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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump order boosts school choice, but there’s little evidence vouchers lead to smarter students or better educational outcomes

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Charles J. Russo, Joseph Panzer Chair in Education and Research Professor of Law, University of Dayton

    Surveys suggest growing support for school choice, such as in Ohio, even as voters reject such policies in referendums. AP Photo/Samantha Hendrickson

    The school choice movement received a major boost on Jan. 29, 2025, when President Donald Trump issued an executive order supporting families who want to use public money to send their children to private schools.

    The far-reaching order aims to redirect federal funds to voucher-type programs. Vouchers typically afford parents the freedom to select nonpublic schools, including faith-based ones, using all or a portion of the public funds set aside to educate their children.

    But research shows that as a consequence, this typically drains funding from already cash-strapped public schools.

    We are professors who focus on education law, with special interests in educational equity and school choice programs. While proponents of school choice claim it leads to academic gains, we don’t see much evidence to support this view – but we do see the negative impact they sometimes have on public schools.

    The rise of school choice

    The vast majority of children in the U.S. attend traditional public schools. Their share, however, has steadily declined from 87% in 2011 to about 83% in 2021, at least in part due to the growth of school choice programs such as vouchers.

    Modern voucher programs expanded significantly during the late 1980s and early 1990s as states, cities and local school boards experimented with ways to allow parents to use public funds to send their kids to nonpublic schools, especially ones that are religiously affiliated.

    While some programs were struck down for violating the separation of church and state, others were upheld. Vouchers received a big shot in the arm in 2002, when the Supreme Court ruled in Zelman v. Simmons-Harris that the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause permitted states to include faith-based schools in their voucher programs in Cleveland.

    Following Zelman, vouchers became a more realistic political option. Even so, access to school choice programs varied greatly by state and was not as dramatic as supporters may have wished. Because the Constitution is silent on education, states largely control school voucher programs.

    Currently, 13 states and Washington, D.C., offer one or several school choice programs targeting different types of students. Total U.S. enrollment in such programs surpassed 1 million for the first time in 2024, double what it was in 2020, according to EdChoice, which advocates for school-choice policies.

    Voters, however, have taken a dim view of voucher programs. By one count, they’ve turned down referendums on vouchers 17 times, according to the National Coalition for Public Education, a group that opposes the policy.

    Most recently, three states rejected school choice programs in the November 2024 elections. Kentucky voters overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to enshrine school choice into commonwealth law, while Nebraska voters chose to repeal its voucher program. Colorado also rejected a “right” to school choice, but more narrowly.

    In 2025, Tennessee became the 13th state to pass some sort of school choice program, despite opposition from public school supporters.
    AP Photo/George Walker IV

    Trump’s order

    At its heart, Trump’s executive order would offer discretionary grants and issue guidance to states over using federal funds within this K-12 scholarship program. It also directs the Department of Interior and Department of Defense to make vouchers available to Native American and military families.

    In addition, the order directs the Department of Education to provide guidance on how states can better support school choice – though it’s unclear exactly what that will mean. It’s a task that will be left for Linda McMahon, Trump’s nominee for secretary of Education, once she is confirmed.

    Trump promoted school choice in his first term as well but failed to win enough congressional support to include it in the federal budget.

    Research suggests few academic gains from vouchers

    The push to give parents more choice over where to send their children is based on the assumption that doing so will provide them with a better education.

    In the order, Trump specifically cites disappointing data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress showing that 70% of eighth graders are below proficient in reading, while 72% are below proficient in mathematics.

    Voucher advocates point to research that school choice boosts test scores and improves educational attainment.

    But other data don’t always back up the notion that school choice policies meaningfully improve student outcomes. A 2023 review of the past decade of research on the topic by the Brookings Institution found that the introduction of a voucherlike program actually led to lower academic achievement – similar to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    A 2017 review by a Stanford economist Martin Carnoy published by the Economic Policy Institute similarly found little evidence vouchers improve school outcomes. While there were some modest gains in graduation rates, they were outweighed by the risks to funding public school systems.

    Indeed, vouchers have been shown to reduce funding to public schools, especially in rural areas, and hurt public education in other ways, such as by making it harder for schools to afford qualified teachers.

    Critics of voucher programs also fear that nonpublic schools may discriminate
    against some students    , such as those who are members of the LGBTQ+ community. There are some reports of this already happening in Wisconsin. Unlike legislation governing traditional public schools, state laws regulating voucher programs often do not include comprehensive anti-discrimination provisions.

    School reform

    Criticisms of voucher programs aside, many parents who support them do so based on the hope that their children will have more affordable, high-quality educational options. This was especially true in Zelman, in which the Supreme Court upheld the rights of parents to remove their kids from Cleveland’s struggling public schools.

    There is little doubt in our minds that in some cases school choice affords some parents in low-performing districts additional options for their children’s education.

    But in general, the evidence shows that is the exception to vouchers, not the rule. Evidence also suggests most children – whether they’re using vouchers to attend nonpublic schools or remain in the public school system – may not always benefit from school choice programs. And when it takes money out of underfunded public school systems, school choice can make things worse for a lot more children than it benefits.

    While the poor reading and math scores cited in Trump’s executive order suggest that change is needed to help keep America’s school and students competitive, this order may not achieve that goal.

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

    – ref. Trump order boosts school choice, but there’s little evidence vouchers lead to smarter students or better educational outcomes – https://theconversation.com/trump-order-boosts-school-choice-but-theres-little-evidence-vouchers-lead-to-smarter-students-or-better-educational-outcomes-249138

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: p53 is both your genome’s guardian and weakness against cancer – scientists are trying to repair or replace it when it goes awry

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Prosper Obed Chukwuemeka, Ph.D. Candidate in Integrative Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh

    To stop tumors from forming, p53 can trigger programmed cell death. Juan Gaertner/Science Photo Library via Getty Images

    Cancer arises when your cells grow uncontrollably and refuse to die when they should. Normally, your body is equipped with regulatory processes to prevent this chaos. One such mechanism involves a protein called p53. Often dubbed the “guardian of the genome,” this protein plays a pivotal role in ensuring that your cells grow, divide and die in an orderly fashion. When p53 malfunctions, the result is often cancer.

    Learning about how p53 works has not only deepened how scientists understand cancer, but also provided promising avenues for new treatments.

    In my work as a cancer researcher, I study the underlying mechanisms of how tumors develop and resist treatment. By understanding how cancer cells bypass safeguards like p53, scientists can find better ways to stop them, leading to more effective treatments for patients.

    How p53 works

    Each cell contains DNA that instructs it how to function. Over time, this instruction manual can accumulate errors due to various factors like exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays, smoking or even just natural wear and tear.

    This is where p53 comes in. It acts like a vigilant proofreader, detecting errors in DNA and deciding how to handle them. If the damage is minor, p53 instructs the cell to repair it. But if the damage is beyond repair, p53 triggers a process called apoptosis, or programmed cell death, ensuring the faulty cell doesn’t turn cancerous.

    In more than half of all human cancers, p53 is either missing or dysfunctional. This often happens when the gene that encodes for p53 is mutated or deleted. Without a functioning p53, errors in DNA go unchecked, allowing damaged cells to multiply and form tumors.

    p53 has four arms to wrap around and bind to DNA.
    David Goodsell/RCSB PDB-101, CC BY-SA

    Targeting p53 pathways

    Given its crucial role in preventing cancer, p53 has become a major target for drug development.

    Over the years, scientists have devised various strategies to target the p53 pathway, or the network of molecules p53 controls to regulate cell growth, repair DNA damage and trigger cell death. Rather than acting alone, p53 interacts with multiple molecular pathways – some of which researchers are still discovering – that help determine a cell’s fate.

    Treatment approaches aim to restore or mimic p53’s function in cells where it has gone awry. For example, scientists have developed small molecules that can bind to mutant p53 and stabilize its faulty structure, restoring its ability to bind DNA and regulate genes. Drugs like PRIMA-1 and MIRA-1 essentially “rescue” p53, allowing it to resume its role as the cell’s guardian.

    Even when p53 is missing, scientists can still target the processes it normally controls to treat cancer. For example, drugs can activate apoptosis or halt cell division in ways that mimic p53’s normal function. Drugs like ABT-737 or Navitoclax can block proteins in the p53 pathway that usually stop apoptosis, allowing cell death to occur even when p53 is absent.

    Targeting p53’s overseers

    Researchers are also investigating other proteins that interact with p53 as potential treatment options. Because the p53 pathway is highly complex, targeting different parts of this network presents both opportunities and challenges.

    My colleagues and I are studying two other closely related proteins that regulate p53 by marking it for destruction when it’s no longer needed. These proteins, called MDM2 and MDMX, become overactive in cancer and break down p53.

    p53 is quickly activated to respond to DNA damage.

    Researchers have developed drugs to block MDM2 or MDMX, but targeting just one of these proteins is often not enough. If one is blocked, the other can step in and continue to destroy p53. Most existing drugs are also much better at blocking MDM2 than MDMX due to subtle differences in the latter’s shape, including a smaller area for p53 to bind. This makes it harder for drugs designed to target MDM2 to effectively bind to or reach MDMX.

    To find molecules that could bind to both MDM2 and MDMX, researchers traditionally synthesize and test each molecule individually, which is often time-intensive and costly. In contrast, my colleagues and I used computer modeling tools to simulate how thousands of molecules might interact with the proteins, allowing us to narrow down potential candidates much more quickly.

    We identified a small molecule we called CPO that shows promise in its ability to target both MDM2 and MDMX. Our models showed that CPO may have a stronger ability to block both MDM2 and MDMX than another molecule that researchers previously found could inhibit both of these proteins in cell culture.

    More research is needed to confirm whether CPO works in living systems the same way it does in our computer predictions. If CPO is as safe and effective in cell and animal models, it may offer another treatment option for cancers where MDM2 and MDMX are overactive.

    p53 and cancer treatment

    The journey to fully harnessing the p53 pathway for cancer therapeutics is ongoing, and researchers are exploring several promising options.

    Advances in gene-editing technologies like CRISPR are opening doors to directly correct p53 mutations in cancer cells.

    Additionally, researchers are exploring combination therapies that pair p53-targeting drugs with other treatments, such as immunotherapy, to amplify their effectiveness.

    Like other cancer treatments, one major challenge is ensuring the drugs target p53 in cancer cells and spare healthy cells from unnecessary damage. Achieving this balance will be crucial in translating these therapies from the lab to the clinic.

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

    – ref. p53 is both your genome’s guardian and weakness against cancer – scientists are trying to repair or replace it when it goes awry – https://theconversation.com/p53-is-both-your-genomes-guardian-and-weakness-against-cancer-scientists-are-trying-to-repair-or-replace-it-when-it-goes-awry-248674

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Deer Lake — Traffic stop by Deer Lake RCMP results in seizure of cocaine, cash and contraband tobacco, two men arrested

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Two men, 44-year-old Shannon Payne of Rocky Harbour and 45-year-old Stephen Goudie of Deer Lake, were arrested by Deer Lake RCMP at a traffic stop that was conducted last night. Police located and seized a quantity of cocaine, cash and contraband tobacco.

    Shortly before midnight on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, Deer Lake RCMP stopped a vehicle on the Trans-Canada Highway near St. Jude’s. Officers observed suspected cocaine inside the vehicle, arrested both vehicle occupants, Payne and Goudie, and conducted a search.

    The following items were seized:

    • More than 1 kg of cocaine (approximate value of $35,000)
    • 100 cartons of contraband cigarettes (approximate value of $10,000)
    • A quantity of cash
    • Other items consistent with possession for the purpose of drug trafficking.

    Both men appear in court today, charged with the following criminal offences:

    • Possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine – Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
    • Possession of unstamped tobacco – Excise Act, 2001.
    • Possession of contraband tobacco – Revenue Administration Act

    RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Canadian citizen charged with unlawful aerial photography of defense installation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    ORLANDO, Fla. – A Canadian national has been charged with three counts of using an unmanned aircraft to photograph vital defense installations and equipment without authorization as part of an ongoing multiagency investigation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

    In a criminal information filing, Xiao Guang Pan, 71, used an unmanned aircraft to photograph vital defense installations and equipment at Cape Canaveral Space Force Base, Cape Canaveral, Florida. On three separate days in January 2025, Pan took aerial photographs of Space Launch complexes, a payload processing facility, a submarine wharf, and munitions bunkers. Taking unauthorized photographs of vital defense installations or equipment is prohibited under federal law.

    A criminal information filing is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law.

    Pan faces a maximum faces a maximum penalty of one year in federal prison on each count.

    This case is being investigated by ICE Homeland Security Investigations Space Coast, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with valuable assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Air Marshals Service, the NASA Office of Inspector General, and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Varadan.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Climb Global Solutions Sets Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Conference Call for March 6, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. ET

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EATONTOWN, N.J., Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Climb Global Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLMB) (“Climb” or the “Company”), a value-added global IT channel company providing unique sales and distribution solutions for innovative technology vendors, will host a conference call on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time to discuss its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024. The Company’s results will be reported in a press release prior to the call.

