NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feb 03, 2025 Transit Equity Day: Safety on Public Transportation is a Civil Right

    Source: US Amalgamated Transit Union

    Silver Spring, MD – Amalgamated Transit Union International President John Costa released the following statement to mark Transit Equity Day and Rosa Parks’ birthday.

    “Public transportation is not just a service. It is a fundamental right that should be accessible, safe, and equitable for all. The legacy of Rosa Parks, who courageously stood up against racial injustice by refusing to surrender her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, resonates today more than ever. Her act of defiance in 1955 helped ignite a movement for civil rights that sought to ensure all people could live with dignity, free from discrimination and violence. Rosa Parks, along with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., believed that every person has the right to a good life—one that includes not only access to public transportation but also to safe housing, quality education, the right to vote, fair employment, and freedom from harm. These ideals form the foundation of the ongoing fight for social justice.

    “Today, as we reflect on this vision of equality, we mark Transit Equity Day by focusing on an urgent issue that is swept under the rug too often: the safety of transit workers and passengers alike. Transportation is integral to our daily lives, yet it should never come at the cost of someone’s well-being or safety. Unfortunately, transit workers across the globe continue to face violence while simply doing their jobs. The ATU family has recently experienced profound loss due to violence that tragically ended the lives of two of our brothers on the job.

    “In Seattle, Washington, we lost Brother Shawn Yim, who was tragically stabbed to death while working his shift. Just weeks later, in Atlanta, Georgia, our Brother Leroy Ramos was senselessly shot and killed over a $2.50 fare. These acts of violence are not isolated incidents—they reflect a systemic issue of safety within the transit industry, one that puts both operators and passengers at risk.

    “This Transit Equity Day, we call for action to address the safety of those who ensure our communities are connected. Transit workers, like every worker, deserve to go home safely at the end of their shifts. The right to safe and equitable public transportation should extend beyond just access. It must also ensure that those who provide the service are protected from harm. The struggle for transit equity is incomplete if those who serve us are not treated with the respect and safety they deserve.

    “We honor the memory of Brother Yim and Brother Ramos and stand in solidarity with all workers who risk their lives to keep our transit systems running. We must work together to make transit safe for everyone and guarantee that public transportation remains a civil right for all.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Exodus Movement, Inc. Announces Offer to Acquire Banxa Holdings Inc.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OMAHA, Neb., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Exodus Movement, Inc. (NYSE American: EXOD) (“Exodus”), a leading self-custodial cryptocurrency platform, today announced that it has submitted a proposal (the “Exodus Offer”) for the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Banxa Holdings Inc. (TSXV: BNXA) (“Banxa”), a globally recognized financial technology platform specializing in digital asset on-and-off ramp solutions. Banxa today announced that its Board of Directors, after consultation with its financial and legal advisors, and after consideration of a recommendation from its Special Committee of the Board of Directors, has unanimously determined that the Exodus Offer constitutes a “Superior Proposal” under the terms of the arrangement agreement between Banxa and 1493819 B.C. Ltd. (“1493819”). Banxa also announced that it provided notice of such determination to 1493819 and that, under its arrangement agreement with 1493819, 1493819 now has the right, until 5:00 p.m. (Vancouver time) on February 10, 2025, to propose to amend the terms of the arrangement agreement in order to make the Exodus Offer no longer a Superior Proposal.

    Pursuant to the terms of the Exodus Offer, Exodus has offered to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Banxa (“Banxa Shares”) for consideration per Banxa Share comprised of (i) CDN$1.10 in cash; and (ii) 0.0079 of class A common stock of Exodus (“Exodus Shares”). Based on the closing price of the Exodus Shares on NYSE American on February 3, 2025 of US$59.59 and the U.S./Canada daily exchange rate on February 3, 2025 of US$1.00/CDN$1.4603, the value of the share consideration to be paid to Banxa shareholders is US$0.47 or approximately CDN$0.69 per Banxa Share, bringing the total consideration to be received by Banxa shareholders to approximately CDN$1.79 per Banxa Share.

    At this time, there can be no assurance that the Exodus Offer will lead to a termination of the arrangement agreement between Banxa and 1493819 and the execution of a definitive arrangement agreement between Banxa and Exodus in respect of the Exodus Offer, or that the proposed transaction contemplated by the Exodus Offer will be consummated.

    About Exodus

    Exodus is a financial technology leader empowering individuals and businesses with secure, user-friendly crypto software solutions. Since 2015, Exodus has made digital assets accessible to everyone through its multi-asset crypto wallets prioritizing design and ease of use.

    With self-custodial wallets, Exodus puts customers in full control of their funds, enabling them to swap, buy, and sell crypto. Its business solutions include Passkeys Wallet and XO Swap, industry-leading tools for embedded crypto wallets and swap aggregation.

    Exodus is committed to driving the future of accessible and secure finance. Learn more at exodus.com or follow us on X at x.com/exodus_io.

    Investor Contact
    investors@exodus.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined by the federal securities laws. All forward-looking statements are based upon our current expectations and various assumptions and apply only as of the date made. Our expectations, beliefs, and projections are expressed in good faith, and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that our expectations, beliefs and projections will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “forecast,” as well as variations of such words or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this document include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Exodus Offer, including the consideration to be issued pursuant to the Exodus Offer, the possibility that 1493819 submits a revised offer during the matching period, the possibility that Banxa and 1493819 amend the terms of their arrangement agreement that results in the Exodus Offer no longer being a Superior Proposal and the ability of Exodus and Banxa to consummate the transaction on the terms and in the manner contemplated by the Exodus Offer. Such forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. Such factors include the possible actions by or on behalf of 1493819; the possibility that Exodus withdraws the Exodus Offer; or the possibility of a third party submitting a proposal or a revised proposal which leads to a new Superior Proposal, as well as those set forth in “Item 1. Business” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of Amendment No. 6 to our Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on November 27, 2024, as well as in our other reports filed with the SEC from time to time. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by such cautionary statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements that have been made to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    The Exodus Offer contemplates that the Exodus Shares will be issued in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”), pursuant to Section 3(a)(10) of the U.S. Securities Act. Consequently, the Exodus Shares will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or under any U.S. state securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy Exodus Shares or any other securities, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

    Source: Exodus Movement, Inc.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The Greenland ice sheet is falling apart – new study

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Tom Chudley, Leverhulme Early Career Fellow, Department of Geography, Durham University

    Tom Chudley

    Observing Greenland from a helicopter, the main problem is one of comprehending scale. I have thought we were skimming low over the waves of a fjord, before noticing the tiny shadow of a seabird far below and realising what I suspected were floating shards of ice were in fact icebergs the size of office blocks. I have thought we were hovering high in the sky over a featureless icy plane below, before bumping down gently onto ice only a few metres below us.

    Crevasses – cracks in the surface of glaciers – are the epitome of this baffling range of scales. Formed by stresses at the surface, their direction and size tell us how the ice sheet is flowing towards the ocean. Inland, far away from the fast-flowing glaciers that discharge hundreds of gigatonnes of icebergs a year into fjords, crevasses can be tiny cracks only millimetres wide.

    As the ice speeds up, they can be metres in diameter, sometimes covered by deceptive snow bridges that require suitable safety equipment and rescue training to traverse. Finally, where the ice meets the ocean and no scientist would ever dare to stand, they can be monsters over 100 metres from wall to wall. And across Greenland, they are growing.

    Cracks you could fly a helicopter through.
    Tom Chudley

    It shouldn’t be particularly surprising to scientists that crevasses are getting larger across Greenland. As the ocean warms, the ice sheet has sped up in response, increasing the stresses acting upon its surface. However, observations from satellites and in-person fieldwork are so poor that to date, we had no idea how extensively or quickly this process has been occurring.

    Mapping cracks

    In a new study, my colleagues and I mapped crevasses across the entirety of the Greenland ice sheet in 2016 and 2021. To do this, we used the “ArcticDEM”: three-dimensional surface maps of the polar regions based on high resolution satellite images. By applying image-processing techniques to over 8,000 maps, we could estimate how much water, snow or air would be needed to “fill” each crevasse across the ice sheet. This enabled us to calculate their depth and volume, and examine how they evolved.

    We found that from 2016 to 2021, there were significant increases in crevasse volume across fast-flowing sectors of the Greenland ice sheet. In the southeast of the ice sheet, an area that has been particularly vulnerable to ocean-induced acceleration and retreat in the past few years, crevasse volume increased by over 25%.

    In most Greenland glaciers that flow into the ocean, scientists found crevasses are increasing in size and depth.
    Chudley et al / Nature Geoscience

    However, against our expectations, crevasse volume across the whole ice sheet increased by only 4.3%. That’s much closer to an overall balance than the extremes observed in certain sectors. What had happened? In fact, the significant increases elsewhere were being offset by a single source: an outlet glacier known as Sermeq Kujalleq (Danish: Jakobshavn Isbræ).

    Sermeq Kujalleq is the fastest-flowing glacier on the planet, reaching speeds of nearly 50 metres a day and providing an outsized proportion of Greenland’s total sea-level rise contribution. In 2016, responding to an influx of cold water from the north Atlantic ocean, the glacier slowed and thickened. As it did this, the crevasses on the surface began to close – offsetting increases across the rest of the ice sheet.

    This slowdown was short-lived. Since 2018, Sermeq Kujalleq has once again reverted to acceleration and thinning in response to ongoing warming. We won’t be able to rely on it to offset ice-sheet-wide increases in crevassing in the future.

    Cracks grow into icebergs

    Crevasses play an integral part in the life cycle of glaciers, and as they grow they hold the potential to further accelerate ice-sheet loss. They deliver surface meltwater into the belly of the ice sheet: once inside, water can act to warm the ice or lubricate the bed that the glacier slides over, both of which can make the ice sheet flow faster into the ocean. Meanwhile, where the ice meets the sea, crevasses form the initial fractures from which icebergs can break off, increasing the output of icebergs into the ocean.

    Where Sermeq Kujalleq, or Jakobshavn Glacier, meets the sea. That iceberg filled fjord is several miles wide.
    Copernicus Sentinel / lavizzara / shutterstock

    In short, crevasses underpin the dynamic processes that occur across Greenland and Antarctica. However, these processes are very poorly understood, and their future evolution is the single largest uncertainty in our predictions of sea-level rise. Together, the increased discharge of ice holds the potential to add up to 10 metres of additional sea-level rise by 2300 (75% of all cities with more than 5 million inhabitants exist less than 10m above sea level). We need to better understand these processes – including crevasses – so that informed sea-level projections can form the basis of our responses to the global challenges that climate change presents.

    Since 2023, an international coalition of polar scientists has been urging the world to limit warming to 1.5˚C to avoid the most catastrophic melt scenarios for global glaciers and ice sheets. Last month, the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service confirmed that 2024 was the first year in which average global temperatures exceeded this threshold.

    Every fraction of a degree matters. We may still be able to save ourselves from the worst of the damage the climate change will bring – but we are desperately running out of time.

    Tom Chudley received funding from the Leverhulme Trust.

