Category: Weather

MIL-OSI USA: TRANSCRIPT: LEADER JEFFRIES REMARKS ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S FIRST 100 DAYS

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered the following speech on what a disaster for the American people that Donald Trump’s first 100 days have been and how costs, chaos and corruption are all up, thanks to the President and his Rubber Stamp Republicans.

Good morning. Good morning. Thank you. Thank you, everyone. Good morning. Good morning. Thank you. Good morning. Good morning. Good morning.

Right at the top, let me make one thing clear: The Trump administration has been a disaster. 100 days in, Donald Trump and Elon Musk have failed to make your life more affordable. They failed to make you safer. They failed to make us more respected around the world. But their biggest failure is this: they have failed to appreciate the strength of the American people.

During the dawn of the Republic, it was once observed that when people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty.

Donald Trump and Republicans thought they could shock and awe us into submission. They thought we would be too complacent to stand up for liberty and justice for all. They thought we would walk away from the principle of equal protection under the law. They thought wrong. They thought wrong. They thought wrong.

Trump’s unconstitutional assault on the American way of life is unprecedented, but the so-called dictator on day one is learning an important lesson. Americans don’t bend the knee to bullies. In the face of tyranny, we join together. In the face of tyranny, we rise up together. In the face of tyranny, we get into some good trouble together. And we’re just getting started.

100 days in, Donald Trump has the lowest approval rating of any president in modern American history. 100 days in, voters have elected Democrats in Republican-held districts all across the country, including in Iowa and Pennsylvania. 100 days in, Elon Musk spent $25 million to buy a state supreme court seat in Wisconsin, and lost by double digits. 100 days in, more than 200 different lawsuits have been filed against the unconstitutional and unlawful executive orders of Donald Trump, and the American people are winning in court. 100 days in, principled opposition to Republican extremism is taking shape from sea to shining sea. The American people are rising up and making it clear that the Trump administration has a lot to fear.

When my oldest son JJ was 9 years old, he played travel baseball with a group of his friends. Many of you know that travel sports can be taxing on the schedule. It’s a labor of love for our children. During the season, it seems like almost every weekend for several months, you’re on the road. And so, this one particular Memorial Day weekend, JJ had a baseball tournament in a little town off the beaten path somewhere in the Northeast.

Travel sports can take you to some interesting places. I decided to make it a road trip and bring my youngest son, Joshua, with us. He was just 6 years old at the time. And so I said to him, he’s gonna come on this trip, and it’ll be like a vacation. What did I say that for, y’all?

When I mentioned vacation, he had visions of Atlantis. So we pulled up to the motel where we were staying, and the situation was a bit shaky. My 6 year old looked at the motel, looked at me, looked at the motel and looked at me and said: “Dad, is this where we’re staying?” I said, “Yes, Joshua, why do you ask?” He responded, “Oh my God, Dad, this is a debacle.” 6 years old. I looked at him and asked, “What does the word debacle mean?” He responded quickly. He said: “I don’t know Dad, it’s something bad.”

This is the moment we are in right now in the United States of America, with Donald Trump and the Republicans in charge.

Crashing the economy is something bad. Destroying Medicaid as we know it is something bad. Taking a chainsaw to Social Security is something bad. Raising costs on hardworking American taxpayers is something bad. Firing federal workers, including thousands of veterans who served this country, is something bad. Canceling medical research for children with cancer is something bad. Destroying the retirement accounts of everyday Americans is something bad. Trying to whitewash the most painful parts of our history is something bad. Targeting law-abiding immigrant families is something bad. Undermining the rule of law is something bad.

The first 100 days of the Trump administration have been a debacle. Enough. Enough. America is better than this.

When the new Congress began in January, Democrats were prepared to get to work in a bipartisan way. The Trump administration chose a different path. Far-right Republicans are tearing America apart, targeting our democratic way of life and tarnishing our reputation as the land of the free. It is wrong, and we will continue to push back aggressively. Donald Trump and the Republicans in Congress have given us 100 days of chaos, 100 days of cruelty and 100 days of corrupt behavior. That is not constructive leadership, it’s a recipe for disaster.

The American people deserve common sense leadership, the American people deserve compassionate leadership, the American people deserve courageous leadership that changes things for the better. Our message to the American people is simple: We hear you. We see you. We feel you. Democrats are determined to make life better for you.

Donald Trump and his sycophants spent yesterday bragging about the speed with which they’ve moved during these first 100 days. They’re right. Never has a president failed so spectacularly, so often, so quickly as Donald Trump. The White House referred to its strategy for the first 100 days as “shock and awe.” Well, they’re half right. It is shocking how rapidly this administration collapsed into chaos, cruelty and corruption. It is shocking how quickly MAGA Republicans turned their backs on working class Americans. It is shocking how spineless Republicans have been in the United States Congress. And it is shocking and tragic and infuriating how much damage Donald Trump and the Republican party’s policies have already done.

Here’s the thing. They expected us to step back. But the American people are here to fight back. On the campaign trail, Donald Trump promised to end inflation. He promised to lower costs on day one. When he was asking for your vote, Donald Trump told you he would make life more affordable for everyday Americans. Now that he’s in office, it’s a different story.

In March, President Trump was asked if he was worried that car prices would go up because of his tariffs. His reply? “I couldn’t care less.” The cost of living in the United States is too high. America is too expensive. And Donald Trump couldn’t care less. He couldn’t care less that housing costs are too high. He couldn’t care less that grocery costs are too high. He couldn’t care less that childcare costs are too high. He couldn’t care less that health insurance costs are too high. He couldn’t care less that utility costs are too high. Donald Trump couldn’t care less. Prices everywhere are too high, and Donald Trump couldn’t care less.

100 days in, Donald Trump is making life harder for you and your family. And every day his costly tariffs stay in place, life in America gets more expensive. American families will pay thousands of dollars more per year. Small businesses are shutting down. Corporations are not hiring. Businesses are unable to invest because of the uncertainty that has been created. Inflation is on the rise, life is getting more expensive and the reckless economic policies of Donald Trump and House Republicans are driving us toward a recession.

Republicans in Congress could put a stop to this insanity at any time. Since they won’t, next November, we will. Yes, we will. Yes, we will. Which brings me to Elon Musk. I knew he would get that reaction.

We all agree that government should be more efficient. But like most things in life, there’s the American way and then there’s the cruel way. 100 days in, it’s clear that DOGE is not the American way. Cancelling medical research for children with cancer is cruel. Denying relief for communities reeling from natural disasters is cruel. Firing thousands of our veterans, like Joseph Quintinella of Virginia, who served this country in the Marines, is cruel.

But their cruelty doesn’t stop there. Republicans actually believe that Social Security is a Ponzi scheme. And they want to take a chainsaw to it. During the first 100 days of the Trump administration, Social Security has faced an unprecedented attack. Social Security offices have been closed, wait times have dramatically increased and people are being denied access to benefits that they have earned. Republicans continue to insist that Social Security is an entitlement program. They think they are entitled to destroy it.

When I was 15 years old, I got my working papers and secured my first job. I was a messenger dropping off packages from office building to office building in Midtown Manhattan. My salary was $3.35 per hour. That was the minimum wage back in the day. And I thought that I had made it big, particularly upon learning that as a high school student who worked part time, I wouldn’t have to pay any income tax. So I couldn’t wait to get my first check.

On a piece of paper, I multiplied $3.35 by the number of hours I expected to work during my first pay period. I figured out the total, and in my mind, that money was already spent. I couldn’t wait to go to Albee Square Mall in downtown Brooklyn and get some new sneakers so I could dress like Run DMC. But then the check came, and some money was missing.

I had two questions, y’all: Who is FICA, and why is he taking my money?

Here’s what I learned. All of us pay the FICA tax in connection with Social Security and Medicare. We pay the FICA tax on our first job. We pay the FICA tax on our last job. We pay the FICA tax on every single job we have throughout our lifetime.

Social Security and Medicare are not entitlement programs. They are earned benefits. Earned benefits. You work hard for those benefits, pay into those benefits and deserve those benefits. They are earned benefits.

Democrats will make sure that Donald Trump and House Republicans keep their hands off your Social Security and your Medicare. Hands off today. Hands off tomorrow. Hands off this week. Hands off next week. Hands off this month. Hands off next month. Hands off this year. Hands off next year. Hands off Social Security and Medicare Forever. Forever. Forever.

Now, if this administration actually had some common sense, it would look at the damage that it’s done, the rejection from the people, the historic unpopularity of this president, and they would change course. But Donald Trump is doubling down. And instead of being a check and balance on this president’s abuse of power, Republicans in Congress are nothing more than a rubber stamp for his extreme agenda.

Recently, I met a woman named Mary Beth. She lives in Canton, North Carolina, a town of 4,400 people that is still rebuilding from Hurricane Helene. She has custody of her four grandchildren, ages 10, 12, 15 and 16. Their parents can no longer care for them due to addiction, domestic violence and homelessness. The moment you talk to Mary Beth, you know that caring for those grandkids is everything.

And she’s doing it on a fixed income, working part time making $8 an hour at a coin laundry— and is no longer employed—to supplement the disability support that she had received. Mary Beth has had to skip refilling her prescriptions to make sure her grandkids don’t have to skip any meals.

Medicaid is the only reason her grandchildren are able to see a doctor, including the youngest, who is dealing with ADHD and autism. Mary Beth works hard, loves her family and is a patriotic American. And Mary Beth is here with us today.

But her family, just like millions of others throughout America, is now at risk of losing their healthcare. Why? Republicans are trying to slash Medicaid by up to $880 billion, the largest healthcare cut in American history.

And why are Republicans trying to rip healthcare away from working people, from Americans with disabilities, from children, from grandmothers like Mary Beth? So that they can give their billionaire donors like Elon Musk another tax cut. These healthcare cuts will hurt families, hurt women, hurt children, hurt veterans, hurt seniors and hurt disabled Americans. Hospitals will close, nursing homes will shut down and people will die.

Here’s the thing, in the United States of America—this is the wealthiest country in the history of the world—healthcare is not a privilege, healthcare is a right for every single American. For every single American.

If we were in the majority right now, none of this would be happening. But even in the minority, we are going to do everything we can to protect the healthcare of the American people.

And we’ll keep reminding our Republican colleagues—especially the ones who vote like extremists but then go home and pretend to be moderates when it’s time to run for re-election— that the people are watching. It’s time for Republicans in Congress to stop being a rubber stamp for Donald Trump’s extreme agenda.

You don’t work for Donald Trump. You don’t work for Elon Musk. You don’t work for the far-right extremists. You work for the American people.

As Democrats, we will fight as hard as we can, fight as hard as we can, over the next two years to stop bad things from happening. We will protect our system of free and fair elections.

And then work hard to convince the American people to entrust us with the majority next November. At that point, we will be able to do much, much more for you.

We will build an affordable economy that works for everyday Americans. We will confront the climate crisis with the fierce urgency of now. We will block any budget that goes after your Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid. And we will hold the Trump administration accountable for its corrupt abuse of power.

Over these next 100 days, House Democrats are going to lay out a blueprint for a better America. And you will see a vision for this country’s future that isn’t about Donald Trump. It’s all about you. All about you. How can we make your life better? How can we put more money in your pocket? How can we lower your costs? How can we help you give your kids the future they deserve? These are the questions we are thinking about each and every day.

Now, the American Dream isn’t about getting something for nothing. You have to work for it. But if you work hard and play by the rules, here’s what you should be able to have: A good-paying job. An affordable home. High-quality healthcare. Education for your children. And the ability to retire with grace and with dignity. That’s the American Dream. That’s the American Dream. That’s the American Dream. And when we’re back in charge, that’s what we will fight hard to deliver for you.

In January—late January—I had the opportunity to visit the Altadena community in Los Angeles County that was devastated by the wildfires. I met someone named Jackie Jacobs, an amazing 88-year-old woman who was raised in the Jim Crow South before moving to California. Her home was tragically burned to the ground. She and her husband, David, who have been married for more than 50 years, barely managed to escape the raging wildfires. All they had was the clothing on their backs. They lost everything else. Photos gone. Possessions gone. Property gone. But the first thing Mrs. Jacobs said to us while touring the devastation was that she gave all glory, all praise and all honor to Almighty God—just as the Scripture teaches us. She believed that things would work out. Several of us teared up. Mrs. Jacobs lost everything, but she never lost her faith. She never lost her faith.

Republicans have shown that their recipe for governing is chaos, cruelty and corruption. These first 100 days have not been easy. Everything we care about is under assault. The economy is under assault. Healthcare is under assault. Social Security is under assault. Veterans are under assault. Farmers are under assault. The right to organize is under assault. Public schools are under assault. The American way of life is under assault. Democracy itself is under assault. Everything we care about is under assault.

But just like Mrs. Jacobs, we must never lose faith. We must never lose faith. Faith in our community. Faith in our country. Faith in a brighter future. Faith in Almighty God.

America is a resilient nation. We are a resilient people. We have a resilient Constitution. We will never give up. We will never give in. We will always show up. We will always speak up. We will always stand up. We will continue our march toward a more perfect union. We will not rest until we end this national nightmare and deliver an America with liberty and justice for all.

God bless you. God bless our troops. May God continue to bless the United States of America.

Full speech can be viewed here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

May 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Tony Blair opposes phasing out fossil fuels. These academics disagree

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jack Marley, Environment + Energy Editor, UK edition

Rapidly phasing out fossil fuels and limiting energy consumption to tackle climate change is “a strategy doomed to fail” according to former UK prime minister Tony Blair.

In the foreword of a new report, Blair urges governments to rethink their approach to reaching net zero emissions.

Instead of policies that are seen by people as involving “financial sacrifices”, he says world leaders should deploy carbon capture and storage, including technological and nature-based approaches, to meet the rising demand for fossil fuels.

But speak to many academic experts on climate change and they will tell a very different story: that there is no strategy for addressing climate change that does not involve ending, or at least massively reducing, fossil fuel combustion.

This roundup of The Conversation’s climate coverage comes from our award-winning weekly climate action newsletter. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed.

A fossil fuel phase-out is ‘essential’

“There is a wealth of scientific evidence demonstrating that a fossil fuel phase-out will be essential for reining in the greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change,” says Steve Pye, an associate professor of energy at UCL.

Read more:
COP28 president is wrong – science clearly shows fossil fuels must go (and fast)

“I know because I have published some of it.”

Ed Hawkins, a climate scientist at the University of Reading, agrees.

“Rapidly reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, and not issuing new licenses to extract oil and gas, is the most effective way of minimising future climate-related disruptions,” he says.

Read more:
Science shows the severe climate consequences of new fossil fuel extraction

“The sooner those with the power to shape our future recognise this, the better.”

Fossil fuels are responsible for 90% of the carbon dioxide heating the climate. The amount burned annually is still rising, and so is the rate at which the world is getting hotter. Scientists now fear we are approaching irreversible tipping points in the climate system, hence their support for an urgent replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy.

Read more:
Climate tipping points are nearer than you think – our new report warns of catastrophic risk

Blair is confident that an emergency response on this scale can be avoided by absorbing CO₂ immediately after burning fossil fuels, from the smokestacks where the greenhouse gas is concentrated.

Not all of the emissions responsible for climate change would be prevented. UCL earth system scientist Mark Maslin says that natural gas, which would linger as an energy source thanks to carbon capture, still leaks from pipelines and storage vessels upstream of power plants.

Read more:
The UK’s £22 billion bet on carbon capture will lock in fossil fuels for decades

Commercial applications of the technology also have a poor track record. Just two large-scale coal-fired power plants are operating with CCS worldwide – one in the US and one in Canada.

“Both have experienced consistent underperformance, recurring technical issues and ballooning costs,” Maslin says.

CCS is no alternative to turning off the fossil fuel taps.
Pan Demin/Shutterstock

Blair might baulk at what he perceives to be the expense of ditching fossil fuels. But economic modelling led by Oxford University’s Andrea Bacilieri suggests his concern is misplaced. A rapid phase-out of fossil fuels could save US$30 trillion (US$1 trillion a year) by 2050 she concludes, compared with allowing power plants and factories to keep burning them with CCS.

Developing CCS will be necessary to help manage an orderly transition from fossil fuels according to Myles Allen, a professor of geosystem science at Oxford University. But it is not a substitute for undergoing that transition, he says.

Read more:
Getting carbon capture right will be hard – but that doesn’t make it optional

“Above all, we need to make sure the availability of CCS does not encourage yet more CO₂ production.”

Keeping the public on board

Is Blair right to fret about a public backlash to lower energy use? Academics suggest multiple reasons to think otherwise if the alternative is prolonging the use of fossil fuels.

Read more:
Should you get a heat pump? Here’s how they compare to a gas boiler

Replacing a gas boiler with a heat pump that runs on electricity, for example, can lower a household’s energy consumption without a deliberate effort. That’s because renewable appliances convert power to heat more efficiently (how much depends on how well insulated the home is).

Read more:
Heat pumps without home insulation could raise bills and energy demand – here’s what the government can do

In fact, it’s dependence on fossil fuel that is preventing many households from making this switch. The high wholesale price of gas determines the cost of electricity for UK consumers.

Read more:
How gas keeps the UK’s electricity bills so high – despite lots of cheap wind power

And surveys repeatedly show that support for net zero policies is broad and deep in the UK – including those that would involve lifestyle changes say Lorraine Whitmarsh (University of Bath), Caroline Verfuerth and Steve Westlake (both Cardiff University), who research public behaviour and climate change.

Read more:
Net zero: direct costs of climate policies aren’t a major barrier to public support, research reveals

“Crucially, the public wants and needs the government to show clear and consistent leadership on climate change,” they say.

Meanwhile, what can corrode public acceptance of sacrifices is the high-consuming behaviour of a minority (think pop stars in rockets, as Westlake recently argued). And, arguably, the statements of powerful people like Blair.

Read more:
Why Katy Perry’s celebrity spaceflight blazed a trail for climate breakdown

New research even suggests the politics that Blair and many others like him favour might also play a role here. Felix Schulz (Lund University) and Christian Bretter (The University of Queensland) are social scientists who study how ideology affects personal views on climate policy.

They identified respondents in six countries (the UK, US, Germany, Brazil, South Africa and China) who shared Blair’s neoliberal worldview, which the pair define as a belief that individuals are primarily responsible for their own fortune, and need to take care of themselves – as well as an abiding faith in the free market.

Read more:
People with neoliberal views are less likely to support climate-friendly policies – new research

“We observed a strong link between a neoliberal worldview and lack of support for the climate policies in our study,” they say.

Schulz and Bretter urge us to consider how someone’s ideology ultimately shapes their understanding of the problem and its solutions as well.

– ref. Tony Blair opposes phasing out fossil fuels. These academics disagree – https://theconversation.com/tony-blair-opposes-phasing-out-fossil-fuels-these-academics-disagree-254530

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Meet Washington state’s 20 new winners of AI for Good Lab awards
Source: Microsoft

Headline: Meet Washington state’s 20 new winners of AI for Good Lab awards

This month, Microsoft is celebrating our 50th anniversary. To help commemorate fifty years of creating technology that empowers people to achieve more, our AI for Good Lab launched an open call to support innovative AI-based projects here in Washington State.

Our AI for Good Lab has been using AI to tackle global challenges and improve lives since 2018. We open-source our models, data, and tools so everyone can jump in, working together to make real impact. At a time when nonprofits, NGOs, and academic institutions are tasked with doing more with less, technology like AI offers a way forward.

Through these awards, we’re investing $5 million over the next two years. This open call allows us to expand our commitments to a number of amazing projects while engaging a wide range of new organizations across the state of Washington. The 20 awardees will receive Microsoft Azure credits and the ability to collaborate with AI for Good Lab scientists.

We’re thrilled to continue to cultivate relationships with innovative partners in this great state and the world at large. These game-changing organizations and projects are not only helping solve today’s challenges, they’re also paving the way for a brighter tomorrow. We are honored to share the following as our 2025 open call awardees.

