Recovery Inc.’s recycling facility with significant expansion on management’s expected timeline and budget, or at all; unexpected costs related to the proposed Business Combination; expectations regarding New EM’s strategies and future financial performance, including future business plans, expansion and acquisition plans or objectives, prospective performance and opportunities and competitors, revenues, products and services, pricing, operating expenses, product and service acceptance, market trends, liquidity, cash flows and uses of cash, capital expenditures, and New EM’s ability to invest in growth initiatives; satisfaction or waiver (if applicable) of the conditions to the proposed Business Combination, including, among other things: (i) approval of the proposed Business Combination and related agreements and transactions by the WTMA stockholders, the holder of the EM member units and the holders of the equity interests of the other Target Companies, (ii) receipt of approval for listing on Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) the shares of WTMA common stock to be issued in connection with the Business Combination, and (iii) the absence of any injunctions; that the amount of cash available in the trust account and from certain other investments is at least equal to the minimum available cash condition amount, after giving effect to redemptions by WTMA stockholders and certain transaction expenses; the occurrence of any other event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement; the implementation, market acceptance and success of New EM’s business model and growth strategy; the ability to obtain or maintain the listing of New EM’s common stock on Nasdaq following the proposed Business Combination; limited liquidity and trading of WTMA’s public securities; the amount of any redemptions by existing holders of WTMA common stock being greater than expected; WTMA’s ability to raise financing in the future; WTMA’s success in retaining or recruiting, or changes required in, New EM’s officers, key employees or directors following the completion of the proposed Business Combination; WTMA officers and directors allocating their time to other businesses and potentially having conflicts of interest with WTMA’s business or in approving the proposed Business Combination; the use of proceeds not held in the trust account or available to WTMA from interest income on the trust account balance; the impact of the regulatory environment and complexities with compliance related to such environment, including New EM’s ability to meet, and continue to meet, applicable regulatory requirements; New EM’s ability to execute its business plan, including with respect to its technical development and commercialization of products, and its growth and go-to-market strategies; New EM’s ability to achieve sustained, long-term profitability and commercial success; operational risks, including with respect to New EM’s use of agents or resellers in certain jurisdictions, New EM’s ability to scale up its manufacturing quantities of its products, New EM’s outsourcing of manufacturing and such manufacturers’ ability to satisfy New EM’s manufacturing needs on a timely basis, the availability of components or raw materials used to manufacture New EM’s products and New EM’s ability to process customer order backlog; New EM’s revenue deriving from a limited number of customers; geopolitical risk and changes in applicable laws or regulations, including with respect to New EM’s planned operations outside of the U.S. and Korea; New EM’s ability to attract and retain talented personnel; New EM’s ability to compete with companies that have significantly more resources; New EM’s ability to meet certain certification and compliance standards; New EM’s ability to protect its intellectual property rights and ability to protect itself against potential intellectual property infringement claims; the outcome of any known and unknown litigation and regulatory proceedings, including any proceedings that may be instituted against WTMA or EM following announcement of the proposed Business Combination; the potential characterization of New EM as an investment company subject to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; and other factors detailed under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Registration Statement on Form S 4, initially filed with the SEC on November 12, 2024, as amended (the “Registration Statement”). Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should any of the assumptions made by the management of WTMA, EM and the other Target Companies prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Except to the extent required by applicable law or regulation, WTMA, EM and the other Target Companies undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    WTMA has filed the Registration Statement with the SEC, which was declared effective by the SEC on May 14, 2025. The Registration Statement includes a document that serves as a proxy statement and prospectus of WTMA, referred to as a “proxy statement/prospectus,” containing information about the proposed Business Combination and the respective businesses of WTMA, EM and the Target Companies. WTMA will mail a definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents to WTMA stockholders. WTMA stockholders are urged to read the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and any amendments thereto and, when available, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the special meeting to be held to approve the proposed Business Combination, because these documents will contain important information about WTMA, EM, the other Target Companies and the proposed Business Combination. The definitive proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to stockholders of WTMA as of a record date established for voting on the proposed Business Combination. Stockholders of WTMA will also be able to obtain a free copy of the proxy statement/prospectus, as well as other filings containing information about WTMA without charge, at the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov). Copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and WTMA’s other filings with the SEC can also be obtained, without charge, by directing a request to: chris@welsbach.sg. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, WTMA’s website is not incorporated by reference in, and is not part of, this press release.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This press release does not constitute (i) a solicitation of a proxy, consent, or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the proposed Business Combination, or (ii) an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a definitive offering document.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    WTMA and EM and their respective directors and officers or managers and other members of management and employees may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed Business Combination. WTMA stockholders and other interested persons may obtain, without charge, more detailed information regarding directors and officers of WTMA in WTMA’s proxy statement/prospectus. Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from WTMA’s stockholders in connection with the proposed Business Combination will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus that WTMA intends to file with the SEC.

    Investor & Media Contacts

    Judith McGarry
    Evolution Metals LLC
    Tel: +1 (415) 971-2900
    Email: judith.mcgarry@evolution-metals.com

    Daniel Mamadou
    Chief Executive Officer
    Welsbach Technology Metals Acquisition Corp.
    Tel: +1 (251) 280-1980
    Email: daniel@welsbach.sg

    Private Investment in Public Equity (“PIPE”)
    Email: PIPE@Evolution-Metals.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Beam Global Announces First Quarter 2025 Operating Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beam Global, (Nasdaq: BEEM), (the “Company”), a leading provider of innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions for the electrification of transportation and energy security, today announced its first quarter results for the period ended March 31, 2025.

    Q1 2025 Financial Highlights

    • Revenue CAGR 60% for trailing 60 months
    • Commercial Revenues increased 41% over Q1 2024
    • Positive GAAP Gross Margin 8%
    • Adjusted non-GAAP Gross Margin, net of non-cash costs 21%
    • Net cash used in Operations for Q1 2025 $1.8 million vs. Q1 2024 $3.0 million
    • Backlog of $6.3 million
    • Debt free and $100 million line of credit available and unused

    Q1 2025 and Recent Operational Highlights

    • In Q1 2025 we shipped EV ARC™ units, ARC Mobility™ trailers, energy storage systems (ESS), lighting poles and smart city infrastructure solutions to locations across California, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Oregon, and internationally to Croatia, Serbia, Spain and Romania
    • Achieved CE (Conformité Européenne) certification on EV ARC™
    • Granted U.S. Patent for High-Volume Battery Assembly and Safety Technology
    • Expanded our European sales network with three new distribution partners
      • Seltis Glass Design S.R.L. for the Romanian market
      • Evrosimovski Consulting Ltd. for the North Macedonian market
      • BBA International for the Albanian market
    • Entered Middle Eastern market through partnership with Solvana
    • Launched BeamPatrol™ partnership with Zero Motorcycles with two BeamPatrol™ units at MotoGP in Austin to charge electric motorcycle demonstrations
    • Expanded into Romania with First EV ARC™ Sales through our Romanian reselling agent, Seltis Glass Design SRL
    • Won the Award for Innovation in Sustainable Infrastructure at the 2025 Congress of Mayors and Local Administration of Romania
    • Won the 2024 Award for Business Success by Serbian Chamber of Commerce

    “Though we are navigating through a series of uncertainties in the U.S. market, our other expansion efforts lead us to believe that we have the pieces in place to return to growth in this and future quarters,” said Desmond Wheatley, CEO of Beam Global. “Sales of our flagship product EV ARC™ increased in the first quarter. Our battery business is doing some of the most interesting and promising work it has ever done. Our international expansion strategy is gaining momentum and bearing fruit. We have sufficient cash and working capital to continue to operate the business into the future. We have no debt and no going concern. We’re generating gross profits which, net of non-cash items, are still north of 20%. We have proposals out and items in our pipeline, which would simply not have been possible this time last year before we introduced our fantastic new product lineup and expanded beyond the US market. Losing the immediate benefits of U.S. federal government sales has been tough on us, but we are managing through that and have created a foundation for growth which is resistant to those sorts of upheavals, and which I believe, will create opportunities for growth which far out strip anything that we’ve ever done before.”

    Revenues
    For the first quarter of 2025, Beam Global’s revenues were $6.3 million. The Company has a Revenue CAGR of 60% for the trailing 60 months, as of the three months ending March 31, 2025. Revenues were diverse across commercial entities and state and local governments with a significant rebalancing towards enterprise customers. For the first quarter of 2025, 53% of revenues were derived from commercial customers compared to 16% in the same period in 2024. International customers comprised 25% of all revenue as of March 31, 2025 compared to 11% for the three months ended March 31, 2024. We believe that the decrease in revenue is mainly a result of uncertainty in the U.S. government’s zero emission vehicle strategy related to the presidential election.

    Gross Profit

    Gross profit for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, was $0.5 million, or 8% gross margin, compared to gross profit of $1.5 million, or 10% gross margin in the first quarter of the prior year. The gross profit includes a non-cash negative impact of $1.0 million for depreciation and amortization of intangible assets resulting from the AllCell acquisition. Our gross margin, net of non-cash items, was 21% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to 12% for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. Our engineering team has continued to implement design changes which have reduced the bill of materials for the EV ARCTM, improving the product margins throughout 2024 and leading into 2025. Additionally, we have continued to recognize synergies and positive gross margin contributions from our acquisitions. We expect the Company’s revenue to grow in the future and our fixed overhead absorption to continue to improve resulting in improved gross margins.

    Operating Expenses and Impairment of Goodwill

    The first quarter 2025 total operating expenses of $16.0 million included $10.8 million of goodwill impairment, for the single reporting unit, because our market capitalization no longer exceeded our net assets at March 31, 2025 due to the decrease in our stock price since December 31, 2024. Our operating expenses, net of non-cash items for the three months ended March 31, 2025 are $4.1 million compared to 2024 of $3.8 million, a variance of $0.2 million or 6%. The Company believes the goodwill impairment reported during the three months ended March 31, 2025 is not a negative indicator of historic or current operating results and not a negative indicator of future performance as the Company has taken significant steps to diversify its geographical reach and product offerings while focusing on strategic growth. The Company believes that the resulting non-cash charge has no impact on the Company’s compliance with its cash flows or available liquidity and that its acquired entities are contributing positively to its operations and growth potential.

    Net Loss

    The first quarter net loss of $15.5 million included $12.5 million of non-cash expense items such as goodwill impairment, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation and provisions for credit losses in 2025, compared to a net loss of $3.0 million with non-cash expenses of $1.1 million in 2024. The first quarter 2025 net loss excluding non-cash items was $2.8 million compared to $2.1 million for the same period in 2024.

    Cash

    On March 31, 2025, we had cash of $2.5 million, compared to cash of $4.6 million at December 31, 2024.

    Net cash used for operating activities was $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to $3.0 million for the same period in 2024.

    We have historically met our cash needs through a combination of debt and equity financing and more recently through increasing gross profit contributions. Our cash requirements are generally for operating activities and acquisitions.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    To supplement our condensed consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with GAAP, we present Non-GAAP financial measures, in this press release. We use Non-GAAP in conjunction with GAAP measures as part of our overall assessment of our performance to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies and to communicate with our board of directors concerning our financial performance. We believe Non-GAAP is also helpful to investors, analysts and other interested parties because it can assist in providing a more consistent and comparable overview of our operations across our historical financial periods. Non-GAAP has limitations as an analytical tool. Therefore, you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Because of these limitations, you should consider Non-GAAP measurements alongside other financial performance measures, including attributable to other GAAP measures. In evaluating Non-GAAP measures you should be aware that in the future, we may incur expenses that are the same as, or similar to, some of the adjustments reflected in this press release. Our presentation of Non-GAAP should not be construed to imply that our future results will be unaffected by the types of items excluded from the calculations of Non-GAAP measures. Non-GAAP is not presented in accordance with GAAP and the use of these terms vary from others in our industry.

    Conference Call May 15, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. ET 

    Management will host a conference call on Thursday May 15, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. ET to review financial results and provide an update on corporate developments. Following management’s formal remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session.

    Participants can register for the conference through the following link: https://dpregister.com/sreg/10200046/ff2f9aecc8

    Please note that registered participants will receive their call-in number upon registration.

    Those without internet access or unable to pre-register may call in by calling:

    PARTICIPANT CALL IN (TOLL FREE): 1-844-739-3880

    PARTICIPANT INTERNATIONAL CALL IN: 1-412-317-5716

    Please ask to join the Beam Global call.

    About Beam Global
    Beam Global is a clean technology innovator which develops and manufactures sustainable infrastructure products and technologies. We operate at the nexus of clean energy and transportation with a focus on sustainable energy infrastructure, rapidly deployed and scalable EV charging solutions, safe energy storage and vital energy security. With operations in the U.S. and Europe, Beam Global develops, patents, designs, engineers and manufactures unique and advanced clean technology solutions that power transportation, provide secure sources of electricity, save time and money and protect the environment. Beam Global is headquartered in San Diego, CA with facilities in Broadview, IL and Belgrade and Kraljevo, Serbia. Beam Global is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol BEEM. For more information visit BeamForAll.com, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This Beam Global Press Release may contain forward-looking statements. All statements in this Press Release other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by terms or phrases such as “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “goal,” “will,” “should,” “may,” or other words and similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or results. These statements relate to future events or future results of operations. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause Beam Global’s actual results to be materially different from these forward-looking statements. Except to the extent required by law, Beam Global expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

    Investor Relations
    Luke Higgins
    +1-858-799-4583
    IR@BeamForAll.com

    Media Contact
    Andy Lovsted
    +1-858-335-8465
    Press@BeamForAll.com

     
    Beam Global
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (In thousands, except share and per share data)
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,   December 31,
      2025   2024
      (Unaudited)    
    Assets      
    Current assets      
    Cash $ 2,504   $ 4,572
    Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $498 and $259 7,145   8,027
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,150   2,243
    Inventory, net 11,845   12,284
    Total current assets 23,644   27,126
           
    Property and equipment, net 13,531   13,704
    Operating lease right of use assets 1,650   1,893
    Goodwill –   10,580
    Intangible assets, net 7,810   8,037
    Deposits 120   119
    Total assets $ 46,755   $ 61,459
           
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity      
    Current liabilities      
    Accounts payable $ 8,316   $ 8,959
    Accrued expenses 2,393   2,462
    Sales tax payable 435   195
    Deferred revenue, current 1,042   847
    Note payable, current 64   63
    Contingent consideration, current 93   93
    Operating lease liabilities, current 539   696
    Total current liabilities 12,882   13,315
           
    Deferred revenue, noncurrent 857   800
    Note payable, noncurrent 182   199
    Contingent consideration, noncurrent 216   216
    Other liabilities, noncurrent 3,432   3,380
    Deferred tax liabilities, noncurrent 1,609   1,290
    Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent 905   971
    Total liabilities 20,083   20,171
           
    Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)      
           
    Stockholders’ equity      
    Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 10,000,000 authorized, none outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024. –   –
    Common stock, $0.001 par value, 350,000,000 shares authorized, 15,043,045 and 14,835,630 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. 15   15
    Additional paid-in-capital 147,518   147,072
    Accumulated deficit (120,166)   (104,643)
    Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) (695)   (1,156)
           
    Total stockholders’ equity 26,672   41,288
           
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 46,755   $ 61,459
           
    Beam Global
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
    (Unaudited, In thousands except per share data)
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
      2025   2024
           
    Revenues $ 6,324   $ 14,561
           
    Cost of revenues 5,823   13,082
           
    Gross profit 501   1,479
           
           
    Operating expenses 5,265   4,527
           
    Impairment of goodwill 10,780   –
           
    Loss from operations (15,544)   (3,048)
           