    Climb’s management will host the conference call, followed by a question-and-answer period. Interested parties may submit questions to the Company prior to the call by emailing CLMB@elevate-ir.com.

    Date: Thursday, March 6, 2025
    Time: 8:30 a.m. Eastern time
    Toll-free dial-in number: (800) 225-9448
    International dial-in number: (203) 518-9708
    Conference ID: CLIMB
    Webcast: Climb’s Q4 & FY 2024 Conference Call

    If you have any difficulty registering or connecting with the conference call, please contact Elevate IR at (720) 330-2829.

    The conference call will also be available for replay on the investor relations section of the Company’s website at www.climbglobalsolutions.com.

    About Climb Global Solutions

    Climb Global Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLMB) is a value-added global IT distribution and solutions company specializing in emerging and innovative technologies. Climb operates across the US, Canada and Europe through multiple business units, including Climb Channel Solutions, Grey Matter and Climb Global Services. The Company provides IT distribution and solutions for companies in the Security, Data Management, Connectivity, Storage & HCI, Virtualization & Cloud, and Software & ALM industries.

    Additional information can be found by visiting www.climbglobalsolutions.com.

    Company Contact

    Matthew Sullivan
    Chief Financial Officer
    (732) 847-2451
    MatthewS@ClimbCS.com

    Investor Relations Contact

    Sean Mansouri, CFA or Aaron D’Souza
    Elevate IR
    (720) 330-2829
    CLMB@elevate-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Aterian Issues Letter to Shareholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SUMMIT, N.J., Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aterian, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATER) (“Aterian” or the “Company”), a technology-enabled consumer products company, today issued the following letter to shareholders from Arturo Rodriguez, Chief Executive Officer, and the Company’s Board of Directors.

    Dear Fellow Shareholders:

    While this is our first time writing to you directly, you are always at the forefront of our minds.

    Over the past 18 months, our team has undertaken a comprehensive reassessment of nearly every facet of Aterian’s business model as part of our turnaround strategy. This deep evaluation of our brand portfolio, marketing strategies, inventory management, marketplace operations, supply chain, and overall fixed costs laid the foundation for the strategic initiatives we have implemented. By successfully executing these changes, we have focused, simplified, and stabilized the Company, positioning Aterian to drive long-term shareholder value.

    Although there is still work to be done, we believe that 2025 marks the start of a new and promising chapter for Aterian as we pivot from stabilizing our operations towards sustainable growth.

    2024: A Year of Achievement

    2024 was a year of achievement as we delivered on many of our key objectives which we announced in late 2023. We streamlined our product portfolio to six highly regarded foundational brands—Squatty Potty, hOmeLabs, PurSteam, Mueller Living, Photo Paper Direct, and Healing Solutions—that deliver quality, affordable products to consumers. We also simplified our go-to-market and marketing strategies, improved efficiencies in our marketplace account structures and our supply chain and transitioned from an internally developed tech platform to a best-in-class third-party model, thereby increasing our efficiency, nimbleness, and cost savings. Additionally, we improved our working capital profile by completing our inventory rightsizing and renegotiating and extending our credit facility.

    In late 2024, we launched several new products under our PurSteam and Mueller Living brands, marking an exciting return to our product development efforts. Organic product launches remain an important component of our growth strategy, and we expect to continue these efforts throughout 2025, with a focus on the second half of the year.

    We also continue to deliver on our commitment to implementing an omnichannel sales approach to reach new consumers and remain competitive in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape. In the fourth quarter of 2024, we began selling products from our hOmeLabs, PurSteam, and Mueller Living brands on Target+, the invitation-only online marketplace of Target Corporation, while expanding product offerings of Squatty Potty on Target+. This complements our established marketplace strength on Amazon.com, Walmart.com, and Mercado Libre in Mexico, as well as our direct-to-consumer websites. We also recently refreshed our PurSteam and Mueller Living websites, modernizing them to match the recent updates of those brands.

    Our Efforts are Yielding Tangible Results

    Our progress was evident in our third quarter 2024 year to date financial results. When compared to the same nine-month period in 2023, we generated significant improvements in gross margin and contribution margin, and narrowed our net loss by $56.3 million, or 84%.

    We also reported positive adjusted EBITDA for both the second and third quarters of 2024.

    At September 30, 2024, our cash flow from operations was $2.2 million, a $10.6 million improvement from the same period in 2023, our credit facility balance declined by $4.4 million from December 31, 2023, and we had cash on hand of $16.1 million.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Preliminary Results

    This momentum carried into the final quarter of the year. For the fourth quarter of 2024, we now expect to report net revenue between $24.2 million and $25.0 million which is at the higher end of our previous guidance of $22.5 million to $25.5 million. As previously disclosed, we continue to expect that this level of revenue will produce approximately breakeven adjusted EBITDA.

    We expect that our cash position at December 31, 2024 will improve to approximately $18 million from $16.1 million at September 30, 2024, while our credit facility balance is expected to increase slightly from $6.7 million at September 30, 2024 to approximately $6.9 million at December 31, 2024.

    Full Year 2025: From Stability to Growth

    Looking ahead to 2025, we are confident that Aterian will evolve into a growth company, driven by our omnichannel expansion initiatives, organic product launches, and a commitment to prudent capital allocation strategies. In comparison to 2024, we expect to produce higher revenue, along with continuing improvements in operating efficiencies and adjusted EBITDA. More importantly, we believe that our efforts to date have placed us firmly on the path to producing these results on a sustainable basis.

    We believe we have taken a conservative approach in our expectations for 2025 by considering both the potential impact of increased tariffs on Chinese imports, and to a lesser extent, those from Canada, as well as the proactive measures we would implement to mitigate their effects. Our primary strategy to offset these tariffs would be price adjustments on select products, supplemented by additional cost-management initiatives, if deemed necessary. As trade policies evolve, we will continue to monitor developments and adjust our responses, as needed.

    We are continuing our efforts to identify product sourcing alternatives outside of China, wherever possible, in response to the current uncertainty of U.S. trade policies. As we navigate these challenges, we are fortunate to be supported by a strong balance sheet that provides us with the flexibility to adapt as needed while remaining focused on long-term growth and profitability.

    We look forward to providing additional clarity on our plans and outlook for 2025 in connection with our fourth quarter and full year financial results conference call scheduled for mid-March, and keeping you apprised of material developments.

    Looking ahead, the strength of our brands, the influence and accessibility provided by our marketplace relationships, and our passionate, talented and tenacious people will allow us to deliver on our mission to position Aterian to deliver sustainable, long-term shareholder value. We remain grateful for the continuing support of our shareholders. We hope this is the beginning of more frequent communications as we share in the excitement of Aterian’s bright future.

    Best regards,

    Arturo Rodriguez
    Chief Executive Officer

    About Aterian, Inc.
    Aterian, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATER) is a technology-enabled consumer products company that builds and acquires leading e-commerce brands with top selling consumer products, in multiple categories, including home and kitchen appliances, health and wellness and air quality devices. The Company sells across the world’s largest online marketplaces with a focus on Amazon,Walmart and Target in the U.S. and on its own direct to consumer websites. Our primary brands include Squatty Potty, hOmeLabs, Mueller Living, PurSteam, Healing Solutions and Photo Paper Direct. To learn more about Aterian and its brands, visit aterian.io

    Forward Looking Statements
    All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements including, in particular, regarding our expectations for growth in 2025, including our omnichannel expansion initiatives, organic product launches and our capital allocation strategies. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control and could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to, those related to our ability to continue as a going concern, our ability to meet financial covenants with our lenders, our ability to maintain and to grow market share in existing and new product categories; our ability to continue to profitably sell the SKUs we operate; our ability to create operating leverage and efficiency when integrating companies that we acquire, including through the use of our team’s expertise, the economies of scale of our supply chain and automation driven by our platform; those related to our ability to grow internationally and through the launch of products under our brands and the acquisition of additional brands; those related to consumer demand, our cash flows, financial condition, forecasting and revenue growth rate; our supply chain including sourcing, manufacturing, warehousing and fulfillment; our ability to manage expenses, working capital and capital expenditures efficiently; our business model and our technology platform; our ability to disrupt the consumer products industry; our ability to generate profitability and stockholder value; international tariffs and trade measures; inventory management, product liability claims, recalls or other safety and regulatory concerns; reliance on third party online marketplaces; seasonal and quarterly variations in our revenue; acquisitions of other companies and technologies and our ability to integrate such companies and technologies with our business; our ability to continue to access debt and equity capital (including on terms advantageous to the Company) and the extent of our leverage; and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of our most recent periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), all of which you may obtain for free on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, we do not know whether our expectations will prove correct. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, even if subsequently made available by us on our website or otherwise. We do not undertake any obligation to update, amend or clarify these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

    Contact: 
    The Equity Group

    Devin Sullivan
    Managing Director
    dsullivan@equityny.com

    Conor Rodriguez
    Associate
    crodriguez@equityny.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fac8af25-1eb0-4a9b-b114-ed58c424cb02

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: FAVO Capital to Attend 14th Annual Global Fund Finance Symposium in Miami

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via IBN – FAVO Capital, Inc. (OTC: FAVO), a leading provider of alternative financing solutions for small and mid-sized businesses, is pleased to announce its participation in the 14th Annual Global Fund Finance Symposium, hosted by the Fund Finance Association. The event will take place February 24-25, 2025, in Miami, Florida, and will bring together global leaders in fund finance to discuss emerging trends, industry challenges, and capital markets innovations.

    The Global Fund Finance Symposium serves as a premier platform for networking, deal-making, and thought leadership within the fund finance sector. The event will feature expert-led discussions on capital raising, fund structuring, risk management, and the evolving regulatory landscape.

    FAVO Capital’s President, Shaun Quin, and Chief Strategy Officer, Glen Steward, will attend the symposium to engage with key stakeholders, explore strategic partnerships, and gain insights into the latest developments in fund finance. With a strong commitment to empowering businesses through tailored financial solutions, FAVO Capital continues to expand its expertise and service offerings within the alternative finance space.

    “I am excited for my team’s participation in the Global Fund Finance Symposium to connect with industry leaders driving innovation in the capital markets,” said Vincent Napolitano, CEO of FAVO Capital. “As we continue to scale our operations and provide flexible funding solutions, staying ahead of market trends and regulatory shifts is crucial to delivering value to our clients and partners.”

    Driving Industry Innovation FAVO Capital looks forward to contributing to discussions on emerging financial strategies, the role of private credit in alternative lending, and how technology is reshaping fund financing. The company’s participation underscores its dedication to remaining at the forefront of financial innovation and fostering strong industry relationships.

    About FAVO Capital, Inc.

    FAVO Capital, Inc. (OTC: FAVO) is a private credit firm specializing in alternative financing solutions for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across the United States. Since its inception, FAVO Capital has supported more than 20,000 businesses. FAVO Capital is committed to financial transparency, sustainable growth, and empowering SMBs with flexible funding solutions. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, FL, the company also has operations in New York and the Dominican Republic.

    For more information, visit www.favocapital.com and follow us on Linkedin and X

    Investor Alerts
    Interested investors and shareholders are encouraged to sign up for press releases and industry updates by registering for Email Alerts at FAVO News Alerts.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements include, but are not limited to, projections, estimates, and expectations regarding future trends, financial performance, and operational strategies. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “believes,” “plans,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” “should,” or similar expressions.

    These statements are based on the company’s current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions and are subject to significant risks, uncertainties, and changes in circumstances that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, market conditions, regulatory developments, competition, economic conditions, and the company’s ability to execute its business strategy.

    Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated, and investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances, or changes in expectations after the date of this press release, except as required by law.

    Company Contact:
    FAVO Capital, Inc.
    4300 N University Drive
    D-105
    Lauderhill, FL 33351

    Investor Relations:
    Scott McGowan
    InvestorBrandNetwork (IBN)
    Phone: 310.299.1717
    ir@favocapital.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Sprott Launches Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sprott Inc. (“Sprott”) (NYSE/TSX: SII) today announced the launch of the Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF (Nasdaq: GBUG) (the “Fund” or “GBUG”), an actively managed ETF that aims to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing in shares of gold- and silver-focused companies that are engaged in exploring, developing and mining; or royalty and streaming companies engaged in the financing of gold and silver assets. GBUG’s investment strategy is value-oriented and contrarian.

    “Gold and silver mining stocks have historically been correlated to bullion, but in recent years, they’ve lagged the price of the physical metals,” said John Hathaway, CFA, Managing Partner, Sprott and Senior Portfolio Manager, Sprott Asset Management USA, Inc. “Gold and silver mining stocks could offer significant catch-up potential.”

    GBUG is Sprott’s first active ETF, which offers the opportunity to invest in miners with the potential advantage of active stock picking from a global leader with over four decades of specialized expertise in precious metals and mining investments. “Given the operational complexities of mining, investors may benefit from an active ETF strategy focused on long-term business fundamentals and growth potential,” said Whitney George, Chief Executive Officer of Sprott. “The Fund’s investment team is experienced. The team has more than 100 years of collective experience in metals and mining, and it conducts more than 200 management meetings annually, along with periodic site visits to mining operations around the globe.”

