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  • MIL-OSI: Malaga Financial Corporation Reports Earnings for the First Six Months of 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALOS VERDES ESTATES, Calif., July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Malaga Financial Corporation “Company” (OTCIQ:MLGF), the parent company of Malaga Bank FSB, today reported that net income for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was $10,950,000 ($1.16 basic and fully diluted earnings per share) compared to $11,791,000 ($1.25 basic and fully diluted earnings per share, as adjusted for the stock dividend declared on November 15, 2024) for the same period ended June 30, 2024. The $841,000 decrease in net income was primarily due to a $475,000 (net of tax) impact related to the Employment Retention Credit (ERC) received in the prior year. Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 was $5,546,000 ($0.59 basic and fully diluted earnings per share), a decrease of $233,000 or 4% from net income of $5,779,000 ($0.61 basic and fully diluted earnings per share, as adjusted for the stock dividend declared on November 15, 2024) for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. For the first six months of 2025, the Company’s annualized return on average equity was 10.23% and the annualized return on average assets was 1.58%.

    The decrease in earnings of $233,000 for the second quarter of 2025 compared to second quarter of 2024 was primarily attributed to a $191,000 decrease in net interest income, a $92,000 decrease in recovery for provision for loan losses and a $73,000 increase in nonoperating expense offset by a $96,000 decrease in income tax expense and a $25,000 decrease in other operating expense.

    Net interest income totaled $11,016,000 in the second quarter of 2025, a decrease of $191,000 from the same period in 2024. This resulted primarily due to a decrease in average interest-earning assets of $60.0 million offset by an increase in the interest rate spread from 2.92% to 2.97%. The increase in the interest rate spread is primarily attributed to an increase of 0.09% in yield on average interest-earning assets offset by an increase of 0.04% in rate paid on average interest-bearing liabilities.

    Decrease of $92,000 in recovery for provision for loan losses between the second quarter 2025 and the same period in 2024 is primarily due to lower decrease in net loans.

    The nonoperating expense increase of $73,000 in the second quarter 2025 compared to the second quarter 2024, was primarily due to $51,000 in check fraud versus $22,000 in check fraud recovery for the same period in 2024.

    Operating expenses decreased 1% in the second quarter of 2025 to $3,423,000 from $3,448,000 in the second quarter of 2024. The decrease is primarily attributed to a decrease in compensation of $73,000, offset by increases in general and administrative of $19,000, depreciation and amortization of $19,000, and data processing of $9,000.

    The Company had no 30-day delinquent loans or loans with deferred payments and no foreclosed real estate owned at June 30, 2024. The Company’s allowance for credit losses was $3,678,000, or 0.30% of total loans, at June 30, 2025.

    Randy C. Bowers, Chairman, President, and CEO, commented, “As noted in the prior quarter, in the second quarter 2025 we continued to experience volatility and increased uncertainty in both the economic and political environment. We are generally satisfied with our results for the period and note the year-over-year impact of the 2024 ERC credit. Credit quality remains excellent, and expenses are well controlled. In spite of a very challenging operating environment, we remain optimistic going forward and wish to again thank our colleagues for their efforts in achieving these results.”

    Malaga Bank’s total assets decreased by 2% to $1.397 billion at June 30, 2025, compared to $1.425 billion at June 30, 2024. The loan portfolio at June 30, 2025, was $1.209 billion, a decrease of $26.9 million or 2% from June 30, 2024. Malaga originates loans principally for its own portfolio and not for sale.

    Malaga funds its assets with a mix of retail deposits, wholesale deposits and FHLB borrowings. Retail deposits totaled $718.5 million as of June 30, 2025, a $22.0 million decrease from $740.5 million at June 30, 2024. Wholesale deposits increased $31.9 million or 18% from $174.6 million at June 30, 2024, to $206.5 million at June 30, 2025. Wholesale deposits were primarily comprised of $155.5 million brokered long-term certificates of deposits and $51.0 million State of California certificates of deposits as of June 30, 2025. FHLB borrowings decreased $55.0 million or 20% from $280.0 million at June 30, 2024, to $225.0 million at June 30, 2025. The decrease in FHLB borrowings is an interest rate risk management strategy related to the decrease in net loan growth.

    As of June 30, 2025, Malaga Bank was in compliance with all applicable regulatory capital requirements and was deemed “well-capitalized” under applicable regulations. Core capital and risk-based capital ratios were 16.57% and 28.92%, respectively, at June 30, 2025, significantly exceeding the minimum “well-capitalized” requirements of 5% and 10%, respectively.

    Malaga Bank, a subsidiary of Malaga Financial Corporation, is a full-service community bank headquartered on the Palos Verdes Peninsula with six offices located in the South Bay area of Los Angeles. For over fifteen years Malaga Bank has been consistently recommended by one of the nation’s leading independent bank rating and research firms, Bauer Financial Inc. Malaga Bank was awarded Bauer’s premier Top 5-Star rating for the 70th consecutive quarter as of March 2025. Since 1985, Malaga Bank has been delivering competitive banking services to residents and businesses of South Bay, including real estate loan products custom-tailored to consumers and investors. As the largest community bank in South Bay, Malaga is proud of its continuing tradition of relationship-based banking and legendary customer service. The Bank’s web site is located at www.malagabank.com.

    Contact: Randy Bowers
      Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer
      Malaga Financial Corporation
      310-375-9000
      rbowers@malagabank.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI— Hagerty Joins Mornings with Maria on Fox Business to Discuss Rescissions Package, GENIUS Act, Trump’s Strategy on Russia

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty

    WASHINGTON—Yesterday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Banking and Appropriations Committees and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, joined Mornings with Maria on Fox Business to discuss Senate action on the rescissions package, his stablecoin legislation to strengthen digital asset regulation, and President Donald Trump’s strategy to end the war in Ukraine through tough secondary sanctions on Russia’s trading partners.

    *Click the photo above or here to watch*

    Partial Transcript

    Hagerty on the rescissions package and fiscal responsibility: “It’s amazing what we found when we looked into it, and the amount of this rescissions package is just a start. I think your interview with the Speaker [of the House Mike Johnson] was absolutely wonderful in terms of laying out the fact that we’re on a progression to bring fiscal responsibility back to America. It’s going to take several steps, but this rescissions package that’s coming before us this week is an incredibly important first step. What we’re going to see is a cutback on programs that have been wildly mismanaged. If you think about the way these programs have been allowed to grow– I mean, we’re funding lesbian programs in Canada. That’s absolutely ridiculous that U.S. taxpayers should be on the hook for these types of boondoggles. This is a major first step. I’m looking forward to getting it passed this week and continuing down the path of fiscal responsibility.”

    Hagerty on digital asset legislation and American innovation: “The most important thing to understand is the fact that the United States is turning the tide. The Biden administration did everything it could to wage war on the crypto industry in America, to shove that sort of innovation offshore. We’ve taken major steps with this legislation to bring it back, to create a regulatory framework that actually works here in America. I’m the author of the stablecoin legislation. I’ve had great assistance from our chairman Sen. Tim Scott, from Sen. Cynthia Lummis, and members of the Banking Committee. [Representative] French Hill and his team in the House have been absolutely wonderful to work with. And we’ve put together something on stablecoins that the president will be ready to sign at the end of this week. Stablecoins are a new payment system. It puts us into the digital asset arena, and it takes us off of a system that was designed in the 1970s and 80s– very clunky, sometimes taking five to 10 days to clear– and moves it onto the blockchain. It’s far more efficient, far more secure, and it sets the groundwork for the entire crypto industry to thrive here in America. That’s what the Clarity Act is about. That’s what the Anti-Central Bank Digital Currency Act is about. It’s moving this technology forward here in America and making certain we own this innovation going forward.”

    Hagerty on reinforcing the U.S. dollar and countering surveillance: “It [The GENIUS Act] will make it easier to move dollars, which again reinforces the U.S. dollar as the reserve currency. Each of these digital dollars is going to be backed one-for-one by U.S. Treasury securities. That’s going to stimulate demand for U.S. Treasurys, and the increased demand will bring rates down, which will be very positive for our borrowing cost right now at a time when we need it. There are many reasons to love this bill– the working capital it brings back into the system, the immediate access for small and mid-sized businesses. But importantly, we’re going to see this technology thrive here in America. There is a large number of my colleagues here in the Senate, like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the leader of this group, who are proponents of central bank digital currencies, meaning they’d like to be able to surveil every transaction Americans make. I don’t think Americans want that at all. They’ve seen Operation Choke Point take many different forms. We do not want to empower the federal government to do that yet again.”

    Hagerty on President Trump’s Russia-Ukraine strategy: “I think it’s a very positive development. President Trump has gotten to the end of his rope dealing with Vladimir Putin and [Volodymyr] Zelensky, trying to resolve this conflict in Ukraine. And what he’s done is taken a major step forward, demonstrating his resolve, but he’s done it in a way that takes the American taxpayer off the hook. He’s putting the Europeans on the front line. He’s going to be depleting their stockpiles, not America’s, and they’re going to be paying for it. That moves us in the direction he’s been articulating for some time.”

    Hagerty on the 50-day deadline for Russia: “He’s issued a 50-day timeline. Just ask the Iranians– when President Trump issues a timeline, he expects it to be followed. And if it’s not, the consequences can be serious when he talks about sanctions at this level. I worked on imposing secondary sanctions in the first Trump administration. My job was to work on the Iranian regime and to stop countries around the world from buying Iranian crude oil. I got that done in Japan. It happened around the world. We brought Iran to its knees. And had it not been for voices like John Kerry pleading with them to wait until after the election to see if Joe Biden might win, we’d have had a very different situation in the Middle East. We’re coming back to that strategy now. President Trump has more than three years ahead of him to impose these sanctions, and they’re going to be crippling. The Russians understand this, and most importantly, they know President Trump means business.”

    Hagerty on restoring U.S. sanctions enforcement: “I can’t underscore this enough: Putin knows, and President Trump has demonstrated, that 50 days means 50 days. And if he violates that timeline, the consequences will be severe. Now, under [Treasury] Secretary Scott Bessent, we finally have the capacity to enforce our sanctions. Under Joe Biden, sanctions enforcement went away. That’s sad, because we had capable people at the U.S. Treasury who were responsible for doing this, and they were told to stand down. Now, Secretary Bessent is bringing in a team that understands exactly how to do this. We’re going to see real results.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Unanimously Passes Peters’ Bipartisan Bill to Advance U.S. Manufacturing Policy and Competitiveness

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters(MI) to establish a National Manufacturing Advisory Council at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Peters’ National Manufacturing Advisory Council Act would establish the National Manufacturing Advisory Council as a key component in developing federal manufacturing policy to help strengthen U.S. leadership in global manufacturing. 