    – ref. The Greenland ice sheet is falling apart – new study – https://theconversation.com/the-greenland-ice-sheet-is-falling-apart-new-study-248926

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders, Hawley Introduce Bill Capping Credit Card Interest Rates at 10%

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 – As millions of working class families struggle to afford the high prices of groceries, gas, rent and other basic necessities, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced bipartisan legislation to cap credit card interest rates at ten percent.
    “During the campaign, President Trump pledged to cap credit card interest rates at ten percent,” Sanders said. “Today, I am proud to be introducing bipartisan legislation with Senator Hawley to do just that. When large financial institutions charge over 25 percent interest on credit cards, they are not engaged in the business of making credit available. They are engaged in extortion and loan sharking. We cannot continue to allow big banks to make huge profits ripping off the American people. This legislation will provide working families struggling to pay their bills with desperately needed financial relief.”
    “Working Americans are drowning in record credit card debt while the biggest credit card issuers get richer and richer by hiking their interest rates to the moon. It’s not just wrong, it’s exploitative. And it needs to end,” said Hawley. “Capping credit card interest rates at 10%, just like President Trump campaigned on, is a simple way to provide meaningful relief to working people. Let’s do it.”
    In September, the Trump campaign said, “President Trump has promised to cap interest rates at 10% to provide temporary and immediate relief for hardworking Americans who are struggling to make ends meet and cannot afford hefty interest payments on top of the skyrocketing costs of mortgages, rent, groceries and gas.”
    The Sanders-Hawley bill would immediately cap credit card interest rates at 10 percent. The legislation would be in effect for five years.
    This bipartisan bill comes after a recent Forbes report found that the average credit card interest rate is 28.6%, even though banks are able to borrow money from the Federal Reserve at less than 4.5%.
    In 2022, credit card companies generated an incredible $130 billion in interest and fees. Today, the American people hold a record-breaking $1.17 trillion in credit card debt. As of 2023, the average household with credit card debt has over $21,000 in credit card debt. The delinquency rate of credit cards issued by commercial banks is around 3.23%, the highest rate since 2011 in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis.
    If a consumer has a $5,000 credit card balance with a 28% interest rate and can only afford to make the minimum payment of $166 a month it would take that person over 24 years to pay off and would cost nearly $11,000 in interest. If credit card interest rates were capped to 10%, that same consumer would save over $7,000 in interest.
    Usurious credit card interest rates and sky-high fees have allowed credit card companies to make enormous profits and pay their executives exorbitant compensation packages. Over the past five years:
    Visa made $67.5 billion in profits and paid its Executive Chair and former CEO, Alfred F. Kelly, Jr., nearly $140 million in total compensation.
    Mastercard made $44.3 billion in profits and paid its CEO Michael Miebach $77.7 million in total compensation.
    American Express made $33.8 billion in profits, and paid its CEO Stephen Squeri $157.2 million in total compensation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. coal exports reached a six-year record in June 2024

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    February 4, 2025

    Gross U.S. coal exports in June 2024 totaled 10 million short tons, the most in a month since October 2018, data from our Short-Term Energy Outlook data browser show. Annual average U.S. coal exports were 9.0 million short tons in 2024. U.S. coal exports have increased each year since 2020, when they averaged 5.8 million short tons amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

    U.S. coal exports consist of both steam coal and metallurgical coal that are produced in the United States and sent to other countries. Steam coal, also known as thermal coal, is used by coal-fired power plants to generate electricity and by consumers to heat their homes or businesses. Metallurgical coal is used mainly to produce steel, so demand for metallurgical coal closely follows demand for steel.

    In our Short-Term Energy Outlook, we forecast that U.S. coal exports will exceed 10.0 million short tons in only two months during 2025 and 2026—in December of each year.

    Principal contributors: Kimberly Peterson, Kristen Tsai

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Fengate expands retirement community portfolio with the acquisition of two new properties in British Columbia

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fengate Asset Management (‘Fengate’) is pleased to announce the successful close of two premier seniors housing properties in Vancouver, British Columbia. The acquisition marks Fengate’s and Seasons Retirement Communities’ (‘Seasons’) first venture into the British Columbia market, further growing its portfolio of retirement communities across Canada.

    The new properties, Seasons Arbutus Walk and Seasons Wesbrook Village, collectively offer 295 rental suites and 88 managed condominium suites located in two of Vancouver’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, offering residents easy access to parks, local amenities, and cultural attractions.

    Fengate and Seasons are managing this investment on behalf of their investors, including the LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada (‘LPFCEC’).

    “We are proud to build on our legacy of empowering Canada’s seniors through market-leading housing that advances Seasons’ mission of affecting positive change in the lives of this vital and growing community,” said Joseph Mancinelli, International Vice President and Regional Manager for Central and Eastern Canada at LiUNA.

    “This acquisition is transformational for Fengate and Seasons as we build the foundation for our growth in British Columbia. Fengate and Seasons are well positioned to capitalize on the growing seniors’ demographic in this key strategic growth market and across Canada,” said Jaime McKenna, President Fengate Real Estate.

    “Seasons is pleased to continue to work with Fengate to diversify our portfolio of quality retirement communities,” said Michael Lavallée, Chief Executive Officer at Seasons Retirement Communities.

    “Our best-in-class management team is committed to collaborating with our communities to provide residents with a continuum of care within a warm, welcoming, and vibrant atmosphere that embodies the Seasons promise.”

    Established in 2009 by Fengate, Seasons Retirement Communities is a Canadian company that currently owns and operates 25 retirement communities across Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, with more developments underway. Seasons is dedicated to addressing the needs of Canada’s aging population by offering exceptional seniors housing and services.

    MEDIA CONTACT

    Matthew Ventura
    Director, Communications and Marketing, Real Estate
    Fengate Asset Management
    matthew.ventura@fengate.com
    416-432-6194

    About the LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada

    Established in 1972, the LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada (LPFCEC) is one of the fastest growing multi-employer pension funds across Canada, voted top 10 pension funds by Benefits Canada. With a diverse investment portfolio and over $12 billion in assets, LPFCEC has yielded positive returns for the plan, great work opportunities for LiUNA members, and has created many needed institutions across North America through a broad range of investments. Learn more at lpfcec.org.

    About Fengate Asset Management

    Fengate is a leading alternative investment manager, with more than $40 billion of assets under management, focused on infrastructure, private equity, and real estate strategies. With offices and team members in Canada and the United States, Fengate has a proven track record of successful projects and partnerships and an established reputation as one of the most active real asset investors and developers in North America. Fengate Real Estate, a division of Fengate Asset Management, is a fully integrated real estate investment, development and asset management platform with a $20 billion portfolio, including a 25,000+ residential unit pipeline and 5M+ square feet of industrial space in varying stages of development. Learn more at fengate.com.

    About Seasons Retirement Communities

    Established in 2009, Seasons is a Canadian company that operates 15 retirement residences in Ontario, eight residences in Alberta, and two in British Columbia, with more under development. Our management team has extensive experience in the senior housing sector and has developed a culture dedicated to providing residents with superior customer service. At Seasons, we want our residents to feel proud to call us home and to know they are surrounded by people who genuinely care. Connect. Care. Change®.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/83e9e1fe-ce65-4988-aa79-2d431daa80e1
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/09619cb9-0b02-456e-aa3e-aaa24488aa2b

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: 2025 Best of Legal™ Award Winners Achieve Superior Ratings for Client and Employee Experience

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ClearlyRated®, the leading provider of client and employee satisfaction surveys and service quality benchmarking for law firms, announced the winners of their inaugural Best of Legal™ award today on ClearlyRated.com.

    “The remarkable achievements of our 2025 Best of Legal winners deserve the highest recognition,” said ClearlyRated CEO, Baker Nanduru. “These industry leaders have proven through independently verified service ratings that excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s their standard operating procedure. As we celebrate this year’s honorees, we’re inspired by their commitment to consistently delivering exceptional experiences that shape the future of the legal industry.”

    The 2025 Best of Legal award program recognizes client and employee satisfaction leaders in the legal industry. Participating firms use the Net Promoter® Score (NPS®) methodology to collect feedback and measure satisfaction of their clients and/or internal employees. Only firms that earned exceptional satisfaction ratings that outpace industry benchmarks for service qualified for the 2025 Best of Legal award.

    According to ClearlyRated’s latest survey data, 2025 Best of Legal winners have a Net Promoter® Score 90% higher than the industry average. Fewer than 1% of all law firms in the U.S. and Canada achieve Best of Legal for client or employee satisfaction.

    About ClearlyRated
    ClearlyRated is a leading provider of client satisfaction surveys and service quality research for law firms and other professional service providers. We help firms leverage the Net Promoter® Score survey methodology to gain deep insights, identify strengths and weaknesses, fuel data-driven action, build reputation and future-proof their organizations with third-party validation.

    About Best of Legal
    ClearlyRated’s Best of Legal Award is the only award in the U.S. and Canada that recognizes law firms that have proven superior service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients. Award winners are showcased by city and area of expertise on ClearlyRated.com—an online business directory that helps buyers of professional services find service leaders and vet prospective firms with the help of validated client ratings and testimonials.

    Net promoter, NPS, and Net Promoter Score are trademarks of Satmetrix Systems, Inc., Bain & Company, and Fred Reichheld.

    Contact
    Stephen Banbury, VP of Marketing
    P (503) 977-6295
    stephen.banbury@clearlyrated.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: 2025 Best of HR Services™ Award Winners Achieve Superior Ratings for Client Experience

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ClearlyRated®, the leading provider of client and employee satisfaction surveys and service quality benchmarking for HR Services firms, announced the winners of their 7th annual Best of HR Services™ award today on ClearlyRated.com.

    “The remarkable achievements of our 2025 Best of HR Services winners deserve the highest recognition,” said ClearlyRated CEO, Baker Nanduru. “These industry leaders have proven through independently verified service ratings that excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s their standard operating procedure. As we celebrate this year’s honorees, we’re inspired by their commitment to consistently delivering exceptional experiences that shape the future of the HR services industry.”

    The 2025 Best of HR Services award program recognizes client satisfaction leaders in the outsourced HR services industry. Participating firms use the Net Promoter® Score (NPS®) methodology to collect feedback and measure satisfaction of their clients and/or internal employees. Only firms that earned exceptional satisfaction ratings that outpace industry benchmarks for service qualified for the 2025 Best of HR Services award.

    According to ClearlyRated’s latest survey data, 2025 Best of HR Services winners have a Net Promoter® Score that is 50% higher than the industry average. Fewer than 1% of all outsourced HR services firms in the U.S. and Canada achieve Best of HR Services.

    About ClearlyRated
    ClearlyRated is a leading provider of client satisfaction surveys and service quality research for HR service firms and other professional service providers. We help firms leverage the Net Promoter® Score survey methodology to gain deep insights, identify strengths and weaknesses, fuel data-driven action, build reputation and future-proof their organizations with third-party validation.

    About Best of HR Services
    ClearlyRated’s Best of HR Services Award is the only award in the U.S. and Canada that recognizes HR service firms that have proven superior service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients. Award winners are showcased by city and area of expertise on ClearlyRated.com—an online business directory that helps buyers of professional services find service leaders and vet prospective firms with the help of validated client ratings and testimonials.

    Net promoter, NPS, and Net Promoter Score are trademarks of Satmetrix Systems, Inc., Bain & Company, and Fred Reichheld.

    Contact
    Stephen Banbury, VP of Marketing
    P (503) 977-6295
    stephen.banbury@clearlyrated.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: 2025 Best of Insurance™ Award Winners Achieve Superior Ratings for Client Experience

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ClearlyRated®, a leading provider of client and employee satisfaction surveys and service quality research for professional service providers in the U.S. and Canada, announced the winners of their second annual Best of Insurance™ award today on ClearlyRated.com.

    The 2025 Best of Insurance award recognizes service leaders in the insurance industry based exclusively on satisfaction ratings provided by their clients. Utilizing a transparent, validated, and unbiased approach to measuring the client experience, Best of Insurance winners have proven that the service they deliver outpaces the rest of the industry. Clients who work with the 2025 Best of Insurance winners are 50% more likely to be completely satisfied with the services provided than the 2024 industry average. Fewer than 1% of all insurance firms in the U.S. and Canada achieve Best of Insurance.

