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  • MIL-OSI USA: China’s crude oil imports decreased from a record as refinery activity slowed

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-depth analysis

    February 11, 2025

    Data source: China General Administration of Customs, Bloomberg L.P.

    Slower oil demand growth in 2024 led to less crude oil processed by China’s refineries and fewer crude oil imports compared with the record high set in 2023. China, the world’s largest importer of crude oil, received 11.1 million barrels per day (b/d) in 2024, down from 11.3 million b/d in 2023. Even though total imports decreased about 2%, imports from some countries increased while others decreased.

    Why did China’s crude oil imports decrease last year?

    We estimate that 16.3 million b/d of petroleum and other liquid fuels were consumed in China last year, second only to the United States globally. China’s domestic crude oil production averaged 4.3 million b/d in 2024, so the country had to import crude oil to meet the demand from its domestic refined petroleum product and petrochemical manufacturing sectors. China’s refiners imported 11.1 million b/d of crude oil and processed 14.2 million b/d. Both crude oil imports and refinery runs decreased in China from record levels in 2023, when the country imported 11.3 million b/d of crude oil and processed 14.8 million b/d.

    Net decreases in the consumption of transportation fuel (gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel) last year meant China’s refineries processed less crude oil. Monthly data from China’s National Bureau of Statistics and General Administration of Customs indicate that consumption of both gasoline and jet fuel grew in China during 2024, but consumption of diesel fuel offset this growth with a large decline from 2023. These estimates are preliminary and subject to revision until late 2025, when China publishes annual consumption data, which we use to update our International Energy Statistics.

    Instead of transportation fuels, liquefied petroleum gases (LPG), naphtha, or other petroleum products that can be imported directly for petrochemical manufacturing instead of refined from crude oil have led China’s growth in petroleum consumption. As a result, the net decline in transportation fuel demand reduced both refinery runs and import demand for crude oil in China last year.

    Which countries do China’s refiners import crude oil from?

    China’s refiners purchase crude oil from dozens of countries, with Russia, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Malaysia being the largest sources. Imports from Malaysia increased significantly last year to 1.4 million b/d, which is more than Malaysia’s domestic crude oil production of around 0.6 million b/d. The large difference stems from crude oil cargoes that were initially shipped from Iran but were then relabeled or transferred to avoid sanctions.

    Imports from Russia increased in 2024 for the third consecutive year and averaged 2.2 million b/d, 1% more than in 2023. China increased imports from Russia after the Group of Seven (G7) country import bans and sanctions limited Russia’s ability to sell crude oil after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. These actions prompted Russia to sell some of its crude oil at discounted prices, making it more attractive to certain buyers.

    On January 10, 2025, the United States announced additional sanctions on several oil vessels transporting crude oil from Russia. Because of potential disruptions from these actions, refiners in China may reduce purchases from Russia and replace those barrels with others from crude oil exporting countries not subject to sanctions, such as Brazil, Canada, the United States, or countries in the Middle East.

    China’s second-largest source of crude oil imports was Saudi Arabia, although these imports decreased for the third consecutive year and averaged 1.6 million b/d, 9% less than in 2023.

    Data source: China General Administration of Customs, Bloomberg L.P.
    Note: Congo=Congo-Brazzaville

    Imports from other Middle East OPEC countries including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait also declined, but imports from Iraq increased. Although small, crude oil imports from Canada increased, particularly in the second half of the year after the Trans Mountain expansion (TMX) project began commercial operations in May 2024. This pipeline expansion brings increased crude oil export capacity to Asia from Canada’s West Coast, which contributed to imports at more than 0.3 million b/d from Canada in September, an all-time high.

    What factors will affect China’s crude oil imports and refining this year?

    We forecast petroleum consumption in China will grow more slowly in 2025 and 2026 than in previous years in our latest Short-Term Energy Outlook. Because we expect growth in China’s consumption will outpace China’s domestic production of crude oil and other liquids, we believe net imports will increase. Last summer, we released a study on refinery capacity expansions in China and other countries through 2028. Several integrated refining and petrochemical complexes will open or expand over the next few years, suggesting crude oil imports will continue growing to meet feedstock demand from these facilities.

    However, a tax change implemented in December 2024 creates considerable uncertainty for China’s petroleum trade balance this year. China reduced a value-added tax rebate offered on some petroleum product exports, which reduces their competitiveness in world markets. Depending on the effects of this change on Chinese refiners’ operations and profitability, refinery runs and crude oil imports could decline.

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Short-Term Energy Outlook, January 2025
    Note: We forecast net imports as domestic consumption minus production.

    Principal contributor: Jeff Barron

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: What Should Be on Your Plate? Study Shows Student Athletes Don’t Know

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    High school health classes often consist of a series of awkward lessons about STDs, drugs, and alcohol. Rarely do these classes teach students anything about another critical component of their health — nutrition.

    This lack of nutrition education is especially dangerous to student athletes who need to fuel their bodies properly to protect themselves from injury and other health risks.

    A new study shows that high school athletes have some serious gaps in both their general and sports-specific nutrition knowledge.

    This work was published in Nutrients. Jennifer B. Fields, assistant professor of nutritional science in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, collaborated with researchers at the University of Wisconsin and George Mason University on this study.

    Fields and her collaborators have known that young athletes struggle with proper nutrition to fuel their highly active bodies.

    “There’s this preconceived notion that all athletes are healthy,” Fields says. “A lot of times that’s not the case.”

    The researchers previously found a high prevalence of eating disorders and other forms of disordered eating in college athletes, often linked to a lack of nutrition knowledge.

    Student athletes often turn to unscientific outlets, like social media, for nutrition information in the absence of formal education.

    Given this, the team became interested in seeing if similar patterns existed for high school athletes.

    They used a pre-validated survey, the Abridged Sports Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire, to assess student athletes’ nutrition knowledge. Forty-four students were recruited from high schools in Wisconsin and beyond.  The students’ total nutrition score averaged around 45% for both boys and girls. Their general nutrition knowledge was about 58% and sport nutrition knowledge was about 35%.

    The students’ perceptions about the daily recommended intake of key nutrients were significantly off base. They thought they needed fewer carbohydrates and total calories, and far more protein and fat than is actually recommended.

    The students also demonstrated a lack of knowledge about when and what to eat to support sport performance.

    “Their level of general nutrition knowledge and sport nutrition knowledge was very, very low,” Fields says. “They didn’t know how to eat a balanced diet for their overall health. Moreso, they didn’t know how to make proper fueling decisions for their sport.”

    Many students reported that their primary source for nutrition knowledge was friends or family, followed closely by their coaches, who do not generally receive any formal nutrition training or education.

    Fields says many of these knowledge gaps may be fueled by social media which pumps out inaccurate nutrition information and unrealistic body standards for young people, especially athletes.

    “Adolescents in particular are just inundated with social media,” Fields says. “High schoolers are on Instagram, TikTok, whatever it may be, getting preconceived notions about how their bodies should look, how they should eat, and how they should exercise. And many times, it’s really conflicting with how they should be fueling as an athlete.”

    One of the key differences between sports and regular nutrition is athletes’ calories and carbohydrate needs. Athletes should be consuming more than half their daily calories as carbohydrates, Fields says.

    “Carbohydrates are athletes’ best friends,” Fields says. “That is so contradictory to what a lot of social media tells us.”

    Athletes also, generally, shouldn’t follow the trend of intermittent fasting diets as they need to be fueling consistently throughout the day to support performance and recovery and ensure they are getting enough calories.

    Athletes need to have more muscle mass to support their own safety as well, meaning they won’t look like some of the people they see on social media.

    The next step for this research will be to develop an educational intervention for high school athletes to empower them with the knowledge they need to make healthy choices.

    “One of our biggest takeaways is simply the need for more general nutrition education and sports-specific nutrition education for these adolescent athletes,” Fields says. “If we can change the behaviors throughout these high school years, then they get to college and have a much better sense of how to eat for their health and to optimize their performance.”

    This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Enhancing Health and Well-Being Locally, Nationally, and Globally.

    Follow UConn CAHNR on social media

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Key figures behind Phobos and 8Base ransomware arrested in international cybercrime crackdown

    Source: Europol

    This follows a series of high-impact arrests targeting Phobos ransomware:An administrator of Phobos was arrested in South Korea in June 2024 and extradited to the United States in November of the same year. He is now facing prosecution for orchestrating ransomware attacks that encrypted critical infrastructure, business systems, and personal data for ransom.A key Phobos affiliate was arrested in Italy…

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Check Point and Wiz Enter Strategic Partnership to Deliver End-to-End Cloud Security

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a pioneer and global leader of cyber security solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with leading cloud security provider Wiz to address the growing challenges enterprises face securing hybrid cloud environments. This collaboration bridges the longstanding gap between cloud network security and Cloud Native Application Protection (CNAPP) through a deep technological integration and strategic business alliance, delivering an industry-leading unified, holistic security solution.

    “This partnership between the parties was formalized in order to create a new security paradigm—combining Check Point’s cloud network security expertise with Wiz’s CNAPP leadership to deliver comprehensive protection across hybrid mesh environments,” said Nadav Zafrir, Chief Executive Officer at Check Point. “Together, we are transforming how organizations manage risk, enabling teams to collaborate with greater efficiency and control.”

    Today’s enterprises operate in complex environments where network and cloud security often function in silos, creating critical visibility and control gaps. Cloud network security teams lack context about cloud-specific risks, while cloud security teams struggle to understand how cloud network security controls protect assets. This fragmentation leads to inefficiencies, misconfigurations, and increased cyber risks.

    “Bringing together Wiz’s leading CNAPP technology and Check Point’s expertise in cloud network security enhances visibility and prioritizes risks more effectively,” said Assaf Rappaport, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Wiz. “Our partnership is aimed to ensure that companies can seamlessly protect their network and cloud environments with an integrated, industry-leading solution while continuing to democratize cloud security.”

    The partnership between Check Point and Wiz addresses these issues head-on offering customers:

    • Unified Security Insights: Check Point’s cloud network security controls integrated within Wiz’s CNAPP risk platform, enabling cloud security teams to automatically prevent attacks access real-time network-driven insights for smarter risk prioritization
    • Enhanced Risk Context: Wiz’s advanced risk analysis feeds integrate directly into Check Point’s platform, providing network security teams with actionable recommendations to optimize security coverage and configurations
    • Prioritization of Unsecured Assets: Cloud security teams are empowered to identify and address unsecured assets more effectively, leveraging network security data to guide decision-making
    • Optimized Security Operations: Network security teams benefit from tailored recommendations generated by Wiz’s platform, enhancing operational efficiency across hybrid environments

    The mutually beneficial partnership includes joint integration and the assisted migration of Check Point’s CNAPP customers to Wiz. Check Point expects to reallocate resources and make further investments across its cloud security business, including cloud network security, web application firewall (WAF), generative AI (GenAI), and other key cloud technologies. 

    This collaboration underscores both companies’ long-term commitment to driving security innovation and addressing the most pressing cloud security challenges faced by modern enterprises.

    Follow Check Point Software via:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/check-point-software-technologies
    X (Formerly known as Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/checkpointsw
    Blog: https://blog.checkpoint.com
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CPGlobal

    About Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.
    Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (www.checkpoint.com) is a leading AI-powered, cloud-delivered cyber security platform provider protecting over 100,000 organizations worldwide. Check Point leverages the power of AI everywhere to enhance cyber security efficiency and accuracy through its Infinity Platform, with industry-leading catch rates enabling proactive threat anticipation and smarter, faster response times. The comprehensive platform includes cloud-delivered technologies consisting of Check Point Harmony to secure the workspace, Check Point CloudGuard to secure the cloud, Check Point Quantum to secure the network, and Check Point Infinity Core Services for collaborative security operations and services.

    About Wiz
    Wiz secures everything organizations build and run in the cloud. Founded in 2020, Wiz is the fastest-growing software company in the world. Wiz enables hundreds of organizations worldwide, including over 45 percent of the Fortune 100, to rapidly identify and remove critical risks in cloud environments. Its customers include Salesforce, Slack, Mars, BMW, Avery Dennison, Priceline, Cushman & Wakefield, DocuSign, Plaid, and Agoda, among others. Wiz is backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia, Index Ventures, Lightspeed, Insight Partners, Cyberstarts, Thrive Capital, Greylock, Wellington, Salesforce, Blackstone, Advent, Greenoaks and Aglaé. Visit https://www.wiz.io for more information.

    Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements related to our expectations regarding our strategic partnership with Wiz to address the growing challenges enterprise face securing hybrid environments future growth, the creation of a new security paradigm, the reallocation of resources, the making of further investments across our Cloud Security business and the ability of our partnership with Wiz to seamlessly protect companies’ network and cloud environments. Our expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize, and actual results or events in the future are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those projected. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2024. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Check Point as of the date hereof, and Check Point disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CPA Canada – Interview opportunity: Celebrate love without the price tag this Valentine’s Day

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Valentine’s Day is often seen as the ultimate celebration of love—but does it always have to come with a price tag?

    Some couples splurge on extravagant dinners and lavish gifts, while others are rethinking whether you need to break the bank to show you care.