    “To support manufacturers in Michigan and throughout the United States, we need our industry partners, economic developers, lawmakers, and workers reading from the same playbook,” said Senator Peters. “A National Manufacturing Advisory Council would help bring together and amplify the voices of manufacturers, workers, and industry experts to strengthen our federal manufacturing policy. In doing so, we can proactively address rising challenges in the industry and better seize opportunities that will propel American manufacturing to new heights in the coming decades.”

    Peters’ bipartisan legislation – which he introduced with U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) – would establish a National Manufacturing Advisory Council made up of manufacturing, labor, and education leaders to advise both Congress and the Secretary of Commerce on how best to ensure the United States remains the top destination globally for investment in manufacturing. It would serve as a bridge between the manufacturing sector and federal government to improve communication and collaboration, and better support the industry and its workforce.

    The National Manufacturing Advisory Council would meet at least twice a year to advise the Secretary of Commerce on policies and programs that impact U.S. manufacturing. It would also propose solutions to challenges and problems facing manufacturers in the United States. The Advisory Council would be required to: 

    • IDENTIFY AND ASSESS the effects of technological developments, production capacity, skill availability, investment patterns, and emerging needs for United States manufacturing competitiveness.  
    • SOLICIT INPUT from the public and private sectors – including businesses and labor groups – as well as academia on emerging trends in manufacturing. 
    • PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS to the Secretary addressing global and domestic manufacturing trends threatening the U.S. manufacturing sector, including supply chain interruptions, logistical challenges, and technological changes. The Advisory Council would also advise the Secretary on ways to increase federal attention with respect to manufacturing – as well as matters relating to the U.S. manufacturing workforce such as the impact of new technology and worker training and education priorities.  
    • IDENTIFY REGULATORY ISSUES encountered by the domestic manufacturing sector and provide advice on how to mitigate issues through a favorable environment for manufacturers, workers, and consumers.  

    “This initiative, the National Manufacturing Advisory Council Act, is designed to improve the resources and support for our nation’s small and medium-size manufacturers, which are a truly vital driver of our economy. I applaud Senator Peters for his steadfast, unwavering commitment to American manufacturing,” said Ingrid Tighe, President of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, the Michigan representative of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).  

    “We applaud Senator Gary Peters for introducing this bill to improve the federal government’s planning and coordination of efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing,” said Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM). “Recent supply chain disruptions have made clear that it is time for the United States to shore up its critical manufacturing capabilities, which will not only better prepare us for the next crisis but also create jobs and boost the economy. This increased coordination between the many programs designed to support our manufacturers and their workers is an important step towards rebuilding our industrial base. We are grateful to Senator Peters for his efforts to bolster American manufacturing.”  

    “The Association of Equipment Manufacturers applauds Senator Gary Peters and Senator Marsha Blackburn for their continued leadership on behalf of the manufacturing sector and for introducing legislation that will prioritize a national strategy focused on ensuring American manufacturing policy can rapidly respond to changes in the global marketplace,” said Kip Eideberg, American Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations. “Our economic prosperity and national security depend on a strong manufacturing sector, and establishing a National Manufacturing Advisory Council will help unleash innovation and mobilize a comprehensive, coordinated, and competent national effort in support of the manufacturing sector and its workforce.”    

    “We commend Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) for introducing legislation to establish a National Manufacturing Advisory Council,” said Ana Meuwissen, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), The Vehicle Suppliers Association. “This council will be a forum for manufacturers and other key stakeholders to provide input to the Department of Commerce (DOC) on important long-range issues such as workforce, supply chain, technology, and defense industrial base. The NMAC legislation would also foster better coordination of federal manufacturing policy in the DOC and across the federal government. When this legislation is enacted, it will be an asset to assist in retaining U.S. competitiveness in critical manufacturing sectors like motor vehicle parts.”    

    Peters’ National Manufacturing Advisory Council for the 21st Century Act is also supported by the American Small Manufacturers Coalition (ASMC).   

    Peters has consistently prioritized strengthening domestic manufacturing and supply chains. Peters helped author and pass into law the CHIPS and Science Act to boost U.S. manufacturing of semiconductor chips, strengthen critical domestic supply chains, and create good-paying American jobs. The CHIPS and Science Act additionally increased funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, which has been a priority for Peters. In May, Peters’ bipartisan Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act passed the Senate, which builds upon the Chips and Science Act to strengthen federal efforts to attract investment in U.S. semiconductor manufacturers and supply chains.

    Peters additionally supported and helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which will strengthen domestic manufacturing, onshore our supply chains, combat the climate crisis, and create millions of American jobs.  

    In May 2024, the Senate unanimously passed Peters’ bipartisan Strengthening Support for American Manufacturing Act to bolster federal efforts supporting U.S. manufacturing and American workers. Last year, the Senate also unanimously passed Peters’ bipartisan legislation to strengthen federal efforts to expand domestic manufacturing of semiconductor chips.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Moskowitz, Blumenthal, Raskin, Stansbury Introduce New Bill to Rein in Potential Corruption Through Presidential Library Donations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    July 16, 2025

    Special interests seemingly seeking favors from Donald Trump have funneled hundreds of millions of dollars into Trump’s presidential library 

    Recent Paramount settlement, $400M Qatari jet gift raise questions about potential influence-peddling

    Bill Text (PDF) | Bill One-Pager (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, along with Representatives Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), and Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) unveiled the Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act to close loopholes that allow presidential libraries to be used as tools for corruption and bribery.

    Giant corporations, at least one foreign government, and other entities have promised donations collectively worth hundreds of millions of dollars to President Donald Trump’s future library while he has the power to impact those same entities’ futures, from mega-merger approvals, to the preservation of the U.S. military base in Qatar, to Big Tech regulation, and more. The contributions, many in the form of settlements to Trump-filed lawsuits, raise serious ethics concerns about potential bribery and influence-peddling.

    “Companies like Paramount and Meta and foreign governments like Qatar may be paying off Donald Trump in plain sight — and right now, there are no rules to stop them,” said Senator Warren. “I’m leading the fight to rein in this avenue for corruption. Government should work for the American people, not just whichever giant company or foreign government can dump the most money into the president’s future library.”

    “President Trump’s acceptance of an extravagant plane from the Qatari government for eventual use in his Presidential Library is corruption plain and simple. Without any restrictions on donations to Presidential Libraries, other foreign governments can potentially extract policy favors from the White House in exchange for gifts and benefits. Our bill closes these loopholes for good so that Presidential Libraries cannot be used as backdoor tools for influence and corruption,” said Senator Blumenthal.

    “Presidential libraries are an incredible resource for American families to learn about our history and the people who shaped it—but it’s also important we know who’s funding that history. Right now, these libraries are a black box, allowing for anonymous donors and even foreign governments to give unlimited amounts of money,” said Representative Moskowitz. “This bill reforms the process so presidents of all parties are subject to commonsense ethics rules. I led this effort last Congress and am doing it again now because the American people deserve the transparency created under this bill, and all presidents should be subject to it.” 

    “I’m proud to co-lead this legislation, which would impose commonsense safeguards on fundraising for presidential libraries,” said Representative Raskin. “Our bill would ensure that presidential libraries are tools for teaching and preserving presidential history, and not just another corrupt self-enrichment scheme for the president. Our bill would ban the use of library donations for personal expenses, ensure quarterly disclosures of contributions made while the president is still in office, and prevent presidential library donations from being used as a backdoor tool by powerful corporations, lobbyists and foreign governments to influence the president and foreign and domestic policy.”

    Unlike presidential campaigns or inaugural committees, Presidential Libraries are subject to almost no restrictions on donations. Presidents can raise funds for their libraries, even while still in office, and accept donations from anyone — including foreign nationals, lobbyists, people seeking presidential pardons, and corporations with matters before federal agencies. These donations can be unlimited and donor names do not have to be disclosed. 

    Just weeks ago, Paramount settled President Trump’s seemingly meritless lawsuit for $16 million — with the money funneling straight into Trump’s future library. Paramount is currently vying for the Trump administration’s approval of its proposed mega-merger with Skydance. In May 2025, President Trump announced that he would accept a free luxury jet — worth about $400 million — from the government of Qatar, and that the jet would be donated to his Presidential Library after he leaves office. 

    Senator Warren this week published a new analysis revealing that companies seeking favorable outcomes from the Trump administration have pledged to funnel at least $63 million into Trump’s future presidential library. Other gifts and in-kind donations — including the luxury Qatari jet, expensive candlelight dinners at Mar-a-Lago, leftover inauguration donations, revenue from sales of Trump-themed merchandise, and more — bring the total value of gifts flowing into Trump’s library to roughly half a billion dollars. 

    The Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act would:

    • Ban fundraising while the President is in office, with a carveout for nonprofits: Require that Presidential Libraries wait until the President leaves office before fundraising or accepting donations, except from 501(c)(3) organizations (mirroring the standard adopted by the Obama Foundation).
    • Establish a contribution cap: For 501(c)(3) organizations that can donate while a president is still in office, limit donations to $10,000 total.
    • Impose a cooling-off period for donations from foreign nationals, lobbyists, contractors, individuals seeking pardons: For an additional 2 years after the President leaves office, prohibit donations from foreign nationals or foreign governments, registered lobbyists, federal contractors, and individuals seeking presidential pardons.
    • Ban conversion of donations to personal use: Bar the use of Library donations for personal expenses or unrelated financial obligations.
    • Mandate quarterly disclosures: During the President’s time in office and for 5 years after, require all donations of $200 or more to be disclosed to the National Archives each calendar quarter. Publish donor information (including name, employer, and date and amount of the donation) online in a searchable, downloadable format.
    • Prohibit straw donations: Make it illegal to donate in someone else’s name, or to knowingly allow your name to be used for a straw donation.

    The following senators joined as cosponsors: Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    The bill is also cosponsored by Representatives Andre Carson (D-Ind.), Emmanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Dave Min (D-Calif.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), and Nikema Williams (D-Ga.). 

    The bill is endorsed by the following: Project On Government Oversight (POGO), Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), Democracy Defenders Action (DDA), Campaign Legal Center (CLC), Freedom of the Press Foundation, Public Citizen, Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations, Demand Progress, and American Governance Institute.

    “The Presidential Library system was created by FDR to be a gift to the people and posterity – not a grift for a greedy president or a conduit for favor-seekers and influence peddlers. The Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act turns off this firehose of corruption and restores Presidential Libraries to their original mission: to enable the American people to access presidential papers so they can learn from the past and build a better future,” said Jon Golinger, Democracy Advocate at Public Citizen.