    “The remarkable achievements of our 2025 Best of Insurance winners deserve the highest recognition,” said ClearlyRated CEO, Baker Nanduru. “These industry leaders have proven through independently verified service ratings that excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s their standard operating procedure. As we celebrate this year’s honorees, we’re inspired by their commitment to consistently delivering exceptional experiences that shape the future of the insurance industry.”

    About ClearlyRated
    ClearlyRated is a leading provider of client satisfaction surveys and service quality research for commercial insurance brokers and other professional service firms. We help firms leverage the Net Promoter® Score survey methodology to gain deep insights, identify strengths and weaknesses, fuel data-driven action, build reputation and future-proof their organizations with third-party validation.

    About Best of Insurance
    The Best of Insurance Award is the only award in the U.S. and Canada that recognizes commercial insurance providers that have proven superior service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients. Award winners are showcased by city and area of expertise on ClearlyRated.com—an online business directory that helps buyers of professional services find service leaders and vet prospective firms with the help of validated client ratings and testimonials.

    Net promoter, NPS, and Net Promoter Score are trademarks of Satmetrix Systems, Inc., Bain & Company, and Fred Reichheld.

    Contact
    Stephen Banbury, VP of Marketing
    P (503) 977-6295
    stephen.banbury@clearlyrated.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: 2025 Best of Accounting™ Award Winners Achieve Superior Ratings for Client and Employee Experience

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ClearlyRated®, the leading provider of client and employee satisfaction surveys and service quality benchmarking for accounting firms, announced the winners of their 12th annual Best of Accounting™ award today on ClearlyRated.com.

    “The remarkable achievements of our 2025 Best of Accounting winners deserve the highest recognition,” said ClearlyRated CEO, Baker Nanduru. “These industry leaders have proven through independently verified service ratings that excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s their standard operating procedure. As we celebrate this year’s honorees, we’re inspired by their commitment to consistently delivering exceptional experiences that shape the future of the accounting industry.”

    The 2025 Best of Accounting award program recognizes client and employee satisfaction leaders in the accounting industry. Participating firms use the Net Promoter® Score (NPS®) methodology to collect feedback and measure satisfaction of their clients and/or internal employees. Only firms that earned exceptional satisfaction ratings that outpace industry benchmarks for service qualified for the 2025 Best of Accounting award.

    According to ClearlyRated’s latest survey data, clients of 2025 Best of Accounting winners for client satisfaction are 60% more likely to be completely satisfied with the services provided than the 2024 industry average. Fewer than 1% of all accounting firms in the U.S. and Canada achieve Best of Accounting for client or employee satisfaction.

    About ClearlyRated
    ClearlyRated is a leading provider of client satisfaction surveys and service quality research for accounting and other professional service providers. We help firms leverage the Net Promoter® Score survey methodology to gain deep insights, identify strengths and weaknesses, fuel data-driven action, build reputation and future-proof their organizations with third-party validation.

    About Best of Accounting
    ClearlyRated’s Best of Accounting Award is the only award in the U.S. and Canada that recognizes public accounting firms that have proven superior service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients. Award winners are showcased by city and area of expertise on ClearlyRated.com/accounting—an online business directory that helps buyers of professional services find service leaders and vet prospective firms with the help of validated client ratings and testimonials.

    Net promoter, NPS, and Net Promoter Score are trademarks of Satmetrix Systems, Inc., Bain & Company, and Fred Reichheld.

    Contact
    Stephen Banbury, VP of Marketing
    P (503) 977-6295
    Stephen.banbury@clearlyrated.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: 2025 Best of IT Services™ Award Winners Achieve Superior Ratings for Client and Employee Experience

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ClearlyRated®, the leading provider of client and employee satisfaction surveys and service quality benchmarking for IT Services firms, announced the winners of their inaugural Best of IT Services™ award today on ClearlyRated.com.

    “The remarkable achievements of our 2025 Best of IT Services winners deserve the highest recognition,” said ClearlyRated CEO, Baker Nanduru. “These industry leaders have proven through independently verified service ratings that excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s their standard operating procedure. As we celebrate this year’s honorees, we’re inspired by their commitment to consistently delivering exceptional experiences that shape the future of the IT services industry.”

    The 2025 Best of IT Services award program recognizes client and employee satisfaction leaders in the IT services industry. Participating firms use the Net Promoter® Score (NPS®) methodology to collect feedback and measure satisfaction of their clients and/or internal employees. Only firms that earned exceptional satisfaction ratings that outpace industry benchmarks for service qualified for the 2025 Best of IT Services award.

    According to ClearlyRated’s latest survey data, clients of 2025 Best of IT Services winners for client satisfaction are 70% more likely to be completely satisfied with the services provided than the 2024 industry average. Fewer than 1% of all accounting firms in the U.S. and Canada achieve Best of IT Services for client or employee satisfaction.

    About ClearlyRated
    ClearlyRated is a leading provider of client satisfaction surveys and service quality research for IT and other professional service providers. We help firms leverage the Net Promoter® Score survey methodology to gain deep insights, identify strengths and weaknesses, fuel data-driven action, build reputation and future-proof their organizations with third-party validation.

    About Best of IT Services
    The Best of IT Services Award is the only award in the U.S. and Canada that recognizes IT services firms that have proven superior service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients. Award winners are showcased by city and area of expertise on ClearlyRated.com—an online business directory that helps buyers of professional services find service leaders and vet prospective firms with the help of validated client ratings and testimonials.

    Net promoter, NPS, and Net Promoter Score are trademarks of Satmetrix Systems, Inc., Bain & Company, and Fred Reichheld.

    Contact
    Stephen Banbury, VP of Marketing
    P (503) 977-6295
    stephen.banbury@clearlyrated.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: 2025 Best of Staffing® Award Winners Achieve Superior Ratings for Client, Talent, and Employee Experience

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ClearlyRated, the leading provider of client, talent, and employee satisfaction surveys and service quality benchmarking for staffing firms, announced the winners of their 15th annual Best of Staffing® award winners today on ClearlyRated.com.

    “The remarkable achievements of our 2025 Best of Staffing winners deserve the highest recognition,” said ClearlyRated CEO, Baker Nanduru. “These industry leaders have proven through independently verified service ratings that excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s their standard operating procedure. As we celebrate this year’s honorees, we’re inspired by their commitment to consistently delivering exceptional experiences that shape the future of the staffing & recruiting industry.”

    The 2025 Best of Staffing award recognizes client, placed talent, and employee satisfaction leaders in the staffing industry. Participating firms use the Net Promoter® Score (NPS®) methodology to collect feedback and measure satisfaction of their clients, placed talent, and/or internal employees. Only firms that earned exceptional satisfaction ratings that outpace industry benchmarks for service qualified for the 2025 Best of Staffing award.

    According to ClearlyRated’s latest survey data, clients of these winning staffing and recruiting agencies are 50% more likely to report complete satisfaction with the services provided, compared to the industry average for 2024. Similarly, candidates placed by these agencies experience 60% more satisfaction than the 2024 industry average.

    About ClearlyRated
    ClearlyRated administers more staffing agency and talent satisfaction surveys than any other firm in the world, reporting on more than 1.2 million satisfaction surveys from staffing agency clients, job seekers, and internal staff each year. ClearlyRated’s online survey platform helps firms utilize the Net Promoter® Score methodology to gain deep insights, identify strengths and weaknesses, fuel data-driven action, build reputation and future-proof their organizations with third-party validation.

    About Best of Staffing
    ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing® Award is the only award in the U.S. and Canada that recognizes staffing agencies that have proven superior service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients, placed talent, and internal employees. Award winners are showcased by city and area of expertise on http://clearlyrated.com/staffing—an online business directory that helps buyers of professional services find service leaders and vet prospective firms with the help of validated client ratings and testimonials.

    Net promoter, NPS, and Net Promoter Score are trademarks of Satmetrix Systems, Inc., Bain & Company, and Fred Reichheld.

    Contact
    Stephen Banbury, VP of Marketing
    P (503) 977-6295
    Stephen.banbury@clearlyrated.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Franklin Electric Schedules its Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Earnings Release and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORT WAYNE, Ind., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE) will release its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 earnings at 8:00 am ET on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. A conference call to review earnings and other developments in the business will commence at 9:00 am ET. The fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 earnings call will be available via a live webcast. The webcast will be available in a listen only mode by going to:

    https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/9jnstij5

    For those interested in participating in the question-and-answer portion of the call, please register for the call at the link below.

    https://register.vevent.com/register/BI4b232e4ceea6435ba8f046e92e18e563

    All registrants will receive dial-in information and a PIN allowing them to access the live call. It is recommended that you join 10 minutes prior to the event start (although you may register and dial in at any time during the call).

    A replay of the conference call will be available from Tuesday, February 18, 2025, through 9:00 am ET on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, by visiting the listen-only webcast link above.

    About Franklin Electric
    Franklin Electric is a global leader in the production and marketing of systems and components for the movement of water and energy. Recognized as a technical leader in its products and services, Franklin Electric serves customers around the world in residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and fueling applications. Franklin Electric is proud to be named in Newsweek’s lists of America’s Most Responsible Companies and Most Trustworthy Companies for 2024 and America’s Climate Leaders 2024 by USA Today.

    “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements contained herein, including those relating to market conditions or the Company’s financial results, costs, expenses or expense reductions, profit margins, inventory levels, foreign currency translation rates, liquidity expectations, business goals and sales growth, involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, risks and uncertainties with respect to general economic and currency conditions, various conditions specific to the Company’s business and industry, weather conditions, new housing starts, market demand, competitive factors, changes in distribution channels, supply constraints, effect of price increases, raw material costs, technology factors, integration of acquisitions, litigation, government and regulatory actions, the Company’s accounting policies, future trends, epidemics and pandemics, and other risks which are detailed in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, included in Item 1A of Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, Exhibit 99.1 attached thereto and in Item 1A of Part II of the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements made herein are based on information currently available, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

    CONTACT: Jeff Taylor
    Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
    260.824.2900

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: 2025 Best of RPO™ Award Winners Achieve Superior Ratings for Client Experience

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ClearlyRated®, a leading provider of client and employee satisfaction surveys and service quality research for professional service providers in the U.S. and Canada, announced the winners of their 5th annual Best of RPO™ award today on ClearlyRated.com/.

    “The remarkable achievements of our 2025 Best of RPO winners deserve the highest recognition,” said ClearlyRated CEO, Baker Nanduru. “These industry leaders have proven through independently verified service ratings that excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s their standard operating procedure. As we celebrate this year’s honorees, we’re inspired by their commitment to consistently delivering exceptional experiences that shape the future of the RPO industry.”

    The 2025 Best of RPO award program – supported by the Recruitment Process Outsourcing Association (the RPOA) – recognizes client and employee satisfaction leaders in the recruitment process outsourcing industry. Participating firms use the Net Promoter® Score (NPS®) methodology to collect feedback and measure satisfaction of their clients and/or internal employees. Only firms that earned exceptional satisfaction ratings that outpace industry benchmarks for service qualified for the 2025 Best of RPO award.

    According to ClearlyRated’s latest survey data, 2025 Best of RPO winners have a Net Promoter® Score that is over 50% higher than the industry average.

    About ClearlyRated
    ClearlyRated is a leading provider of client satisfaction surveys and service quality research for RPOS, HR service firms, and other professional service providers. We help firms leverage the Net Promoter® Score survey methodology to gain deep insights, identify strengths and weaknesses, fuel data-driven action, build reputation and future-proof their organizations with third-party validation.