    Other income (expense)      
    Interest income 23   71
    Other income (expense) 4   (56)
    Interest expense (6)   (4)
    Other income 21   11
           
    Loss before income tax expense (15,523)   (3,037)
           
    Net Loss $ (15,523)   $ (3,037)
           
    Net foreign currency translation benefit (expense) 461   (329)
    Total Comprehensive Loss $ (15,062)   $ (3,366)
           
    Net Loss per share – basic/diluted $ (1.04)   $ (0.21)
           
    Weighted average shares outstanding – basic/diluted 14,990   14,422
           

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kentuckians in 24 More Counties Now Eligible To Apply for FEMA Assistance Following April Severe Storms

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Kentuckians in 24 More Counties Now Eligible To Apply for FEMA Assistance Following April Severe Storms

    Kentuckians in 24 More Counties Now Eligible To Apply for FEMA Assistance Following April Severe Storms

    FRANKFORT, Ky

    –Twenty-four additional counties in the Commonwealth of Kentucky have been added to the major disaster declaration for Kentucky’s severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding, landslides, and mudslides and flooding that began April 2 and continuing

    Homeowners and renters with disaster damage in Breckinridge, Bullitt, Calloway, Daviess, Garrard, Grayson, Hancock, Hart, Henderson, Henry, Jefferson, LaRue, Lincoln, McLean, Meade, Muhlenberg, Nelson, Ohio, Oldham, Pendleton, Powell, Trimble, Warren, and Webster counties are eligible to apply for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program

    These counties are added to Anderson, Butler, Carroll, Christian, Clark, Franklin, Hardin, Hopkins, Jessamine, McCracken, Mercer, Owen and Woodford which were designated eligible April 24

    The first step to receive FEMA assistance is to apply

    The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is June 25

     How To Apply for FEMA AssistanceSurvivors in the designated counties who have disaster-caused damage or loss from the April 2 storm can apply for federal disaster assistance under the major disaster declaration DR-4864-KY in several ways:Online at DisasterAssistance

    gov

    Visit any Disaster Recovery Center

    To find a center close to you, visit fema

    gov/DRC, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362 (Example: “DRC 29169”)

    Use the FEMA mobile app

    Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

    It is open 7 a

    m

    to 10 p

    m

    Eastern Time

    Help is available in many languages

    If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service

     Assistance from FEMA may include grants for temporary housing while you are unable to live in your home, such as temporary housing assistance or reimbursement for hotel costs for both owners and renters, and grants for disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property and vehicles, funds for moving and storage, medical, dental, childcare and other miscellaneous items

    FEMA assistance may also be provided for repair or replacement of owner-occupied homes that serve as the household’s primary residence, including privately owned access routes, such as driveways, roads or bridges

     Applicants should keep their current contact information on file with FEMA as the agency may need to schedule a home inspection or get additional information

    Disaster assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster

    The assistance is intended to meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts

    For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4860 and www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4864

    Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x

    com/femaregion4

    martyce

    allenjr
    Thu, 05/15/2025 – 12:21

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE makes significant arrest of previously removed MS-13 gang member

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BALTIMORE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 26-year-old illegal Salvadoran national Nelson Vladimir Amaya-Benitez May 12, in Gaithersburg. Amaya is a validated MS-13 gang member and has been convicted of second-degree malicious burning, rogue and vagabond, and possession of marijuana.

    “The arrest of this criminal alien MS-13 gang member is yet another stark reminder of the dangers posed when our immigration laws are not enforced. This individual, who had previously been removed from the United States, reentered illegally and repeatedly jeopardized the safety of our Maryland communities,” said ICE Baltimore acting Field Office Director Nikita Baker. “ICE Lodged five detainers — four of which were not honored — allowing him to return to the streets and reoffend time and time again. This pattern is unacceptable. We strongly encourage our local law enforcement partners to honor our detainers to ensure that dangerous individuals like this are held accountable and removed from our communities to protect the law-abiding residents we serve.”

    The U.S. Border Patrol apprehended Amaya after he illegally entered the United States near Hidalgo, Texas, Feb. 3, 2016, and served him a notice to appear.

    The Irving Police Department in Texas arrested and charged Amaya with possession of marijuana Sept. 1, 2016. The Criminal District Court 2 in Dallas convicted him of possession of marijuana Sept. 21, 2016, and sentenced him to 36 days of confinement.

    The Seagoville, Texas, Police Department arrested and charged Amaya with unauthorized use of a vehicle and evading arrest Oct. 8, 2016. The 291st District Court in Dallas convicted him of unauthorized use of vehicle and evading arrest Nov. 13, 2018, and sentenced him to 90 days of confinement. ICE arrested Amaya Nov. 14, 2018.

    The Montgomery County Police Department in Rockville arrested and charged him with armed robbery May 26, 2017. On May 27, 2017, ICE lodged an immigration detainer on Amaya with the Montgomery County Detention Center. The Montgomery County Circuit Court in Rockville convicted him of robbery June 29, 2017, and sentenced him to 10 years of confinement with all but 18 months suspended.

    A Department of Justice immigration judge ordered Amaya removed from this U.S. Aug. 13, 2019. ICE removed him to El Salvador Aug. 28, 2019.

    Amaya illegally reentered the U.S. on an unknown date at an unknown location without being inspected, admitted or paroled by an immigration officer.

    ICE lodged an immigration detainer on Amaya with the Montgomery County Detention Center Aug. 18, 2022, following his arrest by Montgomery County police. The detention center declined to honor ICE’s immigration detainer and released Amaya from custody the same day.

    Montgomery County police arrested and charged him with theft Feb. 8, 2023. The District Court for Montgomery County in Silver Spring convicted him of theft July 7, 2023, and sentenced him to two months and 29 days of confinement but suspended his entire sentence.

    On May 13, 2023, the Montgomery County Police Department arrested and charged Amaya with motor vehicle theft and rogue and vagabond. The District Court for Montgomery County in Silver Spring convicted him of motor vehicle theft and rogue and vagabond Aug. 4, 2023. He received a sentenced of five years confinement with all but 18 months suspended. On the same date, the ICE lodged an immigration detainer against him with the Montgomery County Detention Center. On an unknown date, the detention center declined to honor ICE’s immigration detainer and released Amaya from custody.

    The Montgomery County Police Department arrested and charged Amaya with second-degree malicious burning May 22, 2023. The District Court for Montgomery County in Silver Spring convicted him of the charge Aug. 7, 2023, and sentenced him to 18 months of confinement. ICE lodged an immigration detainer on Amaya with the Montgomery County Detention Center Oct. 11, 2023. On an unknown date, that facility again declined to honor ICE’s immigration detainer and released Amaya from custody.

    The Montgomery County Police Department arrested and charged Amaya with attempted motor vehicle theft Sept. 29, 2024. On the same date, the ICE an immigration detainer on Amaya with the Montgomery County Detention Center. The Montgomery County Circuit Court in Rockville convicted Amaya of attempted motor vehicle theft April 4, and sentenced him to three years of confinement with two years, five months and 11 days suspended. On April 18, the Montgomery County Detention Center again declined to honor ICE’s immigration detainer and released Amaya from custody.

    Amaya is currently in ICE custody.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBaltimore.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: State Highway 1, Putaruru crash

    Source: New Zealand Police

    One person has died following a crash on State Highway 1, Putaruru this morning.

    Police were notified just after 7am that a truck had collided with a parked car, near the intersection with Sholson Street.

    The truck driver was unresponsive when emergency services arrived at the crash scene.

    Medical attention was immediately provided but sadly he could not be revived. 

    The road remains partially closed and motorists should continue to take alternative routes where possible.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King: “Siloing Innovation” Harms American Security, Entrepreneurialism

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), spoke with Dr. William Greenwalt, the former Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Industrial Policy, on the wide-ranging benefits of the United States’ collaboration with allies to bolster American defense modernization. During the exchange, Senator King noted that by retreating from our European, Japanese and Australian allies, we are “squandering that asset and siloing innovation.” Dr. Greenwalt agreed with Senator King, saying that cooperation with our allies is critical to the future of innovation and shared national security.
    “Dr. Greenwalt, I was struck by what you said in your opening statement. One of our asymmetric or I think our principal asymmetric advantage in terms of national security is our allies, and yet we put them through this long, arduous process. And there should be, I think you suggested a, I don’t know whether you call it an exemption or a bobtail process or something, so that we’re not, so that we can have greater cooperation with our allies. Is that? Is that a fair interpretation of what you said,” questioned Senator King.
    “Yes, I won’t even call it an easy pass lane,” said Dr. Greenwalt.
    “Well, I think that’s and the other piece of this, and as I travel and meet with security people in other countries, we’re missing an innovation multiplier by not working with our allies. Countries like Japan and Australia, Europe, Germany, UK, all have brilliant scientists who are working on a lot of innovative areas. And instead of having innovation be siloed by country, it’s always occurred to me that it would be much more, as I say, a multiplier, if we could work more closely and have better cooperation with the countries that are aligned with us? Is that a fair observation,” asked Senator King.
    “I think that’s a fair observation. We’re a country of 340 million, our allies together, the EU, NATO, Japan, Korea, kick us up over to over a trillion. We were close to the Chinese population,” responded Dr. Greenwalt.
    “And we’re squandering that asset by siloing innovation,” replied Senator King.
    “The number of scientists, engineers working together would be critical in the future, and unfortunately, right now, we’re all stove pipe working on these things separately,” said Dr. Greenwalt.
    “Well, I do want to, I have a visual aid in terms of the process. I’m not going to burden the committee, Mr. Chairman, by submitting it for the record, but this is the foreign military sales manual, 642 pages. I mean this to me this summarizes, in many ways, the problem of the of the process itself, which has impeded our ability to work with, again, with our allies,” finished Senator King.
    A member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI), Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues who has also been named a “fiscal hero” by government watchdogs for responsible spending. Last year, Senator King urged the DoD to take advantage of private sector technologies or risk losing access to innovative defense technologies. In previous SASC hearings, he has encouraged the DoD to adopt smart spending practices when it comes to developing defense technologies, and has emphasized that “new technologies win wars.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Expion360 Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Q1 2025 Revenue Growth of 111% Driven by New Products and Technologies

    5th Consecutive Quarter of Robust Revenue Growth

    Began Shipping e360 Home Energy Storage Solutions

    REDMOND, Ore., May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Expion360 Inc. (Nasdaq: XPON) (“Expion360” or the “Company”), an industry leader in lithium-ion battery power storage, today reported its financial and operational results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    First Quarter 2025 & Subsequent Financial & Operational Highlights

    • Q1 2025 revenue totaled $2.0 million, up 111% from Q1 2024, and 3% sequentially from Q4 2024.
    • 5th consecutive quarter of sequential revenue growth.
    • Began fulfilling purchase orders for our e360 Home Energy Storage Solutions (“HESS”).
    • Closed a $2.6 million registered direct offering and private placement priced at the market under Nasdaq rules.

    Management Commentary

    “The first quarter of 2025 was underscored by continued strong revenue momentum, margin expansion and a strengthened balance sheet as we focus on entering into new OEM partnerships and distributor relationships and building our Home Energy Storage Solutions vertical,” said Brian Schaffner, Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer of Expion360. “Revenue grew 111% year over year to $2.0 million, and sequentially for a fifth consecutive quarter from Q4 2024 on a rebounding RV market. Results for the RV Industry Association’s (RVIA) March 2025 survey of manufacturers found that total RV shipments increased 14% in the first quarter of 2025. We believe the RV market will continue to gain ground through 2025, with shipments increasing throughout the year.

    “In January, we began production shipments for our HESS products. The LiFePO4 battery HESS enables residential and small business customers to create their own stable micro-energy grid and lessen the impact of increasing power fluctuations and outages. HESS is designed with adaptability in mind, ready to evolve alongside changing energy requirements. We also anticipate HESS will benefit from incentives available through California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program and federal tax credits, and we are working on additional orders in 2025.

    “Operationally during the quarter, we took the opportunity to prepare for continued growth and tariff mitigation by adding 6-12 months of inventory early in the quarter, before new tariffs were introduced. We are also working to diversify our supply chain with potential sourcing from additional countries and have undertaken several initiatives to increase margins and reduce costs within our current line of batteries. Our long-term goal is to onshore to the U.S. manufacturing of most of our components and assemblies, including cell manufacturing. To that end, we continue to work with NeoVolta to combine our strengths toward a potential collaboration that aims to engineer a US-based state-of-the-art battery manufacturing facility and develop innovative lithium-ion battery cell and module product designs.

    “Looking ahead, we are successfully executing on our efforts to expand sales across our product portfolio and new Home Energy Storage Solutions vertical. With a strengthened balance sheet from a recent $2.6 million registered direct offering and private placement, we believe we are well positioned to continue our growth initiatives to add OEM partnerships and distributors, further develop HESS, and introduce new technologies and batteries. With substantial purchase orders already in hand and additional new customers expressing interest across our product line, we look forward to announcements of additional milestones in the months ahead and expect our quarterly sequential growth to continue,” concluded Mr. Schaffner.

    First Quarter 2025 Financial Summary

    Revenue in the first quarter of 2025 totaled $2.0 million, an increase of 111% from $1.0 million in the prior year period. The increase in net sales was due, in part, to a rebound in the RV market overall, as well as completing our first sales in the home energy market.

    Gross profit in the first quarter of 2025 totaled $0.5 million, or 25% of revenue, as compared to $0.2 million or 23% of revenue in the prior year period and 21% of revenue for the full fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in sales and lower cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales.

    Selling, general and administrative expenses in the first quarter of 2025 decreased 25% to $1.6 million compared to $2.2 million in the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in salaries and benefits, including lower non-cash stock-based compensation, as well as reduction in headcount. Legal and professional fees also had a significant decrease, as did rent expense due to terminating the lease on our second warehouse.

    Net loss in the first quarter of 2025 totaled $1.2 million, a 48% improvement from a net loss of $2.2 million in the prior year period. The decrease in net loss was primarily the result of higher net sales for the period ended March 31, 2025 combined with a decrease in selling, general, and administrative expenses.

    Cash and cash equivalents totaled $1.1 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $0.5 million as of December 31, 2024. On January 3, 2025, the Company closed a $2.6 million registered direct offering and private placement priced at the market under Nasdaq rules.

    Net cash used in operating activities totaled $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $1.7 million in the prior year period. Receiving inventory that was prepaid during the prior period accounted for a large portion of the change for the three months ending March 31, 2025, as well as making payments to decrease our suspended liability.

    First Quarter 2025 Results Conference Call

    Brian Schaffner, Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer of Expion360, will host the conference call, followed by a question-and-answer period. The conference call will be accompanied by a presentation, which can be viewed during the webcast or accessed via the investor relations section of the Company’s website here.

    To access the call, please use the following information:

    A telephone replay will be available approximately three hours after the call and will remain available through May 29, 2025, by dialing 1-844-512-2921 from the U.S., or 1-412-317-6671 from international locations, and entering replay pin number: 10199138. The replay can also be viewed through the webcast link above and the presentation utilized during the call will be available via the investor relations section of the Company’s website here.

    About Expion360

    Expion360 is an industry leader in premium lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries and accessories for recreational vehicles, marine applications, Light EV and residential energy storage.

    The Company’s lithium-ion batteries feature half the weight of standard lead-acid batteries while delivering three times the power and ten times the number of charging cycles. Expion360 batteries also feature better construction and reliability compared to other lithium-ion batteries on the market due to their superior design and quality materials. Specially reinforced, fiberglass-infused, premium ABS and solid mechanical connections help provide top performance and safety. With Expion360 batteries, adventurers can enjoy the most beautiful and remote places on Earth even longer.