    “For far too long, presidential libraries have operated without sufficient transparency or guardrails. Recent reporting that the Trump administration plans to accept a luxury jet from the Qatari government to be donated to President Trump’s presidential library foundation raises significant concerns regarding the use of gifts from foreign actors to curry favor with the president,” said Debra Perlin, Vice President for Policy at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). “Senator Warren’s Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act of 2025 would bring urgently needed reform to presidential libraries by prohibiting presidents from fundraising or accepting most donations until after they leave office and impose an additional two year ban on any donations from foreign nationals, lobbyists, contractors or individuals seeking pardons. CREW enthusiastically endorses this legislation and urges the Senate to pass it expeditiously.”

    “There are already too many ways for powerful interests to game the system, peddle influence and capture institutions,” said Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette, Vice-President of Policy and Government Affairs at the Project On Government Oversight (POGO). “The fact that it appears as though presidential libraries have become yet another vector of potential corruption and pay-to-play is deeply disturbing. It only makes sense to enact some commonsense guardrails and rules around how donations to presidential libraries can be made, when, in what amounts and by who, similar to campaign finance rules. Senator Warren and her colleagues should be commended for introducing this bill and leading the way on these anti-corruption reforms.” 

    “The American people deserve to know which self-interested corporations, billionaires and foreign nationals are funneling millions of dollars to the president. The Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act is a commonsense reform that brings needed transparency to the legal wild west of presidential library donations. We thank Sen. Warren for working to stop this corruption and for holding presidents of both parties accountable,” said Emily Peterson-Cassin, Corporate Power Director of Demand Progress.

    “Donations to presidential libraries are the soft belly of political corruption, providing an opportunity for foreign nations and unscrupulous actors to bribe sitting presidents with gifts of unlimited funds for their post-presidential projects. The Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act provides critical limits and accountability to reign in corrupt practices that have besmirched presidents for decades,” said Daniel Schuman, Executive Director of the American Governance Institute.

    “Campaign Legal Center (CLC) strongly supports the Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act and thanks its sponsors for introducing this vital legislation,” said Erin Chlopak, Senior Director of Campaign Finance at Campaign Legal Center. “Presidential libraries are supposed to be about our nation’s history. However, donations to these institutions are increasingly being used as a loophole for wealthy special interests, corporations, and even foreign governments to seek favor with the president and gain undue influence. Because existing laws that regulate money in politics don’t extend to presidential libraries, new rules are needed to prevent them from becoming another avenue for corruption that undermines trust in our government. CLC urges Congress to pass this legislation and safeguard the integrity of our democracy without delay.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray Slams Republicans’ Rescissions Package on Senate Floor

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    FACT SHEET: Trump’s Rescission Package Would Shutter Local Public Radio, TV Stations Across America

    FACT SHEET: Trump’s Rescission Package Would Gut Bipartisan Foreign Policy Investments

    ICYMI: Vought Refuses to Rule Out More Illegal End-Runs Around Congress & Refuses to Detail How Trump Will Execute Cuts If Rescissions Bill Passes

    ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s floor remarks***

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor slamming Senate Republicans for moving forward with President Trump’s devastating rescissions package and continuing to urge a no vote on final passage:

    [LAUGHABLE CLAIMS OF “FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY”]

    “Two weeks ago, Republicans were jamming through the most expensive bill in the history of the country. And now, they say they are worried about the debt.

    “Two weeks ago, Republicans said four trillion bucks in tax cuts for the richest people in the world was nothing—literally. And now, they are saying a truly tiny fraction of that for rural radio is just too much.

    “So, I have to ask: Is this a joke? Are they really that bad at math?

    “First, Republicans were saying trillions in tax cuts were free. Get real.

    “And now, they are pretending to be fiscal hawks by shutting down local news, and letting epidemics go unchecked around the world.

    “Well, here’s another math lesson for my colleagues, Republicans could cut every dollar ever spent on the Corporation for Public Broadcasting since it was created—down to the last dime—and it still would not cover the cost of the bill Republicans just jammed through.

    “Republicans could actually cut every dollar we have spent on foreign aid since World War II—and that would still fall short compared to the cost of the Republican tax cuts.

    “Republicans could even cut the amount in this first rescissions bill—every single day for a year—and it still would not equal their tax cuts to help their rich donors.

    “So, make no mistake, if Republicans choose to do Trump’s bidding, if they push through this package to rip away funding for emergency alerts and global health programs, it is not because they take the debt seriously.

    [MORE REQUESTS COMING]

    “And that will be just as true for the next package, because let’s be clear, if Republicans go along with this package, despite the fact they clearly have issues with it, and despite the fact Russ Vought has refused to answer the most basic questions—even from the Republican Chair of the Appropriations Committee—about which programs he is going to cut.

    “If all of that is not enough to give Republicans just some pause, and they let Russ Vought steamroll them through this package, don’t be surprised when he sends more cuts down the pike.

    “It could be medical research, and after school programs, maybe heating assistance, workplace safety, road maintenance. Everything is going to be on the chopping block. And all of our time here in the Senate is going to be spent on those requests.

    [SPENDING PRIORITIES]

    “And here’s the kicker—no matter how many rescissions Russ Vought sends, no matter how many rescissions Republicans roll over and let pass, they will never offset the trillions in tax cuts they just passed without blinking an eye.

    “Because you could rescind the entire FY25 spending bill—twice over—and it still would not cover the four trillion in tax cuts Republicans just showered on the richest people in this country.

    “So, however this vote goes, expect to hear more from me on this every time Republicans try to pretend we don’t have money for child care, or medical research, or other programs that our families rely on.

    “Now, M. President. I’ve said a lot about how patently absurd it is for Republicans to pretend they are passing these cuts because they care about the debt. But I do not want to lose sight of the larger issues. It’s not just that Republicans’ play acting about the debt is absurd, the bigger problem here is that these cuts would be devastating for our communities and for American interests around the globe.

    [SHUTTING DOWN LOCAL STATIONS]

    “When it comes to local news, these cuts could force local stations that people know and trust—know and trust—off the air. This isn’t just about a program or two taking a haircut. Trump wants to slash every penny of federal funding that supports over 1,500 local TV and radio stations.

    “Those stations, and those funds, reach 98% of all Americans. And they are especially crucial for serving our rural areas and Tribal communities. Dozens of these stations rely on these investments for half of their funding, some rely on it for as much as 99 percent!

    “If these cuts go through, these stations go dark. Weather forecasters communities have turned to for years, news anchors that are trusted voices, local reporters who track down answers their communities need and hold their officials to account, will be sent packing. And those stations will go silent.

    “Do we want our farmers to have good local coverage of weather, and market conditions? Do we want our tribal communities to know what is going on at the state capitol? Do we want families to have updates about the local school board, or community events?

    “Because this package of cuts throws all of that in jeopardy.

    “To say nothing of emergency alerts. These stations can be a lifeline when disaster strikes. They are a trusted source of information, and sometimes the only source people have access to.

    “When the devastating wildfires hit southern California earlier this year, public radio broadcasts let millions of people know how to stay safe. When Hurricane Helene battered North Carolina, a local public radio station was the only source of information for many people.

    “And, in fact, many stations use their towers to actually deliver emergency alerts to people’s cell phones when cell towers go down. This funding supports stations who play an integral role in many states’ emergency planning.

    “Do you think our communities should have less warning in an emergency? Do you want to leave folks back home with less information when they are in harm’s way?

    Well, I guess you vote for this bill if that’s how you feel. Want you to know, I’m a hard no.

    [SIDE DEAL TO ROB PETER TO PAY PAUL]

    “And let’s not pretend a secret deal from Trump and Vought, to reallocate $10 million dollars, is somehow a serious fix to this. It is a tiny drop in the bucket compared to the massive cuts being pushed through here. In fact, it’s less than 1% of the overall funding that this package would rip away for public broadcasting and those alerts.

    [KIDS PROGRAMMING]

    “And don’t forget, these cuts are going to impact some of our kids’ and parents’ favorite educational shows. Sesame Street, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Daniel Tiger, PBS Kids has a long track record of creating shows that are beloved.  

    “Not just because they keep kids entertained, but because they are thoughtfully crafted to help them learn and grow, to stoke their curiosity, to teach them caring and empathy. Any parent will tell you that is a worthwhile investment.

    “And any parent will also warn you, if you take away shows like this that gets kids engaged and gets them thinking, take that away, then there is an avalanche of brain-rot television that’s waiting to fill that void. Content that is crafted, not to get kids thinking, but to keep them watching at all costs.

    “We have to save Sesame Street. We have to tell Trump and Vought, Big Bird is not on the chopping block in this country. And we have to send this rescissions package to Oscar’s place—AKA the trash can.

    [AMERICAN INTERESTS ABROAD]

    “And M. President, I want to talk as well about the devastating cuts this package proposes to foreign assistance. I thought America’s leadership was important to Republicans?

    “But apparently, they want to penny pinch when it comes to keeping our commitments across the world, apparently, they want to save money by letting families starve, and kids die of preventable diseases. Because that is what this package will do.

    “And this isn’t some thought exercise—we have already seen how the first round of reckless DOGE cuts are working out.

    “There’s already a growing death toll and a huge leadership void that our competitors are racing to fill, people who needed health care—but Elon Musk shut down the only clinic for miles, kids contracting diseases like HIV and Malaria—because Trump totally upended our global health response, and let’s not forget, they’re going to destroy contraceptives we’ve already purchased rather than distribute them.

    “And people are starving to death while food supplies from American companies are sitting rotting in ports. That’s another part of why America’s farmers are coming out in opposition to this bill by the way.

    “This week, 500 tons of high energy biscuits expired. Food that we already paid for. Food that was meant to save lives. And because Trump and Elon Musk blasted USAID to smithereens and couldn’t be bothered to fix the mess that they caused, this food is now going to be incinerated—even as people we promised to help watch their kids starve.

    “That is outrageous, and it is infuriating.

    “Is that what Republicans think of as world leadership? Is it leadership to Republicans when Trump fires thousands of State Department workers who keep our nation safe, and make our voice heard in the world?

    “Is it leadership to Republicans when we pull investments out of international organizations, and create a void that our adversaries like China will be all too happy to fill?

    “We already know the DOGE cuts were devastating. We know that! What I don’t know is why on earth Republicans are getting ready today to double down and codify them by passing this bill. And no—‘because Trump said so’—is not a good answer.