    About Best of RPO
    ClearlyRated’s Best of RPO Award is the only award in the U.S. and Canada that recognizes RPO firms that have proven superior service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients. Award winners are showcased by city and area of expertise on ClearlyRated.com—an online business directory that helps buyers of professional services find service leaders and vet prospective firms with the help of validated client ratings and testimonials.

    Net promoter, NPS, and Net Promoter Score are trademarks of Satmetrix Systems, Inc., Bain & Company, and Fred Reichheld.

    Contact
    Stephen Banbury, VP of Marketing
    P (503) 977-6295
    stephen.banbury@clearlyrated.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Sunrun’s Power Plant Programs Complete Successful 2024 with Expansion and Innovation To Support Power Grids Across the Country

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sunrun (Nasdaq: RUN), the nation’s leading provider of clean energy as a subscription service, announced today that its growing portfolio of virtual power plants (VPPs) successfully supported power grids across the country in 2024 with a combined instantaneous peak of nearly 80 megawatts—a capacity greater than many traditional fossil-fuel power plants. These innovative programs leveraged Sunrun’s fleet of residential solar and battery systems—the largest in America—empowering customers to generate, store, and share their own solar energy.

    In 2024, more than 20,000 Sunrun customers participated in 16 virtual power plant programs across nine states and territories. From California and Texas to Puerto Rico and New England, the customers’ batteries supplied on-demand, stored solar energy to augment power resources during hundreds of critical energy events.

    “Utilities are at a point where they can’t grow fast enough for the increased demand for electricity, which is why they are coming to Sunrun for help,” said Sunrun CEO Mary Powell. “Our power plant portfolio is at an inflection point because we have the resources and expertise to quickly develop, deploy, and scale programs to provide smart, controllable load. Combining solar with storage not only provides American families with energy independence and peace of mind, but also the ability to support the grid when it’s needed most.”

    Extreme weather events and soaring electricity demand underscore the importance for these power plant programs. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation warns that over half the U.S. faces blackout risks in the next decade due to capacity shortfalls, as peak demand continues to climb with the rise of artificial intelligence, domestic manufacturing growth, and electrification of the economy. According to the Department of Energy, data center load growth has tripled over the past decade and is expected to more than double by 2028.

    Sunrun’s 2024 virtual power plant initiatives have demonstrated the ability to enhance grid reliability, lower harmful emissions, and decrease costs for all electricity customers. Notable examples of performance include:

    • California: Over 16,000 Sunrun customers participating in California’s statewide CalReady program—the nation’s largest single-owner virtual power plant—delivering an average of 48 megawatts of stored solar energy to the grid during peak evening hours in the summer months. Output peaked at 54 megawatts, enough to power approximately 48,000 homes—equivalent to a city the size of Santa Monica.
    • Puerto Rico: Over 4,000 customers’ batteries participating in Sunrun’s PowerOn Puerto Rico program provided vital backup energy to the island’s grid during more than 70 energy shortfall events. Within just an hour’s notice, Sunrun dispatched its batteries as a single power plant to avoid rolling blackouts to help keep the lights on for communities across Puerto Rico.
    • Texas: Sunrun partnered with Tesla Electric, a retail electricity provider operated by Tesla Energy Ventures LLC, a subsidiary of Tesla, Inc., and Vistra on two virtual power plants in the Lone Star State. Still growing, the Tesla Electric program leverages home batteries to provide reserves during peak consumption. Customers receive an annual payment, currently set at $400 per Powerwall, while Sunrun earns recurring revenue through the program. The Vistra partnership also offers customers financial incentives and credits.
    • New York: Sunrun activated the state’s largest residential virtual power plant in collaboration with Orange & Rockland Utilities, Inc., a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc. Over 300 solar-plus-storage systems provided stored solar energy during peak demand events in the summer. Participating customers received a free or heavily discounted home battery in exchange for their commitment to the 10-year program, while Sunrun received upfront payments from O&R.
    • Maryland: Sunrun launched the nation’s first bidirectional electric vehicle-to-home virtual power plant, partnering with Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation, to utilize a small group of customer-owned Ford F-150 Lightnings. BGE was awarded grant funding from the Department of Energy to create the program, and Sunrun developed and operated this first-in-the-nation electric vehicle VPP. Participating customers earned several hundred dollars by sharing energy from their F-150 Lightning trucks.

    “My wife and I earned nearly $1,700 just by sharing the energy from our Ford Lightning,” said Sunrun customer Brian Foreman. “It’s exciting to be an early adopter of this technology and making extra money with our electric truck is just an added bonus.”

    “Sunrun is executing its virtual power plant strategy at a scale that is unmatched, and we’re excited to monetize more battery assets and secure additional, recurring revenue streams in 2025,” said Sunrun President and Chief Revenue Officer Paul Dickson. “With over half of new Sunrun customers installing storage, we are laying a strong foundation to create future programs where there is value for our customers, benefit to the grid, and revenue for Sunrun.”

    Sunrun’s storage-first approach has positioned it to become one of the nation’s largest distributed power providers, serving as a vital resource for utilities and grid operators in protecting Americans from outages, pollution, and rising energy costs. Peak season customer enrollment in Sunrun’s power-sharing programs grew approximately 100% year-over-year in 2024.

    “Sunrun is the industry leader, and we’re proving that every utility can and should have a virtual power plant program,” said Chris Rauscher, head of Grid Services at Sunrun. “Our largest and most successful programs are in Puerto Rico and California—places with vastly different power grids—but both equally benefiting from Sunrun customers’ solar-plus-storage systems being networked together to augment supply. I want to thank our amazing team which has turned the dream of VPPs into a reality.”

    About Sunrun
    Sunrun Inc. (Nasdaq: RUN) revolutionized the solar industry in 2007 by removing financial barriers and democratizing access to locally-generated, renewable energy. Today, Sunrun is the nation’s leading provider of clean energy as a subscription service, offering residential solar and storage with no upfront costs. Sunrun’s innovative products and solutions can connect homes to the cleanest energy on earth, providing them with energy security, predictability, and peace of mind. Sunrun also manages energy services that benefit communities, utilities, and the electric grid while enhancing customer value. Discover more at www.sunrun.com.

    Media Contact
    Wyatt Semanek
    Director, Corporate Communications
    press@sunrun.com

    Investor & Analyst Contact
    Patrick Jobin
    SVP, Deputy CFO & Investor Relations Officer
    investors@sunrun.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Agnico Eagle and O3 Mining Announce Subsequent Acquisition Transaction and Completion of Offer

    Source: Agnico Eagle Mines

    • The Offer has now expired and Agnico Eagle has taken-up and acquired 95.6% of the issued and outstanding O3 Mining shares
    • Agnico Eagle and O3 Mining will enter into an amalgamation agreement under which Agnico Eagle will acquire all remaining O3 Mining shares by way of amalgamation
    • Remaining O3 Mining shares (other than shares held by dissenting shareholders) and warrantholders who exercise their warrants after the amalgamation will receive $1.67 per share in cash
    • Questions or Need Assistance? Contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group for assistance at 1-877-452-7184 or email assistance@laurelhill.com 

    (All amounts expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted)

    TORONTO, Feb. 4, 2025 /CNW/ – Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) (TSX: AEM) (“Agnico Eagle“) and O3 Mining Inc. (TSXV: OIII) (OTCQX: OIIIF) (“O3 Mining“) are pleased to jointly announce the expiry of Agnico Eagle’s board-supported take-over bid (the “Offer“) for all of the outstanding common shares of O3 Mining (the “Common Shares“) for $1.67 in cash per Common Share. Agnico Eagle has taken-up and acquired an aggregate of 114,785,237 Common Shares that were tendered to the Offer, representing approximately 95.6% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a basic basis. As a result, as of the date hereof, Agnico Eagle beneficially owns, and exercises control and direction over, an aggregate of 115,842,990 Common Shares, representing approximately 96.5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a basic basis. This includes the additional 4,360,806 Common Shares (the “Deposited Shares“) tendered to the Offer during the mandatory 10-day extension period that expired at 11:59 p.m. (EST) on February 3, 2025. The aggregate consideration payable for the Deposited Shares is $7,282,546. Agnico Eagle will pay for the Deposited Shares by February 6, 2025.

    Subsequent Acquisition Transaction

    Agnico Eagle Abitibi Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Agnico Eagle, and O3 Mining will amalgamate under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) (the “Amalgamation“), with the amalgamated entity (“Amalco“) becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Agnico Eagle. The Amalgamation will constitute the subsequent acquisition transaction contemplated by the Offer (the “Subsequent Acquisition Transaction“), by which Agnico Eagle will acquire ownership of 100% of the Common Shares.

    Each O3 Mining shareholder (other than Agnico Eagle and any O3 Mining shareholder who validly exercises dissent rights in relation to the Amalgamation) will, upon completion of the Amalgamation, receive one redeemable preferred share of Amalco (each, a “Redeemable Preferred Share“) for each Common Share held immediately prior to the effective time of the Amalgamation. The Redeemable Preferred Shares will be automatically redeemed effective immediately following the effective time of the Amalgamation for $1.67 in cash per Redeemable Preferred Share (the “Redemption Consideration“) held immediately prior to the effective time of the Amalgamation. The Redemption Consideration is the same as the consideration that was offered to O3 Mining shareholders under the Offer.

    The Amalgamation must be approved by (i) at least two-thirds of the votes cast by O3 Mining shareholders at a special meeting of O3 Mining shareholders (the “Meeting“) and (ii) a simple majority of the votes cast by O3 Mining shareholders at the Meeting, excluding votes from O3 Mining shareholders required to be excluded by Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Securityholders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101“). As Agnico Eagle beneficially owns, and exercises control and direction over, Common Shares carrying more than two-thirds of the votes attached to all of the issued and outstanding Common Shares and the Common Shares taken-up and acquired under the Offer represent more than a majority of the votes attached to the Common Shares that may be voted in the “minority” vote under MI 61-101, Agnico Eagle is able to ensure the successful outcome of the shareholder votes in respect of the Amalgamation. The O3 Mining board recommends that O3 Mining shareholders vote FOR the Amalgamation.

    Additional information regarding the terms of the amalgamation agreement and the Amalgamation will be provided in the management information circular of O3 Mining (the “Circular“) for the Meeting. It is anticipated that the Circular will be mailed to O3 Mining shareholders in February 2025 and the Meeting will be held in March 2025. Copies of the amalgamation agreement and the Circular will be made available on O3 Mining’s issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    The Amalgamation is expected to close prior to March 31, 2025. Following completion of the Amalgamation, the Common Shares will be de-listed from the TSX Venture Exchange and O3 Mining will make an application to the Ontario Securities Commission to cease to be a reporting issuer under Canadian securities laws. Upon O3 Mining ceasing to be a reporting issuer, O3 Mining will no longer be subject to the ongoing continuous disclosure and reporting obligations currently imposed on O3 Mining as a reporting issuer and will be a private company that is wholly-owned by Agnico Eagle.

    Information for Warrantholders

    Certain Common Share purchase warrants of O3 Mining (the “Warrants“) remain issued and outstanding, which are governed in accordance with the warrant indenture dated August 28, 2024 between O3 Mining and Odyssey Trust Company, as warrant agent. These Warrants are exercisable at $1.45 per Warrant until August 28, 2026. O3 Mining intends to enter into a supplemental indenture to provide that holders of such Warrants will receive, on exercise of their Warrants in lieu of Common Shares, $1.67 in cash following the Amalgamation.