    GBUG combines the expertise of active management with the flexibility of an ETF, which includes daily transparency, liquidity and potential tax efficiency. GBUG is one of four Sprott Precious Metals ETFs:

    Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF Nasdaq: GBUG An actively managed ETF that aims to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing in shares of gold- and silver-focused companies that are engaged in exploring, developing and mining; or royalty and streaming companies engaged in the financing of gold and silver assets. The investment strategy of the Fund is value-oriented and contrarian.
    Sprott Gold Miners ETF NYSE Arca: SGDM Seeks investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the performance of its underlying index, the Solactive Gold Miners Custom Factors Index (Index Ticker: SOLGMCFT). The Index aims to track the performance of larger-sized gold companies whose stocks are listed on Canadian and major U.S. exchanges.
    Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF NYSE Arca: SGDJ Seeks investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the performance of its underlying index, the Solactive Junior Gold Miners Custom Factors Index (Ticker: SOLJGMFT). The Index aims to track the performance of small-capitalization gold companies whose stocks are listed on regulated exchanges.
    Sprott Silver Miners & Physical Silver ETF Nasdaq: SLVR Seeks investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the performance of its underlying index, Nasdaq Sprott Silver Miners™ Index (NSLVR™), by investing at least 80% of its total assets in securities of NSLVR. The Nasdaq Sprott Silver Miners Index is designed to track the performance of a selection of securities in the silver industry, including silver producers, developers and explorers, and physical silver.

    * Based on Morningstar’s universe of Precious Metals Sector Equity ETFs as of 2/19/2025.

    About Sprott Inc.

    Sprott is a global asset manager focused on precious metals and critical materials investments. We are specialists. We believe our in-depth knowledge, experience and relationships separate us from the generalists. Our investment strategies include Exchange Listed Products, Managed Equities and Private Strategies. Sprott has offices in Toronto, New York, Connecticut and California, and the company’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol (SII). For more information, please visit www.sprott.com.

    Contact:
    Glen Williams
    Managing Partner
    Investor and Institutional Client Relations
    Direct: (416) 943-43945
    gwilliams@sprott.com

    Dan Gagnier
    Gagnier Communications
    Direct: (646) 569-5897
    sprott@gagnierfc.com

    Important Disclosures

    An investor should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of each fund carefully before investing. To obtain a fund’s Prospectus, which contains this and other information, contact your financial professional, call 1.888.622.1813 or visit SprottETFs.com. Read the Prospectus carefully before investing.

    Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are considered to have continuous liquidity because they allow for an individual to trade throughout the day, which may indicate higher transaction costs and result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account.

    The funds are non-diversified and can invest a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers, particularly those in the natural resources and/or precious metals industry, which may experience greater price volatility. Relative to other sectors, natural resources and precious metals investments have higher headline risk and are more sensitive to changes in economic data, political or regulatory events, and underlying commodity price fluctuations. Risks related to extraction, storage and liquidity should also be considered.

    Shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the funds on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the fund, typically in blocks of 10,000 shares.

    The Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners and Sprott Silver Miners & Physical Silver ETFs are new and have limited operating history.

    Sprott Asset Management USA, Inc. is the Investment Adviser to the Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF. ALPS Distributors, Inc. is the Distributor for the Sprott ETFs and is a registered broker-dealer and FINRA Member.

    ALPS Distributors, Inc. is not affiliated with Sprott Asset Management USA, Inc.

    © 2025 Sprott Inc. All rights reserved.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Dominion Lending Centres Inc. Enters into Marketing Partnership Agreement with RE/MAX Canada

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dominion Lending Centres Inc. (TSX: DLCG) (“DLC” or the “Corporation”) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a marketing partnership agreement with RE/MAX Canada (“RE/MAX”), whereby DLC will be the exclusive mortgage brokerage partner to be promoted at RE/MAX franchise events in Canada.

    RE/MAX has more than 900 offices and over 25,000 real estate agents across Canada, making it Canada’s #1 real estate brokerage network. As mortgage brokers and real estate agents both play an important role in the real estate purchase process, mortgage brokers and real estate agents regularly support each other with knowledge, expertise and customer referrals.            

    Gary Mauris, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer commented: “DLC is honoured to partner with RE/MAX and to be the exclusive mortgage brokerage network promoted at RE/MAX events. We look forward to connecting DLC mortgage brokers with RE/MAX realtors across the country.”

    About Dominion Lending Centres Inc.

    Dominion Lending Centres Inc. is Canada’s leading network of mortgage professionals. DLCG operates through Dominion Lending Centres Inc. and its three main subsidiaries, MCC Mortgage Centre Canada Inc., MA Mortgage Architects Inc. and Newton Connectivity Systems Inc., and has operations across Canada. DLCG’s extensive network includes over 8,500 agents and over 500 locations. Headquartered in British Columbia, DLCG was founded in 2006 by Gary Mauris and Chris Kayat.

    DLCG can be found on X (Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and LinkedIn @DLCGmortgage and on the web at www.dlcg.ca.

    Contact information for the Corporation is as follows:

    Eddy Cocciollo
    President
    647-403-7320
    eddy@dlc.ca    		 James Bell
    EVP, Corporate and Chief Legal Officer
    403-560-0821
    jbell@dlcg.ca

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: A FAMILY of HEROES!

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    : AEMO

    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 #Father2Son

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbCueatP5Xg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: HHS extends a warm welcome to Secretary Kennedy

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    HHS extends a warm welcome to Secretary Kennedy as they embark on their mission to Make America Healthy Again!

    —

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) | http://www.hhs.gov

    http://www.Twitter.com/HHSGov | http://www.Facebook.com/HHS http://www.Instagram.com/HHSGov
    http://www.LinkedIn.com/company/us-department-of-health-and-human-services

    HHS Privacy Policy: http://www.hhs.gov/Privacy.html

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHQ5gYpDjR4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Wright joins FOX Business’s Stuart Varney – February 19th, 2025

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free to Retire After 30 Years Service

    Source: NASA

    NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free announced Wednesday his retirement, effective Saturday, Feb. 22. As associate administrator, Free has been the senior advisor to NASA Acting Administrator Janet Petro and leads NASA’s 10 center directors, as well as the mission directorate associate administrators at NASA Headquarters in Washington. He is the agency’s chief operating officer for more than 18,000 employees and oversaw an annual budget of more than $25 billion.  
    During his tenure as associate administrator since January 2024, NASA added nearly two dozen new signatories of the Artemis Accords, enabled the first Moon landing through the agency’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative to deliver NASA science to the lunar surface, launched the Europa Clipper mission to study Jupiter’s icy ocean moon, and found molecules containing the ingredients for life in samples from asteroid Bennu delivered to Earth by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification and Security–Regolith Explorer) spacecraft.
    “Throughout his career, Jim has been the ultimate servant leader – always putting the mission and the people of NASA first,” said Petro. “A remarkable engineer and a decisive leader, he combines deep technical expertise with an unwavering commitment to this agency’s mission. Jim’s legacy is one of selfless service, steadfast leadership, and a belief in the power of people.”
    Among the notable contributions to the nation during his NASA career, Free also championed a new path forward to return samples from Mars ahead of human missions to the Red Planet, supported the crews living and working aboard the International Space Station as they conduct hundreds of experiments and technology demonstrations, and engaged industry in new ways to secure a public/private partnership for NASA’s VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover) mission on the Moon. 
    “It has been an honor to serve NASA and walk alongside the workforce that tackles the most difficult engineering challenges, pursues new scientific knowledge in our universe and beyond, develops technologies for future exploration endeavors, all while prioritizing safety every day for people on the ground, in the air, and in space,” Free said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the NASA family and contribute to the agency’s mission for the benefit of humanity.”
    During his more than three decades of service, Free has held several leadership roles at the agency. Before being named NASA associate administrator, Free served as associate administrator of the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, where he oversaw the successful Artemis I mission and the development of NASA’s Moon to Mars architecture, defining and managing the systems development for the agency’s Artemis missions and planning for NASA’s integrated deep space exploration approach. 
    Free began his NASA career in 1990 as an engineer, working on Tracking and Data Relay Satellites at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. He later transferred to the agency’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland and served in a variety of roles supporting the International Space Station and the development of the Orion spacecraft before transferring to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in 2008. Free returned to NASA Glenn in 2009 and was promoted to chief of the Space Flight Systems Directorate, where he oversaw the center’s space work. Free was named deputy center director in November 2010 and then served as center director from January 2013 until March 2016, when he was appointed to the NASA Headquarters position of deputy associate administrator for Technical [sic] in the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate.
    A native of Northeast Ohio, Free earned his bachelor’s degree in aeronautics from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and his master’s degree in space systems engineering from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. 
    Free is the recipient of the Presidential Rank Award, NASA Distinguished Service Medal, NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, NASA Exceptional Service Medal, NASA Significant Achievement Medal, and numerous other awards.
    For more information about NASA, visit:

    Home Page

    -end-
    Kathryn Hambleton / Cheryl WarnerHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600kathryn.hambleton@nasa.gov / cheryl.m.warner@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: River of Fire on Mount Etna

    Source: NASA

    On February 8, 2025, Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported that Mount Etna had begun exhibiting “signs of unrest above its background level.” That’s unsurprising for the frequently unruly Sicilian peak, one of the most active stratovolcanoes in the world. But the fiery explosions, disruptive ash clouds, and long lava flows that ensued stood out as being unusually spectacular to many Etna watchers.
    The OLI (Operational Land Imager) on the Landsat 8 satellite acquired this image of an ongoing eruption on February 13. The natural-color scene is overlaid with an infrared signal to distinguish the lava’s heat signature on Etna’s snowy slopes.
    On the day the image was acquired, INGV reported that Etna’s explosive activity was decreasing but that weak ash emissions were ongoing. A lava flow extended approximately 3 kilometers (2 miles) from the Bocca Nuova crater down the mountain’s southwestern flank. A volcanic plume was also visible drifting to the northeast, away from the 3,357-meter (11,014-foot) peak.
    The presence of ash prompted authorities to raise the aviation color code to orange on February 13. On other days during this eruption, it was elevated to red, the highest level of concern. The airport in nearby Catania diverted flights amid hazardous conditions, according to news reports.
    Since Etna stirred to life this time around, crowds of hikers and even some skiers flocked to its slopes to witness the fiery displays and lava flows melting through snow. The eruption was ongoing as of February 18, with weak ash emissions and decreasing explosive activity.
    NASA Earth Observatory image by Wanmei Liang, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Story by Lindsey Doermann.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Two Weeks Left for Crow Tribe Members to Apply for Disaster Assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Two Weeks Left for Crow Tribe Members to Apply for Disaster Assistance

    Two Weeks Left for Crow Tribe Members to Apply for Disaster Assistance

    Applicants Should Keep In Touch With FEMACROW AGENCY – Crow Tribe members who had damage caused by the August 6, 2024 severe storm and straight-line winds have until February 28, 2025 to apply for disaster assistance. They can apply at the Disaster Recovery Center located at the Black Lodge Community Center, I-90 at the Dunmore exit, #503.. FEMA is asking applicants to stay in touch as there are several steps in the assistance process.Damage InspectionsAfter applying for assistance, a FEMA inspector and a Crow Tribal Guide will call to schedule a time to come to your home. The number may show as “Unknown” or be an out of state area code. Please answer the call and schedule your visit as soon as possible.FEMA letters and next stepsAfter the damage inspection, applicants receive one or more letters on the status of their application. The letter(s) may say ineligible or not approved, or even denied. Don’t be discouraged, FEMA may just need more information. Read each letter to find out what is needed to continue moving the application forward. It may be missing information or a document that is needed. Come to the Disaster Recovery Center for help with next steps. It is helpful to have the nine-digit application number you were given when you applied. This number is included in all correspondence FEMA sends to you — it is very important to use this number.Stay in touch through the Disaster Recovery CenterThe deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance is February 28, 2025 but FEMA will still be here to help. Please visit the Disaster Recovery Center at the Black Lodge Community Center. Bring your letter and any additional requested information with you if possible. Black Lodge Community Center 6772 Crow River Road, Hardin, MT 59034 (I-90 at the Dunmore exit, #503)Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mon.– Sat. (Closed Sundays and holidays)If you have questions or need to check on possible weather delays or closures, call 406-679-0022.  FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished impartially, without discrimination. Anyone may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they have a complaint of discrimination at FEMA-OCR-ECRD FEMA-OCR-ECRD@fema.dhs.gov or toll-free at 833-285-7448.
    jamie.casterton
    Wed, 02/19/2025 – 22:01

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In the Starlight: Portia Keyes Procures Mission-Critical Support

    Source: NASA

    One semester as a NASA Pathways intern was enough to inspire Portia Keyes to sign up for a Russian language class at college. After interning in the Johnson Space Center’s Office of Procurement, Keyes hoped to someday use her new language skills in support of the International Space Station Program.
    Now, 12 years later, Keyes is the deputy manager of the procurement office for the International Space Station and Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Programs. That means she is responsible for implementing and overseeing acquisition solutions that enable the purchasing of goods and services in support of both programs.