Sustainability
1. Awardee: Stock-Smart.com – Washington State University Extension
  Project description: Washington State’s federal, state, tribal, and private land managers and livestock grazers are all beginning to use virtual fence systems to fine-tune ecological grazing management. Stock-Smart.com combines predicted livestock terrain use with satellite-based forage production data to inform grazing plans for livestock herds. By using AI-guided interpretation of virtual fence system geolocation data, Stock-Smart.com helps reduce wildfire risk, enhance wildlife habitats, and improve invasive species control.
2. Awardee: Long Live the Kings
  Project description: In the Puget Sound, the impacts of rapid urbanization are compounded by climate change. Long Live the Kings employs AI and machine learning to automatically calibrate a 3D ecosystem modeling program for Puget Sound. This project will use the emulator to explore how cumulative watershed impacts affect ecosystem services and biodiversity to advance natural resource management in Puget Sound.
3. Awardee: TealWaters
  Project description: TealWaters works to transform Washington State’s water management capacity by providing tools that inform and guide wetlands planning, protection, and restoration. TealWaters plans to support AI model testing beyond the scope of its existing tools to increase communities’ resilience to climate change and environmental stressors.
4. Awardee: Washington State University
  Project description: Climate change puts residents of Washington State at higher risk of dangerous wildfires. This project will develop cutting-edge AI models, fusing satellite imagery, weather data, building information, and wildfire simulation results to assess wildfire vulnerability of residential buildings in Washington State. By producing vulnerability assessments that include confidence scores, this multi-modal approach can help guide effective wildfire mitigation efforts.
5. Awardee: Cornell University, Circular Construction Lab
  Project description: Reusing materials is the most effective circular economy strategy: it reduces waste and emissions, creates local green jobs, and supports local reuse ecosystems. AR3-Lumber aims to develop and implement AI-powered technology to reuse salvaged lumber through a local partnership with the Seattle Salvaged Lumber Warehouse. This project will enable AR3-Lumber to offer essential technical and methodological support to the circular lumber economy.
6. Awardee: Woodland Park Zoo
  Project description: The Seattle Urban Carnivore Project aims to increase our understanding of and empathy for urban carnivores such as black bears by studying how these species live and interact with people across the greater Seattle region. This project will include a wildlife camera and bioacoustics monitoring program that collects data from green spaces across central King County and Bainbridge Island, utilizing AI to identify the diversity and density of species in urban corridors in a way that’s efficient and consumes fewer resources.
7. Awardee: Conservation X Labs
  Project description: Conservation X Labs aims to prevent the sixth mass extinction by creating and democratizing innovative technologies to change what’s possible in conservation. The project will develop and deploy a multi-species management detection algorithm on a smart camera system to create a first –of –its –kind, real-time monitoring system for disease in wildlife that can be utilized by veterinarians, ecologists, and conservationists across Washington State.
8. Awardee: NOAA-National Marine Fisheries Service – Habitat Conservation
  Project description: Current methods of water management and salmon habitat restoration in the Columbia River Basin tend to be either hyper-localized or computationally intensive. This project aims to use remote sensing and machine learning to classify wetlands to better predict how water management decisions and climate change impact salmon populations and support more effective conservation strategies.
9. Awardee: Information Communication and Technology for Development (ICTD) at the University of Washington
  Project description: More plant and animal species are threatened with extinction now than at any other time in human history. The Information Communication and Technology for Development department at the University of Washington plans to monitor wildlife using audiovisual channels on tiny compute devices, fostering a better understanding of animal populations intricately linked to food safety, disease spread, and biodiversity.
  
  Health
10. Awardee: Information Communication and Technology for Development (ICTD) at the University of Washington
  Project description: More plant and animal species are threatened with extinction now than at any other time in human history. The Information Communication and Technology for Development department at the University of Washington plans to monitor wildlife using audiovisual channels on tiny compute devices, fostering a better understanding of animal populations intricately linked to food safety, disease spread, and biodiversity.
11. Awardee: Providence
  Project description: Current methods for identifying patients for clinical trials rely on manual screening processes that miss many patients—especially those from underserved communities—or rely on sick patients and their doctors to do the work of seeking available trials. Providence and Microsoft Health Futures are collaboratively developing Trial Connect, an AI tool that scans population-level medical data across Washington State to identify patients who qualify for clinical trials that could save their lives.
12. Awardee: Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation
  Project description: Data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) are used by more than 13,000 researchers around the world. IHME plans to build a global cloud laboratory to examine health locally, using satellite imagery, AI, and spatial demography to predict risks like drought and food insecurity to specific populations. This project aims to put actionable, population-level health data into the hands of decision-makers to improve individuals’ health and wellbeing.
13. Awardee: University of Washington Radiology
  Project description: To improve public health and support patients in their most challenging moments, the University of Washington created self-improving large language models to translate radiology report findings into patient-friendly language. Patients will receive clear, lay-language explanations of their imaging results while healthcare providers provide feedback that will be used to refine the model, ensuring continuous improvement, reducing misunderstandings, and fostering better communication between patients and medical professionals.
14. Awardee: Institute for Protein Design – University of Washington
  Project description: Generative AI has already had a large impact ion protein structure prediction and protein design. This project aims to develop at least three specialized, open-source models, including a next-generation biomolecule design model, a model specialized for antibody/antigen structure and antibody design, and a model specialized for protein/ligand interactions to enable the next generation of therapeutics and biomaterials.
15. Awardee: Washington State University Department of Chemistry
  Project description: Heavy and radioactive metal contamination in Spokane and Hanford threatens community health. This project will leverage geochemistry and large language models to build a publicly accessible dataset that will aid in designing effective soil decontamination methods for Spokane and Hanford, contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment for Washington residents.
  
  Education/Public Good
16. Awardee: Washington State University
  Project description: Rural elementary teachers in Washington often struggle to design high-quality science assessments due to limitations around resources, professional development opportunities, and access to technology. This project will develop and deploy an AI-powered multi-agent assessment system to empower rural Washington elementary teachers and enhance accessibility, engagement, and instructional effectiveness.
17. Awardee: Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington
  Project description: Rising labor and business costs have reduced the ability for Evergreen Goodwill to advance their mission of providing quality, free job training and basic education to people experiencing significant barriers to economic opportunity. The project will use an AI-powered automated donation ingestion and cataloging system to tackle the backlogged volumes of donated goods received by Evergreen Goodwill. By doing so, the project will reduce waste, increase efficiency, and unlock new opportunities for scale and profitability.
18. Awardee: Washington State University – Group Argumentation Coordinator
  Project description: This project provides science teachers in Washington State with an AI-powered tool called a Group Argumentation Coordinator that will reduce the burden on overwhelmed teachers and improve students’ learning experience in science classrooms across the state. The project promotes real-time support for argumentation-based science learning in diverse classrooms. The two-year plan supported by this award focuses on system development, small-scale classroom pilots, and teacher feedback integration to ensure usability, fairness, and transparency.
19. Awardee: Washington State University – WARNS
  Project description: The Washington Assessment of Risk and Needs of Students (WARNS) has effectively assessed the needs critical to healthy social, emotional, and educational development of middle school and high school students across the state. This project will develop an elementary-level version of this assessment, leveraging large language models to reduce absenteeism and prevent dropouts among elementary school students by initiating a dialogue with students about what they need to thrive in the classroom.
20. Awardee: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound
  Project description: The Puget Sound branch of Big Brothers Big Sisters is faced with the challenge of a 100 –day-long waitlist for families looking to participate in their mentorship program. Through a partnership with KPMG and Microsoft, Big Brothers Big Sisters developed an AI tool, AIMRE, to process large datasets on their waitlist and increase both the quality and timeliness of youth/mentor matches. This award will allow Big Brothers Big Sisters to conduct further testing and deploy AIMRE locally, eventually scaling nationally to speed up the matching process for kids across the country.
We’re thrilled to support these 20 projects in their efforts to harness the transformative power of AI to solve challenges across Washington State and beyond.

Tags: AI for Good Lab, Innovation, Innovation Featured, quantum, Technology
MIL OSI Economics –
May 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: With Moominmama, Tove Jansson created a hero who wields a handbag instead of a sword

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Isabel Joely Black, Teaching Fellow in Anthropology, University of Manchester

In 1989, the science fiction author Ursula K. Le Guin published The Carrier Bag Theory of Fiction. In it, she notes that many stories depend heavily on a hero with a sword or weapon as a central object, while bags seem boring and insignificant.

Le Guin argued against the idea of weapons being the most important tool in a novel. Novels themselves are not “sword-shaped”, she suggested, but bags of ideas bundled together. It might be unexpected to link Le Guin to Tove Jansson’s Moomin stories. But Moominmamma is a perfect example of the kind of hero Le Guin was imagining.

The story Jansson tells in the first Moomin book, The Great Flood (1945), is not a conventional hero narrative. It is a bundle of experiences the Moomins encounter as they make their way through an uncertain environment. If the story functions more like the “bag” – of ideas, people, places and their relationships to each other – then the ideal object to sit at the heart of the story is a handbag.

This is part of a series of articles celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Moomins. Want to celebrate their birthday with us? Join The Conversation and a group of experts on May 23 in Bradford for a screening of Moomins on the Riviera and a discussion of the refugee experience in Tove Jansson’s work. Click here for more information and tickets.

Moominmamma is, as children’s laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce argues in his introduction to the 2024 edition of The Great Flood, the “hero” of the story in that she is often the person who drives the action forward. She approaches what appear to be dangerous situations with curiosity rather than fear. She rescues a cat and her kittens. She knocks on a door when she and Moomintroll are hungry and need help.

Heroes normally come with weapons, as Le Guin argues. But as a different kind of hero, Moominmamma comes with a handbag. She shows how it is possible to survive a long and arduous journey to find a home without a weapon, using her bag to carry and collect items to support them on their journey rather than relying on violence to negotiate with the world.

Le Guin remarks that it’s hard, but not impossible, to rise to the challenge of telling a story where the bag is the heroic object. With Moominmamma and her handbag in The Great Flood, Jansson fully rises to that challenge. Her courage, empathy and creativity encourage readers to think differently about how we live in the world and relate to others around us.

Tove Jansson holding a model of Moominmama and her handbag.
Wiki Commons

Moominmamma’s handbag is ubiquitous in Jansson’s illustrations. She carries it wherever she goes and panics when it goes missing.

The Exploits of Moominpappa (1950) depicts the first time Moominmama met her husband. She is introduced as she is washed up on shore, and her first worry is that she can’t find her handbag: “Suddenly, she sat up and cried: ‘Save my handbag! Oh, save my handbag!’”

In Finn Family Moomintroll (1948), the shy, elfish creatures Thingummy and Bob take the handbag and turn it into a home for themselves. The whole of Moominvalley is involved in the hunt to return the bag and a party is thrown once it is found. Moominmama is even shown to sleep with it under her pillow in A Comet in Moominvalley (1946).

An ice sculpture showing Moominmama with her handbag.
Wiki Commons, CC BY-SA

Moominmamma wasn’t drawn wearing her staple apron in the first few books, but the handbag has always been with her. In one comic strip, Moominpappa and Moomintroll know something must be seriously wrong when Moominmamma discards her bag before jumping into water.

In The Great Flood, it is even shown in the very first drawing as a small black square held by Moominmamma as she and Moomintroll enter the dark forest. They are on a terrible journey in a search for a home, and what could be more useful than a bag carrying all the essentials they need, and able to store new items picked up along the way?

The handbag’s many uses

The handbag’s first value is carrying items Moominmamma or anybody else may need on their perilous travels. It is almost immediately put to use in The Great Flood, when Moomintroll falls in water and, once rescued, has wet feet. Moominmamma gives him a pair of dry socks that symbolise the comfort and reassurance Moomintroll needs (even though Moomins do not actually wear socks).

When they discover a bottle with a message in it, she even has a corkscrew in the bag to open it. She also collects things in the environment that might be useful along the way, proving the value of a bag on a great journey is not only what you have when you start, but what you can gather.

Moominmama moments from the 1990s cartoon adaptation of Jansson’s books.

Moominmamma is always on the lookout for potentially useful things, including some chocolate she gathers off-page when the Moomins and a character described as the “little creature” are exploring. Much later, the Moomins are starving and can only find a few figs to eat. Moominmamma takes out the chocolate to keep Moomintroll and the little creature going when they desperately need it.

Le Guin argued that novels can be thought of as bags of ideas, people and things bundled together and that literal bags can be just as useful in a crisis as a weapon. Moominmamma and her handbag are an ideal example of how this plays out. She is the alternative hero Le Guin imagined, and her bag is the bundle she uses as support, the most vital tool for a crisis or a long journey.

Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

Isabel Joely Black does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. With Moominmama, Tove Jansson created a hero who wields a handbag instead of a sword – https://theconversation.com/with-moominmama-tove-jansson-created-a-hero-who-wields-a-handbag-instead-of-a-sword-255332

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: New FERC-NERC Report Details Increased Resiliency of Natural Gas Systems During Recent Winter Weather Events
Source: Independent Petroleum Association of America

Headline: New FERC-NERC Report Details Increased Resiliency of Natural Gas Systems During Recent Winter Weather Events

Apr 17, 2025 New FERC-NERC Report Details Increased Resiliency of Natural Gas Systems During Recent Winter Weather Events

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 17, 2025 – The Natural Gas Council (NGC), whose members represent the full natural gas value chain, welcomed a new joint report from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and North American Electric Reliability Corporation recognizing the strong performance of the nation’s natural gas system during recent winter weather events and periods of record demand.

The report finds that the natural gas market was able to meet record demand, with natural gas infrastructure – including wellheads, gathering, processing, pipeline transportation, and local gas distribution – performing well during the January 2025 arctic events. Moreover, the natural gas system appears to have experienced fewer disruptions than during Winter Storms Uri (2021) and Elliott (2022) and did not have widespread freezing, mechanical, or production loss issues. The report highlights several factors that contributed to the overall performance, including advanced preparations, incorporating lessons learned from past storms, diversity of fuel supplies, and natural gas storage. More specifically:
- “Natural gas entities appear to be showing continuous improvement from prior winter storm experiences on their cold weather performance, preparations, and communications.”
- “Not only were the production losses lower compared to prior winter storms, but the duration of the losses was much shorter compared to prior winter storms.”
- “Interstate natural gas pipelines appear to have issued more proactive and more frequent notices, including Operational Flow Orders (OFOs) to communicate with their customers and the electric industry stakeholders; pipeline personnel also participated in their situational awareness calls to better coordinate on natural gas inventories, compressor station availability, and pipeline readiness.”
- “VACAR South noted it benefited from the Mountain Valley Pipeline, which reached full capacity in January 2025 for the first time since it became operational in June 2024. VACAR South indicated that the pipeline played a crucial role in maintaining reliable electric supply during this high demand period by sustaining stable pipeline pressure.”
The report also highlighted how the natural gas system supported record-breaking demand of over 150 Bcf/day at the peak of Storm Enzo. This number is 9.5% above peak consumption during the 2014 Polar Vortex. Also, the report shows that during Winter Storm Enzo, natural gas generation provided a record additional 122 GW above what has typically been observed for typical winter hours (291 GW compared to 169 GW), more than any of the previous winter storms.

The results of the FERC-NERC report are consistent with the findings from PJM’s recently released winter assessment. PJM stated in its operational assessment that the “[g]eneral consensus is that the upstream gas sector (producers, gatherers, and processors) has ramped up their winter preparedness and equipment winterization efforts since Winter Storm Elliott.

The U.S. natural gas market began 2025 in record territory: January was the coldest in more than three decades, based on gas-weighted heating degree days (HDDs). As of January 28, cumulative HDDs for the lower-48 states totaled 982, making it the fifth highest since 1982 and the highest since 1994. Additionally, the recent Arctic blast pushed lower-48 natural gas demand to an all-time high. (See AGA’s Natural Gas Market Indicators for January 30 here.)

The NGC would also like to recognize the efforts of regional operators that took steps to provide gas fired generators with a better opportunity to prepare and make their natural gas arrangements in advance of the winter weather through early commitments and improvements in load forecasting. Actions that increase the ability of generators to procure supply in advance of winter events greatly enhances generator fuel availability.

Although the increased focus on natural gas system reliability has been very successful, as evidenced by the performance outlined in this report, the U.S. energy system continues to be stretched to its limits. Natural gas infrastructure will need to stay apace to continue to reliably meet growing demand from AI data centers, crypto mining, and electrification.

###

The Natural Gas Council was formed in 1992, uniting all sectors of the natural gas industry to work together toward common goals. The five full members of the Council — the American Gas Association, the American Petroleum Institute, the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, the Independent Petroleum Association of America and the Natural Gas Supply Association — collectively represent nearly all the companies that produce, transport and distribute natural gas consumed in the United States. Leadership of the NGC rotates annually.
MIL OSI Economics –
May 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Two Quebec-based companies and two individuals fined a total of $35,000 for violating the Species at Risk Act

Source: Government of Canada News

April 30, 2025 – Longueuil, Quebec

Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers work across the country to enforce the laws and regulations that protect and conserve wildlife and its habitat. They work to reduce threats and harm to biodiversity.

On April 3, 2025, at the Longueuil Courthouse, the companies Habitations Pilon Inc. and Les excavations Jacques Germain & fils Inc. pleaded guilty to one count each of violating prohibitions set out in the Emergency Order for the Protection of the Western Chorus Frog Great Lakes / St. Lawrence — Canadian Shield Population (the Emergency Order), in contravention of the Species at Risk Act (the Act). Marc-André Tarte, a Chambly resident and the construction manager for the company Habitations Pilon Inc., and Maxime Germain, an excavator operator for Les excavations Jacques Germain & fils Inc. and a Chambly resident, also pleaded guilty to one count each in connection with the same offences. They were sentenced to pay fines totalling $35,000. An amount of $30,000 will be directed to the Government of Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund and $5,000 will be paid to the Receiver General for Canada.

On November 16, 2023, during a routine patrol, Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers observed evidence of heavy machinery traffic in the area protected by the Emergency Order. Officers also observed crushed vegetation. The visible damage covered an area of approximately 612 m². After investigating, they were able to determine that the companies Habitations Pilon Inc. and Les excavations Jacques Germain & fils Inc. were responsible for the damage caused by heavy machinery traffic in the protected area. The companies and their employees had driven through the area where the Emergency Order applies to make changes to a billboard. In so doing, the companies and the individuals violated subsection 2(1) of the Emergency Order.

A violation of the provisions of an emergency order constitutes an offence under the Species at Risk Act. The Emergency Order prohibits using vehicles anywhere other than on roads or paved paths. It also prohibits removing, pruning, mowing, damaging, destroying, or introducing any vegetation. In addition, the Emergency Order prohibits installing or constructing any infrastructure or performing maintenance on any infrastructure within the enforcement area. The Act prohibits killing or harming an individual of a wildlife species listed as threatened, as well as damaging or destroying the habitat of one or more species.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has created a free subscription service to help Canadians stay current with what the Government of Canada is doing to protect the natural environment.

MIL OSI Canada News –

May 1, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: What is a downburst? These winds can be as destructive as tornadoes − we recreate them to test building designs

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amal Elawady, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Florida International University

A downburst blasts Bangkok, Thailand, in 2017. Natapat Ariyamongkol/iStock/Getty Images Plus

From a distance, a downburst can look like a torrent of heavy rain. But at ground level, its behavior can be far more destructive.

When a downburst’s winds hit the ground, they shoot out horizontally in all directions, sometimes with enough force to shatter windows and overturn vehicles.

These winds behave in complicated ways, particularly in cities, as our latest research shows. Downburst winds can deflect off tall buildings, increasing the pressure on neighboring buildings’ windows and walls. The result can blow out glass and chip off facade. Even buildings designed to survive hurricanes can suffer major damage in a downburst.

As engineers, we study downbursts with the goal of designing buildings, components such as solar panels and windows, and infrastructure such as power lines that can stand up to that powerful force. To do this, informed by field measurements, we create our own powerful downbursts using a hurricane simulator known as the Wall of Wind at Florida International University.

An illustration of how the winds of a downburst fan out in open space. In a city with tall buildings, the wind can deflect off buildings, causing damage in unexpected ways.
NASA/Wikimedia Commons

What is a downburst?

Downbursts can be as destructive as tornadoes, but their winds develop in a very different way.

A downburst forms when a thunderstorm pulls cooler, heavier air down from high in the atmosphere. As this rain-cooled air rushes downward, it gains speed. Once it slams into the ground, it has nowhere to go but outward, sending strong winds in all horizontal directions.

Dust in the air shows the curling rotation of a downburst’s winds.
NOAA

The wind speed in a downburst can reach over 150 miles per hour. That’s the strength of a Category 4 hurricane and strong enough to knock down trees and power lines, damage buildings and flip vehicles.

These winds also rotate, but not in the same way tornadoes do. Downburst winds are typically considered straight-line winds, but they rotate around a horizontal axis as the wind curls upward after hitting the ground. Tornadoes, in contrast, spin around a vertical axis.

Powerful storm systems known as derechos are often made up of multiple downburst clusters, each containing many smaller downbursts, sometimes called microbursts.

Recreating Houston’s downburst in a warehouse

On May 16, 2024, a derecho hit Houston with a downburst that was so strong, it blew out windows in several high-rise buildings that had been built to survive Category 4 hurricanes. The winds also pried off chunks of buildings’ facades.

Two months later, Hurricane Beryl hit Houston with similar wind speeds, yet it left minimal damage to the downtown buildings.

When a downburst hit downtown Houston on May 16, 2024, it shattered windows on some sides of buildings but not others, and not always in the line of the storm. The damage offered clues to how downbursts interact with tall buildings.
Cécile Clocheret/AFP via Getty Images

To understand how a downburst like this can be so much more destructive – and what cities and building designers can do about it – we simulated both the Houston downburst winds and Hurricane Beryl’s winds in the Wall of Wind.

The test facility is equipped with a dozen jet fans, each almost as tall as the workers who run them and powerful enough to simulate a Category 5 hurricane. Our team used these fans to recreate powerful downburst winds that hit horizontally with the maximum wind speeds near ground level. Then, we put several models of buildings to the test to see how roofs, windows, facades and the structures of power lines reacted under that force.