    The Company is headquartered in Redmond, Oregon. Expion360 lithium-ion batteries are available today through more than 300 dealers, wholesalers, private-label customers, and OEMs across the country. To learn more about the Company, visit expion360.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    The foregoing material may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts, including without limitation statements regarding the Company’s business prospects, and can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “project,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “should,” “continue” or the negative versions of those words or other comparable words. Forward-looking statements included in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the Company’s beliefs, plans, and expectations about its operations, product development and pipeline, growth prospects, market expectations and opportunity, the availability of incentives and tax credits, potential partnership with NeoVolta, and growth expectations. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future actions or performance. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Company and its current plans or expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect current plans. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ significantly from those anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended, or planned. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot guarantee future results, performance, or achievements. Except as required by applicable law, including the security laws of the United States, the Company does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results.

    Company Contact:
    Brian Schaffner, CEO and Interim CFO
    541-797-6714
    Email Contact

    External Investor Relations:
    Chris Tyson, Executive Vice President
    MZ Group – MZ North America
    949-491-8235
    XPON@mzgroup.us
    www.mzgroup.us

     
     EXPION360 INC.
    BALANCE SHEETS
     
        As of March
    31, 2025
    (Unaudited)    		   As of
    December 31,
    2024
    Assets                
    Current Assets                
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 1,092,607     $ 547,565  
    Accounts receivable, net     592,625       613,022  
    Inventory     6,036,033       4,831,461  
    Prepaid/in-transit inventory     149,541       1,612,686  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     208,373       236,461  
    Total current assets     8,079,179       7,841,195  
                     
    Property and equipment     909,603       914,081  
    Accumulated depreciation     (460,866 )     (430,191 )
    Property and equipment, net     448,737       483,890  
                     
    Other Assets                
    Operating leases – right-of-use asset     689,046       754,832  
    Deposits     25,471       27,471  
    Total other assets     714,517       782,303  
    Total assets   $ 9,242,433     $ 9,107,388  
                     
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity                
    Current liabilities                
    Accounts payable   $ 367,457     $ 338,091  
    Customer deposits     41,920       48,474  
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities     196,874       187,464  
    Current portion of operating lease liability     255,676       256,153  
    Current portion of long-term debt     31,275       31,758  
    Suspended Liability     4,485,948       4,985,948  
    Total current liabilities     5,379,150       5,847,888  
                     
    Long-term debt, net of current portion and discount     190,564       198,412  
    Operating lease liability, net of current portion     476,115       542,764  
    Total liabilities   $ 6,045,829     $ 6,589,064  
                     
    Stockholders’ equity                
    Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively     —       —  
    Common stock, par value $0.001 per share; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 3,144,468 and 2,096,082 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively     3,144       2,096  
    Additional paid-in capital     38,920,698       37,091,468  
    Accumulated deficit     (35,727,238 )     (34,575,240 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     3,196,604       2,518,324  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 9,242,433     $ 9,107,388  
     
    EXPION360 INC.
    STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
     
        For the Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025   2024
    Net sales   $ 2,049,331     $ 971,859  
    Cost of sales     1,547,764       749,337  
    Gross profit     501,567       222,522  
    Selling, general and administrative     1,649,435       2,189,475  
    Loss from operations     (1,147,868 )     (1,966,953 )
                     
    Other (income) / expense:                
    Interest income     (1 )     (26,865 )
    Interest expense     5,668       253,286  
    (Gain) / Loss on sale of property and equipment     (1,625 )     306  
    Other (income) / expense     50       (1,200 )
    Total other expense     4,092       225,527  
    Loss before taxes     (1,151,960 )     (2,192,480 )
                     
    Franchise taxes     38       460  
    Net loss   $ (1,151,998 )   $ (2,192,940 )
                     
    Net loss per share (basic and diluted)   $ (0.37 )   $ (31.30 )
    Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding     3,109,522       70,057  
     
    EXPION360 INC.
    STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
     
        For the Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025   2024
    Cash flows from operating activities                
                     
    Net loss   $ (1,151,998 )   $ (2,192,940 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:                
    Depreciation     34,028       49,444  
    Amortization of convertible note costs     —       166,786  
    (Gain) / Loss on sale of property and equipment     (1,625 )     306  
    Stock-based compensation     50,721       315,853  
                     
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
    (Increase) / Decrease in accounts receivable     20,397       (83,986 )
    (Increase) / Decrease in inventory     (1,204,572 )     44,773  
    Decrease in prepaid/in-transit inventory     1,463,145       45,137  
    (Increase) / Decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets     28,088       (43,753 )
    Decrease in deposits     2,000       —  
    Increase / (Decrease) in accounts payable     29,366       (4,565 )
    Decrease in customer deposits     (6,554 )     (6,497 )
    Increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities     9,410       33,669  
    Increase / (Decrease) in right-of-use assets and lease liabilities     (1,340 )     3,855  
    Decrease in suspended liability     (500,000 )     —  
    Net cash used in operating activities     (1,228,934 )     (1,671,918 )
                     
    Cash flows from investing activities                
    Purchases of property and equipment     —       (10,550 )
    Net proceeds from sale of property and equipment     2,750       87,684  
    Net cash provided by investing activities     2,750       77,134  
                     
    Cash flows from financing activities                
    Principal payments on convertible note     —       (43,575 )
    Principal payments on long-term debt     (8,331 )     (93,855 )
    Principal payments on stockholder promissory notes     —       (62,500 )
    Net proceeds from exercise of warrants     —       (4 )
    Net proceeds from issuance of common stock     1,779,557       125,153  
    Net cash provided by / (used in) financing activities     1,771,226       (74,781 )
                     
    Net change in cash and cash equivalents     545,042       (1,669,565 )
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning     547,565       3,932,698  
    Cash and cash equivalents, ending     1,092,607       2,263,133  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Dragonfly Energy Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    First Quarter Net Sales and Adjusted EBITDA Above Guidance
    OEM Net Sales Increased 11% Year-Over-Year
    Corporate Optimization Program Enhances Operational Efficiencies
    Guides to Second Quarter Net Sales of Approximately $14.8 Million

    First Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights
    (All comparisons made are against the prior-year period)

    • Net sales were $13.4 million, compared to $12.5 million, up 6.8%.
    • OEM net sales were $8.1 million, compared to $7.3 million, up 10.8%.
    • Gross Margin was 29.4%, compared to 24.4%, up 500 basis points.
    • Net Loss was $(6.8) million, compared to $(10.4) million.
    • Adjusted EBITDA was $(3.6) million, compared to $(5.2) million.

    RENO, Nev., May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. (“Dragonfly Energy” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: DFLI), an industry leader in energy storage and battery technology, today reported its financial and operational results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    “We are pleased to report a second consecutive quarter of year-over-year revenue growth, driven by demand from OEM customers, demonstrating the strength of our long-term partnerships, proprietary product offerings and compelling value propositions,” commented Dr. Denis Phares, Chief Executive Officer. “While the RV market continues to navigate headwinds, we are seeing encouraging customer adoption trends, along with continued penetration of the large heavy duty trucking market.”

    “During the first quarter of 2025, we continued to implement our corporate optimization initiative, prioritizing product development to drive near term revenue and profit. For instance, this strategic shift is accelerating our development of purpose-built solutions for the trucking and industrial markets, resulting in the recent launch of our Battle Born DualFlow Power Pack, a practical, cost-effective hybrid electrification solution for the trucking industry.”

    “We have also focused on optimizing our manufacturing efficiency and throughput, enabling us to increase our production capacity without the need for increased headcount,” continued Dr. Phares. “We believe these operational improvements, together with the capital raise completed in February 2025, provide the foundation for our path to revenue growth and profitability.”

    First Quarter 2025 Financial and Operating Results
    (All financial result comparisons made are against the prior-year period unless otherwise noted)

     
    Net Sales by Customer Type
    (in thousands)
           
      Fiscal Quarter Ended  
      March 31, 2025 March 31, 2024 Change (YoY)
    OEM $8,091 $7,302 10.8%
    DTC $5,015 $5,203 -3.6%
    Licensing Fee $250 N/A N/A
    Net Sales $13,356 $12,505 6.8%
     

    Net Sales increased 6.8% to $13.4 million. OEM net sales grew 10.8% to $8.1 million, driven by increased adoption on new models by existing customers. DTC net sales were $5.0 million compared to $5.2 million, reflecting ongoing macroeconomic pressures.

    Gross Profit increased 28.7% to $3.9 million. Gross Margin was 29.4%, up 500 basis points from 24.4%, due to higher volume. Operating Expenses were $9.8 million, compared to $8.9 million. The increase was primarily due to one-time expenses related to patent litigation and the capital raise completed in February 2025.

    The Company reported a Net Loss of $(6.8) million, or $(0.93) per diluted share, compared to Net Loss of $(10.4) million or $(1.55) per diluted share. Adjusted EBITDA excluding stock-based compensation, changes in the fair market value of our warrants, and other one-time expenses, was $(3.6) million, compared to $(5.2) million.

    Summary and Outlook

    “Looking ahead, we believe Dragonfly Energy’s growing U.S.-based production capabilities—including direct control over final assembly—along with our strategic onshoring of select components, will help strengthen our competitive position in today’s volatile tariff environment. In parallel, we are taking steps to mitigate tariff-related impacts by negotiating favorable terms with suppliers and working closely with key customers regarding potential price adjustments. We remain optimistic in our ability to navigate the current macro environment while continuing to execute on our growth initiatives.”

    “For the second quarter we anticipate net sales of $14.8 million, representing year-over-year growth of approximately 12%. Our strategic priorities for the year remain focused on driving value through product innovation, revenue diversification, and prudent cost management” Dr. Phares concluded.

    Q2 2025 Guidance

    • Net Sales of approximately $14.8 million
    • Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $(3.5) million

    Webcast Information

    The Dragonfly Energy management team will host a conference call to discuss its first quarter 2025 financial and operational this afternoon, May 15, 2025, at 4:30PM Eastern Time. The call can be accessed live via webcast by clicking here, or through the Events and Presentations page within the Investor Relations section of Dragonfly Energy’s website at https://investors.dragonflyenergy.com/events-and-presentations/default.aspx. The call can also be accessed live via telephone by dialing (646) 564-2877, toll-free in North America (800) 549-8228, or for international callers +1 (289) 819-1520, and referencing conference ID: 76172. Please log in to the webcast or dial in to the call at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the event.

    An archive of the webcast will be available for a period of time shortly after the call on the Events and Presentations page on the Investor Relations section of Dragonfly Energy’s website, along with the earnings press release.

    About Dragonfly Energy

    Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: DFLI) is a comprehensive lithium battery technology company, specializing in cell manufacturing, battery pack assembly, and full system integration. Through its renowned Battle Born Batteries® brand, Dragonfly Energy has established itself as a frontrunner in the lithium battery industry, with hundreds of thousands of reliable battery packs deployed in the field through top-tier OEMs and a diverse retail customer base. At the forefront of domestic lithium battery cell production, Dragonfly Energy’s patented dry electrode manufacturing process can deliver chemistry-agnostic power solutions for a broad spectrum of applications, including energy storage systems, electric vehicles, and consumer electronics. The Company’s overarching mission is the future deployment of its proprietary, nonflammable, all-solid-state battery cells.

    To learn more about Dragonfly Energy and its commitment to clean energy advancements, visit https://investors.dragonflyenergy.com/.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical statements of fact and statements regarding the Company’s intent, belief or expectations, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s guidance for 2025, results of operations and financial position, planned products and services, business strategy and plans, market size and growth opportunities, competitive position and technological and market trends. Some of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words, including “may,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “predict,” “plan,” “targets,” “projects,” “could,” “would,” “continue,” “forecast” or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar expressions.

    These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors (some of which are beyond the Company’s control) which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that may impact such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: improved recovery in the Company’s core markets, including the RV market; the Company’s ability to successfully increase market penetration into target markets; the Company’s ability to penetrate the heavy-duty trucking and other new markets; the growth of the addressable markets that the Company intends to target; the Company’s ability to retain members of its senior management team and other key personnel; the Company’s ability to maintain relationships with key suppliers including suppliers in China; the Company’s ability to maintain relationships with key customers; the Company’s ability to access capital as and when needed under its $150 million ChEF Equity Facility; the Company’s ability to protect its patents and other intellectual property; the Company’s ability to successfully utilize its patented dry electrode battery manufacturing process and optimize solid state cells as well as to produce commercially viable solid state cells in a timely manner or at all, and to scale to mass production; the Company’s ability to timely achieve the anticipated benefits of its licensing arrangement with Stryten Energy LLC; the Company’s ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of its customer arrangements with THOR Industries and THOR Industries’ affiliated brands (including Keystone RV Company); the Company’s ability to maintain the listing of its common stock and public warrants on the Nasdaq Capital Market; the Russian/Ukrainian conflict; the Company’s ability to generate revenue from future product sales and its ability to achieve and maintain profitability; and the Company’s ability to compete with other manufacturers in the industry and its ability to engage target customers and successfully convert these customers into meaningful orders in the future. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 to be filed with the SEC and in the Company’s subsequent filings with the SEC available at www.sec.gov.