    “Especially when it’s clear Russ Vought is the one steering this particular ship. I’m not even sure Trump knows what a rescission is! But I’m sure Republicans know better than to think these cuts will make our nation strong.

    “I know that because we passed these investments in a bipartisan way. And because I have heard them speak out about how much they hate these cuts. You can go back and watch our hearing on this, many of our colleagues across the aisle during that hearing voiced deep concern with these cuts, that they now intend to pass today.  

    “Because we all know these investments benefit American businesses who help feed the world.

    “They help stop outbreak, they stop diseases abroad before they spread and threaten us here at home. They help promote stability and avoid chaos and conflict that can put our interests—and our servicemembers—in harm’s way.

    “They help us advance America’s interests and keep our country safe and prosperous.

    “That’s the smart thing to do. It’s the smart thing to do. And of course, it is also the right thing to do.

    “So, it’s worth saying, cutting these investments is just down right wrong.

    “We should not be voting to let children starve or die from preventable diseases. We should not be voting to go back on our word to the world.

    Saving a couple pennies is not worth losing our credibility or causing millions of needless deaths across the globe.

    “It is not even close.

    [DOESN’T NEED TO BE THIS WAY]

    “And M. President. I want to impress upon one final point. And that’s this, it did not have to be this way, and it still does not have to be this way.

    “In fact, if Republicans come to their senses, and vote this thing down, we still can go a different route. We can do what we have always done and consider bipartisan rescissions as part of our annual appropriations process. That offer has always been on the table. And it still is.
    “I’ve heard Republicans say they don’t like this package, in fact they are trying to dial it back the tiniest bit. I’ve also heard that they don’t want to spend the next several months processing these requests out here on the floor, instead of focusing on our annual funding bills—or any number of other pressing priorities.

    “So: don’t vote for it!

    “Work with us to write bills that make targeted rescissions on a bipartisan basis. You don’t work for Donald Trump. You don’t work for Russ Vought. You actually work for your constituents. You can put them first. And you can vote this package down.

    “That has some real benefits compared to going down the path of this unprecedented—unprecedented— partisan rescissions.

    “I am serious—I want my Republican colleagues to think about that. And I mean really think about it.

    “For one thing, if we do things the normal, bipartisan way, you get to assert your say as a Senator about what is getting targeted, it’s not just ‘this is what Russ Vought says—take it or leave it.’ You can actually be a part of the discussion and speak out for what is important to you.

    “For another thing: If we go the bipartisan route, you don’t have to get jammed by this deadline. 

    “Instead of rushing through cuts this week without fully getting to consider and debate them, instead of being told ‘No, you can’t change this, we don’t have time.’ We can all sit down, make thoughtful decisions, and maybe even worthwhile changes as we go.

    “And here’s an important point, if we do rescissions together through our appropriations bills, instead of just letting Trump and Russ Vought jam through whatever they want, my colleagues would actually know what in the world they are voting for.

    [NO INFORMATION ON WHAT WILL BE CUT]

    “Because let’s get one thing straight, Republicans don’t actually know what programs are going to get cut if they pass this package.

    “We don’t know! It’s one of the great outrages of this package. Russ Vought is just outright refusing to tell us what programs he is going to cut if this package passes.

    “At our hearing with him, he refused to go into detail. He stonewalled us. We asked and we asked. The Chair, the Republican Chair, even asked him about this.

    “But OMB would not tell us! The question is: What will you cut? The answer has been: Pass it, we’ll see.

    “That is why the Republicans decided to protect just a handful of programs without actually reducing the funding associated with them, because they do not know the impact.

    “So, they preserve funding for Jordan, Egypt, and a few university partnerships. What about our allies in the Indo-Pacific? What about the implementers of these programs in our states?

    “None of us should accept not having those answers. And I’m sure my colleagues were told their priorities won’t be impacted, but Director Vought cannot keep that promise given the scale of these cuts. The math simply does not add up!

    “Even if you believe we should make cuts, you should be joining us to demand we actually know what is being cut. And, if we do this the right way, the bipartisan way, we would know. Because we would be writing the bill.

    “Now, doesn’t that sound a lot better, than just passing this pandora’s box, and finding out later what got cut?

    [IMPLICATIONS FOR THE SENATE]

    “Finally, I have said this before, several times, but I want to warn my colleagues once again, if you keep going down this path you are going to further undermine our bipartisan process. 

    “We have never, never before seen bipartisan investments, slashed through a partisan rescissions package. Do not start now. Not when we are working, at this very moment, in a bipartisan way to pass our spending bills.

    “As I said earlier, bipartisanship doesn’t end with any one line being crossed, it erodes, it breaks down bit by bit, until one day there is nothing left.

    Sure, a few members may be willing to stick it out and work as hard as they can to get a result.

    “But this Senate doesn’t work off a few members—it works off consensus building. And the more bridges you burn, the fewer paths you leave to get things done.

    “So, M. President, why go down this partisan path? Why vote to spend the next many weeks considering more of these packages? And why do it for a set of cuts that are so damaging? A set of cuts, many of you have serious concerns with?

    “We are at the table right now, the Appropriations Committee, writing bipartisan spending bills. And we can and absolutely discuss bipartisan rescissions.

    “Why don’t you join us and make that work easier, instead of making that work harder by passing this bill and setting a very painful new precedent.

    “I urge my colleagues to join me in voting NO.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: The government wants local authorities to embrace AI – here’s one way it could work in practice

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Alex Lord, Professor, Lever Chair of Urban Planning, University of Liverpool

    Francesco Scatena/Shutterstock

    Few issues ignite communities more fiercely than what to do with land. The prospect of releasing small portions of green belt land for housing developments, a windfarm proposal or plans for a new road can transform mild-mannered citizens into passionate advocates overnight.

    This visceral connection between people and place perfectly illustrates the famous observation that “all politics is local”. In England, the principle that every citizen should be given the opportunity to “have their say” on planning matters is enshrined in law. Before any planning document is adopted, local authorities must give the public the chance to provide feedback.

    The logic for this is based on a common-sense morality: before binding decisions are made about how an area might change, the local people who have to live with those decisions should be given the opportunity to endorse or reject that plan.

    In practice this is a hugely cumbersome process. Local authorities have to make sense of thousands of comments. This prompted my colleagues and I at the University of Liverpool to begin thinking about how AI could be used to make this process more efficient.

    Once a local authority publishes the relevant local planning document, every citizen, company, public, private or third sector organisation has the right to submit a written response. These may address the entire document or focus on a specific issue.

    In all cases, the local authority is obliged to collate, comprehend and concisely summarise all public submissions. They will then decide whether the document requires amendments or if further evidence is needed to justify the proposals.

    This creates an overwhelming burden for planning departments up and down the country. In high-development areas, submissions often number in the tens of thousands. And individual submissions range from a few sentences to over 100 pages.

    Planners must read, absorb and synthesise all this information into a final report which will be used to make a decision. This report must fairly represent the aggregate views across all submissions.

    Beyond the sheer volume of responses, human cognitive limitations and biases further complicate the process. Some submissions may be given greater emphasis than others. Recently read submissions are likely to have a greater influence on the reader than those reviewed earlier.

    A digital solution

    These challenges prompted us to explore alternatives. We partnered with Greater Cambridge Shared Planning – the planning authority for Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District Councils – to develop an AI-powered solution. Our tool, Plan AI, would read and summarise public submissions to the planning process.

    In 2025, my colleagues and I conducted a real-world experiment. Three live public consultation exercises were processed in parallel – once by planners and once by Plan AI.

    It took a planning officer just over 60 hours in total to download and process 320 submissions. Eighteen hours of this time was used to summarise each submission – a task that took Plan AI only 16 minutes. In that time, the AI tool was also able to create comprehensive reports identifying key themes, referenced sources and geographic analysis of the submissions.

    A subsequent qualitative assessment found there to be no discernible difference in the quality of the summaries produced by the human planning officer and those by Plan AI. In fact, the general overview document produced by Plan AI is a significant addition to what would normally be produced. It included a geographic analysis of the origins of submissions – crucial information for planners to understand which communities and demographic groups were participating in the consultation.

    Controversial planning proposals can attract tens of thousands of public comments.
    pjhpix/Shutterstock

    The future of planning

    The UK government has set out a vision for local authorities to embrace AI for reducing administrative burden and improving the efficiency of government. For example, it recently rolled out an AI tool, developed with Google DeepMind, to digitise planning records.

    The implications of experiments like these are far reaching. Planners can focus on their core expertise – assessing applications and supporting government priorities for housing, new towns and infrastructure renewal – rather than spending countless hours processing public comments.

    AI can process vast amounts of text more consistently and comprehensively than humans. It can also identify connections between submissions that might otherwise be missed.

    With the administrative burden drastically reduced, local authorities could potentially consult citizens more frequently across a wider range of planning issues, making planning even more democratic. Planners freed from paperwork could also dedicate more time to meaningful public engagement.

    Of course, one danger with AI is that it could be used on the other side of the consultation, to generate a large volume of submissions in an attempt to over-amplify a particular point of view. However, AI tools could be used to defend against this.

    PlanAI or similar programmes can generate an immediate summary of a comment submission, an ideal opportunity to insert a verification check that the submitter is indeed human. Putting the human back in the loop in this way reduces the potential for AI to be used to skew consultations.

    By building the right tools and systems, we can create planning processes that are both more efficient and more responsive to citizen input – a win for democracy and effective governance alike.

    PlanAI was developed under a paid contract with Greater Cambridge Shared Planning. At the time of publication, it is not sold or marketed to other governments or authorities, but may be so in the future. Alex Lord and the other researchers involved received funding from the UK government’s PropTech initiative and Greater Cambridge Shared Planning.

    – ref. The government wants local authorities to embrace AI – here’s one way it could work in practice – https://theconversation.com/the-government-wants-local-authorities-to-embrace-ai-heres-one-way-it-could-work-in-practice-258449

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 518

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL8

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 518
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1235 PM CDT Wed Jul 16 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Northern Illinois
    Far Northwest Indiana
    Lake Michigan

    * Effective this Wednesday afternoon and evening from 1235 PM
    until 800 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
    Isolated large hail events to 1 inch in diameter possible
    A tornado or two possible

    SUMMARY…Scattered thunderstorms are forecast to develop in a
    north-south band and move east across the Watch. A couple of the
    stronger thunderstorms may acquire transient supercell
    characteristics. Scattered damaging gusts are the primary hazard,
    but an isolated risk for large hail will accompany the stronger
    storms and a tornado cannot be ruled out.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 75
    statute miles east and west of a line from 40 miles east northeast
    of Rockford IL to 20 miles south southeast of Marseilles IL. For a
    complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline
    update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU8).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 517…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    1 inch. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few
    cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    24025.