    Updated Early Warning Disclosure Regarding O3 Mining

    Immediately prior to the take-up of the Deposited Shares under the Offer, Agnico Eagle beneficially owned, and exercised control and direction over, 111,482,184 Common Shares, representing approximately 92.9% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a basic basis, and 270,000 Warrants exercisable for an aggregate of 270,000 Common Shares at an exercise price of $1.45 per Warrant. In addition, Agnico Eagle holds a convertible senior unsecured debenture in the principal amount of $10,000,000 dated June 19, 2023 (the “Convertible Debenture“). Assuming the full exercise of all Warrants held by Agnico Eagle and the full conversion of the Convertible Debenture immediately prior to the take-up of Deposited Shares under the Offer, Agnico Eagle would beneficially own, and exercise control and direction over, 116,630,233 Common Shares, representing approximately 93.1% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a partially-diluted basis.

    Agnico Eagle acquired an additional 4,360,806 Deposited Shares pursuant to the Offer during the mandatory 10-day extension period, representing all of the Common Shares validly deposited and not withdrawn as of 11:59 p.m. (EST) on February 3, 2025, for aggregate consideration of $7,282,546 in cash. As a result, as of the date hereof, Agnico Eagle beneficially owns, and exercises control and direction over, an aggregate of 115,842,990 Common Shares, representing approximately 96.5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a basic basis. Assuming the full exercise of all Warrants held by Agnico Eagle and the full conversion of the Convertible Debenture, Agnico Eagle would beneficially own, and exercise control and direction over, 120,991,039 Common Shares, representing approximately 96.6% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a partially-diluted basis.

    An early warning report in respect of the foregoing will be filed by Agnico Eagle in accordance with applicable securities laws. To obtain a copy of the early warning report, please contact:

    Agnico Eagle Mines Limited
    c/o Investor Relations
    145 King Street East, Suite 400
    Toronto, Ontario M5C 2Y7
    Telephone: 416-947-1212
    Email: investor.relations@agnicoeagle.com

    Agnico Eagle’s head office is located at 145 King Street East, Suite 400, Toronto, Ontario M5C 2Y7. O3 Mining’s head office is located at 155 University Avenue, Suite 1440, Toronto, Ontario M5H 3B7.

    Advisors

    Edgehill Advisory Ltd. is acting as financial advisor to Agnico Eagle. Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP is acting as legal advisor to Agnico Eagle.

    Maxit Capital is acting as financial advisor to O3 Mining. Bennett Jones LLP is acting as legal advisor to O3 Mining. Fort Capital is acting as financial advisor to the Special Committee of independent directors of O3 Mining. Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP is acting as legal advisor to the Special Committee.

    Odyssey Trust Company will act as depositary for the Amalgamation and Laurel Hill Advisory Group is acting as information agent. If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group, by phone at 1-877-452-7187 or by e-mail at assistance@laurelhill.com.

    About O3 Mining Inc.

    O3 Mining Inc. is a gold explorer and mine developer in Québec, Canada, adjacent to Agnico Eagle’s Canadian Malartic mine. O3 Mining owns a 100% interest in all its properties (128,680 hectares) in Québec. Its principal asset is the Marban Alliance project in Québec, which O3 Mining has advanced over the last five years to the cusp of its next stage of development, with the expectation that the project will deliver long-term benefits to stakeholders.

    About Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

    Agnico Eagle is a Canadian based and led senior gold mining company and the third largest gold producer in the world, producing precious metals from operations in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico, with a pipeline of high-quality exploration and development projects. Agnico Eagle is a partner of choice within the mining industry, recognized globally for its leading sustainability practices. Agnico Eagle was founded in 1957 and has consistently created value for its shareholders, declaring a cash dividend every year since 1983.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation that is based on current expectations, estimates, projections, and interpretations about future events as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking information and statements are based on estimates of management by O3 Mining and Agnico Eagle, at the time they were made, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the structure, consideration, timing and completion (if at all) of the Subsequent Acquisition Transaction; the ability of Agnico Eagle to complete the Subsequent Acquisition Transaction to acquire 100% of O3 Mining by way of the Amalgamation (if at all); and the timing of the mailing of the Circular, the Meeting and completing the Amalgamation. Material factors or assumptions that were applied in formulating the forward-looking information contained herein include, without limitation, the expectations and beliefs of Agnico Eagle and O3 Mining that any second-step transaction will be successful and the ability to achieve goals, including the integration of the Marban Alliance property to the Canadian Malartic land package and the ability to realize synergies arising therefrom. Agnico Eagle and O3 Mining caution that the foregoing list of material factors and assumptions is not exhaustive. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what Agnico Eagle and O3 Mining believe, or believed at the time, to be reasonable expectations and assumptions, there is no assurance that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither O3 Mining, nor Agnico Eagle nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. O3 Mining and Agnico Eagle do not undertake, and assume no obligation, to update or revise any such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to be a forecast, projection or estimate of the future financial performance of Agnico Eagle or any of its affiliates or O3 Mining.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

    View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/agnico-eagle-and-o3-mining-announce-subsequent-acquisition-transaction-and-completion-of-offer-302367380.html

    SOURCE Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MLK Legacy Awards Presented at Living Legacy Convocation

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    UConn’s MLK Legacy Awards for 2025 were presented on Friday, Jan. 31 during a ceremony at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts. The ceremony was part of the MLK Living Legacy Convocation, which featured Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Todd Dulaney and UConn’s Voices of Freedom gospel choir.

    The MLK Legacy Awards at UConn are presented by the Office for Diversity and Inclusion and recognize members of the community who have demonstrated a commitment to raising awareness, fighting injustices, assisting their communities, and embodying the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy of nonviolence. The awards affirm and honor work and a continued dedication to making communities just, equitable, and fair for all people.

    This year’s winners by category are:

    Undergraduate Student – Andy Zhang ’26 (CLAS)

    Zhang is pursuing dual degrees in economics and environmental sciences. The Sandy Hook native works as an intern in the Office of Sustainability and is the founder and president of the UConn chapter of Plant Futures. He is also an intern with Friends of the Earth. Zhang is passionate about progressive policy and food advocacy and hopes to pursue a career focused on creating equitable and sustainable food systems through innovative policy solutions.

    Graduate Student – Adanma Akoma

    Akoma is a doctoral student in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and focuses on advanced characterization of materials used for industries that include energy and biomedicine. She serves as the president of BlackSTEM – a group for Black scholars pursuing graduate degrees in the STEM field and is the creative director and founder of the Writing Black Collective (WBC).  Her most recent project for WBC provides a platform for a cohort of writers that aim to demystify the challenges that are often faced by minority students in pursuit of doctoral degrees.

    Community Member – Nelson Merchan

    Merchan is a business advisor at UConn’s Small Business Development Center. In 2019, he was recognized as the state’s top business advisor for securing the highest lending impact. Merchan is a board member of the Western Connecticut State University Foundation, Housatonic Habitat for Humanity, and Housatonic Industrial Corp. Merchan has participated in entrepreneurship development programs in Costa Rica, Chile, and El Salvador.

    Alumni – N. Chineye (Chi) Anako ’12 (CLAS)

    Anako is a public health practitioner whose work has focused on the intersection of public health and health equity solutions. She is currently the regional director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Trinity Health. She also serves as administrator of the 3+1 Language Services Program at the organization, which provides cultural and linguistic services to patients. Anako serves on the board of the Copper Beech Institute and Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut.

    Faculty – Kate Capshaw

    Capshaw is associate dean of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She has shaped cluster hires that brought new faculty to UConn, worked with departments on inclusion, and supported research and pedagogy on diverse topics and approaches. She is a professor of English and social and critical inquiry, teaching courses on Black youth culture, the graphic novel, and youth literatures. Her research focuses on the role of Black childhood to social justice movements, and she has published books on the Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights Movement, and 19thcentury Black childhoods, along with  dozens of essays on race, culture, and creativity.

    Staff – Alexis T. R. Monteiro

    Monteiro is a residence hall director committed to fostering equitable and developmental spaces for students and professionals. A first-generation First Year Experience instructor, Monteiro champions impactful initiatives like the prayer room and “Humans of UConn” art exhibit in McMahon Residence Hall. He is the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging chair of the Northeast Association of College and University Housing Officers and chair of the Black Professional Network for the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International.

    Team – College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources’ Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Strategic Vision Implementation Committee

    This committee includes faculty and staff representing the nine academic units in the college. The committee’s goal is to develop mechanisms to build systems with clear and meaningful commitment to DEIJ in the college. The group’s four priority areas are: increasing the diversity of CAHNR community; creating inclusive, culturally sustaining learning environments; identifying and addressing harmful institutional policies and practices; and creating pathways to successful community engagement.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Well-Earned Retirement for Officer Tildy

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    On Tuesday, Feb. 4, Tildy, the UConn Police Department’s first community outreach dog, will formally celebrate her retirement after seven years of serving – and delighting – the UConn community.  

    Meeting Tildy has been a staple of the UConn experience, bringing immense amounts of joy to everyone she encounters on the Great Lawn, Fairfield Way, Horsebarn Hill, and pretty much every place at UConn where crowds gather, as well as classrooms and courthouses across the state.

    Sergeant Justin Cheney with Officer Tildy of the UConn Police Department on October 19, 2020. (UConn photo/Sean Flynn)

    Tildy’s retirement is bittersweet for UConn, but for one member of the community in particular: Sergeant Justin Cheney ’07 (CLAS), her human partner ever since her arrival in 2018. Cheney has experienced so many events and moments at UConn he wouldn’t normally be part of, all thanks to Tildy. From Sunset Yoga to the Involvement Fair to HuskyTHON, students’ excitement at Tildy’s meant that Cheney was able to become even more immersed in campus life.  

    “I knew that by bringing this dog here, we’re going to get more people to engage in our events,” he says. “I never realized how much she would transcend in the sense that we would be invited to, and included in, all of these different events on campus.”

    UConn dog lovers need not despair, though: Tildy’s little sister Jazmine, a 2-year-old golden retriever, completed her training with Cheney in August 2024, and will take over as community outreach dog on a full-time basis this month. 

    Tildy wasn’t just a pioneer at UConn: Cheney and UConn piloted the Community Outreach Facility Dog Program in Connecticut. Cheney, who started at the UConn Police Department in 2015, working in the Community Outreach Department running programs and trainings, had the idea of getting a dog to assist in areas like victim support or therapy sessions, to better engage the community and enhance the approachability of Community Outreach officers. 

    UConn Police K9 Officers Jazmine and Tildy sit near Gampel Pavilion on Aug. 13, 2024. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

    Inspired by the Eastern Washington University Police Department and their yellow lab, Cheney contacted them in hopes of bringing a dog to Storrs. They directed him to Canine Companions, an organization that trains service dogs who go on to provide one-on-one assistance to people. However, not all dogs matriculate as service dogs, and sometimes need alternative placements.  

    Tildy is what is known as a Facility Dog: “A dog that has all of the training as a service dog, but would go into a larger setting to assist multiple people, instead of just assisting one person each and every day,” Cheney says.

    Today, there are now 20 handlers and teams of Community Outreach Facility Dog Programs in Connecticut. “Being the first program in the state shows our commitment to supporting our students, which really was the extra drive for wanting to organize this program,” Cheney says. “The goal was to be able to provide that additional layer of victim assistance and ensure that the dogs will always be there for these services.”

    Jonathan XIV and Tildy of the UConn Police Department share a first date on Horsebarn Hill and at the UConn Dairy Bar in 2019. (Tom Rettig/UConn Photo)

    The duo’s frequent appearances on campus have allowed Cheney to establish quality relationships with students. “We want to make sure our consistency, in terms of our presence at different events or hosting our own, hopefully goes a long way in showing the students that we care and want to be involved,” he says. “We want to participate in as many things as we can but also provide that support and assistance in any way possible.”

    When looking back on highlights of their time together, Cheney recalls the countless number of smiles he’s seen Tildy bring to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. 

