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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Awards Given to Support Dental Faculty Development

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Two School of Dental Medicine faculty recently received the first-ever Dr. Marion Frank Faculty Development Award.

    Drs. Anna Dongari-Bagtzoglou and Steven Lepowsky with Drs. Marion Frank and Rui Li. (Darlene Gugliotti photo)

    This award, given to Dr. Rui Li, associate professor of prosthodontics, and Dr. Madison Doolittle, assistant professor in the Center of Regenerative Medicine and Skeletal Development, enables faculty to pursue their independently chosen career development activities.

    Drs. Li and Doolittle will be given $5,000 to support their research program development.

    Dr. Anna Dongari-Bagtzoglou, professor and associate dean of faculty affairs, congratulated the award winners.

    “This competitive award provides funds for faculty development activities that support the individual career path of each faculty. The award recognizes Dr. Marion Frank, a Professor Emerita, who has been a steadfast supporter of faculty development in the School of Dental Medicine.”

    The awardees were chosen by the School’s Faculty Development Advisory Committee.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Alleged Securities Fraud at MediPharm Labs Says Apollo Capital

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Multiple Highly Credible Sources Reveal Disturbing Evidence of Alleged Systemic Violations of Securities Laws at MediPharm Labs; Immediate Regulatory Action Demanded

    Apollo Capital’s Six Director Nominees Are Committed to Restoring Transparency and Value to MediPharm’s Shareholders

    URGES SHAREHOLDERS TO VOTE THE GOLD PROXY CARD “FOR” APOLLO CAPITAL’S SIX DIRECTOR NOMINEES AND DISREGARD MEDIPHARM LABS’ GREEN PROXY CARD

    TORONTO, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo Technology Capital Corporation (“Apollo Capital”), which together with its affiliates and associates collectively is one of the largest shareholders of MediPharm Labs Corp. (TSX: LABS) (OTCQB: MEDIF) (FSE: MLZ) (“MediPharm”, “MediPharm Labs”, or the “Company”), owning approximately 3% of the Company’s common stock, today issued an urgent warning to shareholders, regulators, and the investing public concerning serious allegations of alleged extensive securities act disclosure violations committed by MediPharm Labs’ Board of Directors (the “Board”) and management team.

    Apollo Capital has received alarming reports from multiple highly credible and independent sources revealing that MediPharm Labs allegedly engaged in deliberate, systematic financial misfeasance and deceptive accounting practices aimed at grossly misleading investors and artificially inflating the Company’s reported revenues and stock valuation. Such allegations represent blatant violations of securities laws, fiduciary obligations, and ethical business conduct, potentially exposing MediPharm and its Board to serious legal and financial consequences.

    Given the grave seriousness and substantial credibility of these allegations, Apollo Capital urgently demands an immediate, robust investigation by regulatory authorities including the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Apollo Capital further insists that MediPharm’s Board of Directors immediately cooperate fully with all regulatory investigations, transparently disclose all related information, and suspend any management or Board members implicated in these serious allegations pending investigation outcomes.

    Apollo Capital has received credible information regarding these allegations directly from a current MediPharm Labs Board member, specifically implicating MediPharm’s Chairman, Chris Taves, Managing Director and Head of Capital Markets for Asia at BMO and a CPA, in orchestrating schemes to intentionally overstate Company revenues. It is curious that starting recently, Chris Taves serves as both the Board Chair and the Audit Committee Chair. Sources allege that MediPharm engaged partners in deceptive practices to artificially boost revenue reporting, misleading investors into perceiving growth where none truly existed.

    Apollo Capital demands to know if this is the reason that Michael Bumby just stepped down as Audit Committee Chair and has not stood for re-election to the MediPharm Board.

    “These allegations paint a profoundly troubling picture of calculated corporate conduct to overstate revenues and in turn mislead shareholders,” stated Apollo Capital. “Immediate transparency, accountability, and significant leadership changes are essential to restore credibility at MediPharm. The current Board and management owe shareholders an obligation to take immediate and decisive action to prevent further damage.”

    Apollo Capital directly challenges each MediPharm Board member—Shelley Potts, Michael Bumby, Chris Halyk, Chris Taves, Keith Strachan, and David Pidduck—to publicly address these allegations openly and transparently. Apollo Capital reiterates its repeated calls for full disclosure, particularly emphasized in its press release asking about these misfeasance allegations before MediPharm’s Q1 earnings call and its follow-up press release highlighting the Company’s disastrous financial performance and refusal to answer shareholder questions. Any Board member failing to acknowledge and publicly address these allegations will be perceived as complicit in the alleged misfeasance.

    In its news release prior to the Q1 earnings call, the first question that Apollo Capital urged MediPharm shareholders to ask the management team was:

    “These numbers aren’t even audited and MediPharm has been accused of misleading accounting practices in the past, including relating to revenue. Why should anyone believe anything that you say? Are you currently recognizing revenue the same way that you were two years ago? Please answer this question clearly without wordplay, subterfuge or material misrepresentations.”

    For the integrity of the capital markets, Apollo Capital demands that each board member of MediPharm Labs – Shelley Potts, Michael Bumby, Chris Halyk, Chris Taves, Keith Strachan, and David Pidduck – answer the question above.

    As a significant shareholder, Apollo Capital insists on a thorough audit to clarify how much of MediPharm’s claimed ‘profitability’, ‘revenue’, and ‘growth’ have been engineered though improper accounting.

    Apollo Capital remains committed to aggressively pursuing accountability, transparency, and the protection of shareholder interests, and will vigilantly monitor ongoing developments.

    MediPharm Labs Shareholders can visit www.CureMediPharm.com, to sign up for important campaign updates.

    VOTE THE GOLD PROXY CARD “FOR” APOLLO CAPITAL’S SIX DIRECTOR NOMINEES AND DISREGARD MEDIPHARM LABS’ GREEN PROXY CARD

    To access Apollo Capital’s Circular and related proxy materials, including a proxy or voting instruction form, visit SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Contacts
    For Shareholders:
    Carson Proxy
    North American Toll-Free Phone: 1-800-530-5189
    Local or Text Message: 416-751-2066 (collect calls accepted)
    E: info@carsonproxy.com

    For Media:
    CureMediPharm@gasthalter.com

    Legal Disclosures
    Information in Support of Public Broadcast Exemption under Canadian Law

    In connection with the Annual Meeting, Apollo Capital has filed an amended and restated dissident information circular (the “Circular”) in compliance with applicable corporate and securities laws. Apollo Capital has provided in, or incorporated by reference into, this press release the disclosure required under section 9.2(4) of NI 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations (“NI 51-102”) and the corresponding exemption under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), and has filed the Circular, available under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Circular contains disclosure prescribed by applicable corporate law and disclosure required under section 9.2(6) of NI 51-102 in respect of Apollo Capital’s director nominees, in accordance with corporate and securities laws applicable to public broadcast solicitations. The Circular is hereby incorporated by reference into this press release and is available under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The registered office of the Company is 151 John Street, Barrie, Ontario, Canada L4N 2L1.

    SHAREHOLDERS OF MEDIPHARM ARE URGED TO READ THE CIRCULAR CAREFULLY BECAUSE IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and shareholders are able to obtain free copies of the Circular and any amendments or supplements thereto and further proxy circulars at no charge under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. In addition, shareholders are also able to obtain free copies of the Circular and other relevant documents by contacting Apollo Capital’s proxy solicitor, Carson Proxy Advisors Ltd. (“Carson Proxy”) at 1-800-530-5189, local (collect outside North America): 416-751-2066 or by email at info@carsonproxy.com.

    Proxies may be revoked in accordance with subsection 110(4) of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) by a registered shareholder of Company shares: (a) by completing and signing a valid proxy bearing a later date and returning it in accordance with the instructions contained in the accompanying form of proxy; (b) by depositing an instrument in writing executed by the shareholder or by the shareholder’s attorney authorized in writing; (c) by transmitting by telephonic or electronic means a revocation that is signed by electronic signature in accordance with applicable law, as the case may be: (i) at the registered office of the Company at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting is to be held, or (ii) with the chair of the Annual Meeting on the day of the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting; or (d) in any other manner permitted by law. In addition, proxies may be revoked by a non-registered holder of Company shares at any time by written notice to the intermediary in accordance with the instructions given to the non-registered holder by its intermediary. It should be noted that revocation of proxies or voting instructions by a non-registered holder can take several days or even longer to complete and, accordingly, any such revocation should be completed well in advance of the deadline prescribed in the form of proxy or voting instruction form to ensure it is given effect in respect of the Annual Meeting.

    The costs incurred in the preparation and mailing of any circular or proxy solicitation by Apollo Capital and any other participants named herein will be borne directly and indirectly by Apollo Capital. However, to the extent permitted under applicable law, Apollo Capital intends to seek reimbursement from the Company of all expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of its director nominees at the Annual Meeting.

    This press release and any solicitation made by Apollo Capital is, or will be, as applicable, made by such parties, and not by or on behalf of the management of the Company. Proxies may be solicited by proxy circular, mail, telephone, email or other electronic means, as well as by newspaper or other media advertising and in person by managers, directors, officers and employees of Apollo Capital who will not be specifically remunerated therefor. In addition, Apollo Capital may solicit proxies by way of public broadcast, including press release, speech or publication and any other manner permitted under applicable Canadian laws, and may engage the services of one or more agents and authorize other persons to assist it in soliciting proxies on their behalf.

    Apollo Capital has entered into an agreement with Carson Proxy Advisors (“Carson Proxy”) for solicitation and advisory services in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Meeting, for which Carson Proxy will receive a fee not to exceed $250,000, together with reimbursement for reasonable and out-of-pocket expenses. Apollo Capital has also engaged Gasthalter & Co. LP (“G&Co”) to act as communications consultant to provide Apollo Capital with certain communications, public relations and related services, for which G&Co will receive a minimum fee of US$75,000 in addition to a performance fee of US$250,000 in the event that Apollo Capital’s nominees make up a majority of the Board following the Annual Meeting, plus excess fees, related costs and expenses.

    No member of Apollo Capital nor any of their associates or affiliates has or has had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the beginning of the Company’s last completed financial year or in any proposed transaction that has materially affected or will or would materially affect the Company or any of the Company’s affiliates. No member of Apollo Capital nor any of their associates or affiliates has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting, other than setting the number of directors, the election of directors, the appointment of auditors and the approval of the ordinary resolution approving, among other things, the Company’s amended and restated equity incentive plan dated May 8, 2025 and the unallocated awards available thereunder.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward‐looking statements. All statements contained in this filing that are not clearly historical in nature or that necessarily depend on future events are forward‐looking, and the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “plan,” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward‐looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of Apollo Capital and currently available information. They are not guarantees of future performance, involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. All forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date hereof and Apollo Capital disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently occur, or of which Apollo Capital hereafter becomes aware, except as required by applicable law.

    Hashtags: #ShareholderActivism #CorporateGovernance #InvestorProtection #Investor Alert #Investor Fraud #FinancialRegulation #CorporateCrime #FinancialCrime #HomelandSecurity #DHS #OpioidCrisis #OpioidEpidemic #OpioidLitigation #OpioidVictims #BMO #DEA #ONDCP

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Flywire Accepted into Global Luxury Travel Group Virtuoso®

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Flywire Corporation (NASDAQ: FLYW) (Flywire), a global payments enablement and software company, announced that it has been accepted into Virtuoso®’s exclusive portfolio of luxury travel partners, comprising 2,300 preferred suppliers in 100 countries. Inclusion in Virtuoso will provide Flywire new sales and marketing opportunities to the network’s luxury travel advisors and their highly desirable clientele. Virtuoso agencies worldwide sell an average of (U.S.) $35 billion annually, making the network one of the most significant players in luxury travel.

    “Virtuoso’s acceptance process is incredibly selective, so becoming a preferred partner is an honor for Flywire,” said Colin Smyth, SVP and GM of Travel at Flywire. “The reputation that Virtuoso member agencies have for outstanding dedication to their clients complements Flywire’s approach to service. Now that we’re part of this renowned network, we look forward to offering Virtuoso advisors and their clients the convenient, secure and streamlined payment experiences that they’ve come to expect from Flywire.”

    Flywire joins Virtuoso’s collection of the finest luxury hotels, resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour operators and other travel entities worldwide. These partners, which specialize in world-class client service and experiences, provide superior offerings, rare opportunities and exceptional value for Virtuoso clients. These prestigious providers can market to Virtuoso clients via network vehicles and to Virtuoso agencies through multiple communications channels and events, including Virtuoso Travel Week, luxury travel’s preeminent worldwide gathering. Flywire’s acceptance into Virtuoso gives it direct relationships with the world’s leading leisure travel agencies in North and Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.

    “We’re proud to include Flywire as part of our Technology Partner Community – a program designed to provide our network with access to leading technology innovators across the industry,” said Virtuoso’s Senior Vice President, Global Products Thatcher Brown. “Flywire is a standout in the payments and software space, offering a secure, global solution that drives operational efficiency. By connecting our preferred partners and member agencies with companies like Flywire, we empower them to stay informed and make the best strategic decisions for their businesses.”

    Trusted by thousands of luxury travel brands, Flywire enables tour operators, destination management companies, accommodation providers and other luxury businesses to offer high-end travelers a seamless and secure payment experience, all around the world. Backed by a powerful global payment network that supports more than 140 currencies and diverse payment methods, Flywire allows international travelers to pay in their preferred way, eliminating confusion and unexpected fees associated with foreign exchange. For providers, Flywire provides transparent pricing, real-time payment tracking and around-the-clock multilingual support, as well as high-end software integrations that automate reconciliation and reduce back-office work. Additionally, Flywire streamlines the commission payment experience between buyers and suppliers in the luxury travel ecosystem.

    Resources

    • To learn more about Flywire’s software and payment solutions for the global travel industry, visit here
    • Flywire recently commissioned a survey of 500+ ultra luxury travelers from the U.S. on their travel preferences. For data points and key takeaways, please visit: Flywire’s annual luxury travel report.

    About Flywire

    Flywire is a global payments enablement and software company. We combine our proprietary global payments network, next-gen payments platform and vertical-specific software to deliver the most important and complex payments for our clients and their customers.

    Flywire leverages its vertical-specific software and payments technology to deeply embed within the existing A/R workflows for its clients across the education, healthcare and travel vertical markets, as well as in key B2B industries. Flywire also integrates with leading ERP systems, such as NetSuite, so organizations can optimize the payment experience for their customers while eliminating operational challenges.

    Flywire supports more than 4,600 clients with diverse payment methods in more than 140 currencies across more than 240 countries and territories around the world. The company is headquartered in Boston, MA, USA with global offices. For more information, visit www.flywire.com. Follow Flywire on X , LinkedIn and Facebook.

    About Virtuoso

    Virtuoso® is the leading global travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 1,200 travel agency locations with more than 20,000 travel advisors in 58 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Drawing upon its preferred relationships with 2,300 of the world’s best hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour companies and premier destinations, the network provides its upscale clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. Normalized annual sales of (U.S.) $35 billion make Virtuoso a powerhouse in the luxury travel industry. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding Flywire’s expectations of the potential benefits of and opportunities from being a preferred partner. Flywire intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as, but not limited to, “believe,” “may,” “will,” “potentially,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “could,” “would,” “project,” “target,” “plan,” “expect,” or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations that involve risks, changes in circumstances, assumptions, and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in Flywire’s forward-looking statements include, among others, the factors that are described in the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of Flywire’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and Flywire undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release on account of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Media Contacts:

    Sarah King
    Flywire
    Media@Flywire.com 

    Misty Belles
    Vice President, Global Public Relations
    Virtuoso
    Phone: +1.202.553.8817
    Email: mbelles@virtuoso.com

    Investor Contacts:

    Masha Kahn
    IR@Flywire.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Payday Loans Without Credit Check: Payday Loans Near Me For Bad Credit – Money Mutual

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Las Vegas, Nevada, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Key Takeaways

    • This article provides an overview of the best payday loans without credit checks, along with essential information to consider before applying.
    • Payday loans without credit checks often come with extremely high interest rates (sometimes 400% APR or higher)
    • Most legitimate lenders perform some type of credit check, but some focus on income rather than credit score
    • Alternative options like cash advances, credit union loans, and payment plans are usually cheaper than payday loans
    • Payday loans should only be used for genuine financial emergencies when all other options are exhausted
    • Always verify a lender’s license and reputation before providing personal information
    • Repay on time to avoid additional fees and debt traps that can worsen your financial situation
    • Never borrow more than you can realistically repay from your next paycheck

    Money problems always come at the worst time — like when your wallet is empty but bills keep piling up. Maybe your car broke down, your roof is leaking, or you have sudden medical expenses. And payday is still days away. It’s easy to feel stressed and unsure what to do next.

    For people with bad credit or no credit history, regular banks usually say no. This leaves many Americans looking everywhere for quick cash options. That’s why payday loans without credit checks seem so attractive – they offer fast money without looking at your credit history.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.

    START WITH A SIMPLE APPLICATION TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR A LOAN THAT FITS YOUR NEEDS

    But are these loans really your best choice? This guide covers everything about best payday loans without credit check – the good parts, the bad parts, and other options you might not know about. We’ll show you what you’re really getting into and how to avoid expensive mistakes.

    What Are Payday Loans and Their Challenges?

    Payday loans are small, short-term loans designed to be repaid when you get your next paycheck – usually within two weeks. They typically range from $100 to $1,000, depending on your state’s laws and your income level.

    The process seems simple: You write a post-dated check or authorize an electronic debit from your bank account for the loan amount plus fees. The lender gives you cash on the spot or deposits money into your account. When your next payday comes around, the lender cashes your check or withdraws the money electronically.

    Sounds straightforward, right? Here’s where things get tricky:

    • Sky-high costs: Payday loans often charge fees that amount to annual percentage rates (APRs) of around 400% or higher. For comparison, credit cards typically have APRs between 12% and 30%.
    • The debt cycle trap: Many borrowers can’t pay back the full amount when their next paycheck arrives. The lenders know this and offer to “roll over” the loan for an additional fee. This can start a dangerous cycle where you keep paying fees every two weeks without reducing the original loan amount.
    • Financial quicksand: What starts as a $300 loan can balloon into over $1,000 in debt within just a few months if you keep extending the loan.

    FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY BEFORE YOU APPLY WITH A FREE CHECK

    What Are the Best Payday Loans Without Credit Check?

    The best payday loans without credit check are those that offer fast approval, reasonable fees, and transparent terms without requiring a hard credit inquiry. While most payday lenders perform some credit verification, a few lenders focus primarily on income and other factors instead of your credit score.

    Some alternatives to traditional payday loans include:

    • Money Mutual — uses AI to evaluate your overall financial profile, not just credit score, and offers fast funding with lower rates.
    • Credit union Payday Alternative Loans (PALs) — offer lower interest rates and longer repayment terms.
    • Cash advance apps like Earnin or Dave — provide small advances on earned wages with minimal fees.

    Key features to look for in the best payday loans without credit check:

    • Clear, upfront fees and APR under 36% when possible
    • Flexible repayment terms that fit your budget
    • Transparent application process with no hidden charges
    • Positive borrower reviews and verified licensing

    CHECK IF YOU QUALIFY QUICKLY WITH A SIMPLE, NO-OBLIGATION APPLICATION

    Types of Loans Available for People with Bad Credit

    When your credit isn’t great, you still have several loan options besides traditional payday loans:

    • Personal loans for bad credit: Some online lenders specialize in working with people who have credit challenges. Their rates are higher than prime loans but much lower than payday loans.
    • Secured loans: By putting up collateral (like your car title), you might qualify for better rates. The risk? You could lose your property if you can’t repay.
    • Payday alternative loans (PALs): Many credit unions offer these small-dollar loans with much more reasonable terms than standard payday loans.
    • Credit-builder loans: These unique loans are designed specifically to help rebuild your credit while borrowing small amounts.
    • Peer-to-peer loans: Online platforms connect borrowers directly with individual investors, sometimes resulting in more flexible approval standards.

    How to Choose the Best Payday Loan Without a Credit Check?

    When you’re dealing with credit challenges, not all loans are created equal. The best payday loans without credit check share these important features:

    • Reasonable costs: Even with bad credit, the best lenders won’t charge you outrageous fees. Look for APRs under 36%, which consumer advocates consider the upper limit of affordability.
    • Clear, honest terms: Good lenders explain exactly what you’ll pay, when it’s due, and what happens if you can’t pay on time. No surprises!
    • Manageable payments: The best loans fit into your budget without requiring financial gymnastics. You should be able to pay for essentials like housing, food, and utilities while making loan payments.
    • Credit bureau reporting: If you’re going to take on debt, you might as well get credit for paying it back responsibly. Choose lenders that report your on-time payments to at least one credit bureau.
    • No prepayment penalties: Life happens. If you come into some extra cash, you should be able to pay off your loan early without getting hit with extra fees.

    Tips for Finding the Best Payday Loans Without Credit Check

    While true “no credit check” loans are rare from legitimate lenders, some do place less emphasis on your credit score. Here’s how to find the best options and avoid the worst:

    • Research the lender thoroughly: Check their reviews on sites like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau. Look for patterns of complaints about hidden fees or aggressive collection practices.
    • Verify their license: Legitimate lenders must be licensed in the states where they operate. Check your state’s financial regulation department website to confirm a lender’s status.
    • Read the fine print: Before signing anything, understand exactly what you’re agreeing to. Pay special attention to the APR, repayment schedule, and what happens if you can’t pay on time.
    • Watch for red flags: Be suspicious of lenders who guarantee approval, pressure you to borrow more than you need, or don’t have a physical address.
    • Have your documents ready: To speed up the process, gather proof of income (pay stubs), bank statements, ID, and proof of residence before applying.

    SEE HOW MUCH YOU CAN BORROW WITH JUST A QUICK ELIGIBILITY CHECK

    Money Mutual: A Best Choice for Payday Loan Without Credit Check

    While not strictly a payday lender, Money Mutual has become a popular option for people with limited or damaged credit who are searching for the best payday loans without credit check and need quick cash.

    Unlike traditional payday lenders, Money Mutual is a legitimate online lending platform that uses artificial intelligence to evaluate borrowers. Founded by former Google employees in 2012, Money Mutual takes a unique approach to lending.