    It has also given her a chance to use some of what she learned from her Russian language course. One of Keyes’ favorite NASA projects involved negotiating a contract modification with Roscosmos to secure transportation of NASA astronauts to the International Space Station via Soyuz spacecraft following the space shuttle’s retirement. “This project stands out to me both for its impact on NASA’s missions and the way it transcended political and geographical boundaries,” Keyes said. Being a part of this effort reinforced the importance of collaboration on a global scale. “It demonstrated how shared goals and values can unite people across different nations, regardless of external circumstances,” she said. “The world is more connected than we often realize.”
    Keyes values collaboration on a smaller scale, as well, noting that her procurement role involves working with a wide variety of subject matter experts who are passionate about their respective fields. She acknowledged that procurement staff are sometimes seen as obstructing or slowing a mission rather than enabling it, although she has overcome this challenge through effective communication with stakeholders – striving to understand their perspectives and present mutually beneficial solutions.
    “My commitment is to advancing NASA’s missions through the responsible management of taxpayer dollars,” she said. “Collaborating closely with my technical counterparts, I have been able to secure mission-critical services and supplies, all while adhering to regulatory, schedule, and resource constraints.”

    Adaptability has also been important to Keyes’ success. “Whether it’s shifting priorities due to unforeseen challenges, navigating cultural differences within international teams, or adjusting to new acquisition regulations, being flexible and open to change has allowed me to not just survive in dynamic environments, but thrive,” she said.
    At the same time, Keyes strives to maintain balance in the workplace. “What I have learned about myself is that I can do anything, but not everything,” she said. “Maturing in my career has meant accepting that I have limited time, energy, and resources, so it is important to discern what truly matters and focus my efforts there.”

    Keyes’ hard work has been recognized with several awards throughout her career. She is proudest of earning the Office of Procurement Bubbee’s Coach Award, which is given to the team member most likely to serve as a mentor to colleagues. “Much of my professional and personal growth has stemmed from formal and informal mentors who supported me in navigating challenges, developing new skills, and creating environments for me to thrive,” she said. “I have a great appreciation for those mentors, and I strive to impact those around me similarly.”
    Keyes hopes to encourage the Artemis Generation to approach the future – and periods of uncertainty – with curiosity, resilience, and a responsibility to care for our planet and the universe. She looks forward to the continued expansion of access to space.
    “I hope to be around for the days where I can afford a reasonably priced, roundtrip ticket to the Moon,” she said. “Perhaps by then they will sell functional spacesuits in the local sporting goods stores.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Eating Too Much Salt? Ways to Cut Back…Gradually

    Source: US Food and Drug Administration

    [embedded content]

    Español

    Did you know that “salt” and “sodium” are not the same thing, even though they’re often used interchangeably? Sodium, a mineral, is one of the elements found in salt. Salt is where most of your sodium comes from. 

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is working to make sure people have greater access to healthier foods and easy-to-understand nutrition information to make healthier choices. One way to do that is to make it easier for you and your family to eat food with less sodium.

    Because more than 70% of the sodium you eat comes from processed (packaged) foods and restaurant foods, the FDA is working closely with industry, asking manufacturers to gradually lower sodium across a wide range of foods. This will result in more food choices with less sodium.

    Sodium is added to packaged and prepared foods for a variety of reasons such as food safety, improving flavor and texture, curing meat, and for baking. So, the FDA has carefully developed different sodium reduction targets for different types of foods.

    Will the reductions affect how foods taste? We know that people usually don’t notice small reductions in sodium, and over time, people’s taste buds get used to changes that are made gradually. And there are foods on the market already meeting the targets, so we know these are achievable and acceptable. 

    You and your family can also take steps to ease into reducing the amount of salt — and therefore, sodium — you eat. The recommended limit for sodium is 2,300 milligrams (mg) per day for people 14 years and older. But people in the U.S. consume about 3,400 mg per day on average. That’s more than 50% more than the recommended limit. 

    Why Reduce Sodium? 

    Too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. Ninety percent of Americans are eating more sodium than is recommended. While almost 5 in 10 Americans have high blood pressure, in non-Hispanic Black adults that number increases to almost 6 in 10. 

    Also, children and adolescents are also eating too much sodium. Evidence shows that children who eat foods higher in sodium can carry those eating habits into adulthood. 

    Steps You Can Take to Reduce Sodium 

    • Try to cut back on foods high in sodium, such as deli-meat sandwiches, pizza, and burritos and tacos. Remember, it’s important to cut back both when eating at home and eating out in restaurants. If you’re ordering a standard menu item at a chain restaurant, ask to see the written nutrition information and choose an option lower in sodium.
    • Compare products. Before you buy, check the Nutrition Facts label to compare the sodium content of packaged products (there’s a fair amount of variety among similar foods). For example, data collected by the FDA shows that breads can vary from 200 mg to more than 700 mg per 100 grams of bread. 
    • Aim to stay under the Daily Value (DV) for sodium. The DV for sodium is the recommended daily limit — your goal is not to exceed that amount. As a general guide: 5% DV or less of sodium per serving is considered low, and 20% DV or more of sodium per serving is considered high.
    • Expand your spice horizons. Try no-salt seasoning blends and herbs and spices instead of salt to add flavor to your food.

    For additional information, please visit Sodium in Your Diet | FDA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Sends Experiment to Space to Study Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

    Source: NASA

    In an effort to learn more about astronaut health and the effects of space on the human body, NASA is conducting a new experiment aboard the International Space Station to speed up the detection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, thus improving the health safety not only of astronauts but patients back on Earth.
    Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be difficult or impossible to treat, making antibiotic resistance a leading cause of death worldwide and a global health concern.
    Future astronauts visiting the Moon or Mars will need to rely on a pre-determined supply of antibiotics in case of illness. Ensuring those antibiotics remain effective is an important safety measure for future missions.
    The Genomic Enumeration of Antibiotic Resistance in Space (GEARS) experiment, which is managed by NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley, involves astronauts swabbing interior surfaces across the space station and testing those samples for evidence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and in particular Enterococcus faecalis, a type of bacteria commonly found in the human body. The experiment is the first step in a series of work that seeks to better understand how organisms grow in a space environment, and how those similarities and differences might help improve research back on Earth.
    “Enterococcus is a type of organism that’s been with us since our ancestors crawled out of the ocean, and is a core member of the human gut,” said Christopher Carr, assistant professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology and co-principal investigator of GEARS. “It’s able to survive inside and outside of its host, which has allowed it to become the second highest leading cause of hospital-acquired infections. We want to understand how this type of organism is adapting to the space environment.”
    The GEARS experiment seeks to improve the detection and identification of these bacteria, building on existing efforts to understand what organisms grow on the station’s surfaces.
    “We’ve been monitoring the surfaces of the space station since 2000, but this experiment will give us insight beyond the identities of present organisms, which is currently all that is used for risk assessment,” said Sarah Wallace, a microbiologist at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and co-principal investigator of GEARS. “With the station orbiting close to Earth, it’s a low-risk space to evaluate and learn more about the frequency of this bacteria and how it responds to the space environment so we can apply this understanding to missions to the Moon and Mars, where resupplies are more complex.”
    Over the next year, astronauts will swab parts of the station and analyze samples by adding an antibiotic to the medium in which the samples will grow. The results will reveal where this and other resistant bacteria are growing and whether they can persist or spread across the station.

    Sarah WAllace
    NASA Microbiologist

    The experiment was originally launched to the ISS on the 30th SpaceX commercial resupply services (CRS) mission in March 2024, and the first round of GEARS testing turned up surprising results: very few resistant bacteria colonies, none of which were E. faecalis. This bodes well for the threat of antibiotic resistance in space.
    “There was some cleaning done before swabbing the station, which may have removed some bacteria,” said Carr. To better understand how and where risky bacteria may live, the astronauts paused some cleaning before the second round of swabbing.
    “We want the astronauts to have a clean environment, but we also want to test those high-touch areas, so they intentionally and briefly avoided cleaning some areas so we can understand how bacteria may grow or spread on the station.”
    This experiment is the first study to perform metagenomic sequencing in space, a method that analyzes all the genetic material in a sample to identify and characterize all organisms that are present, an important research and medical diagnostic capability for future deep space missions.
    The GEARS team hopes to create a rapid workflow to analyze bacteria samples, reducing the time between swabbing and test results from days to hours. That workflow could be applied in hospitals and make a huge impact when treating hospital-acquired infections from antibiotic-resistant microbes.
    The result could save lives – more than 35,000 people die each year as a result of antibiotic-resistant infections. The issue is personal to Wallace, who lost a family member to a hospital-acquired infection.
    “It’s not that uncommon: so many people have experienced this kind of loss,” said Wallace. “A method to give an answer in a matter of hours is huge and profound. It’s my job to keep the crew healthy, but we’re also passionate about bringing that work back down to Earth. I hope we can shine a light on rapidly analyzing bacteria: if we can do this in space, we can do it on Earth, too.”
    Genomic Enumeration of Antibiotic Resistance in Space (GEARS) was funded by the Biological and Physical Sciences Space Biology Program, with pioneering funding and support from the Mars Campaign office.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Residential energy expenditures have increased with colder weather and higher prices

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    February 20, 2025

    Residential energy expenditures for homes heating with natural gas and propane for the current winter (November through March) have grown, and now we expect them to total 10% more than last winter. In our initial Winter Fuels Outlook forecasts published in October 2024, we had expected that homes mainly heating with natural gas would spend between 2% less or 7% more this winter than last, depending on weather conditions. As the winter has progressed and energy prices and consumption have increased beyond our initial expectations, we have revised these forecasts upward.

    Each October, we publish a Winter Fuels Outlook with forecasts for energy consumption, prices, and expenditures for U.S. households. We categorize homes based on their main heating fuel: natural gas, electricity, propane, or heating oil. Almost all U.S. homes (96% in 2023) use one of those four fuels as their main heating source.

    In each month from November through March, we update these forecasts based on actual weather and prices and the most recent Short-Term Energy Outlook forecasts for future weather and prices.

    Weather outcomes are a key source of uncertainty in our forecasts, so we provide three sets with different weather assumptions. Retail energy prices—especially for propane and heating oil—are sensitive to actual weather and the resulting effects on energy demand, supply, and wholesale prices.

    Residential propane and heating oil expenditures tend to have wider ranges of uncertainty in our forecasts. By comparison, natural gas and electricity prices tend to lag changes in wholesale prices because of the nature of utility regulation.

    Last month’s cold weather increased energy prices and consumption, both of which increased residential energy expenditures. We use population-weighted heating degree days (HDDs) as an indicator of heating demand, with more HDDs indicating colder weather. A typical January in the United States has 831 HDDs, based on the average of the previous 10 Januarys. However, January 2025 was much colder, with 927 HDDs.

    January’s cold weather increased natural gas consumption and resulted in near-record withdrawals of natural gas from storage. Similarly, U.S. propane inventories—which had been relatively full at the beginning of winter—were drawn down as consumption increased and are now near their previous five-year average. U.S. propane exports are also at record highs, which can also elevate domestic propane prices.

    Wholesale natural gas and propane prices increased in late 2024 and continued to increase in January. In our October 2024 forecast, we had expected wholesale natural gas and propane prices to increase during the winter, but the timing and magnitude of actual price increases were faster and greater than initially forecast.

    We will continue to update our Winter Fuels Outlook forecasts for residential energy consumption concurrently with each monthly update of our Short-Term Energy Outlook.

    Principal contributor: Office of Energy Analysis Staff

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 2.19.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 19, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Andrew “Andy” Nakahata, of San Francisco, has been appointed Chief Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer at the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank. Nakahata has been Director and Western Region Head of Public Finance at TD Securities LLC since 2024. He was Managing Director and Regional Head of Public Finance for the West Region at UBS Financial Services Inc. from 2017 to 2024. Nakahata was Managing Director and Head of the West Region at the National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation from 2015 to 2017. He was Director and Co-Head of the Higher Education Group at Citigroup from 2010 to 2015. Nakahata was an Executive Director at J.P. Morgan from 2009 to 2010. He was Vice President of Public Sector and Infrastructure Banking at Goldman Sachs & Co. from 1994 to 2010. Nakahata is Treasurer of the Board of Trustees at San Francisco University High School and member of the Board of Directors of Asian Americans in Public Finance. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Yale University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Wesleyan University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $186,876. Nakahata is a Democrat.