    “To see that positive impact and how much she’s done at UConn makes me so happy,” he says. “I feel so lucky to be able to bring this dog around to help people, and feel so rewarded to have this experience.”

    Although Tildy’s retirement means she will not be on campus every day anymore, don’t be surprised if you see her happy face and wagging tail from time to time.

    “This is not the last time Tildy will be on campus,” Cheney says. “She’ll make her way back every once in a while for events that I know she’d love to attend.”

    Tildy’s retirement celebration will be held on Feb. 4 in the Wilbur Cross North Reading Room from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.. Join Cheney, Jazmine and other community outreach facility dogs in saying farewell to Tildy! 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Online Grad Programs Lauded for Quality, Value for Veterans

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Several of UConn’s online graduate programs are highly ranked for the quality, value, and flexibility they offer to veterans, including one that recently earned the top spot nationwide in U.S. News & World Report’s annual review.

    The UConn School of Nursing’s programs were named No. 1 for veterans wishing to pursue online graduate studies in that field, along with high rankings for others: the School of Business (no. 8); the College of Engineering (no. 22); and the business school’s MBA program (no. 62).

    The new honors underscore UConn’s strong reputation as a welcoming atmosphere for veterans both academically and socially, and as an institution that values their experience and celebrates the unique attributes they bring to the community.

    Alyssa Kelleher ’04 (CLAS) ’17 (BUS), director of UConn’s Office of Veterans Programs & Military Affairs, says her office was thrilled but not surprised that the online graduate programs performed so well in the rankings.

    “Their staff consistently collaborate with our office and have a real commitment and understanding of the big and small things that can help not only military-affiliated students, but all adult learners to be successful in challenging and in-demand programs,” Kelleher says.

    The Office of Veterans & Military Affairs helps veterans, students with active-duty or reservist status, and dependents navigate the programs and services available for their circumstances. It also creates an open and welcoming community for veterans who are UConn employees and alumni, including people serving as mentors to others.

    The support extends not only to students taking classes in person on UConn campuses, but also those learning via online programs such as those that ranked highly in the most recent U.S. News overview.

    Students who are veterans, on active duty, or in reserve status often have unique circumstances when deciding to enroll in graduate study and tend to benefit from the flexibility that online programs can offer.

    When determining which online programs best serve veterans, U.S. News assessed their quality, affordability, and accessibility in light of the special circumstances of that student population, including having access to federal GI Bill benefits and often needing the flexibility of distance learning.

    Those attributes and others helped the UConn School of Nursing’s online graduate programs rise to the top of the U.S. News list this year as the No. 1 choice for veterans studying in those fields.

    The School of Nursing’s applications have skyrocketed in recent years, and it receives strong support from alumni, including a $50 million gift that is helping to fund construction of a new building to house the school’s expanded programming.

    Its online programs in continuing education also are thriving and include family nurse practitioner, adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, nurse educator, neonatal nurse practitioner, and nurse leader.

    “The School of Nursing’s online MS program provides a supportive online environment for all veterans and members of the military who attend UConn. Additionally, the University’s commitment to veteran support services makes it a top choice for those looking to further their careers in nursing,” says Annette Jakubišin Konicki, the school’s associate dean of graduate studies.

    In assessing how online graduate programs fit veterans’ needs, U.S. News selected offerings that incorporate predominantly internet-based coursework; are housed in regionally accredited institutions; and have strong reputations, faculty credentials, and retention rates.

    U.S. News & Report also only included programs in their rankings with a critical mass of students with military backgrounds.

    Programs included in the rankings must be in colleges of universities certified for the GI Bill, while also either participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program or charging in-state tuition – which can fully covered by the GI bill — for all veterans applying from out of state.

    At UConn and throughout Connecticut, a state tuition waiver and several other financial benefits are available for active duty and veteran students based on their particular circumstances, and other assistance is also available through scholarships and VA Work Study.

    In addition to the School of Nursing’s online graduate programs receiving the highest rank for their accessibility and value to veterans, UConn’s School of Business programs were ranked at No. 8 for veterans pursuing graduate studies online, and its online MBA program was No. 62 for veterans nationwide.

    “We are honored to be recognized as a top business school for veterans. This reflects our commitment to providing the resources, flexibility, and support veterans need to excel academically and professionally,” says Jose M. Cruz, associate dean for graduate programs in the School of Business.

    “Veterans bring exceptional leadership, discipline, and a global perspective, enriching our graduate programs. We remain dedicated to fostering an environment where their strengths thrive and drive lasting impact in the business world,” Cruz says.

    The College of Engineering also had strong showings, with its online graduate program ranking No. 22 nationwide in accessibility and value to veterans.

    The online Master of Engineering program operates within the college’s Center for Advanced Engineering Education and offers 14 concentrations, from biomedical engineering to digital design and manufacturing, to help students earn the skills to advance as engineers in their respective fields.

    “Our degrees are designed to help working engineers balance their work/life responsibilities, empowering them to be a real force in the increasingly evolving, and highly impactful, world of engineering,” says Nora Sutton, director of the Center of Advanced Engineering Education.

    “Veteran tuition waivers have long since been applicable toward our programs, which offer engineering servicemen and women an opportunity to bridge the gap between active service and their professional careers,” she adds.

    JC Zhao, dean of the College of Engineering, says the programs also benefit from talented faculty who are dedicated to dynamic online education, UConn’s academic mission, and its students.

    “We are incredibly proud of the Center for Advanced Engineering Education, which seeks to offer flexible programs for working professionals who are already contributing to society as employed engineers,” Zhao says.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Navatar’s A-Game Podcast: How Left Lane Associates Beats Top Investment Banks Like Goldman Sachs to Dominate Supply Chain M&A

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK and LONDON, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A small boutique investment banking firm based in Canada consistently punches above its weight, competing against big firms like Bank of America, Citibank, and Goldman Sachs to win M&A deals in the supply chain sector.

    In the latest episode of the A-Game podcast, Peter Stefanovich, President of Left Lane Associates, describes how Left Lane’s deep knowledge and wealth of experience in the supply chain has turned them into the advisor of choice in the sector. Left Lane has been doing more deals in the supply chain sector than any other advisory firm in North America, based on deal volume.

    “Somebody like a Goldman Sachs, they are a behemoth, we look up to them, they’re obviously the gold standard. The difference is that the majority of our professionals have lived and breathed transportation. Some of them are third or fourth generation transportation company owners who bought and sold businesses,” says Stefanovich during the podcast conversation with Alok Misra, CEO of Navatar.

    With the knowledge and experience gained from its time spent dedicated to the sector, Left Lane’s team has also developed deep connections with supply chain business owners, executives, and industry-leading associations. In an extensive transaction process, these connections to the industry can play a vital role in resolving issues and negotiating favorable terms for a client.

    Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from industry leaders. The entire episode can be viewed here:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8U1emTtfgs

    About Navatar

    Navatar (@navatargroup), the CRM platform for alternative assets and investment banking firms, enables investment professionals make informed decisions based on superior proprietary intelligence. Navatar is used by hundreds of firms including private equity funds, M&A boutiques and bulge brackets, fund of funds, multi-asset credit, hedge funds, real estate funds, venture capital firms, corporate development groups, family offices, private placement and other financial services companies. For more information, visit www.navatargroup.com.

    About Left Lane Associates

    Left Lane Associates is North America’s premier supply chain M&A experts that companies trust to drive their growth and exit plans. Left Lane Associates’ team builds personal relationships through supply chain thought leadership and experience while delivering industry-specific deal expertise to maximize value for its clients, supported by its proprietary processes and research. For more information, visit www.leftlaneassociates.ca.

    Sales Team
    Navatar
    sales@navatargroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Descartes Sets Date to Announce Fiscal 2025 Fourth Quarter and Year-End Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WATERLOO, Ontario and ATLANTA, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Descartes Systems Group (TSX: DSG) (Nasdaq: DSGX), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, is scheduled to report its fiscal 2024 fourth-quarter and year-end financial results after market close on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

    Descartes’ executive management team will hold a conference call to discuss the company’s financial results at 5:30 PM ET on Wednesday, March 5. Designated numbers are +1 289 514 5100 or +1 800 717 1738 for North America Toll-Free, using Passcode 45440#.

    The company will simultaneously conduct an audio webcast on the Descartes website at www.descartes.com/descartes/investor-relations. Phone conference dial-in or webcast login is required approximately 10 minutes beforehand.

    Replays of the conference call will be available until March 12, 2025, by dialing +1 289 819 1325 or Toll-Free for North America using +1 888 660 6264 with Playback Passcode: 45440#. An archived replay of the webcast will be available at www.descartes.com/descartes/investor-relations..

    About Descartes Systems Group
    Descartes is the global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, security, and sustainability of logistics-intensive businesses. Customers use our modular, software-as-a-service solutions to route, track and help improve the safety, performance and compliance of delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; access global trade data; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete numerous other logistics processes by participating in the world’s largest, collaborative multimodal logistics community. Our headquarters are in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and we have offices and partners around the world. Learn more at www.descartes.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn and X (Twitter).        

    Descartes Investor Contact         
    Laurie McCauley
    (519) 746-2969
    investor@descartes.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nearly 20,000 live animals seized, 365 suspects arrested in largest-ever wildlife and forestry operation

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    4 February 2025

    138 countries and regions join forces to target fauna and flora trafficking worldwide

    LYON, France – Nearly 20,000 live animals, all endangered or protected species, have been seized in a global operation against wildlife and forestry trafficking networks, jointly coordinated by INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization (WCO).

    Operation Thunder 2024 (11 November – 6 December) brought together police, customs, border control, forestry and wildlife officials from 138 countries and regions, marking the widest participation since the first edition in 2017.

    Authorities arrested 365 suspects and identified six transnational criminal networks suspected of trafficking animals and plants protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Such species are illegally trafficked to meet specific market demands, whether for food, perceived medicinal benefits, “luxury” and collector items or as pets and competition animals.

    Globally, more than 100 companies involved in the trafficking of protected species were identified.

    The operation led to the rescue of 18 big cats, including these tiger cubs in the Czech Republic.

    The seized animals were sent to conservation centres, where their health was assessed while awaiting repatriation or rehabilitation.

    Organized crime networks profit from the demand for rare plants and animals, like this bird seized in Mexico.

    More than 5,877 live turtles were seized during Operation Thunder, including these ones in Tanzania.

    Morocco conducted intelligence-led investigations and seized over 50 snakes of various species.

    12 live pangolins were seized during the action weeks, such as this one in Mozambique.

    These Oryx were seized in Iraq. The collection of DNA is a crucial part of supporting prosecutions.

    1,731 other reptiles were seized live, like these blue-tongued lizards in Australia.

    Overall, nearly 20,000 live animals, all endangered or protected species, were rescued.

    33 protected primates were seized during the operation, this one was discovered in Chile.

    An example of a deer seized in North Macedonia during the operation that was jointly coordinated by INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization (WCO).

    This primate was rescued in Indonesia during Operation Thunder.

    The live animals, which included big cats, birds, pangolins, primates and reptiles were rescued in connection with 2,213 seizures made worldwide.

    Where possible, wildlife forensic experts collected DNA samples before transferring the animals to conservation centres, where their health was assessed while awaiting repatriation or rehabilitation, in line with national frameworks and relevant protocols.

    The collection of DNA is a crucial part of supporting prosecutions, as it helps confirm the type of species and its origin or distribution, shedding light on new trafficking routes and emerging trends.

    Large-scale trafficking of animal parts, plants and endangered species

    In addition to the live animals, participating countries seized hundreds of thousands of protected animal parts and derivatives, trees, plants, marine life and arthropods.