How the Wall of Wind’s fans mimic a downburst’s horizontal force.

In the Houston derecho, a downburst hit downtown with 100 mph winds. It cracked some lower windows, likely with blowing debris, but it also caused widespread unexpected damage midway up some of the buildings.

The Chevron Building Auditorium actually suffered the most damage on a side that wasn’t directly in the line of the storm but was facing another tall building. That left some intriguing questions. It suggested that the way the buildings channel the wind may have created a strong suction that blew out windows midway up the tower. Another burning question is whether building design codes are outdated when it comes to how well their cladding can stand up to these localized winds.

Using the Wall of Wind, we were able to test those pressures on models of the Houston buildings and see how downburst winds increased the pressured on a tall building model with excessive forces near the ground level.

The ability to simulate these winds is important for improving engineers’ understanding of the differences in how downbursts and other wind events exert force on buildings. The results ultimately inform building standards to help create more resilient and better-protected communities.

Building better power lines

Big storms, like downbursts, can also take down power lines.

Power lines extend hundreds of miles between cities and states, making them more susceptible to a hit from a localized severe storm, such as a downburst. If one of the towers falls, it can cause a chain reaction, like dominoes falling one after another. That can knock out power for large numbers of people.

The derecho that hit Houston with a downburst also crumpled transmission towers in Texas.
AP Photo/David J. Phillip

With colleagues, we have been testing transmission towers and multispan power-line systems under downburst and hurricane winds to understand how these structures respond, with the goal of developing better construction techniques. That work has helped to update the American manual for the design of power lines, which engineers use for designing safer, more storm-resilient transmission towers.

What’s next

Low-rise and mid-rise buildings are also vulnerable to downbursts, but the effects are less well understood. Downburst winds are most intense between 10 and 300 feet above the ground, meaning the roofs and walls of some low-rises can be hit with intense horizontal wind.

Recent building codes have offered design guidelines to help ensure these buildings can withstand tornadoes. However, the way downbursts rotate in a short time around a building or a community of buildings puts pressure on the walls and the roof in different ways. Similar to straight-line winds, we expect high suction on the roof. Due to their short duration, varying wind direction and intense wind speed, downbursts may also cause excessive vibrations and varying pressure distribution on the roof components.

How microbursts form.

We’re now testing downburst damage to low- and mid-rise buildings to better understand the risks and help highlight changes that can make buildings more resilient.

As populations grow, cities are adding more buildings. At the same time, powerful storms are becoming more frequent and more intense. Understanding the effects of different types of storms will help engineers construct high-rises, low-rises and power lines that are better able to withstand extreme weather.

Amal Elawady receives funding from the National Science Foundation.

Fahim Ahmed, Mohamed Eissa, and Omar Metwally do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. What is a downburst? These winds can be as destructive as tornadoes − we recreate them to test building designs – https://theconversation.com/what-is-a-downburst-these-winds-can-be-as-destructive-as-tornadoes-we-recreate-them-to-test-building-designs-254931

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

May 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Bees, fish and plants show how climate change’s accelerating pace is disrupting nature in 2 key ways

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Courtney McGinnis, Professor of Biology, Medical Sciences and Environmental Sciences, Quinnipiac University

A bee enjoys lunch on a flower in Hillsboro, Ore. HIllsboro Parks & Rec, CC BY-NC-ND

The problem with climate change isn’t just the temperature – it’s also how fast the climate is changing today.

Historically, Earth’s climate changes have generally happened over thousands to millions of years. Today, global temperatures are increasing by about 0.36 degrees Fahrenheit (0.2 degrees Celsius) per decade.

Imagine a car speeding up. Over time, human activities such as burning fossil fuels have increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the Sun. This is like pressing the gas pedal. The faster the driver adds gas, the faster the car goes.

The 21st century has seen a dramatic acceleration in the rate of climate change, with global temperatures rising more than three times faster than in the previous century.

The faster pace and higher temperatures are changing habitat ranges for plants and animals. In some regions, the pace of change is also throwing off the delicate timing of pollination, putting plants and pollinators such as bees at risk.

Some species are already migrating

Most plant and animal species can tolerate or at least recover from short-term changes in climate, such as a heat wave. When the changes last longer, however, organisms may need to migrate into new areas to adapt for survival.

Some species are already moving toward higher latitudes and altitudes with cooler temperatures, altering their geographic territory to stay within their optimal climate. Fish populations, for example, have shifted toward the poles as ocean temperatures have risen.

Pollinators such as bees can also shift their ranges.

Bumblebees, for example, are adapted for cooler regions because of their fuzzy bodies. Some bumblebee populations have been disappearing from the southern parts of their geographic range and have been found in cooler regions to the north and in more mountainous areas. That could increase competition with existing bumblebee populations.

Plants and pollinators can get out of sync

Plants and their pollinators face another problem as the rate of climate change increases: Many plants rely on insects and other animals for seed and pollen dispersal.

Much of that pollen dispersal is accomplished by native pollinators. About 75% of plant species in North America require an insect pollinator – bees, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, wasps, birds and bats. In fact, 1 in 3 bites of food you eat depend on a pollinator, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

So, even if a species successfully migrates into a new territory, it can face a mismatch of pollination timing. This is known as phenological mismatch.

Monarch butterflies migrate each year and rely on plants blooming along their path to provide food.
Clint Wirick/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

During the winter, insects go into a hibernation known as diapause, migrate or take up shelter underground, under rocks or in leaf litter. These insect pollinators use temperature and daylight length as cues for when to emerge or when to migrate to their spring and summer habitats.

As the rate of climate change increases, the chances of a timing mismatch between pollinators and the plants they pollinate rise.

With an increase in temperature, many plants are blooming earlier in the spring. If bees or other pollinators emerge at their “normal” time, flowers may already be blooming, reducing their chance for pollination.

If pollinators emerge too early, they may struggle to survive if their normal food sources are not yet available. Native bees, for example, rely on pollen for much of the protein they need for growing and thriving.

Wild bees are emerging earlier

This kind of shift in timing is already happening with bees in the U.S.

Studies have shown that the date wild bees emerge in the U.S. has shifted by 10.4 days earlier over the past 130 years, and the pace is accelerating.

One study found wild bees across species have been changing their phenology, or timing of seasonal activities, and over the past 50 years the emergence date is four times faster. That means wild bees were emerging roughly eight days earlier in 2020 than they did in 1970.

A bee pollinates an almond tree in an orchard.
David Kosling/U.S. Department of Agriculture, CC BY

This trend of earlier emergence is generally consistent across organisms with the accelerating rate of climate change. If the timing mismatches continue to worsen, it could exacerbate the decline of pollinator populations and result in inadequate pollination for plants that rely on them.

Pollinator decline and inadequate pollination already account for a 3% to 5% decline in global fruit, vegetable, spice and nut production annually, a recent study found.

Without pollinators, ecosystems are less resilient − they are unable to absorb disturbances such as wildfires, adapt to changes, and recover from environmental stressors such as pollution, drought or floods.

Managing climate change

Pollinators face many other risks from human activities, including habitat loss from development and harm from pesticide use. Climate change adds to that list.

Taking steps to reduce the activities driving global warming can help keep these species thriving and carrying out their roles in nature into the future.

Courtney McGinnis is affiliated with You Got This Kid Leadership Foundation. She receives funding from Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.

– ref. Bees, fish and plants show how climate change’s accelerating pace is disrupting nature in 2 key ways – https://theconversation.com/bees-fish-and-plants-show-how-climate-changes-accelerating-pace-is-disrupting-nature-in-2-key-ways-255384

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: What is a downburst? These winds can be as destructive as tornadoes − we recreate them to test building designs

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Amal Elawady, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Florida International University

A downburst blasts Bangkok, Thailand, in 2017. Natapat Ariyamongkol/iStock/Getty Images Plus

From a distance, a downburst can look like a torrent of heavy rain. But at ground level, its behavior can be far more destructive.

When a downburst’s winds hit the ground, they shoot out horizontally in all directions, sometimes with enough force to shatter windows and overturn vehicles.

These winds behave in complicated ways, particularly in cities, as our latest research shows. Downburst winds can deflect off tall buildings, increasing the pressure on neighboring buildings’ windows and walls. The result can blow out glass and chip off facade. Even buildings designed to survive hurricanes can suffer major damage in a downburst.

As engineers, we study downbursts with the goal of designing buildings, components such as solar panels and windows, and infrastructure such as power lines that can stand up to that powerful force. To do this, informed by field measurements, we create our own powerful downbursts using a hurricane simulator known as the Wall of Wind at Florida International University.

An illustration of how the winds of a downburst fan out in open space. In a city with tall buildings, the wind can deflect off buildings, causing damage in unexpected ways.
NASA/Wikimedia Commons

What is a downburst?

Downbursts can be as destructive as tornadoes, but their winds develop in a very different way.

A downburst forms when a thunderstorm pulls cooler, heavier air down from high in the atmosphere. As this rain-cooled air rushes downward, it gains speed. Once it slams into the ground, it has nowhere to go but outward, sending strong winds in all horizontal directions.

Dust in the air shows the curling rotation of a downburst’s winds.
NOAA

The wind speed in a downburst can reach over 150 miles per hour. That’s the strength of a Category 4 hurricane and strong enough to knock down trees and power lines, damage buildings and flip vehicles.

These winds also rotate, but not in the same way tornadoes do. Downburst winds are typically considered straight-line winds, but they rotate around a horizontal axis as the wind curls upward after hitting the ground. Tornadoes, in contrast, spin around a vertical axis.

Powerful storm systems known as derechos are often made up of multiple downburst clusters, each containing many smaller downbursts, sometimes called microbursts.

Recreating Houston’s downburst in a warehouse

On May 16, 2024, a derecho hit Houston with a downburst that was so strong, it blew out windows in several high-rise buildings that had been built to survive Category 4 hurricanes. The winds also pried off chunks of buildings’ facades.

Two months later, Hurricane Beryl hit Houston with similar wind speeds, yet it left minimal damage to the downtown buildings.

When a downburst hit downtown Houston on May 16, 2024, it shattered windows on some sides of buildings but not others, and not always in the line of the storm. The damage offered clues to how downbursts interact with tall buildings.
Cécile Clocheret/AFP via Getty Images

To understand how a downburst like this can be so much more destructive – and what cities and building designers can do about it – we simulated both the Houston downburst winds and Hurricane Beryl’s winds in the Wall of Wind.

The test facility is equipped with a dozen jet fans, each almost as tall as the workers who run them and powerful enough to simulate a Category 5 hurricane. Our team used these fans to recreate powerful downburst winds that hit horizontally with the maximum wind speeds near ground level. Then, we put several models of buildings to the test to see how roofs, windows, facades and the structures of power lines reacted under that force.

How the Wall of Wind’s fans mimic a downburst’s horizontal force.

In the Houston derecho, a downburst hit downtown with 100 mph winds. It cracked some lower windows, likely with blowing debris, but it also caused widespread unexpected damage midway up some of the buildings.

The Chevron Building Auditorium actually suffered the most damage on a side that wasn’t directly in the line of the storm but was facing another tall building. That left some intriguing questions. It suggested that the way the buildings channel the wind may have created a strong suction that blew out windows midway up the tower. Another burning question is whether building design codes are outdated when it comes to how well their cladding can stand up to these localized winds.

Using the Wall of Wind, we were able to test those pressures on models of the Houston buildings and see how downburst winds increased the pressured on a tall building model with excessive forces near the ground level.

The ability to simulate these winds is important for improving engineers’ understanding of the differences in how downbursts and other wind events exert force on buildings. The results ultimately inform building standards to help create more resilient and better-protected communities.

Building better power lines

Big storms, like downbursts, can also take down power lines.

Power lines extend hundreds of miles between cities and states, making them more susceptible to a hit from a localized severe storm, such as a downburst. If one of the towers falls, it can cause a chain reaction, like dominoes falling one after another. That can knock out power for large numbers of people.

The derecho that hit Houston with a downburst also crumpled transmission towers in Texas.
AP Photo/David J. Phillip

With colleagues, we have been testing transmission towers and multispan power-line systems under downburst and hurricane winds to understand how these structures respond, with the goal of developing better construction techniques. That work has helped to update the American manual for the design of power lines, which engineers use for designing safer, more storm-resilient transmission towers.

What’s next

Low-rise and mid-rise buildings are also vulnerable to downbursts, but the effects are less well understood. Downburst winds are most intense between 10 and 300 feet above the ground, meaning the roofs and walls of some low-rises can be hit with intense horizontal wind.

Recent building codes have offered design guidelines to help ensure these buildings can withstand tornadoes. However, the way downbursts rotate in a short time around a building or a community of buildings puts pressure on the walls and the roof in different ways. Similar to straight-line winds, we expect high suction on the roof. Due to their short duration, varying wind direction and intense wind speed, downbursts may also cause excessive vibrations and varying pressure distribution on the roof components.

How microbursts form.

We’re now testing downburst damage to low- and mid-rise buildings to better understand the risks and help highlight changes that can make buildings more resilient.

As populations grow, cities are adding more buildings. At the same time, powerful storms are becoming more frequent and more intense. Understanding the effects of different types of storms will help engineers construct high-rises, low-rises and power lines that are better able to withstand extreme weather.

Amal Elawady receives funding from the National Science Foundation.

Fahim Ahmed, Mohamed Eissa, and Omar Metwally do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. What is a downburst? These winds can be as destructive as tornadoes − we recreate them to test building designs – https://theconversation.com/what-is-a-downburst-these-winds-can-be-as-destructive-as-tornadoes-we-recreate-them-to-test-building-designs-254931

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 1, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government must distance itself from Blair’s latest ‘dodgy dossier’ say Greens

Source: Green Party of England and Wales

30 April 2025/ 30 April 2025 by Green Party

Commenting on Tony Blair’s call for a major rethink of net zero policies which comes as the Climate Change Committee warns the UK is critically unprepared for the escalating threats of the climate crisis, co-leader of the Green Party, Carla Denyer, said:

“Tony Blair has decided to mimic Nigel Farage on net zero and sounds like he is speaking on behalf of petro-states like Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan for whom he has lobbied for more years than he was prime minister.

“It is vital that the government distance itself from this latest dodgy dossier from Blair and turn its attention instead to what the Climate Change Committee is saying today. Their report could not be clearer: we are woefully unprepared for the impacts of climate breakdown as a country. Tomorrow is likely to be the hottest local election day on record – a potent reminder that we need a comprehensive plan to prepare for increasingly extreme weather events.

“Tony Blair and Nigel Farage apparently need reminding that a huge 89% of the world’s people want stronger action to fight the climate crisis, not a reset or watering down of ambition. And the CBI points to the fact that the UK’s net zero sector expanded 10 per cent last year, three times faster than the rest of the economy.

“The future is green; Labour must not allow yesterday’s man to drag us back into the dark ages. The government must press ahead with the drive towards clean energy and the green economy and all the advantages that will bring in creating good quality jobs, cutting energy bills and creating a healthier society.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 1, 2025
MIL-OSI China: During visit to Eswatini, Foreign Minister Lin meets with Prime Minister Dlamini and announces additional funding for women’s microfinance revolving fund

Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

April 24, 2025

No. 115

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung is currently visiting Eswatini as President Lai Ching-te’s special envoy. He continues to carry out important engagements in Taiwan’s African ally.

On the morning of April 23, the second day of his visit, Special Envoy Lin called on Prime Minister Russell Dlamini to thank him for his friendship with Taiwan. Prime Minister Dlamini, who assumed office in November 2023, led a delegation to Taiwan in March 2024. In the same year, he spoke up for Taiwan on behalf of the government of Eswatini at major international events, including the United Nations General Assembly and the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, demonstrating staunch support for the diplomatic alliance between the two countries.

Prime Minister Dlamini warmly welcomed Special Envoy Lin to Eswatini and thanked Taiwan for its long-standing support. He reaffirmed that relations with Taiwan were rock-solid and emphasized that Eswatini, as a sovereign nation, had the right to choose its own friends without being influenced by other countries. He underlined that Eswatini was firmly committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with Taiwan.

Also on the morning of April 23, Special Envoy Lin joined Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu; Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo; and other high-level officials at an event to showcase the results of a microfinance revolving fund implemented by Taiwan and Eswatini to help women start businesses.

In his remarks, Special Envoy Lin stated that Taiwan had announced an investment of US$1 million to establish the revolving fund in September 2023. He said the program provided start-up loans for women in rural areas, increased household incomes, and contributed to the economic and social development of Eswatini. In the past year or more since the fund was launched, over 500 loans had been approved, leading to changes in people’s lives and helping women achieve economic independence, he added. Highlighting a touching result of the initiative, Special Envoy Lin noted that one beneficiary had named her newborn baby Taiwan to thank Taiwan for its assistance. He further announced that the Taiwan government would inject an additional US$500,000 into the fund to further expand the virtuous cycle. Special Envoy Lin said this underscored Taiwan’s strong commitment to economic empowerment in Eswatini.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Dladla recalled her 2019 visit to Taiwan as foreign minister, during which she presented a proposal to the Taiwan government for the revolving fund on behalf of Queen Mother Ntombi Tfwala. She said that in 2020 the Technical Mission of the International Cooperation and Development Fund in Eswatini had introduced the Women’s Microenterprise Mentoring and Capacity Building Project, under which more than 6,000 women had received entrepreneurship skills training. Deputy Prime Minister Dladla said this was followed by a bilateral cooperation agreement to launch the fund, signed at a ceremony witnessed by the heads of state of both nations in September 2023. She praised the results that the program had achieved since it was launched just over a year ago in effectively giving women in rural areas of Eswatini an avenue to finance their start-up plans.

Around 100 beneficiaries of the fund attended the event. Participants sang classic Taiwanese songs such as “Fight to Win,” creating a warm and lively atmosphere. Special Envoy Lin presented a stuffed leopard cat to the child named Taiwan, highlighting the profound friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work with the government of Eswatini to enhance the well-being of the peoples of both countries and further deepen bilateral relations. (E)

MIL OSI China News –

May 1, 2025
MIL-OSI China: MOFA response to Czech Senate adopting resolution on China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758
Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

MOFA response to Czech Senate adopting resolution on China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758
- Date：2025-04-30
- Data Source：Department of European Affairs
April 30, 2025

The Czech Senate on April 29 adopted a resolution on the misrepresentation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 by the People’s Republic of China and support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. In the resolution, the Czech Senate opposed China’s mischaracterization of UNGA Resolution 2758, emphasizing that it did not substantiate the “one China principle,” and rejected China’s related claim that Taiwan was part of China. The resolution also reiterated its support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the resolution and expresses its sincere appreciation.

The resolution stated that when UNGA Resolution 2758 was adopted on October 25, 1971, it made no mention of Taiwan, the Taiwanese people, or Taiwan’s political status; did not establish PRC sovereignty over Taiwan; and did not discuss Taiwan’s status or participation in UN agencies. Moreover, the resolution pointed out that China’s deliberate distortion of UN resolutions endangered the legitimacy of the United Nations and infringed on the basic principles of international law. It called on China to respect the content of UNGA 2758 and stop misusing it for its own political ends.

In addition, the resolution supported Taiwan’s meaningful participation in multilateral organizations and fora such as the World Health Organization, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the International Criminal Police Organization. It urged the Czech government to address China’s misrepresentation and misuse of UNGA Resolution 2758 in the UN system and support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations and other international organizations.

The Czech Chamber of Deputies Foreign Affairs Committee adopted a resolution on December 12, 2024, opposing China’s improper linking of UNGA Resolution 2758 with the “one China principle.” The new Czech Senate resolution therefore once again demonstrates the Czech Parliament’s staunch backing of Taiwan and underscores the close and cordial relations between Taiwan and the Czech Republic.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses sincere gratitude to the Czech Senate for supporting Taiwan through concrete action and calls on the international community to likewise counter China’s false narratives regarding UNGA Resolution 2758. Taiwan will continue to work hand in hand with like-minded partners worldwide to resist the efforts of authoritarian regimes seeking to undermine the international order and to jointly safeguard the core values shared by the global democratic community.

MIL OSI China News –
April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to Czech Senate adopting resolution on China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to Czech Senate adopting resolution on China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758

Date：2025-04-30
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

April 30, 2025

The Czech Senate on April 29 adopted a resolution on the misrepresentation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 by the People’s Republic of China and support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. In the resolution, the Czech Senate opposed China’s mischaracterization of UNGA Resolution 2758, emphasizing that it did not substantiate the “one China principle,” and rejected China’s related claim that Taiwan was part of China. The resolution also reiterated its support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the resolution and expresses its sincere appreciation.

The resolution stated that when UNGA Resolution 2758 was adopted on October 25, 1971, it made no mention of Taiwan, the Taiwanese people, or Taiwan’s political status; did not establish PRC sovereignty over Taiwan; and did not discuss Taiwan’s status or participation in UN agencies. Moreover, the resolution pointed out that China’s deliberate distortion of UN resolutions endangered the legitimacy of the United Nations and infringed on the basic principles of international law. It called on China to respect the content of UNGA 2758 and stop misusing it for its own political ends.