    …Smith

    SEL8

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 518
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1235 PM CDT Wed Jul 16 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Northern Illinois
    Far Northwest Indiana
    Lake Michigan

    * Effective this Wednesday afternoon and evening from 1235 PM
    until 800 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
    Isolated large hail events to 1 inch in diameter possible
    A tornado or two possible

    SUMMARY…Scattered thunderstorms are forecast to develop in a
    north-south band and move east across the Watch. A couple of the
    stronger thunderstorms may acquire transient supercell
    characteristics. Scattered damaging gusts are the primary hazard,
    but an isolated risk for large hail will accompany the stronger
    storms and a tornado cannot be ruled out.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 75
    statute miles east and west of a line from 40 miles east northeast
    of Rockford IL to 20 miles south southeast of Marseilles IL. For a
    complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline
    update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU8).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 517…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    1 inch. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few
    cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    24025.

    …Smith

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW8
    WW 518 SEVERE TSTM IL IN LM 161735Z – 170100Z
    AXIS..75 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    40ENE RFD/ROCKFORD IL/ – 20SSE MMO/MARSEILLES IL/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 65NM E/W /34NW ORD – 29SSW JOT/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1 INCH. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24025.

    LAT…LON 42418691 41098709 41098997 42418985

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU8.

    Watch 518 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Low (20%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low (5%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (40%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Low (20%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Low (20%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Low (10%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    Mod (60%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Agricultural Scientific Begins Construction on Innovative Hydroponic Greenhouse to Transform U.S. Food Supply Chain

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAGRANGE, Ga., July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Agricultural Scientific, LLC announces that construction is now underway on the Agriculture Technology Campus (ATC), an innovative agricultural project in South Carolina set to transform food production in the Eastern U.S.

    Located at the 1,000-acre Agriculture Technology Campus, the high-tech hub will feature a hydroponic greenhouse and processing facility in Early Branch, SC. It will produce locally grown, organic tomatoes with 90% greater water efficiency than traditional farming, reducing dependence on imports from Mexico, California, and Canada.

    Initially announced in September 2020 during the COVID pandemic, the highly anticipated project that garnered international interest, has been galvanized through a strategic partnership between Phoenix Lender Services, a subsidiary of Community Bankshares, Inc. and Optus Bank of South Carolina.

    Backed by a complex capital stack of USDA Business & Industry and Food Supply Chain loans, the project will enable 400+ acres of hydroponic greenhouses to produce year-round vegetables, cutting water use and eliminating pesticides. Upon completion, this innovative project will bring $350 million in private capital investment and over 1000 direct jobs to rural Hampton County and the surrounding region.

    “This isn’t just about growing vegetables—it’s about reshaping the future of agriculture and re-shoring our critical U.S. supply chain,” said Zeb Portanova, CEO of Agricultural Scientific. “By producing fresh, high-quality produce closer to consumers, we can reduce food miles, cut emissions, and limit our reliance on foreign countries. Thank you to the United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins for her integral support of this project.”

    Currently, 90% of vegetables consumed in the Eastern U.S. are transported from other countries and regions, leading to supply chain vulnerabilities and excessive carbon emissions. This project will drastically shorten food miles, ensuring fresher produce while slashing CO₂ emissions by approximately 600 metric tons per 100 truckloads.

    Key benefits of this initiative include:

    • Enhance food security by reducing reliance on imported produce from Mexico and Canada
    • Lower carbon emissions through sustainable, localized production
    • Align with retailers’ goals by providing fresher, locally grown, organic, and environmentally responsible products
    • Foster U.S.-based manufacturing growth and reinvestment in critical sectors that sustain communities and the economy
    • Generate hundreds of skilled agricultural jobs in South Carolina

    “This is a landmark moment for agriculture, rural America, and sustainability,” said Chris Hurn, President of Phoenix Lender Services and Community Bankshares, Inc. “By investing in local food production, we’re not only boosting U.S. agriculture but also bringing manufacturing back home, reducing reliance on foreign supply chains and creating lasting economic impact.”

    “This facility represents the future of sustainable food production,” said Reggie Webber, Chief Credit Officer of Optus Bank. “It’s not just an investment in farming—it’s an investment in economic stability, job creation, and environmental responsibility.

    “At Optus Bank, we are proud to bank on communities through innovation, impact, and economic empowerment. Our strategic partnership with Community Bankshares and their subsidiaries, Phoenix Lender Services, allows us to achieve a key strategic imperative for the Bank,” said Benita Lefft, President of Optus Bank.

    A total USDA loan capital stack of $46,157,187 was successfully structured through the partnership. This included two food supply chain loans totaling $29,610,400 and a Business & Industry (B&I) loan of $16,546,787.

    The ATC is developed and owned by Agricultural Scientific, LLC and leased to Lokal Harvest USA (LHUSA), a subsidiary of Harvest House, one of Europe’s largest and most successful greenhouse operators. With a track record of supplying major retailers like Walmart, Kroger, Sam’s Club, Trader Joe’s, and Publix, Lokal Harvest USA is well-positioned to scale operations and meet the rising demand for fresh, locally grown produce.

    “The Agriculture Technology Campus has been the talk of Hampton County since it was first announced, and the commencement of construction could not have come at a better time. We in Hampton County understand that good economic development has a direct tie to a better quality of life for all of our citizens, and we are excited about this innovative agricultural project. We thank everyone involved in the ATC project for their support, and we look forward to working with the company for decades to come as new jobs and opportunities emerge in Hampton County,” said Dr. Roy Hollingsworth, Chairman of Hampton County Council.

    “SouthernCarolina Alliance is delighted to see this critical project coming to fruition. We appreciate the support of our partners at USDA, the SC Dept. of Commerce, the SC Dept. of Agriculture, Phoenix Lender Services, Community Bankshares, and Optus Bank in facilitating this investment in our region. Good jobs and investment change communities, and this project will not only affect Hampton County locally, but also improve the quality of life in our region and beyond through both its economic impact and fresher, healthier produce for all,” said Danny Black, President and CEO, SouthernCarolina Alliance.

    This landmark project is more than just a local initiative—it’s a scalable model for the future of agriculture in the U.S. With federal support, private investment, and the expertise of global leaders in hydroponic agriculture, this initiative is poised to set a new standard for modern farming—one that delivers fresher produce, reduces environmental impact, and supports economic growth.

    Local, legislative and state leaders gathered at the construction site on July 16 to celebrate the partnership and view the construction underway.

    For more information, please visit The Agriculture Technology Campus https://agtechcampus.com.

    For more information about Phoenix Lender Services and its lending solutions, please visit www.phoenixlenderservices.com.

    ABOUT AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY CAMPUS (ATC)

    The Agriculture Technology Campus in Hampton County, SC, is a pioneering agricultural development designed to revolutionize food production through controlled-environment farming, sustainable growing practices, and strategic partnerships with global leaders in greenhouse technology. If you are interested in joining the ATC campus, please email info@gemozf.com. Backed by a complex capital stack of USDA Business & Industry and Food Supply Chain loans, the project will enable 400+ acres of hydroponic greenhouses to produce year-round vegetables, cutting water use and eliminating pesticides.

    ABOUT PHOENIX LENDER SERVICES

    Based in Georgia and serving clients nationwide, Phoenix Lender Services offers a comprehensive suite of commercial lending solutions, including loan underwriting, closing, and servicing; participant lender matching; secondary market sales; portfolio management; risk analysis; and compliance reviews and regulatory support. Our seasoned professionals combine extensive industry expertise in SBA, USDA, and other commercial government-guaranteed lending with industry-leading technologies to deliver tailored solutions that align with each client’s unique strategic goals. Phoenix Lender Services is leading the way in SBA and USDA commercial lending.

    ABOUT COMMUNITY BANKSHARES INC

    Community Bankshares, Inc. is a dynamic company that is revolutionizing the financial landscape via its support for America’s businesses. As a mission-focused company, we are redefining how lending capital is provided across the nation and its territories in ways that promote business stability and encourage local area prosperity. In doing so, we foster economic growth, job creation and retention, and community strength. https://communitybankshares.com/

    ABOUT OPTUS BANK

    Established in 1921, Optus Bank is a federally designated Minority Depository Institution (MDI) and certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to serving underserved communities. Optus is committed to Banking on Communities Through Innovation, Impact, and Economic Empowerment—providing access to capital, financial education, and full-service banking for individuals, small businesses, and mission-aligned organizations. https://optus.bank/

    ABOUT LOKAL HARVEST USA

    Lokal Harvest USA is a leading producer of hydroponic greenhouse vegetables, bringing advanced farming techniques and global supply chain expertise to the U.S. market in partnership with Harvest House, one of Europe’s largest greenhouse operators.

    https://agtechcampus.com/

    MEDIA CONTACT

    Abigail Davison
    Uproar PR by Moburst for Community Bankshares, Inc.
    abigail.davison@moburst.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e99b9c29-2298-468a-8d70-705020ace65d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: From student to startup: 23-year-old Zülal Tannur shows how Microsoft is a partner in possibility

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: From student to startup: 23-year-old Zülal Tannur shows how Microsoft is a partner in possibility

    When most people think of Microsoft, they think of products—Windows, Azure, Office. But for some of us, Microsoft has become something far greater: a foundation for growth, a partner, and a constant force behind bold, world-changing visions.

    Just ask Zülal Tannur, the 23-year-old founder behind From Your Eyes and NeuroVision AI Tech Inc., and the 2025 EMEA Winner of the Microsoft Women Power Awards.

    An award typically granted to women with 15+ years of executive leadership, this recognition breaks tradition—and reflects something much more powerful than experience alone. It highlights what happens when fearless student innovators are met with intentional support, deep mentorship, and global belief in their ideas.

    • At 18: Named one of Microsoft’s youngest global tech leaders.
    • At 21: Founded FROM YOUR EYES, a company dedicated to redefining accessibility through AI-based perception systems.
    • At 22: Became the Imagine Cup World Champion, earning $100,000 in funding and a mentorship session with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
    • By 23: Scaled her second company, NeuroVision AI Tech Inc., from Türkiye to Silicon Valley—powered by AI, Azure, and unstoppable vision.

    Zülal’s story is more than inspiring—it’s evidence of what’s possible when Microsoft doesn’t just cheer from the sidelines but walks alongside founders as they build, scale, and redefine industries.