    Instead of focusing exclusively on your credit score, they look at factors like your education, job history, and earning potential. This alternative approach often helps people qualify who might get rejected elsewhere.

    Key features that make Money Mutual stand out:

    • Fast funding: Most approved borrowers receive their money within one business day.
    • Reasonable loan amounts: You can borrow between $1,000 and $50,000, much more flexible than traditional payday loans.
    • Fair rates for most borrowers: While rates vary based on your profile, they’re typically much lower than payday loans.
    • Simple online application: The entire process takes place online and can be completed in minutes.
    • Soft credit pull to check rates: You can see what you qualify for without hurting your credit score.

    What Sets Money Mutual Apart from Other Lenders?

    Money Mutual differentiates itself from both traditional banks and payday lenders in several important ways:

    • Personalized Loan Options: Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, Money Mutual tailors loan offers based on your unique financial situation and potential.
    • Transparent Terms: Money Mutual clearly explains all costs upfront, including origination fees (typically 0-8% of the loan amount) and interest rates.
    • Competitive Interest Rates: While rates vary widely based on your profile, they typically range from 5.4% to 35.99% APR – much lower than payday loans but higher than prime bank loans.
    • Excellent Customer Service: Money Mutual’s customer support team is available by phone, email, or chat to answer questions about your application or loan.
    • Fixed payment schedule: Unlike payday loans that can trap you in a cycle of debt, Money Mutual loans have fixed terms (typically 3 or 5 years) with predictable monthly payments.

    FIND OUT YOUR LOAN OPTIONS IN MINUTES WITHOUT AFFECTING YOUR CREDIT SCORE

    How Money Mutual Supports Credit Rebuilding?

    Beyond just providing access to funds, Money Mutual can actually help improve your credit situation:

    • Reports to All Major Credit Bureaus: Your on-time payments are reported to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, helping build positive credit history.
    • Financial Education Resources: Money Mutual provides articles and tools to help borrowers better understand and manage their finances.
    • No Prepayment Penalties: If your financial situation improves, you can pay off your loan early without any extra fees.
    • Manageable Payment Schedule: Regular, affordable payments help establish good payment habits that benefit your overall financial health.

    How to Apply for a Payday Loan Alternative Successfully?

    Whether you choose Money Mutual or another lender, here’s how to maximize your chances of approval:

    • Step 1: Check your credit report first. Get your free reports from AnnualCreditReport.com and fix any errors before applying.
    • Step 2: Calculate exactly how much you need. Borrow only what’s necessary for your emergency, not extra for wants.
    • Step 3: Gather your documentation. Have recent pay stubs, bank statements, ID, and proof of address ready.
    • Step 4: Compare multiple lenders. Don’t take the first offer – rates and terms can vary dramatically.
    • Step 5: Apply during business hours. If verification questions come up, customer service can help immediately.
    • Step 6: Be completely honest. Lying on loan applications is fraud and will eventually catch up with you.
    • Step 7: Read everything before signing. Never rush through the agreement, no matter how urgently you need the money.

    READY TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY? START YOUR SIMPLE APPLICATION NOW

    Alternatives to Loans for Improving Your Credit

    Sometimes the best loan is no loan at all. Before taking on debt, consider these alternatives:

    • Payment plans: Many medical providers, utilities, and even mechanics will work out payment plans if you ask.
    • Local assistance programs: Community organizations, religious groups, and government agencies often provide emergency assistance for utilities, food, and other necessities.
    • Credit union payday alternative loans (PALs): Federal credit unions offer PALs with APRs capped at 28% and longer repayment terms than payday loans.
    • Cash advance apps: Services like Earnin, Dave, and Brigit let you access small amounts of your earned wages before payday for minimal fees.
    • Side gigs: Temporary work through platforms like Uber, DoorDash, or TaskRabbit can generate quick cash without debt.
    • Secured credit cards: With a small deposit, you can get a secured credit card that helps build credit with responsible use.
    • Credit counseling: Nonprofit organizations like the National Foundation for Credit Counseling offer free or low-cost financial guidance to help you create a sustainable budget.

    Conclusion

    When financial emergencies strike and your credit isn’t perfect, the best payday loans without credit check might seem like your only option. But now you know that better alternatives exist, from Money Mutual’s AI-powered personal loans to credit union PALs to community assistance programs. If you absolutely must use a payday loan, borrow the smallest amount possible, have a concrete plan to repay it on time, and avoid rollovers at all costs. Remember that each rollover digs your financial hole deeper.

    The best long-term strategy isn’t finding better loans – it’s building financial stability through budgeting, saving, and improving your credit score. Even small steps like putting aside $5 per paycheck or paying bills on time can eventually lead to major improvements in your financial health.

    Emergency expenses are inevitable, but predatory debt doesn’t have to be. With the knowledge and resources from this guide on the best payday loans without credit check, you can navigate financial challenges more confidently while protecting your long-term financial wellbeing.

    APPLY EASILY TO FIND OUT WHAT LOANS YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR TODAY

    FAQs About Payday Loans Without Credit Checks

    Can you get a payday loan without a credit check?

    Some storefront payday lenders advertise “no credit check” loans, but most still verify your income and banking information. These loans typically come with extremely high fees and interest rates to compensate for the increased risk to the lender.

    Where is the easiest place to get a payday loan with bad credit?

    Local storefront payday lenders in states with relaxed lending laws typically offer the highest approval rates for bad credit borrowers. Online lenders like CashNetUSA and Advance America also commonly approve bad credit applications as long as you can prove steady income.

    What is the easiest loan to get with no credit?

    Secured loans using collateral (like pawn shop loans or title loans) are typically easiest to get with no credit history. Cash advance apps like Earnin or Dave are also accessible options for small amounts if you have regular direct deposits.

    Can I get a payday loan with a 500 credit score?

    Yes, most payday lenders will approve loans with a 500 credit score as they focus primarily on your income rather than credit history. You’ll typically qualify as long as you can show proof of regular income and meet their minimum earnings requirement (usually $1,000+ monthly).

    How to get $2,000 fast with bad credit?

    Try personal loans from bad-credit lenders like Money Mutual, OppLoans, or local finance companies that offer installment options. Credit union payday alternative loans (PALs) or secured loans using your vehicle or valuables as collateral are also viable options for getting $2,000 quickly.

    Is Fast Loan Advance Legit?

    Yes, Fast Loan Advance is a legitimate platform that connects borrowers with multiple lenders offering personal loans. However, it is not a direct lender and may share your information with several lenders, which can result in multiple credit inquiries. While many users find the application process simple and fast, some report high fees and aggressive marketing. Always review loan terms carefully before applying.

    Mail: customerservice@moneymutual.com

    Disclaimer

    The information provided in this article is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Loan terms, approval rates, and interest rates vary by lender and individual applicant qualifications. Always read the full terms and conditions before applying for any loan. We are not a lender and do not guarantee approval or specific loan outcomes. Consult with a licensed financial advisor or the lender directly to understand your options and obligations. Use payday and personal loans responsibly and only when necessary.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 28 May 2025 Departmental update Road safety takes centre stage at world’s leading transport forum

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Transport ministers from 69 countries adopted a landmark road safety policy recommendation for governments and agreed to pilot a new road safety assessment framework for business at the International Transport Forum (ITF) Summit in Leipzig, Germany, on 22 May 2025.

    Nearly 1.2 million people are killed on the world’s roads each year, and road crashes are the leading cause of death among children and young people aged 5–29 years worldwide. 

    Produced with WHO support, the Policy recommendation on comprehensive road safety policy urges governments to adopt evidence-based, safety-focused, well-coordinated and inclusive road safety approaches that best fit each location and to focus on where the most lives can be saved. 

    “This is great news. It could enlighten the way transport policies are implemented. We received support and contributions from NGOs and the World Health Organization that were really relevant,” said Juan Carlos Muñoz, Chilean Minister of Transport and President of the ITF. 

    The road safety policy guide, along with new guidance on artificial intelligence (AI) in transport, is the first policy recommendation made by the ITF – the world’s largest gathering of transport ministers – in three years. The theme of the summit was “transport resilience to global shocks”.

    “There are extremely important links between resilient transport systems and strengthening health and safety. Resilient transport should first and foremost be safe and healthy,” said Dr Nhan Tran, Head of Safety and Mobility at WHO, during a ministerial session at the summit.

    Business matters

    The private sector has a huge and crucial role in ensuring safe and sustainable mobility and a ministerial session at the summit focused on working with business for resilient transport.

    “The private sector brings innovation, agility and in-depth operational expertise. Our challenge is to institutionalize these [public-private] partnerships,” said Mr Muñoz in his opening remarks to the session. 

    WHO and the ITF launched a new Global road safety assessment framework for corporate action and reporting to support businesses in integrating robust road safety practices into their operations and value chains in support of global efforts to reduce road deaths and injuries.   

    “Around one third of all road deaths occur among corporate value chains and we are delighted to support the new road safety assessment framework for business. It is an important platform to track corporate performance against global standards and best practices for road safety,” said Dr Tran.

    The framework builds on existing international instruments to identify best practices, extends safety management to workforce commuting and contractual relations with suppliers and distributors, and will ensure international reporting standards are applied. 

    Companies that adopt the framework can expect to cut the leading cause of workplace injuries, with reduced disruption, improved employee well-being, and an enhanced corporate reputation. 

    The development of the framework began on a request from transport ministers from over 60 countries in May 2024. They are now working with business to pilot and refine the framework.

    Moving forward

    The ITF summit marked a key opportunity to advance commitments made at the Fourth Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety that was held in Marrakech, Morocco, in February 2025. 

    WHO and the Government of Morocco hosted a ministerial session on implementing the resulting Marrakech Road Safety Declaration, including monitoring and reporting on progress, engaging all relevant actors, and creating incentives and regulations for private sector action. 

    “We are working with key regional bodies to design a robust follow-up mechanism for Africa. Our goal is to organize regional meetings that serve as checkpoints for progress and platforms for coordination, knowledge-sharing and policy alignment,” said Abdessamad Kayouh, Minister of Transport and Logistics of the Kingdom of Morocco.

    The WHO African Region accounts for nearly one-fifth of all global road deaths despite being home to just 15% of the world’s population and 3% of registered vehicles. Road deaths are rising in the region.

    “We must invest in institutional capacity, building strong, well-resourced road safety agencies and ensuring inter-ministerial coordination. Morocco hopes to reinforce a shared continental commitment and to drive tangible improvements in road safety across Africa,” said Mr Kayouh.

    Mr Kayouh highlighted financing, upholding vehicle safety standards and improving efforts to collect, share and use data for policymaking as urgent priorities to boost progress in Africa.

    “The ITF summit is a powerful platform to advance road safety. But for us to truly deliver, we must elevate safety to the same level as climate, access and efficiency. Sustainable transport must, above all, be safe transport,” said Jean Todt, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Op-Ed: UN Peacekeeping is both a lifesaving tool and a smart investment

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    U.N. Peacekeeping has a legacy of success, from Namibia to today’s volatile hotspots. But to remain effective, it needs investment and adaptation. 

    By Jean-Pierre Lacroix 

    This March, some 35 years after the United Nations closed a landmark chapter in peacekeeping, Namibia inaugurated President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the country’s first democratically elected woman head of state. 

    In 1989, despite rising global instability and a liquidity crisis at the U.N., member states came together to launch the United Nations Transition Assistance Group, or UNTAG — a multidimensional peacekeeping mission that helped usher in Namibia’s independence. 

    UNTAG didn’t just monitor a ceasefire in Namibia. It helped organize and secure the country’s first free and fair elections, protected civilians, verified troop withdrawals, and supported democratic transition across a vast and remote territory. It pioneered approaches that are now cornerstones of modern peacekeeping, from U.N. policing and human rights monitoring to electoral support and a robust public information campaign. 

    Today, the United Nations Peacekeeping stands at a critical juncture. The global landscape is dangerous and complex. Crises erupt quickly and spread faster, magnified by international political polarization, transnational crime, terrorism, a rising sense of impunity, and the weakening of international law. 

    The globally recognized U.N. Peacekeeping blue helmets enjoy broad international support. Now more than ever, peacekeepers remain on the front lines — holding ground, protecting civilians, and creating the space necessary for diplomacy to work. But faced with increasing instability and mounting financial pressure, peacekeeping’s effectiveness depends on investment in its future. 

    Blue helmets on the front lines 

    The work of our U.N. peacekeepers — men and women serving far from their homes to help others live in peace — is demanding and complex, but it is also dangerous. Since January 2024, we have suffered 78 fatalities. Many more have been injured. Their sacrifice, and the service of more than 68,000 military, police, and civilian personnel deployed under the U.N. flag — including uniformed peacekeepers from 119 countries — represents a tangible commitment to peace and security. 

    Across 11 missions, big and small, peacekeepers operate in some of the world’s most volatile contexts. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, our peacekeeping mission MONUSCO is helping to shield civilians from violence while supporting dialogue and disarmament.  

    In Lebanon, UNIFIL remains a stabilizing presence along the Blue Line amid ongoing exchanges of fire. In South Sudan, UNMISS is working to prevent a relapse into civil war by enhancing security and promoting dialogue and negotiation at the local and national levels. In the Central African Republic, MINUSCA continues to protect the vulnerable all over the country and is supporting preparations for the country’s first local elections in decades. And in Cyprus, peacekeepers serving with UNFICYP continue to reduce tensions and maintain a buffer strip to promote security and build confidence between communities. 

    Many of these missions face challenges that reflect deeper complexities, with confusing or impractical mandates, ambiguous political support at local and international levels, a lack of a clearly defined end-state, and a widening gap between expectations and resources. 

    Investing in peacekeeping 

    2025 is a pivotal year. As we mark the U.N.’s 80th anniversary, Germany — a stalwart peacekeeping partner of long standing — hosted a U.N. Peacekeeping Ministerial meeting in Berlin earlier this month. Ministers of defense and foreign affairs from around the world united in pledging their unequivocal and tangible support for and to our blue helmets. More than half of the 130 member state delegations present made concrete pledges to make missions stronger, safer, and more effective. 

    They discussed the future of peace missions and ways to reform the instrument to ensure our operations remain adaptable, innovative, cost-effective, and resilient. As it did in Namibia in the early 90s, U.N. Peacekeeping has always adapted to and achieved results in ever-changing contexts. Going forward, we will need to build on this momentum to ensure peacekeeping is streamlined, economical, and fit for purpose. 

    And on this point, it is important to stress that peacekeeping is not only a lifesaving tool — it is a smart investment. It delivers value for money, reduces violence, and helps forge a durable peace. From Cambodia to Timor-Leste and El Salvador to Liberia, U.N. Peacekeeping has supported transitions from war to peace at a minuscule fraction of what military activities have cost worldwide. These achievements are not historical footnotes: they are the building blocks of regional stability. 

    And U.N. Peacekeeping must and will continue to evolve. Missions may be deployed jointly with or in support of regional partners, such as the African Union. They may be smaller, more technologically leveraged, and more specialized. But their core purpose will remain to support political solutions, protect the vulnerable, and pave the way for a sustainable peace. 

    If the past tells us anything, it is that peacekeeping can deliver when we invest in it and stay the course. Peacekeeping’s record is measured not only by what happens but by what doesn’t — violence that was averted, escalation that was prevented, space that was created for politics to work. 

    We ignore this hard-won truth at our peril — U.N. mission closures in Mali, Sudan, and Haiti, and the rise of violence in all of these countries, are cases in point. To avoid this trap, we must maintain readiness and the capabilities to deploy rapidly, if and when asked. 

    Thirty-five years ago, the world came together to launch UNTAG, a ground-breaking peace mission that helped Namibia chart its own course as an independent country. Today, that same spirit of unity, innovation, and determination is needed once again. If we fall short now, we risk undermining decades of progress and undermining the hopes of millions who depend on peacekeeping to help protect their future.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Thursday, May 29, 2025

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    National Capital Region, Canada

    10:00 a.m. The Prime Minister will deliver remarks in the House of Commons on the Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne.

    West Block
    Parliament Hill

    1:00 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Mayor of Toronto, Olivia Chow.

    Closed to media

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Sebastião Salgado: a photographer of great humanity

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Joe Miles, Subject Lead for Film & Photography, Birmingham City University

    The world has lost one of its most compassionate and visionary visual storytellers. Sebastião Salgado, the Brazilian-born photographer whose haunting black-and-white images shaped global consciousness for decades, has died at the age of 81.

    Salgado’s work often provoked a powerful conflict of emotions. Perhaps more than any other documentary photographer, he produced technically flawless, mesmerising images of some of the world’s harshest realities, from the gold mines of Brazil and famine in the Sahel, to the horror of the Rwandan genocide. His photographs were often shocking, yet stunningly beautiful. You couldn’t look away – and that was the point.

    Born in 1944 in Aimorés, Brazil, Salgado initially trained as an economist. While working for the International Coffee Organization, he travelled across Africa and Latin America, witnessing economic disparity and social injustice. Initially borrowing his wife’s camera, photography became his way to document what he saw, not as a distant observer, but as someone deeply affected by human suffering. He once said he took pictures “not only with my camera, but with my life – I cannot do it another way”.

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

    His background in economics informed the focus of his work, particularly his concern with inequality, labour, and migration. In Workers (1993), a six-year study of manual labour around the world, he wrote, “The planet remains divided, the First World in a crisis of excess, the Third World in a crisis of need.”

    However, Salgado ensured that he highlighted both the hardship and the dignity of those engaged in physically demanding jobs. In doing so, he redefined documentary photography as a tool not only for exposure, but for elevation.

    What set Salgado apart was his immersive approach. Rejecting the “parachute” style of photojournalism, he embedded himself in the communities he documented – sometimes for years – fostering deep empathy with his subjects. This emotional authenticity was at the heart of his iconic Serra Pelada series, which captured the intensity and desperation of labourers in Brazil’s largest gold mine.

    Standing at the edge of the mine, he later wrote that it felt like seeing “the history of mankind, the building of the pyramids, the Tower of Babel”. And, crucially, he successfully conveyed that same emotion through his images.

    At a time where colour documentary photography was increasingly favoured, Salgado always shot in black and white. This helped the viewer to focus on form, emotion and narrative, as well as emphasising the grim reality of the subject matter. However, documenting the world’s suffering took its toll.

    His time covering the Rwandan genocide in 1994 nearly broke him. He once described the effect of witnessing 10,000 people die from cholera in a single day in a refugee camp in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. Like other photojournalists who have endured such trauma – Don McCullin and Kevin Carter among them – Salgado carried a deep psychological burden. He nearly gave up photography altogether.

    Instead, Salgado found solace in nature. His project Genesis (2013) celebrated the planet’s untouched regions, landscapes, traditional communities and endangered wildlife. While it marked a shift from his earlier focus, it was still deeply humanist in spirit. The work served as both a tribute to the Earth’s beauty and a reminder of what remains to be protected.

    His environmental commitment extended beyond the camera. With his wife and creative partner, Lélia Wanick Salgado, he founded Instituto Terra, a reforestation initiative on land once owned by his family. Together, they restored a devastated patch of Brazil’s Atlantic forest. It was an act of reciprocity: having documented environmental destruction, he dedicated himself to repairing it.

    Salgado’s work was not without controversy, contributing to ongoing ethical debates about the power imbalance between photographers and their subjects. While some may have felt a sense of empowerment from having their struggles recognised, others uneasy about being displayed to a global audience. Without them having a voice, we will never truly know – which further contributes to the sense of a power imbalance.

    Others accused Salgado of aestheticising suffering. In a 1991 piece in The New Yorker, Ingrid Sischy argued that the powerful beauty of his images risked turning tragedy into spectacle. Salgado countered: “Art critics have criticised me, but I am not an artist. I published these pictures in magazines, to make a debate.”

    And make a debate he did. His 2000 exhibition and book Exodus, a chronicle of global migration and displacement, challenged viewers to reckon with the human cost of political and economic upheaval. “Globalisation is presented to us as a reality, but not as a solution,” he wrote. “We have to create a new regimen of coexistence.”

    In his later years, Salgado championed the role of photography in education and social change. He became the subject of The Salt of the Earth (2014), an Oscar-nominated documentary co-directed by Wim Wenders, and his son, Juliano Ribeiro Salgado. The film offered a moving portrait of a man who saw his photography not just as art, but as testimony and witness.

    Despite international acclaim, Salgado remained grounded. He consistently shifted attention away from himself and toward those he photographed. “I hope that the person looking at my photographs will see more than just a picture,” he once said. “They will see the story. They will feel the life.”

    Sebastião Salgado’s death is a great loss, but his images remain. In a world flooded with visuals, he showed us that photography could still be a force for understanding, connection and change.

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

    – ref. Sebastião Salgado: a photographer of great humanity – https://theconversation.com/sebastiao-salgado-a-photographer-of-great-humanity-257772

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Like today’s selfie-takers, Walt Whitman used photography to curate his image – but ended up more lost than found

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Trevin Corsiglia, PhD Candidate in Comparative Literature and Thought, Washington University in St. Louis

    Though Walt Whitman insisted to friends that the moth was real – and landed on his finger spontaneously – it was a cardboard prop. Library of Congress

    When I read and study Walt Whitman’s poetry, I often imagine what he would’ve done if he had a smartphone and an Instagram account.

    Unlike many of his contemporaries, the poet collected an “abundance of photographs” of himself, as Whitman scholar Ed Folsom points out. And like many people today who snap and post thousands of selfies, Whitman, who lived during the birth of commercial photography, used portraits to craft a version of the self that wasn’t necessarily grounded in reality.

    One of those portraits, taken by photographer Curtis Taylor, was commissioned by Whitman in the 1870s.

    In it, the poet is seated nonchalantly, with a moth or butterfly appearing to have landed on his outstretched finger. According to at least two of his friends, Philadelphia attorney Thomas Donaldson and nurse Elizabeth Keller, this was Whitman’s favorite photograph.

    Though he told his friends that the winged insect happened to land on his finger during the shoot, it turned out to be a cardboard prop.

    Feigned spontaneity

    The scene with the butterfly reflects one of the main themes of Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass,” his best-known collection of poems: The universe is naturally drawn to the poet.

    “To me the converging objects of the world perpetually flow,” he insists in “Song of Myself.”

    “I have instant conductors all over me whether I pass or stop,” Whitman adds. “They seize every object and lead it harmlessly through me.”