    Diane Lydon, of Sacramento, has been appointed Assistant Deputy Director and Northern California Regional Advisor at the Office of the Small Business Advocate. Lydon has been a Business Outreach Manager for the Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services at the Department of General Services since 2023, where she was previously a Business Outreach Liaison from 2022 to 2023. She was Education and Training Manager at World Trade Center Northern California from 2019 to 2022. Lydon was a Sales and Business Development Manager at Heart Zones Inc. from 2015 to 2019. She was a Marketing Program Manager at Skopre from 2013 to 2015. Lydon was an Olympic Program Manager at Sportsworks Events LTD from 2004 to 2012. She is a member of the Department of General Services Toastmasters. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $123,600. Lydon is a Democrat.

    Brian Lin Walsh, of Rocklin, has been appointed Principal Labor Relations Officer at the California Department of Human Resources. Lin Walsh has been Director of the Administrative Services Division at the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing since 2024. He was Senior Labor Relations Officer at the California Department of Human Resources from 2022 to 2024, and Labor Relations Officer from 2020 to 2022. Lin Walsh was Labor Relations Manager II at the California Department of Motor Vehicles from 2014 to 2020. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. The position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $153,492. Lin Walsh is a Democrat.

    Joseph Tuggle, of Placerville, has been appointed Warden of Folsom State Prison, where he has been serving as Acting Warden since 2024 and was Chief Deputy Administrator from 2023 to 2024. Tuggle was Acting Chief Deputy Administrator at California Medical Facility from 2022 to 2023. He held several positions at Folsom State Prison from 2000 to 2022, including Correctional Administrator, Correctional Captain, Correctional Lieutenant, Correctional Sergeant, and Correctional Officer. Tuggle was a Correctional Officer at Pelican Bay State Prison from 1998 to 2000. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $193,524. Tuggle is a Republican.

    Kelly DeRoss, of Sacramento, has been appointed Labor Relations Officer at the California Department of Human Resources. DeRoss has been Labor Relations Manager II at the California Employment Development Department since 2019. She was Labor Relations Manager I at the California Department of Healthcare Services from 2015 to 2019, where she was previously Labor Relations Specialist from 2013 to 2014. DeRoss held several roles at the California Department of Public Health, including Labor Relations Analyst from 2012 to 2013, Associate Personnel Analyst from 2009 to 2012, and Staff Services Analyst from 2008 to 2009. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology from the University of California, Davis. The position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $141,144. DeRoss is a Democrat.

    Jennifer Haley, of Rancho Palos Verdes, has been appointed to the California Workforce Development Board. Haley has been President and Chief Executive Officer at Kern Energy since 2018, where she was previously Vice President and General Counsel from 2012 to 2018. She was an Associate at Best Best & Krieger LLP from 2007 to 2012. Haley is the Chair of the California Foundation for Commerce and Education and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the California Science Center Foundation and Board of Directors of the California Chamber of Commerce. She earned a Juris Doctor degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of San Diego. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Haley is registered with no party preference.

    Amelia Tyagi, of Los Angeles, has been appointed to the California Workforce Development Board. Tyagi has been a Managing Director at Sellside Group since 2024, and an Author since 2003. She was Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and President of Business Talent Group from 2005 to 2023. Tyagi was Vice President and Co-Founder of HealthAllies from 1999 to 2001. She was a Consultant at McKinsey & Co. from 1996 to 1999. Tyagi is the Chairperson of her local chapter of Young Presidents Organization, a member of the Board of Directors of Planned Parenthood of Los Angeles, Fuse Corps, and WildAid and Chairperson Emeritus at Dēmos. She earned a Master of Business Administration degree from University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Brown University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Tyagi is a Democrat. 

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Feb 19, 2025

    News What you need to know: A court has denied the city of Norwalk’s request to dismiss the state’s lawsuit against the city for its unlawful ban on homeless shelters.  NORWALK — Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement in response to a court decision…

    Feb 19, 2025

    News What you need to know: Steve Jobs, a visionary of global scale, has been nominated to represent California on the American Innovation Coin. The coin, which will be minted by the U.S. Mint, highlights U.S. innovations and innovators, including California’s legacy…

    Feb 19, 2025

    News What you need to know: Over the next three years, California will host the NBA All-Star Weekend, X Games, FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl LX & LXI, and the LA28 Olympics & Paralympics in select regions across the state. SACRAMENTO – As the Bay Area wraps up…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lawsuit against Norwalk for unlawful ban on homeless shelters moves forward

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 19, 2025

    What you need to know: A court has denied the city of Norwalk’s request to dismiss the state’s lawsuit against the city for its unlawful ban on homeless shelters. 

    NORWALK — Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement in response to a court decision denying the city of Norwalk’s request to dismiss the state’s lawsuit against the city for its unlawful ban against homeless shelters and other supportive housing.

    “No community should turn its back on its residents in need. We will continue to hold Norwalk accountable for its failure to reverse this cruel and unlawful ban.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    “We are pleased to proceed with our case and to protect the public’s interest in the rule of law,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Norwalk’s ban on new housing for unhoused individuals and lower-income households at risk of homelessness is illegal. At a time when affordability issues are a top concern for Californians, we should be doing everything in our power to help — not hurt — those struggling to keep a roof over their heads or lacking housing altogether. We look forward to holding the city accountable.”

    “Far from being a threat, availability of safe shelter and supportive services brings stability and makes communities stronger,” said Department of Housing & Community Development Director Gustavo Velasquez. “We will continue to fight to hold Norwalk and all others accountable for planning for the housing needs of residents at all income levels.”

    Governor Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit against the city of Norwalk on November 4, 2024, to compel the city to overturn its unlawful ordinance banning the establishment of new homeless shelters and other housing. The lawsuit alleges that the city’s ban violates numerous state laws. The lawsuit was filed after multiple warnings and actions by the state, including revocation of the city’s housing element compliance.

    Recent news

    Feb 19, 2025

    News What you need to know: Steve Jobs, a visionary of global scale, has been nominated to represent California on the American Innovation Coin. The coin, which will be minted by the U.S. Mint, highlights U.S. innovations and innovators, including California’s legacy…

    Feb 19, 2025

    News What you need to know: Over the next three years, California will host the NBA All-Star Weekend, X Games, FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl LX & LXI, and the LA28 Olympics & Paralympics in select regions across the state. SACRAMENTO – As the Bay Area wraps up…

    Feb 19, 2025

    News Survivors of the Park Fire, Franklin Fire, and the recent Palisades and Eaton fires would be eligible for direct mortgage relief What you need to know: Governor Newsom is proposing an over $125 million package that includes disaster mortgage relief for homeowners…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California nominates Steve Jobs for its American Innovation Coin, $1 coin to be produced by U.S. Mint

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 19, 2025

    What you need to know: Steve Jobs, a visionary of global scale, has been nominated to represent California on the American Innovation Coin. The coin, which will be minted by the U.S. Mint, highlights U.S. innovations and innovators, including California’s legacy as a global hub of innovation.

    Sacramento, California – For California’s American Innovation Coin, Governor Gavin Newsom has recommended world-renowned innovator Steve Jobs. The coin, which will be minted by the U.S. Mint, highlights California’s legacy as a global hub of innovation.

    The American Innovation $1 Coin Program, launched in 2018 by the U.S. Mint, celebrates the spirit of ingenuity that defines America. Each state, territory, and the District of Columbia is honored with creating a unique coin recognizing an innovation or innovator from their region.

    Innovation and California are synonymous, and Steve Jobs encapsulates the unique brand of innovation that California runs on: innovation not driven by business alone, but as a vehicle to forever change the world.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    This week, Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) Director Dee Dee Myers presented the state’s nomination of Jobs and his legacy to the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), which will take design recommendations to the Treasury Secretary for final approval. This project is led and facilitated by the U.S. Mint. California’s coin will be produced and made available in 2026.

    Steve Jobs’ legacy of innovation

    Jobs’ legacy spans industries and products: Jobs was the co-founder and CEO of Pixar Animation Studios, bringing to life the world’s first fully computer-animated feature: “Toy Story.” But even that legacy-defining achievement is surpassed by his work as co-founder and two-time CEO of Apple, launching several revolutionary computers, including Apple II – the first mass-produced microcomputer – and Macintosh – the first mass-market personal computer that included a graphic display, so users could see what they were working on. 

    The goal, according to Jobs, was to “bridge the gap between sophisticated technology and ‘the rest of us’ who make up most of humanity…to make complex technology easy to use and fun to use.” That approach led to the iPod, iPhone, and iPad, devices that refined existing technology to make it more precise, more intuitive, and more functional.

    By focusing on who he was innovating for – other people – Jobs was able to use technology to connect people to each other and to the broader world, bringing people onto the same level by providing them with equal access. And that approach was built on a willingness to try new ideas and push the boundaries of what was possible – an approach that embodies the California spirit.

    California has a sense of experimentation about it, and a sense of openness about it—openness and new possibility—that I really didn’t appreciate till I went to other places.

    Steve Jobs

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Feb 19, 2025

    News What you need to know: Over the next three years, California will host the NBA All-Star Weekend, X Games, FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl LX & LXI, and the LA28 Olympics & Paralympics in select regions across the state. SACRAMENTO – As the Bay Area wraps up…

    Feb 19, 2025

    News Survivors of the Park Fire, Franklin Fire, and the recent Palisades and Eaton fires would be eligible for direct mortgage relief What you need to know: Governor Newsom is proposing an over $125 million package that includes disaster mortgage relief for homeowners…

    Feb 19, 2025

    News State continues raising awareness of dangerous drug  What you need to know: California is using a multifaceted approach to tackle illicit fentanyl, including seizing nearly $300 million of illicit fentanyl since 2023 and increasing public education in schools…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Golden State will soon be home to the world’s most renowned athletic events

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 19, 2025

    What you need to know: Over the next three years, California will host the NBA All-Star Weekend, X Games, FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl LX & LXI, and the LA28 Olympics & Paralympics in select regions across the state.

    SACRAMENTO – As the Bay Area wraps up NBA All-Star 2025, which was projected to generate approximately $350M in economic impact, California will continue to shine on the global stage with a lineup of major athletic events. These events will collectively generate billions in economic activity and foster community engagement as visitors from around the world experience the region’s culture, attractions, and hospitality.

    “From Northern to Southern California, the state is preparing to shine on the world’s biggest stages, welcoming fans from around the globe to experience the energy and diversity of our great state. These events will drive billions into our economy, support local businesses, and create jobs while uniting communities in celebration.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    🏀 2025 Bay Area and 2026 Los Angeles NBA All-Star Games 

    • NBA All-Star is an annual mid-season showcase featuring the league’s top stars competing in events including the All-Star Game and All-Star Saturday Night which consists of the Skills Challenge, 3-Point and Slam Dunk, as well as the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game and numerous community activations across the host city. NBA All-Star generates significant economic and cultural impact for the host market.
    • NBA All-Star 2025 in the San Francisco Bay Area was projected to generate approximately $350M in economic impact, supporting 3,000 jobs, and attracting 135,000 visitors. California will host back-to-back with NBA All-Star 2026 in Los Angeles.

    🛹 2025, 2026, and 2027 X Games in Sacramento

    • The X Games are a televised sports festival that features competitive skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding, and BMX. 
    • Over the next three summers, Sacramento’s Cal Expo will host the games with an estimated 35,000 attendees anticipated daily.

    🏈 2026 Super Bowl LX and 2027 Super Bowl LXI

    • The National Football League’s championship game will host Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California and Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
    • Super Bowl LX is projected to generate a total economic impact of approximately $500 million, with an estimated 90,000 visitors from outside the Bay Area to be expected.

    ⚽ 2026 FIFA World Cup 

    • The 2026 FIFA World Cup is an international soccer tournament that will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico and will mark the first time the tournament will feature 48 teams.
    • The total estimated economic impact for the Bay Area is approximately $555 million with an estimated 260,000 out-of-town visitors. Los Angeles is projected to see an economic impact of approximately $594 million with approximately 180,000 out-of-town visitors.

    🏅 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games

    • The 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, set to take place in Los Angeles, will showcase global sporting talent on the biggest stage in sports.

    According to the LA28 Games, the sporting event will contribute towards equitable access to youth sports as LA28 invested $160 million in sports for youth across LA. 

    Continuing robust support for LA

    With California front and center for these world-class sporting events, the state is working diligently to prioritize a fast and safe recovery for people and businesses impacted by the LA fires. From the state’s private and philanthropic partnerships, to coordination with federal and local government, California continues to maximize the impact of ongoing rebuilding efforts. 

    For more information and resources, please visit https://www.ca.gov/LAfires/ 

    California’s booming tourism economy

    California has the largest market share of tourism in the nation. Travel spending in the state reached an all-time high of $150.4 billion in 2023, surpassing the record $144.9 billion spent in 2019 – spending that is 3.8% higher than 2019 and 5.6% higher than 2022.

    The new travel-spending record generated $12.7 billion in state and local tax revenue by visitors in 2023, marking a 3% increase over 2019. Tourism created 64,900 new jobs in 2023, bringing total industry employment to 1,155,000.