    If any of these risks materialize or any of the Company’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that the Company presently does not know or that it currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date they were made. Except to the extent required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

    Financial Tables

     
    Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (U.S. Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
           
      As of
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024
    Current Assets      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,803     $ 4,849  
    Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses 4,228     2,416  
    Inventory 21,728     21,716  
    Prepaid expenses 932     806  
    Prepaid inventory 2,031     1,362  
    Prepaid income tax 311     307  
    Assets held of sale 644     644  
    Other current assets 771     825  
    Total Current Assets 33,448     32,925  
    Property and Equipment      
    Property and Equipment, Net 21,252     22,107  
    Operating lease right of use asset 19,079     19,737  
    Other assets 445     445  
    Total Assets $ 74,224     $ 75,214  
    Current Liabilities      
    Accounts payable $ 13,012     $ 10,716  
    Accrued payroll and other liabilities 4,438     4,129  
    Accrued tariffs 1,945     1,915  
    Accrued settlement, current portion 750     750  
    Customer deposits 137     317  
    Deferred revenue, current portion 1,000     1,000  
    Uncertain tax position liability 55     55  
    Operating lease liability, current portion 2,985     2,926  
    Financing lease liability, current portion 48     47  
    Total Current Liabilities 24,370     21,855  
    Long‑Term Liabilities      
    Deferred revenue, net of current portion 3,333     3,583  
    Warrant liabilities 2,011     5,133  
    Accrued settlement, net of current portion 1,750     1,750  
    Notes payable, net of debt issuance costs 33,624     29,646  
    Operating lease liability, net of current portion 21,823     22,588  
    Financing lease liability, net of current portion 51     63  
    Total Long‑Term Liabilities 62,592     62,763  
    Total Liabilities 86,962     84,618  
    Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 5)      
    Series A Preferred stock      
    Preferred stock-Series A 5,000 shares at $0.0001 par value, authorized, 
    320 and 0 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and 
    December 31, 2024, respectively    		 2,907     –  
    Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity      
    Preferred stock, 4,995,000 shares at $0.0001 par value, authorized, no shares issued and
    outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively    		   –       –  
    Common stock, 250,000,000 shares at $0.0001 par value, authorized, 7,589,642 and 6,695,587
    shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively    		 1     1  
    Additional paid in capital 73,305     72,749  
    Accumulated deficit (88,951 )   (82,154 )
    Total Stockholders’ (Deficit) (15,645 )   (9,404 )
    Total Liabilities, Series A Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ Deficit $ 74,224     $ 75,214  
           
    Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp.
    Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Statement of Operations
    (U.S. Dollar in Thousands, except share and per share data)
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,   March 31,
        2025       2024  
           
    Net Sales $ 13,356     $ 12,505  
           
    Cost of Goods Sold   9,428       9,454  
           
    Gross Profit   3,928       3,051  
           
    Operating Expenses      
    Research and development   1,000       1,333  
    General and administrative   6,357       4,813  
    Selling and marketing   2,485       2,744  
           
    Total Operating Expenses   9,842       8,890  
           
    Loss From Operations   (5,914 )     (5,839 )
           
    Other Income (Expense)      
    Interest expense   (4,701 )     (4,760 )
    Other Expense   –       (4 )
    Change in fair market value of warrant liability   3,818       236  
    Total Other Expense   (883 )     (4,528 )
           
    Net Loss Before Taxes   (6,797 )     (10,367 )
           
    Income Tax (Benefit) Expense   –       –  
           
    Net Loss $ (6,797 )   $ (10,367 )
           
    Net (Loss) Gain Per Share‑ Basic & Diluted $ (0.93 )   $ (1.55 )
    Weighted Average Number of Shares‑ Basic & Diluted   7,327,620       6,695,587  
           
    Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
    Three Months Ended
    (U.S. in thousands)
        March 31,        March 31,   
        2025       2024  
    Cash flows from Operating Activities      
    Net Loss $ (6,797 )   $ (10,367 )
    Adjustments to Reconcile Net Loss to Net Cash      
    Used in Operating Activities      
    Stock based compensation   220       266  
    Amortization of debt discount   1,095       894  
    Change in fair market value of warrant liability   (3,818 )     (236 )
    Non‑cash interest expense (paid‑in-kind)   3,579       1,260  
    Provision for credit losses   103       47  
    Depreciation and amortization   859       332  
    Amortization of right of use assets   658       422  
    Changes in Assets and Liabilities      
    Accounts receivable   (1,915 )     (655 )
    Inventories   (12 )     5,200  
    Prepaid expenses   (126 )     (71 )
    Prepaid inventory   (669 )     (87 )
    Other current assets   54       (591 )
    Income taxes payable   (4 )     174  
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses   3,379       81  
    Operating Lease Liability   (717 )     (181 )
    Accrued tariffs   30       87  
    Deferred revenue   (250 )     –  
    Customer deposits   (180 )     30  
    Total Adjustments   2,286       6,972  
    Net Cash Used in Operating Activities   (4,511 )     (3,395 )
           
    Cash Flows From Investing Activities      
    Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment –      –  
    Purchase of property and equipment   (778 )     (817 )
    Net Cash Used in Investing Activities   (778 )     (817 )
           
    (Continued)      
    Cash Flows From Financing Activities      
    Proceeds from public offering   63       –  
    Payment of public offering costs   3,180       –  
    Proceeds from note payable, related party   –       2,700  
    Repayment of note payable, related party   –       (2,700 )
    Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities   3,243       –  
           
    Net Decrease in Cash and cash equivalents   (2,046 )     (4,212 )
    Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period   4,849       12,713  
    Cash and cash equivalents – end of period $ 2,803     $ 8,501  
           
    Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:      
    Cash paid for income taxes   2       –  
    Cash paid for interest $ 1     $ 2,390  
    Supplemental Non‑Cash Items      
    Purchases of property and equipment, not yet paid $ 929     $ 412  
    Recognition of right of use asset obtained in exchange for operating lease liability $ –     $ 21,095  
    Conversion of preferred stock to common stock $ 273     $ –  
    Recognition of warrant liability – Investor Warrants $ 696     $ –  
           
    Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp.
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures (Unaudited)
    (U.S. Dollars in Thousands)
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,   March 31,
        2025       2024  
    EBITDA Calculation      
    Net (Loss) Income Before Taxes $ (6,797 )   $ (10,367 )
    Interest Expense   4,701       4,760  
    Taxes   –       –  
    Depreciation and Amortization   859       332  
    EBITDA $ (1,237 )   $ (5,275 )
           
    Adjustments to EBITDA      
    Stock Based Compensation   220       266  
    Preferred Stock Financing expenses   631      
    Litigation Fees and Loss on Settlement   543       –  
    Reverse Stock Split   15       –  
    Change in fair market value of warrant liability   (3,818 )     (236 )
    Adjusted EBITDA $ (3,645 )   $ (5,245 )
                   

    Investor Relations:
    Eric Prouty
    Szymon Serowiecki
    AdvisIRy Partners
    DragonflyIR@advisiry.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Duos Technologies Group Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Duos Technologies Group, Inc. (“Duos” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: DUOT), a provider of machine vision and artificial intelligence that analyzes fast moving vehicles, reported financial results for the first quarter (“Q1 2025”) ended March 31, 2025.

            
    First Quarter 2025 and Recent Operational Highlights

    • Recorded over $4.8 million in Services and Consulting revenue including $3.9 million for services related to the Asset Management Agreement (“AMA”) with New APR Energy.
    • Significant improvement in Gross Margin compared to the same quarter one year ago and further improvements expected in Q2.
    • Showcased the first production standalone Edge Data Center with revenues starting April 1.
    • Placed orders for 4 additional data centers for a total of 10 units so far all of which have identified locations and expect to meet goal of 15 deployed units by year end.
    • Over 2.3 million comprehensive railcar scans performed in the first quarter across 13 portals, of which more than 379,000 were unique railcars. This metric encompasses all railcars scanned at locations across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, representing approximately 24% of the total freight car population in North America.
    • As of the end of the first quarter, the Company had $17.8 million of revenue in backlog plus $7.0 – $8.0 million near-term awards and renewals to be recognized during the remainder of 2025.

    First Quarter 2025 Financial Results
    It should be noted that the following Financial Results represent the consolidation of the Company with its subsidiaries Duos Technologies, Duos Edge AI, Inc., and Duos Energy Corporation (“Duos Energy”).

    Total revenues for Q1 2025 increased 363% to $4.95 million compared to $1.07 million in the first quarter of 2024 (“Q1 2024”). Total revenue for Q1 2025 represents an aggregate of approximately $65,000 of technology systems revenue and approximately $4,890,000 in recurring services and consulting revenue. The significant revenue increase in the first quarter, compared to the same quarter last year, was primarily driven by Duos Energy beginning to execute against the Asset Management Agreement (“AMA”) with New APR that was signed on December 31, 2024. Under the AMA, Duos Energy oversees the deployment and operations of a fleet of mobile gas turbines and related balance-of-plant inventory, providing management, sales, and operational support services to New APR. The decrease in technology systems revenues was primarily attributed to delays outside of the Company’s control with deployment of our two high-speed Railcar Inspection Portals. Although these systems remain largely ready for deployment, customer delays at the deployment site continue to prevent the Company from entering the installation phase. In spite of the timing delays that continue to impact the quarterly results, management remains confident in the long-term potential of the RIP product.

    Cost of revenues for Q1 2025 increased 273% to $3.64 million compared to $0.98 million for Q1 2024. The significant increase in cost of revenues was primarily due to supporting the AMA with New APR, where Duos Energy oversees the deployment and operations of a fleet of mobile gas turbines and related balance-of-plant inventory, providing management, sales, and operational support services to New APR. An additional contributing factor to the increase in cost of revenues on services and consulting is $548,121 in amortization expense of the intangible asset related to a nonmonetary transaction, which was not present in the corresponding period of 2024. The cost of revenues on technology systems decreased compared to the equivalent period in 2024. This reduction is primarily driven by our ability in Q1 2025 to reallocate certain fixed operating and servicing costs for technology systems to support the AMA, an allocation we could not make in the comparative period because the agreement was not yet in effect. It also reflects the ramp-down of manufacturing ahead of field installation of our two high-speed Railcar Inspection Portals, which has been further delayed and further reduced cost of revenues while we await customer readiness for site deployment.

    Gross margin for Q1 2025 increased 1,288% to $1.31 million compared to $0.09 million for Q1 2024. Gross margin improved primarily due to Duos Energy beginning performance of the AMA with New APR. This includes $904,125 in revenue recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2025, related to the Company’s 5% non-voting equity interest in the ultimate parent of New APR, which carried no associated costs and therefore contributed at a 100% margin. These revenues and the associated margin contribution were not present in the prior year period.

    Operating expenses for Q1 2025 increased 9% to $3.10 million compared to $2.86 million for Q1 2024. The increase in expenses is largely attributed to non-cash stock-based compensation charged for restricted stock granted to the executive team on January 1, 2025, under new employment agreements with a three-year cliff vesting schedule. Sales and marketing costs declined as resources were allocated to costs of service and consulting revenues in support of the AMA with New APR. Conversely, research and development expenses rose 11%, reflecting new engineering hires dedicated to supporting the AMA. The Company continues to focus on stabilizing operating expenses while meeting the increased needs of our customers.

    Net operating loss for Q1 2025 totaled $1.79 million compared to net operating loss of $2.76 million for Q1 2024. The decrease in loss from operations was primarily the result of increased revenues during the quarter, driven by revenue generated by Duos Energy through the AMA with New APR.

    Net loss for Q1 2025 totaled $2.08 million compared to net loss of $2.75 million for Q1 2024. The 24% decrease in net loss was mostly attributed to the increase in revenues generated by Duos Energy through the AMA with New APR as described above.

    Cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2025 totaled $3.80 million compared to $6.27 million at December 31, 2024. In addition, the Company had over $2.68 million in receivables and contract assets for a total of approximately $6.48 million in cash and expected short-term liquidity.

    Financial Outlook
    At the end of the first quarter, the Company’s contracts in backlog represented approximately $45.4 million in revenue, of which approximately $17.4 million is expected to be recognized in calendar 2025 not including an estimated $7.0 – $8.0 million in expected near-term awards and renewals. The remaining contract backlog consists of multi-year service and software agreements, along with project revenues extending beyond 2025, related to Duos, Duos Edge AI, and Duos Energy.

    Based on these committed contracts and near-term pending orders that are already performing or scheduled to be executed throughout the course of 2025, the Company is reiterating its previously stated revenue expectations for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. The Company expects total revenue for 2025 to range between $28 million and $30 million, representing an increase of 285% to 312% from 2024. Duos expects this improvement in operating results to be reflected over the course of the full year in 2025.

    Management Commentary
    “I am delighted with the progress we have made in the first quarter and am very impressed at the speed at which the Duos team has adapted to the new opportunities in the Data Center and Power business,” said Chuck Ferry, Duos CEO. “While our Q1 results were anticipated, my expectation is that we will deliver growth, particularly in the second half, as the results of all our initiatives become booked revenues as indicated by the increase in backlog.”

    Conference Call
    The Company’s management will host a conference call today, May 15, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time (1:30 p.m. Pacific time) to discuss these results, followed by a question-and-answer period.

    Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
    Time: 4:30 p.m. Eastern time (1:30 p.m. Pacific time)
    U.S. dial-in: 877-407-3088
    International dial-in: 201-389-0927
    Confirmation: 13753649

    Please call the conference telephone number 5-10 minutes prior to the start time of the conference call. An operator will register your name and organization.

    If you have any difficulty connecting with the conference call, please contact DUOT@duostech.com.

    The conference call will be broadcast live via telephone and available for online replay via the investor section of the Company’s website here.

    About Duos Technologies Group, Inc.
    Duos Technologies Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DUOT), based in Jacksonville, Florida, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Duos Technologies, Inc., Duos Edge AI, Inc., and Duos Energy Corporation, designs, develops, deploys and operates intelligent technology solutions for Machine Vision and Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) applications including real-time analysis of fast-moving vehicles, Edge Data Centers and power consulting. For more information, visit www.duostech.com , www.duosedge.ai and www.duosenergycorp.com.

    Forward- Looking Statements
    This news release includes forward-looking statements regarding the Company’s financial results and estimates and business prospects that involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Forward-looking statements relate to future events and typically address the Company’s expected future business and financial performance. The forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, information regarding anticipated timing for the installation, development and delivery dates of our systems; anticipated entry into additional contracts; anticipated effects of macro-economic factors (including effects relating to supply chain disruptions and inflation); timing with respect to revenue recognition; trends in the rate at which our costs increase relative to increases in our revenue; anticipated reductions in costs due to changes in the Company’s organizational structure; potential increases in revenue, including increases in recurring revenue; potential changes in gross margin (including the timing thereof); statements regarding our backlog and potential revenues deriving therefrom; and statements about future profitability and potential growth of the Company. Words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “plan,” “aim,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “intend,” “estimate,” “project,” “forecast,” “target,” “potential” and other words and terms of similar meaning, typically identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the Company’s ability to generate sufficient cash to continue and expand operations, the competitive environment generally and in the Company’s specific market areas, changes in technology, the availability of and the terms of financing, changes in costs and availability of goods and services, economic conditions in general and in the Company’s specific market areas, changes in federal, state and/or local government laws and regulations potentially affecting the use of the Company’s technology, changes in operating strategy or development plans and the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of risks, uncertainties and factors is not exclusive. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors is contained in the Company’s most recently filed Annual Reports on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, recent Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other filings filed by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which are available at the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov. The Company believes its plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions. No assurance, however, can be given that the Company will achieve or realize these plans, intentions or expectations. Indeed, it is likely that some of the Company’s assumptions may prove to be incorrect. The Company’s actual results and financial position may vary from those projected or implied in the forward-looking statements and the variances may be material. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any forward-looking statement is based, except as required by law. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning the Company or other matters attributable to the Company or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above.