    Whitman told Horace Traubel, the poet’s close friend and earliest biographer, that “[y]es – that was an actual moth, the picture is substantially literal.” Likewise, he told historian William Roscoe Thayer: “I’ve always had the knack of attracting birds and butterflies and other wild critters.”

    Of course, historians now know that the butterfly was, in fact, a cutout, which currently resides at the Library of Congress.

    The cardboard prop used by Walt Whitman in the portrait.
    Library of Congress

    So what was Whitman doing? Why would he lie? I can’t get inside his head, but I suspect he wanted to impress his audience, to verify that the protagonist of “Leaves of Grass,” the one with “instant conductors,” was not a fictional creation.

    Today’s selfies often give the impression of having been taken on the spot. In reality, many of them are a carefully calculated creative act.

    Media scholars James E. Katz and Elizabeth Thomas Crocker have argued that most selfie-takers strive for informality even as they carefully stage the images. In other words, the selfie weds the spontaneous to the intentional.

    Whitman does exactly this, presenting a designed photo as if it were a happy accident.

    Too much me

    As Whitman biographer Justin Kaplan notes, no other writer at the time “was so systematically recorded or so concerned with the strategic uses of his pictures and their projective meanings for himself and the public.”

    Walt Whitman in an 1854 photograph likely taken by Gabriel Harrison.
    Wikimedia Commons

    The poet jumped at the opportunity to have his photo taken. There is, for instance, the famous portrait of the young, carefree poet that was used as the frontispiece for the first edition of “Leaves of Grass.” Or the 1854 photograph of a bearded and unkempt Whitman likely captured by Gabriel Harrison. Or the 1869 image of Whitman smiling lovingly at Peter Doyle, the poet’s intimate friend and probable lover.

    Some social scientists have argued that today’s selfies can aid in the search for one’s “authentic self” – figuring out who you are and understanding what makes you tick.

    Other researchers have taken a less rosy view of the selfie, warning that snapping too many can be a sign of low self-esteem and can, paradoxically, lead to identity confusion, particularly if they’re taken to seek external validation.

    Whitman spent his life searching for what he termed the “Me myself” or the “real Me.” Photography provided him another medium, besides poetry, to carry on this search. But it seems to have ultimately failed him.

    Having collected these images, he would then obsessively chew over what they all added up to, ultimately finding that he was far more lost than found in this sea of portraits.

    I wonder if – to use today’s parlance – Whitman “scrolled” his way into a crisis of self-identity, overwhelmed by the sheer number of photos he possessed and the various, contradictory selves they represented.

    “I meet new Walt Whitmans every day,” he once said. “There are a dozen of me afloat. I don’t know which Walt Whitman I am.”

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

    – ref. Like today’s selfie-takers, Walt Whitman used photography to curate his image – but ended up more lost than found – https://theconversation.com/like-todays-selfie-takers-walt-whitman-used-photography-to-curate-his-image-but-ended-up-more-lost-than-found-256195

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Beyond the backlash: What evidence shows about the economic impact of DEI

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Rodney Coates, Professor of Critical Race and Ethnic Studies, Miami University

    DEI has a long history. Nora Carol Photography via Getty Images

    Few issues in the U.S. today are as controversial as diversity, equity and inclusion – commonly referred to as DEI.

    Although the term didn’t come into common usage until the 21st century, DEI is best understood as the latest stage in a long American project. Its egalitarian principles are seen in America’s founding documents, and its roots lie in landmark 20th-century efforts such as the 1964 Civil Rights Act and affirmative action policies, as well as movements for racial justice, gender equity, disability rights, veterans and immigrants.

    These movements sought to expand who gets to participate in economic, educational and civic life. DEI programs, in many ways, are their legacy.

    Critics argue that DEI is antidemocratic, that it fosters ideological conformity and that it leads to discriminatory initiatives, which they say disadvantage white people and undermine meritocracy. Those defending DEI argue just the opposite: that it encourages critical thinking and promotes democracy − and that attacks on DEI amount to a retreat from long-standing civil rights law.

    Yet missing from much of the debate is a crucial question: What are the tangible costs and benefits of DEI? Who benefits, who doesn’t, and what are the broader effects on society and the economy?

    As a sociologist, I believe any productive conversation about DEI should be rooted in evidence, not ideology. So let’s look at the research.

    Who gains from DEI?

    In the corporate world, DEI initiatives are intended to promote diversity, and research consistently shows that diversity is good for business. Companies with more diverse teams tend to perform better across several key metrics, including revenue, profitability and worker satisfaction.

    Businesses with diverse workforces also have an edge in innovation, recruitment and competitiveness, research shows. The general trend holds for many types of diversity, including age, race and ethnicity, and gender.

    A focus on diversity can also offer profit opportunities for businesses seeking new markets. Two-thirds of American consumers consider diversity when making their shopping choices, a 2021 survey found. So-called “inclusive consumers” tend to be female, younger and more ethnically and racially diverse. Ignoring their values can be costly: When Target backed away from its DEI efforts, the resulting backlash contributed to a sales decline.

    But DEI goes beyond corporate policy. At its core, it’s about expanding access to opportunities for groups historically excluded from full participation in American life. From this broader perspective, many 20th-century reforms can be seen as part of the DEI arc.

    Consider higher education. Many elite U.S. universities refused to admit women until well into the 1960s and 1970s. Columbia, the last Ivy League university to go co-ed, started admitting women in 1982. Since the advent of affirmative action, women haven’t just closed the gender gap in higher education – they outpace men in college completion across all racial groups. DEI policies have particularly benefited women, especially white women, by expanding workforce access.

    Many Ivy League universities didn’t admit women until surprisingly recently.

    Similarly, the push to desegregate American universities was followed by an explosion in the number of Black college students – a number that has increased by 125% since the 1970s, twice the national rate. With college gates open to more people than ever, overall enrollment at U.S. colleges has quadrupled since 1965. While there are many reasons for this, expanding opportunity no doubt plays a role. And a better-educated population has had significant implications for productivity and economic growth.

    The 1965 Immigration Act also exemplifies DEI’s impact. It abolished racial and national quotas, enabling the immigration of more diverse populations, including from Asia, Africa, southern and eastern Europe and Latin America. Many of these immigrants were highly educated, and their presence has boosted U.S. productivity and innovation.

    Ultimately, the U.S. economy is more profitable and productive as a result of immigrants.

    What does DEI cost?

    While DEI generates returns for many businesses and institutions, it does come with costs. In 2020, corporate America spent an estimated US$7.5 billion on DEI programs. And in 2023, the federal government spent more than $100 million on DEI, including $38.7 million by the Department of Health and Human Services and another $86.5 million by the Department of Defense.

    The government will no doubt be spending less on DEI in 2025. One of President Donald Trump’s first acts in his second term was to sign an executive order banning DEI practices in federal agencies – one of several anti-DEI executive orders currently facing legal challenges. More than 30 states have also introduced or enacted bills to limit or entirely restrict DEI in recent years. Central to many of these policies is the belief that diversity lowers standards, replacing meritocracy with mediocrity.

    But a large body of research disputes this claim. For example, a 2023 McKinsey & Company report found that companies with higher levels of gender and ethnic diversity will likely financially outperform those with the least diversity by at least 39%. Similarly, concerns that DEI in science and technology education leads to lowering standards aren’t backed up by scholarship. Instead, scholars are increasingly pointing out that disparities in performance are linked to built-in biases in courses themselves.

    That said, legal concerns about DEI are rising. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Department of Justice have recently warned employers that some DEI programs may violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Anecdotal evidence suggests that reverse discrimination claims, particularly from white men, are increasing, and legal experts expect the Supreme Court to lower the burden of proof needed by complainants for such cases.

    The issue remains legally unsettled. But while the cases work their way through the courts, women and people of color will continue to shoulder much of the unpaid volunteer work that powers corporate DEI initiatives. This pattern raises important equity concerns within DEI itself.

    What lies ahead for DEI?

    People’s fears of DEI are partly rooted in demographic anxiety. Since the U.S. Census Bureau projected in 2008 that non-Hispanic white people would become a minority in the U.S by the year 2042, nationwide news coverage has amplified white fears of displacement.

    Research indicates many white men experience this change as a crisis of identity and masculinity, particularly amid economic shifts such as the decline of blue-collar work. This perception aligns with research showing that white Americans are more likely to believe DEI policies disadvantage white men than white women.

    At the same time, in spite of DEI initiatives, women and people of color are most likely to be underemployed and living in poverty regardless of how much education they attain. The gender wage gap remains stark: In 2023, women working full time earned a median weekly salary of $1,005 compared with $1,202 for men − just 83.6% of what men earned. Over a 40-year career, that adds up to hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost earnings. For Black and Latina women, the disparities are even worse, with one source estimating lifetime losses at $976,800 and $1.2 million, respectively.

    Racism, too, carries an economic toll. A 2020 analysis from Citi found that systemic racism has cost the U.S. economy $16 trillion since 2000. The same analysis found that addressing these disparities could have boosted Black wages by $2.7 trillion, added up to $113 billion in lifetime earnings through higher college enrollment, and generated $13 trillion in business revenue, creating 6.1 million jobs annually.

    In a moment of backlash and uncertainty, I believe DEI remains a vital if imperfect tool in the American experiment of inclusion. Rather than abandon it, the challenge now, from my perspective, is how to refine it: grounding efforts not in slogans or fear, but in fairness and evidence.

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

    – ref. Beyond the backlash: What evidence shows about the economic impact of DEI – https://theconversation.com/beyond-the-backlash-what-evidence-shows-about-the-economic-impact-of-dei-252143

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The rise and fall – and rise again – of white-tailed deer

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Elic Weitzel, Peter Buck Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Smithsonian Institution

    White-tailed deer in North America are back to their precolonial population levels. John Woodhouse Audubon/Heritage Images/Hulton Archive via Getty Images

    Given their abundance in American backyards, gardens and highway corridors these days, it may be surprising to learn that white-tailed deer were nearly extinct about a century ago. While they currently number somewhere in the range of 30 million to 35 million, at the turn of the 20th century, there were as few as 300,000 whitetails across the entire continent: just 1% of the current population.

    This near-disappearance of deer was much discussed at the time. In 1854, Henry David Thoreau had written that no deer had been hunted near Concord, Massachusetts, for a generation. In his famous “Walden,” he reported that:

    “One man still preserves the horns of the last deer that was killed in this vicinity, and another has told me the particulars of the hunt in which his uncle was engaged. The hunters were formerly a numerous and merry crew here.”

    But what happened to white-tailed deer? What drove them nearly to extinction, and then what brought them back from the brink?

    As a historical ecologist and environmental archaeologist, I have made it my job to answer these questions. Over the past decade, I’ve studied white-tailed deer bones from archaeological sites across the eastern United States, as well as historical records and ecological data, to help piece together the story of this species.

    Precolonial rise of deer populations

    White-tailed deer have been hunted from the earliest migrations of people into North America, over 15,000 years ago. The species was far from the most important food resource at that time, though.

    Archaeological evidence suggests that white-tailed deer abundance only began to increase after the extinction of megafauna species like mammoths and mastodons opened up ecological niches for deer to fill. Deer bones become very common in archaeological sites from about 6,000 years ago onward, reflecting the economic and cultural importance of the species for Indigenous peoples.

    A 16th-century engraving of Indigenous Floridians hunting deer while disguised in deerskins.
    Theodor de Bry/DEA Picture Library/De Agostini via Getty Images

    Despite being so frequently hunted, deer populations do not seem to have appreciably declined due to Indigenous hunting prior to AD 1600. Unlike elk or sturgeon, whose numbers were reduced by Indigenous hunters and fishers, white-tailed deer seem to have been resilient to human predation. While archaeologists have found some evidence for human-caused declines in certain parts of North America, other cases are more ambiguous, and deer certainly remained abundant throughout the past several millennia.

    Human use of fire could partly explain why white-tailed deer may have been resilient to hunting. Indigenous peoples across North America have long used controlled burning to promote ecosystem health, disturbing old vegetation to promote new growth. Deer love this sort of successional vegetation for food and cover, and thus thrive in previously burned habitats. Indigenous people may have therefore facilitated deer population growth, counteracting any harmful hunting pressure.

    More research is needed, but even though some hunting pressure is evident, the general picture from the precolonial era is that deer seem to have been doing just fine for thousands of years. Ecologists estimate that there were roughly 30 million white-tailed deer in North America on the eve of European colonization – about the same number as today.

    Elic Weitzel and volunteers excavate for deer bones at a 17th-century colonial site in Connecticut.
    Scott Brady

    Colonial-era fall of deer numbers

    To better understand how deer populations changed in the colonial era, I recently analyzed deer bones from two archaeological sites in what is now Connecticut. My analysis suggests that hunting pressure on white-tailed deer increased almost as soon as European colonists arrived.

    At one site dated to the 11th to 14th centuries – before European colonization – I found that only about 7% to 10% of the deer killed were juveniles.

    Hunters generally don’t take juvenile deer if they’re frequently encountering adults, since adult deer tend to be larger, offering more meat and bigger hides. Additionally, hunting increases mortality on a deer herd but doesn’t directly affect fertility, so deer populations experiencing hunting pressure end up with juvenile-skewed age structures. For these reasons, this low percentage of juvenile deer prior to European colonization indicates minimal hunting pressure on local herds.

    However, at a nearby site occupied during the 17th century – just after European colonization – between 22% and 31% of the deer hunted were juveniles, suggesting a substantial increase in hunting pressure.

    Researchers can tell from the size and development of a deer’s bones its stage of life. Here is a fawn’s mandible with teeth.
    Elic Weitzel

    This elevated hunting pressure likely resulted from the transformation of deer into a commodity for the first time. Venison, antlers and deerskins may have long been exchanged within Indigenous trade networks, but things changed drastically in the 17th century. European colonists integrated North America into a trans-Atlantic mercantile capitalist economic system with no precedent in Indigenous society. This applied new pressures to the continent’s natural resources.

    Deer – particularly their skins – were commodified and sold in markets in the colonies initially and, by the 18th century, in Europe as well. Deer were now being exploited by traders, merchants and manufacturers desiring profit, not simply hunters desiring meat or leather. It was the resulting hunting pressure that drove the species toward its extinction.

    20th-century rebound of white-tailed deer

    Thanks to the rise of the conservation movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, white-tailed deer survived their brush with extinction.

    Concerned citizens and outdoorsmen feared for the fate of deer and other wildlife, and pushed for new legislative protections.

    The Lacey Act of 1900, for example, banned interstate transport of poached game and – in combination with state-level protections – helped end commercial deer hunting by effectively de-commodifying the species. Aided by conservation-oriented hunting practices and reintroductions of deer from surviving populations to areas where they had been extirpated, white-tailed deer rebounded.

    The story of white-tailed deer underscores an important fact: Humans are not inherently damaging to the environment. Hunting from the 17th through 19th centuries threatened the existence of white-tailed deer, but precolonial Indigenous hunting and environmental management appear to have been relatively sustainable, and modern regulatory governance in the 20th century forestalled and reversed their looming extinction.

    Elic Weitzel received funding from the National Science Foundation (award #2128707) to support this research.

    – ref. The rise and fall – and rise again – of white-tailed deer – https://theconversation.com/the-rise-and-fall-and-rise-again-of-white-tailed-deer-257307

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What Peru’s Virgen de la Puerta represents about unity and inclusion

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Caitlin Cipolla-McCulloch, Researcher in Marianist Studies, University of Dayton

    La Virgen de la Puerta behind a glass window at the pinnacle of the church. Caitlin Cipolla-McCulloch

    Leo XIV, the first pope born in the United States, is also claimed by the Peruvian people whom he served for over two decades as one of their own.

    Then known as Robert Francis Prevost, he lived and worked in the cities of Trujillo and Chiclayo in northern Peru. In Chiclayo he served as bishop from 2015-2023. Trujillo is a few hours south of Chiclayo, where the pope lived for a decade.

    His ministry there is particularly exciting to me because I also lived in northern Peru, during a service year with the Marianist Family between my undergraduate experience at the University of Dayton and my first year of full-time ministry. The Marianist Family was founded in response to specific needs in postrevolutionary French society. Composed of lay people and vowed religious sisters, brothers and priests, it emphasizes devotion to Mary and a communal lifestyle as a distinctive way of living out one’s Roman Catholicism.

    About a two-hour bus ride away from Trujillo lies the mountainous town of Otuzco, where I lived with other members of the Marianist Family – a place that would later become a significant focus of my research as a lay Marianist and Mariologist. An image of Mary – La Virgen de la Puerta – now housed in a shrine church, has been venerated and revered in the community for over 300 years.

    The shrine church of La Virgen de la Puerta.

    The majority of those who maintain a devotional relationship with this image, both local or from the surrounding villages, are part of the Catholic religious majority in Peru. But some other Peruvians – including non- Catholics, some members of the LGBTQ+ community, and others who are marginalized, such as former prisoners and migrants – also revere her. Many of the devotees do not live near Otuzco but maintain a spiritual relationship with La Virgen de la Puerta.

    The founding of Otuzco

    The Augustinians – the religious congregation of brothers and priests that Leo XIV is a member of – settled in Otuzco in 1560.

    As part of the founding of the town, the Augustinian Fathers placed the town under the protection of Mary, the mother of Jesus. They acquired a Spanish image, a statue of Mary made mostly of wood, and selected Dec. 15 to celebrate her locally. This tradition has continued since 1664, about 100 years after the Augustinian Fathers settled in Otuzco.

    Frequently riddled by threats of pirates and other dangers, the people of Otuzco prayed fervently to this image of Mary for protection.

    A Virgen de la Puerta procession in the evening in the streets of Otuzco.
    Caitlin Cipolla-McCulloch

    During one particular threat to their safety, around 1670, they took this image into the streets in procession to protect their town. They placed this image of Mary above the door of the church in the center of town and called the image “Nuestra Señora de la Puerta” – transliterated into English: “Our Lady of the Door.”

    Contemporary pilgrimage in Otuzco

    In modern times, the fiesta of La Virgen de la Puerta is lavishly celebrated in the town of Otuzco, where thousands of faithful descend upon the mountain community for the multiday fiesta patronal, a festive celebration that honors the patron saint to whom a site is dedicated or entrusted.

    The fiesta patronal of La Virgen de la Puerta begins annually on Dec. 14, with the principal day observed on Dec. 15, and concludes on Dec. 16.

    During the days of the fiesta, the road between Trujillo and Otuzco is transformed into a pilgrimage route. The purpose of the journey can vary from pilgrim to pilgrim, yet it often reflects a deeply personal act of devotion.

    Some pilgrims arrive from Otuzco, Trujillo and neighboring villages, while others travel long distances – in Peru or from abroad – to honor La Virgen de la Puerta. Some pilgrims journey the roughly 50 miles (over 80 kilometers) between Trujillo and Otuzco on foot.

    I personally made this journey with a group of fellow pilgrims, the very people I was living among and ministering with during my service year in Peru. My pilgrimage involved a backpack with basic medical supplies for the group. After an overnight walk to Otuzco in camping pants, a T-shirt, hat and sneakers, I arrived before the image of Mary with quarter-size blisters on my feet.

    La Virgen de la Puerta procession through the streets of Otuzco.
    Caitlin Cipolla-McCulloch

    Some pilgrims, unlike me, mark the final kilometers of their journey by advancing to the shrine through the streets on their knees.

    Devotion outside Otuzco

    In addition to the thousands who descend on the town of Otuzco each year for the celebration, there are those who are deeply devoted to La Virgen de la Puerta but do not or cannot make the journey to the shrine. Their celebrations take place at times at a great distance from Otuzco.

    Among them are members of the LGBTQ+ community, who to this day remain marginalized in broader Peruvian and Catholic culture. Although members of the LGBTQ+ community reside throughout Peru, the neighborhood of Cerro El Pino in Lima has historically been the site of a festive celebration in honor of La Virgen de la Puerta, which many community members observe.

    Differing communities come with differing needs to La Virgen de la Puerta. The LGBTQ+ community in this particular neighborhood believes she has protected them throughout their history. During the early years of the AIDS epidemic in the 1990s, when over 10% of the male population in Lima was infected by HIV, members of this community sought the protection of La Virgen de la Puerta for their physical health. Although some people died from AIDS, others continued to participate in the rituals of the fiesta to honor her protection over time, even amid their suffering. They wore special costumes, sang and performed the dances that have been part of the fiesta patronal for over 300 years.

    Francisco Rodríguez Torres is a Peruvian photographer who lives in the capital city, Lima, but has roots in the northern region where the image of La Virgen de la Puerta is located. He is one of those who has documented the activities of the fiesta patronal both in Otuzco and in Lima in his text La Mamita de Otuzco.

    He writes both about the local faithful as well as those who venerate the image from a distance. In his Spanish language text, he has documented that La Virgen de la Puerta is considered a mother by groups who find themselves on the margins of society. These groups include those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community, the poor, former prisoners and migrants. They “hope to find in her gaze a consolation,” he explains.

    Devotees bring their special petitions before La Virgen de la Puerta: They ask for her support in making decisions and for their everyday needs. Some even pray for miraculous healing.

    Echoing this sentiment of finding hope in La Virgen de la Puerta, Pope Francis, during his apostolic journey to Peru, crowned La Virgen de la Puerta and gave her the title of Mother of Mercy and Hope. In his address during a special prayer service in Trujillo on Jan. 20, 2018, Francis recounted that La Virgen de la Puerta has defended and protected all of her children throughout history.

    Leo, following the example of Francis, has focused on the importance of dialogue and peace. In his first message from the balcony upon being announced pope he said that members of the Catholic Church must build “bridges, dialogue, always open to receive like this square with its open arms, all, all who need our charity, our presence, dialogue and love.”

    I believe that La Virgen de la Puerta – a source of mercy and hope for all her devotees, regardless of whether they have been historically marginalized or excluded – offers an example to the world community of the greater unity with one another that Leo XIV is seeking to prioritize.

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

    – ref. What Peru’s Virgen de la Puerta represents about unity and inclusion – https://theconversation.com/what-perus-virgen-de-la-puerta-represents-about-unity-and-inclusion-256766

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: More Colorado workplaces are becoming safe places for employees in recovery

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Liliana Tenney, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

    Cliff and Cara Blauvelt, owners of Odie B’s sandwich shops in Denver, have created a recovery-friendly workplace thanks in part to a program from the Colorado School of Public Health. Courtesy of BehindTheApronMedia

    At Odie B’s, a sandwich shop in Denver, recovery from drug and alcohol use is part of daily operations.