    Recent news

    Feb 19, 2025

    News Survivors of the Park Fire, Franklin Fire, and the recent Palisades and Eaton fires would be eligible for direct mortgage relief What you need to know: Governor Newsom is proposing an over $125 million package that includes disaster mortgage relief for homeowners…

    Feb 19, 2025

    News State continues raising awareness of dangerous drug  What you need to know: California is using a multifaceted approach to tackle illicit fentanyl, including seizing nearly $300 million of illicit fentanyl since 2023 and increasing public education in schools…

    Feb 14, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Melissa Stone, of Elk Grove, has been appointed Chief Deputy Director at the Department of Child Support Services. Stone has been Deputy Director of the Disability Insurance Branch at…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Nearly half a million people left without shelter, food or water in DR Congo amid destruction of displacement sites and aid cuts

    Source: Oxfam –

    Oxfam warns of an alarming humanitarian crisis in Eastern DRC as aid groups struggle to respond in the face of funding cuts ripple effects.  

    Over 450,000 people are left without shelter, food or water in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the destruction of thirteen displacements sites in Goma, Oxfam warns. The crisis is increasingly alarming following the takeover of Bukavu, the capital city of South Kivu while funding cuts hinder the capacity of remaining humanitarian organisations to respond.  

    A surge in fighting has forced thousands of people to leave the displacement sites, many of which were destroyed or looted in the aftermath of the conflict.  Many are now seeking shelter in overcrowded churches and schools in Goma.  Many families are going back to their villages, only to find their house in shamble and struggling with immense needs. The fall of Bukavu has triggered mass population movement, deepening the humanitarian crisis.  

    An Oxfam staff in Minova, located 45 km south-west of Goma, said: “The displaced people are returning en masse, there’s a lot of movement and the needs are enormous because the response has to be put in place and it will take time. Many are afraid to return to the village where they have already been attacked. People are traumatized. 25 cases of cholera have been recorded this week. There’s also Mpox. It’s a catastrophe. People are going to die.” 

    The ripple effects of the US funding cuts are dramatically affecting these communities, because USAID was the leading donor in the DRC and most aid groups were relying on their funding to provide lifesaving aid. 

    “We are forced to repair shattered equipment while people in desperate need go without help. Even worse, when the sites are finally up and running again, we may still be unable to assist them, as US aid cuts have put everything at risk. Unless the international community steps in, this crisis will spiral beyond control,” said Manenji Mangundu, Country Director of Oxfam in DRC.  

    Three displacement sites in Rusayo (Goma), where Oxfam provides assistance to over 100,000 people, have been completely emptied. Water tanks, latrines, showers and the water pipes were destroyed and septic tanks were left open. With little access to clean water and hygiene sanitation, the health risks are increasing as cases of measles, cholera and mpox spread, straining and already fragile healthcare system.  

    Families and communities are also struggling to get cash to buy food or return home. Following intense fighting over the last weeks, banks in Goma remain closed and money agents are operating at limited capacity. On top, prices are skyrocketing and pushing many families to the limit.

    The M23 takeover of Bukavu comes as African leaders convene at the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa today (Saturday). The crisis has triggered massive population movements, with thousands fleeing their homes in the early hours of Friday, February 14. 

    In DRC, Oxfam works in Goma, Minova, Masisi, Lubero, Beni, and Mahagi. Oxfam staff reports that thirteen displacement sites in Goma, hosting 450,000 people have been emptied and subsequently destroyed, looted or dismantled. The destroyed sites are: Baraka, Buhimba, Bulengo, 8th Cepac Mugunga, Kayarucinya, Kibati, Lushagala, Lushagala Extension, Lwashi, Rego, Rusayo 1, Rusayo 2 and Rusayo Extension.  

    Oxfam is working to restore critical infrastructure and treating septic tanks to help provide water and sanitation to the affected communities of Goma. The effects of the USAID funding cuts hinder urgent response for 300,000 people displaced in and around Goma with urgent clean water, food and protection services for women and girls. Long-term funding for humanitarian agencies to support affected families remains uncertain. 

    The DRC continues to grapple with the devastating impacts of the Mpox outbreak, which has claimed lives further straining an already fragile healthcare system 

    The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the leading humanitarian donor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Last year report indicate that it provided over $838 million in Fiscal Year 2024 alone, which includes $414 million specifically for humanitarian needs resulting from ongoing conflict and displacement 

    Photos of abandoned sites and destroyed infrastructure are available on request. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Current Trends in Drug Discovery Research (CTDDR-2022): The 9th MahaKumbh for Drug Research

    Source: Government of India

    Current Trends in Drug Discovery Research (CTDDR-2022): The 9th MahaKumbh for Drug Research

    Day one was dedicated to “New strategies in synthetic and medicinal chemistry”

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 1:30PM by PIB Delhi

    The 9th “International Symposium on Current Trends in Drug Discovery Research” inaugurated yesterday at CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow. Dr. Radha Rangrajan, Director CSIR-CDRI, Lucknow, welcomed all the dignitaries present in this mega event. She briefed about the details of this very important Drug discovery conference and set the tone for the participants that how they can utilize this opportunity for learning, networking and upgrading their research skills

    “Science has no borders”: Dr. N. Kalaiselvi

    The Chief Guest of the program, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR & Secretary DSIR addressed the audience. Dr. Kalaiselvi highlighted the event’s significance as a platform for knowledge exchange. She stressed that such gatherings provide a great opportunity for researchers, industry leaders, and young minds to collaborate, fostering innovation in pharmaceuticals and healthcare.”Science has no borders, and this program is a gateway for global collaboration,” she remarked, underlining the importance of international cooperation in research and development. She urged students to take inspiration from these discussions and work towards making India a global leader in science and technology by 2047.

    Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR & Secretary DSIR addressing the audience at the inauguration of  “Current Trends in Drug Discovery Research (CTDDR-2022)” at CSIR-CDIR, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

    Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to revolution in drug discovery: Prof. Balram Bhargava

    The Guest of Honour the program, Prof. Balram Bhargava, Dean and Senior Consultant, Holy Family Hospital, New Delhi & Former Director General, ICMR also addressed the audience. Dr. Balram Bhargava, emphasizes that India’s strength in drug discovery stems from its rich heritage in chemistry, making it a global hub for pharmaceutical advancements.The country has consistently demonstrated its ability to produce high-quality, affordable medicines, ensuring healthcare accessibility worldwide. However, challenges such as the availability of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and the need for new drug discoveries remain key areas of focus. Further he said that the integration of Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize drug discovery, accelerating research and reducing costs. Also he said that Collaboration has been a cornerstone of India’s pharmaceutical success, as seen in the development of vaccines. Market shaping is equally important, ensuring that innovations reach the masses while maintaining India’s leadership in cost-effective healthcare solutions.

    Journey towards the development of drugs for pain treatment

    (Prof. Christopher Robert McCurdy)

    In the inaugural program, Prof. Christopher Robert McCurdy, Professor and The Frank A. Duckworth Eminent Scholar Chair, University of Florida, USA, has delivered the inaugural talk on “Seeing Pain: from the lab to the clinic, a medicinal chemist’s journey.” In his oration, he brought up the role of Sigma-1 receptors in pain processing. He further talked about the journey of the discovery and development of a tracer molecule FTC146, which acts as a selective ligand for Sigma-1 receptors. This tracer can locate sites of nerve damage in peripheral nerves, which can result in better pain management and, in certain situations, cured pain. This tracer has completed Phase 1 human clinical trials and can be a breakthrough in pain management strategies.

    Targeting cofactor biosynthesis for the development of new antimicrobial agents with novel mechanism of action

    (Prof. Courtney C. Aldrich)

    Later in the Session II today, Prof. Courtney C. Aldrich from the University of Minnesota, USA, He online discussed about the novel approaches in targeting cofactor biosynthesis in order to develop new antimicrobial agents with novel mechanisms. He shared his efforts to design novel anti-tubercular agents against two elusive targets for which there are no effective small molecules. They discovered promising inhibitor chemotypes and optimized them for bioactivity and drug disposition characteristics using complementary techniques. He also discussed the difficulties he encountered during the optimization campaign and how he overcame them through the integration of mechanism of action studies. He also shared his most recent research to develop next-generation Rifamycin derivatives that overcome multiple resistance mechanisms.

     

    Eliciting agonism-antagonism in endosomal toll-like receptor modulators via convoluted interplay of chemical subunits

    (Dr. ArindamTalukdar)

    Dr. ArindamTalukdar from CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB), Kolkata, shared his research findings on the stimulation of agonism-antagonism in TLR7 modulators via complex interactions between chemical subunits. The TLR7 is an endosomal TLR protein that helps the body to recognize and respond to viruses and bacteria. He noted in his presentation that agonists and antagonists frequently have overlapping binding sites in their target molecules. Therefore, agonistic chemical scaffolds can be used as a template for designing antagonists. Starting from the agonistic purine scaffold, by rationally dissecting, they identified a singular ‘chemical switch’ at C-2 that could make a potent purine scaffold TLR7 agonist to lose agonism and acquire antagonist activity. He further mentioned the most unprecedented outcome of his study as the convoluted interplay of “chemical subunits”, to venture into the agonist-partial agonist-antagonist-agonist circle through sequential single-point change. He further proposed these new class of TLR7 modulators as promising precursor for therapeutic development.

    The eminent speakers ignited the spark of scientific temperament in the participants of CTDDR-2025 with their vibrant talks filled with the latest information. The flooding of current information would be continued in further sessions which will dissipate the new energy and new direction for research and development among the participants sharing this platform from all around.

    ***

     NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2104910) Visitor Counter : 17

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Machine Learning Powers Detection of Contamination, Spoilage in Dairy, Meat

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Dairy and meat are two common sources of foodborne illness in the U.S.

    Because of this, producers use methods to test food for bacterial contamination before making it available to the public. However, these methods are time-consuming, expensive, and require expert training to perform.

    Researchers in UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources have developed new methods powered by machine learning to test for bacterial contamination and spoilage that radically reduce the cost and time required to perform them.

    This work is led by Yangchao Luo’s group, and Zhenlei Xiao. Luo and Xiao are both faculty members in the Department of Nutritional Sciences.

    Their method works by using a 96-well plate – a plate with many small areas to fill with samples – and an array of 12 sensors.

    The sensors react differently with different bacteria based on their molecular structure. These interactions produce unique patterns. By feeding these patterns into a machine learning algorithm, the researchers taught a computer to detect the pathogens based on the patterns.

    This new technology can detect eight different pathogenic and spoilage bacteria in milk in just two hours with more than 98% accuracy.

    “We hope to develop a technology that can detect simultaneously as many species as possible so that we can easily trace back the original source of contamination,” Luo says.

    The group tested five pathogenic bacteria including Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella, which are three of the most common foodborne pathogens in the U.S. They also tested three non-pathogenic bacteria that cause spoilage. They published these findings in Food Chemistry.

    “With this combination, we are pretty sure that we covered most cases of milk contamination,” Luo says.

    This approach is a major improvement over existing methods which can only test for one kind of bacteria at a time, and the whole process takes days and requires trained laboratory technicians.

    The researchers used cutting-edge nanotechnologies with high sensitivity and machine learning to achieve these results.

    Because performing this test does not require any formal laboratory training, the researchers hope to eventually develop an at-home test using an app that consumers can use to check their milk for pathogens or spoilage.

    Luo’s group is currently developing an app that enables a smartphone to read the fluorescence data the sensors produce.

    The team is also working to make this process even simpler by eliminating the purification step that removes proteins from the milk sample that would interfere with the accuracy of the test.

    The research team is also developing a sensor to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are produced by bacteria that cause spoilage in meat.

    These sensors can detect VOCs to determine food’s freshness, specifically beef, and determine the presence of pathogenic bacteria.

    “Based on the VOCs we can detect a pattern that can translate into which type of bacteria these VOCs are coming from,” Luo says.

    This research was published in Food Frontiers.

    The technology works similarly to the bacterial sensors. When VOCs are released from meat, it produces a color change in the sensor that gives researchers information about what VOCs are being produced and by which bacteria. The group again developed machine learning models to read the data.

    The advantage of testing for VOCs rather than bacteria in raw meat is that with VOCs, the sensors do not need to be in direct contact with the bacteria, so you don’t need to take a sample out of the product to test it. While taking a sample from a batch of milk is relatively simple, taking it out of a cut of meat is less so.

    This technology could be incorporated directly into food packaging to create an easily readable measure of potential food spoilage or contamination based on color changes in the sensor.

    “VOCs are volatile – they’re just in the air,” Luo says. “So, you can detect VOCs without touching bacteria. It doesn’t require a sampling process that way. So, we can put a simple sensor on the packaging.”