     
    DUOS TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (Unaudited)
                     
                For the Three Months Ended
                March 31,
                  2025       2024  
                     
    REVENUES:              
      Technology systems         $ 64,684     $ 269,855  
      Services and consulting           972,751       800,825  
      Services and consulting – related parties           3,914,750       –  
                     
      Total Revenues           4,952,185       1,070,680  
                     
    COST OF REVENUES:              
      Technology systems           232,264       583,437  
      Services and consulting           748,194       392,611  
      Services and consulting – related parties           2,658,068       –  
                     
      Total Cost of Revenues           3,638,526       976,048  
                     
    GROSS MARGIN           1,313,659       94,632  
                     
    OPERATING EXPENSES:              
      Sales and marketing           294,975       553,486  
      Research and development           424,431       382,142  
      General and administration           2,383,881       1,920,050  
                     
      Total Operating Expenses           3,103,287       2,855,678  
                     
    LOSS FROM OPERATIONS           (1,789,628 )     (2,761,046 )
                     
    OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES):              
    Interest expense           (322,577 )     (445 )
    Other income, net           32,542       9,182  
                     
      Total Other Income (Expenses), net           (290,035 )     8,737  
                     
    NET LOSS         $ (2,079,663 )   $ (2,752,309 )
                     
                     
    Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share         $ (0.18 )   $ (0.38 )
                     
                     
    Weighted Average Shares-Basic and Diluted           11,390,016       7,306,949  
                     
    DUOS TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
         
                March 31,   December 31,
                  2025       2024  
                (Unaudited)    
    ASSETS        
    CURRENT ASSETS:          
      Cash       $ 3,799,281     $ 6,266,296  
      Accounts receivable, net     215,060       109,007  
      Accounts receivable, net – related parties     1,760,625       294,434  
      Contract assets       700,458       635,774  
      Inventory       520,122       605,356  
      Prepaid expenses and other current assets     468,252       176,338  
      Note receivable, net     –       –  
                     
      Total Current Assets     7,463,798       8,087,205  
                     
      Inventory – non current     196,315       196,315  
      Property and equipment, net     3,300,754       2,771,779  
      Operating lease right of use asset – Office Lease     3,937,256       4,028,397  
      Financing lease right of use asset – Edge Data Centers     1,943,547       2,019,180  
      Security deposit       500,000       500,000  
                     
    OTHER ASSETS:          
      Equity Method Investment – Sawgrass APR Holdings LLC     7,233,000       7,233,000  
      Intangible Asset, net       9,043,996       9,592,118  
      Patents and trademarks, net     133,714       127,300  
      Software development costs, net     334,960       403,383  
      Total Other Assets       16,745,670       17,355,801  
                     
    TOTAL ASSETS     $ 34,087,340     $ 34,958,677  
                     
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
                     
    CURRENT LIABILITIES:          
      Accounts payable     $ 698,518     $ 969,822  
      Notes payable – financing agreements     129,914       17,072  
      Accrued expenses       451,130       373,251  
      Operating lease obligation – Office Lease -current portion     803,536       798,556  
      Financing lease obligations – Edge Data Centers – current portion     487,695       367,451  
      Notes payable, net of discount – related parties     1,027,707       1,758,396  
      Contract liabilities, current     3,001,352       3,188,518  
      Contract liabilities, current – related parties     7,366,500       8,616,500  
                     
      Total Current Liabilities     13,966,352       16,089,566  
                     
      Contract liabilities, less current portion     6,851,513       7,399,634  
      Contract liabilities, less current portion – related parties     2,712,375       3,616,500  
      Operating lease obligation – Office Lease, less current portion     3,767,106       3,867,042  
      Financing lease obligations – Edge Data Centers, less current portion     1,638,040       1,724,604  
                     
      Total Liabilities       28,935,386       32,697,346  
                     
    Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)        
                     
    STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:        
      Preferred stock: $0.001 par value, 10,000,000 authorized, 9,441,000 shares available to be designated    
      Series A redeemable convertible preferred stock, $10 stated value per share,   –       –  
      500,000 shares designated; 0 and 0 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively,
      convertible into common stock at $6.30 per share        
      Series B convertible preferred stock, $1,000 stated value per share,     –       –  
      15,000 shares designated; 0 and 0 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2025      
      and December 31, 2024, respectively, convertible into common stock at $7 per share    
      Series C convertible preferred stock, $1,000 stated value per share,     –       –  
      5,000 shares designated; 0 and 0 issued        
      and outstanding at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively,        
      convertible into common stock at $5.50 per share        
      Series D convertible preferred stock, $1,000 stated value per share,     1       1  
      4,000 shares designated; 999 and 1,299 issued        
      and outstanding at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively,        
      convertible into common stock at $3.00 per share        
      Series E convertible preferred stock, $1,000 stated value per share,        
      30,000 shares designated; 13,500 and 13,500 issued        
      and outstanding at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively,     14       14  
      convertible into common stock at $2.61 per share        
      Series F convertible preferred stock, $1,000 stated value per share,        
      5,000 shares designated; 0 and 0 issued        
      and outstanding at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively,     –       –  
      convertible into common stock at $6.20 per share        
                     
      Common stock: $0.001 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized,        
      11,655,229 and 8,922,576 shares issued, 11,653,905 and 8,921,252       11,654       8,921  
      shares outstanding at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively        
      Additional paid-in-capital     81,745,409       76,777,856  
      Accumulated deficit     (76,447,672 )     (74,368,009 )
      Sub-total       5,309,406       2,418,783  
      Less: Treasury stock (1,324 shares of common stock        
      at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024)       (157,452 )     (157,452 )
    Total Stockholders’ Equity     5,151,954       2,261,331  
                     
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity   $ 34,087,340     $ 34,958,677  
                     
    DUOS TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
     (Unaudited)
     
      For the Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
           
    Cash from operating activities:      
    Net loss $ (2,079,663 )   $ (2,752,309 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:      
    Depreciation and amortization   712,388       158,208  
    Inventory write-off   25,000       –  
    Stock based compensation   995,647       159,320  
    Stock issued for services   50,000       37,500  
    Amortization of debt discount related to warrant liabilities   269,311       –  
    Amortization of operating lease right of use asset – Office Lease   91,142       83,348  
    Amortization of lease right of use asset – Edge Data Centers   75,633       –  
    Changes in assets and liabilities:      
    Accounts receivable   (106,053 )     866,373  
    Accounts receivable-related parties   (1,466,191 )     –  
    Note receivable   –       (1,875 )
    Contract assets   (64,684 )     (270,099 )
    Inventory   10,624       23,828  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   (42,467 )     57,944  
    Accounts payable   (271,304 )     (415,718 )
    Accrued expenses   77,879       76,370  
    Operating lease obligation – Office Lease   (94,956 )     (82,306 )
    Lease obligations – Edge Data Centers   33,680       –  
    Contract liabilities   (2,889,411 )     26,697  
           
    Net cash used in operating activities   (4,673,425 )     (2,032,719 )
           
    Cash flows from investing activities:      
    Purchase of patents/trademarks   (9,264 )     (980 )
    Purchase of fixed assets   (572,359 )     (8,830 )
           
    Net cash used in investing activities   (581,623 )     (9,810 )
           
    Cash flows from financing activities:      
    Repayments on financing agreements   (136,606 )     (130,535 )
    Repayments of notes payable, related parties   (1,000,000 )     –  
    Proceeds from common stock issued   3,954,940       –  
    Proceeds from excercise of stock options   107,925       –  
    Stock issuance cost   (138,226 )     (36,188 )
    Proceeds from preferred stock issued   –       2,745,002  
           
    Net cash provided by financing activities   2,788,033       2,578,279  
           
    Net increase (decrease) in cash   (2,467,015 )     535,750  
    Cash, beginning of period   6,266,296       2,441,842  
    Cash, end of period $ 3,799,281     $ 2,977,592  
           
    Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:      
    Interest paid $ 3,865     $ –  
    Taxes paid $ 15,945     $ –  
           
    Supplemental Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:      
    Notes issued for financing of insurance premiums $ 249,448     $ 272,322  
    Transfer of inventory to fixed assets $ 49,609     $ –  
           
     

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9b5abe56-f21b-4ee5-9a09-7f9852d9bd2b

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Airship AI Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    First Quarter 2025 Net Revenues of $5.5 Million, Gross Profit of $2.2 Million and Gross Margin of 40%

    Increased Investments In Our People And Digital Transformation Will Enable Us To Stay Resilient and Ready In A Rapidly Changing Marketplace

    New Pro-U.S. Border Security Administration Provides Additional Macro Tailwinds for 2025 & Beyond

    REDMOND, Wash., May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Airship AI Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AISP) (“Airship AI” or the “Company”), a leader in AI-driven video, sensor, and data management surveillance solutions, today reported its financial and operational results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    Q1 2025 Financial Highlights

    • Net revenues for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 were $5.5 million.
    • Gross profits for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 were $2.2 million.
    • Gross margin percentage was 40% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. The margins reflected increased solution sales with more third-party hardware than Airship AI software.
    • Operating loss was $1.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 reflected in increased stock based compensation and increased investments in sales and marketing related expenditures which should increase future sales.
    • Other income for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was $25.4 million, primarily due to a gain from a change in the fair value of earnout liability of $9.8 million, and a change in fair value of warrant liability of $15.5 million.
    • Net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was $23.7 million, or $0.75 per basic share, primarily related to noncash income of $25.4 million.
    • Net cash used in operating activities was $2.1 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2025.
    • Cash and cash equivalents were $8.8 million as of March 31, 2025.

    Q1 2025 & Subsequent Operational Highlights

    • Backlog as of March 31, 2025 was $2.0 million, representing firm fixed price contracts awarded in the fourth quarter of 2024 or first quarter of 2025 that will be shipped and invoiced through the remainder of calendar year 2025. Backlog is not indicative of future quarterly revenue as approximately 75% of quarterly revenue is transactional and recognized in the same quarter.
    • Our total validated pipeline at the end of the quarter was approximately $135 million, consisting of single and multi-year opportunities for AI-driven edge, video, and sensor and data management platform across all our customer verticals. Our pipeline includes opportunities at varying stages of progression with expected award timeframes throughout the next 18-24 months.
    • Due to the sensitive nature of many of our customers and deployment use cases, we are often restricted from publicly disclosing awards and or limited as to the specifics of the customer and use case. Consequently, most of our awards are executed on closed or restricted contract vehicles which further limits the sharing of information that might be otherwise available.
    • We grew our internal sales and sales engineering force, adding seasoned sales professionals with deep industry expertise, partner relationships, and customer knowledge that will allow us to ramp up quickly.
    • We participated in multiple customer facing tradeshows during the quarter including brand new industry wide and vertically focused shows where we had a significantly increased level of participation and or visibility as compared to historical participation.
    • As part of our transition to a partner driven sales model, we participated in several partner shows and events, including those sponsored by integrators and dealers, and those by manufacturers of hardware sensors and or solutions that we integrate with and manage for our customers.
    • We hosted our invite only government focused customer event outside Austin, TX, demonstrating and training on the latest in Airship AI developed and or supported solutions. This year’s focus was on solutions supporting challenges along the southern border and was well attended by agencies across the federal government.
    • On April 23, 2025, we entered into an At the Market Offering Agreement with Roth Capital Partners, LLC, as sales agent, pursuant to which we may, from time to time, offer and sell shares of our common stock up to a maximum of $25 million, which shares are registered on a registration statement that we filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may offer to sell any of the securities, or any combination of the securities, described in this prospectus, in each case, in one or more offerings, up to $50 million.
    • On March 21, 2025, our shelf registration statement on Form S-3 for the sale of up to $50 million of our securities was declared effective by the SEC.

    2025 Outlook

    • 30% revenue growth and positive cash flow for calendar year 2025 supported by a strong and validated pipeline of ~$135 million, improving gross profit margins, and a strong recurring revenue model.
    • Make tactical and strategic investments across our sales and business development organizations through organic cash flow from business operations and the potential cash exercise of public warrants.
    • Release new Outpost AI product offerings as well as expand custom trained AI models supporting emerging edge analytic workflows.
    • Continue innovation across our core Acropolis software platform supporting new workflows for cloud-based deployments in highly secure operational environments.
    • Develop and execute expansionary opportunities in the commercial and retail markets, particularly around those companies involved in combating organized retail crime.
    • Improve sourcing, supply chain management and production-based process efficiencies to help drive continued margin expansion.
    • Focus on brand awareness and engagement in new verticals through targeted marketing outreach opportunities, social media platforms, Airship AI hosted technology events, and industry tradeshow events.

    Management Commentary

    “The first quarter of 2025 was largely overshadowed by the actions of the new administration as they worked to finalize the approval and release of budgets and special appropriations,” said Paul Allen, President of Airship AI. “In the face of these headwinds, our team was able to generate solid revenues for the quarter of $5.5 million at a gross margin percentage of 40%, while increasing our investments in our people and customers.

    “As we worked to successfully execute awarded contracts in our current backlog, we dedicated significant time and resources to advancing pipeline opportunities. These efforts are positioning us to move quickly once budgets are approved and released. Based on current forecasts, we anticipate meaningful activity beginning mid-second quarter, with continued growth expected through the end of Q2 and into Q3.

    “Simultaneously, many of our federal customers are projecting increased funding through supplemental appropriations. This has initiated a wave of market research discussions focused on potential solutions to address emerging mission needs. We anticipate that many of these conversations will evolve into tangible opportunities extending across the current and upcoming fiscal years.

    “In the commercial segment, our strategic push into new market verticals, driven by partnerships with integrators and business collaborators, has been met with strong interest. Several early wins confirm both the market’s appetite for differentiated solutions and the soundness of our strategic investment in people and partners. This validation further supports continued investment to build on our momentum and drive sustained growth.

    “These collected efforts have also affirmed that we are on the right track with our digital transformation strategy, focused squarely on how AI at the far and near edge can solve for our customers’ existing and emerging threats in the public safety and security space. Building on our existing investments in the AI Factory, we expect to launch several new products in 2025, including advanced computer vision analytics powered by machine learning and a Generative AI application that will transform how customers access and interact with their data.

    “Finally, amid broader macroeconomic conditions, we are closely monitoring tariff developments. As a U.S.-based software company, we do not expect these tariffs to significantly impact our core business. In areas where we provide hardware solutions, such as our Outpost AI edge appliance, we work proactively with global suppliers to maintain optimal inventory levels. This approach helps us manage costs effectively and ensure timely, competitively priced delivery of our products and services.

    “The combination of our strong existing pipeline focused on leveraging existing budgets, increased business development opportunities leveraging supplemental appropriations, and the investments in people and customers already made leaves us confident in our ability to execute against our stated objectives of 30% YoY revenue growth and achieving cash flow positive operations,” concluded Mr. Allen.

    About Airship AI Holdings, Inc.

    Founded in 2006, Airship AI (NASDAQ: AISP) is a U.S. owned and operated technology company headquartered in Redmond, Washington. Airship AI is an AI-driven video, sensor and data management surveillance platform that improves public safety and operational efficiency for public sector and commercial customers by providing predictive analysis of events before they occur and meaningful intelligence to decision makers. Airship AI’s product suite includes Outpost AI edge hardware and software offerings, Acropolis enterprise management software stack, and Command family of visualization tools.

    For more information, visit https://airship.ai.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    The disclosure herein includes certain statements that are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward looking. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, (1) statements regarding estimates and forecasts of financial, performance and operational metrics and projections of market opportunity; (2) changes in the market for Airship AI’s services and technology, expansion plans and opportunities; (3) the projected technological developments of Airship AI; and (4) current and future potential commercial and customer relationships. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of Airship AI’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are also subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, as set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2025, and the other documents that the Company has filed, or will file, with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. In addition, forward looking statements reflect the Company’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its assessments to change. However, while it may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.