In addition, the resolution supported Taiwan’s meaningful participation in multilateral organizations and fora such as the World Health Organization, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the International Criminal Police Organization. It urged the Czech government to address China’s misrepresentation and misuse of UNGA Resolution 2758 in the UN system and support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations and other international organizations.

The Czech Chamber of Deputies Foreign Affairs Committee adopted a resolution on December 12, 2024, opposing China’s improper linking of UNGA Resolution 2758 with the “one China principle.” The new Czech Senate resolution therefore once again demonstrates the Czech Parliament’s staunch backing of Taiwan and underscores the close and cordial relations between Taiwan and the Czech Republic.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses sincere gratitude to the Czech Senate for supporting Taiwan through concrete action and calls on the international community to likewise counter China’s false narratives regarding UNGA Resolution 2758. Taiwan will continue to work hand in hand with like-minded partners worldwide to resist the efforts of authoritarian regimes seeking to undermine the international order and to jointly safeguard the core values shared by the global democratic community.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: During visit to Eswatini, Foreign Minister Lin meets with Prime Minister Dlamini and announces additional funding for women’s microfinance revolving fund

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

April 24, 2025
No. 115

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung is currently visiting Eswatini as President Lai Ching-te’s special envoy. He continues to carry out important engagements in Taiwan’s African ally.

On the morning of April 23, the second day of his visit, Special Envoy Lin called on Prime Minister Russell Dlamini to thank him for his friendship with Taiwan. Prime Minister Dlamini, who assumed office in November 2023, led a delegation to Taiwan in March 2024. In the same year, he spoke up for Taiwan on behalf of the government of Eswatini at major international events, including the United Nations General Assembly and the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, demonstrating staunch support for the diplomatic alliance between the two countries.

Prime Minister Dlamini warmly welcomed Special Envoy Lin to Eswatini and thanked Taiwan for its long-standing support. He reaffirmed that relations with Taiwan were rock-solid and emphasized that Eswatini, as a sovereign nation, had the right to choose its own friends without being influenced by other countries. He underlined that Eswatini was firmly committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with Taiwan.

Also on the morning of April 23, Special Envoy Lin joined Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu; Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo; and other high-level officials at an event to showcase the results of a microfinance revolving fund implemented by Taiwan and Eswatini to help women start businesses.

In his remarks, Special Envoy Lin stated that Taiwan had announced an investment of US$1 million to establish the revolving fund in September 2023. He said the program provided start-up loans for women in rural areas, increased household incomes, and contributed to the economic and social development of Eswatini. In the past year or more since the fund was launched, over 500 loans had been approved, leading to changes in people’s lives and helping women achieve economic independence, he added. Highlighting a touching result of the initiative, Special Envoy Lin noted that one beneficiary had named her newborn baby Taiwan to thank Taiwan for its assistance. He further announced that the Taiwan government would inject an additional US$500,000 into the fund to further expand the virtuous cycle. Special Envoy Lin said this underscored Taiwan’s strong commitment to economic empowerment in Eswatini.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Dladla recalled her 2019 visit to Taiwan as foreign minister, during which she presented a proposal to the Taiwan government for the revolving fund on behalf of Queen Mother Ntombi Tfwala. She said that in 2020 the Technical Mission of the International Cooperation and Development Fund in Eswatini had introduced the Women’s Microenterprise Mentoring and Capacity Building Project, under which more than 6,000 women had received entrepreneurship skills training. Deputy Prime Minister Dladla said this was followed by a bilateral cooperation agreement to launch the fund, signed at a ceremony witnessed by the heads of state of both nations in September 2023. She praised the results that the program had achieved since it was launched just over a year ago in effectively giving women in rural areas of Eswatini an avenue to finance their start-up plans.

Around 100 beneficiaries of the fund attended the event. Participants sang classic Taiwanese songs such as “Fight to Win,” creating a warm and lively atmosphere. Special Envoy Lin presented a stuffed leopard cat to the child named Taiwan, highlighting the profound friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work with the government of Eswatini to enhance the well-being of the peoples of both countries and further deepen bilateral relations. (E)

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 30, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ11: Sale of electricity generated by waste-to-energy facilities

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LCQ11: Sale of electricity generated by waste-to-energy facilities
Question:

It is learnt that the Government is currently selling the surplus electricity generated by waste-to-energy facilities to the power companies at the prevailing fuel costs of the power companies. It has been reported that the relevant sale prices of electricity are too low, but the power companies are selling electricity to consumers at normal prices. There are views that the Government should make public the criteria for determining the sale prices of electricity, so as to ensure that the electricity generated by waste-to-energy facilities can be sold to the power companies at reasonable prices. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) since the commissioning of T·PARK, O·PARK1 and O·PARK2, of (i) the amount of electricity generated by such facilities, (ii) the prices at which the surplus electricity generated by them was sold to the power companies, (iii) the criteria for the sale of electricity (including why the surplus electricity from such facilities was sold to the power companies at fuel costs), and (iv) the respective prevailing average tariffs charged by the power companies; the revenue received by the Government from the sale of such electricity;

(2) given that the Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1 (i.e. I·PARK1) is expected to come into operation within this year, whether the authorities have drawn up plans for the sale of electricity in respect of the facilities;

(3) as it is learnt that the Government sells the surplus electricity generated by waste-to-energy facilities to the power companies at the prevailing fuel costs of the power companies, whether the tariff revenue concerned has been deducted from the permitted rate of return stipulated in the Scheme of Control Agreements (SCAs); if so, of the details; if not, whether the relevant provision will be added when formulating SCAs in the future; and

(4) whether it will require the power companies to offer corresponding tariff discounts to the grass roots, or residents living in the vicinity of waste-to-energy facilities; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

To achieve the goals of “Zero Landfill” and carbon neutrality set out in the Waste Blueprint for Hong Kong 2035 and Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050, the Government is pressing ahead with the development of a network of advanced and highly efficient modern waste-to-energy (WtE) facilities, including modern WtE incineration facilities and food waste treatment facilities, with a view to moving away from the reliance on landfills for direct disposal of municipal solid waste and transforming waste into energy for the daily operation of such facilities, while the surplus electricity generated can be exported to the power grid of the power companies. According to the existing arrangement, the Government would sell the surplus electricity to the power companies at the prevailing fuel costs of the power companies. The relevant revenue generated would be paid into the general revenue of the Government. My reply to the question raised by the Hon Chan Hak-kan is as follows:

(1) and (3) T·PARK, Organic Resources Recovery Centre Phase 1 (O·PARK1) and Phase 2 (O·PARK2) are all WtE facilities. T·PARK is a sludge incineration facility dedicated to treating sludge generated from sewage treatment works. The heat energy generated from the sludge incineration process is recovered to generate electricity. On the other hand, O·PARK1 and O·PARK2 adopt anaerobic digestion technology to convert food waste into biogas for electricity generation. From their commencement of operation till December 2024, the cumulative amount of electricity generated and surplus electricity exported to the power grid by T·PARK and O·PARK1 are tabulated below:

Facility(million kWh)(million kWh)O·PARK2 began receiving food waste for operational testing in March 2024, during which the contractor was required to test and fine-tune each combined heat and power generation unit in phases. The electricity generated and utilised during normal operation was not reflected, and there was no surplus electricity exported to the power grid. Hence, there are no detailed records for O·PARK2 from March to December 2024.

The sale of surplus electricity generated by WtE facilities to the power companies by the Government does not cause an increase in overall electricity demand. Its actual effect is saving the fuel that power companies would otherwise need to generate an equivalent amount of electricity. If the sale price is set at a level higher than the fuel cost thus saved, it will lead to an increase of the fuel cost. On the contrary, if the sale price is set at a level lower than the fuel cost thus saved, it will be equivalent to subsidising the fuel cost by the Government. The Government has therefore used the prevailing marginal fuel cost of electricity generation saved by the power companies for purchasing such surplus electricity as a basis for setting the price of the surplus electricity, to avoid affecting the tariff. According to the Scheme of Control Agreements (SCAs) signed between the Government and the power companies, the amounts paid by the power companies for purchasing the surplus electricity generated by the Government’s renewable energy systems are counted as part of their fuel costs, which are accountable expenses. The power companies are not permitted to earn a return from such electricity purchases.

Over the years, the surplus electricity generated by T·PARK and O·PARK1 has been sold to CLP Power Hong Kong Limited at actual prices ranging from approximately $0.2 to $0.8 per kWh, while the average net tariffs have been charged at rates ranging from approximately $1.1 to $1.5 per kWh. The sale has yielded a total revenue of around $52 million to the Government.

(2) The Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1 (I·PARK1) is expected to commence operation this year. The aforementioned existing arrangement will apply to I·PARK1. Upon full operation of I·PARK1, apart from generating electricity for its daily operation, it is estimated that approximately 480 million kWh of surplus electricity can be exported to the power grid each year.

(4) Under the framework of the SCAs, the power companies have provided the energy saving rebate scheme and concessionary tariff schemes to offer discounts in the electricity bills to low consumption customers and customers in need, thereby encouraging energy saving and reducing their expenditure on electricity tariff. In addition, through programmes under their respective Community Energy Saving Fund and Smart Power Care Fund, the power companies would assist the disadvantaged in alleviating their expenses on electricity tariff, including the provision of cash subsidies to eligible grassroots families and households of sub-divided units. The Government will continue to encourage the power companies to provide assistance for customers in need having regard to their operating situations.
Issued at HKT 11:55

NNNN

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 30, 2025

MIL-OSI Australia: Limited access returns to world class Ex-HMAS Brisbane dive site after ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred
Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 30 Apr 2025

The Ex-HMAS Brisbane Conservation Park dive site has partially reopened following a temporary closure in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, this iconic piece of Australian naval history offers divers an unforgettable underwater experience just off the Sunshine Coast.

Although rectification works are continuing to protect both divers and its surrounding marine environment, guided external-only dives have been given the green light to recommence.

Access to the site is available exclusively through bookings with SunReef and Scuba World, with the public mooring set to remain closed until further notice to support rectification activities and ensure visitor safety.

Principal Ranger of Southern Marine Parks, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Steve Hoseck emphasised the importance of the rectification efforts in getting tourism operators back in business.

“Reinstating the Ex-HMAS Brisbane as one of Australia’s premier wreck diving destinations is a top priority,” Mr Hoseck said.

“We’re allowing controlled access for certified advanced divers, giving them a unique opportunity to witness the impact of a cyclone on a wreck while making sure ongoing rectification work continues uninterrupted.

“Divers from around the world are drawn to the Ex-HMAS Brisbane wreck, and even with limited access, we’re delighted to get people back in the water to experience this Queensland icon.”

Access Guidelines:
- No physical contact with the wreck permitted.
- Water visibility must be greater than 5m.
- No swimming over or entering the rectification areas.
- Divers must remain 2.5m away from the wreck.
- Max distance between divers of 2m.
- Group sizes are limited and must be accompanied by a certified guide.
- Set dive route.
- Certified advanced divers and above.
For the latest updates on access and restoration progress, head to our official Park Alert.

Media contact: DETSI Media Unit on (07) 3339 5831 or media@des.qld.gov.au

MIL OSI News –
April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA extends sincere condolences to French overseas department Mayotte in aftermath of Cyclone Chido

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA extends sincere condolences to French overseas department Mayotte in aftermath of Cyclone Chido

Date：2024-12-16
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

December 16, 2024
No. 462

Cyclone Chido struck the French overseas department of Mayotte on December 14, with gusts exceeding 200 kilometers per hour. It was the strongest cyclone to hit the area in over 90 years. The local government stated that casualties likely numbered in the hundreds and that the storm had caused severe property damage.

Upon receiving news of the disaster, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung immediately instructed the Taipei Representative Office in France to convey President Lai Ching-te’s sincere sympathies and condolences on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan to French President Emmanuel Macron. Minister Lin emphasized that, if necessary, the Taiwan government would gladly provide disaster assistance. He also indicated that Taiwan would donate €250,000 through its representative office to assist with local disaster relief and postdisaster reconstruction efforts.
According to information available to the representative office in France, no Taiwanese nationals have been injured or stranded. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the representative office in France will continue to closely follow developments in Mayotte, maintain contact with the relevant French authorities, and provide any assistance necessary. (E)

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: ICYMI: Celebrating President Trump’s Incredible First 100 Days

Source: The White House

President Donald J. Trump has accomplished more in 100 days than most presidents do over an entire term — and he’s still just getting started. President Trump’s unprecedented work in the first 100 days has earned praise from across Capitol Hill and beyond.

Here’s what they’re saying:

Speaker Mike Johnson: “@POTUS has been able to do far more for the American people in the first 100 days than the Biden Administration did in four years. Thanks to the Trump White House, AMERICA IS BACK – and we’re just getting started.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune: “It’s been 100 days of the new Trump administration, and @POTUS is delivering. Securing our southern border, restoring American strength, extending tax relief for Americans, unleashing American energy, saving taxpayer dollars, and restoring common sense.”

Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso: “In the first 100 days under @POTUS Trump, Republicans are fighting for the American people. Secure the border. Rebuild the economy. Restore peace through strength. Unleash American energy.”

Senate Republican Conference Chair Tom Cotton: “Joe Biden unleashed mass illegal migration across our nation during his time in office. In his first 100 days, President Trump ended the Biden Border Crisis by cracking down on criminals and following the law.”

Sen. Jim Banks: “100 days of securing the border… Thanks to President Trump’s strong leadership, the invasion along our borders is over!”

Sen. Marsha Blackburn: “Congratulations to President Trump on 100 days of Making America Great Again.”

Sen. Katie Britt: “President Trump has kept his promises in the first 100 days.”

Sen. Ted Budd: “From day one: clear goals, hard work, concrete results. At Day 100, @POTUS has built real momentum to deliver long-term prosperity for the American people — and he’s just getting started.”

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito: “Real leadership leads to real results. @SenateGOP and @POTUS are delivering on our promises in these 100 days to protect and secure our country.”

Sen. Bill Cassidy: “After 100 days, the results are clear: America is safer and the border is secure.”

Sen. John Cornyn: “I’ve worked hand-in-glove with President Trump to accomplish his agenda during his first 100 days.”

Sen. Mike Crapo: “President Trump has had phenomenal successes in his first 100 days. He has closed the border, revitalized our energy production, brought trillions of dollars of capital investment into the United States.”

Sen. Steve Daines: “In just 100 days, @POTUS has delivered win after win. Border crossings are at an all-time low, American energy is thriving & we’re kicking Biden and the left’s woke agenda to the curb. If this is what 100 days of progress looks like, can’t wait for what the future brings!”

Sen. Joni Ernst: “From a wide-open southern border to complete border security in just 100 days. That is the Trump effect.”

Sen. Chuck Grassley: “2day marks 100 days of Pres Trumps return 2 White House Ive seen the President working hard 2 KEEP HIS PROMISES + RESTORE COMMON SENSE Praise the Lord we hv a Commander in Chief who is standing on the platform he ran on& getting things done for the American ppl.”

Sen. Lindsay Graham: “In just 100 days, President Trump has delivered historic results for the American people… I look forward to continue working with the President and his team in the Senate to make sure we DELIVER his historic agenda to the American people.”

Sen. Bill Hagerty: “This has been the most effective, most impactful in a positive sense 100 days in my lifetime.”

Sen. Josh Hawley: “For the first time in decades, working Americans have a President who stands with them. Trump’s giving Americans their country back”

Sen. John Hoeven: “#100Days in, @POTUS has secured the border and now he’s empowering our energy producers to make the country energy dominant—removing barriers, driving growth, and restoring America’s place as the world’s energy leader.”

Sen. Jon Husted: “Daily border apprehensions have dropped 95% since @POTUS took office. Pres. Trump is following through on his promise to secure the border and safeguard Americans.”

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith: “Just 100 days in, @POTUS and the Senate Republicans are delivering for the American people – securing our border, rolling back harmful Biden policies, confirming Trump nominees, passing common-sense laws, and locking in a strong budget.”

Sen. Jim Justice: “100 days under @POTUS:
✔️American Energy Unleashed
✔️Border is secure
✔️Manufacturing is coming back to the states
✔️ West Virginia Coal making a comeback
President Trump is just getting started and I will keep working alongside him to get results for Americans!”

Sen. John Kennedy: “In just 100 days, President Trump has secured the border, fought racial quotas, and totally changed the national conversation about the budget.”

Sen. James Lankford: “An unprecedented 100 days under President Trump!” Let’s continue this moment for the American people—great job @POTUS.”

Sen. Mike Lee: “A HISTORIC FIRST 100 DAYS.”

Sen. Cynthia Lummis: “100 days of a stronger and safer America.”

Sen. Roger Marshall: “The President’s first 100 days is a return to American greatness.”

Sen. Dave McCormick: “We’re 100 days into the Trump Administration and we’re already seeing enormous change on behalf of the American people, just like the president promised.”

Sen. Ashley Moody: “Today marks President Trump’s first 100 days, and the country is already stronger and safer than it has ever been before.”

Sen. Jerry Moran: “In his first 100 days in office, President Trump has made our southern border safer by ending catch & release, signing the Laken Riley Act into law & reinstating Remain in Mexico. Illegal encounters at the southern border are down 95% thanks to these commonsense policies.”

Sen. Markwayne Mullin: “100 DAYS: PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT.”

Sen. Rand Paul: “100 days of cutting government waste, securing the border, pursuing peace abroad, and simply restoring sanity to the American people.”

Sen. Pete Ricketts: “In his first 100 days in office, President Trump has delivered for the American people.”

Sen. Jim Risch: “100 days of America First”

Sen. Rick Scott: “President Trump is delivering on his promises to make our country safer, our economy stronger, and America Great Again!”

Sen. Tim Scott: “How do you describe 100 days of President Trump? Promises made, promises kept.”

Sen. Eric Schmitt: “100 days of putting America first. Us”

Sen. Tim Sheehy: “Whether it’s ending Biden’s border crisis, unleashing American energy, bolstering our military and restoring American strength, or securing better deals for hardworking families, @POTUS has delivered win after win in his first 100 days.”

Sen. Dan Sullivan: “Congratulations @POTUS on 100 days in office and thank you in particular for working to unleash Alaska’s extraordinary resource potential!”

Sen. Tommy Tuberville: “He’s done an outstanding job A+, we continue to even get better because he’s solving more problems everyday Thank you, President Trump for what you’ve done!”

Sen. Roger Wicker: “Mr. President you’re bringing the kind of peace through strength our children will talk about fifty years from now- we thank you.”

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise: “Today marks 100 DAYS of President Trump and Republican majorities in Congress. … America First and common sense are BACK. And we’re just getting started. Promises made. Promises kept.”

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer: “100 days in, President Trump is delivering for the people of Minnesota.”

House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain: “Today, @HouseGOP celebrates POTUS’ historic first 100 days in office. He has delivered on his promises to secure the borders, restore energy independence, show peace through strength, and make America COMPETITIVE.”

House Republican Leadership Chair Elise Stefanik: “President @realDonaldTrump is securing our borders, reining in inflation, unleashing American energy dominance, combatting antisemitism, supporting the rule of law, and restoring American greatness and peace through strength on the world stage.”

Rep. Mark Alford: “100 days ago, America was on the brink. Today, because of President Trump: Hope is back. Strength is back. America is BACK.”

Rep. Rick Allen: “Promises made, promises kept. In just 100 days, @POTUS has delivered:
✅ A secure border
✅ Safer communities
✅ Energy independence
✅ Job growth
✅ Lowers costs for essentials like gas and eggs
The list goes on and we’re just getting started!”

Rep. Jodey Arrington: “In the first 100 days of President Trump’s second term our nation has experienced unprecedented achievements in a new era of American politics defined by competent leadership, common sense policies, and a commitment to America first.”

Rep. Brian Babin: “100 days in and America is roaring back to life. The economy is up. The border is secure. Our pride is restored. The American comeback is here. FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!”

Rep. Don Bacon: “I commend the Trump Administration for tackling these campaign promises in the first 100 days:
✅ Restoring energy independence & bringing prices under control
✅ Securing our border with 95% drop in illegal crossings
✅ Taking decisive action against the Houthis
The border and energy independence were top priorities this past Nov.”

Rep. Jim Baird: “In 100 days, POTUS and his administration have been reversing the disastrous Biden-era policies and are working hard to usher in the Golden Age of America. Promises made. Promises kept.”

Rep. Troy Balderson: “In President Trump’s first 100 days, he has…
us Secured the border
Unleashed American energy
Rooted out government waste
Added 345,000 jobs
…and we’re just getting started”

Rep. Andy Barr: “President @realDonaldTrump’s first 100 days have been nothing short of historic. I’m honored to stand with him as we secure the border, unleash American energy, rebuild our economy, and put America First again. Together, we’re delivering the results the American people demanded.”