    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 USA: UConn Firsts: The First Black Student

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    In 1914, Alan Thacker Busby quietly made history when he became the first Black student to enroll at the school that today is the University of Connecticut, becoming its first Black graduate four years later. Busby was an honors student, editor of the student newspaper, football player, and founder of a debate club. Busby worked throughout his time at UConn, milking dairy cows and cutting ice from campus ponds in those pre-refrigeration days. After earning his degree, he served in the Army in the final months of World War I, before going on to earn a graduate degree at Cornell University and becoming a professor of animal husbandry, first at Alcorn State University, and then at Lincoln University. He was named an Outstanding Alumnus by UConn in 1969, and in 1990 he returned to his alma mater at the age of 94 to serve as grand marshal in that year’s Homecoming. In 2006, the Board of Trustees renamed the former Charter Oak Suites residence hall in Busby’s honor.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: The Right To Seek Asylum Does Not Exist at U.S.-Mexico Border

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Amnesty International has found that the right to seek asylum in the United States is non-existent at the U.S.-Mexico border, in violation of U.S. human rights national and international obligations. The organization outlined its findings in a new briefing released today, which documents the treatment of people seeking safety in the United States interviewed between February 3-9 at the border.

    These alarming findings stem from the Trump administration’s executive actions and the increased militarization of the border by the Mexican government.

    The briefing, Lives in Limbo: Devastating Impacts of Trump’s Migration and Asylum Policies, outlines the complete gutting of the right to seek asylum by the U.S. government at the U.S.-Mexico border, with virtually no way for people seeking safety to go through the legal process. According to U.S. immigration law, asylum seekers must apply at a port of entry.

    The organization concluded in its research findings that while the mandatory use of the CBP One App to seek asylum was unlawful, the end of its usage has ultimately left tens of thousands of people stranded in Mexico with nowhere to go – even unaccompanied minors are stuck without a way to seek safety.

    Without CPB One appointments, people are trapped in risky and precarious situations on the southern side of the border, which is especially dangerous for Mexican asylum seekers. Amnesty conducted interviews with dozens of people experiencing the impact of this change in border policies and those testimonies are provided in the briefing.

    Along with targeted ICE enforcement across the U.S., the Trump administration has dismantled the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and ended rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution like birthright citizenship, along with other anticipated actions rooted in racism and white supremacy.

    “The Trump administration has made the U.S.-Mexico border a zone that is overtly hostile to human rights and displays utter disregard for the humanity and dignity of people on the move,” said Amy Fischer, Director of the Refugee and Migrant Rights Program at Amnesty International USA. “The right to seek asylum simply does not exist at the border, and vulnerable people are stranded with border organizations—who themselves could now be subject to retaliation and criminalization from the U.S. government— struggling to prevent an even bigger humanitarian disaster.”

    The Trump administration has made the U.S.-Mexico border a zone that is overtly hostile to human rights and displays utter disregard for the humanity and dignity of people on the move

    -Amy Fischer, Director of the Refugee and Migrant Rights Program at Amnesty International

    This timely research comes within the broader context of the Trump administration’s stripping of funding for crucial humanitarian organizations working at the border that received money from USAID and other government programs whose funding is now frozen.

    Humanitarian and immigration organizations that operate on the border to provide shelter, legal orientation, and humanitarian care to people seeking safety are also now facing a crisis as they are left with no financial means to continue to operate and carry on their life-saving work.

    “Shelters at the border struggle to tell children that they have no options left,” added Mary Kapron, Amnesty International’s Researcher. “Many of the kids barely understand what is happening to them in the first place. And those who do are left with an impossible decision: either go back to where they fled and understand that they may not survive or put their lives in the hands of traffickers.”

    Shelters at the border struggle to tell children that they have no options left. Many of the kids barely understand what is happening to them in the first place. And those who do are left with an impossible decision: either go back to where they fled and understand that they may not survive or put their lives in the hands of traffickers

    -Mary Kapron, Amnesty International’s Researcher

    In Mexico, the government deepened the militarization at the border by sending 10,000 new members of the Mexican military, fueling a climate of fear among people seeking safety and leading to mass detention and deportation.

    “The fact that it is now impossible to seek asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border places Mexicans seeking safety at particular risk,” said Mónica Oehler Toca, Amnesty International’s Researcher. “Unlike individuals of other nationalities, they are fleeing persecution in Mexico and now have no way of seeking international protection in the United States.”

    Amnesty International continues to call on the United States to urgently adopt solutions that abide by human rights obligations and to stop playing politics and stoking fear with people’s lives to facilitate the adoption of increasingly draconian border and immigration policies that violate the human rights of people seeking safety, fuel violence against Black, brown, and Indigenous communities, and exacerbate the dysfunction of an already-beleaguered immigration system. 

    The fact that it is now impossible to seek asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border places Mexicans seeking safety at particular risk. Unlike individuals of other nationalities, they are fleeing persecution in Mexico and now have no way of seeking international protection in the United States

    -Mónica Oehler Toca, Amnesty International’s Researcher

    The organization also calls on the Mexican government to cease collaboration with the U.S. on harmful immigration policies and immediately implement measures to ensure the safety and security of asylum seekers transiting through Mexico.

    Finally, Amnesty International will continue to document human rights abuses, advocate for the human rights of all immigrants and people seeking safety in the United States and hold U.S. and Mexican government officials accountable.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI: Purpose Investments Expands Yield Shares Lineup with Seven New ETFs, Offering Enhanced Income Opportunities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Purpose Investments Inc. (“Purpose”) is excited to announce the addition of seven new ETFs to its industry-leading Yield Shares Suite – the world’s first yield-focused single-stock ETFs designed to provide investors with the long-term growth potential and enhanced* monthly yield from their favourite stock. Among the new additions is the Tech Innovators Yield Shares Purpose ETF (Ticker: YMAG), which brings together all the Mag7 companies along with Broadcom in a one-ticket solution. These new ETFs (described in the table below) begin trading on Cboe Canada today.

    Yield Shares ETF Ticker Underlying Company
    Costco (COST) Yield Shares Purpose ETF YCST Costco
    Palantir (PLTR) Yield Shares Purpose ETF YPLT Palantir
    UnitedHealth (UNH) Yield Shares Purpose ETF YUNH UnitedHealth Group
    Coinbase (COIN) Yield Shares Purpose ETF YCON Coinbase
    Netflix (NFLX) Yield Shares Purpose ETF YNET Netflix
    Broadcom (AVGO) Yield Shares Purpose ETF YAVG Broadcom
    Tech Innovators Yield Shares Purpose ETF YMAG Broadcom, Alphabet, Tesla, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, and NVIDIA


    A Smarter Approach to Income and Growth

    Since launching in 2022, Purpose Yield Shares has established itself as a leading solution for investors seeking monthly income while maintaining exposure to leading global companies. These innovative ETFs generate tax-efficient, enhanced monthly distributions by investing directly in the underlying stock and employing a covered call strategy with moderate leverage – delivering a unique balance of income and growth.

    “The Yield Shares lineup is committed to giving investors access to high-quality companies with strong fundamentals and long-term growth potential. With these new ETFs, investors can tap into market leaders at the forefront of innovation and economic progress – all while earning enhanced monthly income,” said Nick Mersch, Yield Shares portfolio manager. “From technology and consumer staples to financial services and healthcare, our Yield Shares suite offers a powerful combination of income and growth, allowing investors to participate in the success of industry leaders.”

    Key Benefits

    • Monthly Income: Investors receive an enhanced monthly distribution while maintaining exposure to the growth of the underlying stock.
    • Growth Potential: Participate in the long-term growth of companies like Costco or Netflix, two powerhouse brands redefining consumer spending and media consumption.
    • Lower Volatility: A built-in options strategy helps cushion against stock price declines.
    • Tax Efficiency: The covered call strategy aims to generate tax-efficient income.

    “These new offerings are more than just investment products – they reinforce our belief that Yield Shares represent a distinct asset class, uniquely designed to help investors achieve their financial goals while complementing their existing portfolios,” said Yuan Gao, Vice President, Product. “This expansion reflects Purpose’s commitment to evolving with investor needs and navigating an ever-changing market landscape.”

    Not Your Typical Yield Shares ETF: A Bold New Offering

    The Tech Innovators Yield Shares Purpose ETF (Ticker: YMAG) offers investors a one-ticket solution for exposure to a powerhouse group of technology and innovation leaders while generating monthly income. Known as “BATMMAAN,” this elite group – Broadcom, Alphabet, Tesla, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, and NVIDIA – represents the Nasdaq’s trillion-dollar market cap club, shaping the future of AI, cloud computing, digital services, and next-generation infrastructure.

    “The Tech Innovators Yield Shares is an exciting evolution of our suite, bringing together industry giants with a sophisticated strategy that allows investors to participate in their growth while generating enhanced, diversified income. This powerful blend of innovation and yield is designed to meet the needs of today’s investors,” said Mersch.

    To view the full suite of Yield Shares ETFs, please visit our suite page.

    About Purpose Investments

    Purpose Investments is an asset management company with over $23 billion in assets under management. Purpose Investments has an unrelenting focus on client-centric innovation and offers a range of managed and quantitative investment products. Purpose Investments is led by well-known entrepreneur Som Seif and is a division of Purpose Unlimited, an independent technology-driven financial services company.

    For further information, please email us at info@purposeinvest.com

    Media inquiries:
    Keera Hart
    keera.hart@kaiserpartners.com
    905-580-1257

    *Yield Shares funds provide “enhanced” or higher yields in the form of additional monthly distributions compared with the underlying common stock, which pays a relatively lower or no distribution yield.

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, and expenses may all be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus and other disclosure documents before investing. There can be no assurance that the full amount of your investment in a fund will be returned to you. If the securities are purchased or sold on a stock exchange, you may pay more or receive less than the current net asset value. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. Fund distribution levels and frequencies are not guaranteed and may vary at the Purpose Investment’s sole discretion.

    Certain statements in this document may be forward-looking. Forward-looking statements (“FLS”) are statements that are predictive in nature, depend on or refer to future events or conditions, or include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate” or other similar expressions. Statements that look forward in time or include anything other than historical information are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results, actions or events could differ materially from those set forth in the FLS. FLS are not guarantees of future performance and are, by their nature, based on numerous assumptions. Although the FLS contained in this document are based upon what Purpose Investments believes to be reasonable assumptions, Purpose Investments cannot assure that actual results will be consistent with these FLS. The reader is cautioned to consider the FLS carefully and not to place undue reliance on the FLS. Unless required by applicable law, it is not undertaken, and specifically disclaimed, that there is any intention or obligation to update or revise FLS, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Codere Online Reports Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Total revenue was €50.0 mm in Q4 2024, while net gaming revenue1 was €52.6 mm in the period, 5% above Q4 2023.
    • Net income excluding the non-cash variation in fair value of public warrants2 was €6.8 mm in 2024 versus a net loss of €4.0 mm in 2023.
    • Total cash position of €40.5 mm as of December 31, 2024.
    • Providing full year 2025 net gaming revenue outlook of €220-230 mm and Adj. EBITDA3 outlook of €10-15 mm.
    • The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized a share buyback plan of up to $5.0 mm, subject to shareholder approval.

    Madrid, Spain and Tel Aviv, Israel, February 20, 2025 – (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) Codere Online (Nasdaq: CDRO / CDROW, the “Company”), a leading online gaming operator in Spain and Latin America, has released its preliminary unaudited4 financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.

    Below are the main financial and operating metrics of the period.

      Quarter ended December 31   Year ended December 31
      2023 2024 Chg. %   2023 2024 Chg. %
                   
    Net Gaming Revenue (EUR mm)1              
    Spain 20.8 22.8 10%   75.7 87.7 16%
    Mexico 25.1 25.1 –   81.7 106.6 30%
    Other 4.2 4.6 10%   14.5 17.3 19%
    Total 50.1 52.6 5%   171.9 211.6 23%
                   
    Avg. Monthly Active Players (000s)5              
    Spain 47.4 48.7 3%   42.3 49.7 17%
    Mexico 59.1 68.9 17%   52.5 64.4 23%
    Other 32.6 29.8 (9%)   33.5 30.8 (8%)
    Total 139.2 147.5 6%   128.3 144.9 13%

    Aviv Sher, CEO of Codere Online, stated, “We delivered another solid quarter, with net gaming revenue reaching €52.6 million, a 5% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. In Mexico, net gaming revenue was flat at €25.1 million, driven by the significant devaluation of the Mexican peso. On a constant currency basis, our growth in Mexico would have been 14%. Meanwhile, Spain continued to perform well, with net gaming revenue rising 10% to €22.8 million.”

    Oscar Iglesias, CFO of Codere Online, commented, “Our strong fourth-quarter performance brought our full-year net gaming revenue to nearly €212 million, 10% above the midpoint of our initial €185-200 million outlook from early 2024. More importantly, we delivered a fourth consecutive quarter of positive Adjusted EBITDA, allowing us to reach €6.4 million for the full year, at the higher end of our outlook of €2.5-7.5 million.”

    Mr. Iglesias added, “We are very encouraged by our 2024 results and our ability to meet our commitment to investors despite the headwinds faced, mostly on the currency front. For 2025, we anticipate net gaming revenue of €220-230 million and Adj. EBITDA of €10-15 million. Also, we are pleased to announce an up to $5.0 million share buyback plan, subject to shareholder approval, which reflects our confidence in the business and future cash flow generation.”