    Investor Contact:

    Chris Tyson/Larry Holub
    MZ North America
    949-491-8235
    AISP@mzgroup.us

     
    AIRSHIP AI HOLDINGS, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024
                 
        March 31,
    2025    		     December 31,
    2024 (1)    		  
    ASSETS   Unaudited        
                 
    CURRENT ASSETS:            
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 8,812,178     $ 11,414,830  
    Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $0     2,782,650       1,226,757  
    Prepaid expenses and other     67,311       17,883  
    Total current assets     11,662,139       12,659,470  
                     
    OTHER ASSETS                
    Other assets     165,960       165,960  
    Operating lease right of use asset     1,102,967       882,024  
                     
    TOTAL ASSETS   $ 12,931,066     $ 13,707,454  
                     
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT                
                     
    CURRENT LIABILITIES:                
    Accounts payable – trade   $ 2,179,847     $ 759,480  
    Advances from founders     700,000       1,300,000  
    Accrued expenses     60,551       51,649  
    Current portion of operating lease liability     405,916       305,178  
    Deferred revenue- current portion     2,948,695       3,238,483  
    Total current liabilities     6,295,009       5,654,790  
                     
    NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:                
    Operating lease liability, net of current portion     758,376       638,525  
    Warrant liability     18,659,435       34,180,618  
    Earnout liability     8,199,079       23,304,808  
    Deferred revenue- non-current     2,528,716       2,951,850  
    Total liabilities     36,440,615       66,730,591  
                     
    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)                
                     
    STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT:                
    Preferred stock – no par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024     –       –  
    Common stock – $0.0001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 31,844,471 and 30,588,413 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024     3,182       3,056  
    Additional paid in capital     27,731,753       21,918,867  
    Accumulated deficit     (51,233,605 )     (74,941,590 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (10,879 )     (3,470 )
    Total stockholders’ deficit     (23,509,549 )     (53,023,137 )
                     
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT   $ 12,931,066     $ 13,707,454  
                     
     
    AIRSHIP AI HOLDINGS, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
    For the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024
    (Unaudited)
           
        Three Months Ended  
        March 31, 2025     March 31, 2024  
        Unaudited     Unaudited  
    NET REVENUES:            
    Product   $ 4,497,240     $ 9,398,776  
    Post contract support     998,051       1,176,239  
    Other services     7,737       –  
          5,503,028       10,575,015  
    COST OF NET REVENUES:                
    Cost of Sales     2,923,087       7,789,409  
    Post contract support     312,021       157,479  
    Other services     32,916       –  
          3,268,024       7,946,888  
    GROSS PROFIT     2,235,004       2,628,127  
    RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES     719,382       695,366  
    SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES     3,229,979       3,335,294  
    TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES     3,949,361       4,030,660  
    OPERATING LOSS     (1,714,357 )     (1,402,533 )
    OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) :                
    Gain (loss) from change in fair value of earnout liability     9,823,605       (21,484,850 )
    Gain (loss) from change in fair value of warrant liability     15,521,183       (6,847,091 )
    Loss from change in fair value of convertible debt     –       (2,039,377 )
    Loss on note conversion     –       (158,794 )
    Interest income (expense), net     77,554       (31,824 )
    Total other income (expense), net     25,422,342       (30,561,936 )
                     
    INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES     23,707,985       (31,964,469 )
                     
    Provision for income taxes     –       –  
                     
    NET INCOME (LOSS)     23,707,985       (31,964,469 )
                     
    OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME                
    Foreign currency translation (loss) income, net     (7,409 )     3,239  
                     
    TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)   $ 23,700,576     $ (31,961,230 )
                     
    NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE:                
    Basic   $ 0.75     $ (1.40 )
    Diluted   $ 0.61     $ (1.40 )
                     
    Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding                
    Basic     31,704,117       22,898,487  
    Diluted     38,820,839       22,898,487  
                     
     
    AIRSHIP AI HOLDINGS, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    For the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024
    (Unaudited)
           
        Three Months Ended  
        March 31, 2025     March 31, 2024  
        Unaudited     Unaudited  
    CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:            
    Net income (loss)   $ 23,707,985     $ (31,964,469 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities                
    Depreciation and amortization     –       1,861  
    Stock-based compensation     428,286       268,989  
    Amortization of operating lease right of use asset     83,396       80,291  
    (Gain) loss from change in fair value of warrant liability     (15,521,183 )     6,847,091  
    (Gain) loss from change in fair value of earnout liability     (9,823,605 )     21,484,850  
    Loss from change in fair value of convertible note     –       2,039,377  
    Loss on note conversion     –       158,794  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
    Accounts receivable     (1,555,893 )     (55,525 )
    Prepaid expenses and other     (49,428 )     2,010  
    Other assets     –       1,901  
    Operating lease liability     (83,750 )     (67,211 )
    Payroll and income tax receivable     –       (2,410 )
    Accounts payable – trade and accrued expenses     1,429,270       433,415  
    Deferred revenue     (712,922 )     (924,048 )
    NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES     (2,097,844 )     (1,695,084 )
                     
    CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                
    Proceeds from warrant exercise, net     59,400       293,249  
    Repayment of advances from founders     (600,000 )     –  
    Proceeds from stock option exercises     43,201       –  
                     
    NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES     (497,399 )     293,249  
                     
    NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS     (2,595,243 )     (1,401,835 )
                     
    Effect from exchange rate on cash     (7,409 )     3,239  
                     
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period     11,414,830       3,124,413  
                     
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period   $ 8,812,178     $ 1,725,817  
                     
    Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:                
    Interest paid   $ –     $ –  
    Taxes paid   $ –     $ 2,410  
                     
    Noncash investing and financing                
    Issuance of common stock for debt conversion   $ –     $ 835,610  
    Issuance of common stock for earnout shares   $ 5,282,125     $ –  
    Recognition of operating right-of-use asset   $ 304,339     $ –  
    Recognition of operating lease liability   $ 304,339     $ –  
                     

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kentucky Homeowners With Privately-Owned Road and Bridge Damage May Be Eligible for FEMA Assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    strong>FRANKFORT, Ky. – If you had a privately-owned road or bridge damaged or destroyed by the April severe storms, FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may provide financial assistance for replacement or repairs.
    FEMA Assistance
    FEMA may provide funds to repair privately-owned access roads and bridges that were damaged by the storms. To qualify, you must be the owner, and the home must serve as your primary residence.
    A FEMA inspection is needed to determine if repairs are necessary for a vehicle to access the property. In addition, you must meet the following conditions:

    A FEMA inspection determines repairs are necessary to provide drivable access to the primary residence.
    The applicant is responsible, or shares responsibility with other homeowners, for maintaining the privately-owned access route to their primary residence.
    The privately-owned access route is the only access to the applicant’s primary residence, and repair or replacement is necessary for the safety of occupants, allowing access for emergency vehicles or equipment.

    When multiple households share a privately-owned access route, assistance is shared among applicants, requiring additional coordination and documentation between FEMA and each applicant. Applicants may be eligible for funds to repair a private road or bridge damaged in the disaster, even if their primary residence did not sustain damage.
    U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans
    The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), FEMA’s federal partner in disaster recovery, may also be able to help. Homeowners who share private access roads and bridges with other homeowners may be eligible for SBA disaster loans.
    Agricultural property is not eligible, but a private access road to the farmer’s residence, the residence itself and personal contents may be eligible under disaster home loan criteria. 
    Please contact your Kentucky Farm Service Agency (USDA Service Center Locator). 
    For more information, call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.
    For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4860 and www.fema.gov/disaster/4864. Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x.com/femaregion4.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA, French SWOT Satellite Offers Big View of Small Ocean Features

    Source: NASA

    The international mission collects two-dimensional views of smaller waves and currents that are bringing into focus the ocean’s role in supporting life on Earth.
    Small things matter, at least when it comes to ocean features like waves and eddies. A recent NASA-led analysis using data from the SWOT (Surface Water and Ocean Topography) satellite found that ocean features as small as a mile across potentially have a larger impact on the movement of nutrients and heat in marine ecosystems than previously thought.
    Too small to see well with previous satellites but too large to see in their entirety with ship-based instruments, these relatively small ocean features fall into a category known as the submesoscale. The SWOT satellite, a joint effort between NASA and the French space agency CNES (Centre National d’Études Spatiales), can observe these features and is demonstrating just how important they are, driving much of the vertical transport of things like nutrients, carbon, energy, and heat within the ocean. They also influence the exchange of gases and energy between the ocean and atmosphere.
    “The role that submesoscale features play in ocean dynamics is what makes them important,” said Matthew Archer, an oceanographer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. Some of these features are called out in the animation below, which was created using SWOT sea surface height data.

    [embedded content]
    This animation shows small ocean features — including internal waves and eddies — derived from SWOT observations in the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. White and lighter blue represent higher ocean surface heights compared to darker blue areas. The purple colors shown in one location represent ocean current speeds.NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio

    “Vertical currents move heat between the atmosphere and ocean, and in submesoscale eddies, can actually bring up heat from the deep ocean to the surface, warming the atmosphere,” added Archer, who is a coauthor on the submesoscale analysis published in April in the journal Nature. Vertical circulation can also bring up nutrients from the deep sea, supplying marine food webs in surface waters like a steady stream of food trucks supplying festivalgoers.
    “Not only can we see the surface of the ocean at 10 times the resolution of before, we can also infer how water and materials are moving at depth,” said Nadya Vinogradova Shiffer, SWOT program scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
    Fundamental Force
    Researchers have known about these smaller eddies, or circular currents, and waves for decades. From space, Apollo astronauts first spotted sunlight glinting off small-scale eddies about 50 years ago. And through the years, satellites have captured images of submesoscale ocean features, providing limited information such as their presence and size. Ship-based sensors or instruments dropped into the ocean have yielded a more detailed view of submesoscale features, but only for relatively small areas of the ocean and for short periods of time.
    The SWOT satellite measures the height of water on nearly all of Earth’s surface, including the ocean and freshwater bodies, at least once every 21 days. The satellite gives researchers a multidimensional view of water levels, which they can use to calculate, for instance, the slope of a wave or eddy. This in turn yields information on the amount of pressure, or force, being applied to the water in the feature. From there, researchers can figure out how fast a current is moving, what’s driving it and —combined with other types of information — how much energy, heat, or nutrients those currents are transporting.  
    “Force is the fundamental quantity driving fluid motion,” said study coauthor Jinbo Wang, an oceanographer at Texas A&M University in College Station. Once that quantity is known, a researcher can better understand how the ocean interacts with the atmosphere, as well as how changes in one affect the other.
    Prime Numbers
    Not only was SWOT able to spot a submesoscale eddy in an offshoot of the Kuroshio Current — a major current in the western Pacific Ocean that flows past the southeast coast of Japan — but researchers were also able to estimate the speed of the vertical circulation within that eddy. When SWOT observed the feature, the vertical circulation was likely 20 to 45 feet (6 to 14 meters) per day.
    This is a comparatively small amount for vertical transport. However, the ability to make those calculations for eddies around the world, made possible by SWOT, will improve researchers’ understanding of how much energy, heat, and nutrients move between surface waters and the deep sea.
    Researchers can do similar calculations for such submesoscale features as an internal solitary wave — a wave driven by forces like the tide sloshing over an underwater plateau. The SWOT satellite spotted an internal wave in the Andaman Sea, located in the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean off Myanmar. Archer and colleagues calculated that the energy contained in that solitary wave was at least twice the amount of energy in a typical internal tide in that region.
    This kind of information from SWOT helps researchers refine their models of ocean circulation. A lot of ocean models were trained to show large features, like eddies hundreds of miles across, said Lee Fu, SWOT project scientist at JPL and a study coauthor. “Now they have to learn to model these smaller scale features. That’s what SWOT data is helping with.”
    Researchers have already started to incorporate SWOT ocean data into some models, including NASA’s ECCO (Estimating the Circulation and Climate of the Ocean). It may take some time until SWOT data is fully a part of models like ECCO. But once it is, the information will help researchers better understand how the ocean ecosystem will react to a changing world.
    More About SWOT
    The SWOT satellite was jointly developed by NASA and CNES, with contributions from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the UK Space Agency. Managed for NASA by Caltech in Pasadena, California, JPL leads the U.S. component of the project. For the flight system payload, NASA provided the Ka-band radar interferometer (KaRIn) instrument, a GPS science receiver, a laser retroreflector, a two-beam microwave radiometer, and NASA instrument operations. The Doppler Orbitography and Radioposition Integrated by Satellite system, the dual frequency Poseidon altimeter (developed by Thales Alenia Space), the KaRIn radio-frequency subsystem (together with Thales Alenia Space and with support from the UK Space Agency), the satellite platform, and ground operations were provided by CNES. The KaRIn high-power transmitter assembly was provided by CSA.
    To learn more about SWOT, visit:
    https://swot.jpl.nasa.gov
    News Media Contacts
    Jane J. Lee / Andrew WangJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.626-491-1943 / 626-379-6874jane.j.lee@jpl.nasa.gov / andrew.wang@jpl.nasa.gov
    2025-070

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Thirty Gang Members and Associates Indicted on Racketeering, Murder, Drug Trafficking, Fraud, and Firearm Charges

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    An eight-count indictment was unsealed in the Southern District of Georgia charging 30 defendants – all alleged Sex Money Murder (SMM) gang members and associates – with crimes including racketeering (RICO) conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and related firearm and drug trafficking crimes.

    According to court documents and statements in court, SMM members and associates engaged in extreme violence to retaliate against fellow members for perceived violations of gang rules. For example, SMM members killed one member who wanted to leave the gang and attempted to kill another by repeatedly stabbing him for alleged homosexual activities while in jail. SMM members profited from trafficking large amounts of deadly drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, throughout the Savannah metropolitan area. They also made money participating in sophisticated fraud schemes targeting federal COVID-19 relief and unemployment benefit programs that resulted in intended losses of over $850,000.

    “As alleged, the Sex Money Murder gang, a derivative of the nationally known Bloods gang, brutally enforced its purported rules, killing a 19-year-old member, and engaged in rampant drug trafficking and federal program fraud to enrich themselves,” said Matthew Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “We will not rest until every criminal organization like SMM that wreaks havoc on our streets and prison systems and exploits programs meant to support vulnerable populations are dismantled. Thank you to every federal, state, and local law enforcement agency that came together to dismantle this criminal enterprise.”

    “Today’s indictment is an important step in ending gang violence on our streets and in our prisons,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons for the Southern District of Georgia. “My office will continuously work with our law enforcement partners to ensure public safety.”

    “The violence and crime this gang committed across our region contributed to an epidemic in our nation.” said Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the FBI Atlanta Field Office. “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families who suffer because of this gangs’ activities. The FBI works with our law enforcement partners every day to crush violent crime in Georgia and our nation.”

    “This case demonstrates the relentless coordination and commitment among our law enforcement partners to dismantle violent criminal enterprises like Sex Money Murder,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). “ATF is proud to have played a critical role in targeting the illegal firearms and narcotics trafficking that fueled this gang’s deadly reach both inside and outside prison walls.” 

    “This indictment represents a significant step forward in our continued efforts to dismantle violent criminal enterprises operating within Georgia communities and correctional facilities,” said Director Chris Hosey of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). “The GBI remains committed to working alongside our federal, state, and local partners to hold gang members accountable and protect the safety and wellbeing of all Georgians.”

    “The use of contraband cell phones as a tool to carry out gang activity and other crimes from behind prison walls will not be tolerated and we are proud of our Agents for their role in assisting our law enforcement partners in stopping these individuals from jeopardizing the safety of the public and the operations of our facilities,” said Commissioner Tyrone Oliver of the Georgia Department of Corrections. “This indictment is a great example of partnerships at every level, ensuring the job of public safety remains paramount.”

    According to court documents, on Feb. 24, 2020, Byron Hopkins and other SMM members intercepted a young victim a few hours after he stepped off his school bus. They drove him to a rural residential neighborhood where Hopkins shot him to death. The victim had reportedly expressed a desire to leave the gang after accusing Hopkins of having sexual relations with a minor female who became pregnant. To lure the victim, his, “big brother” in the gang – a person he trusted – sent him a text message claiming there was an important gang meeting he needed to attend. Believing this, the victim willingly got into the vehicle, unaware he was being taken to the site of his execution. This is just one example of SMM’s deadly violence against a member that questioned authority or violated gang rules.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, SMM is a subset of The Bloods gang, which originated in Los Angeles in the early 1970s. The SMM subset has spread from the Bronx and New York to areas across the East Coast, including Georgia, where it operates inside and outside prisons and jails. The indictment alleges an extensive criminal enterprise in which SMM members, including inmates within the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDOC), orchestrated numerous crimes, including murders, attempted murders, attempted robberies, drug trafficking within and outside of GDOC facilities, and wire and bank fraud. Seven of the defendants allegedly committed or ordered the charged crimes from prison.

    If convicted, the defendants face penalties including up to life in prison or death for the murder in aid of racketeering and using a firearm in the commission of a murder; up to life in prison for the racketeering conspiracy and drug conspiracy; up to 30 years for the wire fraud conspiracy; and up to 20 years for the conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and Georgia Department of Corrections are investigating the case, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Prisons, the Georgia Department of Community Supervision, the Georgia State Patrol, Hinesville Police Department, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, Chatham County Police Department, Chatham Couty Counternarcotics Team, Savannah Police Department, McRae-Helena Police Department, Police Department, DeKalb Police Department, Brunswick Police Department, and Richmond Hill Police Department.