    A 2024 survey by Leger found that nearly half of Canadians spend money on gifts, 40 per cent on dining out, and yet 87 per cent believe the holiday is overly commercialized.

    “Money and love don’t have to go hand-in-hand,” says Li Zhang, financial literacy leader at CPA Canada. “The key is making sure your Valentine’s Day celebration reflects what truly matters to you and your partner—not just for the ‘gram.’”

    For those who want to celebrate love without the hefty price tag, here are some low- or no-cost ways to make the day special:

    • Recreate your first date at home: Cook the same meal, play the same music, and reminisce.
    • Write a love letter: A heartfelt, handwritten note can be far more meaningful than any store-bought card.
    • Take a digital detox together: Unplug from your devices and spend uninterrupted quality time together.
    • Plan a memory walk: Visit a place that holds special meaning in your relationship.
    • Make a ‘reasons I love you’ jar: Fill a jar with small notes of appreciation and admiration.

    “If love is priceless, why does Valentine’s Day come with a receipt? Perhaps the most romantic gesture isn’t about spending—it’s about making your partner feel valued in ways money can’t buy,” says Zhang.

    To arrange an interview with our personal finance expert, please contact media@cpacanada.ca.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Enphase Energy Launches Expanded IQ Battery 5P Solution for New Home Projects in California

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FREMONT, Calif., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENPH), a global energy technology company and the world’s leading supplier of microinverter-based solar and battery systems, announced today the launch of an expanded IQ® Battery 5P™ product with support for both single-phase 120/208 V and split-phase 120/240 V, for new home projects in California. This expanded functionality provides an optimal storage solution for new single- and multi-family homes in California. The IQ Battery 5P product remains fully JA12 compliant, ensuring it meets California Title 24 requirements.

    California Title 24 mandates solar for all new homes, making integrated solar-plus-battery systems increasingly important. With support for a wider range of voltage requirements, the IQ Battery 5P helps builders and homeowners maximize solar value under NEM 3.0, while streamlining Energy Design Rating (EDR) compliance. Its modular design starts at 5 kWh, making it an ideal fit for smaller solar systems in new homes. This flexibility also helps builders more effectively balance other construction considerations, providing a cost-effective solution to meet California’s evolving energy standards.

    “As a longtime installer of Enphase’s products in California, we’re excited about the IQ Battery 5P as a flexible and cost-effective energy storage solution for new home builders,” said Chris Pearce, chief executive officer of Solara, an installer of Enphase products in California. “The modularity and reliability of Enphase’s technology make it easier than ever for developers to meet energy requirements while maximizing value for homeowners.”

    “Enphase continues to set the standard for quality and innovation in home energy solutions,” said Helmut Gehle, VP of solar new construction at Citadel, an installer of Enphase products in California. “The IQ Battery 5P is another great example – designed for performance, built for reliability, and produced right here in the United States. Homeowners and builders can trust they’re getting a best-in-class storage system that they can depend on for years to come.”

    “The IQ Battery 5P is a game-changer for new home projects,” said Thomas Bassett, chief operations manager at Asgard Energy, an installer of Enphase products in California. “Its advanced design with flexible voltage simplifies installation. Also, with Enphase’s batteries now produced in the United States, this solution supports American energy independence, jobs, and manufacturing.”

    The IQ Battery 5P starts with 5 kWh of capacity and delivers up to 3.84 kW of continuous power. The new single-phase solution is designed as a “grid-tied” system without backup capabilities, eliminating the need for an IQ® System Controller. This reduces system components and lowers costs, making it ideal for multi-family housing where space and budget are limited. For split-phase systems, an IQ System Controller can be added to enable backup functionality. The IQ Battery 5P comes with an industry-leading 15-year limited warranty in the United States.

    “The IQ Battery 5P is an ideal energy storage solution for new home construction, delivering the performance, flexibility, and reliability that builders and homeowners expect from Enphase,” said Ken Fong, senior vice president and general manager of the Americas and APAC at Enphase Energy. “By offering a grid-tied configuration, we’re helping to streamline installations and reduce costs while enjoying solar benefits under California’s energy standards. With its production in the United States, the IQ Battery 5P also supports domestic manufacturing and strengthens the renewable energy supply chain.”

    Enphase recently announced initial shipments of IQ Battery 5Ps produced in the United States that can help projects qualify for the Domestic Content Bonus Credit. IQ Batteries bearing SKUs with a “DOM” suffix, contain certain components made with domestic content.

    For more information about the Enphase IQ Battery 5P solution for new homes in California, please visit the Enphase website.

    About Enphase Energy, Inc.

    Enphase Energy, a global energy technology company based in Fremont, CA, is the world’s leading supplier of microinverter-based solar and battery systems that enable people to harness the sun to make, use, save, and sell their own power—and control it all with a smart mobile app. The company revolutionized the solar industry with its microinverter-based technology and builds all-in-one solar, battery, and software solutions. Enphase has shipped approximately 80.0 million microinverters, and approximately 4.7 million Enphase-based systems have been deployed in more than 160 countries. For more information, visit https://enphase.com/.

    ©2025 Enphase Energy, Inc. All rights reserved. Enphase Energy, Enphase, the “e” logo, IQ, and certain other marks listed at https://enphase.com/trademark-usage-guidelines are trademarks or service marks of Enphase Energy, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. Other names are for informational purposes and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including statements related to the expected capabilities and performance of Enphase Energy’s technology and products, including safety, quality, and reliability of its IQ Batteries; the availability and market adoption of Enphase products; the ability of the IQ Battery 5P to qualify for the Domestic Content Bonus Credit; and the ability of the IQ Battery 5P to streamline installations and reduce costs while maximizing solar benefits under California’s energy standards. These forward-looking statements are based on Enphase Energy’s current expectations and inherently involve significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements as a result of such risks and uncertainties including those risks described in more detail in Enphase Energy’s most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Annual Report on Form 10-K, and other documents filed by Enphase Energy from time to time with the SEC. Enphase Energy undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations, except as required by law.

    Contact:

    Enphase Energy

    press@enphaseenergy.com

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Two Six Technologies Delivers Strategic Growth and Makes Exceptional Mission Impact in 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Two Six Technologies, a high-growth technology company dedicated to providing products and expertise to national security customers, achieved outstanding growth and milestone results in 2024. Most importantly, Two Six’s products, systems, and teams supported more than 46,000 mission operations last year.

    In 2024, the company generated organic revenue growth of 25%, expanded its contract portfolio with large IDIQ awards, grew single-award contract ceiling to over $1.5 billion, and increased annual recurring revenue (ARR) to $60 million through the delivery of proprietary products and software platforms.

    “Our core focus is to rapidly deliver products, technologies, and expertise to address complex challenges facing our nation today,” said Joe Logue, CEO of Two Six Technologies. “I could not be more proud of the exceptionally talented professionals of Two Six, and their dedication to supporting the critical missions of our U.S. Government customers.”

    Two Six Technologies is a next-generation defense technology company, strategically positioned at the intersection of innovative technologies and mission impact. The company is purpose-built for a new era of government efficiency, with proven capabilities to execute on R&D programs, create breakthrough technologies, transition new innovations to operational users and warfighters, and deliver scalable product solutions.

    Two Six Technologies supports its customers through a suite of proprietary products that deliver technological superiority for our nation, allies, and partners. These products, including IKE™, Pulse, SIGMA™, and TrustedKeep™, are proven solutions offering direct and scalable impact for real-world challenges in critical sectors including cybersecurity, information advantage, CBRN detection, resilient secure communications, and zero trust.

    The company’s strategic expansions in 2024 included investments in infrastructure, secure labs, and the opening of new offices in Herndon, VA; Colorado Springs, CO; and Laurel, MD. Two Six’s employees work in 26 office locations in 7 states, as well as in labs, customer sites, and hybrid and remote locations across the country.

    In 2024, Two Six Technologies was recognized with numerous industry awards for outstanding individual and corporate performance, including: WashingtonExec’s Chief Officer Awards and Pinnacle Awards, Greater Washington GovCon Awards Contractor of the Year, NVTC’s Cyber 50 and Tech 100, and Inc. Magazine’s Best in Business 2024. Additionally, the company was awarded nine new U.S. patents in 2024 for inventions created by Two Six employees.

    Two Six continues to invest in supporting employees’ growth and professional development, including recruiting programs, referral bonuses, training courses, and team events. In 2024, the company hired and onboarded more than 280 new employees and continues to recruit mission-focused professionals for its world-class teams. Two Six offers competitive benefits and compelling career development opportunities. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit twosixtech.com/careers/.

    About Two Six Technologies
    Two Six Technologies is a high-growth technology company dedicated to providing innovative products and expertise for defense, intelligence, public safety, and national security customers. The company solves complex technical challenges in five focus areas that are key to missions on the modern battlefield: cyber, information operations, resilient secure communications, electronic systems, and zero trust solutions.

    The company offers a robust suite of sole source contract vehicles with more than $1.5 billion of aggregate single-award contract ceiling; a family of operationally deployed products including IKE™, Pulse, TrustedKeep™, and SIGMA™; and a global operational footprint that includes technical access in more than 100 countries coupled with native proficiency in more than 20 languages.

    Two Six supports national security customers across the Department of Defense, including U.S. Special Operations Command, U.S. Cyber Command and DARPA; Department of State; the Intelligence Community; and Civilian agencies.

    Two Six was formed in February 2021 by the global investment firm The Carlyle Group. Since its formation, Two Six has acquired and integrated four companies that are highly complementary to Two Six’s mission, culture, and growth strategy.

    Two Six is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia and employs approximately 900 professionals working in 37 states across the country. For more information, visit twosixtech.com and Two Six Technologies on LinkedIn.

    Media Contact
    David Leach
    Vice President of Corporate Development
    david.leach@twosixtech.com
    703-782-9473

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Mainspring Expands Channel Network with Leading Resellers as Linear Generator Installations Grow

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MENLO PARK, Calif., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mainspring Energy today announced the expansion of its channel sales network into new markets and geographies, accelerating adoption of the company’s Linear Generators with the addition of three new resellers. The program welcomes dGEN Energy Partners, Gould Group, and INF Associates to the team of partner companies bringing Mainspring’s advanced power generation solutions to commercial and industrial companies.

    The addition of these leading power resellers expands Mainspring’s reach into more projects and vertical markets such as hotels and commercial buildings, EV charging infrastructure, cold storage facilities, and other industrial operations. It also opens the door to delivering projects in new regions for the company, particularly in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, which are prone to extreme weather events and extended power disruptions. As in the fast-growing U.S. linear generator market, commercial and industrial companies in this region are exploring linear generator solutions for greater control over their energy resources and costs. Mainspring’s products provide resilient, low-emission, rapidly installed power capacity with market-leading flexibility in siting, project scope, load profiles, and fuel types.

    “In an era of unprecedented load growth, demand is spiking globally for reliable, efficient power,” said Wissam Balshe, Senior Director of Channel Partnerships at Mainspring. “dGen, Gould Group and INF bring valuable expertise to our reseller team in deploying advanced power infrastructure in commercial and industrial markets. Together we are expanding our reach and accelerating the transition to cleaner, more efficient power.”

    The expanded reseller network puts Mainspring solutions in the hands of a growing force of industry experts specializing in reliable, affordable, and sustainable power projects that deliver new power capacity. It builds on the launch of the Mainspring reseller network last year and Mainspring’s strategic partnerships with global power leaders Schneider Electric and ABM.

    dGen
    dGen brings a wealth of experience in the renewable energy industry with over 750 MW of clean energy installed today. They are known in the solar industry for their ability to take a project from design to financing to installation with a dedicated team of developers and EPC installers. dGen expands access to renewable energy solutions to all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

    Gould Group
    As a trusted real estate portfolio fiduciary, Gould Group uses energy efficiency as a strategic tool to enhance cost-effectiveness and quality across industrial, office, hospital, and multifamily properties nationwide. Gould Group stands by three certainties—Budget, Execution, and Quality—ensuring every project is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. Its expertise spans energy procurement, strategic financing, and tailored sustainability solutions, enabling it to maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and create long-term value for its clients.

    INF Associates
    INF is a turnkey energy solutions firm performing complete design, equipment supply, and installation of projects, including electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, LED lighting upgrades, distributed and renewable energy technologies, and mechanical system retrofits. INF has offices in New York City, the Hudson Valley and New Jersey, and supports energy projects nationwide. INF has a team dedicated to securing funding from utility and state commissions to advance the sustainability goals for each company they work with. Since 2011, INF has secured tens of millions of dollars of utility incentives for energy projects and has installed more than 5,000 EV chargers totaling over 50 megawatts of charging power.

    About Mainspring
    Mainspring Energy manufactures and delivers innovative, flexible, low-emissions onsite power solutions that rapidly add new power capacity and deliver reliable, affordable, clean electric power. The Mainspring Linear Generator is fully dispatchable and scalable from 250 kW to 100+MW. It is uniquely fuel-flexible, operating on any gaseous fuel including hydrogen, ammonia, biogas, natural gas, propane, and others. The company began commercial shipments in 2020 and to date has tens of MWs of power in operation and more than 100 MW in advanced development for leading Fortune 500 companies and utilities. Learn more at mainspringenergy.com.