    “Seventy percent of our staff is active in recovery,” Cliff Blauvelt, co-owner of Odie B’s, said in a video testimonial. “We try to provide a safe space where people can feel comfortable.”

    Blauvelt has struggled with alcohol use for more than 20 years. He co-owns Odie B’s with his wife, Cara Blauvelt.

    One employee, Molly, said working at Odie B’s helped her focus on sobriety and reconnect with her sense of purpose.

    “I was burned out, I was working a lot of hours. … I started dry January, and after a few months I realized I needed to quit drinking,” she said in the same video testimonial. “Cara definitely helped with my sobriety journey, just reminding me one day at a time, and now, I have been sober for going on two years.”

    Staffers at Odie B’s, a sandwich shop in Denver, participated in Colorado’s Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative and were interviewed about the experience.

    Colorado is one of more than 30 states that have launched recovery-friendly workplace programs in recent years. They’re part of a growing effort to reframe how employers address addiction, mental health and recovery for the well-being of their employees and businesses.

    Our team from the Centers for Health, Work & Environment at the Colorado School of Public Health works with employers to develop training guidelines and policies to help make their workplaces supportive of recovery.

    Over the past three years, we’ve worked to understand the tools employers need to better support employees with substance use disorders.

    Many are deeply motivated but lack formal policies or training. That gap is what the Colorado Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative is designed to fill.

    Since 2021, our team has developed and delivered recovery and mental health training to more than 8,000 Colorado employees. They represent more than 100 businesses in industries ranging from local government to construction companies and health care providers. Our training sessions focus on equipping individuals with an understanding of mental health and substance use disorders, explaining how to combat stigma, and outlining how to navigate accommodations in the workplace.

    The toll of addiction

    Substance use is not just a personal issue; it’s a public health and workforce challenge.

    In 2023, 1,865 Coloradans died from a drug overdose, according to data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. That’s up about 65 deaths from the previous year. Nationally, overdose deaths have more than doubled since 2015.

    In high-risk industries, such as construction and mining, where physically demanding work, long hours and job insecurity are common, workers have some of the highest rates of nonmedical opioid use. These workers are thus at a high risk of developing substance use disorders.

    They also face other mental health challenges. These same sectors face the highest suicide rates across all occupations and nearly double that of the general public.

    Recovery, as defined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a federal agency, includes “a process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.” In Colorado, an estimated 400,000 people identify as being in recovery. Many of them are working, raising families and rebuilding their lives.

    The economic impact of substance use is significant. Colorado has lost more than 360 million work hours to opioid use over the past decade, according to the American Action Forum, a nonprofit that conducts economic analyses. That’s the equivalent of 173,000 full-time jobs for one year.

    In 2017 alone, the cost of lost productivity due to opioid use disorder and fatal opioid overdose in Colorado was estimated to be US$834 million.

    Employers save an average of $8,500 per year for each employee in recovery, according to the National Safety Council. These savings come from lower health care costs, reduced absenteeism and decreased turnover. In other words, when employers retain and support workers through recovery rather than lose them to untreated substance use, they see measurable benefits.

    A shifting policy landscape

    In 2024, Colorado lawmakers passed a bill for supporting recovery and addressing the opioid epidemic. The legislation provided funding to establish the Recovery Friendly Workplaces Initiative and the voluntary employer participation and certification program.

    Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signs legislation into law. The Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative received state funding as part of a 2024 bill aimed at addressing the state’s opioid epidemic.
    Aaron Ontiveroz/Getty Images

    In early 2025, funding for the initiative was removed from the state budget due to a broader fiscal shortfall. The funding cut disrupted many of our planned activities, and we are currently relying on interim support from counties and state offices.

    Looking ahead

    Small businesses remain a priority for our team, despite recent funding cuts. Many lack human resources departments or formal wellness programs but are nonetheless deeply committed to helping their employees succeed.

    Sarah Deering, vice president of Absolute Caulking & Waterproofing of Colorado, joined the Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative.
    Courtesy of the Center for Health, Work and Environment

    A Colorado Recovery Friendly Workplace Initative participant, Absolute Caulking & Waterproofing of Colorado, employs 39 people. Absolute has championed recovery-friendly policies as something the business values.

    “This partnership saves us time and resources, which is invaluable for our small, family-owned business,” said Sarah Deering, vice president of the company.

    The road ahead presents challenges, including limited funding, the societal stigma around recovery and all of the complexities of recovery itself. But we continue to follow the scientific evidence. Our research team is evaluating the outcomes of our programs to better understand their impact and hopefully inform future policy recommendations. We are committed to the belief that work can and should be a place of healing.

    Liliana Tenney receives funding from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

    Olivia Zarella receives funding from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

    – ref. More Colorado workplaces are becoming safe places for employees in recovery – https://theconversation.com/more-colorado-workplaces-are-becoming-safe-places-for-employees-in-recovery-251784

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: There’s no evidence work requirements for Medicaid recipients will boost employment, but they are a key piece of Republican spending bill

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Colin Gordon, Professor of History, University of Iowa

    Work requirements for receiving government benefits have a long history. FatCamera/E+ via Getty Images

    Republicans in the U.S. Senate are sparring over their version of the multitrillion-dollar budget and immigration bill the House of Representatives passed on May 22, 2025.

    Some GOP senators are insisting on shrinking the budget deficit, which the House version would increase by about US$3.8 trillion over a decade.

    Others are saying they oppose the House’s cost-cutting provisions for Medicaid, the government’s health insurance program for people who are low income or have disabilities.

    Despite the calls from U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri and a few other Republican senators to protect Medicaid, as a scholar of American social policy I’m expecting to see the Senate embrace the introduction of work requirements for many adults under 65 who get health insurance through the program.

    The House version calls for the states, which administer Medicaid within their borders and help pay for the program, to adopt work requirements by the end of 2026. The effect of this policy, animated by the conviction that coverage is too generous and too easy to obtain, will be to deny Medicaid eligibility to millions of those currently covered – leaving them without access to basic health services, including preventive care and the management of ongoing conditions such as asthma or diabetes.

    Ending welfare

    The notion that people who get government benefits should prove that they deserve them, ideally through paid labor, is now centuries old. This conviction underlay the Victorian workhouses in 19th-century England that Charles Dickens critiqued through his novels.

    U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Ky., put it bluntly earlier this month: Medicaid is “subsidizing capable adults who choose not to work,” he said.

    Demonstrators in Illinois hold signs in support of Medicaid in 2018.
    Charles Edward Miller via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    This idea also animated the development of the American welfare state, from its origins in the 1930s organized around the goals of maintaining civil order and compelling paid labor. Enforcing work obligations ensured the ready availability of low-wage labor and supported the growing assumption that only paid labor could redeem the lives and aspirations of the poor.

    “We started offering hope and opportunity along with the welfare check,” Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson argued in the early 1990s, “and expecting certain responsibilities in return.”

    This concept also was at the heart of the U.S. government’s bid to end “welfare as we know it.”

    In 1996, the Democratic Clinton administration replaced Aid to Families with Dependent Children, or AFDC, a long-standing entitlement to cash assistance for low-income families, with Temporary Aid for Needy Families, known commonly as TANF. The TANF program, as its name indicates, was limited to short-term support, with the expectation that most people getting these benefits would soon gain long-term employment.

    Since 1996, Republicans serving at the state and federal levels of government have pressed to extend this principle to other programs that help low-income people. They’ve insisted, as President Donald Trump put it halfway through his first term, that unconditional benefits have “delayed economic independence, perpetuated poverty, and weakened family bonds.”

    Such claims are unsupported. There is no evidence to suggest that work requirements have ever galvanized independence or lifted low-income people out of poverty. Instead, they have punished low-income people by denying them the benefits or assistance they require.

    Work requirements haven’t worked

    Work requirements have consistently failed as a spur to employment. The transition from the AFDC to TANF required low-income families to meet work requirements, new administrative burdens and punitive sanctions.

    The new work expectations, rolled out in 1997, were not accompanied by supporting policies, especially the child care subsidies that many low-income parents with young children require to hold a job. They were also at odds with the very low-paying and unstable jobs available to those transitioning from welfare.

    Scholars found that TANF did less to lift families out of poverty than it did to shuffle its burden, helping the nearly poor at the expense of the very poor.

    The program took an especially large toll on low-income Black women, as work requirements exposed recipients to long-standing patterns of racial and gender discrimination in private labor markets.

    Restricting access to SNAP

    Work requirements tied to other government programs have similar track records.

    The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which helps millions of Americans buy groceries, adopted work requirements for able-bodied adults in 1996.

    Researchers have found that SNAP’s work requirements have pared back eligibility without any measurable increase in labor force participation.

    As happens with TANF, most people with SNAP benefits who have to comply with SNAP work requirements are already working to the degree their personal circumstances and local labor markets allow.

    The requirements don’t encourage SNAP recipients to work more hours; they simply lead people to be overwhelmed by red tape and stop renewing their SNAP benefits.

    Failing in Arkansas

    The logic of work requirements collapses entirely when extended to Medicaid.

    Red states have been pressing for years for waivers that would allow them to experiment with work requirements – especially for the abled-bodied, working-age adults who gained coverage under the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion.

    The first Trump administration granted 13 such waivers for what it saw as “meritorious innovations,” building “on the human dignity that comes with training, employment and independence.”

    The House passed the budget bill on May 22, 2025. It includes steep cuts to Medicaid and imposes work requirements for eligibility.

    Arkansas got the furthest with adding work requirements to Medicaid at that time. The results were disappointing.

    “We found no evidence that the policy succeeded in its stated goal of promoting work,” as one research team concluded, “and instead found substantial evidence of harm to health care coverage and access.”

    The Biden administration slowed down the implementation of these waivers by directing the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to suspend or stem any state programs that eroded coverage. Meanwhile, state courts consistently ruled against the use of Medicaid work requirements.

    In Trump’s second term, Iowa, Arizona and at least a dozen other states have proposed “work requirement” waivers for federal approval.

    Trying it again

    The waiver process is meant to allow state experiments to further the statutory objectives of the Medicaid program, which is to furnish “medical assistance on behalf of families with dependent children and of aged, blind, or disabled individuals, whose income and resources are insufficient to meet the costs of necessary medical services.”

    On these grounds, the courts have consistently held that state waivers imposing work requirements not only fail to promote Medicaid’s objectives but amount to an arbitrary and capricious effort to undermine those objectives.

    “The text of the statute includes one primary purpose,” the D.C. Circuit ruled in 2020, “which is providing health care coverage without any restriction geared to healthy outcomes, financial independence or transition to commercial coverage.”

    Changing Medicaid in all states

    The House spending bill includes a work requirement that would require all able-bodied, childless adults under 65 to demonstrate that they had worked, volunteered or participated in job training for 80 hours in the month before enrollment.

    It would also allow states to extend such work requirements to six months and apply the new requirements not just to Medicaid recipients but to people who get subsidized health insurance through an Affordable Care Act exchange.

    If passed in some form by the Senate, the House spending bill would transform the landscape of Medicaid work requirements, pushing an estimated 4.8 million Americans into the ranks of the uninsured.

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

    – ref. There’s no evidence work requirements for Medicaid recipients will boost employment, but they are a key piece of Republican spending bill – https://theconversation.com/theres-no-evidence-work-requirements-for-medicaid-recipients-will-boost-employment-but-they-are-a-key-piece-of-republican-spending-bill-257289

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s white genocide claims about South Africa have deep roots in American history

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Alex Hinton, Distinguished Professor of Anthropology; Director, Center for the Study of Genocide and Human Rights, Rutgers University – Newark

    President Donald Trump shows printed news articles during a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House on May 21, 2025. Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post via Getty Images

    President Donald Trump says there is a genocide of white people taking place in South Africa, meaning that Black South Africans are deliberately attempting to kill white farmers because of their race.

    Trump and his spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, have said violence targeting white farmers in South Africa justifies admitting about 60 white Afrikaner farmers to the U.S. as refugees in May 2025.

    This comes after Trump, in January, suspended admitting people, most of whom are not white, from other countries through the United States’ refugee program. The U.S. had previously given refugee status – a legal right to remain and work in the country – to tens of thousands of people each year who were fleeing violence and persecution in their home countries.

    During a May 21 White House meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Trump highlighted white genocide in South Africa, saying, “We have thousands of stories talking about it.” Ramaphosa denied that a white genocide is happening in his country. Trump then had a staffer dim the lights and play a video that, among other inflammatory content, showed white crosses along a road.

    “These are burial sites,” Trump said. “Over a thousand white farmers.”

    Trump’s white genocide claims, which echoed assertions he made during his first term, were quickly debunked by independent fact-checkers.

    Fact-checkers pointed out that while crime rates in South Africa are high in general, there is no evidence of white genocide there. The crosses in the video Trump showed did not mark mass graves of white farmers. They were part of a 2020 tribute to two white farmers murdered by armed men who stormed their house that year.

    As someone who has studied genocide and far-right extremists for years, I think it is necessary to understand what white genocide is and how it developed into a central issue in U.S. immigration debates starting in Trump’s first term.

    A group of South Africans who were granted admission to the U.S. as refugees arrive at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on May 12, 2025.
    Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

    The origins of white genocide

    As I detail in my 2021 book “It Can Happen Here: White Power and the Rising Threat of Genocide in the US,” white genocide is a far-right extremist conspiracy theory claiming that allegedly bad people, often Jews, are carrying out a dangerous plot to destroy the white race. While this idea circulates worldwide, it has distinctly American roots.

    This conspiracy dates back to the 1800s and the rise of nativism, a xenophobic belief held by some white Protestant Americans that certain immigrants, especially German and Irish Catholics, were dangerous and threatened to disrupt American traditions, culture and economic security.

    Nativist fears have continued to influence U.S. politics and culture.

    The American lawyer Madison Grant, for example, made nativist arguments in his 1916 book “The Passing of the Great Race,” which warned of immigrants’ threat to Americans and “race suicide.” Adolf Hitler once called Grant’s book his bible.

    Nativism has also influenced white power extremists, who believe in white superiority and dominance. They began using the specific term “white genocide” after the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, which they perceived as eroding white people’s power.

    The growth in this term’s popularity among some right-wing extremists also coincided with Congress approving the Immigration and Nationality Act in 1965. This act significantly increased the number of immigrants the U.S. legally accepted into the country each year and also allowed more non-European – and nonwhite – immigrants to settle in America.

    In the 1970s, William Pierce, an American former physics professor turned neo-Nazi, wrote a book called “The Turner Diaries.” The book, which the FBI has called the “bible of the racist right,” is about how a fictional extremist group, “The Order,” overthrows a U.S. government that gives power to nonwhite citizens and is controlled by Jews. The order proceeds to kill nonwhite people and Jews, as well as “race traitors” who don’t support their cause.

    The book inspired a 1980s group of violent neo-Nazis who also called themselves The Order, based off the fictitious group in Pierce’s book. Timothy McVeigh’s 1995 bombing of Oklahoma City’s Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, which killed 168 people, was modeled on a scene from “The Turner Diaries,” which depicts the extremist group’s bombing of the FBI headquarters.

    In 1988, David Lane, a former member of The Order, crystallized the idea of white genocide in a short essay, “The White Genocide Manifesto.” The manifesto asserts that there is a “Zionist conspiracy to mix, overrun and exterminate the White race.”

    Jews do this, Lane claims, through “control of the media … industry, finance, law and politics” and by promoting antiwhite policies such as desegregation. To prevent white genocide, Lane calls for the establishment of a white homeland in North America – by violence, if necessary.

    White genocide’s entry into the mainstream

    Research shows that 61% of Trump voters believe “a group of people in this country are trying to replace native-born Americans with immigrants and people of color who share their political views.”

    This belief is often known as replacement theory, a variant of the idea of white genocide.

    Many of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrectionists believed that white Americans were being replaced. So, too, did the far-right protesters who chanted, “You will not replace us!” at the extremist Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017.

    There are also instances of such white power extremist views leading to violent acts. One example is the mass shooting of 11 Jewish people at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018. Another is the El Paso Walmart shooting that resulted in 23 murdered Latino victims in 2019.

    Right-wing populists such as Tucker Carlson and Elon Musk have helped fuel replacement theories by contending that Democrats are trying to replace white voters with nonwhite immigrants.

    Neo-Nazis and white supremacists march leading up to the ‘Unite the Right’ rally in Charlottesville, Va., in August 2017.
    Zach D Roberts/NurPhoto via Getty Images

    Concern for white farmers isn’t actually about South Africa

    I believe that Trump’s recent focus on alleged white genocide in South Africa has little to do with South Africa. It is all about American politics and advancing some of Trump’s goals, such as reducing immigration into the U.S.

    First, by suggesting white genocide is taking place in South Africa, Trump amplifies his supporters’ fears that they, too, could soon be outnumbered by nonwhite people – in this case, immigrants.

    Trump has been harping on the alleged dangers of nonwhite immigration since he first ran for election in 2015, and it was central to his 2024 election victory.

    Replacement theory claims also help justify Trump’s goal of deporting immigrants living illegally in the U.S., as well as stopping refugee admissions from many countries, by highlighting the supposed dangers nonwhite immigrants pose to Americans, both in terms of potential threats to their physical safety and job prospects and security.

    This recent example is not the first time Trump has made white genocide claims to advance his agenda. Based on his track record, it is likely he will do so again.

    Alex Hinton receives receives funding from the Rutgers-Newark Sheila Y. Oliver Center for Politics and Race in America, Rutgers Research Council, and Henry Frank Guggenheim Foundation.

    – ref. Trump’s white genocide claims about South Africa have deep roots in American history – https://theconversation.com/trumps-white-genocide-claims-about-south-africa-have-deep-roots-in-american-history-257510

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Weaponized storytelling: How AI is helping researchers sniff out disinformation campaigns

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Mark Finlayson, Associate Professor of Computer Science, Florida International University

    The human proclivity for storytelling makes disinformation difficult to combat. Westend61 via Getty Images

    It is not often that cold, hard facts determine what people care most about and what they believe. Instead, it is the power and familiarity of a well-told story that reigns supreme. Whether it’s a heartfelt anecdote, a personal testimony or a meme echoing familiar cultural narratives, stories tend to stick with us, move us and shape our beliefs.

    This characteristic of storytelling is precisely what can make it so dangerous when wielded by the wrong hands. For decades, foreign adversaries have used narrative tactics in efforts to manipulate public opinion in the United States. Social media platforms have brought new complexity and amplification to these campaigns. The phenomenon garnered ample public scrutiny after evidence emerged of Russian entities exerting influence over election-related material on Facebook in the lead-up to the 2016 election.

    While artificial intelligence is exacerbating the problem, it is at the same time becoming one of the most powerful defenses against such manipulations. Researchers have been using machine learning techniques to analyze disinformation content.

    At the Cognition, Narrative and Culture Lab at Florida International University, we are building AI tools to help detect disinformation campaigns that employ tools of narrative persuasion. We are training AI to go beyond surface-level language analysis to understand narrative structures, trace personas and timelines and decode cultural references.

    Disinformation vs. misinformation

    In July 2024, the Department of Justice disrupted a Kremlin-backed operation that used nearly a thousand fake social media accounts to spread false narratives. These weren’t isolated incidents. They were part of an organized campaign, powered in part by AI.

    Disinformation differs crucially from misinformation. While misinformation is simply false or inaccurate information – getting facts wrong – disinformation is intentionally fabricated and shared specifically to mislead and manipulate. A recent illustration of this came in October 2024, when a video purporting to show a Pennsylvania election worker tearing up mail-in ballots marked for Donald Trump swept platforms such as X and Facebook.

    Within days, the FBI traced the clip to a Russian influence outfit, but not before it racked up millions of views. This example vividly demonstrates how foreign influence campaigns artificially manufacture and amplify fabricated stories to manipulate U.S. politics and stoke divisions among Americans.

    Humans are wired to process the world through stories. From childhood, we grow up hearing stories, telling them and using them to make sense of complex information. Narratives don’t just help people remember – they help us feel. They foster emotional connections and shape our interpretations of social and political events.

    Stories have profound effects on human beliefs and behavior.

    This makes them especially powerful tools for persuasion – and, consequently, for spreading disinformation. A compelling narrative can override skepticism and sway opinion more effectively than a flood of statistics. For example, a story about rescuing a sea turtle with a plastic straw in its nose often does more to raise concern about plastic pollution than volumes of environmental data.

    Usernames, cultural context and narrative time

    Using AI tools to piece together a picture of the narrator of a story, the timeline for how they tell it and cultural details specific to where the story takes place can help identify when a story doesn’t add up.

    Narratives are not confined to the content users share – they also extend to the personas users construct to tell them. Even a social media handle can carry persuasive signals. We have developed a system that analyzes usernames to infer demographic and identity traits such as name, gender, location, sentiment and even personality, when such cues are embedded in the handle. This work, presented in 2024 at the International Conference on Web and Social Media, highlights how even a brief string of characters can signal how users want to be perceived by their audience.

    For example, a user attempting to appear as a credible journalist might choose a handle like @JamesBurnsNYT rather than something more casual like @JimB_NYC. Both may suggest a male user from New York, but one carries the weight of institutional credibility. Disinformation campaigns often exploit these perceptions by crafting handles that mimic authentic voices or affiliations.

    Although a handle alone cannot confirm whether an account is genuine, it plays an important role in assessing overall authenticity. By interpreting usernames as part of the broader narrative an account presents, AI systems can better evaluate whether an identity is manufactured to gain trust, blend into a target community or amplify persuasive content. This kind of semantic interpretation contributes to a more holistic approach to disinformation detection – one that considers not just what is said but who appears to be saying it and why.

    Also, stories don’t always unfold chronologically. A social media thread might open with a shocking event, flash back to earlier moments and skip over key details in between.

    Humans handle this effortlessly – we’re used to fragmented storytelling. But for AI, determining a sequence of events based on a narrative account remains a major challenge.

    Our lab is also developing methods for timeline extraction, teaching AI to identify events, understand their sequence and map how they relate to one another, even when a story is told in nonlinear fashion.