    Timber cases represent the most significant seizures, primarily occurring in sea cargo container shipments, while most other seizures took place at airports and mail processing hubs.

    Authorities also investigated online activities and found suspects using multiple profiles and linked accounts across social media platforms and marketplaces to expand their reach.

    More than 100 companies involved in the trafficking of protected species were also identified.

    Valdecy Urquiza, INTERPOL Secretary General said:

    “Organized crime networks are profiting from the demand for rare plants and animals, exploiting nature to fuel human greed. This has far-reaching consequences: it drives biodiversity loss, destroys communities, contributes to climate change and even fuels conflict and instability.

    “Environmental crimes are uniquely destructive, and INTERPOL, in cooperation with its partners, is committed to protecting our planet for future generations.”

    Ian Saunders, WCO Secretary General, said:

    “Operation Thunder continues to shed light on a crime that is often not a priority for enforcement actors. Through our joint efforts we have established cooperation mechanisms that facilitate the exchange of information and intelligence, and we have refined our enforcement strategies.

    “The illegal wildlife trade is still rapidly growing, highly lucrative and has devastating effects. The WCO remains committed to supporting its members and partners to effectively combat this serious crime.”

    This leopard hide was seized in Namibia, during the largest-ever global operation against wildlife and forestry trafficking.

    As well as this leopard skin coat discovered in Poland, Polish authorities also seized 300 seahorse tablets.

    This Mariposa butterfly found in Peru was one of 5,991 pieces and 233kg of arthropods seized globally.

    This wood in Brazil was among 49,572 pieces, 214.9 tonnes and 1340 m3 of timber seized worldwide.

    These sea cucumbers and shark fins were seized in Mozambique.

    Nearly 4.5 tonnes of pangolin scales were seized in Nigeria.

    Mongolia reported the seizure of 40 m3 of timber.

    This skull, discovered by Mexican authorities, was among 53 pieces of big cats seized around the world, including claws, furs, and skulls.

    Python skin products, like this one seized in Italy, are perceived as high-end or luxurious items.

    This coral, found in Italy, was one of 493 pieces and 21.41kg of coral seized globally.

    Indonesia reported two instances of trafficking of African ivory.

    Significant seizures include:

    • Indonesia: 134 tonnes of timber headed to Asia via ocean freight.
    • Kenya: 41 tonnes of exotic timber headed to Asia via ocean freight.
    • Nigeria: 4,472 kg of pangolins scales
    • Türkiye: 6,500 live songbirds discovered during a vehicle inspection at the Syrian border.
    • India: 5,193 live red-eared ornamental slider turtles concealed in passenger suitcases arriving from Malaysia at Chennai Airport.
    • Peru: 3,700 protected plants intercepted en route from Ecuador.
    • Qatar: Eight rhino horns found in a suspect’s luggage while transiting from Mozambique to Thailand.
    • United States: One tonne of sea cucumbers, considered a seafood delicacy, smuggled from Nicaragua.
    • Hong Kong, China: 973 kg of dried shark fins originating from Morocco seized at the airport.
    • Czech Republic: Eight tigers, aged between two months and two years, discovered in a suspected illegal breeding facility.
    • Indonesia: 846 pieces of reticulated python skin, from the world’s longest snake species, concealed on board a ship.
    • More than 300 firearms, vehicles and poaching equipment.

    Building a global intelligence picture of wildlife and timber trafficking

    Regular operations such as Thunder enable investigators to build a comprehensive global intelligence picture and detailed offender profiles, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of enforcement efforts and resolution of cross-border cases.

    Cooperation between various stakeholders is essential for effectively combating transnational criminal networks, from seizure to arrest and prosecution, as the data collected enable customs administrations to refine their risk management and compliance strategies, and stay one step ahead of criminals, ensuring that their contribution to the fight against wildlife crime is dynamic and responsive.

    Ahead of the operation, countries exchanged actionable intelligence on ongoing cases and high-value targets, updating critical information on 21 INTERPOL Red Notices for suspected traffickers wanted internationally. This exchange continued throughout the operation, with officers using the secure channels provided by both INTERPOL and the WCO to communicate in real time.

    The Operation Thunder series is backed by the CITES Secretariat and carried out under the partnership framework of the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC). The 2024 edition was co-funded by the European Union, the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Unlock Your Trading Edge with Axi at the 2025 Money Expo Mexico

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading online FX and CFD broker Axi announced that it is attending this year’s Money Expo Mexico, taking place on February 26-27, 2025, at Centro Citibanamex.

    Event attendees will have the opportunity to learn about Axi Select, Axi’s innovative capital allocation program designed to empower ambitious traders on their trading journey, as well as meet Axi Select traders who are well on their way to reaching the $1million milestone. “We invite all traders to visit our team at Booth 14 and uncover the future of trading with Axi,” says Greg Rubin, Head of Axi Select at Axi, before adding “We look forward to networking with fellow traders and showcasing the exceptional benefits of Axi Select. Our program features zero registration fees, capital funding of up to $1,000,000 USD, the opportunity to earn up to 90% of the profits, and advanced tools to accelerate traders’ trading potential.”

    Additionally, visitors can explore their Introducing Broker (IB) and Affiliate programs or learn more about Axi’s longstanding partnership with Manchester City, Premier League Champions. Man City memorabilia and the club’s mascots will be on-site for photos and attendees stand the chance to win exciting prizes from the broker, including signed player shirts and other merchandise.

    The broker has a longstanding partnership with Premier League club, Manchester City FC, as well as LaLiga club, Girona FC, and Brazilian club, Esporte Clube Bahia. In 2023, they also announced England international John Stones as their Brand Ambassador. More recently, the broker was recognised with the ‘Innovator of the Year’ award at the 2024 Dubai Forex Expo, as well as being named ‘Most Innovative Proprietary Trading Firm’ by Finance Feeds.

    The Axi Select programme is only available to clients of AxiTrader Limited. CFDs carry a high risk of investment loss. In our dealings with you, we will act as a principal counterparty to all of your positions. This content is not available to AU, NZ, EU and UK residents. For more information, refer to our Terms of Service.

    About Axi

    Axi is a global online FX and CFD trading company, with thousands of customers in 100+ countries worldwide. Axi offers CFDs for several asset classes including Forex, Gold, Oil, and more.

    For more information or additional comments from Axi, please contact: mediaenquiries@axi.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: US startups secure over half of high-value VC deals announced globally during 2024, finds GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    US startups secure over half of high-value VC deals announced globally during 2024, finds GlobalData

    Posted in Business Fundamentals

    The US maintained its dominance in the global venture capital (VC) landscape in 2024, securing over half of all high value* deals. With a commanding 56.6% share by high-value VC deal volume and 64.5% by value, the US significantly outpaced other markets, underscoring strong investor confidence in its startup ecosystem amid the evolving economic conditions and shifting global investment trends, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The US-based startups attracting big-ticket deals showcases the solid confidence VC investors have in the country’s startup ecosystem. It is also noteworthy that the US was distantly followed by China, which accounted for 12.3% and 14.4% share of high-value VC deal volume and value, respectively, during 2024.”

    An analysis of GlobalData’s Deals Database revealed that the US saw the announcement of 291 high-value VC deals during 2024 while the total value of these deals stood at $92 billion. Meanwhile, a total of 63 high-value VC deals worth $20.6 billion were announced in China during the same period.

    Bose adds: “Of the top 10 countries by high-value VC deals volume in 2024, two were from North America while Europe and the Asia-Pacific region had four countries each.”

    The UK occupied the third position by high-value VC deals volume in 2024, followed by Germany, India, Canada, Singapore, France, Japan and Switzerland.

    Bose concludes: “The concentration of high-value VC deals in a few key markets highlights the evolving dynamics of global venture funding. While the US continues to dominate, the presence of multiple European and Asia-Pacific countries in the top rankings signals a broader diversification of investor interest, driven by innovation and emerging growth opportunities worldwide.”

    * ≥ $100 million

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOEA Establishes Real-Time Consultation Hotline to Assist Taiwanese Businesses in Responding to U.S. Tariff Measures

    Source: Republic Of China Taiwan 2

    To address the impact of U.S. tariffs on Taiwanese companies operating overseas, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has commissioned the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) to implement various support measures, thereby enabling businesses to make adjustments to supply chains and investment strategies. These support measures include:

    1. Establishing a Task Force and Consultation Hotline for Immediate Assistance
    TAITRA has set up task forces in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Southeast Asia, and South Asia to provide real-time support. A consultation hotline is available at +886-2-27577190.

    2. Providing Customized Services for Businesses to Expand Overseas Deployments
    The MOEA offers market insights for businesses relocating to the U.S. or other regions, which include investment locations, regulations, and partnership opportunities. Companies shifting production to supply local domestic markets receive regulatory guidance and networking support.

    3. Establishing a Service Center for Investment and Trade in the U.S. to Support Supply Chain Relocation
    Under the policy of “Connecting Taiwan to the World”, the MOEA will establish a Taiwan Investment and Trade Center in the U.S. It will help businesses assess investment environments, shift supply chains, and link with local partners.

    4. Strengthening Taiwan-U.S. Industrial Collaboration and Assisting Taiwanese Businesses with Innovation and Upgrading
    ITRI’s North America office will actively promote R&D and manufacturing collaborations, assist businesses in finding local partners, facilitate technological advancement, and boost competitiveness.

    The MOEA will remain committed to monitoring global trade trends and supporting Taiwanese businesses in adapting to market changes.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Groundbreaking Ebola vaccination trial launches today in Uganda

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    GENEVA, Switzerland, February 4, 2025/APO Group/ —

    In a global first, Uganda’s Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners today launched a first ever vaccine trial for Ebola from the Sudan species of the virus, and at an unprecedented speed for a randomized vaccine trial in an emergency.

    The principal investigators from Makerere University and the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), with support from WHO and other partners, have worked tirelessly to get the trial ready in 4 days since the outbreak was confirmed on 30 January. It is the first trial to assess the clinical efficacy of a vaccine against Ebola disease due to Sudan virus. The speed was achieved through advanced research preparedness, while ensuring full compliance with national and international regulatory and ethical requirements.

    The candidate vaccine was donated by IAVI, with financial support from WHO, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and the European Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) and support from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

    “This is a critical achievement towards better pandemic preparedness, and saving lives when outbreaks occur,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General.  “This is possible because of the dedication of Uganda’s health workers, the involvement of communities, the Ministry of Health of Uganda, Makerere University and UVRI, and research efforts led by WHO involving hundreds of scientists through our research and development Filoviruses network. We thank our partners for their dedication and cooperation, from IAVI for donating the vaccine, to CEPI, EU HERA and Canada’s IDRC for funding, and Africa CDC for further support. This massive achievement would simply not be possible without them.”

    In 2022, during the previous outbreak of Ebola disease (also from the Sudan species of the virus) in Uganda, a randomized protocol for candidate vaccines was developed. Principal investigators were designated under the leadership of the Minister of Health, and teams were trained to allow such a trial to take place during an active outbreak.

    The randomized vaccine trial to assess the recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV) candidate vaccine was launched at a ceremony in Kampala today by the Minister of Health of Uganda. WHO is co-sponsoring the trial. WHO was represented by Dr Mike Ryan, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme and Deputy Director-General, and the WHO representative to Uganda Dr Kasonde Mwinga, along with other colleagues.

    Three vaccination rings were defined today. The first ring involves about 40 contacts and contacts of contacts of the first reported and confirmed case, a health worker who has died.

    Although several promising candidate medical countermeasures are progressing through clinical development, as of now, there is no licensed vaccine available to effectively combat a potential future outbreak of Ebola disease from the Sudan species of the virus. Licensed vaccines exist only for the disease caused by Ebola virus, formerly known as Zaïre ebolavirus. Likewise for treatments, approved treatments are only available for Ebola virus.