    Media Contact:

    Marjorie Bonga
    marjorie@teamsilverline.com
    15407462385

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Codeword Elevates Gabie Kur to Partner, Driving New Phase of Growth and Client Services Alongside Leadership Evolution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, communication agency Codeword announced the promotion of Gabie Kur to Partner, Head of Growth, making her the agency’s first-ever woman partner, first growth lead, and first partner addition in more than a decade. In her new role, Kur will oversee business development, external communications, agency service expansions, and innovative partnerships. She will continue to oversee Codeword’s PR practice as well. She joins partners Kyle Monson and Michael McKloskey on Codeword’s executive leadership bench.

    Kur has spent over a decade at Codeword, most recently as Senior Vice President, PR, where she doubled Codeword’s client retention, tripled its monthly minimum retainer, and grew the team amid challenges in the tech, media, and PR industries. She has led PR programs for global brands such as Lowe’s, ASUS, Coway, Skillshare, Drift, and Alphabet’s Wing, and has successfully launched over 200 companies across her career. Her leadership in strategic growth, PR, and client expansion positions her to build out the agency’s growth function and push Codeword’s capabilities to the next level.

    “At Codeword, we’re constantly working to strengthen the way we support both our clients’ and our growth. I’m eager to maximize Codeword’s momentum in a reinvigorated function that equips our teams to deliver the best work we can for the brands that count on us,” said Kur. “This role is the perfect blend of everything I love—PR, problem-solving, business development—and I’m especially looking forward to working even more closely with Kyle and Michael, who have played pivotal roles in much of my career.”

    Codeword leadership is equally excited to add Kur to the partner bench.

    “I’ve worked closely with hundreds of PR pros over the years, and there’s nobody like Gabie,” said Kyle Monson, founding partner at Codeword. “She has a level of energy that defies the laws of physics, and her intelligence and problem-solving skills are adored by both her clients and her teammates. Over the past few years, we watched her do the impossible, and push the business forward in an era of industry retraction. After years of trying and failing to find her limit, we’re like ‘Maybe the limit does not exist. Why doesn’t she just run the place with us?’ And we’re delighted that she agreed to it. I hope we continue to make memories and good work together for a very long time.”

    Alongside Kur’s elevation to partner, Codeword upleveled its leadership across the agency.

    Ted Brown has been named Head of Editorial, reporting to Kyle Monson. Ted brings over fourteen years of creative and editorial leadership to the role. After joining Codeword two years ago, Brown quickly became a trusted partner for high-profile clients like Google and Android. In his new position, Brown will set and maintain the bar for Codeword’s editorial output, and manage Codeword’s team of writers and editors, the agency’s largest department. He’ll also continue mentoring the next generation of writers and creatives, helping them push boundaries and refine their craft in an evolving media landscape. Outside of Codeword, Brown continues to be a regular contributor to The New York Times, The Atlantic, Rolling Stone, and The New Yorker.

    Katy Donkin has been appointed Head of Client Accounts, reporting to Michael McKloskey. Over her eight years at Codeword, Donkin has cultivated deep, trust-based relationships with major clients—her expert stewardship has allowed the agency to maintain a decade-long partnership with Google. She has demonstrated a unique ability to craft audience-driven strategies that deliver results, foster long-term satisfaction, and meet detailed client needs. In this elevated role, Donkin’s focus will be on helping teams proactively orchestrate success while ensuring effective client delivery and maintaining high client satisfaction. Throughout her time at the agency, she’s played a vital role in developing her team, mentoring colleagues, and championing Codeword’s client relationships—all while seamlessly managing her responsibilities remotely from New Zealand.

    Liv Allen has been named Head of PR, reporting to Gabie Kur. Allen has been instrumental in growing the PR team and expanding the department’s integrated communications capabilities since joining Codeword in 2017. Across her career, Allen has worked with a diverse range of brands—from startups like Codeacademy and Outerspace to global companies such as ASUS, Payscale, and Sennheiser, as well as publicly traded companies like NVIDIA, Adobe, and Lowe’s. Her expertise in creating impactful media moments and fostering strong relationships has been integral to the agency’s success.

    “We’re hyped as hell to announce the new leadership roles for Gabie, Ted, Katy, and Liv. Each of them has consistently shown their commitment to Codeword’s mission to create brand experiences people actually care about,” said Michael McKloskey, managing partner and EVP at Codeword. “They make a positive impact on their clients’ businesses. They lead their teams to be better marketers. They shape Codeword into an ever-evolving agency of expert communicators. It’s an incredible combination that’s setting us up for limitless success. There’s nothing this team can’t accomplish together.”

    About Codeword
    Codeword is a communication design agency that helps brands create breakthrough comms, content, and community experiences. A team of fast-moving writers, designers, PR pros, and strategists, Codeword fosters an independent spirit with global scale and capabilities. The nationwide team is remote-first, with offices in NYC and SF. Part of the WE Communications family.

    Find us online at: www.codewordagency.com or @codewordagency

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Baby Boomers and Gen X Responsible for Increased Betting Activity in Q4 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Betting activity increased slightly in Q4 2024 to 26% of consumers, compared to 24% in the same period of 2023. However, this uptick was caused by significant generational changes in activity, primarily among Baby Boomers and Millennials, according to a new report from TransUnion (NYSE: TRU).

    While Millennials have dominated all forms of betting in recent years, this generation’s engagement dropped 5% YoY in Q4 2024. Conversely, Baby Boomers and Gen Xers got more involved, with 7% and 4% respective YoY increases. Gen Z bettors’ participation remained about the same. These and many more findings are available in TransUnion’s latest US Betting Report.

    “The demographic shift in betting activity serves as a good reminder that the best predictor of engagement is not age but rather increased earnings and liquidity,” said Declan Raines, head of TransUnion’s Gaming business. “Those who have a sudden influx of disposable income are more likely to participate in betting, and operators should keep that in mind when developing their marketing strategies.”

    In addition to Millennials, fewer high-value bettors engaged in online and land-based betting activities. High-value bettors are those who spend more than $500 per month on betting. This group’s engagement dropped by 8% with land-based operators and 9% with online operators.

    Healthier finances among bettors

    The report found high-value bettors also attained improved overall finances. In Q4 2024, 54% of those betting $500 or more per month had good or excellent credit combined with middle or high income. This was up from 50% in the same period in 2023. In addition, those with the riskiest financial profile—having lower income and fair or poor credit—fell from 7% in Q4 2023 to just 4% in Q4 2024.

    Bettors proved to have a more resilient financial profile than non-bettors. More than half of consumers who bet in either land-based or online channels said their income had gone up a little or a lot in the past 3 months. Only 21% of non-bettors said the same.

    Consumer Credit Scores: Bettors vs Non-bettors

      Land-based Bettors Online Bettors Non-bettors
    Good/Excellent 59% 54% 47%
    Average 22% 24% 19%
    Fair/Bad 18% 20% 24%

    Excellent: 781-850 | Good: 721-780 | Average: 661-720 | Fair: 601-660 | Bad: 300-600

    Consumers who bet also had stronger credit scores, with more than half of land-based and online bettors indicating good or excellent credit scores, compared to just 47% of non-bettors. Conversely, one-third of non-bettors fell into credit score ranges that indicate poorer credit quality—including those who don’t know their score—compared to 22% of online bettors and 20% of land-based bettors.

    Mounting regulatory pressure

    Regulators and consumer advocacy groups became more focused on the betting industry in 2024. Recent studies published by Northwestern and UCLA outlining the risks to personal finances among a subset of players served to elevate the pressure on gaming operators to implement reasonable procedures to identify and curb problem gaming. In response, the industry formed the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) to establish industry-wide responsible gaming standards and support research and education on safe practices.

    TransUnion’s US Betting Report has consistently found bettors experience higher levels of financial volatility—both positive and negative—relative to non-bettors. This represents a significant challenge for operators when engaging in responsible gaming assessments. It is imperative that gaming operators stay vigilant to ensure their most active players can sustain high levels of play without compromising their financial health.

    “As the industry matures, new tools have emerged to help operators assess players’ financial resilience and promote responsible gaming,” said Raines. “Adopting these measures will help build on the significant investments made by the industry in responsible gaming to date as well as demonstrate good faith efforts to regulators and consumers while protecting profitability for operators in the long run.”

    For full details from the US Betting Report, click here.

    About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU)

    TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries. We make trust possible by ensuring each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this with a Tru™ picture of each person: an actionable view of consumers, stewarded with care. Through our acquisitions and technology investments we have developed innovative solutions that extend beyond our strong foundation in core credit into areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world. http://www.transunion.com/business

    Contact Dave Blumberg
    TransUnion
    E-mail david.blumberg@transunion.com
    Telephone 312-972-6646

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Provident Bank Strengthens Executive Leadership Team, Welcoming Chief Lending Officer to Advance Commercial Banking and Lending Strategy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ISELIN, N.J., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Provident Bank, a leading New Jersey-based financial institution, is pleased to announce the addition of Bill Fink as Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer, leading the commercial bank and the commercial lending growth strategy.

    Mr. Fink has over 30 years of experience in commercial banking and credit administration and will lead and direct the bank’s commercial lending strategies, including new business development, loan portfolio management, and policy management for all commercial business lines, including C&I, commercial real estate, treasury management, and specialty lines. His expertise in structuring complex credit transactions and developing innovative approaches will help expand the bank’s loan portfolio and drive sustainable growth consistent with the bank’s risk appetite. In addition to overseeing lending initiatives, given his deep commercial banking experience, Mr. Fink will serve as a strategic advisor, collaborating closely with Provident’s Executive Leadership Team.

    “I’m excited to begin a new chapter in my career where I can support Provident Bank’s mission to redefine the super community banking space,” said Bill Fink, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer. “With a strong foundation and clear momentum, I look forward to using my experience in commercial lending to drive growth, strengthen customer relationships, and foster a culture of innovation and excellence that supports Provident Bank’s business strategy.”

    Mr. Fink will oversee a $16B loan portfolio and lead a team of eight direct reports and a total team of 250 employees based in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. He will also oversee portfolio management and credit risk, ensuring the bank’s lending strategies align with market opportunities and long-term objectives. Mr. Fink will contribute to enhancing credit policies, introducing new lending products, and optimizing the portfolio mix to ensure the bank is providing the best solution to its customers. Additionally, he will represent the bank at industry events and public engagements, strengthening relationships with customers and partners, while reinforcing Provident’s market presence.

    “Bill is an exceptional leader, bringing broad expertise in commercial banking with a vision for driving growth and innovation,” said Anthony Labozzetta, President and CEO, Provident Bank. “I am thrilled to welcome him to our team as we enhance our commercial lending capabilities, deepen customer relationships, and position our bank for long-term success.”

    Mr. Fink brings two decades of leadership experience at TD Bank, N.A., where he held key senior roles across regional and national markets. Most recently, he served as EVP and Head of U.S. Middle Market Banking, leading TD’s nationwide expansion strategy for Middle Market and Asset-Based Lending and overseeing a $24 billion portfolio. Previously, as EVP, Chief Lending Officer, and Head of Credit Management for TD’s U.S. Commercial Banking Division, he played a critical role in credit oversight and risk management.

    Mr. Fink holds an MBA in Management & Finance and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from St. Joseph’s University. He is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). In addition, he completed the Advanced Finance Postgraduate Program at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and is a member of the Executive Education Board of Directors at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

    About Provident Bank
    Founded in Jersey City in 1839, Provident Bank is the oldest community-focused financial institution based in New Jersey and is the wholly owned subsidiary of Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:PFS). With assets of $24.05 billion as of December 31, 2024, Provident Bank offers a wide range of customized financial solutions for businesses and consumers with an exceptional customer experience delivered through its convenient network of 140 branches across New Jersey and parts of New York and Pennsylvania, via mobile and online banking, and from its customer contact center. The bank also provides fiduciary and wealth management services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Beacon Trust Company, and insurance services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Provident Protection Plus, Inc. To learn more about Provident Bank, go to www.provident.bank or call our customer contact center at 800.448.7768.

    Media Contact:
    Provident Bank
    Keith Buscio – keith.buscio@provident.bank
    Vested – providentbank@fullyvested.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1dab4f57-ba76-4ff3-9ba9-48d91a5dc47c

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: SensoRy AI and OCFA deploy AI-driven early wildfire detection system in City of Irvine Open Space Preserve

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a unified effort to address the growing threat of wildfires in Southern California, Ryan Honary, founder of SensoRy AI, has partnered with the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) and the City of Irvine to deploy his award-winning AI-driven wildfire detection system in the Irvine Open Space Preserve.

    SensoRy AI’s platform combines a wireless mesh sensor network with artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect wildfires at their earliest stages, providing firefighters with instant notifications and real-time updates on predicted growth speed and direction. Designed to be low-cost and scalable, the solution is ideal for high-risk areas.

    “Early detection is one of our greatest weapons in what has become a year-round fire season, empowering crews to more safely and effectively execute the robust and rapid initial attack required to keep wildfires small,” said OCFA Fire Chief Brian Fennessy. “For several years now, we have partnered with Ryan and SensoRy AI. We are proud and grateful that his technology has the potential to provide our firefighters with real-time data that expedites resource allocation, improves firefighting strategy, and enhances our mission to protect life and property.”