Rep. Tom Barrett: “In President Trump’s first 100 days, we’ve teamed up to secure the border, bring manufacturing jobs back, and unleash American energy.
🚨 Illegal border crossings are at historic lows.
The Laken Riley Act is signed into law.
📉 Inflation and energy prices are falling..
🚔 We are making our communities safe again.
America First is back and we’re just getting started. #100Days”

Rep. Michael Baumgartner: “On National Fentanyl Awareness Day, we celebrate the progress made with record low border crossings. President Trump’s first 100 days in office set the stage for this success. Let’s continue the fight to eradicate fentanyl and protect our communities.”

Rep. Aaron Bean: “We’re celebrating #100Days of President Trump in office, and one thing is abundantly clear: America’s future is looking up! Since day one, POTUS has understood the assignment: undo the damage done by the previous administration and usher in the Golden Age of America. Working together at historic speed, we are securing our border, slashing wasteful spending, reviving our economy, and defending our American values.”

Rep. Stephanie Bice: “100 days of bringing back America first policies.”

Rep. Gus Bilirakis: “One of President Trump’s biggest success stories in his first 100 days is enhanced border security. U. S. Customs and Border Protection now has total control of the border, with daily border encounters down by 93%. March of 2025 saw the lowest monthly number of border encounters in recorded history. Also, in March of 2025, fentanyl traffic at the southern border fell by 54% compared to March of 2024. To date, the Trump Administration has also arrested more than 151,000 illegal aliens and has deported over 135,000. This includes 600 members of Tren De Aragua and thousands of MS-13 and 18thStreet Gang members. We will continue to get dangerous predators off our streets!”

Rep. Andy Biggs: “President Trump has done more for our country in his first 100 days than Democrats could dream of accomplishing in four years. Countless nations have already reached out to amend unfair trade practices.”

Rep. Sheri Biggs: “100 Days of Results: President Trump promised to secure our border—and he’s delivered. Illegal crossings are down 94%, catch & release is over, and the border is finally under control.”

Rep. Mike Bost: “What a difference 100 days make! Border apprehensions dropped by 94%, gas prices are down 6.3%, and egg prices have fallen by 56%. Over 100,000 illegal aliens have been deported, and U.S. manufacturing is roaring back.”

Rep. Josh Brecheen: “We have seen tremendous progress at our borders due to President
@realDonaldTrump taking decisive action in his first 100 days:
• Daily border encounters are DOWN by 93%.
• Over 135,000 illegal aliens have been DEPORTED.
• Illegal alien crossings are DOWN by 99.99%.
Promises made, promises kept!”

Rep. Vern Buchanan: “In his first 100 days, POTUS has delivered on his promises.”

Rep. Eric Burlison: “✅ Illegal crossings down 94%
✅ $Trillions in private investments
✅ Ended the Green New Scam
✅ Peace Through Strength
✅ Protecting women in sports
Still not tired of winning.”

Rep. Ken Calvert: “In the four years of Joe Biden’s presidency the border was in chaos as illegal immigrants and deadly drugs flowed unchecked into America. In the first 100 days of Donald Trump’s presidency order and security has been restored at the border.”

Rep. Kat Cammack: “In 100 days, President Trump has protected women and girls’ sports, reduced illegal border crossings by 95%, removed dangerous criminals from the U.S., protected our children, enhanced transparency, and more!”

Rep. Buddy Carter: “It’s been a historic and productive first 100 days of the second Trump Administration. From securing the southern border to reestablishing fair trade deals and unleashing American energy dominance, this presidency can be defined by one word: efficiency.”

Rep. Juan Ciscomani: “.@POTUS Trump delivered on his promise to secure the border in his first 100 days – and it’s making a real difference for families in #AZ06.Just ask Jim and Sue Chilton. Under President Biden, their ranch saw 5,640 illegal crossings in April 2024. Under President Trump, things have changed for the better. In April 2025, they recorded ZERO crossings in a span of three weeks — a direct result of President Trump’s strong border policies. ✅Promises made, promises kept!”

Rep. Ben Cline: “Trump’s first 100 days are a new era of American renewal”

Rep. Michael Cloud: “The difference is undeniable. In just 100 days, President Trump has reversed the failures of the Biden administration and put America back on the path to greatness.”

Rep. Andrew Clyde: “Today marks 100 days of President Trump putting America FIRST!”

Rep. Mike Collins: “This has been the most consequential first 100 days in any American presidency.
✅The border crisis is solved.
✅Domestic manufacturing is back.
✅America is respected again.
✅DEI is dead.
100 down and 1362 to go.”

Rep. James Comer: “100 Days. President Trump has delivered on dozens of promises made to the American people… America’s future is bright under President Trump’s leadership.”

Rep. Eli Crane: “Thank you, President Trump, for ending the premeditated border invasion. We didn’t need new legislation. We just needed a new President.”

Rep. Dan Crenshaw: “Today marks President Trump’s 100th day back in office. He promised action, and he’s delivering it. If you listened during the campaign, you knew this was coming — promises made, promises kept”

Rep. Warren Davidson: “President Trump in his first 100 days:
– Secured the border
– Removed woke ideology from the military
– Eliminated billions in fraud and abuse
– Deported over 100K illegal aliens
Best sequel EVER”

Rep. Monica De La Cruz: “During his first 100 days, President Trump stood up for South Texas farmers and ranchers — demanding Mexico honor its water delivery commitments, and he has delivered. Thank you, @POTUS! #PromisesMadePromisesKept”

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart: “100 days of SUCCESS with President Trump back in the White House—leading with strength, and laying the foundation for prosperity and peace for America to be the global powerhouse for generations to come.”

Rep. Byron Donalds: “THE BEST IS YET TO COME”

Rep. Troy Downing: “President Trump in his first term talked about promises made, promises kept. This time, it’s on steroids.”

Rep. Neal Dunn: “100 days in, and the Trump administration has already achieved countless victories! From plummeting illegal border crossings to swift downsizing of the bloated federal bureaucracy, President Trump is delivering for the American people!”

Rep. Ron Estes: “Today marks 100 days of President Trump’s second term. @POTUS and House Republicans have been hard at work to turn the page on four years of open borders, a sluggish economy and runaway federal spending. In just 100 days, border encounters are down 95%, hostages have returned home, violent criminals are being deported, more than $5 trillion in new investments have been secured, and the Department of Government Efficiency has saved taxpayers $160 billion (that’s an average saving of $1.6 billion every day). But we’re just getting started – we’re working to extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, preserve and protect Social Security, reduce wasteful spending and restore our energy independence.”

Rep. Mike Ezell: “During @POTUS’s first 100 days, the Coast Guard has worked around the clock to defend our maritime borders and stop the flow of illegal drugs and migrants. I’m proud that President Trump is recognizing their hard work—service that too often goes unnoticed but is vital to our national security.”

Rep. Pat Fallon: “President Trump’s border security measures have yielded incredible results in 100 days. With 113,000 arrests, over 100,000 deportations, and a 94% reduction in illegal crossings, his policies are in the best interest of all Americans and public safety.”

Rep. Julie Fedorchak: “Today is the 100 day marker for @POTUS Trump. He is tackling big issues that have long been ignored.
✅ Illegal border crossings are down 95%. Turns out we didn’t need new laws. We needed a new President that would actually enforce them.
✅ American energy is on the move. We are aggressively and responsibly developing our nation’s abundant, diverse natural resources.
✅ President Biden’s stifling regulations are being rolled back—lifting burdens off our farmers, businesses, and energy producers.
✅ Government waste, fraud and abuse is being identified and eliminated.
Promises made. Promises kept.”

Rep. Randy Feenstra: “In just 100 days, President Trump has achieved incredible victories for our country. He locked down our border, deported violent criminals, repealed ridiculous Biden-era regulations, and rooted our waste, fraud, and abuse in our government.”

Rep. Brad Finstad: “In his first 100 days in office, President Trump has delivered on his promises, with over 300,000 new jobs created, strengthened border security, and an improved economic outlook for our nation. Together, we will continue working to restore the American Dream by making our communities safer and addressing the kitchen-table issues that matter most to the American people.”

Rep. Michelle Fischbach: “In his first 100 days, @POTUS has signed the Laken Riley Act into law, has dangerous gangs and cartels shaking in their boots, and has shut our borders to illegal immigrants.”

Rep. Scott Fitzgerald: “Only 100 days in, and @POTUS has delivered real results… I’m proud to stand with President Trump and the America First agenda!”

Rep. Chuck Fleischmann: “In his first 100 Days, @POTUS is taking strong action to get America back on track! President Trump has:
Secured our borders.
Ended the war on American-made energy.
Begun rebuilding our economy.
Signed the Laken Riley Act into law.
Restored commonsense in government.”

Rep. Vince Fong: “In his first 100 days, President Trump has relentlessly pursued policies that are delivering on his promises to Central Valley families and the American people as we speak.”

Rep. Scott Franklin: “100 days back in the White House and the results speak for themselves… America is back on the path to strength, security and prosperity!”

Rep. Russell Fry: “President Trump’s first 100 days in office have been the MOST SUCCESSFUL IN THE HISTORY OF THE COUNTRY.”

Rep. Brandon Gill: “President Trump’s historic presidency delivered major wins for the American people in his first 100 days.”

Rep. Craig Goldman:” For years, we had a President who allowed millions of illegal aliens to flood across our borders. In 100 days, @POTUS has secured the border. The difference is clear:
✅ Daily apprehensions are down 94%
✅ Known gotaways are down 90%
✅ 100,000+ illegal aliens have been deported”

Rep. Tony Gonzales: “Illegal Border Crossings⬇️95%
Unleashing American Energy
Water Deliveries from Mexico to South Texas
Empowering LEOs to Tackle Crime & Protect our Communities
And we’re just getting started! #100Days”

Rep. Lance Gooden: “Just 100 days into President Donald Trump’s second term, the answer is resounding: Yes, we are better off.”

Rep. Sam Graves: “In his first 100 days, President Trump has moved quickly to secure the border, unleash American energy production, and get rid of burdensome regulations… It’s exactly what the American people voted for.”

Rep. Mark Green: “In less than three months, President Trump has restored law and order to our nation’s borders, removed criminal illegal aliens from our communities, and helped ensure the safety of the American people by empowering DHS law enforcement to do their jobs.”

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene: “The American people & I are SO happy with the work President Trump has done the last 100 days! Our nation is safer, common sense has been restored, and America is being put first!”

Rep. Glenn Grothman: “In his first 100 days, President Trump delivered more for the American people than Joe Biden had in four years. He’s keeping his promises, prioritizing American interests, securing our border, and leading with transparency. In the House, we’re building on that momentum to deliver real results that honor the American people’s electoral mandate.”

Rep. Brett Guthrie: “Today marks the first 100 days of President Trump’s Administration. @POTUS has delivered on his promises of securing our border, unleashing American energy and repealing burdensome red tape. Promises made, promises kept.”

Rep. Harriet Hageman: “In his first 100 days, President Trump has fixed a lot of what Biden and Kamala Harris broke and he’s on track to do a lot more.”

Rep. Abe Hamadeh: “Promises made. Promises kept. Congratulations to @POTUS on an incredibly successful First 100 Days!”

Rep. Mike Haridopolos: “President Trump is keeping the promises that he made to the American people. Just 100 days in, we’re already seeing the RESULTS.”

Rep. Pat Harrigan: “100 days in, the Trump Doctrine holds firm: American interests first, American sovereignty always.”

Rep. Mark Harris: “It’s been 100 days of:
✅Restoring common sense
✅Protecting Americans from criminal illegals
✅Rooting out government waste, fraud, and abuse
Looking forward to the next 1361 days!!”

Rep. Diana Harshbarger: “100 days of investing in America… Promises Made, Promises Kept.”

Rep. Kevin Hern: “The last 100 days have gone by quickly but so much has happened. POTUS is moving at record pace to RESTORE American strength, SAVE taxpayers’ money, and PROTECT our national security and sovereignty.”

Rep. Clay Higgins: “100 days of MAGA. President Trump’s administration is restoring common sense, securing our border, unleashing America’s energy potential, and attacking waste, fraud, abuse, and theft in the bureaucracy.”

Rep. Ashley Hinson: “Closing in on 100 days of President Trump back in the Oval, and the results speak for themselves: strong and CLOSED borders, American energy back on top, peace through strength restored on the world stage, and a more competitive America. Promises made, promises kept.”

Rep. French Hill: “100 days into his second term, and President Trump continues to move with unprecedented speed to deliver on the promises made to the American people. America is back on the path to restoring our strength, security, and prosperity. I’m looking forward to building on these early wins to lower costs, expand opportunity, and make the Trump tax cuts permanent for working families, small businesses, and the middle class.”

Rep. Erin Houchin: “President Trump is off to a strong start! In just 100 days, he’s delivering on his promises to secure our border, rebuild our economy, and restore law and order. Proud to stand with him as we fight to put America First again!”

Rep. Bill Huizenga: “President Trump is delivering on promise after promise for the American people. In just 100 days, he has secured our border, unleashed American energy, and restored common-sense regulatory policies to Washington. And we are just getting started!”

Rep. Wesley Hunt: “100 Days in and Trump is keeping his promises.
– 345,000 New Jobs
– 4th highest Payroll Growth in 2 years
– 9,000 New Manufacturing Jobs
– Unemployment Rate Decreased
– Consumer Price Decline
– Hourly Wage Growth”

Rep. Jeff Hurd: “I commend @POTUS and @HouseGOP for delivering on key promises in the first 100 days:
✅ Establishing energy dominance for rural America
✅ Securing our borders with a significant drop in illegal crossings
✅ Reviving the coal industry and identifying coal resources on federal lands”

Rep. Darrell Issa: “In only 100 days, @realDonaldTrump ended the Biden border crisis, extended economic opportunity, slashed billions in government waste, and restored our standing in the world. This is setting the pace for the next four years as we Make America Great Again.”

Rep. Jim Jordan: “President Trump said he’d stop federal censorship, defend religious liberty, and promote school choice. He’s done all of it. Promises made. Promises kept.”

Rep. Mike Kelly: “In just his first 100 days, President Trump has:
– Cracked down on illegal immigration – Compared to March 2024, Southwest border apprehensions have decreased by 94% and Northern border land encounters have decreased by 73%.
– Expanded American energy production
– Secured trillions of dollars in new U.S.-based economic investment
– Brought jobs back to the U.S. and restructured trade negotiations
– Restored accountability and transparency in government
– Secured the release of Butler County native Marc Fogel and freed hostages

@POTUS and @HouseGOP are putting America first!”

Rep. Trent Kelly: “Today marks the 100th day in office for President Donald Trump. During this time, the Trump administration has made significant progress and worked quickly to fulfill his promises by securing the border, restoring energy independence, strengthening national defense, and boosting American competitiveness.”

Rep. Brad Knott: “Never have the first 100 days of a presidency been so consequential. Following four years of disastrous and destructive policy from Biden-Harris, Americans were eager to see big, sweeping change and @POTUS delivered.”

Rep. David Kustoff: “President Trump Has Kept His Promises in the First 100 Days!
1. Strengthened border security, slashing illegal crossings to record lows 🚓
2. Fueled growth in U.S. manufacturing and industrial production 🏭
3. Curbed inflation, easing the cost-of-living crisis for Americans 💸
4. Enacted the Laken Riley Act to ensure justice for crime victims ⚖️
5. Combatted Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gangs in American communities 🚨
6. Cracked down on sanctuary cities, upholding federal immigration laws 🔒
7. Championed energy independence through robust oil and gas expansion ⛽️
8. Lifted the natural gas export ban, cementing U.S. energy dominance 🛢️
9. Dismantled DEI policies in government and DoD, recognized only male/female genders 🚻
10. Declassified JFK and RFK records for transparency 📂
11. Reduced the amount of federal bureaucracy 🏛️”

Rep. Darin LaHood: “President Trump’s first 100 days have secured our border, made our communities safer, and put U.S. foreign adversaries on notice.”

Rep. Doug LaMalfa: “In just 100 days, President Trump has delivered the most secure border this country has seen in modern history. Illegal crossings are down 95%, gotaways have dropped by 99%, and catch-and-release is over. Over 139,000 illegal immigrants have been deported, construction on the border wall is back underway, and Kamala Harris’ migrant app has been shut down for good. Violent gangs like Tren de Aragua and MS-13 are being dismantled, sanctuary cities are finally being held accountable, and the Trump administration is making clear that migrant crime will not be ignored — signing the Laken Riley Act into law to deliver justice for American families. Promises made, promises kept.”

Rep. Bob Latta: “Today marks @POTUS’s first 100 days in office. From day one, he has prioritized the American people, working to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse. Proud to work with
@HouseGOP and President Trump to make life better for people in Ohio and across the country. Promises made, promises kept.”

Rep. Nick Langworthy: “100 days of President Trump putting America First… and we are just getting started.”

Rep. Laurel Lee: “In his first 100 days in office, President Trump is driving the American dream forward at a historic rate by securing American manufacturing, unleashing American energy, and supporting American-owned businesses.”

Rep. Julia Letlow: “In 100 days President Trump has: reduced illegal border encounters by 95%, reduced total migrant crossings by nearly 100%, ended the Biden Border Crisis.”

Rep. Barry Loudermilk: “Marking 100 days into his presidency, @POTUS continues to deliver on his promises to Make America Great Again.
• 26 hostages freed from adversarial nations
• Women’s sports protected
• Unleashing the American worker and industry
• $5 trillion in new investments/trade commitments secured
All we needed was a different President.”

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna: “In 100 days, President Trump has: Secured our border, declassified the JFK+RFK files, deported thousands of illegal alien thugs, protected American manufacturing & workers, started eliminating rampant waste, fraud, and abuse, crushed DEI in academia & business.”

Rep. Morgan Luttrell: “President Trump is ushering in a Golden Age of America.

✅ 100k+ illegal aliens deported
✅ Gas prices down
✅ Border crossings down 94%
✅ Eggs down 56%
✅ 228,000 jobs in March”

Rep. Nancy Mace: “100 days of holding the line. Thank you President Donald J. Trump.”

Rep. Tracey Mann: “On Inauguration Day, President Trump promised he would usher in the Golden Age of America. 100 days into his historic second term, he is delivering just that for the American people. Promises made, promises kept.”

Rep. Brian Mast: “Today marks 100 days of President Trump’s historic second term. We’re closing the border, bringing investments and manufacturing back to America, and reducing inflation. But we’re just getting started.”

Rep. Nicolle Malliotakis: “From securing our border and deporting criminals to attracting trillions in private investment to negotiating the release of dozens of hostages, it’s been a fast & furious first 100 days!”

Rep. Michael McCaul: “The American people gave a mandate to secure the border, and
@POTUS delivered. Today, on his 100th day in office, @HomelandGOP is working to fully fund his border security agenda & protect the homeland for years to come.”

Rep. Addison McDowell: “During President Trump’s first hundred days, the Coast Guard has defended our maritime border and stood on the front lines against illegal drugs and migrants. President Trump has made it clear—their hard work matters, and it won’t go unnoticed.”

Rep. John McGuire: “President Trump promised a secure border. In his first 100 days, border encounters are down 95%.”

Rep. Mark Messmer: “In just 100 days, @POTUS is restoring American Greatness with…
✅ Secure borders
✅ Energy independence
✅ Lower grocery prices
✅ Peace through strength”

Rep. Dan Meuser: “In just 100 days President @realDonaldTrump has worked to strengthen our national security, create an America-First economy, deliver savings for taxpayers, restore global leadership, and bring commonsense back to Washington. The border is secure, American energy is recovering, jobs are coming back, inflation is falling, and our military recruitment is surging — among much more. President Trump has a plan that will lead to long-term success for the United States.”

Rep. Mary Miller: “As we reach the first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s second term in the White House, it is abundantly clear: Christians across America once again have a powerful, unapologetic advocate in the Oval Office.”

Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks: “Today marks 100 days since @POTUS returned to the White House, and @HouseGOP is hard at work delivering on his America First agenda!”

Rep. Riley Moore: “It’s been an incredible first 100 days for @POTUS
✅ Sealed the border
✅ Deporting violent criminals
✅ Lowering prices & reversing inflation
✅ Only 2 genders
✅ Over $5 trillion in private investment
✅ Negotiating free and fair trade relationships
Commonsense is back!”

Rep. Tim Moore: “Since Day 1, President Trump has made it clear that rebuilding Western North Carolina and helping Hurricane Helene victims was one of his top priorities. 100 days in, there’s still a lot of work to do, but President Trump has completely turned around the federal response.”

Rep. Nathaniel Moran: “Great visiting with local and national media to highlight @POTUS successes during his first 100 days in office. We’ve delivered real results as a party—but there’s still more work to do for the American people. I look forward to advancing President Trump’s agenda in the days ahead and keeping our commitment to putting America First.”

Rep. Troy Nehls: “Today marks President Trump’s first 100 days back in the White House.
Border is secured.
Gas prices are dropping.
DEI is dead.
Historic investments secured.
American energy is back.
Common sense is restored.
Protected women’s sports.
We just keep winning!”

Rep. Ralph Norman: “Within a mere 100 days – Gas prices have dropped 7%, energy prices are down 2%, egg prices dropped over 50%. @POTUS has delivered for the American people!! Welcome to the GOLDEN AGE!”