    • Smart Mobility: Embedding artificial vision into next-generation vehicles.
    • Urban Perception Infrastructure: Designing edge-first AI systems that help cities and machines “see.”
    • Federated Intelligence: Moving beyond centralized AI toward more secure, adaptable, and inclusive systems.

    Their work represents the leading edge of accessibility, AI, and mobility innovation—and Microsoft has been a strategic partner every step of the way.

    From the Imagine Cup to Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub, from GitHub for Startups to one-on-one mentorship from Satya Nadella himself—Zülal’s experience reveals the depth of Microsoft’s commitment to student innovators turned startup leaders.

    This isn’t just about giving students a platform. It’s about giving them:

    • Capital to scale early-stage technologies
    • Mentorship from global leaders who’ve built transformative companies
    • Credibility through recognition and awards that open doors
    • Community via programs like the Partner Network and Startups Founders Hub

    Zülal says it best:

    “As a blind, young, and female founder, having people truly see the vision behind what you build isn’t always easy. But Microsoft Imagine Cup saw it — and amplified it. It was our big bang: our first investment, the catalyst that took us global. From FROM YOUR EYES to founding NeuroVision AI Tech in the U.S., we’ve built a team that’s now 60% international and partnered with giants like NVIDIA. Imagine Cup didn’t just support us — it believed in what we could become.”

    Her journey is proof that when student founders are met with intentional partnership—not just encouragement—they can go from early vision to global impact.

    Zülal leads two AI companies focused on accessibility, vision, and mobility. She also happens to be the world’s first blind Technology Ambassador.

    Her story proves that innovation isn’t always born in boardrooms. Sometimes, it begins in student dorms. In hackathons. At virtual competitions. And with a relentless belief that technology should make the world more inclusive, not less.

    As Zülal puts it:

    “This isn’t about where we’ve been. It’s about where we’re going—and how far we’re willing to see.“

    Microsoft didn’t just watch her journey. They invested in it. Believed in it. And became the kind of partner that doesn’t just back startups—they help build them.

     

    Are you an early stage student founder?

    Sign up here to be notified when Imagine Cup 2026 launches later this year.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: In Burkina Faso, cashew cultivation is a lever for sustainable and inclusive rural development

    Source: APO

    Launched in 2017 and completed in 2024, the Cashew Development Support Project in the Comoé Basin for REDD+ (PADA/REDD+) exemplified sustainable development. The project combined poverty reduction, ecological transition and the empowerment of women and young people, achieving a remarkable implementation rate of 95 percent.  It has revitalised the cashew nut industry, Burkina Faso’s third largest agricultural export after cotton and sesame.

    The PADA/REDD+ project received support from the African Development Bank, which granted a loan of $4 million, and the African Development Fund, the Bank Group’s concessional funding window, with a grant of $1.39 million, representing 61 percent of the total project cost of $8.82 million. The government of Burkina Faso and the beneficiaries provided the remaining funding.

    The project mobilised the necessary resources to contribute to the sustainable transformation of the Cascades, Hauts Bassins and South-West regions, with significant participation from women. It enabled producers to reduce maintenance costs, improve soil fertility and structure, and increase cashew productivity and incomes in a sustainable manner.

    Climate action combined with agricultural production

    The first component of the PADA/REDD+ focused on carbon sequestration. This resulted in the creation of seven tree parks, the production of more than 1.6 million improved seedlings and the development of approximately 27,000 hectares of agroforestry plantations. One-third of these plantations are maintained by women, underlining the project’s commitment to promoting social inclusion. A total of 35,340 producers, including 6,047 women, were trained in good agricultural and organic practices.

    This capacity-building approach for producers and processors equipped each stakeholder with the skills required to meet their needs and expectations, particularly in mastering technical production and processing methods.

    Adama Patrick Sombié, a cashew nut processor in Bérégadougou, confirms his satisfaction: “Before the project, there were no cashew tree parks in the village, only forest and a few orchards. When the project offered plots to promoters, I signed up and received two hectares.”

    Access to finance and modernization of processing

    The second component of the project focused on strengthening value chains. Long hampered by limited access to finance, the sector’s development has benefited from an innovative partnership with the umbrella organisation of Burkina Faso’s Caisses populaires banks, alongside savings and loan cooperatives.

    This mechanism enabled investment loans to be granted based on a sliding scale of interest rates, financing 103 microprojects for a total of 888 million CFA francs, or approximately $500,000. The project also created 9,580 additional “green” jobs, 92.66 percent of which were for women, by financing micro-investment projects.

    Thanks to the funding provided, seven processing units were modernised. A new unit called “Tensya” was established in the commune of Toussiana, and three warehouses were built, one of which is reserved for women. The project also enabled the purchase of 12 trucks and 45 tricycles, training in good practices for 631 people, strengthening the environmental skills of 477 stakeholders, and the construction and equipping of infrastructure such as a cooking and shelling centre for women in Diéri, entirely subsidised by the African Development Bank.

    An inclusive and sustainable impact

    These microprojects reached nearly 18,000 people, 61 percent of whom were women, further strengthening the inclusive approach of PADA/REDD+. “This project is a blessing for us. Thanks to the income generated, we can send our children to school and keep them healthy. Before, we used to sell our products at rock-bottom prices, but now, with our own processing units, we control the entire value chain,” says Aramatou Barro, a processor in Diéri.

    Christiane Koné, a processor in Toussiana, confirms this postive impact: “Thanks to the project, we have been able to purchase six automatic shelling machines, which are twice as fast as our 25 manual shelling tables.”

    At the same time, the project structured supply networks, ensured that 96 cooperatives complied with OHADA (Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa) standards and implemented an environmental management plan. Working conditions have improved significantly. Isso Kindo, a trader in Bobo-Dioulasso, says: “Transport was our main obstacle. Today, thanks to the truck financed by the project, I can transport up to 60 tonnes of nuts from the towns of Banfora and Mangodara.”

    The impact of PADA/REDD+ can also be measured in terms of job creation for young people and rural entrepreneurs. In Orodara, Arzouma Zougouri, a producer and business owner, explains that “the project’s support has enabled me to better equip my processing unit. I’ve gone from 200 to 300 employees,” he says proudly.

    By structuring the cashew nut sector sustainably, increasing productivity and strengthening local processing, PADA/REDD+ achieved its objectives whilst laying the foundations for more resilient rural development. Its contribution to carbon sequestration through agroforestry plantations strengthens its environmental impact. Perennial plantations, modernised agricultural practices, a strengthened local processing network and better access to finance were the pillars of this success.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Housing Starts Continue to Soar in Saskatchewan

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 16, 2025

    Year-to-date growth ranks first in the nation 

    The latest data from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation indicates that urban housing starts in Saskatchewan saw an increase of 84.1 per cent in the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, which ranks first for growth among the provinces.

    “For the last five months, Saskatchewan has been at the forefront of growth in Canada for urban housing starts, showing that our growth initiatives are leading to more and more people choosing to call our province home,” Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said. “The unprecedented growth we are experiencing is helping to create more jobs, opportunities and greater affordability for the citizens of Saskatchewan.”

    In addition, Saskatchewan’s two largest cities both saw an increase in urban housing starts in the first six months in 2025, with Saskatoon seeing a 112.9 per cent increase and Regina seeing a 40.4 per cent increase. Rural areas experienced an impressive 247.2 per cent in urban housing starts during this same period.  

    Housing starts refers to the number of housing projects that started that month.

    Saskatchewan continues to see significant economic growth. Statistics Canada’s latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) numbers indicate that the province’s real GDP at basic prices reached an all-time high of $80.5 billion in 2024, increasing by $2.6 billion, or 3.4 per cent. This places Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth and above the national average of 1.6 per cent.

    Private capital investment in Saskatchewan increased last year by 17.3 per cent to $14.7 billion, ranking first among provinces. Private capital investment is projected to reach $16.2 billion in 2025, an increase of 10.1 per cent over 2024. This is the second-highest anticipated percentage increase among the provinces.

    Last year, the Government of Saskatchewan unveiled its new Securing the Next Decade of Growth – Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy. This strategy, combined with Saskatchewan’s trade and investment website, InvestSK.ca, contains helpful information for potential markets and solidifies the province as the best place to do business in Canada. 

    For more information, visit: InvestSK.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 3395, Middle Market IPO Cost Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 3395 would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO), in consultation with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, to study and report to the Congress within one year of enactment on the costs small- and medium-sized companies incur when conducting initial public offerings (IPOs). An IPO is a process where a private company offers shares to the public for the first time, making it a publicly traded company.

    Based on the cost of similar activities, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 3395 would cost $1 million over the 2025-2026 period. Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Matthew Pickford. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: EXL announces availability of EXL Code Harbor™ and EXL Smart Agent Assist™ in the new AWS Marketplace AI Agents and Tools category

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS), a global data and AI company, announced the availability of its Code Harbor™ (“Code Harbor”) and Smart Agent Assist™ (“Smart Agent Assist”) solutions in the new AI Agents and Tools category of AWS Marketplace. Customers can now use AWS Marketplace to easily discover, buy, and deploy AI agents solutions, including EXL’s AI-powered code migration and real-time conversational insights and agent assist solutions, using their AWS accounts, accelerating agentic AI integration initiatives.

    EXL’s Code Harbor helps organizations streamline the code migration process by orchestrating multiple AI agents including those for code comprehension, data cleaning, data lineage, code conversion and code validation, resulting in accelerated delivery, reduced costs, and higher accuracy. EXL’s Smart Agent Assist enhances customer service operations by orchestrating multiple intent recognition AI agents with real-time conversational insights, automated call summaries and smart audits that enable customer service centers to deliver personalized and efficient experiences in addition to improving first call resolution, boosting agent productivity and reducing average handling time.

    “By offering Code Harbor and Smart Agent Assist in AWS Marketplace, we’re providing customers with a highly scalable, efficient and compliant way to embed EXL’s agentic AI solutions into their workflows,” said Anand “Andy” Logani, executive vice president and chief data and AI officer at EXL. “Our customers in insurance, banking and finance, healthcare, retail and other industries are already using these capabilities to improve workflows, reduce costs and deliver better customer experiences, demonstrating the real-world value of our agentic AI solutions.”

    Based on internal studies, Code Harbor helps customers reduce code migration time on average by 35% over manual migrations, while reducing code compute time and memory usage generally by 25% and driving a 10% reduction in query plans. Additionally, analysis shows that Smart Agent Assist delivers typically a 12-15% reduction in contact center agent handling time, enhancing overall resource utilization and minimizing after-call work, ordinarily leading to a 20% decrease in service costs.