    The initial installation focuses on high-risk zones within the Irvine Open Space Preserve, which is a part of nearly 40,000 acres of interconnected open space owned by the City of Irvine, OC Parks, and California State Parks that functions as a key ecological corridor connecting open space in Orange County to the Cleveland National Forest. The deployment comes after several successful pilots carried out with the support of Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) at their native seed farm and OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space.

    “We are thrilled to have partnered with and supported Ryan in the development and testing of SensoRy AI’s technology,” said Dr. Nathan Gregory, Senior Vice President and Chief Programs Officer at IRC. “Utilizing innovative tools to assist with protecting open spaces and communities from wildfire is essential, and this technology will help us do that.”

    So far this year, wildfires have burned over 57,000 acres in California, killing nearly 30 people and causing an estimated $255 billion in economic losses. By merging OCFA’s operational expertise with SensoRy AI’s advanced detection technology, the deployment represents a significant step forward in protecting lives, property and ecosystems from the devastating effects of these disasters.

    “Since 2020, my goal has been to create technology that gives first responders the early warning they need to respond to wildfires faster and more effectively,” said Ryan Honary. “The support I’ve received from experts like Chief Fennessy and Dr. Gregory has been invaluable as I’ve worked to turn what started as a science project into a real-world solution that can save lives.”

    About SensoRy AI

    SensoRy AI, founded by Ryan Honary, is a company dedicated to developing AI-powered solutions for environmental hazard detection. The company’s mission is to provide cutting-edge technology that enables communities and emergency responders to stay ahead of environmental disasters, from wildfires to other critical threats. SensoRy AI’s early detection system is just one of its innovative solutions aimed at protecting lives and property. Learn more at sensoryai.com

    About Orange County Fire Authority

    The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) is a regional fire service agency that serves 23 cities in Orange County and all unincorporated areas. OCFA operates from 78 fire stations, providing fire protection and emergency medical services to nearly 2 million residents. The agency is committed to safeguarding lives and property through a combination of fire prevention, education, and effective emergency response.

    About Irvine Ranch Conservancy

    Irvine Ranch Conservancy is a non-profit organization whose mission is to restore, protect, and enhance the ecological health of urban wildlands in a way that fosters compatible human behaviors and inspires connections and partnerships. These lands include the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks — over 40,000 acres of precious open space in Orange County that have been recognized for their biological and geological significance. IRC actively manages these critically important areas in partnership with the City of Irvine, City of Newport Beach, OC Parks, and numerous other community partners.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Array Releases Study Uncovering the 5 Myths Costing the Banking Industry Billions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Array, a leading embedded consumer products platform, in partnership with industry expert Ron Shevlin and Cornerstone Advisors, announced today the release of research exposing key disparities between banking industry perceptions and reality—along with the financial impact of these misconceptions. The study, Billions Lost: The Cost of Bankers’ Myths About Americans’ Finances, collected insights from 2,500 US adults, recruited to be representative of the US adult population. The report examined generational behavioral trends, focusing on consumer expectations for financial institution offerings and the fintech tools different cohorts are investing in.

    “Over the years, certain misconceptions about consumer attitudes and behaviors have become gospel to bankers,” said Shevlin, Chief Research Officer at Cornerstone Advisors. “It’s time to bust some of the myths that many bankers believe about how Americans manage their financial lives and prove to bankers that the beliefs they’re clinging to are costing them billions of dollars in lost revenue.”

    Key findings from the research include:

    • Myth #1: Direct deposit is key to banking relationships
    • Myth #2: Fintech deteriorates bank and credit union relationships
    • Myth #3: Financial health = education + literacy
    • Myth #4: Young consumers get their financial advice from TikTok
    • Myth #5: No one pays for fintech

    “Financial institutions and fintechs are striving to deepen engagement by offering a diverse suite of financial, identity, and privacy tools. Our study highlights a growing gap between consumer expectations and availability—revealing increasing demand for more seamless access to these tools,” said Amelia Chen, Head of Marketing at Array. “Consumers no longer want to switch between multiple mobile apps to manage their finances; they expect a unified, integrated experience presenting a significant opportunity for both financial institutions and fintechs to meet this demand.”

    Access: Billions Lost: The Cost of Bankers’ Myths About Americans’ Finances here.

    Array will host a webinar on Feb 26th where Shevlin will present key findings from Billions Lost and explore how financial institutions and fintechs can effectively address these misconceptions.

    About Array

    Array fuels financial progress for many of the world’s leading fintechs, financial institutions, and digital brands with a suite of private-label fintech solutions that can be easily embedded. Array drives engagement and revenue for clients by helping them stand out in a crowded market and forge deeper relationships with their customers. More than a suite of products, we’re building a platform to help consumers own their financial future.

    Array was founded in 2020 by Martin Toha and its investors include Battery Ventures, General Catalyst, and Nyca Partners. To learn more visit www.array.com.

    Media Contact:
    Amelia Chen
    amelia.chen@array.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Duck Creek Technologies Partners with Worldpay to Enhance Payments Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Duck Creek Technologies, the global intelligent solutions provider defining the future of property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance, today announced a strategic partnership with Worldpay®, a global industry leader in payments technology and solutions.

    Worldpay’s global payments capabilities embedded in Duck Creek Payments, provide carriers with a seamless, end-to-end payment management platform tailored specifically to the insurance industry. The addition of Worldpay’s payments capabilities fortifies Duck Creek’s ability to serve carriers worldwide with its payments platform while ensuring scalability and future-proofing through continued technology investments.

    “Selecting the right payments processing partner is pivotal to delivering an exceptional experience for our customers,” said Allan Lacoste, Chief Payments Officer at Duck Creek Technologies. “Worldpay aligns perfectly with our mission to provide insurance carriers with secure, efficient, and flexible payment solutions. Through this partnership, Duck Creek Payments becomes even more robust, eliminating the need for costly, bespoke integrations while embedding industry-leading payment processing capabilities directly into Duck Creek’s core technology.”

    This partnership also reflects Duck Creek’s commitment to expanding its Marketplace, where strategic payment partnerships empower carriers to access a comprehensive suite of innovative payment solutions tailored to their unique needs. Worldpay’s technology is a critical, component of the Duck Creek Payments solution, emphasizing its role within the company’s ecosystem.

    “By joining forces with Duck Creek, we are realizing our shared goal of modernizing payment solutions for the insurance industry,” said Jason Pavona, General Manager of North America at Worldpay. “The integration of our advanced payment technologies into Duck Creek Payments gives insurance carriers the tools they need to reduce complexity, deliver a better customer journey, and navigate an increasingly dynamic marketplace.”

    Duck Creek Payments delivers unparalleled value, ensuring carriers benefit from a seamless, future-ready payments experience that integrates effortlessly into existing core systems. Additionally, insurers can process easier, more cost-effective payments and provide customers with increased payment flexibility, including Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options. 

    About Worldpay
    Worldpay is an industry leading payments technology and solutions company with unique capabilities to power omni-commerce across the globe. Our processing solutions allow businesses of all sizes to take, make and manage payments in-person and online from anywhere in the world. Annually, we process over 50 billion transactions across 146 countries and 135 currencies. We help our customers become more efficient, more secure and more successful. To learn more, visit worldpay.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and or Facebook.

    About Duck Creek Technologies  
    Duck Creek Technologies is the global intelligent solutions provider defining the future of the property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance industry. We are the platform upon which modern insurance systems are built, enabling the industry to capitalize on the power of the cloud to run agile, intelligent, and evergreen operations. Authenticity, purpose, and transparency are core to Duck Creek, and we believe insurance should be there for individuals and businesses when, where, and how they need it most. Our market-leading solutions are available on a standalone basis or as a full suite, and all are available via Duck Creek OnDemand. Visit www.duckcreek.com to learn more. Follow Duck Creek on our social channels for the latest information – LinkedIn and X.   

    Media Contacts:  

    Duck Creek:
    Marianne Dempsey/Tara Stred  
    duckcreek@threeringsinc.com  

    Worldpay:
    Siobhan Acha Derrington
    Director of Public Relations
    media@worldpay.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: LightSolver Partners With Ansys to Accelerate CAE Modelling for Automotive and Other Key Industries

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TEL AVIV, Israel, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LightSolver, inventors of a new laser-based computing paradigm, today announced a partnership with Ansys (NASDAQ: ANSS), a leading provider of engineering simulation software. Following a successful test run on LightSolver’s platform, the two companies are working to integrate LightSolver’s technology with Ansys LS-DYNA® nonlinear dynamics structural simulation software to accelerate simulations for automotive, aerospace, and other industries.

    LightSolver’s all-optical Laser Processing Unit™ (LPU) will leverage laser interactions to compute large and complex problems, faster and more efficiently than the most advanced classical HPC systems available today. The LPU processes at the speed of light, making it ideally suited for computations that require massive amounts of iterations, such as optimization problems and simulations for global challenges such as transport scheduling and supply chain optimization, financial risk management, climate simulations, computer-aided engineering (CAE), and many more.

    Today, LightSolver offers a digital platform that emulates LPU functionality and accelerates computations for certain use cases. Together, LightSolver and Ansys collaborated to explore accelerators based on advanced computing methods, successfully testing LightSolver’s digital platform on a number of implicit mechanical analysis cases to reduce floating point operations and storage. The test showed that the combination can shorten product development cycles, ultimately delivering more accurate design insights and reducing costs for companies that use complex engineering models.

    Multiphysics simulations, such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA) often require the calculation of dynamics for billions of grid points across many time steps. As a result, these processes can take hours, days, or even weeks to complete. In the cases tested, LightSolver successfully optimized sparse matrix reordering within the Ansys LS-DYNA solver, reducing the amount of computation required and ultimately enabling faster run times.

    “We’re excited to partner with Ansys and augment the value of their multiphysics simulation tools through acceleration,” said LightSolver CEO and co-founder Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D. “Modeling in computer-aided engineering remains one of the most computationally intensive workloads requiring specialized HPC infrastructure. We’re looking forward to providing clients with increased value as our hardware platform continues to evolve.”

    About LightSolver
    LightSolver is developing an all-optical supercomputer capable of solving complex and large computational problems at the speed of light. Utilizing the interference patterns of lasers, the Laser Processing Unit™ (LPU) can tackle challenges that were previously constrained by the limits of electronics, while fitting into a rack unit and operating at room temperature. Dr. Ruti Ben-Shlomi and Dr. Chene Tradonsky, physicists from the world-renowned Weizmann Institute, founded the company in 2020. More than 2/3 of the team are physics, math and computer science PhDs. LightSolver has secured investment from TAL Ventures, Entree Capital, IBI Tech Fund, Angular Ventures, Maverick, and Artofin. The company has also received a €12.5M grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) to advance its all-optical supercomputer. Connect with LightSolver @LightSolverCo on X and on LinkedIn. For more information, visit lightsolver.com or email info@lightsolver.com.

    Media Contact:
    Seth Menacker
    Fusion PR
    lightsolver@fusionpr.com  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: LM Funding America Announces January 2025 Production and Operational Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

           – 15 MW Oklahoma Mining Site Fully Operational

    – Bitcoin HODL valued at $16.1 million as of January 31, 2025

    TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  LM Funding America, Inc. (NASDAQ: LMFA) (“LM Funding” or the “Company”), a Bitcoin mining and technology-based specialty finance company, today announced its preliminary, unaudited Bitcoin mining and operational update for the month ended January 31, 2025.

    Metric Dec 2024 Jan 2025
    – Bitcoin1    
    – Mined, net 7.0   8.0
    – Sold (4.0)   –
    – Purchased 5.0   –
    – Service Fee –   –
    – Bitcoin HODL 150.2   158.2
    – Machines1    
    – Operational 3,681   5,121
    – Storage 2,159   719
    – Total Machines 5,840   5,840
    – Hashrate (EH/s1)    
    – Oklahoma 0.29   0.43
    – Hosted 0.13   0.13
    – Energized 0.42   0.56
    – Storage 0.21   0.07
    – Total 0.63   0.63

    “The energization of our Oklahoma site and reaching our target of 0.56 active EH/s marks a significant achievement for LM Funding,” stated Bruce Rodgers, Chairman and CEO of LM Funding. “Even though we are still a small player in this industry, our disciplined capital allocation, low overhead costs, and strong balance sheet affords us the opportunity to acquire more low-cost energy sites like our Oklahoma site and strategic M&A, while steadily building our Bitcoin holdings. Looking forward, we are pursuing green field and brown field power assets in the 5 to 20 MW range — which don’t meet large operators acquisition thresholds — to continue our growth.”

    The Company estimates that the value of its 158.2 Bitcoin holdings on January 31, 2025, was approximately $16.1 million, based on a Bitcoin price of approximately $102,000 as of January 31, 2025.