Rep. Zach Nunn: “After 100 days of Biden: 451,063 CBP Apprehensions
After 100 days of Trump: 21,528 CBP Apprehensions
⬇️ Apprehensions down 95%
⬇️ Migrant crossings down 99.99%
✅ Iowa communities safer & more secure”

Rep. Andy Ogles: “It’s working — thanks to President Trump, ‘Made in Middle Tennessee’ is back and stronger than ever.”

Rep. Burgess Owens: “President @realDonaldTrump brought back something Washington had lost: America First leadership. 100 Days of historic and unprecedented wings for our nation. Promises made. Promises kept. us”

Rep. Gary Palmer: “In his first 100 days, President Trump has brought common sense back to the White House.”

Rep. Jimmy Patronis: “Since @POTUS took office and reversed Biden’s burdensome regulations, Americans have enjoyed 100 days of lower prices.
📉A/Cs
📉Gas Stoves
📉Water Heaters
📉Lightbulbs
📈WINNING
Having a strong quarterback in the White House matters; and it’s just the first quarter”

Rep. August Pfluger: “The first 100 days have set the foundation, the next 100 days will build the framework, and the next 100 years will showcase the lasting legacy of conservative governance done right.”

Rep. Guy Reschenthaler: “100 days of American greatness — and many more to come”

Rep. Hal Rogers: “Celebrating @POTUS ‘s first 100 days in office and the positive impact he is having in our country, including:
-Securing our borders
-Putting drug cartels on the run
-Ending unfair trade policies
-Restoring commonsense, conservative policies that protect the American people
-Strengthening our domestic energy supply, and much more.”

Rep. Mike Rogers: “President Trump has accomplished more in 100 days than Biden did in his entire presidency. I am proud to see an America that is stronger and safer than it was 100 days ago.”

Rep. John Rose: “In just 100 days, President Trump and his administration have accomplished more than Joe Biden did in four years.”

Rep. David Rouzer: “President Trump is ushering in a new Golden Age of America!
✅ Restarted construction of the southern border wall
✅ Created 345,000 jobs
✅ Unlocked America’s Energy potential—bringing gas prices down 6.3%
✅ Reversed Biden-era rules – saving the average family of four $11,000
✅ Ended DEI in the military and government”

Rep. Mike Rulli: “100 Days of Action. 100 Days of Results.
President Trump is keeping his promises to the American people:
🛑 Secured the border & ended catch-and-release
🧱 Restarted the wall & deported criminal illegals
⚡ Declared a National Energy Emergency
💸 Slashed waste, fraud & DEI bloat
🏗️ Bringing jobs back through smarter trade”

Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar: “Biden left us an open border. Now, border crossings are down 99 percent, criminals are being held accountable, and American manufacturing is coming back. It’s only the beginning.”

Rep. Derek Schmidt: “✅ Secured the border
✅ Lowered inflation
✅ Unleashed American energy
✅ Eliminated waste, fraud, & abuse
✅ Reestablished peace through strength
@POTUS’ first 100 days have been success after success- and he’s just getting started. us”

Rep. Keith Self: “President Trump’s first 100 days embody the spirit of leadership, strength, and America First values. By upholding Reagan’s legacy of peace through strength, he fights to secure our nation and defend our freedoms. Thank you, @realDonaldTrump!”

Rep. Jefferson Shreve: “Today, we mark 100 days of promises made and promises kept. .@HouseGOP
and the @WhiteHouse have been delivering — for the American people.

✅Securing our southern border
✅Unleashing American energy dominance
✅Deporting terrorists and illegal criminals
✅Investing in American manufacturing
✅Saving billions of dollars for the American taxpayers”

Rep. Mike Simpson: “100 Days: @POTUS has delivered promise after promise to make America safer, more prosperous, and stronger. From securing our southern border to reducing regulations and restoring government transparency, President Trump has followed through for the American people.”

Rep. Jason Smith: “President Trump’s first 100 days in office have been 100 days of promises made, promises kept.”

Rep. Lloyd Smucker: “Promises made, promises kept. I’m proud to work alongside the Trump administration to extend tax relief for hardworking families and small businesses, cut government waste, secure our border, unleash American energy dominance, and achieve peace through strength.”

Rep. Pete Stauber: “In his first 100 days, President Trump has delivered major wins for the American people:
✅Secured the border.
✅Deported violent illegal gang members.
✅Unleashed American energy and lowered gas prices.
✅Reduced government waste.
✅Protected women’s sports.
✅Boosted military recruitment.
✅Brought hostages home.
Promises made, promises kept!”

Rep. Greg Steube: “They laughed. They doubted. They lied. But President Trump DELIVERED. The border is secure. DEI is DEAD. Women’s sports are protected. This is what fighting for America looks like. And we’re just getting started.”

Rep. Dale Strong: “In his first 100 days, @POTUS has delivered real results for the people of North Alabama. From strengthening national security to fueling job growth and reinvigorating American industry, Trump is taking action to push back against the failed policies of the radical left that weakened America’s economy, values, and institutions.”

Rep. Dave Taylor: “President Trump is on a roll. In his first 100 days in office he has:
– Lowered border encounters by 95%
– Created 345,000 jobs
– Signed the Laken Riley Act into law
– Invested in American energy & manufacturing
– Repealed restrictive Biden-era regulations
Republicans are ready to work with President Trump to deliver on his mandate. And we’re just getting started!”

Rep. Claudia Tenney: “President Trump has had a more productive first 100 days than any other president in history!”

Rep. Tom Tiffany: “President Trump delivered in just 100 days.
Secured the border.
Lowered gas prices.
Ended DEI programs.
Boosted investments.
Cut government waste.
Brought hostages home.
Deported gang members.
Protected women’s sports.
Revived military recruitment.
Promises made. Promises kept.”

Rep. Glenn Thompson: “Over the past 100 days, President Trump has worked tirelessly to secure our border, unleash American energy, and root out waste, fraud, and abuse in our government. Promises made, promises kept.”

Rep. William Timmons: “President Trump did more in 100 days than Joe Biden did in four years.”

Rep. Jeff Van Drew: “In just 100 days, President Trump did what Biden wouldn’t in four years:
✅ Laken Riley Act: signed
✅ Remain in Mexico: reinstated
✅ CBP One App: shut down
✅ Catch and Release: ended
✅ Criminal illegals: deported
Biden opened the floodgates and Trump slammed them shut.”

Rep. Beth Van Duyne: “100 days in and we are not tired of winning!
✅ Secured the border.
✅ $5+ trillion in new private U.S. investment
✅ Unleashed American Energy
✅ Lowered prices
✅ Negotiating for free and fair trade”

Rep. Derrick Van Orden: “Over 77 million Americans and 1.7 million Wisconsinites put their trust in President Trump to get our nation back on track after four years of disastrous policy from the Biden administration. In just 100 days, President Trump has delivered on his promises to the American people.”

Rep. Tim Walberg: “100 days in, Trump creating new Golden Age.”

Rep. Randy Weber: “President Trump has been in office 100 GREAT days. Thank you for finally putting Americans FIRST. A new era of greatness has begun for our great country.”

Rep. Daniel Webster: “President Trump is getting our country back on track. In just the first 100 days, @POTUS:
✅ Secured the border – 94% drop in illegal crossings.
✅ Unleashed American energy – gas prices have fallen 6.3%.
✅ Secured trillions in new U.S. based investments, and brought back American jobs.
✅ Restored peace through Strength.
✅ Cut waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government.
The Golden Age of America has only just begun.”

Rep. Tony Wied: “100 days of a secure border, 100 days of eliminating waste in our government, 100 days of unleashing American energy, 100 days of putting America First.”

Rep. Roger Williams: “In just 100 days under @POTUS, Illegal border encounters are DOWN by 95% and gotaways are DOWN by 99%.”

Rep. Joe Wilson: “Today marks 100 days since President Donald Trump took back the White House, and along with the Republican-led House and Senate, immediately began Promises Made, Promises Kept, delivering for American families. In just 100 days, the Trump administration has secured the borders, restored energy independence, began Peace Through Strength, and brought massive investments and jobs, making America competitive again. President Trump is keeping his promises to families, making the country strong, safe, and secure.”

Rep. Steve Womack: “In the first 100 days, @POTUS Trump has delivered huge wins for our nation, securing our borders and halting the surge of illegal crossings witnessed under Biden. National security begins with strong border policies, and I’m pleased to see this administration making it a top priority.”

Rep. Rudy Yakym: “100 days of promises made, promises kept
✅Illegal border crossings down 95%
✅Deporting violent criminals
✅Bringing dozens of hostages home
✅Restoring peace through strength
✅Unleashing American energy”

Rep. Ryan Zinke: “First 100 days of @POTUS by the numbers:
📉Border encounters down 88% since last year
📉Gas Prices down 6.3%
📉Eggs prices down 56%
📈10,000 new manufacturing jobs
📈 8,900 new auto jobs
➡️ over 100,000 illegal aliens deported”

Vice President JD Vance: “President Trump has made historic progress in the first 100 days of his presidency, but he’s also revealed the ways in which the entrenched bureaucracy in Washington is working to undermine the will of the American people. Thank God, we have a president who is fighting back.”

Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent: “Bringing down persistent Bidenflation has been a priority for the first 100 days of the Trump administration, and @POTUS has done a great job of leading that effort.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi: “This is all at Donald Trump’s directive, and this is what all of us have been doing, as a team, since Day One when he took office – Make America Safe Again.”

Secretary of Energy Doug Burgum: “100 Days of promises made, promises kept! This administration is bolstering our national security, reducing inflation, ending our reliance on foreign adversaries, & cementing this country as a global energy powerhouse.”

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins: “The first 100 days of the second Trump Administration have been full of great news for America’s Veterans. Under @POTUS’ leadership, we are putting Veterans first!”

Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer: “In just the first 100 days, we’re witnessing a resurgence of the grit, determination, and ingenuity that built our country into a shining city on a hill.”

Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy: “From zero to 100 days: How Donald Trump is revolutionizing transportation.”

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard: “President Trump’s first 100 days have delivered historic change for the American people, to make our country more safe, secure, and free.”

Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.: “The first 100 days of the Trump administration have been historic—a critical course correction for a nation suffering from chronic disease and the stranglehold of corporate power.”

Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler: “No better place to celebrate the wins of President Trump’s first 100 Days than with America’s small businesses and workers. In record time, he’s delivering the strongest pro-growth agenda in modern history– to help Main Street hire, build, and boom again.”

Secretary of Education Linda McMahon: “The American people gave us a historic mandate to restore our education system. We’re 100 days in, and we’re just getting started.”

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem: “Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, we have the most secure border in American history. In less than 100 days, daily border encounters are down 93%… The world is hearing our message: do not come to this country illegally. If you do, we will arrest you, deport you and you will not be allowed to return.”

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins: “As President Donald J. Trump ushers in a new golden age of prosperity for our economy, we are fighting to give farmers and ranchers a seat at the table. For far too long, the hardworking Americans who feed, fuel, and clothe the world were left on the sidelines. At USDA, I am reversing the policies of the Biden Administration that actively made life harder for America’s farmers and ranchers and instead pushing to expand market access and unleash prosperity for generations to come.”

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner: “After 100 Days of President Trump’s leadership, we are well on our way to restoring the American Dream.”

National Security Advisor Mike Waltz: “One hundred days into President Trump’s historic second term, America is far safer than it was during Joe Biden’s disastrous presidency.”

Secretary of Energy Chris Wright: “100 days in—President Trump’s leadership is turning policy into power.”

MIL OSI USA News –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall: President Trump’s First 100 Days Have Been Some of the Most Consequential in American History

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) delivered a speech on the Senate floor today recapping President Donald Trump’s historic first 100 days of his second administration.
[embedded content]
Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full speech.
Highlights from Senator Marshall’s speech include:
On the return to American greatness:
“This week, we honor and celebrate the 100th day of our 47th president, Donald J. Trump… As I searched over the last week to think about the words to describe these first 100 days, I think of the word consequential, that these first 100 days have been some of the most consequential we’ve ever seen in American history.
“… it’s exciting for me to see an 11-point surge in optimism in this country [since] January of this year alone. But to sum it up, what I’ve seen in these first 100 days is a return to American greatness… And I think I see this theme of promises made and promises kept by this president.”
On President Trump securing the border:
“President Trump campaigned to secure our border. That was his top priority: to secure our border. And think about what’s happened since he was sworn in. Under Joe Biden, we saw on days 10,000 people crossing our border illegally. Some days, it was 11,000, but under President Trump, we’re now averaging less than 300 of those border crossings a day. We went from 10,000 a day to 300 in a day. That’s a promise made and a promise kept.
“President Trump also campaigned that he would make your family safer and more secure. And to that end, he’s deported 130,000 violent criminal aliens. And as I travel the state [of Kansas] and talk to law enforcement officers… they tell me that the number of violent crimes is down, the fentanyl poisoning is down. Indeed, the president’s plan of securing our border has led to the health and safety of our families.”
On President Trump rolling back regulations, lowering gas prices:
“President Trump promised that he’d roll back regulations. To that end, of his [over] 135 executive orders, many have done just that, cutting red tape and saving American families some $2,000 each. Another promise made and another promise kept.
“President Trump said we’re going to ‘drill, baby, drill,’ one of my favorite expressions from his campaign, ‘drill, baby drill.’ And indeed, America, once again, is drilling, and we’ve seen gasoline prices drop across America. It was common just a couple years ago under Joe Biden to see gasoline at over $4 a gallon today. All across the state of Kansas, it’s averaging under $2.60 a gallon. So it’s dropped from $4 to $2.60 a gallon. That’s a promise made, and a promise kept.”
On President Trump being the American first president:
“Well, what about groceries, you asked? Last month we saw the smallest increase in the consumer price index since the spring of 2020. Since COVID, since the start of COVID. This is the smallest increase in grocery prices that we’ve seen.
“Now, it would take 30 minutes, maybe an hour, for me to talk about all the things that President Trump has accomplished in these first 100 days, but I want to just highlight a few more. He’s terminated the EV mandate. He slowed the green energy transition. He’s ended boys in girls’ sports. Under DOGE, he’s cut over $100 billion, saving American taxpayers’ money. He got America out of the World Health Organization, out of the Paris Climate Agreement, establishing, once again, that he’s an American first president.”
On President Trump bringing back jobs to America:
“But one thing I’m really excited about is this economic boom that we’re starting to see, that President Trump talks about the $7 trillion of investment into America that has been promised, and so much of that is going to lead to good paying manufacturing jobs, jobs with benefits, and that we’re seeing that already across the state of Kansas.
“These last two weeks, I was very purposeful visiting several of our manufacturing companies, probably a dozen of them… each one was describing the increase in sales that they’re having, a big increase in the number of products that are wanted in the future. Why? Because they’re American-made, because they’re using American steel and American aluminum. And I think that that’s what we can do with this Trump economy, is that his tariffs are bringing those manufacturing jobs back to this country, and indeed, they’re great jobs.”
On the Dow Jones Industrial Average:
“You know, much has been made about the stock market the last week or two. But I think that this, this chart of the Dow Jones Industrial Average over the past 100 years, is another sign of American greatness.
“You know, there’s been days which aren’t as good, but the trend here is what? It’s upward. And you look at just the last several days, the last week here, there’s a small little blip here, a very small blip, but in relationship to what? I would remind Americans that the Dow today is up 5% compared to a year ago, the NASDAQ is up almost 10% compared to a year ago. The trend is the right way. And I don’t know about you, but I’m betting on America.
“We’ve had five days in a row now the Dow Jones increasing in value – that’s the longest winning streak we’ve seen in almost a year. And who knows, maybe today will be the sixth day where we’ve seen the Dow go up as well. But to me, this stock market, is another example of American greatness, and I wouldn’t bet against us.”
On the American Dream being alive and well:
“My belief is that President Trump has declared the apology tour is over with – that we’re boldly putting America and Americans first. Gone is the despair of the Biden era. Today, families are safer, life is more affordable, and traditional family values are now thriving.
“Young Americans now have a renewed hope that they can chase their own American dream. That dream was gone the last four or five years, but today, the American dream is alive and well. What’s that American dream look like? Raising a family, owning a home, and building a brighter future. And I think a lot of this is due to President Trump’s leadership, because he’s delivering strength, prosperity, and opportunity to Americans. Again, 100 days, promises made, promises kept.”

MIL OSI USA News –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Weather News – Severe Weather brings a suite of warnings for both Islands – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Wednesday 30th – Friday 2 May – Stormy conditions starting to impact New Zealand today will bring strong damaging winds, heavy rain and choppy seas over the next few days to various parts of the country. MetService has issued numerous Severe Weather Warnings and Watches.

North Island

Widespread rain is currently affecting many parts of the North Island, with some areas experiencing heavy downpours. These conditions are forecast to become more persistent and spread further across the island by this afternoon (Wednesday).

• A Orange Heavy Rain Warning is in place east of Bay of Plenty, from 10am today valid until 3pm tomorrow.
• Heavy Rain Watches have been issued for Bay of Plenty and Southern Wairarapa until Wednesday evening. Wellington is also on Watch from 6pm Wednesday until 3pm Friday.
• Strong to gale-force winds are expected along the Wairarapa and Wellington coastlines, generating rough seas and wave heights of up to 7 metres on Thursday afternoon and a Heavy Swell Warning has been issued.
• Strong Wind Watch for Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, and north of Hamilton in Waikato, from 7am to noon Thursday.

Conditions in Wellington over the next day and a half will be something to keep a close eye on, as a combination of wet weather, very strong southerly winds, and large waves are expected.

The winds are of particular interest. While Wellingtonians are no strangers to blustery days, this event stands out due to the unusually strong southerlies, with gusts of 130 km/h possible. This means that trees and structures that may be accustomed to very strong winds from the north may be more vulnerable to strong winds from the south, making them more prone to damage. These winds will also be whipping up large waves, which may impact travel along coastal roads on Thursday.

South Island

• An Orange Heavy Rain Warning for the Kaikōura Coast and ranges plus areas of Canterbury north of Timaru, easing from 6pm Thursday.
• Orange Road Snowfall Warnings for Porters, Arthur’s, Lewis and Lindis Pass are in force into Thursday.
• An Orange Heavy Snow Warning for Canterbury High Country, south of the Rangitata River, in place from 9pm tonight (Wednesday) through to 9am on Thursday.
• Yellow Strong Wind Watches for Buller, Grey, Westland, Nelson Lakes Districts (from noon today), and the Marlborough Sounds (from 6pm today through Thursday afternoon).

The South Island is currently experiencing cloudy and wet conditions, with more rain forecast through to Thursday. For the eastern South Island, this could be a significant weather event, with large amounts of rainfall expected between today and Friday. For regions under Orange Heavy Rain Warnings, possible impacts include areas of flooding, slips, and hazardous driving conditions.

MetService meteorologist Kgolofelo Dube says, With the hazardous weather conditions approaching, we strongly encourage all New Zealanders to stay informed by regularly checking the MetService app or website, as well as updates from local Civil Defence and council channels.”

Friday looks to be a better day, with rain easing in most areas across the country. However, eastern parts of the North Island and the north-eastern South Island may still experience heavy rain and strong winds.

The good news is that by Saturday, more settled conditions are expected to return to most regions, although some areas may still see isolated showers.

Please keep up to date with the most current information from MetService at http://bit.ly/metservicenz

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Did ‘induced atmospheric vibration’ cause blackouts in Europe? An electrical engineer explains the phenomenon

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian, Professor of Electrical Engineering, School of Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology

The lights are mostly back on in Spain, Portugal and southern France after a widespread blackout on Monday.

The blackout caused chaos for tens of millions of people. It shut down traffic lights and ATMs, halted public transport, cut phone service and forced people to eat dinner huddled around candles as night fell. Many people found themselves trapped in trains and elevators.

Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, has said the exact cause of the blackout is yet to be determined. In early reporting, Portugal’s grid operator REN was quoted as blaming the event on a rare phenomenon known as “induced atmospheric vibration”. REN has since reportedly refuted this.

But what is this vibration? And how can energy systems be improved to mitigate the risk of widespread blackouts?

How much does weather affect electricity?

Weather is a major cause of disruptions to electricity supply. In fact, in the United States, 83% of reported blackouts between 2000 and 2021 were attributed to weather-related events.

The ways weather can affect the supply of electricity are manifold. For example, cyclones can bring down transmission lines, heatwaves can place too high a demand on the grid, and bushfires can raze substations.

Wind can also cause transmission lines to vibrate. These vibrations are characterised by either high amplitude and low frequency (known as “conductor galloping”), or low amplitude and high frequency (known as “aeolian vibrations”).

These vibrations are a significant problem for grid operators. They can place increased stress on grid infrastructure, potentially leading to blackouts.

To reduce the risk of vibration, grid operators often use wire stabilisers known as “stock bridge dampers”.

What is ‘induced atmospheric vibration’?

Vibrations in power lines can also be caused by extreme changes in temperature or air pressure. And this is one hypothesis about what caused the recent widespread blackout across the Iberian peninsula.