    Trial Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank M. Pennington III for the Southern District of Georgia are prosecuting the case.

    The indictment is a result of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigations. The OCDETF mission is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States, using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency task force approach. OCDETF synchronizes and incentivizes prosecutors and agents to lead smart, creative investigations targeting the command-and-control networks of organized criminal groups and the illicit financiers that support them. Additional information about the OCDETF Program may be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: India-based Amazon scam leads to almost a $1 million dollar loss for elderly victim in Missoula

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MISSOULA – A man originally from India accused of stealing almost $1 million from the elderly appeared in federal court on charges on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    Zabi Ullah Mohammed, 29, had an initial appearance on a complaint charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and impersonating a federal agent. If convicted, Mohammed faces a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release.

    U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Mohammed was detained pending further proceedings.

    The government alleged in the criminal complaint that in April 2025 Mohammed and others called an elderly victim in Missoula, Montana, posing as an Amazon representative and inquiring whether the victim purchased computer equipment. When the victim said she did not purchase any equipment, the Amazon representative claimed the victim’s identity was stolen and transferred the victim to the “Social Security Department” and the “U.S. Marshal.” The “U.S. Marshal” said the money from the victim’s bank accounts needed to be “legalized,” and an agent showed up on multiple occasions to pick up cash and gold from the victim’s residence. Law enforcement caught Mohammed when he returned to the victim’s house a final time. After searching Mohammed’s vehicle, law enforcement found airline tickets, car rental documents, and a bag containing approximately $68,987 in cash.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon is prosecuting the case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

    A complaint is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    PACER case reference. 25-40.

    The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Story City Man Conspiring to Distribute Meth and Fentanyl Pleads Guilty in Federal Court

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl pled guilty May 8, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City.

     William Clark, Jr., 40, from Story City, Iowa, was convicted of one count of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

     At the plea hearing, Clark, Jr. admitted that from January 2024 through April 27, 2024, he and others conspired to distribute at least ½ pound of methamphetamine and more than 1700 pills of fentanyl.  On April 21, 2024, Clark, Jr., along with two others were headed to Colorado to pick up more methamphetamine and to sell fentanyl pills.  They attempted to elude law enforcement in a high-speed vehicle chase.  Clark, Jr. also made a “false” 911 call to law enforcement in an attempt to assist his attempted eluding and avoid their capture with evidence of drug trafficking.  

     Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Clark, Jr. remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Clark, Jr. faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, and at least four years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Ida and Sac County Sheriff’s Offices, the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and Iowa DCI Laboratory  

     Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

    The case file number is 24-4042.  Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Mandatory targets for corporate fleets – E-001328/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is determined to make road transport across the EU more sustainable and resilient, while boosting the competitiveness of our industry and operators. In March 2025, the Commission published the Automotive Action Plan[1] and the communication on Decarbonising Corporate Fleets[2]. In addition, in the mission letter from the President of the Commission, the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism has been called upon to prepare a legislative proposal for clean corporate fleets.

    Based on these commitments, the Commission is preparing a legislative proposal and will explore options and measures in an impact assessment on how to support the uptake of zero-emission vehicles by corporate buyers, without putting unnecessary burden on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and considering criteria on sustainability and resilience. Requirements on companies are only one of the options that will be explored, and all options will scrutinise costs and administrative burden for all parts of the value chain.

    The Commission held an open public consultation in 2024, where more than 250 stakeholders, ranging from businesses and their associations to Member States and non-governmental organisations, put forward their positions on all aspects of corporate fleets. Additionally, the Commission will perform an additional open public consultation focused on options for the legislative proposal. The Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism will hold a Strategic Dialogue specifically on corporate fleets in the course of 2025.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0095
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0096
    Last updated: 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Committee Democrats Introduce Bill to Elevate Tribal Leadership in Land Management

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

    May 15, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, top Democrats on the House Natural Resources Committee introduced the Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act, a landmark bill that ensures Tribal Nations are full and equal partners in the management of federal lands. The legislation would direct the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service to incorporate Tribal co-management into decision-making processes—affirming Tribal sovereignty and fulfilling the U.S. federal government’s longstanding trust and treaty obligations.

    “As wildfires grow more devastating and climate change accelerates, we simply cannot afford to ignore the expertise of those who have stewarded these lands since time immemorial,” said Ranking Member Huffman. “For too long, the federal government has left Tribal Nations out of decision-making processes when it comes to managing public lands, but these lands often hold deep cultural, spiritual, and ecological significance for Tribal communities. This bill changes that by creating a clear framework for real, equal partnership—where Tribes help shape decisions, lead restoration efforts, and bring their knowledge to the table in a way that is respected, protected, and empowered. This bill would help build a foundation for shared stewardship that respects Tribal sovereignty, improves forest health, and strengthens our communities against climate-driven disasters. It’s long overdue.”

    “Federal recognition and respect for the deeply rooted relationship between Indigenous peoples and the land is overdue,” said Vice Ranking Member Sarah Elfreth. “As the original stewards of this land for centuries, their wisdom and lived experiences in preserving ecosystems, waterways, and natural resources like our forests offer generational knowledge we cannot afford to overlook. The Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act takes an important step in ensuring Indigenous communities have their rightful seat at the table.”

    “Tribal Nations have been stewards of our forests and lands since time immemorial, guided by deep cultural knowledge and respect for the natural world,” said Representative Teresa Leger Fernández, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs. “When we recognize Tribes authority to lead and co-manage our public lands, we not only honor their sovereignty—we also protect our forests, our water, and our future. The Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act recognizes that Tribal leadership is not just a matter of justice, it is essential for a healthy planet and resilient communities.”

    “I’m proud to join Ranking Member Huffman in introducing this bill to elevate Tribal voices in land management decisions. In Colorado, where many Tribes, including the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute, have deep ties to the land, this landmark bill will improve Tribal co-management of our public lands.” said Representative Joe Neguse, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Federal Lands. “I’m excited to join my colleagues in an effort to recognize Tribal Nations as equal partners in land stewardship, and uplift their longstanding ecological knowledge.”

    “Tribal Nations have managed these lands for thousands of years—they know what they’re doing,” said Representative Val Hoyle, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries. “If we’re serious about preserving our federal lands and preventing wildfires, we need to work with the people who’ve been protecting these forests long before the federal government existed. This bill gives Tribes the seat at the table they deserve and brings their deep knowledge into decisions that make our communities safer and our forests stronger.”

    “Tribal Nations were stewards of their own lands for centuries before the U.S. government stepped in–they deserve an equal role in managing them now. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing legislation that affirms Tribal sovereignty and strengthens Indigenous partnerships in the management of federal lands. Our state is home to 22 federally recognized tribes; this bill ensures Tribal voices are central in shaping the future of our forests and public lands, especially as we work together to address the climate crisis,” said Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Ranking Member of the Energy and Minerals Subcommittee.

    BACKGROUND

    Tribal Nations have stewarded these lands since time immemorial, using traditional ecological knowledge to reduce wildfire risk, restore ecosystems, and protect sacred cultural resources. Yet despite this expertise, many Tribes continue to face bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of statutory authority that limit their participation in land management decisions.
     
    This bill seeks to change that.
     
    The Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act:

    • Requires the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Indian Affairs to develop Tribal Co-Management Plans in coordination with the Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee.
    • Mandates culturally appropriate training for Department of the Interior employees engaged in Tribal Co-Management work.
    • Extends statutory authority to the U.S. Forest Service to enter into co-management agreements with Tribes for activities including forest planning, ecological restoration, recreation, and research.
    • Ensures regular review of Tribal Co-Management Plans and allows Tribes to request reviews following natural disasters.
    • Directs agencies to incorporate Indigenous Knowledge into planning, with safeguards to protect data sovereignty and cultural integrity.
    • Reduces administrative burdens on Tribes by streamlining reporting and compliance processes.

    STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT

    “We are excited to endorse Rep. Huffman’s tribal self-determination and co-management in forestry bill. Karuk people have been managing our homelands since time immemorial and partnering with the US Forest Service for decades. We appreciate that this bill recognizes the importance of sovereign-to-sovereign co-management frameworks that enable us to do the important work of proactively managing our forests and making our landscapes more resilient to wildfire in a manner consistent with our indigenous knowledge practice and belief systems. We look forward to progressing these efforts in a bipartisan manner to enable more proactive management across multi-jurisdictional landscapes” Karuk Chairman Russell “Buster” Attebery

    “The Stewardship Project supports the Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act as a vital step toward reorienting federal land management around active stewardship and Indigenous leadership. This bill directly reflects recommendations from the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission by ensuring Tribes are not just consulted, but empowered as equal partners in forest management.”  The Stewardship Project Co-Chairs Scott Stephens, Don Hankins, and Sara Clark

    “This legislation builds upon the shared stewardship authorities authorized by past Congresses to create a permanent co-management role in improving the health and resilience of federal lands.  It would give tribes the ability to expand the successful models and practices used in Indian Country for the benefit of all federal land within their traditional territories.  We fully support Congressman Huffman’s legislation and urge its passage by Congress.”  Cody Desautel, President, InterTribal Timber Council 

    “Sustainable Northwest supports the Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act and Representative Huffman’s recognition of Tribal sovereignty and treaty rights. Legislation designed to protect and manage federal lands must respect, uphold, and implement the legally binding obligations the federal government has to Tribal nations. This legislation paves the way for a new approach to manage and enhance federal lands, add workforce capacity, and uphold Tribal and treaty rights in land management by formally including Tribal Nations in planning and decision-making.” Dylan Kruse, President, Sustainable Northwest

    “The Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition is strongly in support of the Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act which advances opportunities for Tribal co-management and co-stewardship of federal public lands. This bill is an important step in bolstering Tribal sovereignty, honoring protected Tribal rights, and bringing Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge into federal forest and grassland management. We thank Congressman Huffman for his leadership on this issue critical to the stewardship and resilience of rural communities and landscapes of the West.” Laurel Harkness, Coalition Director, Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition

    “The Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission recognized co-management of federal lands with Tribes as a critical tool to achieve wildfire risk reduction. This bill expands the ability of the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior to partner with Tribes to plan and accomplish much-needed restoration and risk reduction work and is an important step forward in expansion of federal co-management authority.” Tyson Bertone-Riggs, Managing Director, Alliance for Wildfire Resilience 

    “Tribal Co-Management Plans are an important vehicle for fulfilling our nation’s treaty and trust responsibilities to Tribal Nations and improving the overall stewardship of fire-dependent public lands. The Climate and Wildfire Institute supports The Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act as a vital pathway for addressing the wildfire crisis by upholding and advancing Tribal rights and access consistent with recommendations from the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Report.” Marissa Christiansen, Executive Director at the Climate and Wildfire Institute

    “Our forests are unhealthy, and Tribal communities are held back from applying time-tested and locally driven practices in our own homelands. This bill on co-management is a fundamental step forward to restore forests and our communities who have managed them for thousands of years.” Ryan Reed, (Karuk, Hupa, Yurok), Director of FireGeneration Collaborative (FireGen)
     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Effect of imposing duties on European agri-food imports – E-000991/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    On 12 March 2025 the United States (US) imposed a 25% tariff on all US imports of steel and aluminium and derivative products[1][2][3]. This affects EUR 26 billion in EU exports. The EU adopted countermeasures for entry into force on 15 April 2025[4][5].

    Since 2 April 2025 the US also imposes a 25% tariff on cars, to be extended to car parts as of 3 May[6][7]. Also on 2 April, the US announced broad horizontal tariffs of 20% on imports from the EU as of 9 April. These additional tariffs also include all EU exports to the US of agri-food products[8].

    Subsequently, for various reasons, including contacts with trade partners, the US suspended its horizontal tariffs on many trade partners including the 20% tariff on the EU for a period of 90 days, while still maintaining a 10% base-tariff.

    The EU has adopted countermeasures against the US tariffs on steel and aluminium but has also suspended those for 90 days. This was done to allow time and space for negotiations towards a mutually satisfactory solution and should these negotiations not be successful, the adopted countermeasures can enter into force again. In addition, the EU continues preparatory work for possible further proportionate countermeasures in response to the other US import tariffs.

    The EU has at its disposal several instruments that allow addressing unjustified measures, including tariffs and other countermeasures, as well as internal measures to address impacts on EU agricultural producers from situations of market disturbance.

    More broadly, and also in view of recent developments in EU-US trade, the Commission will continue to work on diversifying trade with other partners and will intensify efforts to remove internal barriers in the EU and to develop the EU Single Market.

    • [1] https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/adjusting-imports-of-steel-into-the-united-states/.
    • [2] https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/02/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-restores-section-232-tariffs/.
    • [3] https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-02-18/pdf/2025-02832.pdf and https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-02-18/pdf/2025-02833.pdf.
    • [4] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/api/files/document/print/en/ip_25_740/IP_25_740_EN.pdf.
    • [5] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2023/2882/oj/eng.
    • [6] https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/adjusting-imports-of-automobiles-and-autombile-parts-into-the-united-states/ .
    • [7] https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/03/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-adjusts-imports-of-automobiles-and-automobile-parts-into-the-united-states/ .
    • [8] https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/02/reciprocal-trade-and-tariffs/ .
    Last updated: 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Calviño: EIB Group to provide €70 billion for tech firms and innovators

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB Group President Nadia Calviño explains how Europe can benefit from the Trump chaos, with the tech sector set to receive a massive financial boost.

    Interview by Carsten Volkery (published by Handelsblatt)

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group is launching a new initiative to close Europe’s investment gap with the United States, aiming to provide €70 billion in startup funding by 2027. This will encourage private investors to get on board with projects, unlocking as much as €250 billion in investment for the European tech sector.

    “This is the largest ever programme to exclusively support European innovation and technological leadership,” EIB Group President Nadia Calviño told Handelsblatt. The goal, she explained, is to finance research projects and companies “from idea to IPO.”

    This also includes supporting the exit of company founders and venture capital investors – who often sell their stakes to US investors, who can afford to buy them. In the future, the EIB could help EU firms to acquire promising startups to prevent technologies from being sold out of Europe.

    TechEU platform to launch this year

    Set to launch later this year, the EIB’s TechEU platform is designed to provide researchers and companies with a one-stop shop for all their financing needs. Calviño says that EU support will become “larger, faster and simpler.” The EIB will work closely with the European Commission, and national promotional banks such as Germany’s KfW may also participate.

    The plan still needs to be approved by the Bank’s Board of Governors, which is made up of the finance ministers of the 27 EU Member States. The EIB Group President gave her perspective to a meeting of the finance ministers in Brussels on Tuesday, and hopes for a positive decision in June.

    She also sees an opportunity in US President Donald Trump’s erratic economic policy and the uncertainty it has caused. “The current situation in the United States creates an opportunity for Europe to attract talent, to attract investment, to attract capital,” she said. “We see strong interest in Europe from international investors.”

    Brain drain warning from US researchers

    In recent weeks and months, the US administration has massively cut research funding for institutions such as the elite Harvard and Columbia universities. US researchers are already warning of brain drain as leading scientists leave the country.

    Former President of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Leo Rafael Reif wrote in Foreign Affairs magazine that the Trump administration seems intent on destroying one of the United States’ greatest strengths. The recent cuts to university funding, he writes, risk “draining a crucial source of new ideas for industry and the military.”