    Objects and symbols often carry different meanings in different cultures, and without cultural awareness, AI systems risk misinterpreting the narratives they analyze. Foreign adversaries can exploit cultural nuances to craft messages that resonate more deeply with specific audiences, enhancing the persuasive power of disinformation.

    Consider the following sentence: “The woman in the white dress was filled with joy.” In a Western context, the phrase evokes a happy image. But in parts of Asia, where white symbolizes mourning or death, it could feel unsettling or even offensive.

    In order to use AI to detect disinformation that weaponizes symbols, sentiments and storytelling within targeted communities, it’s critical to give AI this sort of cultural literacy. In our research, we’ve found that training AI on diverse cultural narratives improves its sensitivity to such distinctions.

    Who benefits from narrative-aware AI?

    Narrative-aware AI tools can help intelligence analysts quickly identify orchestrated influence campaigns or emotionally charged storylines that are spreading unusually fast. They might use AI tools to process large volumes of social media posts in order to map persuasive narrative arcs, identify near-identical storylines and flag coordinated timing of social media activity. Intelligence services could then use countermeasures in real time.

    In addition, crisis-response agencies could swiftly identify harmful narratives, such as false emergency claims during natural disasters. Social media platforms could use these tools to efficiently route high-risk content for human review without unnecessary censorship. Researchers and educators could also benefit by tracking how a story evolves across communities, making narrative analysis more rigorous and shareable.

    Ordinary users can also benefit from these technologies. The AI tools could flag social media posts in real time as possible disinformation, allowing readers to be skeptical of suspect stories, thus counteracting falsehoods before they take root.

    As AI takes on a greater role in monitoring and interpreting online content, its ability to understand storytelling beyond just traditional semantic analysis has become essential. To this end, we are building systems to uncover hidden patterns, decode cultural signals and trace narrative timelines to reveal how disinformation takes hold.

    Mark Finlayson receives funding from US Department of Defense and the US National Science Foundation for his work on narrative understanding and influence operations in the military context.

    Azwad Anjum Islam receives funding from Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

    – ref. Weaponized storytelling: How AI is helping researchers sniff out disinformation campaigns – https://theconversation.com/weaponized-storytelling-how-ai-is-helping-researchers-sniff-out-disinformation-campaigns-251349

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Intermex Named Founding Partner of Dignity Health Sports Park and the Official International Remittance Partner of the LA Galaxy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES and MIAMI, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The reigning 2024 MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy and their home stadium, Dignity Health Sports Park (DHSP), have launched a new partnership with International Money Express, Inc. (NASDAQ: IMXI) (Intermex), a leading money remittance provider to Latin America and the Caribbean. The multiyear agreement, brokered by AEG Global Partnerships, makes Intermex the Official International Remittance Partner of the LA Galaxy and a Founding Partner of Dignity Health Sports Park, a premium and category-exclusive designation. The partnership marks the first time the team, the venue, and AEG have partnered with a brand in the international remittance category. This also represents Intermex’s first official partnership in sports—making it a first-of-its-kind collaboration.

    “Our partnership with the LA Galaxy and Dignity Health Sports Park is about showing up for the people who have always been at the center of this sport,” said Marcelo Theodoro, Chief Product, Marketing & Digital Officer at Intermex. “For so many Latino families, fútbol isn’t just entertainment, it’s a part of who we are. This collaboration allows us to celebrate that connection in a meaningful way, both on and off the field.”

    Founded in 1994, around the same time as the LA Galaxy and Major League Soccer, Intermex and soccer have grown in parallel, earning trust among Latino communities in the U.S. and abroad. Headquartered in Miami, Intermex enables digital money transfers from the U.S., Canada, and Europe to more than 60 countries, with a strong focus on Latin America. The company offers a multi-channel delivery experience via its app, website, retail locations, as well as WhatsApp. Known for its human-first customer service, including Spanish-first support for underbanked and immigrant communities, Intermex has become a trusted provider for millions of Latino families.

    With Los Angeles being one of Intermex’s most strategically important U.S. markets, the LA Galaxy presents a timely and culturally significant opportunity to deepen its ties with a region where soccer is thriving. Across the United States, especially in Southern California, soccer has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sports, driven in large part by Latino communities where the game has long served as a source of cultural pride and generational connection. More than five million Latinos call Los Angeles home, and across California, nearly 70% of MLS viewership comes from Latino fans—making the region a powerful intersection of culture, sport, and community. The agreement also extends through two of the most significant global sporting events set to take place in Los Angeles: the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, offering unmatched exposure and relevance during pivotal moments for the sport.

    “We are excited to welcome Intermex to the Galaxy family,” said LA Galaxy President and Chief Operating Officer Tom Braun. “This is a values-driven brand that understands the importance of language, culture, and legacy. Together, we’re building something that resonates on and off the pitch.”

    As a Founding Partner of Dignity Health Sports Park, Intermex will enjoy premium brand visibility throughout the venue and will be fully integrated into the fan journey—from driveway to pitch. This includes prominent freeway marquee signage, scoreboard integrations, concourse placements, plaza wall signage, and various digital menu boards across the property.

    “Intermex is a brand that truly understands the people we serve,” said Katie Pandolfo, General Manager of Dignity Health Sports Park. “Their partnership reinforces our shared commitment to elevating the guest experience while creating lasting impact across our community.”

    As part of the agreement, Intermex also becomes the Presenting Partner of the LA Galaxy Soccer Center – a 73,000-square-foot facility in Torrance, California dedicated to futsal and recreational sports. Intermex’s partnership will support year-round youth and adult programming at the center, helping preserve a vital hub for thousands of local families and athletes of all ages.

    “Intermex is setting a new standard for what culturally relevant, community-rooted partnerships in sports can look like and achieve,” said Rashid Dadashi, Senior Director, AEG Global Partnerships. “Soccer is central to the lives of their customers and our fans, and our collaboration provides an opportunity to engage authentically and consistently in one of their highest-priority markets. They’re a brand that leads with purpose and understands the power of showing up where it matters most.”

    Further amplifying the cultural impact of the partnership, Intermex will be the Title Night Partner of the 2025 Mexican Heritage Night, taking place on September 20 against FC Cincinnati – one of the club’s most highly anticipated cultural theme nights of the season. Additionally, Intermex will engage fans as the Presenting Partner of “Cobi Club” – an original content series from the LA Galaxy that explores football chatter with current trends and popular culture, giving every fan – fanatics and casuals fans alike – something to enjoy.

    With nearly 30 years of trusted service and deep roots in Latino communities across the globe, Intermex’s entry into sports sponsorship marks a new chapter in its mission to empower, connect, and uplift the people who drive its business – one built on trust, cultural alignment, and the beautiful game.

    ABOUT INTERMEX
    Founded in 1994, Intermex applies proprietary technology to enable consumers to send money from the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany to more than 60 countries. The company facilitates digital money movement through its website and mobile app, as well as through a vast network of retail agents and company-operated stores. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Intermex also operates international offices in Puebla, Mexico; Guatemala City, Guatemala; London, England; and Madrid, Spain. Lear more at www.intermexonline.com. 

    ABOUT LA GALAXY
    The LA Galaxy are Major League Soccer’s most successful club. Based in Carson, Calif. at Dignity Health Sports Park, the Galaxy have won the MLS Cup a record six times (2002, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2024), the MLS Supporters’ Shield four times (1998, 2002, 2010, 2011) and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup twice (2001, 2005), and one Concacaf Champions Cup (2000) since their inception in 1996. Under the direction of LA Galaxy President of Business Operations and Chief Operating Officer Tom Braun on the business operations side and LA Galaxy General Manager Will Kuntz on the soccer operations side, the Galaxy are the premier club in MLS, with stars like Landon Donovan, David Beckham, Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Javier Hernandez, Cobi Jones, Riqui Puig and Marco Reus representing LA over the team’s 29 years in MLS. For more information on the LA Galaxy, visit www.lagalaxy.com.

    ABOUT DIGNITY HEALTH SPORTS PARK
    Dignity Health Sports Park is southern California’s home of world-class competition and training facilities for amateur, Olympic, collegiate and professional athletes. Managed by AEG, the $150 million, privately financed facility was developed by AEG on a 125-acre site on the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) in Carson, California. Dignity Health Sports Park features an 8,000-seat tennis stadium, a 27,000-seat stadium for soccer, football and other athletic competitions and outdoor concerts; a 2,000-seat facility for track & field and a 2,450-seat indoor Velodrome – the VELO Sports Center – for track cycling. Dignity Health Sports Park is home to Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy, the six-time MLS Cup Champions. Dignity Health Sports Park is also home of the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA) High Performance Training Center and the national team training headquarters for the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF). Additionally, Dignity Health Sports Park is home to Galaxy Park, a newly imagined complex on the campus of the facility that features five 5v5 soccer fields, three futsal courts, eight Pickleball courts, four Padel courts, and is home to a number of other recreational activities. For additional information, please visit http://www.dignityhealthsportspark.com.

    ABOUT AEG
    Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, AEG is the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company. The company operates in the following business segments:

    • Music through AEG Presents, which is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performances, including the production and promotion of global and regional concert tours, an extensive portfolio of clubs, theaters and other music venues, concerts and special events and world-renowned festivals such as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival;
    • Venues and Real Estate, which develops, owns and operates world-class venues, as well as major sports and entertainment districts like Crypto.com Arena and L.A. LIVE, Uber Platz in Berlin and The O2 in London;
    • Sports, as the world’s largest operator of high-profile sporting events and sports franchises including the LA Kings, LA Galaxy and Eisbären Berlin;
    • Global Partnerships, which oversees worldwide sales and servicing of sponsorships including naming rights, premium seating, and other strategic partnerships;
    • And Ticketing, which, through its AXS.com ticketing platform, provides more than 400 clients worldwide with ticketing services that cover the gamut of entertainments, including sporting events, arena tours, music clubs festival, rodeos and family events.

    Through its worldwide network of venues, portfolio of powerful sports and music brands and its integrated entertainment districts, AEG entertains more than 90 million guests annually. More information about AEG can be found at www.aegworldwide.com.

    MEDIA CONTACTS
    LA Galaxy 
    Jamie Alvarez 
    jaalvarez@lagalaxy.com

    AEG Global Partnerships 
    Shannon Donnelly 
    Shannon.donnelly@beckmedia.com

    Investor Relations:
    Alex Sadowski
    Investor Relations Coordinator
    ir@intermexusa.com
    305-671-8000

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gross Domestic Product (Second Estimate), Corporate Profits (Preliminary Estimate), 1st Quarter 2025

    Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis

    Real gross domestic product (GDP) decreased at an annual rate of 0.2 percent in the first quarter of 2025 (January, February, and March), according to the second estimate released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the fourth quarter of 2024, real GDP increased 2.4 percent.

    The decrease in real GDP in the first quarter primarily reflected an increase in imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, and a decrease in government spending. These movements were partly offset by increases in investment, consumer spending, and exports.

    Real GDP was revised up 0.1 percentage point from the advance estimate, reflecting an upward revision to investment that was partly offset by a downward revision to consumer spending. For more information, refer to the “Technical Notes” below.

    Compared to the fourth quarter, the downturn in real GDP in the first quarter primarily reflected an upturn in imports, a deceleration in consumer spending, and a downturn in government spending that were partly offset by upturns in investment and exports.

    Real final sales to private domestic purchasers, the sum of consumer spending and gross private fixed investment, increased 2.5 percent in the first quarter, revised down 0.5 percentage point from the previous estimate.

    The price index for gross domestic purchases increased 3.3 percent in the first quarter, revised down 0.1 percentage point from the previous estimate. The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index increased 3.6 percent, the same as previously estimated. Excluding food and energy prices, the PCE price index increased 3.4 percent, revised down 0.1 percentage point from the previous estimate.

    Real gross domestic income (GDI) decreased 0.2 percent in the first quarter, in contrast to an increase of 5.2 percent in the fourth quarter.

    Profits from current production (corporate profits with inventory valuation and capital consumption adjustments) decreased $118.1 billion in the first quarter, in contrast to an increase of $204.7 billion in the fourth quarter.

    Real GDP and Related Measures
    (Percent change from Q4 2024 to Q1 2025)
      Advance Estimate Second Estimate
    Real GDP -0.3 -0.2
    Current-dollar GDP 3.5 3.4
    Real final sales to private domestic purchasers 3.0 2.5
    Real GDI … -0.2
    Average of real GDP and real GDI … -0.2
    Gross domestic purchases price index 3.4 3.3
    PCE price index 3.6 3.6
    PCE price index excluding food and energy 3.5 3.4
    For definitions, statistical conventions, updates to GDP, and more, visit “Additional Information.”

    Next release:
    June 26, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. EDT
    Gross Domestic Product (Third Estimate)
    Corporate Profits (Revised Estimate)
    Gross Domestic Product by Industry
    1st Quarter 2025

    Technical Notes

    Sources of revisions to real GDP in the second estimate

    Real GDP decreased at an annual rate of 0.2 percent (less than 0.1 percent at a quarterly rate1), an upward revision of 0.1 percentage point from the previous estimate, primarily reflecting an upward revision to investment that was partly offset by a downward revision to consumer spending.

    • Within investment, an upward revision to private inventory investment primarily reflected an updated BEA adjustment to Census Bureau book value data to account for notable increases in imports. Updated and newly available information on the industries impacted the adjustment and led to an upward revision to nondurable goods manufacturing (specifically, chemical manufacturing) that was largely offset by a downward revision to nondurable goods wholesale trade (drugs and sundries). Private inventory investment in other industries (mainly, information) was also revised up, based on new Census Bureau Quarterly Financial Report data.
    • The downward revision to consumer spending reflected downward revisions to services and goods.
      • Within services, the downward revision was led by health care, recreation services, and financial services and insurance, based primarily on new data from the Census Bureau Quarterly Services Survey.
      • Within goods, the downward revision was led by food and beverages and by recreational goods and vehicles, based on revised Census Bureau Monthly Retail Trade Survey data.

    More information on the source data and BEA assumptions that underlie the first-quarter estimate is shown in the key source data and assumptions table.

    1 Percent changes in quarterly seasonally adjusted series are displayed at annual rates, unless otherwise specified. For more information, refer to the FAQ “Why does BEA publish percent changes in quarterly series at annual rates?“.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Two Lives, One Team

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Halfway through her third pregnancy, Taylor Jordan-Blue received some scary news. She was at high risk for placenta accreta – a life-threatening condition. But the high-risk pregnancy team at UConn Health knew exactly what to do in order to make sure Taylor safely delivered a healthy baby.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Fluent, Inc. Expands Board of Advisors, Tapping Industry Experts for Commerce Media Growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fluent, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLNT), a leading provider of commerce media solutions, today announced the expansion of its advisory leadership with the introduction of its inaugural Board of Advisors. This strategic initiative brings together industry leaders with deep expertise across ecommerce, digital marketing, and consumer technology to accelerate the expansion of its Commerce Media Solutions and guide continued growth and product innovation.

    The Board will partner with Fluent’s executive team to inform strategic decision-making, enhance brand and advertiser partnerships, guide the product roadmap, and identify new revenue opportunities within the evolving commerce media landscape.

    An Elite Group of Industry Trailblazers

    Fluent’s Board of Advisors features a roster of distinguished industry veterans who have a proven track record in scaling high-growth businesses, pioneering digital transformation, and building world-class consumer experiences.

    Drew Cashmore

    Drew Cashmore is a commerce executive with a deep background in building and scaling intrapreneurial ventures within major global retailers. As a former executive and original architect of Walmart Connect in the U.S. and Canada, Drew played an integral role in scaling the business beyond $2 billion, spearheading initiatives such as branding and in-store advertising strategies. He has also served as CMO of the SoftBank-backed Live Shopping platform, Firework, and is currently the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Adaptive Retail Group, a new retail innovation platform. Beyond his professional achievements, Drew is also a startup advisor, angel investor, public speaker, and thought leader in retail innovation.

    Charlie Cole

    Charlie Cole is a seasoned executive with deep expertise in digital transformation and ecommerce across entrepreneurial, enterprise, and corporate landscapes. A two-time turnaround CEO, he spearheaded digital evolution at Tribute Technology and FTD, modernizing technological infrastructure with a consumer-first approach. Previously, he was the first Global Chief eCommerce Officer for Samsonite while also serving as Chief Digital Officer for Tumi, driving digital strategy for both brands. His leadership spans retail, CPG, and technology, with key roles at Reckitt Benckiser (Schiff Nutrition) and Lucky Brand Jeans. Now, as President of XGEN, he brings generative AI solutions to ecommerce brands.

    Shawna Hausman

    Shawna Hausman is an ecommerce and digital marketing executive with expertise in driving growth for companies at key inflection points, from turnaround and launch to post-acquisition. As Principal of her own consulting practice, she advises high-growth brands like Alloy Health, Womaness, and WorkMoney on ecommerce, CRM, loyalty, and digital marketing strategies. Previously, as CMO at FSA Store, Shawna led a 300% increase in topline revenue, contributing to the company’s acquisition by H.I.G. Capital in 2024. Shawna has held leadership roles at top brands including Victoria’s Secret, Esprit, West Elm, Mission Athletecare, and American Eagle. She also serves on the Board of Advisors for CommerceNext, a community for ecommerce and marketing executives.

    Jennifer Olsen

    Jenny Olsen is a visionary leader with a proven track record of driving growth and transformation at public and venture-backed companies. As Chief Marketing Officer of Caleres (NYSE: CAL), Jenny led a reimagination of the company’s marketing function and technologies that increased customer loyalty and revenue across the $3B portfolio of global footwear brands. During her tenure on the leadership team, the company’s market cap increased by 40%. As CMO of UNTUCKit, Jenny transformed the marketing team and brand presentation, helping ignite a 100% increase in revenue. Jenny has held marketing leadership roles at Crate & Barrel, Yahoo!, and Gap Inc., and currently serves on the boards of Vessi (100% waterproof sneakers) and Fair Harbor (sustainable swimwear and apparel).

    Brian Wong

    Brian Wong is the Founding Partner at Ascii Ventures, where he invests in early-stage companies across fintech, Web3, SaaS, ecommerce, and martech. He previously co-founded Kiip, a mobile rewards platform credited with creating “moments marketing” — a breakthrough approach to consumer engagement based on real-time mobile behavior. Kiip raised over $40 million from top-tier investors and partnered with global brands including Amazon, Target, and McDonald’s before its acquisition in 2020. Named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30” and AdAge’s “Creativity Top 50,” Brian is also the author of The Cheat Code, a bestselling guide to creative and entrepreneurial shortcuts published in multiple languages and featured in Forbes, CNBC, and The Telegraph.

    Strategic Counsel for a New Era of Commerce Media

    “We’re honored to bring together such a dynamic and accomplished group for our Board of Advisors,” said Jessica Batty, SVP of Marketing at Fluent. “Their deep expertise in retail, ecommerce, and digital transformation will be instrumental as we continue to expand our market presence and deliver leading-edge commerce media solutions for partners and advertisers.”

    The formation of the Board of Advisors builds on Fluent’s strong momentum in commerce media, following triple-digit year-over-year revenue growth in its unaudited Q4 results. By bringing together top industry talent, Fluent reaffirms its commitment to innovation, strategic leadership, and delivering scalable solutions that empower brands to maximize revenue opportunities and create more meaningful consumer experiences.

    For more information about Fluent and its Board of Advisors, visit www.fluentco.com.

    About Fluent, Inc.

    Fluent, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLNT) is a commerce media solutions provider connecting top-tier brands with highly engaged consumers. Leveraging exclusive ad inventory, robust first-party data, and proprietary machine learning, Fluent unlocks additional revenue streams for partners and empowers advertisers to acquire their most valuable customers at scale. Founded in 2010, Fluent uses its deep expertise in performance marketing to drive monetization and increase engagement at key touchpoints across the customer journey. For more insights visit https://www.fluentco.com/.

    Contact Information

    Investor Relations
    Fluent, Inc.
    InvestorRelations@fluentco.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Smackover Lithium’s South West Arkansas Project Receives Royalty Rate Approval From the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEWISVILLE, Ark., May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Smackover Lithium, a Joint Venture (“JV”) between Standard Lithium Ltd. (“Standard Lithium” or the “Company”) (TSXV:SLI) (NYSE:A:SLI) and Equinor, is pleased to announce that the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission (“AOGC”) has unanimously approved the establishment of a 2.5% royalty rate for the Reynolds Unit for Phase I of its South West Arkansas (“SWA”) Project in Lafayette and Columbia Counties. This is the first royalty rate for lithium from brine extraction that has been approved by the AOGC, establishing an important precedent for lithium development companies operating in Arkansas.

    SWA Lithium LLC applied for a quarterly gross royalty of 2.5% earlier this month. The lithium royalty will be paid to brine owners in addition to the brine fee, also referred to as the “in lieu bromine royalty,” of $65.05 per acre per year, making the total proposed royalty compensation approximately 3% based on current lithium prices. The AOGC granted approval during a special hearing yesterday in Magnolia, AR.

    “We thank the AOGC for granting royalty rate approval for Phase 1 of our SWA Project,” said Standard Lithium’s CEO, David Park, “Establishing a fair and equitable royalty will allow brine owners to be compensated while encouraging economic development of the state’s significant lithium resource.”

    “The AOGC’s decision to grant a reasonable royalty for Phase 1 of our SWA Project demonstrates the state’s commitment to landowners and lithium development,” said Allison Kennedy Thurmond, VP for US Lithium at Equinor. “The royalty rate is only the beginning of capital investment and moves us one step closer to our final investment decision.”

    The Reynolds unit has planned production capacity of 22,500 tonnes per year of battery-quality lithium carbonate once in full commercial production, expected in 2028. For more information about the SWA Project and Smackover Lithium, please visit www.smackoverlithium.com

    About Standard Lithium Ltd.

    Standard Lithium is a leading near-commercial lithium development company focused on the sustainable development of a portfolio of large, high-grade lithium-brine properties in the United States. The Company prioritizes projects characterized by high-grade resources, robust infrastructure, skilled labor, and streamlined permitting. Standard Lithium aims to achieve sustainable, commercial-scale lithium production via the application of a scalable and fully integrated Direct Lithium Extraction (“DLE”) and purification process. The Company’s flagship projects are located in the Smackover Formation, a world-class lithium brine asset, focused in Arkansas and Texas. In partnership with global energy leader Equinor, Standard Lithium is advancing the South West Arkansas project, a greenfield project located in southern Arkansas, and actively exploring promising lithium brine prospects in East Texas. Standard Lithium also holds an interest in certain mineral leases in the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, California.