    About LM Funding America
    LM Funding America, Inc. (Nasdaq: LMFA), operates as a Bitcoin mining and specialty finance company. The company was founded in 2008 and is based in Tampa, Florida. For more information, please visit https://www.lmfunding.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release may contain forward-looking statements made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” and “project” and other similar words and expressions are intended to signify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guaranties of future results and conditions but rather are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Some of these risks and uncertainties are identified in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and its other filings with the SEC, which are available at www.sec.gov. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, uncertainty created by the risks of operating in the cryptocurrency mining business, uncertainty in the cryptocurrency mining business in general, problems with hosting vendors in the mining business, the capacity of our Bitcoin mining machines and our related ability to purchase power at reasonable prices, the ability to finance and grow our cryptocurrency mining operations, our ability to acquire new accounts in our specialty finance business at appropriate prices, the potential need for additional capital in the future, changes in governmental regulations that affect our ability to collected sufficient amounts on defaulted consumer receivables, changes in the credit or capital markets, changes in interest rates, and negative press regarding the debt collection industry. The occurrence of any of these risks and uncertainties could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact: 

    Investor Relations 
    Orange Group 
    Yujia Zhai 
    LMFundingIR@orangegroupadvisors.com 

    1 Unaudited

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) Regains Compliance with NASDAQ Listing Standards as of February 10, 2025.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nashville, Tennessee, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) (“American Rebel” or the “Company”), creator of American Rebel Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) and a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of branded safes, personal security and self-defense products and apparel (americanrebel.com), is pleased to announce that it has regained compliance with the periodic filing requirement under NASDAQ’s listing rules.

    “Maintaining our NASDAQ listing is of utmost importance to our Company and our stockholders. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to our internal and external accounting teams for their tireless efforts in ensuring our ability to file our FY2024 3rdQuarter financials that allowed American Rebel to regain compliance with NASDAQ’s listing rules.” Andy Ross, CEO of American Rebel, further commented, “The dedication and hard work of Darin Fielding, CFO of our wholly owned subsidiary, Champion Safe Co., who emerged as our regulatory lead due to his previous auditor experience was instrumental in the coordination between our independent auditors, GBQ and Eventus Advisory Group’s seasoned team of public company accounting professionals.”

    Timeline of NASDAQ Compliance Efforts
            

    November 14, 2024 FY2024 3rd Quarter 10Q due
    November 22, 2024 Company notification by NASDAQ that it no longer met the perioding listing requirement due to the inability to file the FY2024 3rd Quarter 10Q
    January 21, 2025 Deadline for American Rebel Holdings, Inc. to submit a plan to NASDAQ to regain compliance with the listing requirements
    February 7, 2025 American Rebel Holdings, Inc. files Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2024.
      Revenue for the three (3) months ended September 30, 2024 of $2,337,786.00
      Revenue for the nine (9) months ended September 30, 2024 of $9,637,016.00
    February 10, 2025 American Rebel Holdings, Inc. is notified by NASDAQ Staff that with the February 7, 2025 filing of the 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2024, that the Company is deemed compliant with the NASDAQ Listing Rules.

    In the coming weeks, the Company is planning on providing a brief stockholder update from its CEO, Andy Ross, detailing the progress made in our business units throughout last year. This update will highlight the rapid growth and success American Rebel has experienced in our American Rebel Beverage business unit responsible for American Rebel Light Beer and the positive impacts of the reorganization and streamlining of our product offerings and processes at Champion Safe Co. (www.championsafe.com).

    About American Rebel Holdings, Inc.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) has operated primarily as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded safes and personal security and self-defense products and has recently transitioned into the beverage industry through the introduction of American Rebel Light Beer. The Company also designs and produces branded apparel and accessories. To learn more, visit www.americanrebel.com and www.americanrebelbeer.com. For investor information, visit www.americanrebel.com/investor-relations.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc.
    info@americanrebel.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. American Rebel Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ: AREB; AREBW) (the “Company,” “American Rebel,” “we,” “our” or “us”) desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include benefits of marketing outreach efforts, continued compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements, our ability to effectively execute our business plan, and the Risk Factors contained within our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    Company Contact:
    Corey Lambrecht, COO
    Corey.lambrecht@americanrebel.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: SMX Announces Acquisition of cBEYONData

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HERNDON, Va., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SMX, a leader in next-generation mission support, digital transformation, and IT solutions, today announced the acquisition of cBEYONData. cBEYONData is a provider of implementation, design, and managed service capabilities, as well as a proprietary portfolio of budget management and financial analytics solutions that provide real-time data visibility and transparency to customers within the Department of Defense (DoD) and federal civilian agencies. Together, SMX and cBEYONData (collectively the “Company”) are well-positioned to support customers across the public sector, helping them achieve enhanced visibility, operational efficiency, and financial transparency, each key priorities of Congress and the new administration.

    The acquisition creates a leading provider of differentiated digital transformation capabilities, offering a tailored set of solutions that help government customers manage their increasingly complex financial, planning, and analytical needs. Expertise spans across top financial platforms like Oracle, SAP, and Momentum, while ensuring enhanced scalability, flexibility, and security driven by the Company’s strong relationships with leading cloud infrastructure providers such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

    Combined, the Company’s deepened capabilities provide meaningful growth and cross-selling opportunities across its base of complementary customers driven by its end-to-end portfolio of specialized enterprise data and system solutions. One example is CFO Control Tower®, a software suite designed to seamlessly integrate with government ERP systems and provide real-time financial data analytics, robust budget planning capabilities, and enhanced collaboration and automation tools. cBEYONData also offers cBEYONDLab®, a cloud-hosted demonstration environment that allows federal agencies to perform continuous exploration of ERP and ERP-enabled solutions prior to making major software purchases, saving substantial costs associated with process realignment and technology initiatives.

    In recognition of cBEYONData’s breadth of solutions, as well as its multi-decade history serving prominent customers including the U.S. Army, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and other high priority federal agencies, cBEYONData will continue to operate with its current leadership team under a newly established horizontal business unit within SMX—Enterprise Systems and Solutions (ESS)—led by SMX President, Sandeep Dorawala.

    In welcoming cBEYONData, SMX CEO Peter LaMontagne stated, “cBEYONData brings valuable scale and technical expertise to our strategic growth plan to expand our work supporting the business of government. cBEYONData’s successful solutions at the ‘nexus of data and dollars’ is particularly relevant today as government executives and senior military leaders focus on financial transparency and accountability.”

    cBEYONData CEO Dyson Richards commented on the transaction, “In SMX we have found the right partner to accelerate our growth into new areas while embracing our client and employee focused culture. SMX is a great fit for us based on their corporate philosophy and digital transformation acumen, and we see a very bright future together.”

    Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. cBEYONData was a portfolio company of Bluestone Investment Partners (“Bluestone”). KippsDeSanto & Co. and G Squared Capital Partners served as financial advisors, and Holland & Knight as legal counsel to cBEYONData and Bluestone. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP served as legal counsel to SMX.

    About SMX
    SMX is a leader in next-generation cloud, C6ISR, and advanced engineering and IT solutions operating in close proximity to clients across the U.S. and around the globe. SMX delivers scalable and secure solutions combined with the mission expertise needed to accelerate outcomes for the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, Public Sector, Fortune 1000, and other public and private sector clients. For more information on our services, please visit https://www.smxtech.com/.

    About OceanSound Partners
    OceanSound Partners is a New York-based private equity firm that pursues control investments in technology and technology-enabled services companies serving government and enterprise end-markets. OceanSound employs a partnership approach, working closely with founders, entrepreneurs, and executives of middle market businesses to drive transformational growth. For more information, visit www.oceansoundpartners.com.

    About cBEYONData
    cBEYONData improves the business of government by understanding the overlapping relationship between data and dollars. We diagnose, design, and implement processes, technology platforms, and the tools and methodologies that help government operate effectively. We believe the right mix of advice, technology, and implementation expertise allows our clients to do right by the budgets, the people, and the mission so that the business of government runs at its very best.

    For inquiries about this press release, please contact us at communications@smxtech.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Morris State Bancshares Declares Special Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBLIN, Ga., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Morris State Bancshares, Inc. (OTCQX: MBLU) (the “Company”), the parent of Morris Bank (the “Bank”), has declared a one-time, special dividend of $0.15 per common, to be paid on March 21, 2025, to all shareholders of record as of February 15, 2025.

    “We’ve demonstrated financial strength and resilience, enabling us to reward our shareholders while well-positioned to capitalize on strategic opportunities,” said Spence Mullis, Chairman and CEO. “This special dividend underscores our confidence in the Bank’s trajectory and our ability to generate value through both earnings and dividends.”

    Forward-looking Statements

    Certain statements contained in this release may not be based on historical facts and are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements may be identified by their reference to a future period or periods or by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “will,” “would,” “could” or “intend.” We caution you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, in that actual results could differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including, among others, the business and economic conditions; risks related to the integration of acquired businesses and any future acquisitions; changes in management personnel; interest rate risk; ability to execute on planned expansion and organic growth; credit risk and concentrations associated with the Company’s loan portfolio; asset quality and loan charge-offs; inaccuracy of the assumptions and estimates management of the Company makes in establishing reserves for probable loan losses and other estimates; lack of liquidity; impairment of investment securities, goodwill or other intangible assets; the Company’s risk management strategies; increased competition; system failures or failures to prevent breaches of our network security; changes in federal tax law or policy; the impact of recent and future legislative and regulatory changes; and increases in capital requirements. We undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date of this news release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitdeer Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings Conference Call for February 25, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitdeer Technologies Group (NASDAQ: BTDR) (“Bitdeer” or the “Company”), a world-leading technology company for blockchain and high-performance computing, today announced that it has scheduled its fourth quarter and full year 2024 earnings conference call and webcast for Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 8:00 AM EST. During the call, Bitdeer management will discuss the preliminary and unaudited financial and operational results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024, followed by a question-and-answer session.

    Bitdeer will release its fourth quarter and full year 2024 preliminary and unaudited results before the call at approximately 7:00 AM EST on February 25, 2025. A copy of the earnings release will be available on the Company’s Investor Relations website at https://ir.bitdeer.com.

    Conference Call Information:

    • Date: February 25, 2025
    • Time: 8:00 AM EST / 9:00 PM SGT
    • Participant Call Links:
      • Live Webcast: Link
      • Participant Call Registration: Link

    Participants wishing to join the conference call by phone should register using the Participant Call Registration link provided above. After completing the registration, the participants will receive an email with the necessary details to access the call including dial-in number, passcode, and PIN. To ensure a timely start, the Company encourages all callers to connect about 5 minutes before the scheduled time.

    A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investors section of Bitdeer’s website at https://ir.bitdeer.com.

    About Bitdeer Technologies Group

    Bitdeer is a world-leading technology company for blockchain and high-performance computing. Bitdeer is committed to providing comprehensive computing solutions for its customers. The Company handles complex processes involved in computing such as equipment procurement, transport logistics, datacenter design and construction, equipment management, and daily operations. The Company also offers advanced cloud capabilities to customers with high demand for artificial intelligence. Headquartered in Singapore, Bitdeer has deployed datacenters in the United States, Norway, and Bhutan. To learn more, visit https://ir.bitdeer.com/ or follow Bitdeer on X @ BitdeerOfficial and LinkedIn @ Bitdeer Group.

    Investors and others should note that Bitdeer may announce material information using its website and/or on its accounts on social media platforms, including X, formerly known as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Therefore, Bitdeer encourages investors and others to review the information it posts on the social media and other communication channels listed on its website.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “look forward to,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including factors discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Bitdeer’s annual report on Form 20-F, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in Bitdeer’s subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof. Bitdeer specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether due to new information, future events, or otherwise. Readers should not rely upon the information on this page as current or accurate after its publication date.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    Investor Relations
    Orange Group
    Yujia Zhai
    bitdeerIR@orangegroupadvisors.com

    Public Relations
    BlocksBridge Consulting
    Nishant Sharma
    bitdeer@blocksbridge.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Delinea Enhances Enterprise Security by Giving Greater Visibility and Control Over All User Identities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Delinea, a pioneering provider of solutions for securing human and non-human identities through centralized authorization, has introduced new capabilities on its leading cloud-native platform, including credential and password support for workforce and business users, intelligent identity lifecycle management and behavioral analytics spanning all identity types. These new features will enable enterprises to comprehensively manage the full identity lifecycle across all users from any access point while automating management and entitlements as users evolve. Additionally, with the new Delinea Platform App, the power of the platform is now available on iOS and Android devices, enabling administrators to manage access from anywhere.

    Identity has become a critical pillar of cybersecurity strategies, with over half of organizations allocating 20% or more of their IT budget to identity and access management technology and processes, according to recent Delinea research. As identity-based attacks continue to surge, the latest enhancements to the Delinea platform are aimed at helping enterprises create an all-encompassing security environment to make it easier to manage all identities, enforce access policies, and respond to security threats.

    “The complexity of managing digital identities is only increasing, and organizations must overcome mounting challenges related to security visibility, access control, and automation,” said Jeremy Weiss, executive security strategist, GSSO at CDW. “The new additions to the Delinea Platform will enable our customers to address these challenges head-on with agile, intuitive, and scalable solutions that strengthen security and improve organizational efficiency.”

    Increase visibility with Delinea Credential Manager
    Delinea Credential Manager simplifies and secures credentials while providing IT administrators and security leaders with comprehensive visibility and control over access for every identity. The enterprise-grade vault reduces risk, boosts security policy adoption with a simplified experience, and ensures seamless user access across any device, anywhere. Administrators gain centralized oversight of all credentials and user activity across the entire workforce, while business users benefit from a user-friendly interface that makes credential access both frictionless and secure.