    With the availability of AI Agents and Tools in AWS Marketplace, customers can significantly accelerate their procurement process to drive AI innovation, reducing the time needed for vendor evaluations and complex negotiations. With centralized purchasing using AWS accounts, customers maintain visibility and control over licensing, payments, and access through AWS.

    To learn more about Code Harbor and Smart Agent Assist in AWS Marketplace, visit https://aws.amazon.com/marketplace/seller-profile?id=4dcbd65f-ce73-4978-80e5-4953047fd369. To learn more about the new Agents and Tools category in AWS Marketplace, visit https://aws.amazon.com/marketplace/solutions/ai-agents-and-tools/.

    About EXL

    EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS) is a global data and AI company that offers services and solutions to reinvent client business models, drive better outcomes and unlock growth with speed. EXL harnesses the power of data, AI, and deep industry knowledge to transform businesses, including the world’s leading corporations in industries including insurance, healthcare, banking and capital markets, retail, communications and media, and energy and infrastructure, among others. EXL was founded in 1999 with the core values of innovation, collaboration, excellence, integrity and respect. We are headquartered in New York and have approximately 60,000 employees spanning six continents. For more information, visit www.exlservice.com.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should not place undue reliance on those statements because they are subject to numerous uncertainties and factors relating to EXL’s operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond EXL’s control. Forward-looking statements include information concerning EXL’s possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of its business strategy. These statements may include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate” or similar expressions. These statements are based on assumptions that we have made in light of management’s experience in the industry as well as its perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate under the circumstances. You should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although EXL believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect EXL’s actual financial results or results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors, which include our ability to maintain and grow client demand, our ability to hire and retain sufficiently trained employees, and our ability to accurately estimate and/or manage costs, rising interest rates, rising inflation, recessionary economic trends, and ability to successfully integrate strategic acquisitions, are discussed in more detail in EXL’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including EXL’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. You should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made herein, or elsewhere, speaks only as of the date on which it is made. New risks and uncertainties come up from time to time, and it is impossible to predict these events or how they may affect EXL. EXL has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date hereof, except as required by applicable law.

    Contacts
    Keith Little
    media.relations@exlservice.com

    Investor Relations
    John Kristoff
    +1 212 209 4613
    IR@exlservice.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: EXL announces availability of EXL Code Harbor™ and EXL Smart Agent Assist™ in the new AWS Marketplace AI Agents and Tools category

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS), a global data and AI company, announced the availability of its Code Harbor™ (“Code Harbor”) and Smart Agent Assist™ (“Smart Agent Assist”) solutions in the new AI Agents and Tools category of AWS Marketplace. Customers can now use AWS Marketplace to easily discover, buy, and deploy AI agents solutions, including EXL’s AI-powered code migration and real-time conversational insights and agent assist solutions, using their AWS accounts, accelerating agentic AI integration initiatives.

    EXL’s Code Harbor helps organizations streamline the code migration process by orchestrating multiple AI agents including those for code comprehension, data cleaning, data lineage, code conversion and code validation, resulting in accelerated delivery, reduced costs, and higher accuracy. EXL’s Smart Agent Assist enhances customer service operations by orchestrating multiple intent recognition AI agents with real-time conversational insights, automated call summaries and smart audits that enable customer service centers to deliver personalized and efficient experiences in addition to improving first call resolution, boosting agent productivity and reducing average handling time.

    “By offering Code Harbor and Smart Agent Assist in AWS Marketplace, we’re providing customers with a highly scalable, efficient and compliant way to embed EXL’s agentic AI solutions into their workflows,” said Anand “Andy” Logani, executive vice president and chief data and AI officer at EXL. “Our customers in insurance, banking and finance, healthcare, retail and other industries are already using these capabilities to improve workflows, reduce costs and deliver better customer experiences, demonstrating the real-world value of our agentic AI solutions.”

    Based on internal studies, Code Harbor helps customers reduce code migration time on average by 35% over manual migrations, while reducing code compute time and memory usage generally by 25% and driving a 10% reduction in query plans. Additionally, analysis shows that Smart Agent Assist delivers typically a 12-15% reduction in contact center agent handling time, enhancing overall resource utilization and minimizing after-call work, ordinarily leading to a 20% decrease in service costs.

    With the availability of AI Agents and Tools in AWS Marketplace, customers can significantly accelerate their procurement process to drive AI innovation, reducing the time needed for vendor evaluations and complex negotiations. With centralized purchasing using AWS accounts, customers maintain visibility and control over licensing, payments, and access through AWS.

    To learn more about Code Harbor and Smart Agent Assist in AWS Marketplace, visit https://aws.amazon.com/marketplace/seller-profile?id=4dcbd65f-ce73-4978-80e5-4953047fd369. To learn more about the new Agents and Tools category in AWS Marketplace, visit https://aws.amazon.com/marketplace/solutions/ai-agents-and-tools/.

    About EXL

    EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS) is a global data and AI company that offers services and solutions to reinvent client business models, drive better outcomes and unlock growth with speed. EXL harnesses the power of data, AI, and deep industry knowledge to transform businesses, including the world’s leading corporations in industries including insurance, healthcare, banking and capital markets, retail, communications and media, and energy and infrastructure, among others. EXL was founded in 1999 with the core values of innovation, collaboration, excellence, integrity and respect. We are headquartered in New York and have approximately 60,000 employees spanning six continents. For more information, visit www.exlservice.com.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should not place undue reliance on those statements because they are subject to numerous uncertainties and factors relating to EXL’s operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond EXL’s control. Forward-looking statements include information concerning EXL’s possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of its business strategy. These statements may include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate” or similar expressions. These statements are based on assumptions that we have made in light of management’s experience in the industry as well as its perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate under the circumstances. You should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although EXL believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect EXL’s actual financial results or results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors, which include our ability to maintain and grow client demand, our ability to hire and retain sufficiently trained employees, and our ability to accurately estimate and/or manage costs, rising interest rates, rising inflation, recessionary economic trends, and ability to successfully integrate strategic acquisitions, are discussed in more detail in EXL’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including EXL’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. You should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made herein, or elsewhere, speaks only as of the date on which it is made. New risks and uncertainties come up from time to time, and it is impossible to predict these events or how they may affect EXL. EXL has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date hereof, except as required by applicable law.

    Contacts
    Keith Little
    media.relations@exlservice.com

    Investor Relations
    John Kristoff
    +1 212 209 4613
    IR@exlservice.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Linqto Shareholder, Sapien Group, Files Explosive Motion to Transfer Linqto’s Bankruptcy Cases from Texas to Delaware

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Major Linqto shareholder, Sapien Group, has filed a motion to transfer the venue of Linqto, Inc.’s jointly-administered Chapter 11 cases from Texas to Delaware (Case No. 25-90186). The motion follows the bankruptcy filing by Linqto in Texas on July 7 and asserts multiple grounds for the change in venue, including that the action was taken without shareholder knowledge or consent.

    “Transfer is warranted because the Debtors lack any meaningful relationship whatsoever with this District, entrenched management having created the Texas Debtor as a new Texas limited liability company only three short months before filing for bankruptcy,” the filing states, adding, “The Texas Debtor was formed furtively, without the knowledge of, approval of, or even a scintilla of notice to the Parent Debtor’s shareholders.” 

    Evidence suggests Linqto Chief Executive Officer F. Daniel Siciliano filed preemptively — knowing that a decisive majority of shareholders were poised to replace the board — in a jurisdiction where Linqto was not legally eligible to file based on the surreptitious creation of the Texas entity.

    The motion contends that the true operating Debtors — the Parent Debtor and the related operating Debtors — are all formed, exist, and operate under the internal laws of the State of Delaware. The motion further asserts that the filing of the Cases in Texas appears to be a quintessential example of improper forum shopping, with the newly formed Texas Debtor being created for the apparent purpose of manufacturing and manipulating venue.

    The filing further challenges the legal legitimacy of Linqto’s current board, contending that Mr. Siciliano was never lawfully elected to the unsanctioned board and that key director seats were unlawfully “switched” to consolidate power — actions that run contrary to their fiduciary duties under Delaware law.

    The motion also claims the board repeatedly ignored and manipulated corporate governance rules, committing violations such as not holding proper Board meetings, making inconsistent representations to shareholders, and amending company bylaws for purposes of evading shareholder approval.

    These allegations are supported by a Declaration of Victor Jiang, Sapien Group’s founder and a former Linqto board member, which accuses Linqto’s alleged board and management of “numerous breaches of fiduciary duties, breaches of the duty of loyalty, and securities law violations,” contending that the current bankruptcy filings are “part of a well-orchestrated scheme” designed to steal or redirect the shareholder’s equity without consent.

    The motion suggests that the requisite number of shareholder votes exist to remove the unsanctioned Board and appoint a new Board, but the Chapter 11 case was filed to thwart that vote. Of particular concern are four motions set for hearing on August 5, 2025, one of which seeks a fairly rapid determination from the Court that the proceeds of the various securities are property of the Debtors, not the customers.

    With over 15,000 impacted customers across 130 countries, the motion underscores the global significance of these proceedings — and the need for fairness, transparency, and the rule of law in the proper venue: Delaware.

    Reference: Case No. 25-90186

    PDFs available:

    http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/decfbe58-96a3-422e-9c06-c06a8e06c62d

    http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/1f8f7cc4-389b-47a4-84ab-0823ae714c1e

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Linqto Shareholder, Sapien Group, Files Explosive Motion to Transfer Linqto’s Bankruptcy Cases from Texas to Delaware

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Major Linqto shareholder, Sapien Group, has filed a motion to transfer the venue of Linqto, Inc.’s jointly-administered Chapter 11 cases from Texas to Delaware (Case No. 25-90186). The motion follows the bankruptcy filing by Linqto in Texas on July 7 and asserts multiple grounds for the change in venue, including that the action was taken without shareholder knowledge or consent.

    “Transfer is warranted because the Debtors lack any meaningful relationship whatsoever with this District, entrenched management having created the Texas Debtor as a new Texas limited liability company only three short months before filing for bankruptcy,” the filing states, adding, “The Texas Debtor was formed furtively, without the knowledge of, approval of, or even a scintilla of notice to the Parent Debtor’s shareholders.” 

    Evidence suggests Linqto Chief Executive Officer F. Daniel Siciliano filed preemptively — knowing that a decisive majority of shareholders were poised to replace the board — in a jurisdiction where Linqto was not legally eligible to file based on the surreptitious creation of the Texas entity.