    Standard Lithium trades on both the TSX Venture Exchange and the NYSE American under the symbol “SLI”. Please visit the Company’s website at www.standardlithium.com.

    About Equinor

    Equinor is an international energy company committed to long-term value creation in a low-carbon future. Equinor’s portfolio of projects encompasses oil and gas, renewables and low-carbon solutions, with an ambition of becoming a net-zero energy company by 2050. Headquartered in Norway, Equinor is the leading operator on the Norwegian continental shelf and is present in around 30 countries worldwide. Equinor’s partnership with Standard Lithium to mature DLE projects builds on its broad US energy portfolio of oil and gas, offshore wind, low carbon solutions and battery storage projects.

    For more information on Equinor in the US, please visit: Equinor in the US – Equinor

    Investor and Media Inquiries

    Chris Lang
    Standard Lithium Ltd.
    +1 604 409 8154
    investors@standardlithium.com

    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 release. This news release may contain certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “target”, “plan”, “forecast”, “may”, “schedule” and other similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to intended development timelines, future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, fluctuations in the market for lithium and its derivatives, changes in exploration costs and government regulation in Canada and the United States, and other factors or information. Such forward-looking statements represent the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Power Saver Pro Reviews: Does Power Saver Pro X Really Work for Your Home?

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Introduction: Why You Need a Power Saver

    Electricity rates have climbed steadily in recent years and show no sign of slowing. Retail prices rose by more than the rate of inflation from 2022 through early 2025, and forecasts indicate continued increases into 2026. During peak summer months, Americans faced record-high bills—averaging $784 for the period, up over 6% from 2024 and marking the highest levels in 12 years.

    Slash Your Next Bill by 50%—Order Power Saver Pro Today!

    Beyond higher tariffs, unstable or “dirty” electricity can drive up consumption and accelerate wear on appliances. Fluctuations, spikes and harmonic noise force motors and electronic controls to draw excess current, inflating your meter readings and shortening equipment lifespan. A dedicated device that stabilizes voltage and filters out electromagnetic interference can restore cleaner power flow, curb wasted energy, and deliver significant savings over time.

    What Is Power Saver Pro X?

    Power Saver Pro X is a plug-in device that uses patented Electricity Stabilizing Technology (E.S.T.) and a magnetic filter to smooth out irregular current and eliminate “dirty” EMF noise. Designed in Germany and inspired by Tesla’s principles of efficient power flow, the compact unit installs in seconds—simply plug it into a standard North American (110 V) outlet near your breaker panel. Once operational, its green LED confirms active filtering.

    Inside, advanced capacitors compensate for reactive power surges while harmonic absorbers buffer sudden voltage spikes, creating a steadier supply to every appliance on the circuit. Over a stabilization period of 3–8 weeks, homes typically see 30–50% reductions on monthly bills. Alongside cost savings, Power Saver Pro X extends appliance life and mitigates EMF exposure, making it a low-maintenance solution for homeowners, renters, and small businesses seeking energy efficiency and lower utility costs.

    Unlock Major Savings: Try the #1 Power Saver Pro—Risk‑Free!

    The Science Behind It: Electricity Stabilizing Technology (E.S.T.)

    At its core, Power Saver Pro X employs patented Electricity Stabilizing Technology (E.S.T.) to “straighten” irregular voltage and eliminate harmful harmonic noise on your home’s wiring. Inside the device, high-grade capacitors instantly compensate for reactive power surges, while a magnetic filter absorbs and neutralizes spikes and electromagnetic interference (EMF) that would otherwise force motors and electronics to draw excess current. Over time, this cleaner, smoother power flow reduces energy waste and eases stress on your appliances.

    Key Features & Benefits

    • Whole-Home Stabilization: One plug-in unit can condition power for an entire circuit, smoothing voltage to every appliance on that line.
    • EMF Noise Reduction: The patent-pending magnetic filter removes high-frequency pollution (4–150 kHz) from your wiring, cutting household EMF exposure.
    • Surge & Spike Protection: Advanced reactive power compensation and harmonic absorption buffer sudden voltage swings, safeguarding sensitive electronics.
    • Significant Bill Reductions: Users report monthly savings ranging from 30% up to 50% on their electric bills after full stabilization (3–8 weeks).
    • Extended Appliance Life: By reducing current stress and heat, the device helps prolong the lifespan of HVAC systems, refrigerators, washers, and more.
    • Plug-and-Play Installation: No wiring or professional electrician needed—just plug into any standard 110 V outlet near your breaker panel.
    • Safety & Compliance: UL approved and RoHS compliant for guaranteed electrical safety.

    Step-by-Step Installation & Operation

    1. Select an Outlet Near the Breaker Panel
      For optimal results, choose an outlet on the same circuit as your main breaker. In larger homes, consider multiple units—one near the breaker and another at the far end of the house.
    2. Plug In & Verify Operation
      Insert Power Saver Pro X into the outlet. The green LED will illuminate when the device is filtering and stabilizing power.
    3. Allow for Full Stabilization
      Over the next 3–8 weeks, the device will progressively filter out dirty electricity and harmonics. Expect to see gradual meter-reading reductions throughout this period.
    4. Monitor Your Usage
      Track your monthly bills to verify savings. Many households report noticeable drops within the first month, with peak benefits by week eight.

    Limited‑Time Deal: Get Power Saver Pro X at 70% Off Now

    How It Works?
    Power Saver Pro X leverages patented Electricity Stabilizing Technology (E.S.T.) and a magnetic filtering system to deliver cleaner, more efficient power throughout your home. At its core, the device straightens out unstable voltage, buffering against harmful spikes and smoothing fluctuations to create a constant, even current flow. This process reduces the amount of wasted energy that would otherwise be lost as heat or noise in your wiring.
    Inside the compact unit, high-grade capacitors act instantly to absorb and dissipate sudden surges, protecting sensitive electronics and motors from stress-related damage. Simultaneously, a patent-pending magnetic filter removes high-frequency “dirty” EMF components—those invisible pulses and harmonic waves that force appliances to draw extra power and accelerate wear. By filtering out frequencies between approximately 4 kHz and 150 kHz, Power Saver Pro X cuts down on electromagnetic interference and keeps your circuits running at peak efficiency.
    Getting started is straightforward:

    1. Plug In Near Your Breaker Panel. For best results, place the unit on a circuit that feeds your main breaker. In larger homes, deploy additional devices on separate breakers to cover multiple zones.
    2. Verify Operation. A green LED light confirms active stabilization; once illuminated, the device begins filtering in real time.
    3. Filter & Stabilize. Over the first 3–8 weeks, Power Saver Pro X progressively removes dirty electricity while smoothing voltage swings. During this period, most users observe gradual meter-reading reductions as the system reaches full performance.

    By combining reactive power compensation with harmonic absorption and EMF filtration, Power Saver Pro X works silently in the background to lower your monthly electric bills, protect appliances, and create a more stable power environment for every device on your home’s circuits.

    Pricing, Bundles & Special Offers

    Power Saver Pro X is available only at its official website and in graduated bundles, with deeper discounts on multi-unit orders:

    • 1× Unit: Save 50% — $49.99 (was $99.98)
    • 2× Units (Recommended): Save 55% — $99.98 (was $222.18)
    • 3× Units: Save 60% — $119.97 (was $299.93)
    • 4× Units: Save 65% — $139.96 (was $399.89)
    • 5× Units: Save 70% — $149.95 (was $499.83)

    All orders qualify for free U.S. shipping. Many homeowners see peak ROI when placing units at both ends of a 1,500–3,000 sq ft home.

    Money-Back Guarantee & Warranty

    Your purchase is protected by a 90-day Money-Back Guarantee: if you don’t see measurable savings within three months, return the device in its original packaging for a full refund (minus shipping & handling).

    Disclaimer: Prices & return policy are subject to change. Always check the official website for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing before purchasing. A 10% restocking fee may be made on all goods returned, as well as reconditioning charge if required, as determined by Production Products, Inc. Any goods returned without our permission may be refused.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Will Power Saver Pro X work in my state?
    Yes—it’s certified for use in all 50 states, including Hawaii and Alaska.

    How many units do I need?
    One unit per 1,500 sq ft is recommended. For larger homes, spacing units at opposite ends maximizes coverage.

    Is it safe to leave plugged in?
    Absolutely. It’s UL approved and RoHS compliant; continual use only enhances filtration.

    Can I use it with solar power?
    The device is safe on solar systems but may yield variable results. The 90-day guarantee covers any dissatisfaction.

    Does it work on 220 V systems?
    Not yet. It currently supports 110 V North American circuits; a 220 V version is slated for release within 6–12 months.

    Where should I place it?
    Plug one unit near your breaker panel; additional units belong at distant circuit endpoints for optimal filtering.

    Can environmental factors affect performance?
    Yes—older wiring, extreme humidity, or ungrounded outlets can reduce E.S.T. efficiency. Ensure your home’s electrical system is up to code and outlets are properly grounded. In areas with frequent surges (e.g., thunderstorms), consider adding whole-home surge protection for optimal results 

    The LED isn’t lighting—what do I check?
    Ensure Power Saver Pro X is fully seated in a live outlet on the same circuit as your breaker panel. Try plugging it into another nearby receptacle. If the green LED still fails to illuminate, test the outlet with another device to confirm power. For persistent issues, contact support

    I’ve seen no savings after 8 weeks—now what?
    First, verify placement: one unit per 1,500 sq ft, ideally at opposite ends of your home. If you’re below that threshold, add a second unit to cover multiple circuits. Next, perform a breaker test: switch off the breaker feeding the outlet with Power Saver Pro X for one full billing cycle. If your bill rises significantly, the device was working; switch it back on for continued savings. If not, reach out for a refund—your 90-day guarantee covers unsatisfied customers

    How do I verify voltage stabilization?
    Use a digital multimeter to measure RMS voltage before and after installation over several weeks. Look for reduced peak-to-peak voltage swings. Advanced users can log readings with a power quality analyzer to track harmonic distortion levels between 4 kHz–150 kHz.

    Stop Overpaying for Power—Click to Save Instantly!

    Pros & Cons

    Pros:

    • True whole-home stabilization with patented E.S.T.
    • Tangible savings of 30–50% on electric bills
    • EMF noise reduction for healthier indoor environments
    • Plug-and-play; no electrician required
    • Strong 90-day refund and 5-year warranty

    Cons:

    • Only compatible with 110 V North American systems
    • Requires up to 8 weeks for full savings impact
    • Optimal performance may need multiple units in larger homes

    Real-World Performance & Case Studies

    Independent field tests and consumer trials demonstrate substantial year-one savings:

    • Household #1 (Midwest family of four): Achieved over $3,000 in annual savings on a $3,500 baseline bill—an 86% reduction—without altering any usage habits.
    • Households #2 & #3 (Urban and suburban homes): Each saw nearly $1,000 back in the first year, translating to 25–30% lower bills simply by plugging in the device.
    • Technician Field Reports: Independent electricians measured 30–50% lower reactive draw on circuits protected by Power Saver Pro X, confirming its claimed efficiency gains.

    These case studies underscore how a modest investment in E.S.T. technology can deliver outsized returns on your electric bill.

    Join Thousands Who Cut Bills 30–50%—Buy the Best Power Saver!

    Customer Reviews & Testimonials

    “I installed Power Saver Pro X in my Chicago townhouse and saw a 40% drop in my first electric bill—saved $120 in month one!”
    — Maria Delgado, Chicago, IL

    “After three months, our family of five in Austin recouped the full cost. Now it’s just pure savings every billing cycle.”
    — Thomas Nguyen, Austin, TX

    “This little device paid for itself within two billing cycles. My AC and fridge seem to run more smoothly, too.”
    — Jenna Patel, Orlando, FL

    “I was skeptical, but Power Saver Pro X really works. We knocked $95 off our first bill and our UPS man was shocked!”
    — Carlos Rivera, Phoenix, AZ

    “Plug-and-play was literally true. No electrician needed, and our bills dropped nearly 30% within two months.”
    — Linda Brooks, Seattle, WA

    These testimonials reflect across-the-board savings of 30–50% after the full stabilization period.

    Hurry—Free U.S. Shipping on Power Saver Pro X Expires Soon!

    Who Should Consider Power Saver Pro X?

    • Homeowners and renters facing high electricity costs
    • Small-business owners with energy-heavy equipment
    • Anyone running HVAC, refrigeration, pool pumps, or workshop tools
    • Consumers seeking EMF reduction alongside cost savings
    • Users who prefer a non-invasive, maintenance-free solution

    Tips to Maximize Your Savings

    • Centralize Placement: Install near your breaker panel for best flow.
    • Multi-Unit Strategy: For homes over 3,000 sq ft, space units at opposite ends.
    • Combine Technologies: Pair with time-of-use billing and smart thermostats.
    • Track Usage: Compare monthly bills and meter readings to quantify improvements.
    • Maintain Devices: Keep outlets dust-free and ensure units stay plugged in continuously.

    90‑Day Money‑Back Guarantee: See Real Savings or Pay Nothing!

    Commercial & Small-Business Applications

    Power Saver Pro X isn’t just a homeowner’s ally—it delivers tangible benefits for a wide range of commercial and small-business environments. Offices, retail outlets, restaurants, and light-industrial workshops all contend with fluctuating energy costs, often driven higher by reactive power surges, harmonic distortion, and “dirty” electricity. By smoothing voltage irregularities and filtering out high-frequency EMF noise, Power Saver Pro X tackles these inefficiencies head-on, unlocking cost reductions and operational improvements that directly bolster your bottom line.
    1. Office Spaces & Professional Suites
    In modern offices, computers, printers, copiers, and HVAC systems draw significant power—and are particularly sensitive to voltage spikes. Installing a single Power Saver Pro X unit near the main electrical panel can stabilize an entire floor’s power supply. Firms have reported cutting monthly energy bills by up to 35%, freeing budget for equipment upgrades or talent acquisition. With fewer sudden surges, sensitive electronics run more reliably, minimizing downtime and IT repair costs.
    2. Retail & Hospitality
    Restaurants, cafés, and small boutiques rely on refrigeration units, point-of-sale systems, display lighting, and HVAC to create comfortable, inviting spaces. Harmonic interference and voltage fluctuations force refrigeration compressors and lighting ballasts to work harder, raising both energy consumption and maintenance expenses. Power Saver Pro X reduces these stressors by ensuring a steady voltage flow, which can translate to a 25–40% decrease in utility outlays. Over a year, that can mean thousands of dollars saved—money that can be reinvested into menu innovation, seasonal inventory, or staff training.
    3. Workshops & Light Manufacturing
    Small-scale manufacturers and artisans use tools such as welding machines, CNC routers, and air compressors, all of which draw reactive power surges during startup. These surges not only spike your meter readings but also accelerate wear on expensive equipment. Power Saver Pro X’s reactive power compensation evens out current draw, helping reduce peak demand charges and extend tool life. Businesses report payback periods as short as four months, thanks to reduced utility bills and fewer repair visits.
    4. Multi-Unit Coverage & Scalability
    For larger operations or multi-suite buildings, deploying multiple Power Saver Pro X devices on separate circuits ensures comprehensive coverage. Bundled pricing makes scaling affordable, while the same 90-day savings guarantee applies across every unit. This modular approach allows businesses to target energy-hungry zones—like kitchens, server rooms, or manufacturing floors—maximizing ROI as they expand.
    Whether you run a startup, franchise, or family-owned store, Power Saver Pro X offers a low-maintenance, non-invasive way to cut energy costs, protect critical equipment, and stabilize your power environment—so you can focus on growth and customer satisfaction.
    Only 100 Units Left—Grab Your Power Saver Pro X Before They’re Gone!
    Long-Term Reliability & Maintenance
    Power Saver Pro X is engineered for durability and minimal upkeep, ensuring you continue to reap savings and protection year after year. At its heart, the device uses solid-state capacitors and magnetic filters—components chosen for their long service life and resistance to wear. Unlike mechanical surge protectors, there are no moving parts to degrade, and the sealed enclosure shields sensitive circuitry from dust and humidity.
    Durable Components:

    • High-Grade Capacitors: Rated for tens of thousands of charge-discharge cycles, these capacitors maintain consistent reactive power compensation without significant capacitance loss over time.
    • Magnetic Filter Assembly: Built from corrosion-resistant alloys, the filter’s design ensures stable EMF absorption with no degradation of magnetic properties under normal temperature and humidity ranges.

    Protective Enclosure & Safety Certifications:
    The rugged ABS housing is UL approved and RoHS compliant, providing impact resistance and flame retardancy. IP20-rated, it resists dust ingress in typical indoor environments. These safety certifications mean you can trust the unit to operate continuously without risk of shorting or component failure due to environmental factors .
    Maintenance Requirements:

    • Visual Inspection: Every 12 months, check that the LED indicator remains illuminated and that the outlet remains free of dust buildup. A soft brush or compressed air can remove any debris around the vents.
    • Electrical Check: For peace of mind, perform a quick multimeter check annually to confirm consistent voltage stabilization. Look for RMS voltage swing reductions compared to baseline readings.
    • No Replacements Needed: Under normal use, the internal components do not require replacement. The five-year warranty covers any premature failures, and most units continue performing reliably well beyond this period .

    Clock’s Ticking: Secure 70% Off Power Saver Pro X—Sale Ends at Midnight!
    Lifecycle & End-of-Life Disposal:
    When the unit finally reaches end of life—typically after a decade of continuous operation—the enclosure and electronic components are fully recyclable under e-waste guidelines. Simply follow local electronic recycling protocols to dispose of the device responsibly.
    With its maintenance-free architecture and robust design, Power Saver Pro X offers enduring performance, letting you focus on energy savings rather than upkeep.

    Environmental Impact & Energy Conservation

    By smoothing power flow and cutting waste heat, Power Saver Pro X reduces your home’s overall energy draw. Lower consumption helps flatten peak demand curves on the grid, potentially reducing reliance on fossil-fuel–driven peaker plants and lowering carbon emissions—making it an eco-friendly upgrade as well as a cost-saver.

    Final Verdict: Is This the Best Power Saver of 2025?

    Power Saver Pro delivers on its promises: patented Electricity Stabilizing Technology, verified 30–50% savings, EMF noise reduction, simple plug-and-play setup, and industry-leading guarantees. Compared to generic power factor devices, its comprehensive feature set and strong customer feedback make it our top pick for whole-home energy optimization in 2025.

    Company: Power Saver Pro
    Address: 6413 Bandini Blvd, Commerce, CA 90040, USA
    Phone: 18888319238
    Phone Hours: 7AM – 5PM PST
    Email: cs@toppowersavers.com
    Disclaimers
    Legal Disclaimer
    The information presented in this article is provided for general informational purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy and completeness, no content herein should be interpreted as a substitute for professional advice, product instructions, or manufacturer guidance. Product performance may vary depending on usage, environmental conditions, or maintenance habits. The Power Saver Pro is intended solely for non-medical, personal comfort use and is not designed to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical condition. Readers with specific health concerns should consult a licensed healthcare provider before using any device. 

    Results may vary based on your home’s electrical system, usage habits, and local utility rates. The figures and testimonials in this article are for illustrative purposes and reflect individual user experiences—not guaranteed savings for every household. Always follow local electrical codes and consult a licensed electrician if you have questions about installation or system compatibility.
    The content in this article may include subjective assessments, third-party testimonials, or editorial opinion based on publicly available information. All users are responsible for their own due diligence prior to purchase.
    Product specifications, pricing, and promotions mentioned are accurate at the time of publication but may change without notice. Readers are strongly encouraged to consult the official product website for the most current and accurate information before making any purchasing decision. This article is not authored by or affiliated with the product manufacturer, and all trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
    Content Accuracy Disclaimer

    Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this article. However, due to the dynamic nature of product formulations, promotions, and availability, details may change without notice. The publisher makes no warranties or representations as to the current completeness or accuracy of any content, including product claims, pricing, or ingredient lists.
    It is the responsibility of the reader to verify product information directly through the official website or manufacturer prior to making a purchasing decision. Any reliance placed on the information in this article is done strictly at your own risk.

    Affiliate Disclosure
    This content may include affiliate links. If a purchase is made through such links, the publisher may receive a commission at no additional cost to the reader. These commissions help support editorial and content development but do not influence the opinions or recommendations shared.
    The publisher of this article is not responsible for pricing discrepancies, product availability, incorrect claims, or typographical errors. All liability rests solely with the manufacturer and retail provider of the product. Syndication partners, editorial distributors, and third-party platforms sharing this content are likewise held harmless from any consequence resulting from use, misuse, or misunderstanding of the information contained herein.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: illumin Forecasting, Smarter campaign planning with greater clarity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO and NEW YORK, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — illumin Holdings Inc. (TSX: ILLM) (OTCQB: ILLMF) (“illumin” or the “Company”), an advertising technology company, announced the launch of its groundbreaking Forecasting tool, designed to help marketers plan smarter, see further, and take action with confidence.

    Fully embedded within the illumin platform, Forecasting gives marketers a clear, data-driven view of campaign potential before launch. Unlike other platforms that offer limited forecasting by channel or tactic, illumin allows marketers to plan across multiple tactics and channels simultaneously—from CTV to DOOH to native and beyond—while maintaining complete control at the most granular level. Model impact for each media element individually, then instantly roll them up into a single, cohesive campaign forecast. illumin is the only platform that combines this depth of control with a unified end-to-end projection of total impact. The result is unmatched clarity into audience reach, spend allocation, and strategic performance.

    Key benefits:

    • Plan smarter, faster: Forecast across channels in a single, connected view.
    • Target with precision: Define unique audience parameters for each touchpoint to maximize relevance.
    • Plan in real-time: Adjust budgets and CPMs directly in-platform to test and refine campaign scenarios.
    • Unify your vision: Understand how each media element contributes to the overall campaign with one cohesive forecast.

    “With illumin Forecasting, we’re giving marketers the power to forecast with clarity and control—from the individual element to the entire campaign,” said Rachel Kapcan, Chief Product Officer at illumin. “It introduces a new level of flexibility and foresight to the planning process, empowering teams to move forward with confidence.”