    Administrators also gain real-time visibility into all identities and can simplify credential management, minimizing shadow IT and credential fatigue. Unified access controls remove vulnerabilities business users present from disjointed credential use, improving productivity while maintaining strict security protocols.

    Intelligently automate access provisioning with Identity Lifecycle Management
    Identity Lifecycle Management (ILM) provides agile, centralized control over all identities, making it easy to automate joiner-mover-leaver (JML) processes and reduce the risk of overprovisioned or orphaned accounts. With the average onboarding process taking over four days, ILM drastically reduces the manual workload, providing efficient, secure, and auditable identity provisioning and de-provisioning across the organization. IT and security teams can use ILM to reduce administrative overhead, enforce security protocols, and automate key workflows that improve both efficiency and compliance.

    Reduce risk with Platform Analytics
    The Platform Analytics feature empowers IT and security teams to stay one step ahead of potential threats by continuously monitoring and analyzing users’ digital behaviors. By establishing a baseline for each user’s behavior, Platform Analytics detects deviations and automatically triggers customized actions to address abnormal actions in real-time.

    Anywhere, Anytime Access with Delinea Platform App
    The Delinea Platform App offers administrators full visibility and control over their organization’s identity security environment, no matter where they are. With this secure mobile app, administrators can monitor and manage all identities, view behavior insights, configure security workflows, and respond to access requests, ensuring privileged access is continuously monitored and protected.

    “Enterprises today are facing a different kind of identity crisis in the age of AI, as they must now contend with an explosion of human and non-human identities to manage and provision,” said Phil Calvin, Chief Product Officer at Delinea. “In adding these new capabilities and mobile app to the Delinea Platform, we’re enabling our customers to be more agile. We’re constantly innovating to make it even easier to secure all identities, prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data, and streamline the management of user credentials, all while minimizing user friction.”

    To learn more about the Delinea Platform, visit: https://delinea.com/products

    About Delinea
    Delinea is a pioneer in securing identities through centralized authorization, making organizations more secure by seamlessly governing their interactions across the modern enterprise. Delinea allows organizations to apply context and intelligence throughout the identity lifecycle across cloud and traditional infrastructure, data, and SaaS applications to eliminate identity-related threats. With intelligent authorization, Delinea provides the only platform that enables you to discover all identities, assign appropriate access levels, detect irregularities, and immediately respond to identity threats in real-time. Delinea accelerates your teams’ adoption by deploying in weeks, not months, and makes them more productive by requiring 90% fewer resources to manage than the nearest competitor. With a guaranteed 99.995% uptime, the Delinea Platform is the most reliable identity security solution available. Learn more about Delinea on delinea.com, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

    Media Contact
    Justin Ordman
    Corporate Communications Director
    justin.ordman@delinea.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d824fd94-e074-4f61-a7ab-3951dbbc0d72

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: A music expert’s tips on making an unforgettable mixtape (or playlist) for your Valentine

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Glenn Fosbraey, Associate Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Winchester

    There’s something about tangible music that the digital world simply can’t touch. Whether that’s putting a new record on the turntable, popping a shiny CD out of its jewel case or clicking a tape into place on a cassette deck.

    I still remember a time when cassette was king – when the ultimate Christmas present was a pack of blank tapes, and recording your favourite songs from the radio without the interference of the DJ’s voice was a skill to be proud of.

    Then, of course, there was the mixtape. Lovingly compiled over weeks, dubbed from CDs, other cassettes, the radio or LPs, the track listings would be written on the back in your neatest handwriting. When the time was right, you passed it on to that special someone.

    The process wasn’t without risk, of course. Critic Christopher Partridge has noted that, for many of us, popular music is central to the construction of our identities and sense of self. That means that creating something so personal often felt like giving up a section of our diaries.

    A practical guide to making a physical mixtape.

    Handing it over to the wrong person and having your taste ridiculed was a surefire way to spend the next few days wallowing in self-pity, eating multipacks of crisps and listening to The Smiths. Handing it over to the right person, though, and seeing them share your love for those most precious of songs was a certain way to take a relationship to the next level.

    Cassette tapes and players are having a second lease on life. They can be bought online for as little as £30, or even cheaper if you get lucky in a charity shop.

    So, this Valentine’s Day, why not do something that really shows how much you care, and go old school instead of just sending over another Spotify link? Here are five top tips from a seasoned mixtape maker.

    Looking for love this Valentine’s Day? Whether you want to improve your relationship with others or with yourself, The Quarter Life Glow-up can help.

    This six-week newsletter course from The Conversation will bring you research-backed advice and tools to help improve your relationships, your career, your free time and your mental health – no supplements or skincare required. Sign up here to start your glow-up at any time.

    1. Be honest

    Romantic mixtapes are supposed to be an opportunity for you to share the tracks that you love; a chance to say “this is a piece of me – what do you think?” If you’re choosing tracks simply because you think they’ll make you look current, deep or edgy, therefore, you’re not being true to the process. Pick the songs that mean something to you and don’t overthink how they may look to someone else.

    2. Be considerate

    Writing on your CD or cassette can add an extra personal touch.
    Isabela Donô Peixoto/Dupe

    If you know the recipient of your mixtape quite well, chances are you might also know a little something about their music tastes.

    Tip one still applies in such an instance, but that’s not to say you should force-feed them Metallica, for example, if they’ve previously said they hate heavy metal. Doing so would either show you to be someone who doesn’t listen (bad), or someone who listens, but doesn’t care (worse).

    So, be considerate, but don’t spend the whole time thinking “Oh God: will they hate this?” They might do, of course, but if they haven’t given you a clue either way, it’s a risk you’ll have to take.

    3. Don’t be cringey

    Mixtapes, especially Valentine’s mixtapes, are not about vicariously displaying your feelings for someone through the voice and lyrics of others. Instead, they are about showing that you trust someone enough to share the songs that are important to you.

    If you own vinyl records, try playing them while recording with a blank cassette.
    Cora Pursley/Dupe

    To that end, please, no Let’s Get It On or J’taime… Moi Non Plus. Not least because it may make the object of your affection cringe, which (hopefully) won’t be your desired reaction.

    Also, try to avoid cringey behaviours when presenting the mixtape, whether that’s saying, “oh, you’re going to LOVE this,” followed by winks and elbow nudges, or, on the flipside, being almost apologetic: “You’re probably going to hate it … but here it is anyway.”

    Instead, just go with something like, “I made you this,” hand it over, and let the music do the rest of the talking.

    4. Sequencing

    When it comes to deciding the running order of your mixtape, it can be looked upon like the sequencing of an album.

    Joy Division and New Order’s Peter Hook says that a tracklist should “build up … slow down” and then have a “big finish”. Taylor Swift says she never likes to put two happy songs in a row or two of the same kind of sadness in a row. Adele swears by leaving the biggest and boldest track to the end. And Elbow’s Guy Garvey likes to include a short post-script of song after the record sounds like it’s ended, which feels like extra kisses at the bottom of a letter.

    Unfortunately, our modern attention spans may also need to be taken into consideration. Radio expert Kelli Fannon admits that she can only get through the first three or four songs of an album (or mixtape) before the phone rings, someone asks a question, or she has a meeting to run to. And she’s not alone.

    So, if there are a few songs you really want your lover to hear, ignore the sequencing advice of the stars, and make sure you put those tracks first.

    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.

    5. Variety is the spice of life

    I’ll never forget my wife’s face when she came to the end of Satan Rejected My Soul by Morrissey, which I’d inexplicably and inadvisably put on the mixtape I’d made for her a few weeks after we’d met.

    Sure, I sulked for a bit (how could she not like it?) but we moved past it, and 20 years on I just know not to play Morrissey within her earshot. It’s unlikely the recipient of your tape is going to love every track and, so long as they let you down respectfully, all is well.

    With hindsight, I can’t think of an instance where Satan Rejected My Soul should ever be on a mixtape. So do yourself (and your love interest) a favour and leave that one off.

    Glenn Fosbraey 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. A music expert’s tips on making an unforgettable mixtape (or playlist) for your Valentine – https://theconversation.com/a-music-experts-tips-on-making-an-unforgettable-mixtape-or-playlist-for-your-valentine-249240

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Camp Hill virus explained: what are the risks of a henipavirus outbreak in America?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Shirin Ashraf, Postdoctoral Researcher, MRC-Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow

    A new pathogen, called Camp Hill virus, was recently discovered in Alabama, drawing attention to a group of viruses known as henipaviruses. This is a big deal because other viruses in this group are linked to serious, often fatal, disease, and this is the first time one of them has been found in North America.

    Camp Hill virus was discovered by looking at tissue samples from short-tailed shrews that were collected in 2021. It’s a new species of virus that’s related to other dangerous viruses such as Nipah and Hendra, which have caused serious outbreaks in other parts of the world. It’s also distantly related to the measles virus.

    The first known henipavirus, Hendra virus, was identified in Australia in 1994. There have been just seven cases of humans getting infected – four of them were fatal.

    Nipah virus, discovered in Malaysia in 1998, is much more deadly. It has caused 30 outbreaks in south-east Asia, infecting over 600 people, with death rates as high as 100% in some cases.

    These viruses usually cause fever and other serious symptoms, such as brain swelling and difficulty breathing. They are thought to be carried by bats and can spread to humans through their saliva or urine. Horses are also thought to be carriers.

    Thanks to new technology that allows scientists to study the genetics of viruses, they’ve now found nearly 20 species of henipaviruses around the world. These viruses have been found on every continent except Antarctica, including places like Ghana, China, Australia and Brazil. This shows that henipaviruses are probably common in nature, and new ones could pop up almost anywhere.

    For example, in China, a virus called Mojang virus was linked to the deaths of three workers who were exposed to it in a mine. Another virus, Langya, spread by shrews, caused an outbreak in which 35 people got sick – although they all recovered.

    So far, other henipaviruses haven’t caused human infections, but the potential is there.

    The rapid growth in our understanding of these viruses comes from improvements in technology and global efforts to study diseases. But it also reminds us that viruses can suddenly jump from animals to humans in unpredictable ways.

    Whether a virus can harm humans depends on how well it can infect human cells, and how badly it affects the body. Some viruses cause mild symptoms, while others can lead to life-threatening diseases. Studying these viruses requires scientists to look closely at their genetic code and run laboratory tests to understand how they work.

    Henipaviruses can infect many animals, including bats, horses, monkeys, dogs, cats and even rodents. This means they are more adaptable and have a higher chance of jumping from animals to humans in different ways. In comparison, a virus like measles can only infect humans, which makes it less likely to spread to other species.

    No drugs or vaccines … yet

    There is no cure for henipavirus infections, but researchers are working on a vaccine for Nipah virus. Some new treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies, are also being developed but aren’t ready for use yet. This makes Nipah and Hendra viruses major public health concerns. The World Health Organization has called for more research to help fight them.

    While there’s no evidence that Camp Hill virus has infected any humans yet – and the chances of it doing so are low – its discovery in North America is a reminder that viruses can emerge anywhere. Even though shrews usually live in forests and don’t come into much contact with people, the potential for the virus to spread remains a worry.

    The more we learn about these viruses, the better we’ll be at creating vaccines that can protect us from both known and new threats. Keeping up with research and staying prepared is crucial to protecting global health from future outbreaks.

    Shirin Ashraf 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. Camp Hill virus explained: what are the risks of a henipavirus outbreak in America? – https://theconversation.com/camp-hill-virus-explained-what-are-the-risks-of-a-henipavirus-outbreak-in-america-249183

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Five ways that illustrations can tell climate justice stories

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Andi Misbahul Pratiwi, PhD Candidate, School of Geography, University of Leeds

    Climate change is often communicated through scientific reports, statistics and policy discussions. However, these technical approaches can be inaccessible to the public, failing to capture the experiences of those most affected.

    Climate narratives structured as stories that involve emotional engagement and personal anecdotes are more effective at mobilising communities, influencing policy and promoting pro-environmental actions across diverse audiences. By blending art with storytelling, illustrations can make complex environmental issues, such as climate justice, much more accessible to the general public.

    Illustrations are not just artistic expressions. They can amplify the voices of affected communities and help make the case for climate justice. In an era where climate action is urgent, harnessing the power of illustration can be transformative. It can challenge dominant narratives while creating more inclusive and participatory ways of understanding climate action.

    I have been collaborating with Puspita Bahari, an Indonesian fisherwomen’s movement to develop ways to communicate the effects of tidal floods and the importance of feminist solidarity. For my PhD research, I spent seven months carrying out fieldwork in three coastal villages in Demak, Central Java, Indonesia. This involved interviews, observations and creative workshops with the community.

    By drawing on 38 women’s firsthand experiences, we have published an illustrated book: Tidal Floods: Women, Fisheries, and Climate Crisis in Indonesia (2024). This story about Indonesia’s fisherwomen explores the intersections of gender, environmental change, activism and the future of the country’s coastal regions. Here are five ways that collaborative illustrations can be used to tell female-led climate justice stories:

    1. Intersectional narration

    The effects of tidal flooding on Indonesian women vary depending on location, livelihood, age and disability status. Along the coastline, women in Indonesia are involved in selling fish, processing seafood and fishing at sea, alongside domestic work.