As The Guardian initially reported Portugal’s REN as saying:

Due to extreme temperature variations in the interior of Spain, there were anomalous oscillations in the very high voltage lines (400 kV), a phenomenon known as “induced atmospheric vibration”. These oscillations caused synchronisation failures between the electrical systems, leading to successive disturbances across the interconnected European network.

In fact, “induced atmospheric vibration” is not a commonly used term, but it seems likely the explanation was intended to refer to physical processes climate scientists have known about for quite some time.

In simple terms, it seems to refer to wavelike movements or oscillations in the atmosphere, caused by sudden changes in temperature or pressure. These can be triggered by extreme heating, large-scale energy releases (such as explosions or bushfires), or intense weather events.

When a part of Earth’s surface heats up very quickly – due to a heatwave, for example – the air above it warms, expands and becomes lighter. That rising warm air creates a pressure imbalance with the surrounding cooler, denser air. The atmosphere responds to this imbalance by generating waves, not unlike ripples spreading across a pond.

These pressure waves can travel through the atmosphere. In some cases, they can interact with power infrastructure — particularly long-distance, high-voltage transmission lines.

These types of atmospheric waves are usually called gravity waves, thermal oscillations or acoustic-gravity waves. While the phrase “induced atmospheric vibration” is not formally established in meteorology, it seems to describe this same family of phenomena.

What’s important is that it’s not just high temperatures alone that causes these effects — it’s how quickly and unevenly the temperature changes across a region. That’s what sets the atmosphere into motion and can cause power lines to vibrate. Again, though, it’s still unclear if this is what was behind the recent blackout in Europe.

Atmospheric waves can sometimes be seen in clouds.
Jeff Schmaltz/NASA

More centralised, more vulnerable

Understanding how the atmosphere behaves under these conditions is becoming increasingly important. As our energy systems become more interconnected and more dependent on long-distance transmission, even relatively subtle atmospheric disturbances can have outsized impacts. What might once have seemed like a fringe effect is now a growing factor in grid resilience.

Under growing environmental and electrical stress, centralised energy networks are dangerously vulnerable. The increasing electrification of buildings, the rapid uptake of electric vehicles, and the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources have placed unprecedented pressure on traditional grids that were never designed for this level of complexity, dynamism or centralisation.

Continuing to rely on centralised grid structures without fundamentally rethinking resilience puts entire regions at risk — not just from technical faults, but from environmental volatility.

The way to avoid such catastrophic risks is clear: we must embrace innovative solutions such as community microgrids. These are decentralised, flexible and resilient energy networks that can operate independently when needed.

Strengthening local energy autonomy is key to building a secure, affordable and future-ready electricity system.

The European blackout, regardless of its immediate cause, demonstrates that our electrical grids have become dangerously sensitive. Failure to address these structural weaknesses will have consequences far worse than those experienced during the COVID pandemic.

Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Did ‘induced atmospheric vibration’ cause blackouts in Europe? An electrical engineer explains the phenomenon – https://theconversation.com/did-induced-atmospheric-vibration-cause-blackouts-in-europe-an-electrical-engineer-explains-the-phenomenon-255497

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Asia Pacific – Tiny nation targets climate investors to become citizens and help it change the world

Source: Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program

Tiny nation targets climate investors to become citizens and help it change the world

“We will not wait for the waves to wash away our homes and infrastructure”, was the declaration by the leader of the world’s smallest republic, just after the nation had used COP29 as a launchpad for the world’s most innovative climate resilience project.

“While the world debates climate action, we must take proactive steps to secure our nation’s future,” continued President of Nauru David Adeang.

A member of the Climate Vulnerable Forum made up of developing nations on the front line of climate change, Nauru’s government is challenging investors from across the world to be a part of a bold solution not just for the nation, but globally.

The country is embarking on a project that will reform their nation in the face of climate change, which as well as dealing with issues like food and water security, includes the “Higher Ground Initiative” – relocating almost their entire population from the coast to higher ground.

This project is huge. Some may call it audacious. And it’s expensive.

Yet the man leading the charge to raise a large portion of the funds through a unique citizenship program targeting climate investors and entrepreneurs says there is already interest from around the world.

New Zealander Edward Clark has an extensive background in international banking, financial crime and compliance, which is exactly why the Government of Nauru appointed him as CEO of the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program.

Mr Clark said unlike some citizenship by investment programs that have been the subject of controversy, the tightly managed Nauru program was about “flipping the narrative for climate vulnerable countries.”

“We want those who are passionate about the global future to become citizens because our goal is to transform Nauru from being a passive recipient of climate funding into an incubator for climate innovation.”

By that he means Nauru can become a model for how truly sustainable communities and their underlying infrastructure can be developed.

“Climate entrepreneurs can partner with Nauru to develop new solutions,” he said.

“Ecopreneurs can benefit from the necessary seed funding to develop new technologies and solutions, and Nauru will benefit from being a testing ground for new and cost-effective solutions.”

Mr Clark said while the citizenship program is new, he’s elated at the interest.

“The first new citizenships are close to being granted and these are people from across the world who want to invest in climate resilience and be part of a higher purpose,” he said.

Further information:

The Program – https://www.ecrcp.gov.nr
The Higher Ground Initiative and other Nauru climate resilience initiatives https://www.climatechangenauru.nr

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Reawakening Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park
Source: Auckland Council

From late April to December 2025, parts of Hayman Park in Manukau will be temporarily closed for work to further enhance its green spaces.

This will finish the full upgrade of the park and go well with the much-loved playground, which was upgraded in 2023.

Upgraded Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park playground, completed in 2023. Image: Eke Panuku.

Once a thriving wetland that filtered water before it reached Waipuhinui (Puhinui Stream), and the Manukau Harbour, Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park was a vital hub for native fish, birds, insects, and plants.

Working alongside Te Ākitai Waiohua, Ngaati Tamaoho, and Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua, Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters and flood resilience teams, the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board and Eke Panuku Development Auckland are bringing this natural taonga (treasure) back to life. Rejuvenating the land and its ecosystems, preserving it as a thriving, living space for future generations.

The Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park Wetland project is a part of the Puhinui Regeneration Strategy, this project is led by Eke Panuku and proudly supported by the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board.

Manukau Ward Councillor Lotu Fuli says, “This incredible project, over a decade in the making, would not be possible without the hard work of our Mana Whenua, Eke Panuku, Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience, the design team, and the wider Auckland Council whānau. A special thanks to the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board for their ongoing advocacy and leadership. As we restore the land to its original wetland form, we ask for the community’s patience and understanding. Some areas of the park will be closed, so please respect the barriers for safety during this important work.”

Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park Repo (wetlands) project will rejuvenate the land and its ecosystems – keeping Manukau’s green heart healthy for future generations. Image: Eke Panuku.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia adds, “Currently there is a stagnant dead pond located on the park. It serves no purpose. Under this project, the wetlands will be revived, and we hope a habitat for our flora and fauna to live and thrive in. This is whakaoranga – bringing back to life.”

A whakaawatea karakia (blessing) in action. Image: Eke Panuku.

Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park holds deep cultural significance, particularly for local iwi Te Ākitai o Waiohua, Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua, and Ngaati Tamaoho.

A stunning shot of the whakaawatea karakia (blessing). Image: Eke Panuku.

Richard Davison, Priority Location Director at Eke Panuku says “This project has been a long time in the making, and it’s incredibly special to see it come to life. Hayman Park has always been the green jewel at the heart of Manukau, and now we’re helping it shine even brighter.”

From the park to the Auckland Botanic Gardens and beyond, new walking and cycling connections are being strengthened, along with deeper ties to nature.

Artist impression of the revived wetlands at Manu-kau Noa Iho. Image: Eke Panuku.

Why does this work need to be done?

Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park’s stormwater ponds were originally built in 1975 as part of the former Manukau City Council’s development of the city centre.

Over time, issues with sediment build-up, bank stability and litter have begun to cause problems with the ponds. It was agreed that a natural treatment process in the form of a wetland and installing a litter-capturing device would deliver the most effective solution for a cleaner, healthier environment.

What features are planned?
- A new repo (wetland) filled with native planting and rich in wildlife habitat that will improve water quality before it flows into Te Puhinui and the Manukau Harbour
- Replacing the existing ornamental pond with a new grass area for people to rest, enjoy or that can be activated through small events
- Build wider footpaths, boardwalks, and viewing platforms to help people reconnect with nature.
These features will help to clean stormwater before it flows into the Puhinui Stream and Manukau Harbour.

A nice view of the park featuring a calm pond area. Image: Eke Panuku.

Stay up to date

Sign up for your Local Board E-news and get the latest news and events direct to your inbox each month. Or follow us on Facebook.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –
April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement on air strike against Houthi military facility in Yemen: 29 April 2025
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story

Statement on air strike against Houthi military facility in Yemen: 29 April 2025

Royal Air Force participates in operation targeting a Houthi military facility in Yemen.
On 29 April 2025, UK forces participated in a joint operation with US forces against a Houthi military target in Yemen. This action was in line with long-standing policy of the UK government, following the Houthis initiating their campaign of attacks in November 2023, threatening freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, striking international ships, and killing innocent merchant mariners.

Careful intelligence analysis identified a cluster of buildings, used by the Houthis to manufacture drones of the type used to attack ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, located some fifteen miles south of Sanaa.

Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s, with air refuelling support from Voyager tankers, therefore engaged a number of these buildings using Paveway IV precision guided bombs, once very careful planning had been completed to allow the targets to be prosecuted with minimal risk to civilians or non-military infrastructure. As a further precaution, the strike was conducted after dark, when the likelihood of any civilians being in the area was reduced yet further. All of our aircraft subsequently returned safely.

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Published 30 April 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Europe Subcommittee Chairman Self Delivers Opening Remarks at Hearing on Future of Cyber Diplomacy

Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

Media Contact 202-226-8467

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Europe Subcommittee Chairman Keith Self delivered opening remarks at a full committee hearing titled, “Shaping the Future of Cyber Diplomacy: Review for State Department Reauthorization.”

Watch Here

-Remarks-

Today the subcommittee will be exploring the role of the State Department in cyber and technology matters, and how such policies might align with U.S. national security interests and foreign policy objectives. In particular, we will be examining the work of the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, or CDP. Across the globe, malicious cyber attacks are conducted by state and non-state actors against the United States and its allies, including from the People’s Republic of China.

From cyber criminals scamming individuals out of their savings to large-scale state-sponsored attacks from America’s adversaries, U.S. government entities and citizens are increasingly under siege. For years, PRC-supported hackers have buried deep into critical infrastructure, including water, transportation networks, and energy systems.

According to the 2025 Annual Worldwide Threats Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community, the PRC remains the most active and persistent cyber threat to U.S. government, private sector, and critical infrastructure networks. Beijing’s campaign to preposition access on critical infrastructure for attacks during crisis or conflict—tracked publicly as Volt Typhoon—or its more recently identified compromise of U.S. telecommunications infrastructure, also referred to as Salt Typhoon, demonstrates the growing breadth and depth of the PRC’s capability to compromise U.S. infrastructure.

Russia also poses a significant cyber threat, with its efforts to compromise sensitive targets for intelligence collection and to preposition access to U.S. critical infrastructure. In addition to Beijing and Moscow, Tehran has demonstrated an increasing willingness to carry out aggressive cyber operations targeting the security of U.S. networks and data. Furthermore, Pyongyang’s cyber program presents a highly capable and maturing threat, including an approach to launder and cash out cryptocurrency from the United States and other victims to fund its nefarious activities.

As cyber becomes a growing battlefield for criminal networks and malign actors, the State Department must be ready to meet the challenge. The U.S. is not facing these real and growing threats alone. Through cooperation with our allies and partners, the U.S. will continue to work to combat malign cyber activities from the PRC, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.

Since the recent establishment of CDP, it’s played a role in the U.S. response to a major ransomware campaign in Costa Rica that disrupted critical services. In particular, CDP, alongside other federal partners, worked to strengthen Costa Rica’s cyber defenses against attacks from malicious actors threatening the security of both our countries. It has also worked to identify strategic opportunities to leverage partner resources to further U.S. strategic objectives through subsea cable projects in the Pacific Islands. Such efforts ensured that the Pacific Islands rely on trusted, primarily American businesses for their internet connectivity while also countering the PRC’s influence in the strategically important region.

The Department of State agreement on a cybercrime UN treaty that conflicted with CDP policy lead and recommendations begs the question of the actual authority wielded by CDP. This hearing should lead us toward conclusions on how to improve CDP efficiency and effectiveness in this vital area of national interest and security. As we move through this reauthorization process, the experience and insights from today’s witnesses will help inform this subcommittee on the State Department’s cyber diplomacy role in addressing these increasingly important challenges.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall: 100 Days of Promises Made, Promises Kept by President Trump

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) released a video today highlighting the wins President Trump has delivered for Kansans – and Americans nationwide – in his first 100 days.

Click HERE to watch Senator Marshall’s video.
Transcript of Senator Marshall’s remarks:
“Well, folks, I don’t know about you, but these first 100 days with President Trump [have] been nothing but a bold blur. At the same time, though, these have been some of the most consequential days in American history. And as I think back on them, there’s one theme: promises made, promises kept.
“You know, more than anything else, President Trump campaigned to secure your border. Now think about this, under Joe Biden, there [were] over 10,000 crossings in a day on many days, but under President Trump, he’s now averaging under 300 per day. That’s a drop from 10,000 per day to 300 per day. Promise made, promise kept.
“President Trump also said he’s going to make your family safer. To that end, he’s deported over 130,000 violent criminal aliens. All over the state of Kansas, when I talk to law enforcement officers, they tell me that crime is coming down, and the fentanyl poisoning is coming down as well. Another promise made and another promise kept.
“President Trump also said he would bring down the price of gas and groceries. Now, it wasn’t too long ago here in DC that gas was over $5 a gallon, and back home, it was typically over $4 a gallon. Today, all over the state of Kansas, the price of gasoline is approaching two and a half dollars a gallon. Again, this went from $5, $4 a gallon down to two and a half dollars a gallon. That’s another promise made, and another promise kept.
“Well, what else did President Trump promise? Well, he also said that he was going to take care of the EV mandate. He’s going to slow the green energy transition and end boys in girls’ sports. All those he’s accomplished, and through DOGE, he saved Americans billions of dollars. On the world stage, he’s withdrawn us from the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Agreement – both of those, again, putting America first.
“But what I’m really, really, really excited about in these first 100 days, President Trump has secured a $7 trillion investment in America… And what that means to me is more jobs, more good jobs for hard-working Americans. Again, the first 100 days… promises made, promises kept.”

MIL OSI USA News –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Protecting New Zealand’s energy infrastructure

Source: New Zealand Government

Improving the current system to better protect power lines from falling trees will protect the security of New Zealand’s electricity infrastructure, says Energy Minister Simon Watts.
“Secure electricity lines are critical to electrifying New Zealand’s economy and delivering the resilient and reliable electricity supply we need to power economic growth,” Mr Watts says.
“Cyclone Gabrielle and Cyclone Tam highlighted the vulnerability of our infrastructure to severe weather events like storms and floods. During Cyclone Gabrielle alone, trees outside the Growth Limit Zone caused power outages that left 68,000 households without heating, lighting, internet, and access to essential appliances.”
The Government has now agreed to amendments to the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003, that will lower the risk to power lines from trees that are close to but aren’t immediately beside the line.
“We’re taking action to deal with the increasing risk of damaged infrastructure and support our adaptation to the changing climate,” Mr Watts says.
The amendments introduce two key measures:

Enabling lines owners to assess the likelihood and potential impact of a fall for trees they consider could be a risk to lines, then issue a Treefall Hazard Notice for moderate- and high-risk trees.
Restricting the planting of new trees on land that is not already forested outside of urban areas.

“We have worked closely with lines owners and other impacted stakeholders to ensure we struck the right balance between security of our electricity supply, protecting property rights, and making sure the forestry sector’s Emissions Trading Scheme-related revenues are not unduly impacted,” Mr Watts says.
“This Government has made it clear that we are committed to unleashing transmission and distribution infrastructure on our mission to electrify the New Zealand economy. Ensuring the security of our network infrastructure is essential to delivering reliable electricity to all New Zealanders.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: CLIMATEROCK ANNOUNCES REVISED MONTHLY SPONSOR CONTRIBUTION OF $0.04 PER SHARE TO TRUST ACCOUNT FOR PROPOSED EXTENSION

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

London, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ClimateRock (“ClimateRock” or the “Company”) (OTC: “CLRCF”, “CLRCUF”, “CLRWF”) announced today that, in connection with the Company’s upcoming extraordinary general meeting of shareholders (the “Special Meeting”) to consider and approve an extension of time for the Company to consummate an initial business combination from May 2, 2025 to November 2, 2025 (the “Extension”), U.N. SDG Support LLC (the “Sponsor”) or its designees have agreed to revise their intended contribution to support the Extension, such that they will contribute to the Company as a loan an aggregate of $0.04 for each Class A ordinary share that was sold in the Company’s initial public offering (the “Public Share”) that is not redeemed, for each calendar month (commencing on May 2, 2025 and on the 1st day of each subsequent month) until November 2, 2025 (each, an “Extension Period”), or portion thereof, that is needed to complete an initial business combination (the “Contribution”). For example, if the Company takes until November 2, 2025 to complete its initial business combination, which would represent six calendar months, the Sponsor or its designees would make aggregate Contributions resulting in a redemption amount of approximately $12.34 per unredeemed share, in comparison to the current redemption amount of approximately $12.10 per share.

Each Contribution will be deposited in the trust account within seven calendar days from the beginning of each Extension Period (or portion thereof), and any Contribution is conditioned upon the implementation of the Extension. No Contribution will occur if the Extension is not approved or is not completed. The amount of each Contribution will not bear interest and will be repayable by the Company to the Sponsor or its designees upon consummation of its initial business combination. The Company will have the sole discretion whether to continue extending for additional calendar months until November 2, 2025. If the Company opts not to utilize any remaining portion of the Extension Period, then the Company will liquidate and dissolve promptly in accordance with its charter, and its Sponsor’s obligation to make additional contributions will terminate.

In connection with the above announcement of the Contribution to be made by the Sponsor or its designees if the Extension is approved, the deadline for holders of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares issued in the Company’s initial public offering to submit their shares for redemption in connection with the Extension, is being extended to 10:00 a.m., Eastern time, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

In addition, the Company agreed to waive its right to withdraw up to $50,000 of interest accrued on the Company’s trust account to pay dissolution expenses, should the Company ultimately liquidate prior to an initial business combination. As a result, the Company will not withdraw up to $50,000 of interest, as permitted by its charter, for such dissolution expenses upon liquidation. If the Extension is approved by shareholders and implemented by the Company, all interest then-accrued will be held in the trust account and will be released to public shareholders upon the earliest to occur of (i) the redemption of the Public Shares in connection with a vote seeking to amend the provisions of the Company’s charter, (ii) the completion of the Company’s initial business combination and (iii) the redemption of 100% of the Public Shares if the Company is unable to complete its initial business combination by November 2, 2025 or such earlier date as determined by the Company’s board of directors.

About ClimateRock

ClimateRock is a special purpose acquisition company led by Chairman, Charles Ratelband, and CEO, Per Regnarsson, and is incorporated as a Cayman Islands exempted company for the purpose of entering into a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses in any industry or geographic location, but it is focused on acquiring a target within the sustainable energy industry in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, including climate change, environment, renewable energy and emerging, clean technologies. For more information, please visit Driving The Energy Transition – ClimateRock (climate-rock.com).

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements and factors that may cause such differences include, without limitation, uncertainties relating to the Company’s shareholder approval of the Extension, its inability to complete an initial business combination within the required time period or, and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 under the heading “Risk Factors” and in other reports the Company has filed, or to be filed, with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

Participants in the Solicitation

ClimateRock and its directors, executive officers, other members of management and employees, under SEC rules, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the securityholders of the Company in favor of the approval of the Extension Proposal. Investors and security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of the Company’s directors and officers in the Company’s definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 17, 2025 (as may be amended, the “Proxy Statement”), which may be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release s shall not constitute a solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the Extension. This communication shall also not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any states or jurisdictions 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 prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

ClimateRock urges investors, shareholders and other interested persons to read the Proxy Statement as well as other documents filed by the Company with the SEC, because these documents will contain important information about the Company and the Extension. Shareholders may obtain copies of the Proxy Statement, without charge, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by directing a request to: Advantage Proxy, Inc., P.O. Box 10904, Yakima, WA 98909, Attn: Karen Smith.

INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT

ClimateRock
Phone number: +44 208 050 7820
Email: info@climate-rock.com

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Renewables, coal or nuclear? This election, your generation’s energy preference may play a surprising role

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Magnus Söderberg, Professor & Director, Centre for Applied Energy Economics and Policy Research, Griffith University

Christie Cooper/Shutterstock

In an otherwise unremarkable election campaign, the major parties are promising sharply different energy blueprints for Australia. Labor is pitching a high-renewables future powered largely by wind, solar, hydroelectricity and batteries. The Coalition wants more gas and coal now, and would build nuclear power later.