    This launch underscores illumin’s commitment to transforming programmatic advertising by equipping marketers with the tools and insights they need to succeed in a more connected, data-driven media landscape.

    For more information, please contact:

    Bridget Westerholz
    SVP, Marketing
    illumin Holdings Inc.
    416-218-9888
    bridget.westerholz@illumin.com

    Steve Hosein
    Investor Relations
    illumin Holdings Inc.
    416-218-9888 x5313
    investors@illumin.com

    David Hanover
    Investor Relations – U.S.
    KCSA Strategic Communications
    212-896-1220
    dhanover@kcsa.com

    About illumin
    illumin is evolving the digital advertising landscape by empowering marketers to achieve transformative results through its customer-centric approach. Featuring a unified canvas built around the open web, illumin lets brands and agencies seamlessly plan, build, and execute campaigns across the entire marketing funnel—connecting programmatic channels, email, and social media within a single platform. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, illumin serves clients across North America, Latin America, and Europe. For more information, visit illumin.com.

    Disclaimer in regards to Forward-looking Statements
    Certain statements included herein constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend and undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect, in particular, new information or future events.

    For more complete information about the Company, please read our disclosure documents filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Wallet and Coinpal Partner to Expand Crypto Payments Across 6,000+ Online Merchants

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, the leading non-custodial crypto wallet, has announced a partnership with Coinpal, a global crypto payments platform, to expand the use of digital currencies in online commerce. The collaboration integrates Coinpal’s network of over 6,000 merchants into Bitget Wallet’s growing payment ecosystem, with Coinpal acting as a channel partner for Paydify — Bitget Wallet’s merchant infrastructure.

    The integration allows Bitget Wallet users to spend crypto directly at thousands of online stores, with merchants like the gaming marketplace IGV.com already featured in-app. The partnership extends access to Coinpal-supported businesses across sectors such as gaming, electronics, fashion, and digital services, streamlining crypto payments for both consumers and merchants.

    Bitget Wallet is rolling out a full suite of crypto payment tools, centered around its ‘Scan to Pay’ feature that enables users to scan QR codes and complete purchases directly in crypto. Bitget Wallet will soon support Solana Pay and national QR code systems in selected markets, allowing users to pay in either digital assets or local currencies with automatic conversion and minimal fees.

    “We’re not just helping people store or trade crypto — we want them to use it,” said Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet. “Our work with Coinpal makes crypto payments more accessible, giving users more real-world ways to spend their assets. With tools like Scan to Pay, we’re removing friction and making crypto usable in daily life.”

    Coinpal provides an all-in-one platform for businesses to accept, process, and settle cryptocurrency transactions while maintaining regulatory compliance. The company holds multiple licenses, including EU EMI and VASP, ensuring secure and compliant operations across borders. Its clients include listed companies and major merchants in virtual services and consumer sectors. “Partnering with Bitget Wallet gives our merchants exposure to one of the most active user bases in Web3,” said Oisin, CEO of Coinpal. “It’s a major step in turning crypto into a trusted, everyday payment option.”

    Coinpal joins the partnership as a channel partner for Paydify, a decentralized payment gateway working with Bitget Wallet to onboard crypto-accepting merchants. Paydify enables businesses to accept crypto via unified QR codes or APIs, with instant stablecoin settlement. “Partnering with Coinpal and Bitget Wallet helps expand Paydify’s reach and makes crypto payments easier for merchants worldwide,” said Pakning Luk, Strategy Director of Paydify.

    Looking ahead, Bitget Wallet and Coinpal plan to grow their merchant base, improve user experience, and expand into offline retail environments. The collaboration is part of Bitget Wallet’s broader strategy to transform itself into a full-service platform for trading, earning, and spending digital assets — making crypto accessible to everyone.

    Find out more on Bitget Wallet’s official channels.

    About Bitget Wallet
    Bitget Wallet is a non-custodial crypto wallet designed to make crypto simple and secure for everyone. With over 80 million users, it brings together a full suite of crypto services, including swaps, market insights, staking, rewards, DApp exploration, and payment solutions. Supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges. Backed by a $300+ million user protection fund, it ensures the highest level of security for users’ assets.

    For more information, visit: X | Telegram | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Discord | Facebook
    For media inquiries, contact media.web3@bitget.com

    About Coinpal
    Coinpal.io is an all-in-one platform to help global merchants accept, process and settle cryptocurrencies in their business. With a network of over 6,000 merchants, Coinpal.io serves industries including mining hardware, DePIN, forex, RWA, 3C products, fashion, home goods, beauty and personal care, entertainment, as well as virtual services like gaming and software. Its clientele includes publicly listed companies such as Bgin and industry leaders like IGV in gaming.

    Learn more at: https://coinpal.io

    About Paydify
    Paydify is a universal gateway enabling crypto payments across all wallets and blockchain networks. Built for both online and offline merchants, Paydify provides instant settlement and universal connectivity — making crypto payments practical for global commerce. Paydify operates with a mission to unify the fragmented blockchain ecosystem and make digital payments accessible to businesses everywhere.

    For more info, visit www.paydify.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X
    For media and partnership inquiries, please contact: partnerships@paydify.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d771b365-c72b-4d8a-929b-460a635ceceb

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schakowsky Statement Observing Memorial Day

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

    EVANSTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) released the following statement in recognition of Memorial Day:

    “Today, on Memorial Day, we come together as Americans to recognize the brave men and women who answered the call of duty and lost their lives fighting to protect our nation and its ideals. These heroes made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our nation’s freedom.

    “We will never forget those who lost their lives in battle, those who are missing in action, and those who are prisoners of war. We grieve with their families and continue to offer our unwavering support.

    “In paying tribute to our fallen heroes, we must recommit to supporting our active-duty military personnel, our veterans, and their families. Not only do they deserve our respect, but they also deserve to know that we have their backs. We owe them an enormous debt and must ensure that they receive the health care, education, housing, and other benefits they have earned. Any veteran or active-duty military personnel in need of assistance, please reach out to my office.

    “Today and every day, let us all pay homage to the bravery and sacrifice of our fallen service members. We are free because they were brave.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Echo Labs Earbuds Reviews: Don’t Buy Yet Till You’ve Read This?

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The search for the perfect pair of wireless earbuds can be very daunting. With so many options on the market, promising everything from superior sound quality to unmatched comfort, it’s easy to get lost and confused. For many sound lovers and everyday listeners alike, the quest for high-quality wireless earbuds often leads to a disappointing reality. 

    Most times,  exceptional performance typically comes with a steep price tag. “While marketed as premium, most sophisticated earbuds from major brands often carry an exorbitant price, making features like immersive sound, reliable connectivity, and lasting comfort a costly luxury rather than an accessible one. This leaves many consumers settling for cheaper alternatives that often compromise sound quality, fit, durability, and battery life.

    For many who choose budget earbuds, the experience is riddled with frustrations from thin, underwhelming sound and weak bass to uncomfortable fits, constant Bluetooth dropouts, and batteries that quit long before the day ends. While the desire for rich, distortion-free audio and earbuds that can keep up with an active lifestyle is universal, expensive price tags have kept a truly premium listening experience out of reach.

    Echo Labs Audio Earbuds emerged in this landscape, promising to bridge the gap between high performance and affordability. They claim to offer “Premium Sound and Comfort Without the Premium Price,” challenging the notion that you must spend a fortune to get the best-sounding earbuds. 

    With advanced features typically found in more expensive models and backed by stellar testimonials from audio experts and verified customers, Echo Labs Audio Earbuds aims to provide superior audio quality, comfort, and durability at a fraction of the cost. Designed for everyday use, Echo Labs Earbuds combine cutting-edge technology like Bluetooth V5.2 and AI voice assist with a focus on comfort and reliability. 

    Based on verified consumer reports, Echo Labs Earbuds is rated high, legit and with an excellent 4.98 stars ratings making it one of the most preferred wireless earbuds available in the USA and Canada. 

    With rave reviews from audio experts and users alike, these earbuds are quickly becoming the go-to choice for those who demand quality without compromise. In this Echo Labs earbuds review, we’ll explore what makes EchoLabs Earbuds stand out from the competition, their features, benefits, and why they’re a must-have for anyone looking to enhance their audio experience.

    What Are the Echo Labs Earbuds? (Echo Labs Earbuds Reviews) 

    Echo Labs Earbuds are refined wireless earbuds developed to transform the standard for portable audio by offering a premium listening experience that rivals premium brands, but at a significantly more accessible price point. Echo Labs Earbuds are premium wireless earbuds designed to deliver exceptional sound quality, maximum comfort, and advanced functionality at a cost that’s accessible to everyone.

    Echo Labs Earbuds come equipped with touch controls for effortless management of music, calls, and voice assistants. Their compatibility with digital assistants like Siri or Google makes hands-free control simple and intuitive.  Echo Labs Earbuds also boast a modern, ergonomic design that offers comfort for extended use. Whether you’re using them for work, leisure, or travel, Echo Labs Earbuds is well well-optimized to deliver. 

    Every reviewer emphatically points that Echo Labs are specifically crafted as a solution for individuals who demand exceptional sound performance, reliable wireless connectivity, and comfortable, secure wear across daily activities, whether commuting, engaging in workouts, or simply relaxing and enjoying media.

    EchoLabs Earbuds are committed to offering superior audio quality and comfort without the hefty price tag. This is achieved by integrating sophisticated audio technology that produces rich, detailed sound with impactful bass and crisp highs, a design focused on ergonomic comfort and a stable fit for all ear types, and robust durability features like resistance to rain and sweat. 

    Each pair has a protective charging case that secures the earbuds and significantly extends their operational time, ensuring they are always ready. Echo Labs Earbuds is an affordable alternative, making top-tier wireless audio accessible to all by combining exceptional sound and dependable performance for everyday listening, minus the steep investment.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR ECHOLABS EARBUDS FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT OFFER TODAY 

    How Does Echo Labs Earbuds Actually Work? (Echo Labs Earbuds Reviews)

    Echo Labs Earbuds legitimately work by using Bluetooth 5.2 technology to wirelessly connect to your devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops to deliver high-quality sound and performance. Echo Labs Earbuds have been rigorously tested and proven to work efficiently in a variety of environments. 

    Based on Echolabs’ features, the expert endorsements, and the overwhelming positive customer testimonials, the evidence strongly indicates that Echo Labs Earbuds effectively deliver on their promise of high-quality sound and performance.  We could not agree more.

    The integration of 10mm drivers, low impedance, and an ultra-wide frequency response is a technical specification commonly linked with earbuds capable of producing detailed and powerful audio, including deep bass and crisp highs, which aligns with the claim of “Three-Dimensional Sound” and “HD Audio.”

    Validation from audio experts, such as Paul, a pro audio engineer who recommended them and stated they were “better than his big brand ones,” provides impressive credibility to the sound quality claims. Many Echo Labs users have consistently reported satisfaction with its performance, highlighting its ability to provide high quality audio sound and performance. 

    Finally, all reviewers attest that Echo Labs Earbuds are indeed top-rated wireless earbuds that offer Best-in-Class performance at a negligible price. With a robust battery capacity, the echo labs earbuds also provide incredible audio to ensure you will hear every sound from the lowest bass drum to the highest-pitched singer. It offers everything a unique earbud offers while ensuring you pay less.

    Let’s Review The Key Features of Echo Labs Audio Earbuds (EchoLabs Earbuds Reviews)

    Echo Labs Earbuds are equipped with several cutting-edge features engineered to deliver a high-quality audio experience and practical functionality that shines in the market:

    • Three-Dimensional Sound: This key feature is designed to provide a deeply engaging listening experience. Creating depth and spatial awareness in the audio makes music, audiobooks, podcasts, and other media feel more dynamic and lifelike, drawing you into the sound.
    • Long-Lasting Battery Life: Engineered to support prolonged listening sessions, Echo Labs earbuds offer excellent playtime on a single charge, capable of powering through even the longest podcasts or workout sessions. This exceptional performance is further enhanced by a protective charging case, which provides multiple recharges on the go, ensuring your audio is available for days without needing a power outlet.
    • Superior Comfortable and Customizable Fit: Echo Labs prioritizes user comfort and a secure fit. This allows for a custom, snug fit tailored to individual ear shapes, preventing the discomfort often associated with poorly fitting earbuds and ensuring they remain securely in place during vigorous activities like running or training.
    • Reliable Bluetooth V5.2 Connectivity: Echo Labs uses the latest Bluetooth technology (Version 5.2), ensuring a fast, stable, and consistent wireless connection with your audio devices. This improved connectivity reduces frustrating audio dropouts and pairing issues, providing a seamless and uninterrupted listening experience.
    • Rain & Sweat Resistance (Weather-Resistant): It is built with durable materials and a design that protects against moisture. This makes EchoLabs Earbuds suitable for workouts, outdoor activities, or use in various weather conditions, ensuring functionality and longevity even in challenging environments.
    • Protective Charging Case: The included case serves a dual purpose: it provides a safe place to store and protect your earbuds when not in use, and it acts as a portable power bank, offering multiple recharges to the earbuds, significantly extending their total usage time before needing to connect to a power source.
    • Powerful, Distortion-Free Audio Performance: with low impedance (specifically between 16-32 ohms), these earbuds handle higher volumes without introducing visible distortion. This allows users to enjoy their audio at their preferred loudness while maintaining clarity and sound integrity.
    • Ultra-Wide Frequency Response (20Hz-20kHz): Covering the full spectrum of human hearing, this wide frequency response ensures that the earbuds can precisely reproduce both the deepest bass tones (down to 20Hz) and the crispest high frequencies (up to 20kHz). This results in a balanced, detailed, and impactful audio profile that improves the listening experience across all genres and media types, contributing to the stunning 3D sounds.
    • 10mm Drivers:  Echo Labs earbuds are built with optimally sized 10mm drivers. These larger, high-quality drivers are essential for delivering clear, balanced, and impactful audio performance, providing a richer sound experience than smaller or less advanced drivers found in many conventional earbuds.
    • Integrated AI Voice Assist: For added convenience, EchoLabs earbuds feature AI Voice Assist compatibility. This allows for hands-free control of music playback, managing phone calls, and accessing your device’s voice assistant (such as Siri or Google Assistant) using simple voice commands, streamlining your interaction with your device while in transit or during workouts.
    • High-Definition (HD) Audio: Providing superior sound quality with enhanced detail and clarity, the HD Audio feature ensures that nuances in music and spoken word are reproduced accurately, contributing to a more immersive and enjoyable overall audio experience.

    Why Should You Buy Echo Labs Earbuds? (Echolabs Earbuds Reviews) 

    You should consider buying Echo Labs Audio Earbuds if you are seeking a high-quality wireless earbud experience that offers excellent sound, comfort, and reliability for various uses, but are unwilling to pay the high prices of premium brands. 

    If you’ve been disappointed by the audio quality, poor fit, or short battery life of cheaper earbuds, EchoLabs provides an appealing upgrade with features like 3D sound, a truly comfortable and secure fit for active lifestyles, and a long-lasting battery.

    Many consumer reports online say that Echo labs earbuds are decked out with all the latest advances in audio technology to deliver the clearest full stereo-quality sound with noise cancellation features. Echo labs earbuds are dependable, lightweight, and comfortable for any user.

    EchoLabs earbuds are designed to offer a snug, customizable fit with adjustable ear tips that adapt to the user’s ear shape. This not only makes echo labs earbuds more comfortable for prolonged use but also enhances the listening experience by minimizing external noise.

    Furthermore, they’re engineering is tough enough to withstand rain and sweat, so they’re perfect for workouts or outdoor fun. Plus, handy AI voice assist and clear call quality make them great for everyday use. When you pick Echo Labs, you’re getting a product experts love, thousands of happy users praise, and the same features you’d find in pricier earbuds all at an affordable price. 

    Let’s Review The Unbeatable Benefits of Using Echo Labs Earbuds  (EchoLabs Reviews) 

    Using Echo Labs Audio Earbuds offers a wide range of impressive benefits, providing a premium listening experience and practical functionality for various aspects of your life:

    • Provides Premium, immersive Audio Quality: Arguably, the most appealing benefit of Echo Labs is that it delivers excellent sound that competes with much more expensive options. They’re built around sturdy 10 mm drivers, a low-impedance design for strong, distortion-free output, and a wide 20 Hz–20 kHz frequency range that delivers deep bass and clear highs, resulting in immersive 3D HD sound.
    • Enjoy Superior Comfort for Extended Wear: Designed with adjustable, custom-fit ear tips, Echo Labs ensures a comfortable and secure fit that can be worn for long periods without discomfort. This is a compelling advantage over poorly fitting earbuds and is essential for long movements or listening sessions. 
    • Long-Lasting Battery Life: Echo Labs provides durable listening times. The long-lasting battery ensures your audio is available for long periods on a single charge, and the portable charging case provides multiple recharges, ensuring your audio is available for days. Dustin B. exclaimed about the “HUGE battery life” and noted he hasn’t run out of battery since switching.
    • Ensure Reliable Connectivity: Employing the latest Bluetooth V5.2 technology, the earbuds offer a stable and quick connection to your devices, reducing frustrating audio dropouts and ensuring a seamless listening experience. Emma R. found they “connect to my phone and laptop fast and easy,” highlighting the ease and reliability of pairing.
    • Stay Active in Any Weather with Durability: The rain and sweat-resistant design means you don’t have to worry about damaging your earbuds during strenuous workouts, runs, or unexpected weather. Austin N., a Certified Personal Trainer, recommends them specifically because they are “secure for workouts, phenomenal sound quality, and they’re sweat and water-resistant. Incredible quality,” making them a reliable companion for an active lifestyle.
    • Enhance Productivity and Convenience with AI Voice Assist:  The hands-free AI voice assist feature allows you to control music, manage calls, and access your device’s assistant using simple voice commands without physically touching your phone. This adds a layer of convenience, especially when you’re busy, working out, or have your hands full.
    • Enjoy Clear Phone Calls: Equipped with high-definition microphones, Echo Labs earbuds make phone calls loud and clear for both parties, eliminating the struggle to hear or be heard in noisy environments. This is suitable for both personal conversations and professional calls.
    • World-Class Sound Immersion for Gaming: Gamers will appreciate the world-class sound immersion offered by Echo Labs Earbuds. With their low latency, 10mm drivers, and 3D sound capabilities, they deliver precise audio cues and a rich gaming environment, giving players a competitive edge in fast-paced games.
    • Perfect for Traveling: Designed with sound isolation and noise cancellation, these earbuds are perfect for travelers who want undisturbed listening. Whether on a flight, train, or long drive, EchoLabs Earbuds block out ambient noise, allowing users to enjoy their favorite content in peace.
    • Great for Podcasts and Audiobooks: EchoLabs Earbuds are perfect for podcast and audiobook enthusiasts. Their comfortable fit and long-lasting battery life allow uninterrupted listening for hours, whether you’re diving into a gripping mystery, learning from a thought-provoking podcast, or relaxing with a classic novel.
    • Ideal Christmas or Birthday Gift: With their sleek design, advanced features, and practicality, EchoLabs Earbuds make a thoughtful gift for friends and family. Their versatility appeals to all age groups, making them a perfect choice for Christmas or birthdays. 

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR ECHOLABS EARBUDS FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT OFFER TODAY 

    How Do You Use Echo Labs Earbuds (EchoEarbuds Reviews)

    Using EchoLabs Audio Earbuds is incredibly simple and intuitive, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy. These earbuds are designed to offer a seamless experience from the moment you take them out of the box. Follow these easy steps to get started:

    • Pairing Your Echo Labs Earbuds: Open the charging case to activate the earbuds. Enable Bluetooth on your device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop) and select “Echo Labs Audio Earbuds” from the list of available devices. Once paired, the earbuds will automatically connect to the same device whenever Bluetooth is enabled.
    • Charging the EchoLabs Earbuds: Place the earbuds back in the protective charging case when not in use. The case will automatically recharge the earbuds. To charge the case itself, connect it to a power source using the included USB-C cable. A fully charged case ensures multiple recharges for your earbuds on the go.
    • Using the AI Voice Assistant: Activate the AI voice assistant with a simple tap on the earbuds. Use voice commands to control music playback, answer or end calls, and check notifications without touching your device.
    • Managing Phone Calls: Answer calls with a quick tap on the earbuds. Tap again to end the call or hold the touch sensor to decline incoming calls. Enjoy crystal-clear audio on both ends, thanks to the high-definition microphone.
    • Controlling Music Playback: Play or pause your music with a single tap. Double-tap to skip to the next track or triple-tap to go back to the previous one. Adjust the volume directly from your device or using your voice assistant.
    • Storing Your Earbuds: Always store your earbuds in the charging case to protect them from damage and ensure they are fully charged for the next use.

    By following these straightforward steps, you can maximize the performance and longevity of your Echo Labs Earbuds, making them a reliable companion for every aspect of your day. Whether you’re a first-time user or a seasoned tech enthusiast, these earbuds are designed to make your life easier and more enjoyable.

    Are Echo Labs Earbuds Really Worth My Money?  (EchoLabs Reviews) 

    If you want to know whether Echo Labs Audio Earbuds are worth the investment, let’s consider their price relative to the audio performance, features, and overall user experience they provide, particularly when compared to the high cost of conventional premium earbuds. 

    The core premise of Echo Labs is to deliver a premium-like experience without the premium price. With features typically found in much more expensive models, such as advanced drivers, wide frequency response for 3D sound, long battery life, and durability, they are positioned as a high-value alternative.

    Both customers and reviewers revealed Echo Labs Earbuds is totally legit, garnering over 99.6% remarkable recommendation rate, ensuring its widespread popularity and satisfaction among users. All reviews attest that the echo labs earbuds is one of the best, if not the absolute best wireless earbuds out there on the market in the USA and Canada. 