    This book does not depict women as having a single, monolithic identity. Instead, the images portray their varied realities. These shape how they experience climate injustice and how pre-existing inequalities reproduce new climate injustices.

    Intersectional narration is storytelling that captures how different aspects of identity overlap to shape people’s experiences in complex ways. Using this, various issues such as economic hardship, domestic violence, sexual reproductive health, physical and mental health can be better represented.

    The image below illustrates these challenges. A woman with a disability is unable to use her wheelchair because the village is sinking. A pregnant woman struggles to access healthcare facilities. Fisherwomen face declining incomes due to environmental and economic pressures.

    2. Body maps

    To understand the complexity of climate impacts, I worked with women to draw body maps. As they annotated each picture, fisherwomen shared their embodied experiences of living with tidal floods as an everyday disaster.

    Body mapping is an intimate cartographic process that involves tracing the body and visually exploring one’s lived experience. This method goes beyond textual and oral narratives. It helps women recall and record body memories that might otherwise remain unspoken.

    Their body maps are not just research artefacts. They have been translated into powerful visuals so their personal stories can be shared in this book. The picture above illustrates one fisherwoman’s daily struggles, physical and physiological burdens – so the image reveals the complex, gendered, and intersectional effects of tidal floods.

    3. Historical context

    Certain pictures show how the coastal landscapes are rapidly changing and how villages are sinking at an alarming rate. This historical context is not only drawn from women’s oral narratives but also from past photo albums shared by the community.

    The picture below illustrates the landscape change over 20 years, from rice fields to tidal floodwaters.

    4. Movement and agency

    Beyond documenting vulnerabilities and the social, ecological and economic effects of climate change on women, this book shows how these women have agency. This manifests in various ways, from small acts of resilience to broader feminist solidarity.

    When they work together as a community, women can adapt through collective action. This includes planting crops, building cooperatives and holding demonstrations. Stories can play a role in moving beyond positioning women not just as victims but as people with valuable knowledge and the ability to assert their agency and drive sustainable climate action.

    5. Reflection and collective ownership

    In an era defined by uncertainty and rapid change, the ability to pause and reflect on climate justice is more valuable than ever. Certain images actively encourage readers to reflect on more tech-driven and infrastructure-focused responses to the climate crisis.

    The final pages include questions that prompt critical thinking about the links between gender, climate justice and activism. For example, “what do you think will happen if we do not address the climate crisis?”

    Rather than extracting knowledge from women, especially those in Global South countries, this book is co-created. Fisherwomen’s voices and narratives are central to the storytelling process. By reclaiming conversations about climate change that are often dominated by international forums, we can hear and learn from the people who are most affected. And hopefully inspire more climate advocacy and grassroots action.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    The creation of this book was funded by the GENERATE Project as part of a United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) Future Leaders Fellowship at the University of Leeds: www.generateproject.org.

    – ref. Five ways that illustrations can tell climate justice stories – https://theconversation.com/five-ways-that-illustrations-can-tell-climate-justice-stories-249104

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Podcasts are a great tool for political persuasion – just ask this 18th century thinker

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Katie East, Senior Lecturer in the History of Radical Ideas, Newcastle University

    Podcasts have been around for more than two decades, but the last few years – and particularly their influence in the 2024 US election – have solidified their role in the media landscape.

    Some of the most popular podcasts in the US and UK (such as The Joe Rogan Experience and The Rest is Politics) have a conversational format. They typically include two or more people discussing topics in an unstructured, uncensored way. The hosts and guests are unencumbered by word counts or TV timeslots. Such podcasts are a viable medium for political persuasion.

    There is some debate as to whether podcasts are simply an extension of the echo chambers formed in other media. But as a researcher of intellectual history and political discourse, I believe that conversational podcasts offer a uniquely valuable way to unpick political questions – and change the listener’s point of view.

    To understand the value of conversation as a means of communication, I suggest looking to writing from 18th-century Britain. This period saw a shift away from monarchy towards parliamentary government, along with the explosion of print culture. Popular engagement with political issues grew, and discussion of politics became a notable pastime.

    The rapidly expanding public sphere produced countless works on the art of conversation. Traditionally, they have been interpreted as indicative of the Georgian fascination with civility and politeness, instructing the reader in the proper behaviour for civilised discussion.

    However, the work of the Independent minister Isaac Watts (1674-1748) reveals a different view. Watts achieved prominence as a writer on education and as a philosopher. He engaged with key Enlightenment debates concerning reason, dogmatism and freedom of thought.

    Want more politics coverage from academic experts? Every week, we bring you informed analysis of developments in government and fact check the claims being made.

    Sign up for our weekly politics newsletter, delivered every Friday.

    In 1741, Watts published The Improvement of the Mind, which outlined the most effective ways of acquiring and creating useful knowledge. Among these was conversation.

    Watts viewed conversation as a tool for persuasion. This was not in the sense of compelling someone to your view – he explicitly warned against approaching conversation with a dogmatic mindset – but rather as a collective endeavour to reach the truth of a matter. Ultimately, this is a much more enduring form of persuasion.

    The appeal of conversation

    There is a logic to the appeal of conversational podcasts in a world of increasing isolation and division. Even the supposed great connector – social media – offers only a facade of conversation. While social media connects people more than ever before, the natural flow and deep engagement of a conversation is difficult to replicate online. Exchanges are rarely immediate, numerous voices are vying for position and tone of voice or expression is obscured behind faceless avatars.

    Conversation, Watts argued, offers a greater clarity of understanding of an opposing position than a one-way interaction like reading (or scrolling). A person can explain their meaning in different terms if it is not initially clear. If questions arise, the speakers can unpack the nuances before becoming hostile.

    Moreover, Watts argued, encountering a different perspective can draw the conversation closer to “evidence and truth” in unexpected ways.

    This supports the idea that conversation is the best forum for better understanding a different stance from your own. Such a view paves the way for the kind of “agreeable disagreement” celebrated by The Rest is Politics.

    Even listening to an conversation can help you understand a stance different from your own.
    Yuri A/Shutterstock

    It was not only that the nature of conversation facilitated better mutual understanding, in Watts’ view, but also that it offered unique creative possibilities in the pursuit of truth. The act of conversation demanded more active engagement of the mind and the “secret chambers of the soul,” drawing forth ideas which might otherwise have remained lodged deep in the recesses of the mind. Not only could hidden thoughts be revealed, but entirely new ones could be created through the process of conversing.

    Watts likened two people in conversation to flints being struck together: in motion working together they could produce fire, but stationary and solitary nothing could be created. In solitude “our souls may be serene,” Watts wrote, “but not sparkling”.

    Conversation and disagreement

    Watts recognised that caution was needed to avoid the most likely pitfalls of conversation: the echo chamber and the risk of hostility.

    He was emphatic that conversation with those whose opinions differed from your own was necessary. If knowledge and truth were to be discovered, then new ideas had to be considered. As noted, he also warned against dogma, advising patience regarding a firm and unalterable proposition until you have grounds for it.

    Most interestingly, he warned against bothsidesism, or arguing a question pro and con for the sake of it. This, he argued, would embed confrontation in the conversation and prevent the mind from being in the proper position to uncover the truth.

    Today, the polarisation resulting from avoiding views different from our own, and from deliberately seeking out binary positions for the sake of confrontation is all too apparent.

    Yet the popularity of conversational political podcasts indicates the appetite for a different approach to political discussion. Though they didn’t have podcasts in the 18th century, conversation was a public endeavour, performed at coffee houses and replicated in print so the audience could also learn good practice and understand – so listen on.

    Katie East 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. Podcasts are a great tool for political persuasion – just ask this 18th century thinker – https://theconversation.com/podcasts-are-a-great-tool-for-political-persuasion-just-ask-this-18th-century-thinker-245213

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Struggling with money? Here are 5 tips for growing your income from a financial expert

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Lisa Kramer, Professor of Finance, University of Toronto

    Whether you are just starting or looking to advance your financial skills, there are steps you can take to improve your financial situation. (Shutterstock)

    Personal finance can often feel overwhelming, with many Millennial and Gen Z individuals struggling with student loans, the high cost of living, housing market challenges and a general sense of financial anxiety. But just as any challenge can be overcome through skill development and persistence, so can your finances.

    Whether you are just starting or looking to advance your financial skills, there are steps you can take to improve your financial situation. From basic recommendations to more advanced strategies, here are some ways to get yourself on the path to financial stability.

    Ready to make a change? The Quarter Life Glow-up is a new, six-week newsletter course from The Conversation’s UK and Canada editions.

    Every week, we’ll bring you research-backed advice and tools to help improve your relationships, your career, your free time and your mental health – no supplements or skincare required. Sign up here to start your glow-up at any time.

    1. Create a budget

    The first step to mastering your finances is working out where your money is going. You may discover, as my now-husband realized when he was a graduate student, that you’re spending a third of your food expenditures on coffee.

    Once you determine where your money is going, you can reign in some of your expenses and ensure some money is left over each month to devote to debt repayment or savings. Creating a budget is essential for doing this.

    The Government of Canada has an online budget planner tool available, as does the United States Federal Trade Commission and the United Kingdom government’s Money and Pensions Service.

    Once your budget is made, you can focus on reducing discretionary costs and redirect those savings toward your financial goals.

    Create a realistic budget that aligns with your financial goals.
    (Shutterstock)

    2. Boosting your income

    It can be difficult to reduce expenses in an inflationary environment — especially when the cost of basic needs like food and shelter are becoming increasingly expensive in Canada, the United States and elsewhere.

    But you can still find ways to boost your income without necessarily getting a second or third job.



    Read more:
    Maths that will help you as an adult: from baking a cake to asking for a pay rise

    It can be daunting to ask your employer for a raise, but you’re much more likely to get one if you ask. Arm yourself with quantifiable evidence about your productivity and work ethic. Then, rehearse your request with a mentor who is further along on your career path.

    If you don’t succeed on your first try, use the experience to understand how to secure a raise in the future. Another way to get a raise? While still employed — and on your own time, not company time — look for a new job, get an offer and use it as leverage to politely negotiate a raise. If you’re still unsuccessful, it may be time to move on to that new job.

    3. Build your pension

    Older generations are more likely to have worked in jobs that came with defined-benefit pensions, a type of pension plan that provides someone with a stream of income after they retire.

    These days, jobs are less likely to come with such perks. A recent World Bank report found about half of gig workers worldwide have no retirement plan; in some countries, that figure is as high as 75 per cent.

    It’s important to check if your current employer offers a defined contribution pension plan, which involves you and your employer contributing to a saving account that grows over time.

    Even if you don’t have access to such a plan, consider using a robo-advisor to replicate one of its key features by setting up an automatic monthly contribution to an investment account. Then, you can increase the amount you contribute every time you get a raise.

    You should also consider allocating that investment to a well-diversified stock index, or to a blend of stocks and bonds if you are relatively risk averse. An exchange-traded fund, also known as an ETF, is a low-cost way to do this compared to buying mutual funds. While the value of your investment may go up and down over the short term, it is likely to perform well over the long term.

    Talking to a financial advisor is always a good idea if you feel stuck.
    (Shutterstock)

    4. Steady does it

    Once you have set up automatic contributions and established a routine of increasing them over time, you will see your investment account balance start to grow. Even if you can put away only small amounts each month in the beginning, you’ll develop good financial habits.

    Your next task should be avoiding the temptation of timing the ups and downs of financial markets by actively trading. To dodge this common pitfall, avoid examining the balance of your investment account on a month-to-month basis and keep contributing, regardless of whatever may be happening in financial markets.



    Read more:
    If you have money anxiety, knowing your financial attachment style can help

    Ironically, overconfident investors often underperform the market when they try — and fail — to outperform by frequently trading their investment holdings. Successful investors understand the most reliable path to wealth accumulation is paved with a buy-and-hold mentality, meaning you should purchase investments with the intention of keeping them long-term rather than frequently buying and selling.

    5. Imagine the future

    When you’re young, it can be hard to identify with an abstract future version of yourself in retirement. Your golden years may be decades in the future, and it can seem like you have ages to prepare for whatever life will bring you at that stage in life.

    However, research shows that the clearer you can mentally picture your future self, the more motivated you will be to make sensible saving and retirement planning decisions for your future self.

    Try imagining what your life will be like when you’re retired, or what you will look like. Will you have grey hair or wrinkles? How will you spend your time? Picture your future self in retirement and the kind of life you would like to have.

    Meet the challenge head-on

    If you still find yourself overwhelmed by these tips and don’t know where to begin, consider contacting a fee-only financial advisor to analyze your situation and provide you with personalized advice.

    Remember, no matter what financial challenge you may face, it’s simply a new opportunity to overcome. With the right strategies and support, you’ll be able to tackle any financial hurdles and work toward a more secure future for yourself.

    Achieving financial stability is a journey that requires ongoing effort and dedication. Each milestone you reach brings you closer to your ultimate goal.

    Lisa Kramer has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Securities Institute Research Foundation.