    Recent Events

    Listing Extension from Nasdaq

    • Following a hearing on January 16, 2025, at which the Company presented its plan to regain compliance, the Nasdaq Hearings Panel granted the Company’s request to continue its listing on Nasdaq on February 12, 2025;
    • The extension is subject to the Company filing its 2023 annual report on or before May 12, 2025;
    • The Company continues to work diligently to complete and file its 2023 annual report as soon as possible and expects to do so within the extension period it has been granted.

    Implementation of a Share Buyback Plan

    • The Board of Directors of the Company has authorized (subject to obtaining shareholder approval) the repurchase of up to $5.0 million of the Company’s ordinary shares over a one-year period;
    • A general meeting of shareholders will be convened today and held on March 3, 2025 to approve the plan and the conditions under which it may be executed;
    • The share buyback plan does not require the Company to acquire any specific number of shares and may be terminated at any time. Repurchases of shares pursuant to the share buyback plan will be conducted in accordance with applicable law, including U.S. securities laws.

    New Tax in Colombia

    • On February 14, 2025, Colombia’s Ministry of Finance introduced, through executive decree, a value added (i.e. indirect) tax of 19% on all online deposits;
    • The tax will be effective on February 21, 2025, and will remain in effect through December 31, 2025, though we expect legal challenges from the industry with respect to its constitutionality;
    • The Company is currently assessing how it will respond from a legal and operating perspective to this tax and potential impacts on its business in Colombia.

    Conference Call Information

    Codere Online’s management will host a conference call to discuss the results and provide a business update at 8:30 am US Eastern Time today, February 20, 2025. Dial-in details as well as the audio webcast and presentation will be accessible on Codere Online’s website at www.codereonline.com. A recording of the webcast will also be available following the conference call.

    Reconciliation of Revenue (IFRS) to Net Gaming Revenue (non-IFRS)

      Quarter ended December 31   Year ended December 31
    Figures in EUR mm 2023 2024 Chg. %   2023 2024 Chg. %
                   
    Total              
                   
    Revenue 46.9 50.0 7%   162.6 201.4 24%
    (+) Accounting Adjustments6 3.1 2.6 (16%)   9.2 10.2 11%
    Net Gaming Revenue 50.1 52.6 5%   171.9 211.6 23%
                   
    Spain              
                   
    Revenue 20.8 22.8 10%   75.7 87.7 16%
    (+) Accounting Adjustments6 – – n.m.   – – n.m.
    Net Gaming Revenue 20.8 22.8 10%   75.7 87.7 16%
                   
    Mexico              
                   
    Revenue 22.6 22.3 (1%)   73.3 95.7 31%
    (+) Accounting Adjustments6 2.5 2.8 12%   8.4 10.9 30%
    Net Gaming Revenue 25.1 25.1 –   81.7 106.6 30%
                   
    Other              
                   
    Revenue 3.6 4.9 36%   13.7 17.9 31%
    (+) Accounting Adjustments6 0.6 (0.2) (133%)   0.8 (0.7) n.m.
    Net Gaming Revenue 4.2 4.6 10%   14.5 17.3 19%

    Reconciliation of Net Income (IFRS) to Adj. EBITDA (non-IFRS)7

      Quarter ended December 31   Year ended December 31
    Figures in EUR mm 2023 2024 Chg.   2023 2024 Chg.
                   
    Net Income (Loss) (1.0) 6.7 7.7   (3.1) 3.7 6.8
    (+/-) Provision for Corporate Income Tax (4.5) (1.0) 3.5   (7.2) 2.0 9.2
    (+/-) Interest Expense / (Income) 5.0 (1.6) (6.6)   (4.9) (4.4) 0.5
    (+/-) Var. In Fair Value of Public Warrants (0.2) (2.7) (2.5)   (0.9) 3.1 4.0
    (+) D&A 0.0 0.3 0.2   0.1 0.4 0.3
    EBITDA (0.7) 1.7 2.4   (16.0) 4.8 20.8
    (+) Employee LTIP Expense 0.9 0.1 (0.8)   3.5 1.7 (1.8)
    (+/-) Other Accounting Adjustments (4.3) 0.0 4.4   0.4 (0.1) (0.4)
    Adj. EBITDA (Pre Non-Recurring Items) (4.1) 1.9 6.0   (12.2) 6.4 18.6
    (+) Non-Recurring Items 0.0 0.0 0.0   0.5 0.0 (0.5)
    Adj. EBITDA (4.1) 1.9 6.0   (11.7) 6.4 18.1

    About Codere Online

    Codere Online refers, collectively, to Codere Online Luxembourg, S.A. and its subsidiaries. Codere Online, launched in 2014 as part of the renowned casino operator Codere Group, offers online sports betting and online casino through its state-of-the art website and mobile applications. Codere Online currently operates in its core markets of Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Panama and Argentina; this online business is complemented by Codere Group’s physical presence in Spain and throughout Latin America, forming the foundation of the leading omnichannel gaming and casino presence.

    About Codere Group
    Codere Group is a multinational group devoted to entertainment and leisure. It is a leading player in the private gaming industry, with four decades of experience and with presence in seven countries in Europe (Spain and Italy) and Latin America (Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, and Uruguay).

    Note on Rounding. Due to decimal rounding, numbers presented throughout this report may not add up precisely to the totals and subtotals provided, and percentages may not precisely reflect the absolute figures.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Certain statements in this document may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Codere Online Luxembourg, S.A. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Codere Online”) or Codere Online’s or its management team’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements in this document may include, for example, statements about Codere Online’s financial performance and, in particular, the potential evolution and distribution of its net gaming revenue; any prospective and illustrative financial information; and changes in Codere Online’s strategy, future operations and target addressable market, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects and plans as well as he Company’s expectations about the timing of completion and filing of the Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “2023 Annual Report”), and statements related to the Company’s plan, timing and actions taken to regain compliance with the Listing Rule 5250(c)(1).

    These forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this document and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Codere Online’s or its management team’s views as of any subsequent date, and Codere Online does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

    As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, Codere Online’s actual results or performance may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that Codere Online does not presently know or that Codere Online currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include (i) changes in applicable laws or regulations, including online gaming, privacy, data use and data protection rules and regulations as well as consumers’ heightened expectations regarding proper safeguarding of their personal information, (ii) the impacts and ongoing uncertainties created by regulatory restrictions, changes in perceptions of the gaming industry, changes in policies and increased competition, and geopolitical events such as war, (iii) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations and identify and realize additional opportunities, (iv) the risk of downturns and the possibility of rapid change in the highly competitive industry in which Codere Online operates, (v) the risk that Codere Online and its current and future collaborators are unable to successfully develop and commercialize Codere Online’s services, or experience significant delays in doing so, (vi) the risk that Codere Online may never achieve or sustain profitability, (vii) the risk that Codere Online will need to raise additional capital to execute its business plan, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all, (viii) the risk that Codere Online experiences difficulties in managing its growth and expanding operations, (ix) the risk that third-party providers, including the Codere Group, are not able to fully and timely meet their obligations, (x) the risk that the online gaming operations will not provide the expected benefits due to, among other things, the inability to obtain or maintain online gaming licenses in the anticipated time frame or at all, (xi) the risk that Codere Online is unable to secure or protect its intellectual property, (xii) the risk that Codere Online’s securities may be delisted from Nasdaq and (xiii) the possibility that Codere Online may be adversely affected by other political, economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Additional information concerning certain of these and other risk factors is contained in Codere Online’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning Codere Online or other matters and attributable to Codere Online or any person acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above.

    Financial Information and Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    Codere Online’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”), which can differ in certain significant respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

    This document includes certain financial measures not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP or IFRS (“non-GAAP”), such as, without limitation, net gaming revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and constant currency information. These non-GAAP financial measures are not measures of financial performance in accordance with U.S. GAAP or IFRS and may exclude items that are significant in understanding and assessing Codere Online’s financial results. Therefore, these measures should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to revenue, net income, cash flows from operations or other measures of profitability, liquidity or performance under U.S. GAAP or IFRS. You should be aware that Codere Online’s presentation of these measures may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures used by other companies. In addition, the audit of Codere Online’s financial statements in accordance with PCAOB standards, may impact how Codere Online currently calculates its non-GAAP financial measures, and we cannot assure you that there would not be differences, and such differences could be material.

    Codere Online believes that the use of these non-GAAP financial measures provides an additional tool for investors to use in evaluating ongoing operating results and trends in comparing Codere Online’s financial measures with other similar companies, many of which present similar non-GAAP financial measures to investors. These non-GAAP financial measures are subject to inherent limitations as they reflect the exercise of judgments by management about which expense and income are excluded or included in determining these non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable measure under IFRS are included herein.

    This document may include certain projections of non-GAAP financial measures. Codere Online is unable to quantify certain amounts that would be required to be included in the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP or IFRS financial measures without unreasonable effort, due to the inherent difficulty and variability of accurately forecasting the occurrence and financial impact of the various adjusting items necessary for such comparable measures or such reconciliation that have not yet occurred, are out of our control, or cannot be reasonably predicted, ascertained or assessed, which could have a material impact on its future IFRS financial results. Consequently, no disclosure of estimated comparable U.S. GAAP or IFRS measures is included and no reconciliation of the forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures is included.

    Use of Projections
    This document contains financial forecasts with respect to Codere Online’s business and projected financial results, including net gaming revenue and adjusted EBITDA. Codere Online’s independent auditors have not audited, reviewed, compiled or performed any procedures with respect to the projections for the purpose of their inclusion in this document, and accordingly, they did not express an opinion or provide any other form of assurance with respect thereto for the purpose of this document. These projections should not be relied upon as being necessarily indicative of future results. The assumptions and estimates underlying the prospective financial information are inherently uncertain and are subject to a wide variety of significant business, economic and competitive risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the prospective financial information. See “Forward-Looking Statements” above. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the prospective results are indicative of the future performance of Codere Online or that actual results will not differ materially from those presented in the prospective financial information. Inclusion of the prospective financial information in this document should not be regarded as a representation by any person that the results contained in the prospective financial information will be achieved.

    For further information on the limitations and assumptions underlying these projections, please refer to Codere Online’s filings with the SEC.

    Preliminary Information
    This document contains figures, financial metrics, statistics and other information that is preliminary and subject to change (the “Preliminary Information”). The Preliminary Information has not been audited, reviewed, or compiled by any independent registered public accounting firm. This Preliminary Information is subject to ongoing review including, where applicable, by Codere Online’s independent auditors. Accordingly, no independent registered public accounting firm has expressed an opinion or any other form of assurance with respect to the Preliminary Information. During the course of finalizing such Preliminary Information, adjustments to such Preliminary Information presented herein may be identified, which may be material. Codere Online undertakes no obligation to update or revise the Preliminary Information set forth in this document as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law. The Preliminary Information may differ from actual results. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance upon this Preliminary Information. The Preliminary Information is not a comprehensive statement of financial results, and should not be viewed as a substitute for full financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. In addition, the Preliminary Information is not necessarily indicative of the results to be achieved in any future period.

    No Offer or Solicitation
    This document does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor will there be any sale of securities in any states or jurisdictions in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities will be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom.

    Trademarks
    This document may contain trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights of Codere Online or other companies, which are the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, some of the trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights referred to in this document may be listed without the TM, SM, © or ® symbols, but Codere Online will assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, the rights of the applicable owners, if any, to these trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights.

    Industry and Market Data
    In this document, Codere Online relies on and refers to certain information and statistics obtained from publicly available information and third-party sources, which it believes to be reliable. Codere Online has not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of any such publicly-available and third-party information, does not make any representation as to the accuracy or completeness of such data and does not undertake any obligation to update such data after the date of this document. You are cautioned not to give undue weight to such industry and market data.

    Contacts:

    Investors and Media
    Guillermo Lancha
    Director, Investor Relations and Communications
    Guillermo.Lancha@codere.com
    (+34) 628.928.152

    1 Net Gaming Revenue is a non-IFRS measure; please see reconciliation of Net Gaming Revenue to Revenue at the end of the report.

    2 Net income excluding the non-cash variation in fair value of public warrants is a non-IFRS measure and reflects a net income of €3.7 mm (€3.1 mm net loss in 2023) excluding a €3.1 mm loss (€0.9 mm gain in 2023) from the variation in fair value of public warrants. Figures presented for illustrative purposes and do not include any potential impacts on the provision for corporate income taxes.

    3 Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure; please see reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income at the end of the report. Net gaming revenue and Adjusted EBITDA outlooks are forward-looking non-IFRS measures; please see important disclaimers at the end of the report.

    4 See “Preliminary Information” below.        

    5 Average Monthly Active Players include real money (i.e. exclude free bets) sports betting and casino actives.

    6 Figures primarily reflect differences in recognition of revenue related to certain partner and affiliate agreements in place in Colombia, VAT impact from entry fees in Mexico and the impact from the application of inflation accounting (IAS 29) in Argentina.

    7 Please refer to page 26 of our Q4 2024 Earnings Presentation for further details regarding this reconciliation.

    The MIL Network –