    Calviño emphasised that Europe is a “beacon of stability, clarity and confidence” in the current geopolitical environment. This is what investors are looking for. The EIB is also the only multilateral development bank whose shareholders are the EU Member States. “We are not confronted with the same sort of uncertainties that other multilateral development banks are going through,” she says. This enhances the international role of the EIB.

    The EIB’s goal is to back EU policy objectives. It catalyses private investment by offering only partial financing for projects, thereby mobilising public and private sector co-investors. It lent €89 billion last year, and plans to provide €95 billion this year.

    Europe’s largest venture capital financier

    Beyond guarantees and loans, the EIB also takes equity stakes in companies. It is Europe’s largest venture capital financier and its biggest venture debt provider. The various EU funding programmes for researchers and startups will be linked together on the new TechEU platform, meaning that each project will only need to be appraised once.

    The EIB’s prominent role in venture capital financing shows just how underdeveloped Europe’s private capital markets really are. Calviño says that this new initiative aims to nurture the private venture capital ecosystem in Europe. The hope is that, in time, European startups will no longer be obliged to go to the United States to meet their growth phase capital needs.

    However, critics accuse the EIB of being too conservative in its investment approach. In his report on EU competitiveness published last year, EU Special Advisor Mario Draghi called on the Bank to take on more risk to foster breakthrough innovation.

    EIB to take on more risk

    Calviño says that the EIB has already become more willing to take risks. It intends to continue on that track with the TechEU programme, supporting an extra 1 000 EU champions and innovators every year. At the same time, the EIB must ensure it preserves its AAA credit rating, which enables it to raise funds cheaply on the capital markets. It can then pass these funds on to companies.

    Calviño also promises to cut red tape, aiming to return decisions on venture capital financing applications within six months. “This would be a gamechanger.”

    The tech sector often complains that response times are too long. In the past, the EIB has always framed its thorough appraisal process as a hallmark of quality, as it keeps loan default rates very low. But it now seems to have been understood that speed is also a critical factor.

    Another innovation driver could be the defence sector. The EIB has recently made defence one of its core strategic priorities and now also finances purely military projects. “Security and defence investments can certainly help the technology agenda,” said Calviño.

    The Bank already has a pipeline of 22 projects in this sector, supporting drone manufacturers and space companies, for example, as well as several defence-focused venture capital funds.

    According to Calviño, Europe already has almost everything it needs to close the technology gap with the United States. “Europe has a very large market, 450 million citizens, excellent universities, excellent research centres and companies, and brilliant startup ecosystems. With deeper and larger capital markets, we can ensure that technologies and startups born in the European Union can be financed and scale up in Europe.”

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Far-left attacks threatening European infrastructure – E-001821/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001821/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Julien Leonardelli (PfE), Marie Dauchy (PfE), Pierre Pimpie (PfE), Gilles Pennelle (PfE), André Rougé (PfE), Mathilde Androuët (PfE), Fabrice Leggeri (PfE)

    Far-left groups have carried out a series of attacks on transport and energy infrastructure throughout Europe. Since 2024[1], these acts have become so frequent that I will not include armed attacks by anti-fascist activists on a mayor[2] or right-wing activists[3], even though they too are alarming.

    During the 2024 Olympic Games, acts of sabotage targeted TGV rail lines[4] and fibre optic networks[5] throughout France. At the same time, an arson attack was carried out on a relay antenna in Haute-Garonne, depriving 5 000 residents of internet access. During works to construct the A69 motorway[6], 200 fires were reported affecting construction facilities and equipment[7].

    In February 2024, the far left claimed responsibility for sabotaging the Toulouse-Narbonne rail line[8], as well as for setting fire to an underground boring machine in Toulouse[9] in May.

    In December 2024[10], a telecommunications antenna near Mâcon was set on fire, depriving 800 000 people of internet access[11]. The Antifa movement is operating with complete impunity. None of the perpetrators of the acts I have listed have been identified.

    What measures does the Commission intend to put in place to help put an end to these terrorist attacks against our infrastructure committed by the far left?

    Supporter[12]

    Submitted: 6.5.2025

    • [1] It was impossible for me to list all the attacks carried out by the far-left before and after 2024 in this question, as they occur so frequently. However, it is worth noting the destruction of a bridge near Grenoble in 2022, as well as the arson attacks on a McDonald’s and a Tesla dealership near Toulouse in 2025.
    • [2] A mayor in Brittany targeted by an attempted assassination, links to Antifa suspected, Frontières, https://www.frontieresmedia.fr/societe/maire-tentative-assassinat-antifa
    • [3] Paris 8: an activist from the conservative student union La Cocarde threatened by an armed man, Le Journal du Dimanche, https://www.lejdd.fr/Societe/paris-8-un-militant-de-la-cocarde-menace-par-un-homme-arme-156488
    • [4] Live from the Olympic Games 2024: massive attack on the SNCF, major disruption on the Paris ring road, a day of chaos for transport ahead of the opening ceremony, Le Figaro, https://www.lefigaro.fr/conjoncture/en-direct-jo-2024-attaque-massive-a-la-sncf-peripherique-tres-perturbe-journee-noire-dans-les-transports-avant-la-ceremonie-d-ouverture-20240726
    • [5] After the SNCF, fibre optic networks sabotaged during the Olympics: ‘This is terrorism’, RTL, https://www.rtl.be/sport/tous-les-sports/jo-2024/apres-la-sncf-des-sabotages-de-reseaux-de-fibres-optiques-en-plein-jo-cest-du/2024-07-29/article/695285
    • [6] A69: Sabotage operations on the ground and questions in Parliament, Le Monde, https://www.lemonde.fr/planete/article/2024/05/07/a69-actions-de-sabotage-sur-le-terrain-et-questionnements-a-l-assemblee_6232090_3244.html
    • [7] Moreover, a night security guard was assaulted with an iron bar by hooded Antifa activists.
    • [8] Sabotage of the Toulouse-Narbonne railway: a look back at the blockade operation, Rebellyon, https://rebellyon.info/Sabotage-du-chemin-de-fer-Toulouse-25705
    • [9] Toulouse. In the middle of the night, a machine burns on the metro construction site: arson? Actu.fr, https://actu.fr/occitanie/toulouse_31555/toulouse-en-pleine-nuit-un-engin-crame-sur-le-chantier-du-metro-un-feu-criminel_61088721.html
    • [10] In the same month, an anti-Zionist group claimed responsibility for setting fire to a vehicle belonging to the city of Toulouse.
    • [11] Telecommunications tower set on fire: 800 000 subscribers left without television or telephone service, criminal investigation ongoing, France 3 Régions, https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/bourgogne-franche-comte/saone-et-loire/macon/un-pylone-de-telecommunication-incendie-800-000-abonnes-prives-de-television-et-de-telephone-la-piste-criminelle-envisagee-3083758.html
    • [12] This question is supported by a Member other than the authors: Valérie Deloge (PfE)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: State Highway 1, Putaruru partially blocked by crash

    Source: New Zealand Police

    State Highway 1 in Putaruru is partially blocked following a crash this morning.

    Police were notified just after 7am that a truck had collided with a parked car, near the intersection of State Highway 1 and Sholson Street.

    There may be traffic delays and motorists should take alternative routes where possible.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Takanini

    Source: New Zealand Police

    One person has died following a crash in Takanini last night.

    Emergency services were called to the crash between a vehicle and a dirtbike on Mill Road just before 8.30pm.

    Sadly, one person was pronounced deceased at the scene.

    The Serious Crash Unit attended and enquiries to determine the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Disarming Hezbollah is key to Lebanon’s recovery − but task is complicated by regional shifts, ceasefire violations

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Mireille Rebeiz, Chair of Middle East Studies and Associate Professor of Francophone and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Dickinson College

    Slain Lebanese Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah looms large in Lebanon. Anwar Amro/AFP via Getty Images

    Within a span of two weeks from late April to early May 2025, Israel launched two aerial attacks ostensibly targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon: The first, on April 27, struck a building in Beirut’s southern suburbs; the second, an assault in southern Lebanon, left one person dead and eight others injured.

    While the attacks may not be an aberration in the long history of Israel’s military action in Lebanon, the latest episodes were notable given the context: Israel and Hezbollah have been nominally locked in a truce for five months.

    As an expert on Lebanese history and culture, I believe the latest violations clearly show the fragility of that ceasefire. But more importantly, they complicate the Lebanese government’s mission of disarming Hezbollah, the paramilitary group that remains a powerful force in the country despite a series of Israeli targeted killings of its senior members. That task forms the backbone of a nearly 20-year-old United Nations resolution meant to bring lasting peace to Lebanon.

    The long road to a ceasefire

    In the aftermath of Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Hezbollah vowed solidarity with the Palestinian movement, resulting in a running series of tit-for-tat attacks with Israel that escalated into a full-blown war in the fall of 2024.

    On Oct. 1, 2024, Israel invaded Lebanon – the sixth time since 1978 – in order to directly confront Hezbollah. That operation led to the killing of an estimated 3,800 Lebanese people and the displacement of over 1 million civilians. The damage to Lebanon’s economy is estimated at US$14 billion, according to the World Bank.

    Hezbollah lost a lot of its fighters, arsenal and popular support as a result. More importantly, these losses discredited Hezbollah’s claim that it alone can guarantee Lebanon’s territorial integrity against Israel’s invasion.

    The United States and France brokered a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel on Nov. 27, 2024. The agreement was based in part on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which was adopted in 2006 to end that year’s 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah. The resolution had as a central tenet the disarmament of armed militias, including Hezbollah, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon.

    The 2024 ceasefire built on that resolution. It required Hezbollah’s retreat beyond the Litani River, which at its closest point is about 20 miles from northern Israel. In return, and by February 2025, Israel was to gradually withdraw from Lebanese territories in order to allow the Lebanese army to take control of areas in the south and to confiscate all unauthorized weapons – a nod to Hezbollah’s arsenal.

    Yet, Israel maintained the occupation of several posts in southern Lebanon after that deadline and continued to launch attacks on Lebanese soil, the most recent being on May 8, 2025.

    The challenge of disarming Hezbollah

    Despite these violations, large-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah has not resumed. But the next step, a lasting peace based on the laying down of Hezbollah arms, is complicated by a series of factors, not least the sectarian nature of Lebanese politics.

    Since its inception in 1920, Lebanon’s governance has been defined by a polarized and formally sectarian political system, which seeded the roots of a decades-long civil conflict that began in 1975. A series of invasions by Israel in response to attacks from Lebanese-based Palestinian groups exacerbated sectarianism and instability.

    From this mix, Hezbollah emerged and became a powerful force during the late 1980s.

    The Taif Agreement, ending Lebanon’s civil war in 1989, formally recognized the state’s right to resist the Israeli occupation of Lebanese territories – and with it Hezbollah’s presence as a force of resistance. An uneasy coexistence between the government and Hezbollah emerged, which often spilled over into violence, including assassinations of important public figures.

    More recently, Hezbollah was responsible for a two-year political vacuum as it mobilized members to repeatedly block opposition candidates for the vacant presidency in the hopes of installing a leader that would support its agenda.

    A view from the southern Lebanese district of Marjeyoun shows smoke billowing from the site of Israeli airstrikes on May 8, 2025.
    Rabih Daher/AFP via Getty Images

    In January 2025 that standoff ended when Lebanon’s parliament elected army chief Joseph Aoun, a Maronite Christian, as president.

    The acquiescence of Hezbollah and its allies was in part a sign of how much the power of the Shiite militia had been diminished by Israel during the conflict.

    But it is also the result of a widespread general understanding in Lebanon of the need to end the humanitarian crisis caused by Israel’s war. The new president has brought much-needed hope to a battered country – one that has been plagued by numerous crises, including a collapsed economy that by 2019 had pushed 80% of the population into poverty.

    But Aoun’s presidency signals the changing political environment in another key way; unlike his predecessors, Aoun has not endorsed Hezbollah as a legitimate resistance movement.

    Further, Aoun has announced his intentions to disarm the group
    and to fully implement resolution 1701.

    To this end, Aoun has made impressive gains. According to state officials, the Lebanese army had by the end of April 2025 dismantled over 90% of Hezbollah’s infrastructure south of the Litani River and taken control over these sites.

    Yet Hezbollah’s chief, Naim Kassem, doggedly rejects calls to disarm and integrate the group’s fighters into the Lebanese armed forces.

    Even in Hezbollah’s weakened position, Kassem believes only his movement, and not the Lebanese state, can guarantee Lebanon’s safety against Israel. And Israel violations of the ceasefire only play into this narrative.

    “We will not allow anyone to remove Hezbollah’s weapons,” Kassem said after one recent airstrike, vowing that the group would hand over weapons only when Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon and ended it’s air incursions.

    Can Lebanon’s new president, Joseph Aoun, untangle the Gordian knot of Lebanese politics?
    Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images

    The challenge going forward

    Yet countries including the United States and Qatar – not to mention Israel – consider Hezbollah’s disarmament a prerequisite to both peace and much-needed international assistance.

    And this makes the task ahead for Aoun difficult. He will be well aware that international aid is desperately needed. But pressing too hard to accommodate either Israel’s or Hezbollah’s interests risks, respectively, exacerbating either domestic political pressures or jeopardizing future foreign investment.

    To complicate matters further, the situation in Lebanon is hardly helped by developments in neighboring Syria.

    The fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad in December 2024 has added another element of regional uncertainty and the fear in Lebanon of further sectarian violence. Although Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has vowed to protect all religious groups, he was not able to prevent the massacre of Alawite civilians in several coastal towns – an attack that triggered a fresh wave of refugees heading toward Lebanon.

    The removal of Assad was another blow for Hezbollah, a strong Assad ally that benefited from years of Syrian interference in Lebanon.

    The challenge of international relations

    For now, a return to full-scale war in Lebanon does not appear to be on the table.

    But what comes next for Lebanon and Hezbollah depends on many factors, not least the state of Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza and any spillover into Lebanon. But the actions of other regional actors, notably Saudi Arabia and Iran, matter too. Should Saudi Arabia be encouraged down the path of normalizing relations with Israel – a process interrupted by the Oct. 7 attack – then it would impact Lebanon in many ways.

    Any deal would, from the Saudi perspective, likely have to include a solution to the question of Palestinian statehood, taking away one of Hezbollah’s main grievances. It would also likely put pressure on Lebanon and Israel to find a solution to its long-standing border dispute.

    Meanwhile, Iran, too, is seemingly turning to diplomatic means to address some of its regional issues, with nascent moves to both improve ties with Saudi Arabia and forge forward with a new nuclear deal with the U.S. This could see Tehran turn away from a policy of trying to impose its influence throughout the region by arming groups aligned with Tehran – first among them, Hezbollah.

    Mireille Rebeiz is affiliated with the American Red Cross.

    – ref. Disarming Hezbollah is key to Lebanon’s recovery − but task is complicated by regional shifts, ceasefire violations – https://theconversation.com/disarming-hezbollah-is-key-to-lebanons-recovery-but-task-is-complicated-by-regional-shifts-ceasefire-violations-255671

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man charged with three counts of arson with intent

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man arrested in connection with a series of arson attacks in north London has been charged.

    Roman Lavrynovych 21 (06.02.04), of Sydenham, a Ukrainian national has been charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life.

    The charges, which were authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service, relate to three incidents – a vehicle fire in NW5 on 8 May, a fire at the entrance of a property in N7 on 11 May and a fire at a residential address in NW5 in the early hours of 12 May.

    Due to the property having previous connections with a high-profile public figure, officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command have led the investigation into the fires.

    Lavrynovych was arrested in the early hours of 13 May and has remained in custody after warrants of further detention were obtained.

    He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 16 May.

    MIL Security OSI –