    The vaccine for the trial was recommended by the independent WHO candidate vaccine prioritization working group. If the candidate vaccine is effective, it can contribute to controlling this outbreak and generate data for vaccine licensure.

    In 2022, the research teams were trained in good clinical practice (GCP) and standard operating procedures for such trials. They completed refresher training in recent days. WHO colleagues experienced in trials and in ring vaccination arrived in Uganda over the weekend to support the trial implementation and GCP compliance.

    The vaccine doses were pre-positioned in the country. WHO worked with the principal investigators and national authorities and the vaccine developer to review cold chain documentation and ensure the doses were stored correctly over the previous years. As part of the signed agreement with the Ministry of Health, WHO has a signed agreement with IAVI for additional doses of the candidate vaccine to be made available shortly.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: EcoEngineers Expands Accreditation and Scope Extensions Internationally

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DES MOINES, Iowa, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EcoEngineers (Eco), a consulting, auditing, and advisory firm with an exclusive focus on the energy transition and decarbonization, today announced two new scope extensions granted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) National Accreditation Board (ANAB).

    The ANAB scope accreditations are a testament to the firm’s commitment to robust and comprehensive quality management systems. The accreditations underscore the firm’s dedication to providing clients with the assurance, credibility, rigor, and continuous improvement they need on their journey to develop green hydrogen and greenhouse gas (GHG)-mitigation projects worldwide.

    Specifically, Eco was granted scope accreditation for the following:

    1. Green Hydrogen (CFR Sector 4): Verification of applications and reports under Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulations (CFR), strengthening the company’s leadership in hydrogen verification and bolstering Eco’s ability to support U.S.-based clients expanding into Canada and open new avenues for verification projects.
    2. Land Use and Forestry (ANAB Group 3): Verification of GHG emission reductions and removals, including soil carbon sequestration, positioning the company as a leading verifier of sustainable farming practices for Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) crops used as biofuel feedstock.

    The latest scope extensions follow Eco’s accreditation granted by ANAB as a validation and verification body (VVB) in accordance with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards in 2023 and the CFR Sector 2 Renewable/Bio/Low-CI Fuels scope accreditation achieved in 2024.

    “These new scope extensions demonstrate Eco’s ongoing dedication to excellence in verification and our ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the carbon marketplace,” said Randy Prati, vice president of strategic initiatives at EcoEngineers. “Our clients can rely on us to deliver robust, credible, and transparent verification services.”

    Poised for Growth

    In parallel, Eco is pursuing additional accreditations such as becoming a certification body under international voluntary and regulatory compliance schemes. Eco is also expanding its presence in Europe to obtain national body accreditation recognition, which will allow the firm to offer its clients verification and certification services under multiple European voluntary schemes.

    “Our ability to help clients substantiate their GHG claims through accurate and transparent processes strengthens their credibility and advances the energy transition,” said Shashi Menon, CEO of EcoEngineers. “These new capabilities highlight our position as a trusted partner in the carbon marketplace.”

    About ANAB

    Launched in 2008, ANAB’s accreditation program for GHG/verification bodies oversees the competence and professional conduct of third parties responsible for verifying the accuracy of emission attestations and applies to a broad spectrum of industries. For more information, visit www.anab.org.

    About EcoEngineers

    EcoEngineers is a consulting, auditing, and advisory firm with an exclusive focus on the energy transition and decarbonization. Its team of engineers, scientists, auditors, consultants, and researchers live and work at the intersection of low-carbon fuel policy, innovative technologies, and the carbon marketplace. Eco’s global team is shaping the response to climate change by advising businesses across the energy transition. Visit www.ecoengineers.us.

    Contact:
    Mary Shaughnessy
    For EcoEngineers
    marys@astorystore.com
    312.218.4508

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 01/30/2025 Blackburn, Risch, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Expand Prohibitions on Use of Foreign Assistance Funding for Abortions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) today introduced the American Values Act, legislation to permanently enact and expand existing prohibitions on the use of U.S. foreign assistance to pay for the performance or promotion of abortion services overseas.

    “Human life across the world must be protected, and the use of taxpayer dollars to fund abortions abroad is contrary to American values,” said Senator Blackburn. “This bill would strengthen the existing restrictions on the use of foreign assistance for abortions, making it crystal clear such actions will not be tolerated.”

    “American foreign aid should always be used in a way that is in line with American values- and that means that no foreign assistance funds should ever be used to perform or promote abortion services,” said Senator Risch. “I’m proud to introduce the American Values Act with my colleagues to hold our government accountable to this standard and protect the sanctity of life across the globe.”

    “As President Donald J. Trump re-evaluates foreign aid, it’s absolutely essential that American taxpayer dollars are never used to fund abortions here or anywhere in the world,” said Senator Mullin. “Our nation was founded on the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and it’s our job to protect those values. I’m glad to join this important legislation to defend the sanctity of life.” 

    “No American taxpayer should be forced to fund abortions overseas,” said Dr. Paul. “It’s bad enough that Washington spends recklessly at home, but using taxpayer dollars to promote abortion abroad is an insult to both life and fiscal responsibility. This legislation is a necessary step towards reigning wasteful spending and standing for the fundamental right to life.”

    Senator Rick Scott said, “It’s extremely troubling that American tax dollars could be used to promote or perform abortion overseas. Our American Values Act ensures U.S. taxpayer dollars sent as foreign aid are helping families, not harming human life.” 

    “Americans made it clear this year with the election of President Trump that they have rejected the left’s radical, pro-abortion agenda. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to end the United States’ funding of abortions abroad and help our nation once again become a defender of life across the globe,” said Senator Daines.

    “As the right to life is the most fundamental human right of all, I strongly oppose sending U.S. taxpayer dollars overseas to promote or perform abortion,” said Senator Hagerty. “I’m pleased once again to support the American Values Act that seeks to close loopholes and uphold pro-life values in U.S. diplomacy and development by placing permanent restrictions on the use of U.S. foreign assistance to fund abortions and involuntary sterilizations.”

    AMERICAN VALUES ACT:

    If enacted, this legislation would:

    • Clarify that existing prohibitions on the use of U.S. foreign assistance to pay for the performance or promotion of abortions, forced sterilizations, or biomedical research relating to abortions or forced sterilizations shall apply to all assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act;
    • Permanently enact long-standing appropriations restrictions on the use of foreign assistance funds to lobby for or against abortion;
    • Permanently enact long-standing appropriations restrictions on the provision of foreign assistance funds to organizations that support or participate in the management of a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization; and
    • Permanently enact long-standing appropriations restrictions on the use of funds made available to the Peace Corps to pay for abortions.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 02/3/2025 Blackburn Introduces “DOGE Acts” to Make Federal Government More Efficient and Slash Wasteful Spending

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn) introduced a package of bills known as the “DOGE Acts” to hold the federal government accountable for managing taxpayer dollars. The DOGE Acts coincide with President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to modernize federal technology and maximize government productivity.

    “Under President Trump’s leadership, Republicans have the opportunity to slash wasteful spending and rein in outsized bureaucracy,” said Senator Blackburn. “The DOGE Acts would get the federal government back on track by requiring federal employees to return to the office, move federal agencies into the heartland of America, cut bloated federal spending, lower taxes on social security for seniors, and freeze federal hiring and salaries until we can rightsize the federal government.” 

    THE DOGE ACTS:

    The DOGE Acts include the separate pieces of legislation below: 

    • The Federal Freeze Act would direct certain agency heads to implement a one-year freeze on hiring and salary increases and decrease the size of the agency’s workforce by 2% two years after enactment and 5% three years after enactment. The bill would exempt employees deemed necessary for national security, law enforcement, public safety, and public health purposes from the hiring freeze. Click here for bill text.
    • The Commission to Relocate the Federal Bureaucracy Act would establish a commission to report to Congress on moving non-national security related agencies out of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area based on a variety of factors, including financial efficiency, the existence of pre-existing infrastructure, whether an area is designated as a Qualified Opportunity Zone or as economically distressed, and whether at least 50% of an agency’s workforce participated in telework in the last five years. The bill would also instruct the commission to develop the report with an aim of relocating at least 100,000 federal employees out of the D.C. metro area. Click here for bill text. This legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.).
    • The Federal Employee Performance and Accountability Act would implement a 5-year pilot program establishing a performance-based pay structure among certain federal employees in order to bolster government efficiency, exempting agencies deemed necessary for national security or public safety. Click here for bill text. This legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.).
    • The Stopping Home Office Work’s Unproductive Problems (SHOW UP) Act would require government agencies to reinstate their pre-COVID telework policies within 30 days and direct agency heads to submit to Congress a report on the adverse impacts of agencies’ expansion of telework policies for employees during COVID. Further, it would prevent federal agencies from permanently expanding telework without submitting to Congress details on how remote work policies will bolster agency mission performance. Click here for bill text. This legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa).
    • 1%, 2%, and 5% Across-the-Board Spending Cuts: This legislation would implement across-the-board rescissions of non-security discretionary spending, including a rescission of 1% of non-security discretionary appropriations made available for Fiscal Year 2026, a rescission of 2% of non-security discretionary appropriations made available for Fiscal Year 2027, and a recission of 5% of non-security discretionary appropriations made available for Fiscal Year 2028 and every fiscal year thereafter. These cuts would exclude the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Veterans Affairs, and National Nuclear Security Administration. Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 01/31/2025 Blackburn Sounds the Alarm on Radio Stations Exploiting Tennessee Songwriters Ahead of the Grammys

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr to sound the alarm on the exploitative practice of radio stations and networks offering an artist more airtime in exchange for performing a free show. By doing so, these radio stations and networks often reap the financial benefits of these shows through ticket sales, sponsorships, and other income while artists and record labels absorb the expenses.

    Blackburn Calls Attention to Radio Stations Sidestepping Federal Regulations

    “I am writing to bring attention to an issue critically impacting Tennessee’s content creators, particularly its songwriters and music community. Federal law prohibits radio stations from accepting payment for airtime without disclosing the transaction—a practice commonly known as ‘payola.’ As you know, the FCC considers payola a violation of the Sponsorship Identification Rules. From what we have learned, it appears that to sidestep these restrictions, radio stations and networks have adopted a troubling new tactic. Instead of demanding cash or lavish perks from record labels in exchange for airplay, they now pressure artists to perform ‘free radio shows’ —also referred to as ‘listener appreciation shows’ or ‘charitable concert events.’”

    Radio Stations Are Forcing Artists to Choose Between More Airtime and Financial Compensation

    “We have heard the new scheme works in this manner: radio stations and networks offer more airtime for an artist’s songs if the artist performs a free show. There is often an implicit suggestion that declining to perform could result in reduced airplay. Radio stations and networks often receive the financial benefit of these shows through ticket sales, sponsorships, and other income while the artists and record labels frequently absorb the expense. This forced quid pro quo applies to essentially all artists, regardless of their level of success. Artists in the industry have told me that it is not unusual for them to perform anywhere from 10 to 50 such shows in any given year. Those just starting out in their career will often perform more, while those that have had more success will have to perform fewer, but they will still be expected to do them.”

    Blackburn: These Exploitative Practices Must Not Be Tolerated

    “This practice is exploitative and should not be tolerated. Federal law and FCC rules prohibit radio stations from receiving undisclosed compensation for broadcasting songs, and this principle must extend to free performances for radio stations and networks. Artists should not be extorted into providing free labor in exchange for airplay. I urge you to take swift action to end this abuse and protect our music community. Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter.”

    Click here for full text of the letter.

    MIL OSI USA News –