    – ref. Struggling with money? Here are 5 tips for growing your income from a financial expert – https://theconversation.com/struggling-with-money-here-are-5-tips-for-growing-your-income-from-a-financial-expert-234623

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: SOAR Team at WORK! | U.S. Army

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    About the U.S. Army:

    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/ X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #SOAR

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f4Y6deXfUc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Procurement Regulations coming into force – information for suppliers

    Source: City of Coventry

    Organisations that work with Coventry City Council are being reminded of new changes to public procurement regulations.

    On the 24 February 2025, the Procurement Act 2023 introduces changes to public procurement regulations.

    All organisations that supply goods, services or works to Coventry City Council will need to know about these changes.

    Here are a few key points:

    The Central Digital Platform: This new electronic platform will be a central repository for procurement information, simplifying the process for suppliers by allowing them to enter information once and then reuse it in multiple tenders. Suppliers will need to be registered on the Central Digital Platform in order to bid/tender for Council opportunities. The Central Digital Platform will be open to supplier registration on 24 February 2025. You can get ready for registration by viewing the How To videos and guides available on the dedicated GOV.UK supplier page.

    Enhanced Transparency: The Act increases transparency by requiring the Council and many other public sector organisations to publish more notices about their procurements.

    Competitive Flexible Procedure: This new procurement procedure gives the Council and many other public sector organisations more flexibility to design procurement processes to fit their needs – potentially including stages such as dialogue, negotiations and product demonstrations.

    Procurement Review Unit (PRU): The PRU will monitor compliance with the Act and investigate patterns of non-compliance.  While it doesn’t provide direct remedies, it offers an affordable avenue for complaints.

    Exclusion and Debarment Regime: The Act introduces a new central debarment list managed by the PRU. The list can exclude suppliers from bidding for public contracts for up to five years for reasons such as tax evasion or poor contract performance. The list will also exclude certain suppliers from bidding for public contracts owing to acts committed by their connected persons and key subcontractors.  Suppliers have the right to appeal against proposed debarments.

    Open Frameworks: These are a series of framework contracts awarded successively on similar terms – thus allowing new suppliers to join and therefore bid for opportunities during the lifetime of the series. This promotes competition and prevents suppliers from being locked out of opportunities.

    Contract Management Provisions: These will require the Council and many other public sector organisations to pay undisputed invoices within 30 days.  These organisations will also have to agree key performance indicators (KPIs) with suppliers for new contracts worth at least £5,000,000 and publication of Contract Performance Notices where applicable.

    Evaluation Criteria: Tender evaluation will now be based on the ‘most advantageous tender’ rather than the ‘most economically advantageous tender’. This change emphasises that contracts do not need to be awarded based on the lowest price. Factors such as quality and social value may also be considered, an approach already taken by the Council.

    Contract Award Process: Instead of standstill letters, suppliers will receive detailed assessment summaries explaining why their bids were successful or not. The tender standstill period has been adjusted from ten calendar days to eight working days. Standstill will now commence on the publication of the Contract Award Notice.

    Performance Transparency: Contracts worth at least £5,000,000 will require the publication of the contract itself and its most important key performance indicators (KPIs). This will enhance transparency but may also pose reputational risks for suppliers.

    If you want to sell to the Council after 24 February 2025 and bid for contracting opportunities, we recommend you look at the following guides and videos published by the Government Commercial Function, which is part of the Civil Service and the Cabinet Office:

    The Procurement Act 2023 – a short guide for suppliers

    Transforming Public Procurement – GOV.UK

    Knowledge Drop for Suppliers Part 1 of 3

    Knowledge Drop for Suppliers Part 2 of 3

    Knowledge Drop for Suppliers Part 3 of 3

    If your organisation is a small and medium sized enterprise (SME) and/or a voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE), we also recommend you watch these videos:

    Knowledge Drop for SME VCSE Suppliers Part 1 of 3

    Knowledge Drop for SME VCSE Suppliers Part 2 of 3

    Knowledge Drop for SME VCSE Suppliers Part 3 of 3

    These videos and guides explain the key changes to the current public procurement regulations.

    Contracts awarded or tenders commenced prior to 24 February 2025 will be subject to the requirements of the previous legislation, namely the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and Concession Contracts Regulations 2016.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government ramps up efforts to end HIV transmissions in England

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Over 20,000 self-testing and self-sampling kits will be made available to help end HIV transmissions by the end of the decade.

    • Public health campaign to end HIV transmissions in England by 2030 given £1.5 million fund from government
    • Funding will increase testing, reduce stigma, tackle health disparities and raise awareness
    • The Prime Minister became the first serving G7 leader to have an HIV test on camera

    Over 20,000 self-testing and self-sampling kits will be made available to help end HIV transmissions by the end of the decade.

    The packs are part of a public health campaign to end the virus transmissions in England by 2030 and has been backed by £1.5 million in government funding.

    To mark National HIV Testing Week, the government has also announced it will extend the national HIV prevention programme – HIV Prevention England (HPE) by a year.

    The campaign, delivered by the Terrence Higgins Trust and local partners, carries out vital work to increase testing for groups disproportionally affected by HIV and reduce stigma, as well as raise awareness of ways to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

    The Prime Minister has given his backing by becoming the first ever serving leader of a G7 nation to take a self-testing HIV test on camera, demonstrating that getting a test is quick, easy, free, and confidential.  

    After undertaking a test, the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said:

    It is really important to do it, and I am pleased to have taken part too. It’s easy, it is quick, and during Testing Week you can get a test free – so it is a great time to also take part.

    If people test, they will know their status, it is better that people know and that is a good thing because you can then get treatment to help meet our target to end new HIV transmissions by 2030.

    Speaking in the House of Commons, Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    Getting tested for HIV is quick, free and confidential and I would like to pay tribute to the leadership of my Right Honourable Friend the Prime Minister, for becoming the first in history to take a HIV test, the first leader in the history of the G7 to take a HIV test.

    As a former member of the independent HIV commission, I’m determined that this government will deliver our commitment to end new transmissions of HIV in England by 2030 and we’ll set this out shortly in our new Action Plan.

    It comes as polling by YouGov, on behalf of HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust, has found that more than 80% of adults in England are unaware it is possible to test for HIV at home. However, when prompted as an option, at-home testing was the most popular way to know your HIV status, with 44% of people saying it would be their preference.  

    Since the introduction of self-testing kits, home testing has increased in popularity, especially among women and some ethnic minorities who are less likely to test through their local sexual health services.

    They can be ordered this week by anyone in England from www.startswithme.org.uk to use at home.

    The funding follows on from £27 million announced by the Prime Minister to extend the NHS England innovative opt-out HIV testing in emergency departments, announced ahead of World Aids Day.

    The move supports the government’s Plan for Change by ensuring people can get timely access to diagnostics and care if they need it, while supporting the shift from sickness to prevention. It precedes the new HIV Action Plan, which is expected later this year.

    Speaking at the House of Commons today, Public Health and Prevention Minister Ashley Dalton said:

    Increasing HIV testing is a vital step towards meeting our goal and will be a core element of our new HIV Action Plan published later this year.

    That’s why we are investing over £4.5 million to deliver a national prevention programme.

    And that’s why today, I can announce that we will extend the programme for a further year to March 2026, backed by an extra £1.5 million.

    Richard Angell OBE, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust said:

    National HIV Testing Week is an award-winning campaign and we are so pleased that it will be back next year. The continued success of this partnership between Terrence Higgins Trust and the Department for Health and Social Care delivers 25,000 HIV at-home tests across England and is crucial in our joint mission to end new HIV cases by 2030.

    England can be the first country in the world to end the epidemic, but we are not yet on track to do so. A new HIV Action Plan for England will turbo-charge those efforts. We are delighted that Sir Keir Starmer and Wes Streeting are leading from the front in this mission.

    Testing can also take place in community settings, not just at-home or at sexual health services.

    The UK Health Security Agency has published its community testing survey results today, which show in 2023, testing in community settings – such as nightclubs, festivals, and voluntary sector premises – increased by 7% compared to 2022.

    The report also found nearly a quarter of all tests were reported among individuals being tested for HIV for the first time. It also highlights the impact of National HIV Testing Week, noting that there was a 22% increase in the number of tests carried out in this time compared to 2022.

    Dr Tamara Ðuretić, Head of HIV Section at the UK Health Security Agency, said:

    HIV can affect anyone, no matter your gender or sexual orientation. It’s good to see HIV Testing Week once again highlighting the hugely important role regular testing plays in helping to prevent new infections, alongside condom use.

    Testing allows people to have access to free prevention interventions such as PrEP (HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis) and, should you test positive, ensures timely access to treatment that saves lives and prevents the virus being passed on.

    NHS Chief Executive, Amanda Pritchard, said:

    Increasing the early detection and diagnoses of HIV, enables the NHS to provide people with better access to the latest and most effective life-saving medication, which can prevent long-term health issues and reduces the chance of unknown transmissions to others.

    Boosting opportunities to test for HIV, including through home testing and the highly successful NHS emergency department testing programme, is crucial. We would encourage anyone who could be living with HIV to order a test and get checked.

    Further information:

    • During National HIV Testing Week this week, anyone in England can order a free HIV test from www.freetesting.hiv to do at home.
    • Alongside free postal test kits being available during National HIV Testing Week, there are also testing events and drop-ins happening across England. A variety of online, postal and face to face testing is also available year-round through local authority commissioned sexual and reproductive health services.
    • The government is also supporting the international effort to ending HIV/AIDS, a further £37 million, announced in November 2024, will go to towards increasing access to vital sexual and reproductive health services and support for vulnerable and marginalised people across the globe.
    • This is in addition to the government’s ongoing contribution to international efforts to tackle HIV/AIDS, totalling at least £497 million in 2023, which works to tackle stigma and improve testing, enable greater access to HIV prevention pill PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and better post-diagnosis support.
    • All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 2071 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 29th – 30th January 2025.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Welsh and UK Government Ministers visit GE Aerospace to Highlight Support for Welsh Aerospace Sector

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Wales Office Minister Nia Griffith MP and Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy Rebecca Evans MS, met with engineers, apprentices, and senior management to discuss ambitions of both Welsh and UK Governments to drive innovation and sustainability in the aerospace sector. 

    Wales Office Minister Nia Griffith MP with GE Aerospace apprentices.

    Wales Office Minister Nia Griffith MP today visited GE Aerospace’s world-class maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Nantgarw, to reaffirm the UK Government’s commitment to supporting high-skilled jobs, cutting-edge innovation, and economic growth in Wales as part of its forthcoming Industrial Strategy.

    Joined by Rebecca Evans MS, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Ministers met with engineers, apprentices, and senior management to discuss how GE Aerospace’s investment in its MRO capabilities aligns with the broader ambitions of both Welsh and UK Governments to drive innovation and sustainability in the aerospace sector. 

    With more than 1,300 employees, GE Aerospace’s Nantgarw site is one of the largest and most advanced engine MRO facilities in the world, servicing engines for global airlines, including the GE90 and CFM56, and playing a key role in supporting sustainable aviation. With Welsh Government financial support, Nantgarw will also be home to the GE9X engine upon int entry into service.

    As part of its long-term commitment to Wales, GE Aerospace recently announced a multi-million-pound investment in its Nantgarw MRO facility, further strengthening its capabilities and ensuring it remains a global leader in engine maintenance and repair. The investment is part of GE Aerospace’s global, multiyear $1 billion MRO spending surge that was announced last Autumn.

    The visit follows the Chancellor’s recent Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) funding announcement, which provides significant UK Government support for research into next-generation aviation technologies, reinforcing the UK’s leadership in the industry.

    Dame Nia Griffith MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Wales said:

    The UK’s aerospace sector is a cornerstone of our economy, and Wales plays a critical role in its success. 

    Our Industrial Strategy is a vital part of achieving our number one mission of growing the economy, and we are committed to seeing that companies like GE Aerospace get the support and investment they need to remain at the forefront of innovation in a highly competitive sector, in order to help us achieve that economic growth.

    The recent ATI funding announcement further demonstrates our commitment to developing greener, more efficient aviation technologies while securing high-quality jobs for the future.

    Steve Edwards, Managing Director at GE Aerospace’s site in Wales said:

    The Wales team is proud to provide world-class MRO services for our global airline customers. While we continue to focus on safety, quality, delivery and cost in that order, we are equally excited about the future. Looking ahead, our site will become the new overhaul home for the GE9X engine, the largest the most powerful commercial aircraft engine ever built. 

    Government support, including initiatives such as the Aerospace Growth Partnership along with long term funding for the Aerospace Technology Institute, will continue to provide companies such as GE Aerospace the confidence to grow, invest and mature new technologies and capabilities in the UK. 

    Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning said:

    Wales is a centre of excellence for aerospace-related manufacturing and maintenance activities, and this world-leading facility by GE Aerospace is another feather in the cap for our thriving aerospace sector.

    Our £5m funding contribution has helped equip the facility and the current workforce to upskill, while developing the next generation of aircraft engineers through training and apprenticeships. This means high-value employment opportunities for people living in the surrounding communities.

    The visit underscored the strong partnership between industry and government in driving innovation and investment, ensuring that companies such as GE Aerospace and the wider aerospace sector remain at the forefront of the UK and Welsh Governments’ industrial strategies.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –