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  • MIL-OSI: SUNation Energy Announces Retirement of Senior and Junior Secured Debt in Full

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RONKONKOMA, N.Y., March 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SUNation Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: SUNE) (“SUNation” or the “Company”), a leading provider of sustainable solar energy and backup power solutions for households, businesses, and municipalities, today announced that has repaid in full all of the accrued principal and interest associated with a total of $9.4 million in senior and junior secured loans with maturity dates ranging between July 2025 and June 2027.

    In connection with these repayments, the respective loan and related agreements were terminated, all associated monthly payment obligations eliminated, and certain material restrictive covenants which were contained in the respective loan agreements were removed. The retirement of this debt removes an annual cash drain of approximately $3.4 million through 2027.

    As previously disclosed, on February 27, 2025, SUNation consummated the first tranche of a securities offering for gross proceeds of $15 million (the “Equity Financing”). The secured loan repayments were made using a portion of the proceeds from the Equity Offering.

    “These repayments have materially deleveraged our balance sheet, resulting in improved cash flow to fund our operations and providing us with financial flexibility to pursue our long-term growth objectives, including strategic acquisitions of regionally strong solar companies across the United States,” said Scott Maskin, Chief Executive Officer. “This marks an important step in our efforts to stabilize our operations and create a strong and sustainable platform to pursue the opportunities inherent in our industry.”   

    Additional information regarding these repayments is available in a Form 8-K that the Company filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 13, 2025, a copy of which is available free of charge on the SEC’s website at sec.gov.

    About SUNation Energy, Inc.

    SUNation Energy, Inc. is focused on growing leading local and regional solar, storage, and energy services companies nationwide. Our vision is to power the energy transition through grass-roots growth of solar electricity paired with battery storage. Our portfolio of brands (SUNation, Hawaii Energy Connection, E-Gear) provide homeowners and businesses of all sizes with an end-to-end product offering spanning solar, battery storage, and grid services. SUNation Energy, Inc.’s largest markets include New York, Florida, and Hawaii, and the company operates in three (3) states.

    Forward Looking Statements 

    This press release includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the Company’s current expectations or beliefs and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. While the Company believes its plans, intentions, and expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, these plans, intentions, or expectations may not be achieved. For information about the factors that could cause such differences, please refer to the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, the statements made under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in subsequent filings. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by law.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    Our prospects here at SUNation Energy Inc. are subject to uncertainties and risks. This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. The Company intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbor provided by the foregoing Sections. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations or forecasts of future events, can be affected by inaccurate assumptions, and are subject to various business risks and known and unknown uncertainties, a number of which are beyond the control of management. Therefore, actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this presentation. The Company cannot predict or determine after the fact what factors would cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements or other statements. The reader should consider statements that include the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “estimates”, “plans”, “projects”, “should”, or other expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events or trends, to be uncertain and forward-looking. We caution readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional information respecting factors that could materially affect the Company and its operations are contained in the Company’s filings with the SEC which can be found on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    Contacts: 
    Scott Maskin
    Chief Executive Officer
    +1 (631) 823-7131
    smaskin@sunation.com

    SUNation Energy Investor Relations
    IR@sunation.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: VeeMost Technologies Announces E-Rate Wins, New Vendor Partnerships, and Contracts with a Government Services Provider in the Defense Sector

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Red Bank, NJ, March 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VeeMost Technologies Inc. (OTC: $GDVM) is pleased to announce several key business achievements, reinforcing its commitment to growth and innovation in the IT and cybersecurity sectors.

    Major E-Rate Wins Strengthen Position in Education Sector

    VeeMost has successfully won Nine E-Rate bids to provide technology solutions for schools, with additional contract awards expected in the coming weeks. This marks a significant step forward in the company’s continued success within the E-Rate program, which enables schools and libraries to access affordable IT infrastructure and cybersecurity solutions.

    “As an experienced technology provider in the education sector, we are proud to support schools with the critical IT services and products they need to enhance learning environments,” said Mr. Ejiogu, President at VeeMost. “These wins validate our expertise and position us for continued success as more E-Rate funding is allocated.”

    Expansion into the Defense Industry

    VeeMost has also secured multiple contracts with a defense industry company, strengthening its role in providing secure, high-performance IT solutions to critical infrastructure and national security sectors. These deals mark an important milestone as the company expands its capabilities to serve defense and government-related clients.

    New Vendor Partnerships with Vertiv, Nutanix, and Lenovo

    To enhance its portfolio of solutions, VeeMost has established new strategic partnerships with vendors such as Vertiv, Nutanix, Lenovo and more. These partnerships will allow the company to continue to provide cutting-edge IT, cloud, and infrastructure solutions to its clients, including businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions.

    “With the addition of these key partners, we are positioned to deliver even more comprehensive and scalable solutions to our customers,” said Mr. Ejiogu. “Our goal is to continuously expand our offerings and meet the evolving needs of our clients.”

    Progress Toward GSA Schedule Approval

    VeeMost has officially begun the process of obtaining a GSA Schedule contract, which will provide direct access to federal, state, and local government contracts. To streamline this process, VeeMost has engaged the services of Government Services Exchange (GSE), a leading consulting firm specializing in helping businesses obtain GSA certification and secure government contracts.

    “GSE has an outstanding track record of guiding companies through the GSA approval process, and we are confident that their expertise will help us achieve certification efficiently,” said Mr. Ejiogu. “The GSA Schedule is a key part of our long-term growth strategy, opening doors to significant government business opportunities.”

    CEO Honored with Lifetime Gratitude Award at Prestigious Gala

    VeeMost Technologies is also proud to announce that Mr. Melvin Ejiogu was honored with a Lifetime Gratitude Award at the 50th Gala Celebration of a leading educational institution in Cleveland, Ohio, for contributions to education technology. This recognition highlights the company’s deep commitment to supporting schools through cybersecurity, networking, and IT infrastructure solutions.

    “This recognition underscores the impact VeeMost has had on the education sector, not just as a service provider but as a true partner in shaping the future of learning,” said Mr. Ejiogu. “It reflects our dedication to making a meaningful difference in communities through technology.”

    Looking Ahead

    With multiple contract wins, new contracts in a key sector, strong vendor partnerships, and progress toward GSA certification, VeeMost Technologies continues to execute its vision for expansion. The company remains committed to delivering cutting-edge IT solutions and driving value for its shareholders.

    For more information about VeeMost Technologies, please visit www.veemost.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by the use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “continue,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company’s ability to successfully execute its expanded business strategy, including by entering into definitive agreements with suppliers, commercial partners and customers; general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing various engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technical advances and delivering technological innovations, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, regulatory requirements and the ability to meet them, government agency rules and changes, and various other factors beyond the Company’s control.

    CONTACT:
    VeeMost Technologies Inc.
    info@veemost.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ACT in the engine room behind new infrastructure projects

    Source: ACT Party

    ACT MP and former civil engineer Simon Court is welcoming the suite of projects announced at the Investment Summit set to capitalise on new and improved private infrastructure delivery pathways.

    “The private sector brings innovation, expertise and capital – both domestic and international – that drives faster delivery of better infrastructure that stands the test of time.

    “After a long PPP hiatus, supercharging New Zealand’s PPP model was priority number one for me as Infrastructure Under-Secretary, and it’s pleasing to see several PPP projects take centre stage as we showcase to global investors New Zealand’s opportunities.”

    There are several PPP announcements from the Summit:

    • Transport: Northland Roads of National Significance PPP, with the first 26-kilometre stage approved for the next procurement stage.
    • Corrections: Christchurch Men’s Prison Redevelopment PPP, with funding approved through Budget 2025.
    • Justice: three upcoming new courts in Waitakere and Rotorua to be delivered via PPP.

    Speaking from the Summit, Mr Court is buoyed by investor interest in other private-friendly opportunities relating to models he has led as Under-Secretary, including strategic leasing (or ‘PPP-lite’), market-led (or ‘unsolicited’) proposals, and Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act ‘special purpose vehicles’ (SPVs).

    “Health Minister Simeon Brown has signalled the trifecta of PPPs, strategic leasing, and market-led proposals are all on the cards for upcoming health infrastructure – all have important roles to play as we drive our health infrastructure recovery.

    “Summit attendees have already expressed particular interest to me in this ‘PPP-lite’ strategic leasing pathway as an easier way to get involved on smaller scale projects.

    “There was also significant interest in SPV opportunities – where private capital finances infrastructure in exchange for levies on those benefitting – under the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act I am panel beating into shape. This is great news, particularly for local government infrastructure.”

    Mr Court is also welcoming the tolling concession announcements. Tolling concessions have delivered great infrastructure abroad, including through PPPs, where users – rather than taxpayers – foot the bill.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: World Consumer Rights Day 2025

    Source: Government of India (2)

    World Consumer Rights Day 2025

    Key Initiatives and Developments in Consumer Protection

    Posted On: 14 MAR 2025 5:19PM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

    World Consumer Rights Day, observed annually on March 15, serves as an essential reminder of the need to uphold consumer rights and protection. The day is an opportunity to promote the basic rights of all consumers and encourage those rights to be respected and protected. World Consumer Rights Day was first observed in 1983. This date was chosen to commemorate President John F. Kennedy’s address to the US Congress on March 15, 1962, where he became the first world leader to formally recognize consumer rights.

    The theme for World Consumer Rights Day 2025 is, ‘A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles.’ This theme reflects the urgent need to make sustainable and healthy lifestyle choices available, accessible, and affordable for all consumers – while ensuring that these transitions uphold people’s basic rights and needs. This year’s campaign highlights the pathways needed to achieve sustainable lifestyles and call for stronger consumer protection and empowerment worldwide.

    The Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, has introduced several new initiatives and policies to empower consumers, strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms, and ensure a transparent and fair marketplace. In 2024, major developments included improvements in e-commerce regulations, digital consumer protection, product safety standards, and sustainable consumption initiatives.

    Consumer Protection Act, 2019

    With a view to modernize the framework governing the consumer protection in the new era of globalization, technologies, e-commerce markets etc., the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 was repealed and Consumer Protection Act, 2019 was enacted. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 provides for a three tier quasi-judicial machinery at District, State and Central levels commonly known as “Consumer Commissions” for protection of the rights of consumers and to provide simple and speedy redressal of consumer disputes including those related with unfair trade practices. The Consumer Commissions are empowered to give relief of a specific nature and award, wherever appropriate, compensation to consumers.

    Further, in terms of Section 38 (7) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, every complaint shall be disposed of as expeditiously as possible and endeavour shall be made to decide the complaint within a period of three months from the date of receipt of notice by opposite party where the complaint does not require analysis or testing of commodities and within five months if it requires analysis or testing of commodities.

    Consumer Welfare Fund

    The overall objective of the Consumer Welfare Fund is to provide financial assistance to promote and protect the welfare of consumers and strengthen the consumer movement in the country. Under the Rules, funds are given to the states/UTs as seed money as one time grant on 75:25 basis (90:10 in the case of Special Category states/UTs) to create a Consumer Welfare (Corpus) Fund. The states/UTs are required to carry out activities to provide coverage to projects for consumer welfare of local relevance out of the interests generated in the Corpus Fund every year.

    During the FY 2024-25, ₹32.68 crore have been released to various states for the establishment/enhancement of their respective State Consumer Welfare (Corpus) Fund as Central Govt. share. As such, out of 28 States and 8 UTs, 24 States and 1 UT have established the Consumer Welfare (Corpus) Funds.

    Strengthening Consumer Grievance Redressal Mechanisms

    1. Expansion of E-Daakhil for Online Consumer Complaints

    Going through restrictions on consumers due to COVID-19, the E-Daakhil portal was introduced as inexpensive, speedy and hassle-free mechanism for filing consumer complaints. E-Daakhil is an innovative online platform designed to streamline the consumer grievance redressal process, providing an efficient and convenient way for consumers to approach the relevant consumer forum, dispensing the need to travel and be physically present to file their grievances. Since its inception, E-Daakhil has been a game-changer in promoting consumer rights and ensuring timely justice.

    The portal offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, allowing consumers to file complaints with minimal effort. From filing complaints to tracking their status, E-Daakhil ensures a paperless and transparent process with respect to filing of cases.

     

    The E-Daakhil portal was first launched on 7th September 2020 by the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission. In furtherance to the launching of E-Daakhil across the country, the government has also launched e-Jagriti, which will further streamline case filing, tracking, and management, ensuring a hassle-free experience for consumers and other stakeholders. It will also facilitate seamless communication between all parties, allowing for faster resolution of disputes. By automating and digitizing the process, e-Jagriti will reduce delays, minimize paperwork, and ensure timely disposal of cases, ultimately contributing to a more effective and accessible justice system for consumers.

    1. Enhancements to the National Consumer Helpline (NCH)

    The NCH has emerged as a central point of access for consumers seeking to address their grievances. It has played an essential role in enabling consumers to register complaints and seek resolutions in an efficient and effective manner. To further enhance the consumer grievance redressal process, the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) has rolled out the NCH 2.0 initiative, which incorporates advanced technologies to streamline complaint handling. This includes the introduction of AI-powered Speech Recognition, a Translation System, and a Multilingual Chatbot. The NCH was upgraded with AI-powered assistance and extended multilingual support to help consumers lodge grievances effectively. Additionally, the helpline was further integrated with various regulatory bodies such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for swift resolution of consumer issues.

    The number of calls received by NCH have grown more than tenfold, from 12,553 in December 2015 to 1,55,138 in December 2024. The Department has revamped the National Consumer Helpline (NCH), making it a central platform for grievance redressal at the pre-litigation stage. Available in 17 languages, including Hindi, English, and regional languages, the helpline allows consumers to register complaints via the toll-free number 1915. Complaints can also be filed through the Integrated Grievance Redressal Mechanism (INGRAM) portal, which provides multiple channels such as WhatsApp, SMS, email, the NCH app, web portal, and the Umang app for ease of access.

    NCH has also partnered with over 1000 companies under its Convergence Programme to expedite grievance resolution. These companies span major sectors, including e-commerce, travel and tourism, private education, FMCG, consumer durables, electronic products, retail outlets, automobiles, DTH & cable services, and banking. Complaints related to these convergence companies are directly transferred to them for online resolution.

    1. Jaago Grahak Jaago Portal and Mobile App

    The Department of Consumer Affairs provides essential e-commerce information about all URLs during a consumer’s online activities, alerting them if any URL may be unsafe and requires caution, through the Jaago Grahak Jaago online portal and the recently launched mobile application. These portals are dedicated to empowering consumers by providing them with the information, resources and support they need to make informed decisions and assert their rights in the marketplace.

    Consumer Protection in E-Commerce and Digital Transactions

    1. New E-Commerce Guidelines

    To safeguard consumers from unfair trade practices in e-commerce, the Department of Consumer Affairs has also notified the Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020 under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. These rules, inter-alia, outline the responsibilities of e-commerce entities and specify the liabilities of marketplace and inventory e-commerce entities, including provisions for customer grievance redressal.

    The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued the “Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023” on 30th November, 2023. These guidelines address and regulate 13 specific dark patterns identified in the ecommerce sector, aiming to prevent deceptive practices that mislead consumers. 

    1. E-Commerce – Principles and Guidelines for Self-Governance Draft Standard by BIS

    The draft Indian standard on “E-Commerce – Principles and Guidelines for Self-Governance” by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) aims to establish a transparent, fair, and consumer-friendly framework for online marketplaces. It outlines principles across three key phases—pre-transaction, contract formation, and post-transaction—to ensure ethical e-commerce operations. The document mandates clear product disclosures, including pricing breakdowns, seller details, country of origin, return policies, and data privacy measures. It enforces explicit consumer consent for transactions, prohibits misleading advertisements, and strengthens grievance redressal mechanisms under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Additionally, it introduces strict measures against counterfeit products, unfair trade practices, and preferential treatment of sellers, ensuring a level playing field for all stakeholders.

    By prioritizing consumer rights and fair business practices, the standard seeks to empower buyers with greater transparency and security in online transactions. It prevents deceptive pricing, hidden charges, and forced bundling of services while ensuring secure payment processes and clear refund policies. The document also includes anti-counterfeiting measures, requiring platforms to swiftly address complaints regarding fake products. Additionally, it mandates that e-commerce platforms protect consumer data, obtain explicit consent for marketing communications, and provide accessible mechanisms for dispute resolution. If implemented, this framework will enhance consumer trust in e-commerce, promote ethical business conduct, and create a more accountable digital marketplace in India.

    As India observes World Consumer Rights Day 2025, the focus remains on ensuring a safer, more transparent, and consumer-friendly economy.

    References

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2088051

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2100545

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2077618

    https://pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=151874

    https://www.consumersinternational.org/what-we-do/world-consumer-rights-day/a-just-transition-to-sustainable-lifestyles-2025/

    https://www.facebook.com/MyGovIndia/posts/consumer-protection-act-2019-comes-into-force-which-empowers-and-protects-the-ri/3162267540554080/

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2076557

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2077857

    https://e-jagriti.gov.in/

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/183/AU3702_dFKDBW.pdf?source=pqals

    https://www.services.bis.gov.in/tmp/WCSSD41126940_16012025_1.pdf

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2057940

    https://x.com/jagograhakjago

    Kindly find the pdf file.

    ***

    Santosh Kumar | Sarla Meena | Rishita Aggarwal

    (Release ID: 2111397) Visitor Counter : 12

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: illumin Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Fourth Quarter Revenue shows Growth Across All Service Lines by 35% YoY to $49.9 Million
    Full Year Revenue Grows 11% YoY to $140.4 Million
    Self-Service Revenue Grew by 45% YoY for the Quarter and 78% for the Full Year
    Adjusted EBITDA Improved by 42% YoY for the Quarter and 104% for the Full Year

    (All monetary figures are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)

    TORONTO, March 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — illumin Holdings Inc. (TSX: ILLM and OTCQB: ILLMF) (“illumin” or the “Company”), a journey advertising technology company that empowers marketers to make smarter decisions about communicating with online consumers, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights

    • Revenue was $49.9 million, up 35% year-over-year, driven by increases across all three service lines.
    • Self-service revenue was up 45% to $13.0 million, compared to $8.9 million in the year ago period and represented 26% of total revenue, up from 24% in Q4 2023.
    • The Company onboarded 23 net new self-service clients during the quarter, reflecting sales initiatives targeting higher-spend clients and positioning the Company for continued self-service revenue growth.
    • Managed service revenue was up 28% from the prior year to $23.7 million, increasing for the 3rd consecutive quarter.
    • Exchange services revenue increased by 39% from prior year to $13.2 million.
    • Gross margin was 45%, compared to 49% for the same period in 2023, and was lower mainly due to product mix.
    • Net revenue, or gross profit (revenue less media-related costs), was $22.7 million, compared with $18.0 million in the same quarter of the prior year.
    • Adjusted EBITDA was $3.9 million, compared to $2.8 million in the prior year period. The increase was primarily attributable to higher revenue and a strengthened US dollar.
    • Net income was $4.1 million, compared to a net loss of $2.6 million in Q4 2023. The increase was primarily a result of higher revenue and a net foreign exchange gain versus a loss in the prior year period, partially offset by higher costs.
    • Cash and cash equivalents increased by $4.5 million, or 9%, from September 30, 2024, to $56.0 million.
    • On December 23, 2024, the Company commenced a new normal course issuer bid (“2024 NCIB”) to purchase for cancellation up to 3,914,167 of its outstanding common shares. The 2024 NCIB replaces the previous NCIB (“2023 NCIB”), which expired on November 12, 2024. The Company did not purchase and cancel any of its outstanding common shares under either NCIB plan in the quarter.

    Fiscal Year 2024 Highlights

    • Revenue rose 11% year-over-year to $140.4 million.
    • Self-service was up by 78% from the prior year to $38.4 million.
    • Managed service decreased by 7% year-over-year to $67.7 million. The decline was limited by the efforts in the second half of the year, which showed significant growth in this service line.
    • Exchange services increased by 8% from the prior year to $34.3 million.
    • Gross margin was 47% compared to 48% for the prior year.
    • Net revenue, or gross profit (revenue less media-related costs), was $65.5 million, compared to $60.3 million for the same period in 2023.
    • Adjusted EBITDA was $6.3 million compared to $3.1 million for the prior year. The increase was primarily attributable to higher revenues, partially offset by higher operating costs.
    • Net income was $0.9 million, compared to a net loss of $11.0 million in the prior year.
    • During the year, the Company repurchased 3,310,384 of its common shares at an average price of $1.61 per share for total consideration of $5.3 million under the 2023 NCIB. No repurchases were made under the 2024 NCIB in the year.
    • At December 31, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $56.0 million, compared to $55.5 million as of December 31, 2023. This increase was primarily attributable to a favorable foreign exchange impact on cash and cash equivalents, positive cash from operating activities before changes in working capital, and fluctuations in timing of non-cash operating working capital in the year. This was partially offset by the repurchase of the Company’s shares, investments in our technology platform, property and equipment, and payments on leases.

    Simon Cairns, illumin’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We delivered strong revenue growth in the fourth quarter, which rose 35% year-over-year fueled by increases across all of our revenue lines. During the quarter, we continued to see considerable revenue growth in self-service, which grew 45% year-over-year. This also represents our third consecutive quarter of managed service growth, which increased 28% year-over-year. These results indicate that more companies are recognizing the value of both our managed service and self-service solutions. In addition, we continued to see substantial growth and momentum in our exchange services business, which increased 39% from the prior year.”

    Mr. Cairns added, “As these results show, the customer-centric approach we implemented in the second half of 2024, which focuses on marketing and selling more effectively and efficiently, has proven to be very successful in helping us bring on new customers and expanding our relationships with existing clients. This approach lets us leverage our technology platform and offer our clients a full range of answers, whether it be self-service, managed campaigns, exchange services or a hybrid approach, if that best fits their evolving needs. Our results also showcase our success to date in advancing our illumin self-service roadmap and addressing operational efficiencies throughout our organization. We are extremely pleased with our progress to date and look forward to continuing this momentum in 2025.”

    “As we advance into 2025, we know our first quarter is the toughest due to impacts of seasonally lower client spend-which is extra challenging this year due to more recent heightened economic instability.  As a management team, we’re focused on winning the year as we advance on our platform to drive leads through better marketing and a new brand strategy. We will deliver a quicker selling process to onboard customers, improve platform stickiness, and more effectively present a choice of options on how customers can be supported over their lifecycle with us.”

    Elliot Muchnik, illumin’s Chief Financial Officer, commented, “During the fourth quarter, we reported a significant year-over-year increase in total revenue, reflecting growth in self-service, managed service and exchange services revenue, which helped drive a year-over-year improvement in Adjusted EBITDA of 42% and 104% for the quarter and year, respectively. As we look ahead into 2025, operational discipline remains a priority for us so we can further grow our Adjusted EBITDA while funding continued product development and expansion of our sales and marketing capabilities.”

    The following table presents a reconciliation of Net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods ended:

    (in $000s) Three months ended   Twelve months ended  
      December 31,   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,  
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Net income (loss) for the period $ 4,127   $ (2,579 ) $ 867   $ (10,987 )
    Adjustments:        
    Finance income, net   (414 )   (528 )   (1,821 )   (2,122 )
    Foreign exchange loss (gain)   (3,617 )   2,034     (5,066 )   2,827  
    Depreciation and amortization   1,309     1,110     5,355     5,482  
    Income tax expense (benefit)   826     82     988     (1,095 )
    Share-based compensation   850     1,141     3,732     5,725  
    Severance expenses   835     940     1,195     1,307  
    Nasdaq-related costs   –     431     736     1,813  
    Other non-recurring expenses   31     157     347     157  
    Total adjustments   (180 )   5,367     5,466     14,094  
    Adjusted EBITDA1 $ 3,947   $ 2,788   $ 6,333   $ 3,107  
     

    Conference Call Details:

    Date: Friday, March 14, 2024
    Time: 8:30AM Eastern Time

    To register for the conference call webcast and presentation, please visit https://events.illumin.com/q4-2024-earnings-call.

    Please connect 15 minutes prior to the conference call to ensure time for any software download that may be needed to hear the webcast. A recording of the conference call webcast will be available after the call by visiting the Company’s website at https://illumin.com/investor-information/.

    Non-IFRS Measures

    This press release makes reference to certain non-IFRS Accounting Standard measures (“non-IFRS measures”). These measures are not recognized measures under IFRS Accounting Standards (“IFRS”), do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS, and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Rather, these measures are provided as additional information to complement those IFRS measures by providing further understanding of our results of operations from management’s perspective. Accordingly, these measures should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of our financial information reported under IFRS. We use non-IFRS measures including “revenue less media-related costs”, “Gross margin”, and “Adjusted EBITDA” (as well as other measures discussed elsewhere in this press release).

    The term “Gross margin” refers to the amount that “revenue less media-related costs” represents as a percentage of total revenue for a given period. Gross margin is used for internal management purposes as an indicator of the performance of the Company’s solution in balancing the goals of delivering excellent results to advertisers while meeting the Company’s margin objectives and, accordingly, the Company believes it is useful supplemental information.

    “Adjusted EBITDA” refers to net income (loss) after adjusting for finance costs (income), impairment loss, fair value gain, income taxes, foreign exchange loss (gain), depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation, acquisition and related integration costs, severance expenses and adjustments to the carrying value of investment tax credits receivable. The Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA is useful supplemental information as it provides an indication of the results generated by the Company’s main business activities before taking into consideration how those activities are financed and taxed and prior to taking into consideration depreciation of property and equipment and certain other items listed above. It is a key measure used by the Company’s management and board of directors to understand and evaluate the Company’s operating performance, to prepare annual budgets and to help develop operating plans.

    These non-IFRS measures are used to provide investors with supplemental measures of our operating performance and thus highlight trends in our business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS measures. We believe that securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties frequently use non-IFRS measures in the evaluation of issuers, and that these non-IFRS measures are relevant to their analysis of the Company.

    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 with regard 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. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information relating to the Company’s belief that the NCIB is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders and that underlying value of the Company may not be reflected in the market price of the Shares.   Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, illumin does not intend, and undertakes no obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect, in particular, new information or future events.

    For further information, please contact:

    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
         

    Please note that the following financial information is an extract from the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 (the “Financial Statements”) provided for readers’ convenience and should be viewed in conjunction with the Notes to the Financial Statements, which are an integral part of the statements. The full Financial Statements and MD&A for the period may be found by accessing SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.


    illumin Holdings Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
    (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)

        December 31,
    2024    		     December 31,
    2023
    		  
    Assets          
               
    Current assets          
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 55,952     $ 55,455  
    Accounts receivable     44,650       32,136  
    Income tax receivable     613       3,301  
    Prepaid expenses and other     2,864       4,123  
               
          104,079       95,015  
    Non-current assets          
    Other assets     115       63  
    Property and equipment     7,406       9,329  
    Intangible assets     9,352       7,618  
    Goodwill     4,870       4,870  
               
          125,822       116,895  
               
    Liabilities          
               
    Current liabilities          
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     39,148       26,488  
    Income tax payable     137       717  
    Borrowings     48       131  
    Lease obligations     1,513       1,726  
               
          40,846       29,062  
    Non-current liabilities          
    Borrowings     –       47  
    Deferred tax liability     1,241       1,001  
    Lease obligations     4,702       6,087  
               
          46,789       36,197  
               
    Shareholders’ equity     79,033       80,698  
               
          125,822       116,895  
               

    illumin Holdings Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
    (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except share amounts)
    For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

          2024       2023  
           
    Revenue   $ 140,389     $ 126,318  
           
    Media-related costs     74,931       66,023  
           
    Gross profit     65,458       60,295  
           
    Operating expenses      
    Sales and marketing     25,927       26,104  
    Technology     20,407       19,695  
    General and administrative     15,069       14,666  
    Share-based compensation     3,732       5,725  
    Depreciation and amortization     5,355       5,482  
           
          70,490       71,672  
           
    Loss from operations     (5,032 )     (11,377 )
           
    Finance income, net     (1,821 )     (2,122 )
    Foreign exchange loss (gain)     (5,066 )     2,827  
           
          (6,887 )     705  
           
    Net income (loss) before income taxes     1,855       (12,082 )
           
    Income tax expense (benefit)     988       (1,095 )
           
    Net income (loss) for the year     867       (10,987 )
           
           
    Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share     0.02       (0.20 )
           
    Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)      
           
    Items that may be subsequently reclassified to net income (loss):      
    Exchange loss on translating foreign operations     (980 )     (1,860 )
           
    Comprehensive loss for the year     (113 )     (12,847 )
     

    illumin Holdings Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)
    For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

          2024       2023  
    Cash provided by (used in)        
             
    Operating activities        
    Net income (loss) for the year   $ 867     $ (10,987 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows        
    Depreciation and amortization     5,355       5,482  
    Finance income, net     (1,821 )     (2,122 )
    Share-based compensation     3,732       5,725  
    Foreign exchange loss (gain)     (5,066 )     2,827  
    Severance expense     789       850  
    Income tax expense (benefit)     988       (1,095 )
    Change in non-cash operating working capital        
    Accounts receivable     (11,578 )     (296 )
    Prepaid expenses and other     1,361       (2,906 )
    Other assets     (53 )     185  
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     11,883       (1,811 )
    Income taxes refunded (paid), net     1,573       99  
    Interest received     2,101       2,658  
             
          10,131       (1,391 )
             
    Investing activities        
    Additions to property and equipment     (1,690 )     (867 )
    Additions to intangible assets     (4,257 )     (4,375 )
             
          (5,947 )     (5,242 )
             
    Financing activities        
    Repayment of term loans     –       (4,411 )
    Proceeds from international loans     –       1,181  
    Repayment of international loans     (130 )     (1,435 )
    Payment of leases     (2,132 )     (3,020 )
    Repurchase of common shares for cancellation     (5,310 )     (15,313 )
    Proceeds from the exercise of stock options     33       7  
             
          (7,539 )     (22,991 )
             
    Decrease in cash and cash equivalents     (3,355 )     (29,624 )
             
    Impact of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents     3,852       (862 )
             
    Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of year     55,455       85,941  
             
    Cash and cash equivalents – end of year     55,952       55,455  
             
    Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions        
    Adjustments to property and equipment under leases     –       4,403  
    Unpaid additions (reversals) to property and equipment, net     (734 )     734  
    Unpaid taxes on share repurchases     7       –  
             

    1Nasdaq-related costs are listing fees and directors’ and officers’ insurance specific to the Company’s Nasdaq listing and have been reclassed below Adjusted EBITDA as they are not recurring. The prior year numbers have been adjusted to conform to the current year presentation.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Primech AI to Showcase HYTRON AI-Powered Autonomous Bathroom Cleaning Robot at RoboSG 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, March 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Primech AI Pte. Ltd. (“Primech AI”) or (the “Company”), a subsidiary of Primech Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: PMEC), today announced its participation at RoboSG 2025, where it will showcase HYTRON, its groundbreaking AI-powered autonomous bathroom cleaning robot. HYTRON represents Primech AI’s continued efforts to transform facility services.

    From left to right: Leng Wei Jie, Senior Executive, Innovation & Technology, Charles Ng, Chief Operating Officer of Primech AI, HYTRON, and Leow Joon Kiat, Senior Maintenance Engineer

    HYTRON will be demonstrated live at Booth T18 in The Nexus, Punggol Digital District’s Discovery Hub section, during the two-day RoboSG 2025 event on March 14-15, 2025. The robot combines cutting-edge AI technology with advanced smart sensors to deliver precision cleaning solutions specifically designed for high-traffic bathroom facilities.

    RoboSG 2025 is Singapore’s premier robotics and automation exhibition, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and technology enthusiasts to explore the latest advancements in robotics and their practical applications across various sectors. The event serves as a platform for showcasing cutting-edge solutions that address real-world challenges through automation and artificial intelligence.

    “HYTRON represents the future of cleaning technology and demonstrates our commitment to redefining hygiene standards through innovation,” said Charles Ng, Chief Operating Officer of Primech AI. “This autonomous solution boosts operational efficiency and addresses the industry’s ongoing challenges with maintaining consistently high cleanliness standards in high-traffic facilities. We’re excited to showcase this revolutionary technology at RoboSG 2025 and invite all stakeholders in facility management, real estate, and technology sectors to witness the future of cleaning in action.”

    About Primech Holdings Limited
    Headquartered in Singapore, Primech Holdings Limited is a leading provider of comprehensive technology-driven facilities services, predominantly serving both public and private sectors throughout Singapore. Primech Holdings offers an extensive range of services tailored to meet the complex demands of its diverse clientele. Services include advanced general facility maintenance services, specialized cleaning solutions such as marble polishing and facade cleaning, meticulous stewarding services, and targeted cleaning services for offices and homes. Known for its commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology, Primech Holdings integrates eco-friendly practices and smart technology solutions to enhance operational efficiency and client satisfaction. This strategic approach positions Primech Holdings as a leader in the industry and a proactive contributor to advancing industry standards and practices in Singapore and beyond. For more information, visit www.primechholdings.com.

    About Primech AI
    Primech AI is a leading robotics company dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation in technology. With a team of passionate individuals and a commitment to collaboration, Primech AI is poised to revolutionize the robotics industry with groundbreaking solutions that make a meaningful impact on society. For more information, visit www.primech.ai.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, for example, statements about completing the acquisition, anticipated revenues, growth, and expansion. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are also based on assumptions regarding the Company’s present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure that such expectations will be correct. The Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

    Company Contact:
    Email: ir@primech.com.sg

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Matthew Abenante, IRC
    President
    Strategic Investor Relations, LLC
    Tel: 347-947-2093
    Email: matthew@strategic-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Depot Appoints Chris Ryan as Chief Legal Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATLANTA, March 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Depot (NASDAQ: BTM), a U.S.-based Bitcoin ATM (“BTM”) operator and leading fintech company, announced today that Chris Ryan has been appointed Chief Legal Officer. With a strong background in financial services, cryptocurrency, and regulatory compliance, Ryan will be instrumental in guiding the company’s legal operations as it continues expanding access to Bitcoin.

    As Chief Legal Officer, Ryan will lead Bitcoin Depot’s legal and compliance strategy, advising the executive team on governance, risk management, and regulatory matters. He will also oversee partnerships, legal operations, and policy initiatives to support the company’s continued expansion.

    Before joining Bitcoin Depot, Ryan served as Deputy General Counsel at MoneyGram International, where he led global legal teams working on cryptocurrency initiatives, regulatory strategy, and commercial partnerships across North America, Latin America, Europe, and Africa. With over a decade of experience, he has negotiated high-profile fintech deals, advised on blockchain product strategies, and developed compliance frameworks for digital assets and payments. He has also worked closely with policymakers on evolving cryptocurrency regulations and overseen key areas like AML, KYC, and financial compliance. His expert understanding of risk management, corporate transactions, and regulatory affairs will be key as Bitcoin Depot continues to strengthen its position as the largest Bitcoin ATM operator in the U.S.

    “Chris has spent his career navigating complex financial and regulatory landscapes while leading high-performing legal and compliance teams,” said Brandon Mintz, CEO and founder of Bitcoin Depot. “His experience in fintech, blockchain, and global regulatory strategy will be invaluable as we continue expanding access to Bitcoin, enhancing compliance, and positioning Bitcoin Depot for long-term success. With the cryptocurrency industry evolving rapidly, Chris’s leadership will ensure we remain ahead of the curve.”

    “Bitcoin Depot is at the forefront of making Bitcoin more accessible to people everywhere, and I’m excited to join at such a transformational time,” said Ryan. “With the crypto industry rapidly evolving, building a strong regulatory and compliance foundation is more important than ever. I look forward to working alongside the team to support Bitcoin Depot’s growth and advance its mission of bringing Bitcoin to the masses through its cash-to-crypto model.”

    Ryan holds a J.D. from the Florida Coastal School of Law and a B.S. in Political Science from the University of Dayton.

    About Bitcoin Depot 
    Bitcoin Depot Inc. (Nasdaq: BTM) was founded in 2016 with the mission to connect those who prefer to use cash to the broader, digital financial system. Bitcoin Depot provides its users with simple, efficient and intuitive means of converting cash into Bitcoin, which users can deploy in the payments, spending and investing space. Users can convert cash to bitcoin at Bitcoin Depot kiosks in 48 states and at thousands of name-brand retail locations in 29 states through its BDCheckout product. The Company has the largest market share in North America with approximately 8,400 kiosk locations as of December 31, 2024. Learn more at www.bitcoindepot.com.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release and any oral statements made in connection herewith include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are any statements other than statements of historical fact, and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expectations of plans, business strategies, objectives and growth and anticipated financial and operational performance, including our growth strategy and ability to increase deployment of our products and services, our ability to strengthen our financial profile, and worldwide growth in the adoption and use of cryptocurrencies. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as “anticipate,” “appears,” “approximately,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “designed,” “effect,” “estimate,” “evaluate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “initiative,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “outlook,“ ”plan,“ ”potential,“ ”priorities,“ ”project,“ ”pursue,“ ”seek,“ ”should,“ ”target,“ ”when,“ ”will,“ ”would,” or the negative of any of those words or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. In making these statements, we rely upon assumptions and analysis based on our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments, as well as other factors we consider appropriate under the circumstances. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any future events or financial results. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond our control.

    These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political and legal conditions; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the business combination; risks relating to the uncertainty of our projected financial information; future global, regional or local economic and market conditions; the development, effects and enforcement of laws and regulations; our ability to manage future growth; our ability to develop new products and services, bring them to market in a timely manner and make enhancements to our platform; the effects of competition on our future business; our ability to issue equity or equity-linked securities; the outcome of any potential litigation, government and regulatory proceedings, investigations and inquiries; and those factors described or referenced in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that we do not presently know or that we currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect our expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our assessments to change.

    We caution readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or other factors that affect the subject of these statements, except where we are expressly required to do so by law. All written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

    Contacts: 

    Investors  
    Cody Slach 
    Gateway Group, Inc.  
    949-574-3860  
    BTM@gateway-grp.com 

    Media  
    Brenlyn Motlagh, Ryan Deloney  
    Gateway Group, Inc. 
    949-574-3860  
    BTM@gateway-grp.com 

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ab09ac94-e75b-4fd6-9010-b8652a89fc74

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: SalesHood Recognized in the 2025 Gartner® Market Guide for Digital Sales Rooms

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Francisco, March 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SalesHood, a leading AI-driven sales enablement platform, is proud to announce its recognition as a Representative Vendor in the 2025 Gartner Market Guide for Digital Sales Rooms.

    According to Gartner, “Digital Sales Rooms (DSRs) can optimize the buyer experience and improve engagement and collaboration between buyers and sellers, resulting in higher-quality deals.” The report also predicts that “by 2028, 30% of all B2B sales cycles will be primarily run through a DSR. which will be used to manage the entire customer life cycle”

    SalesHood’s Digital Sales Rooms, known as Client Sites, empower revenue teams with a centralized, buyer-centric digital environment to streamline deal execution. With mutual action plans, AI-powered insights, and seamless CRM integrations, SalesHood helps organizations accelerate sales cycles and drive revenue growth.

    “We are thrilled to be recognized in the Gartner Market Guide for Digital Sales Rooms,” said Elay Cohen, CEO of SalesHood. “This recognition reinforces our commitment to equipping sales and success teams with innovative tools that enhance buyer engagement, improve sales efficiency, and ultimately drive predictable revenue outcomes.”

    SalesHood’s Client Sites provide a persistent digital workspace where sellers and buyers can collaborate in real time or asynchronously. Key features include:

    • Collaborative Mutual Action Plans – Buyers and sellers align on key milestones and next steps.
    • AI-Driven Buyer Engagement Insights – Real-time visibility into deal progression.
    • Seamless CRM and Stack Integrations – Enabling a connected digital sales process.

    To learn more about how SalesHood’s Digital Sales Rooms can help your organization improve sales execution, visit www.saleshood.com.

    Gartner Disclaimer:
    Gartner, Market Guide for Digital Sales Rooms, Melissa Hilbert, Luke Tipping, et al., , 24 February 2025.
    GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product, or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact.

    About SalesHood:

    SalesHood is an AI-driven revenue enablement platform proven to deliver repeatable revenue. SalesHood’s purpose-built AI activates content to ramp readiness, personalize selling and measure impact. Rated #1 in results and usability, SalesHood is easy to use, fast to deploy, and proven to drive in-quarter revenue growth. Trusted by high-growth, high-performing companies like Copado, SmartRecruiters and Frontline Education boost win rates by 50-200% while reducing coaching time for managers and giving sellers more time to sell. To learn more, visit www.saleshood.com.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Athabasca Oil Announces Renewal of Normal Course Issuer Bid

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, March 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Athabasca Oil Corporation (TSX: ATH) (“Athabasca” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) has approved the renewal of the Corporation’s normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) to purchase up to 50,432,973 common shares during the 12-month period commencing March 18, 2025 and ending March 17, 2026 or such earlier time as the NCIB is completed or terminated at the option of Athabasca. The Company’s current NCIB is scheduled to expire on March 17, 2025.

    Athabasca’s renewal of its NCIB is based on the strength of the balance sheet and the Company’s commitment to augmenting shareholder returns through a buyback program. The Company’s capital allocation framework balances material near-term return of capital initiatives for shareholders, with a multi-year growth trajectory of cash flow per share. Athabasca sees intrinsic value not reflected in the current share price and in 2025 is planning to allocate 100% of Free Cash Flow to shareholders through buybacks.

    Pursuant to the NCIB, the maximum number of common shares to be purchased represents 10% of the public float, as defined by the TSX. As of March 4, 2024, the Company had a public float of 504,329,730 common shares and 513,745,684 common shares issued and outstanding. Purchases will be made on the open market through the facilities of the TSX and/or alternative trading systems in Canada at market prices prevailing at the time of the acquisition. The number of common shares that can be purchased pursuant to the NCIB is subject to a daily maximum of 594,362 common shares (which is equal to 25% of the average daily trading volume on the TSX of 2,377,450 from September 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025), with the exception that one block purchase in excess of the daily maximum is permitted per calendar week. Common shares acquired under the NCIB will be cancelled.

    In connection with the NCIB, Athabasca will enter into an automatic share purchase plan (“ASPP”) with its designated broker to allow for purchases of its common shares under the NCIB during blackout periods. Such purchases would be at the discretion of the broker based on parameters established by the Company prior to any blackout period or any period when it is in possession of material undisclosed information. Outside of these blackout periods, common shares will be repurchased in accordance with management’s discretion, subject to applicable law.

    Under the Company’s current NCIB that is scheduled to expire on March 17, 2025, the Company was approved by the TSX to repurchase up to 55,423,786 common shares, being 10% of the public float. As of March 4, 2024, the Company has repurchased 51,574,700 common shares through market purchases on the TSX and other alternative Canadian securities trading platforms, at a volume-weighted average purchase price of approximately $5.12 per common share. The Company expects to fully execute the annual NCIB allotment before termination, for the second consecutive year.

    About Athabasca Oil Corporation

    Athabasca Oil Corporation is a Canadian energy company with a focused strategy on the development of thermal and light oil assets. Situated in Alberta’s Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, the Company has amassed a significant land base of extensive, high quality resources. Athabasca’s light oil assets are held in a private subsidiary (Duvernay Energy Corporation) in which Athabasca owns a 70% equity interest. Athabasca’s common shares trade on the TSX under the symbol “ATH”. For more information, visit www.atha.com.

    For more information, please contact:
    Matthew Taylor Robert Broen
    Chief Financial Officer President and CEO
    1-403-817-9104 1-403-817-9190
    mtaylor@atha.com rbroen@atha.com
       

    Reader Advisory:

    This News Release contains forward-looking information that involves various risks, uncertainties and other factors. All information other than statements of historical fact is forward-looking information. The use of any of the words “anticipate”, “plan”, “project”, “continue”, “maintain”, “estimate”, “expect”, “will”, “target”, “forecast”, “could”, “intend”, “potential”, “guidance”, “outlook” and similar expressions suggesting future outcome are intended to identify forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is not historical fact, but rather is based on the Company’s current plans, objectives, goals, strategies, estimates, assumptions and projections about the Company’s industry, business and future operating and financial results. This information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information included in this News Release should not be unduly relied upon. This information speaks only as of the date of this News Release. In particular, this News Release contains forward-looking information pertaining to, but not limited to, the following: our strategic plans; repayment plans; the allocation of future capital; timing and quantum for shareholder returns including share buybacks; the terms of our NCIB program and ASPP; and other matters.

    The actual number of common shares that will be repurchased under the NCIB, and the timing of any such purchases, will be determined by the Company on management’s discretion, subject to applicable securities laws. There cannot be any assurances as to how many common shares, if any, will ultimately be acquired by the Company.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 3.13.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Mar 13, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Andrew King, of Sacramento, has been appointed Deputy Director of Data Operations Strategy at the Office of Data and Innovation. King has been Manager of the Data Operations Section at the California Air Resources Board since 2023, and has held several positions since 2018, including Staff Air Pollution Specialist, Air Pollution Specialist for the Transportation Analysis Section, and Air Pollution Specialist for the Criteria Pollutant Inventory Section. He was an Economist at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control from 2017 to 2018. King was a Managing Consultant at Red Peak Economic Consulting from 2013 to 2017. He was a Senior Accountability Analyst at the California Charter Schools Association from 2012 to 2013. King earned a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Southern California, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $168,468. King is a Democrat.

    Lavelle Parker, of Rancho Cucamonga, has been appointed Warden of California Institution for Women, where he has been serving as Acting Warden since 2024 and was Chief Deputy Warden in 2024. Lavelle was Chief Deputy Warden at California Rehabilitation Center from 2020 to 2024. He was Associate Warden at California Institution for Men from 2012 to 2020. Lavelle held several positions at California State Prison, Los Angeles from 1992 to 2012, including Correctional Counselor III, Correctional Captain, Correctional Counselor II Supervisor, Correctional Counsel I, and Correctional Officer. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $193,524. Parker is registered without party preference.

    Yolanda Franco-Clausen, of Hayward, has been appointed to the California Sex Offender Management Board. Franco-Clausen has served as a Police Officer for the City of Palo Alto Police Department since 2016. They were a Job Development Coordinator at Employment and Community Options in 2016. Franco-Clausen was the Co-Founder and Executive Director of PLAYNICE Productions, Inc., from 2013 to 2014. They are a member of the Palo Alto Police Officers Association. Franco-Clausen earned a Juris Doctor degree from Northwestern California School of Law. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Franco-Clausen is a Democrat.

    Sarah Metz, of Alameda, has been appointed to the California Sex Offender Management Board. Dr. Metz has been Director of the Division of Trauma Recovery Services in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco since 2019. She was a Staff Psychologist and Clinical Coordinator at the University of California, San Francisco Trauma Recovery Center from 2015 to 2019. Dr. Metz was a Clinical Psychologist at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System from 2011 to 2015, where she was previously a Healthcare Specialist from 2010 to 2011. She earned a Doctor of Psychology degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Loyola College in Maryland, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Towson University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Dr. Metz is a Democrat.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Mar 13, 2025

    News What you need to know: California is expanding its collaboration with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to leverage cutting-edge technologies to protect public health and help Los Angeles rebuild.  LOS ANGELES – As part of the state’s ongoing actions to support…

    Mar 12, 2025

    News What you need to know: Californians are urged to take precautions now as severe weather sets in throughout the state. SACRAMENTO – With severe weather expected to impact much of California today through Friday, Governor Gavin Newsom and state emergency officials…

    Mar 12, 2025

    News What you need to know: California continues to lead in technology as home to the majority of the nation’s top AI companies. SACRAMENTO – Home to Silicon Valley and the birthplace of the tech industry, California continues to dominate this sector as the leader in…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California deploys cutting-edge technologies for LA fires recovery with expanded NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory partnership

    Source: US State of California 2

    Mar 13, 2025

    What you need to know: California is expanding its collaboration with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to leverage cutting-edge technologies to protect public health and help Los Angeles rebuild. 

    LOS ANGELES – As part of the state’s ongoing actions to support Los Angeles County’s wildfire recovery, Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that the state is expanding its collaboration with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to monitor air and water using cutting-edge technologies. 

    The collaboration will provide the state with additional data on water and air quality – helping California protect communities in and around the Palisades and Eaton fire areas.

    “California and JPL are once again demonstrating the power of science, technology and partnership to address real-world challenges. While JPL is known for exploring the farthest reaches of our solar system, their scientists – many directly impacted by these fires – have turned their attention toward helping their neighbors, demonstrating that innovation and collaboration are vital for accelerating recovery.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    JPL is the largest employer of those impacted by the Eaton Fire. In the weeks following the firestorm, the Governor visited the NASA JPL facility in La Cañada Flintridge for a conversation with employees impacted by the Eaton Fire. Nearly 200 JPL employees lost their homes or were displaced due to damage to their homes.

    How it works

    By harnessing advanced data and imaging tools, California and JPL are taking proactive steps to protect public health, strengthen resilience, and accelerate recovery efforts for Altadena and the Palisades communities. This work includes:  

    Monitoring air

    • Air quality monitoring: JPL is establishing a new monitoring site in Altadena to measure the size and composition of particulate matter (PM), including lead, black carbon arsenic, and other metals, in the ambient air, along with a wide variety of gaseous air pollutants. This new site complements an existing rooftop monitoring site on the JPL campus.
    • Collaboration with CARB: JPL and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) are collaborating on PM filter sample collection and analysis for metal contents.
    • Air quality sensor network: JPL is coordinating on a Caltech-led project, called PHOENIX, which is deploying a dense air quality monitoring network focused on measuring airborne dust and ash across Altadena and neighboring communities, including one on JPL’s campus. The network provides real-time observations of air quality in the region, giving community members and agencies leading clean-up efforts data that enable a continuous assessment of dust-mitigation and management efforts in the area. Data from these sensors will be shared with CARB.
       

    Monitoring water

    • Water sampling: JPL is providing satellite imaging to support ocean water quality monitoring efforts led by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project. The satellite imagery helps to identify the location of runoff discharge plumes, ensuring effective monitoring.
    • X-band radar deployment: California and JPL are coordinating the deployment of X-band radar to gather data on storm structures, which can be used to protect watersheds and help monitor post-fire debris flows.
    • Aerial data collection: JPL has flown its Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer-3 (AVIRIS-3) over the burn scars to measure the distribution of ash in the air and on the ground. This data will guide future sampling and recovery efforts in impacted areas. 

    Track all of LA’s recovery at CA.gov/LAfires. 

    Expanding California and JPL’s ongoing partnership 

    Previous collaborations between California and JPL have produced innovative new technologies to address California’s natural resource and environmental challenges. In 2023, JPL, California, and other partners created VIRGO – Visualization of In-situ and Remotely-Sensed Groundwater Observations – an online mapping tool from NASA that enables water managers and end-users to explore groundwater changes in California.  

    The NASA facility also partnered with CAL FIRE to use soil moisture sensors to support the state’s fire management and prevention efforts. JPL helped California launch pollution-tracking satellites last year and partners with the state on drought monitoring.

    Building on existing air monitoring efforts

    The new collaboration builds upon existing efforts being carried out by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, with support from CARB, which includes deploying highly advanced mobile air monitors and community air monitoring for toxics to complement the robust regional monitoring network.

    Altogether, the district’s air monitoring stations in the Eaton and Palisades burn areas, along with other regulatory air monitors across the greater Los Angeles area are collecting vital air pollution and toxics data. Initial monitoring shows levels do not pose an immediate risk to public health. Track LA’s recovery, including the latest air quality results, at CA.gov/LAfires. 

    Recent news

    Mar 12, 2025

    News What you need to know: Californians are urged to take precautions now as severe weather sets in throughout the state. SACRAMENTO – With severe weather expected to impact much of California today through Friday, Governor Gavin Newsom and state emergency officials…

    Mar 12, 2025

    News What you need to know: California continues to lead in technology as home to the majority of the nation’s top AI companies. SACRAMENTO – Home to Silicon Valley and the birthplace of the tech industry, California continues to dominate this sector as the leader in…

    Mar 11, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Adele Burnes, of Berkeley, has been appointed Chief at the Division of Apprenticeship Standards. Burnes has been Acting Chief at the Division of Apprenticeship Standards since 2024,…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: T4Trade Expands Online Trading Offerings with Multi-Asset Access

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LIMASSOL, Cyprus, March 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — T4Trade has announced the expansion of its online trading services, reinforcing its position as a multi-asset brokerage. With access to over 300 financial instruments across forex, commodities, metals, indices, and shares, T4Trade continues to provide a comprehensive trading environment for both new and experienced traders.

    The broker supports trading via the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform and WebTrader, enabling access across Windows, macOS, iPhone/iPad, and Android devices. The MT4 platform includes advanced charting tools, encrypted communications, customizable interfaces, and algorithmic trading capabilities. Additionally, traders can utilize pre-installed Expert Advisors and over 50 technical indicators for automated trading.

    T4Trade also offers TradeCopier, a copy trading feature that allows traders to follow strategies from other market participants or earn performance-based fees as strategy providers.

    With multiple account types, T4Trade provides various trading conditions, including fixed and floating spreads, leverage options, and commission-free trading on select accounts. The broker also offers educational resources such as eBooks, webinars, podcasts, and market analysis to support traders at different experience levels.

    Licensed by the Seychelles Financial Services Authority, T4Trade follows client fund protection protocols, including segregated bank accounts and transparent trading practices. The company provides multilingual customer support available 24/5 via telephone, email, and live chat.

    For more information, users can visit T4Trade’s website.

    About T4Trade

    T4Trade is a regulated online trading broker providing access to a wide range of financial instruments across multiple asset classes. With a focus on technology, market accessibility, and educational support, T4Trade offers trading solutions designed to meet the needs of traders at all levels. The company operates under a financial services license from the Seychelles Financial Services Authority and adheres to industry standards for client fund protection and transparency.

    Contact

    Media Officer

    George Nicolaou

    T4Trade

    support@t4trade.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/47e5726a-3957-405b-84f6-6ac58cad09b2

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: IronFX Launches Trading Education Blog to Enhance Market Awareness

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LIMASSOL, Cyprus, March 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — IronFX, a global online CFD and forex broker, has introduced a dedicated trading education blog designed to provide traders with in-depth market analysis, expert insights, and practical trading strategies. The initiative reinforces IronFX’s commitment to supporting traders with educational resources amid evolving market conditions.

    Comprehensive Market Insights for Traders at All Levels

    The IronFX blog features a range of articles tailored to traders with varying levels of experience. Beginner traders can access foundational content on technical and fundamental analysis, market dynamics, and trading psychology. More experienced traders receive regular updates on trends in forex, commodities, indices, and energy markets.

    Expert-Led Analysis on Key Market Developments

    Authored by experienced analysts, the blog provides analysis on key market assets, including gold, oil, and stocks. Coverage extends to significant stock market developments, corporate earnings, and price movements in commodities. Additionally, articles explore economic events and their impact on financial markets, offering insights into geopolitical shifts, monetary policy decisions, and macroeconomic data.

    Part of a Broader Educational Initiative

    The blog complements IronFX’s existing suite of educational resources, including the IronFX Academy, which offers webinars, eBooks, comprehensive courses, and a financial glossary.

    Established in 2010, IronFX provides trading platforms and services to retail and institutional clients in over 180 countries. The broker supports trading across multiple asset classes through its MetaTrader 4 platform and WebTrader interface.

    About IronFX

    IronFX is a leading global online trading broker offering forex and CFD trading services to clients worldwide. Established in 2010, the company provides access to a wide range of financial instruments, including currencies, commodities, indices, and stocks. IronFX serves both retail and institutional traders, offering trading solutions through the MetaTrader 4 platform and WebTrader interface. With a strong focus on education and market insights, IronFX aims to support traders in making informed decisions.

    For more information, users can visit the https://www.ironfx.com/.

    Contact

    Media Coordinator

    Nicolas Georgiadis

    IronFX

    support@ironfx.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/133f9209-ae6c-4d43-ab66-23cbdb422517

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Regarding the new management board member of the management company of UTIISIB UAB “Atsinaujinančios energetikos investicijos”

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The closed-end investment company intended for informed investors UAB “Atsinaujinančios energetikos investicijos” (the Investment Company) informs that, having received approval from the Bank of Lithuania regarding the candidacy of Marius Žemaitis, the newly elected management board member of the Investment Company’s management company, UAB “LORDS LB ASSET MANAGEMENT” (the Management Company), Marius Žemaitis has started to perform the duties of a management board member of the Management Company. The data regarding the newly composed management board of the Management Company have been registered in the Register of Legal Entities of the Republic of Lithuania.

    Contact person for further information:
    Rūta Abromavičienė, Senior Legal Officer of UAB “LORDS LB ASSET MANAGEMENT”
    ruta.abromaviciene@lordslb.lt 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Regarding the new management board member of the management company of SUTNTIB AB “TEWOX”

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Vilnius, Lithuania, March 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    The special closed-end real estate investment company AB “TEWOX” (the Investment Company) informs that, having received approval from the Bank of Lithuania regarding the candidacy of Marius Žemaitis, the newly elected management board member of the Investment Company’s management company, UAB “LORDS LB ASSET MANAGEMENT” (the Management Company), Marius Žemaitis has started to perform the duties of a management board member of the Management Company. The data regarding the newly composed management board of the Management Company have been registered in the Register of Legal Entities of the Republic of Lithuania.

    Contact person for further information:

    Rūta Abromavičienė, Senior Legal Officer of UAB “LORDS LB ASSET MANAGEMENT”

    ruta.abromaviciene@lordslb.lt 

    https://lordslb.lt/tewox_bonds/

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fraudulent mobile application related to Bank of Communications (Hong Kong) Limited

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Fraudulent mobile application related to Bank of Communications (Hong Kong) Limited 
    The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
     
    Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the App concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
    Issued at HKT 16:50

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by SCED at launch event of Green360: An AI-driven ESG Platform for Businesses (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Speech by SCED at launch event of Green360: An AI-driven ESG Platform for Businesses (English only) 
    Agnes (Chairman of the HKGCC, Ms Agnes Chan), Jeffrey (Legislative Council Member Mr Jeffrey Lam), General Committee members, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
     
         Good afternoon. It is with great honour to join the event today.
     
         Firstly, I would like to thank the HKGCC for its unwavering commitment to advancing the sustainability agenda within our business community. Initiatives like Green360 are pivotal in fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance among corporations, especially among our small and medium-sized enterprises.
     
         The introduction of Green360 comes at a crucial time as we navigate the complexities of environmental challenges and the urgent need for sustainable practices. This innovative platform not only aligns with the global movement towards a greener economy but also emphasises Hong Kong’s role as a leader in integrating advanced technology commercial development.
     
         This initiative not only pushes for compliance but also strives to exceed expectations, fostering best practices that can set Hong Kong as a global leader in promoting ESG (environmental, social, and governance) principles. It aims to create a business environment that is sustainable and profitable, thus attracting and sustaining investment.
     
         Moreover, Green360 is committed to empowering businesses through education, and self-audit reporting is a constructive step for companies to embrace ESG. It promises to be a beacon of support for our businesses as they transit towards more sustainable operations, providing them with the tools and knowledge vital for this journey.
     
         Thank you, the HKGCC, for launching this initiative. Let us continue to work together, leveraging technology and shared responsibility, to make Hong Kong a sustainable, inclusive and responsible hub for commerce and innovation. Thank you.
    Issued at HKT 16:12

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement between Hong Kong and Bahrain to enter into force on March 21

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) signed between Hong Kong and Bahrain in March last year will enter into force on March 21, following the completion of the two sides’ respective internal procedures required.

    Under the IPPA, the two governments undertake to provide investors of the other side with fair, equitable and non-discriminatory treatment of their investments, compensation in the event of expropriation of investments, and the right to free transfers abroad of investments and returns. The IPPA also provides for settlement of investment disputes under internationally accepted rules, including arbitration.

    The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, said, “By enabling investors of Hong Kong and Bahrain to enjoy corresponding protection of their investments in the host economies, the IPPA will enhance confidence of investors, expand investment flows and further strengthen the economic and trade ties between the two places.

    “The Government has been actively seeking to expand Hong Kong’s global economic and trade networks with a view to assisting enterprises and investors in opening up markets. We are exploring the signing of IPPAs with Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Egypt and Peru, as well as exploring IPPAs or free trade agreements with emerging markets including potential partners in the Middle East and other regions along the Belt and Road,” he added.

    The IPPA with Bahrain is the second of its kind signed by the current-term Government, following the IPPA signed with Türkiye. It is also the 24th investment agreement that Hong Kong has signed with a foreign economy.

    The other foreign economies that have signed IPPAs with Hong Kong are the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Australia, Austria, the Belgo-Luxembourg Economic Union, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: CareCloud Announces Preferred Stock Dividend Payments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SOMERSET, N.J., March 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CareCloud, Inc. (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: CCLD, CCLDO, CCLDP), a leader in healthcare technology and generative AI solutions for medical practices and health systems nationwide, announced today that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) has declared monthly cash dividends for its 8.75% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”) and its 8.75% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred Stock”) for March and April 2025.

    The following table shows the monthly dividends and associated record and payment dates:

        March 2025     April 2025  
    Series A dividend per share   $ 0.18229     $ 0.18229  
    Series A additional payment per share   $ 0.04688     $ 0.04688  
    Series B dividend per share   $ 0.18229     $ 0.18229  
    Ex-dividend date     March 31, 2025       April 30, 2025  
    Record date     March 31, 2025       April 30, 2025  
    Payment date     April 15, 2025       May 15, 2025  

    Holders of shares of the Series A Preferred Stock as of the record date are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends at the rate of 8.75% per annum of the $25.00 per share liquidation preference (equivalent to $2.1875 per annum per share). Additionally, since this payment will be credited against the oldest dividend due (at which point in time, the cash dividend rate was 11% per annum), the Board authorized an additional payment equal to 2.25% per share of Series A Preferred Stock. For clarity, previous holders of Series A Preferred Stock that were converted on March 6, 2025, already received dividends paid in shares up and through March 6, 2025, and will not receive either the dividend payment or the additional payment per share.

    Holders of shares of the Series B Preferred Stock as of the record date are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends at the rate of 8.75% per annum of the $25.00 per share liquidation preference (equivalent to $2.1875 per annum per share).

    Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock are cumulative and payable monthly on the 15th day of each month; provided that if any dividend payment date is not a business day, then the dividend may be paid on the next succeeding business day. Dividends are payable to holders of record on the applicable record date, which shall be the last day of the calendar month, whether or not a business day.

    About CCLDP

    Due to the mandatory conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock into common stock on March 6, 2025, the Company formally notified the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC of its intent to voluntarily delist its Series A Preferred Stock from the Nasdaq Global Market since the security no longer complies with Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements. The Company may, at its option, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice, redeem additional shares of the Series A Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to, but not including, the date fixed for redemption.

    About CCLDO

    CareCloud’s Series B Preferred Stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker symbol “CCLDO.” Commencing on February 15, 2024, the Company may, at its option, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice, redeem the Series B Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at redemption prices of either $25.50 per share (for redemptions on and after February 15, 2025 and prior to February 15, 2026), $25.25 per share (for redemptions on and after February 15, 2026 and prior to February 15, 2027), or $25.00 per share (for redemptions on and after February 25, 2027), plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to, but not including, the date fixed for redemption. Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company may, at its option, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice, redeem the Series B Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, within 120 days after the first date on which such Change of Control occurred, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to, but not including, the redemption date.

    About CareCloud

    CareCloud brings disciplined innovation to the business of healthcare. Our suite of technology-enabled solutions helps clients increase financial and operational performance, streamline clinical workflows and improve the patient experience. More than 40,000 providers count on CareCloud to help them improve patient care while reducing administrative burdens and operating costs. Learn more about our products and services including revenue cycle management (RCM), practice management (PM), electronic health records (EHR), business intelligence, patient experience management (PXM) and digital health at www.carecloud.com.

    Follow CareCloud on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.

    Disclaimer

    This press release is for information purposes only, and does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains various forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to anticipated future events, future results of operations or future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “shall,” “should,” “could”, “intends,” “expects,” “plans,” “goals,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “possible,” “potential,” “target,” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology.

    Our operations involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control, and any one of which, or a combination of which, could materially affect our results of operations and whether the forward-looking statements ultimately prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements reflecting management’s expectations for future financial performance and operating expenditures, expected growth, profitability and business outlook, the impact of pandemics on our financial performance and business activities, and the expected results from the integration of our acquisitions.

    These forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are only predictions, are uncertain and involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our (or our industry’s) actual results, levels of activity or performance to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity or performance expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of the risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements, including without limitation, risks and uncertainties relating to the Company’s ability to manage growth, migrate newly acquired customers and retain new and existing customers, maintain cost-effective global operations, increase operational efficiency and reduce operating costs, predict and properly adjust to changes in reimbursement and other industry regulations and trends, retain the services of key personnel, develop new technologies, upgrade and adapt legacy and acquired technologies to work with evolving industry standards, compete with other companies’ products and services competitive with ours, and other important risks and uncertainties referenced and discussed under the heading titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, even if subsequently made available by the Company on its website or otherwise. The Company does not assume any obligations to update the forward-looking statements provided to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

    SOURCE CareCloud

    Company Contact:
    Norman Roth
    Interim Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Controller
    CareCloud, Inc.
    nroth@carecloud.com

    Investor Contact:
    Stephen Snyder
    Co-Chief Executive Officer
    CareCloud, Inc.
    ir@carecloud.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Climate Finance in 2024

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Infographic | 14 March 2025

    SHARE THIS PAGE

    In 2024, ADB made a commitment for climate finance to reach 50% of its total annual committed financing by 2030, as it progresses towards delivering over $100 billion in cumulative climate finance from its own resources from 2019 to 2030. ADB aims to ensure that 75% of its number of operations (on a 3-year rolling average) will support climate change mitigation and/or adaptation by 2030.

    From 2019 to 2024, ADB has already reached $41.9 billion towards this commitment, investing in its operations (including both regular and concessional ordinary capital resources, as well as Asian Development Fund grant resources). This includes $11.1 billion committed in 2024, of which $1.6 billion is non-sovereign financing. From 2022 to 2024, the share of ADB operations supporting climate action has already reached 91%, surpassing the target for the second year in a row.

    See databases for climate finance.

    SHARE THIS PAGE

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder: World-class attractions in Manitoba receive federal support

    Source: Government of Canada News

    These nine projects, announced today, highlight the growing potential of tourism and cultural initiatives helping drive economic development in communities across Manitoba.

    The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) provides funding to support communities, small and medium-sized businesses, and not-for-profit organizations in developing tourism products and experiences in the Prairie provinces. Federal investment today totals $1,846,559.

    • 10144585 Manitoba Inc. (o/a Rosé Beach House) – $350,000 to expand a retro chic boutique hotel and increase tourism offerings in Winnipeg Beach, Manitoba.
    • Assiniboine Park Conservancy Inc. – $250,000 to develop and implement a winter activation program at Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
    • Churchill Chamber of Commerce – $250,000 to create an artificial intelligence powered northern lights tracker and enhance marketing in Churchill, Manitoba.
    • Exchange District Business Improvement Zone – $150,000 to expand the Lights on The Exchange / Allumez le Quartier public art festival in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
    • Falcon Trails Resort Inc. – $99,999 to enhance a recreational alpine and Nordic ski facility in southeastern Manitoba.
    • MASS Investments Inc. – $152,875 to create a glamping accommodation experience to increase tourism in Pinawa, Manitoba.
    • National Indigenous Residential School Museum – $350,000 to expand and enhance the National Indigenous Residential School Museum in Manitoba.
    • Pinawa Unplugged Ltd. – $118,685 to develop multi-day active tourism offerings and improve accommodations in Pinawa, Manitoba.
    • Tourism Industry Association of Manitoba – $125,000 to support export readiness activities for tourism operators in Manitoba.

    Related products

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese judiciary to improve protection of business environment, interests

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China’s judiciary is stepping up efforts to foster a law-based business environment as the country is seeking development transformation and upgrading.
    On Saturday, China’s chief justice and top procurator delivered work reports at the ongoing annual session of the National People’s Congress (NPC), reviewing judicial efforts that have been made to improve the country’s law-based business environment over the past year.
    In 2024, Chinese courts acted to protect the rights of businesses and entrepreneurs by stepping up oversight of illicit cross-region and profit-driven law enforcement, said the work report of the Supreme People’s Court (SPC), noting that 46 cases involving property rights were retried and corrected, and 13 out of 72 people involved in these cases were acquitted.
    The report also highlighted that a number of typical corporate cases involving foreign investment have been concluded in accordance with the Foreign Investment Law, reinforcing China’s position as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for investment.
    China has enhanced judicial protection of intellectual property rights (IPRs) to support key technologies and industries. The report noted that the SPC effectively handled IPR disputes related to artificial intelligence (AI), supporting the lawful application of AI and penalizing infringement behaviors using the technology in the past year.
    “The protection of intellectual property and trade secrets is crucial in safeguarding innovation, which helps drive economic growth,” said Zhang Yabo, vice board chairman of Sanhua Holding Group and an NPC deputy.
    China’s top procuratorate has also strengthened the judicial protection of intellectual property rights to safeguard the advancement of new quality productive forces in line with local conditions. In 2024, 21,000 individuals were prosecuted for crimes related to trademark, patent, copyright or trade-secret infringement, according to the work report of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP).
    The SPP has stepped up efforts to ensure a law-based environment over the past year, upholding the principle of equal protection for the lawful rights and interests of all types of business entities, while strengthening oversight over compulsory measures such as sealing, sequestering, and freezing of assets and handled 31 key cases last year, according to the SPP report.
    As of February 2025, 21 of these cases had been resolved, releasing 610 million yuan (about 85 million U.S. dollars) in funds that had been sealed up, sequestered or frozen.
    “Regulating law enforcement practices helps reduce unlawful interference in enterprises’ property rights and operational autonomy, which is key to fostering a predictable business environment,” said Wei Qingsong, a Nanjing-based lawyer and a national political advisor.
    To ensure a good start to the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) period, the Chinese judiciary will continue serving the high-quality development of China’s socialist market economy, according to the reports. It will continue punishing economic and financial crime, protecting the property rights and operational autonomy of all economic entities equally, and fostering a law-based credit economy.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council: Put young women at the heart of peace and security efforts

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Women

    Peace is in peril worldwide and avenues for diplomatic dialogue are shrinking, but young women peacebuilders are demonstrating that a better world is possible, a senior UN official told the Security Council on Tuesday. 

    Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, was speaking during a debate on investing in the transformative power of intergenerational leadership on the women, peace and security agenda, where she urged ambassadors to “open doors for the next generation”.

    “Investments in women, peace and security agenda are not an option; they are a necessity for preventing conflict and achieving sustainable and inclusive peace,” she said.

    ‘Bucking the status quo’

    Ms. DiCarlo listed Malala Yousafzai, the girls’ education champion from Pakistan and youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate ever, climate activist Greta Thunberg from Sweden, and Ilwad Elman from Somalia who works to rehabilitate child soldiers and counter violent extremism, as examples of young women who are envisioning and demanding a world of justice and peace.

    “These remarkable leaders remind us that transformation requires bucking the status quo,” she said.

    In this regard, she pointed to the UN Secretary-General’s policy brief on A New Agenda for Peace which calls for dismantling entrenched patriarchal systems that perpetuate inequality and exclusion.

    Reimagine power structures

    “It underscores the urgent need to reimagine global power structures and place women and girls – especially young women – at the centre of our efforts to address the root causes of conflict and insecurity,” she said.

    “If we do not break free from patriarchal norms, true peace and inclusive security will remain out of reach,” she warned.

    Furthermore, the recently adopted Pact for the Future underlines the importance of ensuring that women’s leadership and participation are integrated into all aspects of conflict prevention and sustaining peace, she added.

    Ms. DiCarlo highlighted three key areas in advancing intergenerational leadership: facilitating dialogues, fostering inclusive peace processes, and investing in young women’s leadership.

    Foster dialogue and inclusion

    She said intergenerational dialogues are critical opportunities for building trust and articulating shared aspirations.

    She cited an example from Chad, where the UN Peacebuilding Fund supported local dialogue platforms that brought together youth associations with traditional authorities.  This ultimately strengthened social cohesion and reduced intercommunal tensions and conflicts in the Nya Pendé and Barh Sara regions.

    Ms. DiCarlo also stressed the need to advance inclusive, multi-track peace processes that prioritize diverse groups of women, including young women, and promote their leadership and rights at every level.  At the same time, she also recognized “the diverse and changing mediation landscape today”.

    UN Photo/Gregorio Cunha

    The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) hosts a workshop on key peace and security issues for Yei women and youth.

    Promote peace from the bottom-up

    She recalled that during the Council’s annual open debate on women, peace and security, the Secretary-General launched an initiative that invites mediators from a cross section of society to join the UN in taking concrete actions to ensure women’s participation in peace processes. 

    Moreover, she noted that the UN actively backs multi-track efforts that promote peace from the bottom up, emphasizing young women’s leadership. 

    She witnessed this recently in Colombia, where the UN Mission verifying the 2016 peace deal supports women and men from all backgrounds and ages, addressing stigmatization of ex-combatants in reintegration areas.

    “Third, our investments must be aligned with our priorities. Significant and sustained resources are essential to support young women peacebuilders and ensure their work flourishes,” she said.

    Building from the ground up

    For example, through a Peacebuilding Fund initiative in Somalia, young men and women worked together in managing and restoring water canals across clan lines, overcoming historical grievances and mitigating inter-clan conflicts driven by resource scarcity.

    Ms. DiCarlo said that as the 25th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security approaches, along with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, “we must open doors for the next generation.”

    “Together, we must cultivate leadership from the ground up, placing young women and women’s rights at the heart of our efforts,” she concluded. 

    Appeal from Sudan

    The Council also heard from Tahani Abbas, a human rights defender, legal representative, and peace advocate from Sudan, where rival military forces have been locked in a brutal war since April 2023.

    She said women have been on the frontlines of conflict response, creating “networks of resistance” such as Emergency Response Rooms that provide medical services, daycare, communal kitchens and more.

    She was adamant that supporting women peacebuilders before, during, and after crises pays peace dividends.

    “When the war broke out in Sudan, we found that the women who had participated in de-escalation and dialogue processes at the local levels prior to the war had used their skills and capacities to mediate, negotiate, and manage tensions and conflicts in their communities during the war,” she said.

    Ms. Abbas called for the Council’s ongoing support to women “who are fighting for peace and security every day”, saying “even though it may be logistically and politically difficult, the decisions made within the United Nations will have a direct impact on the lives of the Sudanese population and women peacebuilders around the world.” 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Transcript: Governor Hochul is a Guest on News 12

    Source: US State of New York

    arlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul was a guest on News 12. The Governor updated New Yorkers on the brush fires in Long Island, and declared a state of emergency to prioritize the deployment of resources toward fire suppression and necessary evacuations.

    AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

    Thema Ponton, News 12: Governor,  thank you for joining us this afternoon.

    Governor Hochul: No, thank you. A very, very serious situation we’re dealing with on Long Island, and I appreciate the great coverage that News 12 has been giving of this really difficult situation where the winds are just our enemy, and they’re creating havoc in the communities along — people in Brookhaven right now, and we’re seeing people having to be evacuated from the West Hampton area. Early on this afternoon, I had the DOT shut down a number of highways, and we’re just really very concerned.

    Our main focus has been really the immediate fire suppression and resource development: getting in the fighting personnel, the equipment, the National Guard is there — the National Guard, in fact, is in the air providing air support, and I’ve deployed, actually, four Blackhawks, and one right now is dumping 660 gallon buckets as we speak, because we’re going to do the very best we can to suppress this. That is our most urgent concern, as well as public safety; we may be involving people in more evacuations.

    So, for these reasons, I am declaring a state of emergency that will allow us to deploy resources as quickly as possible, and I’m working very closely with County Executive Ed Romaine. I’m working with our Supervisors, who I just spoke with, Panico and Moore. — they’re on the grounds right now and I’m getting images sent directly from them. So, it’s an “all hands on deck” approach here, and I have resources from the Office of Emergency Management, Office of Fire Prevention, the DOT, DEC, State Parks, State Police. We are putting everybody on this so we can get the fire under control and make sure that our public is safe.

    Thema Ponton, News 12: Governor, what can you tell us about how many acres you know that this fire is? How much of it has been suppressed up until this point?

    Governor Hochul: It has not been suppressed. I mean, this is still out of control at this moment. The winds are just wreaking havoc on this situation, as you’ve been reporting. The winds could be upward of 36 miles an hour.

    And it doesn’t take much — we saw with the Southern Pine Beetle that just infested the Pine Barrens along the Sunrise Highway, and that’s the real area of vulnerability. But the problem is it’s not just that area. It is approaching the Gabreski Airport — we’ve had to evacuate, we’re starting evacuations there — and Amazon facility, and other facilities, and even a few homes that we’ve already lost, and that is the concern.

    I think everyone has the image of the Palisades in California just in the forefront of their minds, and, so, we have to do everything we can to prevent that scenario and be prepared for major evacuations. So I want to, again, thank you for keeping the public informed, but everybody needs to be staying tuned right now because the situation could change very quickly.

    Thema Ponton, News 12: Absolutely. Governor, if I could just ask you to go back for a second. Did you say that some homes had been lost?

    Governor Hochul: At least one or two that I’m aware of already, and there are a number in harm’s way.

    Thema Ponton, News 12: This is just terrible news to hear as we’re taking a look right now at some of these images here. Governor, also tell us what does this state of emergency mean? How is this going to directly impact Long Islanders? What do they need to know about it?

    Governor Hochul: It allows us as a state, and localities, to be able to bypass traditional procurement measures. We can get resources on the ground immediately. I’m also very concerned about air quality. If you recall the Quebec fires — from a few years ago — New York City had the worst air quality on the planet for a number of days, and for people in nursing homes and children; I want to make sure that if we need to, we get masks out, we’re checking up on people in nearby nursing homes and senior facilities.

    So everybody needs to be thinking about themselves, their neighbors, but whatever they can do to protect their homes. This may be contained in the next day or two, but we also are very smart to prepare for the worst case scenarios so everybody can remain safe regardless of what happens.

    God bless our firefighters. Most of these people are volunteers, and they are just putting their lives on the line for their neighbors and this is why we just cherish them so much.

    Thema Ponton, News 12: Absolutely, our hearts go out to these volunteers. Governor, can you tell us where that home was that was lost?

    Governor Hochul: I don’t have the exact location, but I know there’s communities in West Hampton that are vulnerable right now. We’ll work on getting that location for you.

    Thema Ponton, News 12: Absolutely, we appreciate that. And you said there may be some more evacuations. Governor, let me ask you, as we start to get closer to it being dark, what are your concerns here as the day and night goes on?

    Governor Hochul: Oh, we don’t know if the wind is going to pick up or die down. Again, it is wildly unpredictable. The forecast may say it is decreasing, but it doesn’t take much wind to continue the spread and it just feeds on, again, these trees that have been taken down by the infestation of the beetles — we’ve seen that. I mean, every time I go there, it’s heartbreaking to see what has happened already, but now, that is just a cinder for a huge fire, and that is our concern that this could spread and spread to other areas.

    And the more individual fires we have — I believe there’s four right now — then it also diffuses our resources, right? We have to be focused on putting out each fire, but if they rise in different areas then we have to send other people there. But thank God we have about 50 volunteer fire companies working tirelessly and we have mutual aid agreements. I can bring in people from all over the state and even indeed other other states if we need them. But, right now we’re working closely in coordination with the Emergency Operations Center. I may be going there tomorrow depending on what the situation on the ground is, but we are there with everything from air support, to ground support, to whatever resources we can give to keep Long Islanders safe.

    Thema Ponton, News 12: Governor, we appreciate that. As we watch this unfold, we saw one video from a helicopter that just shows how massive this fire is. What can you share with us about the acreage or just the expanse of this fire?

    Governor Hochul: It’s spreading very quickly. This started a few hours ago, and now it has multiple renditions of it. It’s not just one fire that we can keep an eye on, it is spreading to different pockets and all triggered by the high winds and the dry, dry conditions and, again, the many trees from the Pine Barrens area that are on the ground are cinder for this. So, we’re concerned about the Amazon facility, we’re concerned about Gabreski Airport right now, and a chemical plant in the area.

    So, these are the areas where we are aware of them. Everyone knows what’s in each building — this is what the fire companies do, the state knows this — and we have to be very careful. Again, air quality is of concern as well. People need to be sure that they’re taken care of. If they still have N95 masks from the pandemic, or there’s ways they can keep a wet towel around their mouth and protect themselves, their kids and their pets. If it starts getting closer, you need to start focusing on air quality and possibly an evacuation.

    So, everybody needs to be watching social media reports from government sources, watch for text messages, watch for all the emergency alerts — but, I have officially declared a state of emergency right now.

    Thema Ponton, News 12: And Governor Hochul, if I can ask you, we have seen some pictures and video from people who said they could see this smoke all the way from Connecticut. Have you been in touch with governors from any of the neighboring states? Have you heard from other people who have been impacted by this?

    Governor Hochul: I’m getting video from people right on the ground and it looks devastating. Elected officials are sending me videos; people that are getting up close to it; our supervisors are sharing this with myself and my team. So, if I need additional assistance from other states, I will absolutely call on them and we’re just assessing our needs right now. But, again, they’re looking at a fire that is close to our residents, and that is a dangerous, dangerous situation on many levels, and everybody has to be staying focused on their own homes, their families, and their communities.

    Thema Ponton, News 12: Absolutely. New York Governor Kathy Hochul joining us live this afternoon. Governor, thank you for your time. We will continue to check back in with you, as hopefully this fire gets put out sooner rather than later.

    Governor Hochul: Absolutely. Thank you so much for all your attention. You’re doing a great job.

    Thema Ponton, News 12: Thank you, Governor, for your time. We’ll let you get back to work to help the people of New York.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Labor wins third successive landslide in WA election

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

    With 61% of enrolled voters counted in Saturday’s Western Australian election, the ABC is calling 40 of the 59 lower house seats for Labor, five for the Liberals and four for the Nationals, with ten remaining undecided.

    Vote shares are 41.8% Labor (down 18.1% since Labor’s massive 2021 win), 28.6% Liberals (up 7.3%), 5.1% Nationals (up 1.1%), 10.5% Greens (up 3.6%), 3.7% One Nation (up 2.4%), 3.1% Australian Christians (up 1.6%), 2.3% Legalise Cannabis (up 1.9%) and 3.6% independents (up 2.9%).

    While Labor had a big fall in its primary vote since winning 59.9% in 2021, this fall didn’t go directly to the Liberals and Nationals, with these parties’ combined votes up 8.4%.

    The ABC’s two-party estimate shows a Labor win by 58.3–41.7, an 11.3% swing to the Liberals and Nationals from the 69.7–30.3 Labor margin at the 2021 election, which was a record victory in Australia for either major party at any state or federal election.

    The Poll Bludger’s results have Labor leads in 45 of the 59 seats, the Liberals in seven, the Nationals in six and one independent lead. If these are the final numbers, Labor would lose eight seats from 2021, with the Liberals gaining five, the Nationals two and independents one.

    The Poll Bludger’s two-party estimate is a little worse for Labor than the ABC’s, with a Labor lead by 57.4–42.6, a 12.2% swing to the Liberals and Nationals. If the Poll Bludger’s two-party estimate is right, the final Newspoll and DemosAU polls will be correct, while if the ABC’s is right, they will have understated Labor.

    I said in my preview article that polls suggested that Labor would be well down on 2021, but that they would have a bigger win than in 2017 (41 of the 59 seats on a two-party vote of 55.5–44.5). The results show this will be the case. This will be the third landslide in a row for Labor in WA.

    Most seats have counted their pre-poll votes and postal votes that arrived before election day. Remaining votes will mostly be absent votes (pre-poll and election day). These votes were cast outside a voter’s home electorate, and need to be posted back to the home electorate before they can be counted. In past elections, absent votes have assisted Labor.

    There are also seats, such as Fremantle and Pilbara, where no two-candidate count has yet been provided. In those seats, the electoral commission initially selected the wrong two candidates and needs to re-do the two-candidate count. Fremantle is the only seat likely to be won by a non-major party candidate.

    Federal implications and the upper house

    I don’t think there are many federal implications from state elections, but this election will give a morale boost for federal Labor after losing the Queensland election last October and being narrowly behind the Coalition in the polls since December.

    When a state party is the same as the federal government, that party is federally dragged, and performs worse than it would if the opposite party held government federally. Labor’s big win does not suggest federal drag was a factor in WA.

    However, WA accounts for only 16 of the 150 federal seats. Victoria, where federal Labor is being dragged down by an unpopular state Labor government, has 38 seats.

    The Poll Bludger wrote that the Liberals had done poorly in swing terms since the 2021 election in affluent Perth seats, suggesting that affluent metropolitan federal seats won’t swing back to the Liberals, and teal independents should retain their seats.

    In my preview article, I wrote that during the last term Labor had scrapped the old very malapportioned upper house system, and all 37 upper house members will be elected by statewide proportional representation with preferences. A quota is 1/38 of the vote or 2.63%.

    In the upper house, 46.7% of enrolled voters have been counted, well behind the 61.3% in the lower house. Labor has 41.3%, the Liberals 27.9%, the Nationals 5.6%, the Greens 10.8%, One Nation 3.4%, Legalise Cannabis 2.8%, the Christians 2.6%, an independent group 1.3% and Animal Justice 1.1%.

    On current counts, Labor would win 15 of the 37 seats, the Liberals ten, the Nationals two, the Greens four, One Nation one, Legalise Cannabis one and the Christians one. That would leave three seats undecided, with Labor, the Liberals and the independent group ahead.

    However, there’s much more counting to go in the upper house, and the current counts don’t include below the line votes. The major parties do relatively badly on below the line votes and the Greens relatively well.

    Adrian Beaumont 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. Labor wins third successive landslide in WA election – https://theconversation.com/labor-wins-third-successive-landslide-in-wa-election-251721

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s top legislature vows high-quality legislation, oversight to serve national interest

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China’s top legislature vows high-quality legislation, oversight to serve national interest

    BEIJING, March 8 — The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, on Saturday unveiled its annual work plan for 2025, vowing to advance high-quality legislative work and conduct effective oversight to serve the overall national interest.

    Chinese national lawmakers on Saturday started deliberating the work report of the NPC Standing Committee at the ongoing NPC annual session.

    To ensure constitutional implementation and strengthen compliance oversight, the NPC Standing Committee will improve the systems ensuring comprehensive implementation of the Constitution and establish a system for reporting on its implementation, the report said, adding that the legislature will enhance its capacity to conduct constitutional review and normative document recording and review.

    HIGH-QUALITY LEGISLATION

    In the annual legislative plan, the NPC Standing Committee unveiled several key areas for the coming year.

    In order to strengthen the legal framework for the development of the socialist market economy, the NPC Standing Committee will formulate a law on promoting the private sector, a law on national development planning, a financial law, a financial stability law, and a law on cultivated land protection and quality improvement.

    It will also revise the Unfair Competition Law, the Enterprise Bankruptcy Law, the Agriculture Law, the Fisheries Law, the Civil Aviation Law, and the Banking Regulation Law, according to the report.

    In the social and cultural sectors, the legislature will formulate a law promoting public awareness and education regarding the rule of law, a social assistance law, a childcare services law, and a law on public-interest litigation initiated by procuratorates.

    It will also revise the Law on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases and the Law on the Standard Spoken and Written Chinese Language, the report said.

    With a focus on refining the systems concerning ecological conservation, the legislature will continue with the compilation of an environmental code and formulate a national parks law and an atomic energy law.

    To modernize the national security system and public security governance mechanisms, the NPC Standing Committee will formulate a law on public health emergency response and a hazardous chemicals safety law. It will also revise the Road Traffic Safety Law, the Food Safety Law, the Cybersecurity Law, the Public Security Administrative Penalties Law, the Prison Law, and the State Compensation Law.

    In regard to legislation in areas involving foreign affairs, the legislature will revise the Maritime Law, the Foreign Trade Law, and the Arbitration Law, according to the report.

    The NPC Standing Committee also vowed to intensify research on legislation in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and big data.

    EFFECTIVE OVERSIGHT, LEVERAGING LAWMAKER ROLE

    The report noted that the legislature has prepared 37 oversight programs for this year, including inspections into the implementation of five laws: the Trade Union Law, the Energy Conservation Law, the Forest Law, the Food Safety Law, and the Law on Promoting the Circular Economy.

    The NPC Standing Committee will hear and deliberate special reports on a variety of issues, such as fostering new quality productive forces, promoting integrated development of the cultural and tourism sectors, protecting the rights and interests of workers in flexible and new forms of employment, and climate change action.

    On measures to fully leverage the roles of NPC deputies, the legislature will encourage deputies to engage the people on a broader range of issues and in more diverse forms, and will continue to improve working mechanisms for handling and giving feedback on public opinions brought forward by deputies.

    The NPC Standing Committee will also carry out a research project on the election of deputies to county- and township-level people’s congresses, according to the report.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mass Firings at USFS and USDA Leave WA More Vulnerable to Wildfire Risks, Warns Cantwell in Letter to Agency Heads

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    03.08.25
    Mass Firings at USFS and USDA Leave WA More Vulnerable to Wildfire Risks, Warns Cantwell in Letter to Agency Heads
    Among those swept up in indiscriminate firings of U.S. Forest Service and Department of Agriculture employees were many with wildland firefighting certifications; Cantwell demands further information, reinstatement of fired personnel
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Reps. Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03) in sending a letter to U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Chief Tom Schultz on the recent firings of hundreds of USDA and USFS employees. The letter requests that Sec. Rollins and Chief Schultz provide details about the Washington state personnel who were fired, including how many held “Red Cards,” which certify individuals for wildland firefighting. Further, it asks for the immediate reinstatement of all fired USDA and USFS personnel.
    “Amidst increasingly common extreme weather in the region, now is not the time to gut a workforce charged with wildland firefighting and mitigation for a quarter of the state’s lands. While public safety roles were supposedly exempted, we’re gravely concerned about reports that USFS staff who support wildfire response or mitigation, as well as staff with firefighting certifications that serve in roles with dual purposes, were terminated,” wrote the lawmakers in the letter. “Without dedicated support staff, USFS risks losing critical functions like coordinating resources, managing incident command, and providing medical assistance. This compromises both the safety of those on the frontlines and their ability to defend nearby communities.”
    The letter also highlighted the economic contribution that well-managed public lands provide to Washington state. USFS lands in Washington see over 7 million visitors annually, and nearly $1 billion is spent annually in communities around National Forests in the state.
    “Recreational activities managed by the USFS play a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of local communities in Washington State, driving economic growth and fostering a deeper connection to the natural environment,” continued Sen. Cantwell and her colleagues. “Outdoor recreation is the largest single use of National Forest lands, and USFS in Washington State maintains nearly 12,000 miles of trails and field over 7 million visits per year. Nearly $1 billion is spent annually in communities around the National Forests in Washington, benefiting local businesses as an economic driver of the region.”
    Sen. Cantwell has slammed the Trump Administration’s recent mass firings of civil servants as overbroad, dangerous to the public, and at times illegal.
    In January 2025, Sen. Cantwell introduced the Fire Ready Nation Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) ability to help forecast, prevent, and fight wildfires. Weeks later, in February, when the Trump Administration laid off at least 880 workers from NOAA, Sen. Cantwell railed against the decision. She had earlier sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick urging him to protect NOAA and the National Weather Service’s hiring ability, highlighting their crucial role in wildfire prevention, among other key tasks.
    As wildfires in the West become more frequent and intense, Sen. Cantwell has constantly strived to ensure communities have the resources to prevent, prepare for, fight, and recover from major wildfires. In January 2024, Sen. Cantwell co-introduced the Making Aid for Local Disasters Equal Now (MALDEN) Act, a bipartisan proposal to improve coordination between local, state, tribal, and federal agencies to deliver resources faster in the aftermath of disastrous wildfires. The MALDEN Act is named for the town of Malden, WA, which was destroyed by the 2020 Babb Road Fire.
    In 2021’s landmark Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Sen. Cantwell secured billions of dollars to support wildfire prevention, response, and recovery.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: A Day At Sea Aboard The USS America

    Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)

    —————
    @USNavy sailors aboard the USS America conduct daily operations from the @US7thFleet #DYK The USS America is the fourth U.S. warship to be named after the United States of America.

    For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
    —————
    Keep up with the Department of Defense on social media!

    Like the DoD on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Instagram: http://instagram.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/DeptofDefense

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sqy2eHxn6v0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI: $TOCKHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Continues To Investigate The Merger – TGI, VOXX, ML, SKGR

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, March 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm by ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating:

    • Triumph Group, Inc. (NYSE: TGI), relating to the proposed merger with Warburg Pincus and Berkshire Partners. Under the terms of the agreement, shareholders of Triumph will receive $26.00 per share in cash.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/triumph-group-inc-tgi/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX), relating to the proposed merger with Gentex Corporation. Under the terms of the agreement, Gentex will acquire all issued and outstanding shares of VOXX common stock not already owned by Gentex for $7.50 per share.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for March 31, 2025.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/voxx-international-corporation-voxx/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • MoneyLion Inc. (NYSE: ML), relating to the proposed merger with Gen Digital Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, shareholders of MoneyLion will receive $82.00 per share in cash, and one contingent value right per share entitling the shareholder to a contingent payment of Gen Digital common stock.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for April 10, 2025.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/moneylion-inc-ml/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • SK Growth Opportunities Corporation (NASDAQ: SKGR), relating to the proposed merger with Webull Corp. Under the terms of the agreement, shares of SK Growth will be converted into shares of Webull Corp.

    Click here for more information: https://monteverdelaw.com/case/sk-growth-opportunities-corporation-skgr/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in any of the above listed companies and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Mar 08, 2025 CATS Workers End Strike After Management Agrees to Rescind Imposition of Final Contract Offer

    Source: US Amalgamated Transit Union

    Union and CATS Head to Interest Arbitration to Settle Contract

    After a unified and strong six-day strike, CATS workers, members of ATU Local 1546-Baton Rouge, LA, reached an agreement with management to rescind the Agency’s imposition of their final contract offer. The two sides will now go to interest arbitration to work towards a contract that meets the demands of the Union.

    The deal comes just days after ATU International President John Costa traveled to Baton Rouge to join the strikers on the picket lines to put pressure on CATS.  

    “Our members stood strong and united throughout this process. CATS tried to divide us,” said Local President/Business Agent George DeCuir. “This strike shows that our members are willing to lay it all on the line for justice. I want to thank our International President John Costa, our riders, elected officials, and all our allies for coming out and standing with us. We are now headed to interest arbitration to get a deal done for our members.” 

    After months of fruitless negotiations between CATS and the Union, the workers went on strike on March 3 because the Agency imposed its final contract offer that failed to address any of our Local’s key concerns and made changes to disciplinary, grievance and overtime policies without input from the Union. Earlier in January, after CATS had gone back on their promises during ongoing negotiations, the almost 100 workers overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike if necessary.

    “I am proud of our CATS members who were willing to go to the mat to fight for their contract and a better transit system for their riders. On the picket lines, I saw firsthand their strength, unity, and solidarity,” said Costa. “Our members are frontline heroes and can now get back to keeping Baton Rouge moving safely and reliably. It was an honor to hold the line with you. Now it’s time to go to interest arbitration and settle this the right way and get the fair and just contract our members deserve.”

    MIL OSI USA News –