    Additionally, many reviewers both audio experts and regular users’ say that Echolabs  earbuds sound just as good as, or even better than, models that cost hundreds more. Plus, it provides wireless freedom, a steady connection, water resistance for active use, and a handy charging case. With the current discounts, Echo Labs Earbuds are a smart choice for anyone who wants great sound and features without emptying their wallet.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR ECHOLABS EARBUDS FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT OFFER TODAY 

    Pros – (Echo Labs Earbuds Reviews)

    • Echo labs earbuds have immersive 3D sound with deep bass and crisp highs.
    • Echolabs earbuds offer a snug, comfortable fit with adjustable ear tips.
    • Features long-lasting battery life with a rechargeable case.
    • Provides seamless Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity with all devices.
    • Includes hands-free AI voice assistance for easy control.
    • Built with rain- and sweat-resistant materials for durability.
    • Blocks out background noise with advanced noise cancellation.
    • Perfect for phone calls, podcasts, audiobooks, and gaming.
    • A compact, stylish design ideal for travel and everyday use.
    • Affordable, with a 50% discount and a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

    CONS (EchoLabs Earbuds Reviews)

    •  Not available in any physical store.
    • The Special discounts might end anytime soon.
    • Supply is highly limited due to increased demand during this season.

    Why Is Echo Labs Better than Other Products in the Market? (Echolabs Reviews) 

    Echo Labs stands out from other earbuds products in the market primarily by delivering a compelling combination of premium-level audio performance and advanced innovative features at a significantly more accessible price point. 

    Unlike many cheaper earbuds that compromise on sound quality, often delivering “tiny sound with wimpy bass” and unreliable connectivity, Echo Labs integrates robust components like 10mm drivers and Bluetooth V5.2 to provide powerful, distortion-free, and stable audio that beats much more expensive competitors. 

    Moreover, while premium earbuds offer high quality, their prohibitive cost makes them inaccessible to many consumers. EchoLabs bridges this gap, offering comparable sound quality, comfort, and durability without the hefty price tag.

    Beyond just sound and price, Echo Labs also outperforms many alternatives in terms of practical features crucial for modern lifestyles. While some earbuds may offer decent audio, they often lack the sturdy durability of sweat and rain resistance, limiting their usability during workouts or in numerous weather conditions. 

    Many also fail to provide the secure fit necessary for all-day wear or active use, leading to discomfort and the frustration of earbuds constantly falling out – problems directly tackled by Echo Labs’ design and custom ear tips. 

    The long-lasting battery life, complemented by a convenient charging case, also provides a commendable benefit over earbuds with “terrible battery life,” ensuring uninterrupted listening. All the aforementioned positions Echo Labs Audio Earbuds as a superior value proposition compared to both cheaper and many more expensive options on the market.

    Feature Echo Labs Audio Earbuds Most Cheaper Earbuds Premium Earbuds (e.g., “$200 earbuds”, “big brand ones”)
    Sound Quality (Clarity, Bass, 3D) ✅ (Exceptional, 3D, HD) ❌ (Tiny sound, wimpy bass) ✅ (Often high quality)
    Comfort / Fit ✅ (Custom fit, comfortable) ❌ (Poor-fitting, uncomfortable) ✅ (Varies by brand/model)
    Durability (Sweat/Rain Resistant) ✅ +/- (Often lacking) ✅ (Varies by brand/model)
    Battery Life ✅ (Long-lasting + case) ❌ (Terrible battery life) ✅ (Generally good + case)
    Connectivity (Bluetooth) ✅ (Reliable V5.2) ❌ (Constant dropouts) ✅ (Generally reliable)
    Price ✅ (Affordable, especially with discount) ✅ (Low initial) ❌ (Expensive)
    AI Voice Assist ✅ ❌ (Often lacking) ✅ (Commonly included)
    Drivers ✅ (Cutting-edge 10mm) +/- (Smaller/standard) ✅ (Varies by brand/size)

    Key: ✅ = Feature generally present/effective. 

             ❌ = Feature generally absent or not a primary focus. 

              +/- = Feature may be present to some degree, but is variable or less specialized   

    Who Needs Echo Labs Audio Earbuds? (Echolabs Earbuds Reviews) 

    • Workout Enthusiasts and Athletes: Individuals who need earbuds that stay securely in place during intense physical activity and are resistant to sweat and rain to ensure durability and continued performance regardless of the weather or workout intensity.
    • Commuters and Travelers: People who spend significant time in transit and desire immersive sound quality to make their journeys more enjoyable, along with long-lasting battery life and reliable connectivity to power through long commutes or flights.
    • Budget-Conscious Audio Lovers: Consumers who appreciate high-quality audio and features typically found in premium earbuds but are looking for a more affordable alternative that doesn’t compromise on performance or durability.
    • Individuals Seeking All-Day Comfort: Those who find many earbuds uncomfortable for extended wear and require a solution with a customizable, ergonomic fit that can be worn for long periods without causing discomfort or fatigue.
    • Users of Various Devices and Activities: Anyone who uses earbuds for a variety of purposes beyond just music, such as taking clear phone calls, listening to podcasts or audiobooks, or requiring stable connectivity for use with laptops and tablets for work or entertainment.

    Where to Buy Echo Labs Audio Earbuds in America and Canada

    To buy the original Echo Labs Audio Earbuds and ensure you receive the genuine product with all its advertised features, benefits, and guarantees, it is essential to visit the official website.

    The manufacturer explicitly states that Echo Labs Audio Earbuds are not available on Amazon or eBay, and warns against being fooled by “knock-offs!. Furthermore, purchasing through the official website is the only method to access promotional offers, such as the frequently advertised 50% discount and fast shipping arrangements.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR ECHOLABS EARBUDS FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT OFFER TODAY 

    How Much Does an Echo Labs Earbud Cost?

    Here are the current prices:

    • 1x Echo Labs Audio Earbuds: ~~$116.09~~ $60.54 (approximately 48% – 50% off, depending on exact calculation)
    • 2x Echo Labs Audio Earbuds: ~~$222.18~~ $111.10 (approximately 50% off)
    • 3x Echo Labs Audio Earbuds: ~~$333.27~~ $133.32 (approximately 60% off) – BEST DEAL
    • 4x Echo Labs Audio Earbuds: ~~$444.36~~ $166.66 (approximately 62% off) – For the Whole Family

    These prices show just how affordable Echo Labs earbuds are, especially when you buy more than one pair. They’re a great option if you want good sound without paying premium brand prices. Keep in mind that prices, stock, and deals can change, so check the official website for the latest information.

    Echo Labs Earbuds Reviews Consumer Reports & Customer Complaints 

    Echo Labs Audio Earbuds have garnered stellar feedback from customers.Here are some of the reviews:

    Ellen C.:
    “Echo labs are premium earbuds that are so comfortable… These are the most comfortable earbuds I’ve ever used. They never hurt my ears and sometimes I forget I’m even wearing them. If you know anyone looking for new earbuds, stop! Echo Labs Audio Earbuds are as good as you’re gonna get.”

    Dustin B.:
    “HUGE battery life… I love everything about Echo Labs Audio Earbuds but my favorite is the insane battery life. And when the earbuds are out of juice, the charge case gives them a ton more power. I haven’t run out of battery since switching to these and I don’t think I ever will!”

    Erik K.:
     “Fit my ears perfectly and they never fall out… I always hated using earbuds because I could never work out without them falling out! Echo Labs Audio Earbuds have custom ear tips for a perfect, snug fit. Now I’m able to stay active without my earbuds falling out every two minutes.”

    Emma R.:
    “Love the incredible sound and how easy to use they are… I’m not smart with new tech, but with Echo Labs Audio Earbuds, I don’t need to be. They’re foolproof to use, and they connect to my phone and laptop fast and easily. And they sound just as good as my old $200 earbuds.”

    Rachel M. (Music Producer):
    “As a music producer, I need earbuds with exceptional clarity and depth. Echo Labs Audio Earbuds exceed my expectations every time.”

    Frequently Asked Questions About Echo Labs Audio Earbuds

    Here are some frequently asked questions about the Echo Labs Earbuds, and accurate answers:

    What makes Echo Labs Audio Earbuds different from other brands?

    Echo Labs Audio Earbuds differentiate themselves by offering premium sound quality, comfort, and durability features typically found in high-end earbuds, but at a significantly more affordable price point. Their combination of advanced drivers, long battery life, custom fit, weather resistance, and reliable Bluetooth connectivity provides exceptional value compared to many cheaper and more expensive competitors.

    How do I pair my Echo Labs Audio Earbuds with my device?

    Pairing is designed to be fast and easy. Echo Labs Audio Earbuds utilize Bluetooth V5.2 for quick and reliable connection. Simply follow the standard Bluetooth pairing process on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to connect to the earbuds. Emma R. noted they “connect to my phone and laptop fast and easy.”

    What is the battery life of the Echo Labs Audio Earbuds?

    Echo Labs Audio Earbuds are equipped with a long-lasting battery designed for extended listening sessions. While a specific number of hours on a single charge is not detailed in the text, it mentions the battery lasts “even through the longest podcasts” and comes with a charging case that provides “extra battery life” and a “ton more power,” ensuring you have audio for days. Dustin B. specifically praised the “HUGE battery life.”

    Are the Echo Labs Audio Earbuds comfortable for extended wear?

    Yes, comfort is a key feature. Echo Labs Audio Earbuds are designed with a comfortable fit, featuring adjustable ear tips that allow for a custom, snug feel. This design is intended for all-day comfort and to ensure the earbuds stay securely in place, even during activities like workouts, as confirmed by Ellen C., who finds them incredibly comfortable, and Erik K., who appreciates the secure fit during exercise.

    Are the Echo Labs Audio Earbuds waterproof?

    Echo Labs Audio Earbuds are described as “Rain & Sweat Resistant” and “Weather-Resistant.” While not fully waterproof for submersion, they are built to withstand moisture from sweat during intense workouts and exposure to light rain, making them durable for active and outdoor use.

    Do the Echo Labs Audio Earbuds support voice assistants?

    Yes, Echo Labs Audio Earbuds support AI Voice Assist. This feature allows for hands-free control of music playback, managing calls, and accessing your device’s voice assistant using simple voice commands, adding a layer of convenience.

    What makes the sound quality of Echo Labs Earbuds stand out?

    The sound quality of Echo Labs Audio Earbuds stands out due to their advanced audio components, including cutting-edge 10mm drivers, low impedance (16-32 ohm) for distortion-free volume, and an ultra-wide frequency response (20Hz-20kHz). This combination delivers powerful bass, crisp highs, and aims for stunning 3D, high-definition audio, which audio professionals and customers have praised as comparable to or better than premium brands.

    How do I charge the Echo Labs Earbuds?

    Echo Labs Audio Earbuds are charged by placing them into their protective charging case. The case itself has a built-in battery and is charged separately (likely via a USB port, though not specified), providing multiple recharges for the earbuds when you are away from a power source. The case ensures the earbuds are protected and powered up when not in use.

    Are the Echo Labs Audio Earbuds suitable for different activities?

    Yes, Echo Labs Audio Earbuds are designed to be versatile for various activities. Their secure and comfortable fit makes them suitable for workouts, their long battery life is great for commuting and travel, and their high-quality sound and features like clear call quality make them excellent for relaxation, work, and entertainment like gaming and shows. Austin N., a Certified Personal Trainer, specifically recommends them for workouts.

    Is there a discount available for the Echo Labs Earbuds?

    Yes, currently there is a special limited-time offer available, providing a significant discount, often advertised as 50% off or more, especially when purchasing multiple pairs in bundled options. This promotional pricing contributes to their affordability and value proposition.

    How do I ensure I’m buying authentic Echo Labs Audio Earbuds?

    To guarantee you receive authentic Echo Labs Audio Earbuds and avoid knock-offs or cheap imitations, you should only purchase them directly from the official Echo Labs Audio website. They are explicitly stated as not being available on platforms like Amazon or eBay.

    What’s included in the Echo Labs Audio Earbuds packaging?

    The packaging includes the Echo Labs Audio Earbuds themselves and a protective charging case. Based on the mention of “adjustable ear tips” and “custom ear tips,” it is highly probable that multiple sizes of ear tips are also included to ensure a comfortable and secure fit for different users.

    Final Remarks On Echo Labs Earbuds Reviews

    In summary, Echo Labs presents a compelling proposition in the wireless earbud market, effectively challenging the notion that premium audio quality and robust features must come with an overpriced price tag. In delivering powerful, clear, and immersive 3D sound through quality drivers and audio engineering, with a design that focuses on comfort, stays in place during movement, and can handle sweat and rain, these earbuds include features you’d usually find in much pricier models.

    Thousands of happy Echolabs customers and even audio experts have shared great reviews, backing up Echo Labs’ promise of clear sound, a comfy fit, and reliable performance. With a long-lasting battery (boosted by the charging case), strong Bluetooth 5.2 connection, and easy-to-use AI voice assist, these earbuds are practical for everyday use. Although you can only buy them online, the 60-day money-back guarantee lets you try them without any risk.

    Considering their impressive combination of audio performance, comfort, durability, features, and significant affordability, especially with the current promotional pricing, Echo Labs Audio Earbuds appear to be a highly worthwhile investment. They offer a true opportunity to experience high-quality wireless audio without the high price, making them an appealing choice for those who value both performance and affordability. In all, Echo Labs Earbuds strike a smart balance between premium features and practical pricing—an option well worth considering. Get yours today!

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR ECHOLABS EARBUDS FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT OFFER TODAY

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  • MIL-OSI: Flow Capital Announces a US$5.0 Million Investment in Congruity 360

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Flow Capital Corp. (TSXV:FW) (“Flow Capital” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the successful closing of a US$5.0 million senior note investment in Congruity 360, a leading provider of unstructured data management and risk mitigation solutions.

    Congruity 360’s Classify360 platform equips organizations with critical capabilities to understand, manage, and secure petabyte-scale unstructured data across cloud, SaaS, and on-premises environments. Its capabilities include data discovery and classification, identification of governance and compliance vulnerabilities, and automated workflows for remediation and infrastructure optimization.

    Already trusted by Fortune 500 companies operating across the globe, Congruity 360 will use the capital to fuel continued product innovation and growth.

    “The unstructured data management and classification market is thriving! We were impressed by Congruity 360’s market and product momentum, particularly its automated governance workflow and the introduction of AI into the classification process,” said Alex Baluta, CEO of Flow Capital. “Given its high growth rate, Flow’s covenant-light, founder-friendly capital was a perfect fit for Congruity 360’s needs.”

    “2025’s wins have accelerated our product and GTM plans! We are excited to partner with Flow Capital,” said Brian Davidson, CEO of Congruity 360.

    Technology companies seeking flexible growth capital are invited to apply for funding directly at www.flowcap.com/get-funding.

    About Congruity 360

    Congruity 360 delivers the only data management solution built on a foundation of classification, by experts in data storage and data privacy. The Classify360 platform is easy to implement, requires no outside consultants, and quickly analyzes and remediates your data at a petabyte scale in days, not weeks or months.

    About Flow Capital 

    Flow Capital Corp. is a publicly listed provider of flexible growth capital and alternative debt solutions dedicated to supporting high-growth companies. Since its inception in 2018, the company has provided financing to businesses in the US, the UK, and Canada, helping them achieve accelerated growth without the dilutive impact of equity financing or the complexities of traditional bank loans. Flow Capital focuses on revenue-generating, VC-backed, and founder-owned companies seeking $2 to $10 million in capital to drive their continued expansion.

    Learn more at www.flowcap.com.

    For further information, please contact:

    Flow Capital Corp.

    Alex Baluta
    ‎Chief Executive Officer
    ‎alex@flowcap.com

    47 Colborne Street, Suite 303,
    ‎Toronto, Ontario M5E 1P8

    Forward-Looking Information and Statements

    Certain statements herein may be “forward-looking” statements that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Flow or the industry to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to vary significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect current assumptions and expectations regarding future events and operating performance and are made as of the date hereof and Flow assumes no obligation, except as required by law, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect new events or circumstances.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Canadian Banc Corp. Announces TSX Acceptance of Normal Course Issuer Bid

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canadian Banc Corp. (the “Company”) announced today that the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) has accepted its notice of intention to make a Normal Course Issuer Bid (the “NCIB”) to purchase its Preferred Shares and Class A Shares through the facilities of the TSX and/or alternative Canadian trading systems. The NCIB will commence on June 2, 2025 and terminate on June 1, 2026.

    Pursuant to the NCIB, the Company proposes to purchase, from time to time, if it is considered advisable, up to 3,742,582 Preferred Shares and 3,778,760 Class A Shares of the Company, representing 10% of the public float of 37,425,824 Preferred Shares and 37,787,604 Class A Shares. As of May 21, 2025, there were 37,448,395 Preferred Shares and 37,821,364 Class A Shares issued and outstanding. The Company will not purchase, in any given 30-day period, in the aggregate, more than 748,967 Preferred Shares or more than 756,427 Class A Shares, being 2% of the issued and outstanding Preferred Shares and Class A Shares as of May 21, 2025. Under the previous normal course issuer bid that commenced on May 29, 2024 and terminated on May 28, 2025, no purchases of Preferred Shares or Class A Shares were made.

    The Board of Directors of the Company, on the advice of Quadravest Capital Management Inc., the Company’s investment manager, believes that such purchases are in the best interests of the Company and are a desirable use of its funds. All purchases will be made through the facilities and in accordance with the rules and policies of the TSX. All Preferred Shares or Class A Shares purchased by the Company pursuant to the NCIB will be cancelled.

    The Company invests in a portfolio of six publicly traded Canadian Banks as follows:

    Bank of Montreal Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Royal Bank of Canada
    The Bank of Nova Scotia National Bank of Canada The Toronto-Dominion Bank


    Certain statements included in this news release constitute forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, those identified by the expressions “expect”, “intend”, “will” and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Company. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect the Company’s current expectations regarding future results or events. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and, accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement or information whether as a result of new information, future events or other such factors which affect this information, except as required by law.

    Investor Relations:  1-877-478-2372
    Local:  416-304-4443
    www.canadianbanc.com
    info@quadravest.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Dividend 15 Split Corp. II Announces TSX Acceptance of Normal Course Issuer Bid

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dividend 15 Split Corp. II (the “Company”) announced today that the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) has accepted its notice of intention to make a Normal Course Issuer Bid (the “NCIB”) to purchase its Preferred Shares and Class A Shares through the facilities of the TSX and/or alternative Canadian trading systems. The NCIB will commence on June 2, 2025 and terminate on June 1, 2026.

    Pursuant to the NCIB, the Company proposes to purchase, from time to time, if it is considered advisable, up to 2,242,527 Preferred Shares and 2,234,759 Class A Shares of the Company, representing 10% of the public float of 22,425,275 Preferred Shares and 22,347,591 Class A Shares. As of May 21, 2025, there were 22,425,275 Preferred Shares and 22,433,891 Class A Shares issued and outstanding. The Company will not purchase, in any given 30-day period, in the aggregate, more than 448,505 Preferred Shares or more than 448,677 Class A Shares, being 2% of the issued and outstanding Preferred Shares and Class A Shares as of May 21, 2025. Under the previous normal course issuer bid that commenced on May 29, 2024 and terminated on May 28, 2025 no Preferred Shares or Class A Shares were purchased.

    The Board of Directors of the Company, on the advice of Quadravest Capital Management Inc., the Company’s investment manager, believes that such purchases are in the best interests of the Company and are a desirable use of its funds. All purchases will be made through the facilities and in accordance with the rules and policies of the TSX. All Preferred Shares or Class A Shares purchased by the Company pursuant to the NCIB will be cancelled.

    The Company invests in a high quality portfolio of leading Canadian dividend-yielding stocks as follows: Bank of Montreal, Bank of Nova Scotia, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Royal Bank of Canada, Toronto-Dominion Bank, National Bank of Canada, CI Financial Corp., BCE Inc., Manulife Financial, Enbridge, Sun Life Financial, TELUS Corporation, Thomson Reuters Corporation, TransAlta Corporation, TC Energy Corporation.

    Certain statements included in this news release constitute forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, those identified by the expressions “expect”, “intend”, “will” and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Company. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect the Company’s current expectations regarding future results or events. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and, accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement or information whether as a result of new information, future events or other such factors which affect this information, except as required by law.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: North American Financial 15 Split Corp. Announces TSX Acceptance of Normal Course Issuer Bid

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — North American Financial 15 Split Corp. (the “Company”) announced today that the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) has accepted its notice of intention to make a Normal Course Issuer Bid (the “NCIB”) to purchase its Preferred Shares and Class A Shares through the facilities of the TSX and/or alternative Canadian trading systems. The NCIB will commence on June 2, 2025 and terminate on June 1, 2026.

    Pursuant to the NCIB, the Company proposes to purchase, from time to time, if it is considered advisable, up to 5,738,811 Preferred Shares and 5,865,279 Class A Shares of the Company, representing 10% of the public float of 57,388,118 Preferred Shares and 58,652,794 Class A Shares. As of May 21, 2025, there were 57,388,618 Preferred Shares and 58,724,984 Class A Shares issued and outstanding. The Company will not purchase, in any given 30-day period, in the aggregate, more than 1,147,772 Preferred Shares or more than 1,174,499 Class A Shares, being 2% of the issued and outstanding Preferred Shares and Class A Shares as of May 21, 2025. Under the previous normal course issuer bid that commenced on May 29, 2025 and terminated on May 28, 2025 no Preferred Shares or Class A Shares were purchased.

    The Board of Directors of the Company, on the advice of Quadravest Capital Management Inc., the Company’s investment manager, believes that such purchases are in the best interests of the Company and are a desirable use of its funds. All purchases will be made through the facilities and in accordance with the rules and policies of the TSX. All Preferred Shares or Class A Shares purchased by the Company pursuant to the NCIB will be cancelled.

    The Company invests in a high quality portfolio consisting of 15 financial services companies made up of Canadian and U.S. issuers as follows: Bank of Montreal, The Bank of Nova Scotia, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Royal Bank of Canada, Toronto-Dominion Bank, National Bank of Canada, Manulife Financial Corporation, Sun Life Financial, Great-West Lifeco, CI Financial Corp, Bank of America, Citigroup Inc., Goldman Sachs Group, JP Morgan Chase & Co. and Wells Fargo & Co.

    Certain statements included in this news release constitute forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, those identified by the expressions “expect”, “intend”, “will” and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Company. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect the Company’s current expectations regarding future results or events. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and, accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement or information whether as a result of new information, future events or other such factors which affect this information, except as required by law.

    Investor Relations: 1-877-478-2372 Local: 416-304-4443 www.financial15.com info@quadravest.com

    The MIL Network –