So how might these two competing visions play out as Australia goes to the polls this Saturday?

Research shows clear generational preferences when it comes to producing electricity. Younger Australians prefer renewables while older people favour coal and gas. The one exception is nuclear power, which is split much more on gender lines than age – 51% of Australian men support it, but just 26% of women.

While many voters are focused squarely on the cost of living, energy prices feed directly into how much everything costs. Research has shown that as power prices rise, the more likely it is an incumbent government will be turfed out.

Coal, renewables or nuclear?

About half of young Australians (18–34) want the country powered by renewables by 2030, according to a 2023 survey of energy consumers. Only 13% of the youngest (18–24) group think there’s no need to change or that it’s impossible. But resistance increases directly with age. From retirement age and up, 29% favour a renewable grid by 2030 while 44% think there’s no need or that it’s impossible.

On nuclear, the divide is less clear. The Coalition has promised to build Australia’s first nuclear reactors if elected, and Coalition leader Peter Dutton has claimed young people back nuclear. That’s based on a Newspoll survey showing almost two-thirds (65%) of Australians aged 18–34 supported nuclear power.

But other polls give a quite different story: 46% support for nuclear by younger Australians in an Essential poll compared to 56% support by older Australians. A Savanta poll put young support at just 36%.

There’s a gender component too. The demographic most opposed to nuclear are women over 55.

Younger voters remain strongly committed to environmental goals – but they’re also wary of cost blowouts and electricity price rises. Some see nuclear as a zero emissions technology able to help with the clean energy transition.

Older Australians are more likely to be sceptical of nuclear power. This is likely due to nuclear disasters such as Chernobyl as well as the prospect of nuclear war during the Cold War.

It’s an open question how robust support for nuclear would be if the Coalition was elected and began the long, expensive process of construction. New findings by the National Climate Action Survey shows almost 40% of Australians would be “extremely concerned” if a nuclear power plant was built within 50 kilometres of their homes and another 16% “very concerned”.

These energy preferences aren’t just found in Australia. In recent research my co-authors and I found a clear divide in Sweden: younger favour renewables and nuclear, older favour fossil fuels. Why the difference? Sweden already gets about 40% of its power from nuclear, while renewables now provide about 40% of Australia’s power.

We found younger Swedes strongly favoured renewables – but also supported nuclear power, especially when electricity prices rose. That is because nuclear is perceived to stabilise the supply of electricity. They wanted clean energy, as long as it was reliable and affordable. Our study found older people were not necessarily pro-fossil fuels, but were more focused on keeping energy affordable – especially for businesses and industry.

When electricity prices rose in Sweden, our survey respondents broadly became less concerned about climate change and more likely to be favourable to nuclear energy.

In Australia, the cost of the clean energy transition has crept up. While solar and wind offer cheap power once built, there are hidden costs.

If electricity prices keep rising, we should expect to see declining support for the clean energy transition.

Overcoming the energy divide

During Australia’s decade-long climate wars from roughly 2012 to 2022, climate change was heavily politicised and energy became a political football. Under a Coalition government in 2014, Australia became the first nation to abolish a carbon tax.

Labor took office in 2022 pledging to end the climate wars and fast-track the clean energy transition. But the Coalition has opened up a new divide on energy by proposing nuclear power by the 2040s and more gas and coal in the meantime.

This election, the cost of living is the single biggest issue for 25% of voters in the ABC’s Vote Compass poll. But climate change is still the main concern for about 8% of voters, energy for 4% and the environment 3.5%. Here, Coalition backing for fossil fuels and nuclear may attract some older and younger voters but repel others. Labor’s renewable transition may attract younger voters but lose older energy traditionalists.

Energy preferences could play out through a cost of living lens. Parties pushing too hard on green policies this election risk alienating older voters concerned about rising costs. But going nuclear would be very expensive, and keeping old coal plants going isn’t cheap. Downplaying climate action or dismissing nuclear outright could alienate some younger Australians, who are climate-conscious and energy-savvy.

Policymakers should resist framing energy as a zero-sum game. There is a path forward which can unite generations: coupling ambitious climate targets with pragmatic policies to protect consumers. Transitional supports such as energy rebates, time-of-use pricing or community-scale renewables and batteries can soften any economic impact while building public trust.

Our research suggests electricity price rises can quickly erode support even for well-designed energy policies.

As Australia navigates a complex and costly transition, keeping both younger and older generations on board may be the greatest political – and moral – challenge of all.

Magnus Söderberg does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Renewables, coal or nuclear? This election, your generation’s energy preference may play a surprising role – https://theconversation.com/renewables-coal-or-nuclear-this-election-your-generations-energy-preference-may-play-a-surprising-role-253832

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 30, 2025

MIL-OSI: EXL Reports 2025 First Quarter Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

2025 First Quarter Revenue of $501.0 Million, up 14.8% year-over-year
Q1 Diluted EPS (GAAP) ⁽¹⁾of $0.40, up 38.3% from $0.29 in Q1 of 2024
Q1 Adjusted Diluted EPS (Non-GAAP) ⁽¹⁾of $0.48, up 26.9% from $0.38 in Q1 of 2024

NEW YORK, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ExlService Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXLS), a global data and AI company, today announced its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rohit Kapoor said, “We are pleased with our first quarter results and strong start to the year, as we delivered revenue and adjusted diluted EPS growth of 15% and 27% respectively. Our strong business momentum underscores the successful execution of our differentiated data and AI-led strategy and demonstrates the enduring resilience and adaptability of EXL’s business model.”

Chief Financial Officer Maurizio Nicolelli said, “While we remain prudent in our outlook given the increasing level of macro-economic uncertainty, we are increasing our revenue guidance for the year, based on our business momentum and more favorable currency exchange rates. We now expect revenue to be in the range of $2.035 billion to $2.065 billion, up from our prior guidance of $2.025 billion to $2.060 billion. This represents 11% to 12% year-over-year growth on a reported basis, or 11% to 13% on a constant currency basis. We continue to expect our adjusted diluted earnings per share for 2025 to be in the range of $1.83 to $1.89, representing an 11% to 14% increase over 2024, as we continue to accelerate our data and AI investments to generate future growth.”

^{______________________________________________________________}

Reconciliations of adjusted (non-GAAP) financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures, where applicable, are included at the end of this release under “Reconciliation of Adjusted Financial Measures to GAAP Measures.” These non-GAAP measures, including adjusted diluted EPS and constant currency measures, are not measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Financial Highlights: First Quarter 2025

Revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, increased to $501.0 million compared to $436.5 million for the first quarter of 2024, an increase of 14.8% on a reported basis and 15.1% on a constant currency basis. Revenue increased by 4.1% sequentially on a reported basis and 4.3% on a constant currency basis, from the fourth quarter of 2024.

	Revenue				Gross Margin
	Three months ended				Three months ended
Reportable Segments ⁽¹⁾	March 31, 2025		March 31, 2024		March 31, 2025		March 31, 2024
	(dollars in millions)
Insurance	$	172.0	$	158.3	36.6	%	33.8	%
Healthcare and Life Sciences		125.6		100.7	43.9	%	45.3	%
Banking, Capital Markets and Diversified Industries		117.7		103.2	37.3	%	36.1	%
International Growth Markets		85.7		74.3	36.6	%	35.9	%
Total Revenue, net	$	501.0	$	436.5	38.6	%	37.4	%

⁽¹⁾ In the first quarter of 2025, the Company implemented operational and structural changes to accelerate the execution of its data and AI-led strategy. Under the new structure, the Company reports its financial performance based on new segments presented in the table above, and as described in more detail in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2025, that is being filed with the SEC. In conjunction with the new reporting structure, the Company has recast prior period amounts, wherever applicable, to conform to the way the Company internally manages and monitors segment performance.

Operating income margin for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was 15.7%, compared to 14.1% for the first quarter of 2024 and 14.8% for the fourth quarter of 2024. Adjusted operating income margin for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was 20.1%, compared to 18.9% for the first quarter of 2024 and 18.8% for the fourth quarter of 2024.
Diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was $0.40, compared to $0.29 for the first quarter of 2024 and $0.31 for the fourth quarter of 2024. Adjusted diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was $0.48, compared to $0.38 for the first quarter of 2024 and $0.44 for the fourth quarter of 2024.

Business Highlights: First Quarter 2025

Won 10 new clients in the first quarter of 2025.
- Named a Leader in four categories in the ISG Provider Lens™ Insurance Services 2024 report. Earning top honors in the North American Life & Retirement, Property & Casualty, Life & Retirement TPA Insurance Services, and Insurance IT Services.
- Named a Leader and a Star Performer in Everest Group’s Life and Annuities Insurance Business Process Services and Third-Party Administrator (TPA) PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025.
- Recognized as part of Newsweek’s America’s Most Responsible Companies 2025, Forbes’ Most Trusted Companies in America 2025, USA Today’s America’s Climate Leaders 2025, and The Financial Times’ Best Employers Asia-Pacific 2025.

2025 Guidance
Based on current visibility, and a U.S. dollar to Indian rupee exchange rate of 85.5, U.K. pound sterling to U.S. dollar exchange rate of 1.30, U.S. dollar to the Philippine peso exchange rate of 57.0 and all other currencies at current exchange rates, we are providing the following guidance for the full year 2025:

Revenue of $2.035 billion to $2.065 billion, representing an increase of 11% to 12% on a reported basis, and 11% to 13% on a constant currency basis from 2024; and
Adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.83 to $1.89, representing an increase of 11% to 14% from 2024.

Conference Call

ExlService Holdings, Inc. will host a conference call on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. ET to discuss the Company’s quarterly operating and financial results. The conference call will be available live via the internet by accessing the investor relations section of EXL’s website at ir.exlservice.com, where an accompanying investor-friendly spreadsheet of historical operating and financial data can also be accessed. Please access the website at least fifteen minutes prior to the call to register, download and install any necessary audio software.

Please note that there is a new system to access the live call-in order to ask questions. To join the live call, please register here. A dial-in and unique PIN will be provided to join the call. For those who cannot access the live broadcast, a replay will be available on the EXL website ir.exlservice.com for a period of twelve months.

About ExlService Holdings, Inc.
EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS) is a global data and artificial intelligence (“AI”) company that offers services and solutions to reinvent client business models, drive better outcomes and unlock growth with speed. EXL harnesses the power of data, AI, and deep industry knowledge to transform businesses, including the world’s leading corporations in industries including insurance, healthcare, banking and financial services, media and retail, among others. EXL was founded in 1999 with the core values of innovation, collaboration, excellence, integrity and respect. We are headquartered in New York and have more than 60,000 employees spanning six continents. For more information, visit www.exlservice.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should not place undue reliance on those statements because they are subject to numerous uncertainties and factors relating to EXL’s operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond EXL’s control. Forward-looking statements include information concerning EXL’s possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of its business strategy. These statements may include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate” or similar expressions. These statements are based on assumptions that we have made in light of management’s experience in the industry as well as its perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate under the circumstances. You should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although EXL believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect EXL’s actual financial results or results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors, which include our ability to maintain and grow client demand, our ability to hire and retain sufficiently trained employees, and our ability to accurately estimate and/or manage costs, rising interest rates, rising inflation and recessionary economic trends, are discussed in more detail in EXL’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including EXL’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. You should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made herein, or elsewhere, speaks only as of the date on which it is made. New risks and uncertainties come up from time to time, and it is impossible to predict these events or how they may affect EXL. EXL has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date hereof, except as required by applicable law.

EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except per share amount and share count)

	Three months ended March 31,
		2025			2024
Revenues, net	$	501,019		$	436,507
Cost of revenues ⁽¹⁾		307,705			273,424
Gross profit ⁽¹⁾		193,314			163,083
Operating expenses:
General and administrative expenses		59,417			53,243
Selling and marketing expenses		41,925			35,970
Depreciation and amortization expense		13,557			12,346
Total operating expenses		114,899			101,559
Income from operations		78,415			61,524
Foreign exchange gain, net		1,192			359
Interest expense		(4,144	)		(3,291	)
Other income, net		4,703			3,952
Income before income tax expense and earnings from equity affiliates		80,166			62,544
Income tax expense		13,496			13,753
Income before earnings from equity affiliates		66,670			48,791
Loss from equity-method investment		(109	)		(28	)
Net income	$	66,561		$	48,763
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.41		$	0.30
Diluted	$	0.40		$	0.29
Weighted-average number of shares used in computing earnings per share:
Basic		162,490,179			165,082,387
Diluted		164,557,333			166,726,853

⁽¹⁾ Exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense.

EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except per share amount and share count)

	As of
	March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024

Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	140,442		$	153,355
Short-term investments		190,978			187,223
Restricted cash		9,826			9,972
Accounts receivable, net		339,856			304,322
Other current assets		150,203			140,317
Total current assets		831,305			795,189
Property and equipment, net		107,148			101,837
Operating lease right-of-use assets		71,150			68,784
Restricted cash		8,210			8,071
Deferred tax assets, net		109,953			104,747
Goodwill		420,494			420,387
Other intangible assets, net		46,092			49,331
Long-term investments		20,134			13,972
Other assets		61,925			56,085
Total assets	$	1,676,411		$	1,618,403
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	5,648		$	5,884
Current portion of long-term borrowings		4,886			4,886
Deferred revenue		20,138			19,264
Accrued employee costs		63,575			129,994
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		131,980			113,597
Current portion of operating lease liabilities		17,426			16,491
Total current liabilities		243,653			290,116
Long-term borrowings, less current portion		302,377			283,598
Operating lease liabilities, less current portion		61,408			59,851
Deferred tax liabilities, net		1,625			1,403
Other non-current liabilities		55,471			53,573
Total liabilities		664,534			688,541
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 15,000,000 shares authorized, none issued		—			—
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 400,000,000 shares authorized, 207,758,497 shares issued and 162,683,343 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and 206,510,587 shares issued and 161,801,212 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2024		207			206
Additional paid-in capital		609,592			588,583
Retained earnings		1,348,521			1,281,960
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(142,787	)		(154,722	)
Total including shares held in treasury		1,815,533			1,716,027
Less: 45,075,154 shares as of March 31, 2025 and 44,709,375 shares as of December 31, 2024, held in treasury, at cost		(803,656	)		(786,165	)
Total Stockholders’ equity		1,011,877			929,862
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,676,411		$	1,618,403

EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.

Reconciliation of Adjusted Financial Measures to GAAP Measures

In addition to its reported operating results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), EXL has included in this release certain financial measures that are considered non-GAAP financial measures, including the following:

(i) Adjusted operating income and adjusted operating income margin;
(ii) Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin;
(iii) Adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share; and
(iv) Revenue growth on constant currency basis.

These non-GAAP financial measures are not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles, should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, and may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. Accordingly, the financial results calculated in accordance with GAAP and reconciliations from those financial statements should be carefully evaluated. EXL believes that providing these non-GAAP financial measures may help investors better understand EXL’s underlying financial performance. Management also believes that these non-GAAP financial measures, when read in conjunction with EXL’s reported results, can provide useful supplemental information for investors analyzing period-to-period comparisons of the Company’s results and comparisons of the Company’s results with the results of other companies. Additionally, management considers some of these non-GAAP financial measures to determine variable compensation of its employees. The Company believes that it is unreasonably difficult to provide its earnings per share financial guidance in accordance with GAAP, or a qualitative reconciliation thereof, for a number of reasons, including, without limitation, the Company’s inability to predict its future stock-based compensation expense under ASC Topic 718, the amortization of intangibles associated with future acquisitions and the currency fluctuations and associated tax effects. As such, the Company presents guidance with respect to adjusted diluted earnings per share. The Company also incurs significant non-cash charges for depreciation that may not be indicative of the Company’s ability to generate cash flow.

EXL non-GAAP financial measures exclude, where applicable, stock-based compensation expense, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, provision for litigation matters, effects of termination of leases, certain defined social security contributions, allowance for certain material expected credit losses, other acquisition-related expenses or benefits and effect of any non-recurring tax adjustments. Acquisition-related expenses or benefits include, changes in the fair value of contingent consideration, external deal costs, integration expenses, direct and incremental travel costs and non-recurring benefits or losses. Our adjusted net income and adjusted diluted EPS also excludes the effects of income tax on the above pre-tax items, as applicable. The effects of income tax of each item is calculated by applying the statutory rate of the local tax regulations in the jurisdiction in which the item was incurred.

A limitation of using non-GAAP financial measures versus financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP is that non-GAAP financial measures do not reflect all of the amounts associated with our operating results as determined in accordance with GAAP and exclude costs that are recurring, namely stock-based compensation and amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets. EXL compensates for these limitations by providing specific information regarding the GAAP amounts excluded from non-GAAP financial measures to allow investors to evaluate such non-GAAP financial measures.

EXL’s primary exchange rate exposure is with the Indian rupee, the Philippine peso, the U.K. pound sterling and the South African rand. The average exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the Indian rupee increased from 83.12 during the quarter ended March 31, 2024 to 86.52 during the quarter ended March 31, 2025, representing a depreciation of 4.1% against the U.S. dollar. The average exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the Philippine peso increased from 56.24 during the quarter ended March 31, 2024 to 57.86 during the quarter ended March 31, 2025, representing a depreciation of 2.9% against the U.S. dollar. The average exchange rate of the U.K. pound sterling against the U.S. dollar decreased from 1.27 during the quarter ended March 31, 2024 to 1.26 during the quarter ended March 31, 2025, representing a depreciation of 0.1% against the U.S. dollar. The average exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the South African rand decreased from 18.96 during the quarter ended March 31, 2024 to 18.49 during the quarter ended March 31, 2025, representing an appreciation of 2.5% against the U.S. dollar.

The following table shows the reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024, and the three months ended December 31, 2024:

Reconciliation of Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted EBITDA
(Amounts in thousands)

	Three months ended
	March 31,						December 31,
		2025			2024			2024
Net Income (GAAP)	$	66,561		$	48,763		$	50,672
add: Income tax expense		13,496			13,753			19,850
add/(subtract): Foreign exchange gain, net, interest expense, gain/(loss) from equity-method investment and other income/(loss), net		(1,642	)		(992	)		720
Income from operations (GAAP)	$	78,415		$	61,524		$	71,242
add: Stock-based compensation expense		19,187			17,852			15,479
add: Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles		3,246			3,080			4,024
Adjusted operating income (Non-GAAP)	$	100,848		$	82,456		$	90,745
Adjusted operating income margin as a % of Revenue (Non-GAAP)		20.1	%		18.9	%		18.8	%
add: Depreciation on long-lived assets		10,311			9,266			12,140
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)	$	111,159		$	91,722		$	102,885
Adjusted EBITDA margin as a % of revenue (Non-GAAP)		22.2	%		21.0	%		21.4	%

Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

	Three months ended
	March 31,						December 31,
		2025			2024			2024
Net income (GAAP)	$	66,561		$	48,763		$	50,672
add: Stock-based compensation expense		19,187			17,852			15,479
add: Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles		3,246			3,080			4,024
add/(subtract): Changes in fair value of contingent consideration		—			(589	)		—
add/(subtract): Other tax expense/(benefits) (a)		—			151			3,860
subtract: Tax impact on stock-based compensation expense (b)		(9,105	)		(5,358	)		(1,769	)
subtract: Tax impact on amortization of acquisition-related intangibles		(799	)		(766	)		(921	)
Adjusted net income (Non-GAAP)	$	79,090		$	63,133		$	71,345
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (Non-GAAP)	$	0.48		$	0.38		$	0.44

(a) To exclude other tax expenses/(benefits), primarily related to certain deferred tax assets and liabilities.

(b) Tax impact includes $14,526 and $7,523 during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 respectively, and $500 during the three months ended December 31, 2024, related to discrete benefit recognized in income tax expense in accordance with ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation.

Contacts:
Investor Relations
John Kristoff
Vice President, Investor Relations
+1 212 209 4613
ir@exlservice.com

Media – US
Keith Little
Assistant Vice President, Media Relations
+1 703 598 0980
media.relations@exlservice.com

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

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025

Category: Weather

A fossil fuel phase-out is ‘essential’

Keeping the public on board

Sustainability

Health

Education/Public Good

The handbag’s many uses

Apr 17, 2025 New FERC-NERC Report Details Increased Resiliency of Natural Gas Systems During Recent Winter Weather Events

What is a downburst?

Recreating Houston’s downburst in a warehouse

Building better power lines

What’s next

Some species are already migrating

Plants and pollinators can get out of sync

Wild bees are emerging earlier

Managing climate change

What is a downburst?

Recreating Houston’s downburst in a warehouse

Building better power lines

What’s next

MOFA response to Czech Senate adopting resolution on China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758

How much does weather affect electricity?

What is ‘induced atmospheric vibration’?

More centralised, more vulnerable

Why does this work need to be done?

What features are planned?

Stay up to date

Statement on air strike against Houthi military facility in Yemen: 29 April 2025

Share this page

Updates to this page

Coal, renewables or nuclear?

Overcoming the energy divide