    The motion contends that the true operating Debtors — the Parent Debtor and the related operating Debtors — are all formed, exist, and operate under the internal laws of the State of Delaware. The motion further asserts that the filing of the Cases in Texas appears to be a quintessential example of improper forum shopping, with the newly formed Texas Debtor being created for the apparent purpose of manufacturing and manipulating venue.

    The filing further challenges the legal legitimacy of Linqto’s current board, contending that Mr. Siciliano was never lawfully elected to the unsanctioned board and that key director seats were unlawfully “switched” to consolidate power — actions that run contrary to their fiduciary duties under Delaware law.

    The motion also claims the board repeatedly ignored and manipulated corporate governance rules, committing violations such as not holding proper Board meetings, making inconsistent representations to shareholders, and amending company bylaws for purposes of evading shareholder approval.

    These allegations are supported by a Declaration of Victor Jiang, Sapien Group’s founder and a former Linqto board member, which accuses Linqto’s alleged board and management of “numerous breaches of fiduciary duties, breaches of the duty of loyalty, and securities law violations,” contending that the current bankruptcy filings are “part of a well-orchestrated scheme” designed to steal or redirect the shareholder’s equity without consent.

    The motion suggests that the requisite number of shareholder votes exist to remove the unsanctioned Board and appoint a new Board, but the Chapter 11 case was filed to thwart that vote. Of particular concern are four motions set for hearing on August 5, 2025, one of which seeks a fairly rapid determination from the Court that the proceeds of the various securities are property of the Debtors, not the customers.

    With over 15,000 impacted customers across 130 countries, the motion underscores the global significance of these proceedings — and the need for fairness, transparency, and the rule of law in the proper venue: Delaware.

    Reference: Case No. 25-90186

    PDFs available:

    http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/decfbe58-96a3-422e-9c06-c06a8e06c62d

    http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/1f8f7cc4-389b-47a4-84ab-0823ae714c1e

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: AIXA Miner Enhances Security with Platform Audit Amid Cloud Mining Momentum

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, CO, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the crypto sector experiences renewed institutional attention in July, marked by Bitcoin hovering near $118,000 and key altcoins like Ethereum and XRP gaining traction, AIXA Miner announces the successful completion of an independent security audit and enhancement of its encrypted platform. This timely upgrade reflects broader industry emphasis on secure, automated systems, aligned with clean-energy-powered AI‑powered cloud mining initiatives noted across the sector.

    The platform audit, conducted by a third-party cybersecurity firm, reviewed data encryption, access controls, and system resilience. All areas were enhanced based on feedback, ensuring AIXA Miner adheres to enterprise-grade standards and meets growing user expectations for secure operation in cloud-based mining services.

    A recent Yahoo article similar infrastructure improvements highlights how cloud mining providers are prioritising secure, scalable systems to support diverse user needs. Another report on compliance expansion underscores the industry’s shift toward more robust and secure cloud mining models.

    “Security is not an optional feature—it’s the foundation for trust,” said Amira Chen, Strategy Director at AIXA Miner. “By enhancing our platform amid a bullish crypto environment, we’re responding to a critical demand for secure, reliable infrastructure.”

    In parallel with the audit, AIXA Miner has introduced a new multi-factor authentication (MFA) system and enhanced real-time threat detection protocols to protect user accounts against phishing, unauthorized access, and other cyber threats. The updated authentication layer is designed to meet modern cybersecurity benchmarks while maintaining a user-friendly login experience across both web and mobile interfaces.

    Additionally, the platform has upgraded its data redundancy and backup infrastructure, ensuring continuous data availability in the event of system anomalies or regional outages. These efforts are part of AIXA Miner’s broader roadmap to build a resilient, enterprise-grade cloud mining environment that aligns with regulatory trends and user expectations in 2025. The company confirmed it will continue working with independent security consultants to maintain transparency and uphold evolving industry standards.

    State of Cloud Mining in 2025

    Key industry trends highlighted:

    • 50%+ of new mining capacity sourced from renewable energy infrastructure
    • Cloud mining user adoption is up ~25% in the past quarter
    • Automated, AI-driven systems now account for over 60% of cloud‑mining market deployments

    Securing Growth and Trust

    As cloud mining transitions from niche to mainstream, infrastructure providers increasingly emphasize security and sustainability. AIXA Miner’s recent platform enhancements—and its renewable energy infrastructure, add to this trend, offering global users an automated system that supports secure and eco-conscious blockchain participation.

    The company continues rolling out multi-layer security protocols and regionally optimised data centres to support its growing global user base. The latest updates ensure that users benefit from up-to-date protection while engaging with blockchain networks during this market upswing.

    About AIXA Miner
    AIXA Miner is an AI-powered cloud mining service focused on delivering encrypted, secure, and sustainable blockchain access. Combining renewable energy infrastructure with automated systems, it serves a global community, offeringa a reliable entry into the evolving digital asset space.

    For more information, visit: https://aixaminer.com
     Media contact: info@aixaminer.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP Accumulates Rise, Leading Cloud Mining Platform DRML Miner Launches with Potential to Earn $20,000 per Day

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DRML Miner solves all problems for you. Now, all profits are settled in multiple mainstream currencies – completely transparent and convenient. You can exchange USDT for XRP, BTC, ETH or other mainstream cryptocurrencies at any time. You are no longer limited to a single token – the asset allocation is entirely up to you.

    Even better, no hardware or technical skills are required. Newbies can easily start mining anytime, anywhere with just a few clicks of the mouse. Digital wealth has become so safe, efficient and convenient.

    Advantages of DRML Miner mining

    Strong security

    Security is the top priority of DRML Miner. DRML Miner attaches great importance to the security of user assets and information, uses multiple encryption technologies to protect data, and has a professional team to monitor the system 24 hours a day to resist network threats. At the same time, real-time public mining data (such as computing power, income, etc.) can be viewed intuitively through the platform, allowing you to clearly understand the mining process and income situation without being affected by any hidden routines.

    Withdraw at any time, flexible and convenient

    One of the biggest advantages is instant withdrawal. Once you receive your income, you can withdraw or reinvest as needed – fast and simple.

    Multi-currency exchange

    All income is settled in USDT. Want XRP, Solana or BTC? You can switch at will. Combine your digital assets as you like – everything is under your control.

    Newbie-friendly, easy to use

    No mining machine, no complicated settings. DRML Miner’s automated cloud mining system handles everything for you. Just sign up and follow the simple guide to get started. New users can easily enjoy passive income.

    Transparent income, fully traceable

    View your income accurately every day. All account activities and income details are clearly visible on the dashboard, without any hidden fees.

    How to join DRML Miner

    Registration: New users can get a $10 reward when they register.

    Choose a contract: After successfully registering, the next step is to choose a mining contract that meets your goals and budget. DRML Miner provides a variety of contracts to meet different needs, whether you are a novice or an experienced miner, you can easily get started.

    Affiliate Program

    Recommend friends and receive up to $20,000 in rewards per month, thereby increasing your extra income. For every successful friend you invite to register and complete the first mining order, you will receive a 3% reward on the friend contract.

    The invitation mechanism is open and transparent, and can be checked at any time, truly realizing “zero investment, make money at home”.

    How to start making money with DRML Miner:

    After selecting and activating a mining contract, you just need to wait for the system to do all the work for you. DRML Miner’s advanced technology ensures that your mining operations run efficiently, thereby maximizing your potential profits.

    $10 mining contract – 1 day term – earn $0.60 per day;

    $100 mining contract – 2 days term – earn $3.5 per day;

    $500 mining contract – 5 days term – earn $6.5 per day;

    $1,000 mining contract – 10 days term – earn $13.5 per day;

    $5,000 mining contract – 30 days term – earn $77.5 per day.

    Click here to explore more mining contracts.

    Who is DRML Miner for?

    Crypto Newbies

    No technical skills? No problem. DRML Miner is designed for beginners who want to easily explore cryptocurrency gains.

    Busy Professionals

    No time to manage mining equipment? Let DRML Miner’s automated system take care of it for you, so you can focus on business. Enjoy worry-free daily income.

    Self-managed Asset Managers

    Want full control over when to withdraw or which cryptocurrencies to hold? DRML Miner gives you the flexibility to manage and rebalance your cryptocurrency portfolio according to your needs.

    Passive Income Seekers

    Want daily rewards? DRML Miner offers login rewards and welcome gifts to make every day more rewarding.

    Long-term Investors

    Focus on steady growth rather than market noise? DRML Miner’s transparent and stable income model is ideal for building long-term digital wealth.

    In a nutshell
    DRML Miner makes it easier than ever to earn daily rewards and make financial freedom a dream. With high-quality apps, green cloud infrastructure and global support, DRML Miner is for everyone, not just the tech elite.

    Your phone is already smart – now let it start making money for you.

    Full details and how to participate: https://drmlminers.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: JA Mining Expands Renewable Mining Infrastructure in North America Post Completion of Independent Security Audit

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, CO, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In response to rising demand for sustainable and secure digital asset participation, JA Mining has announced a strategic expansion of its renewable-powered mining operations across North America. This move coincides with a recently completed third-party platform security audit, aimed at reinforcing the company’s commitment to transparency, compliance, and user data protection in the evolving cloud mining landscape.

    The announcement comes at a time when institutional activity in the crypto sector has intensified, with Bitcoin trading above $118,000 and other major assets like Ethereum and XRP seeing renewed investor interest. As noted in a recent Yahoo Finance article, sustainable mining partnerships—such as Tether’s initiative with Adecoagro to power Bitcoin mining using solar and battery systems—are shaping the future of decentralised infrastructure.

    JA Mining’s expanded facilities now include multiple solar and wind-powered data centres designed to reduce carbon impact while improving regional access and operational resilience. These centres support the mining of major protocols and are aligned with emerging environmental and social governance (ESG) benchmarks that are gaining traction across the financial sector.

    To complement the infrastructure expansion, JA Mining underwent an external cybersecurity assessment evaluating its encryption protocols, system uptime, and multi-layered access control. Following the audit, the platform implemented enhancements to elevate its encryption framework, boost internal security layers, and improve real-time system monitoring capabilities.

    “Security is now a baseline expectation, not a differentiator,” said Maya Cohen, Strategy Director at JA Mining. “As more users seek credible ways to engage with digital assets, our focus remains on reinforcing both platform integrity and sustainable infrastructure—two pillars that define the next generation of blockchain access.”

    Industry data supports this shift. According to recent reports, over 60% of cloud mining infrastructure deployed in 2025 incorporates automated systems, with more than 50% powered by renewable energy sources. Adoption of AI-enabled cloud mining platforms has grown by approximately 25% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting a user base increasingly drawn to low-barrier, climate-conscious models for blockchain engagement.

    JA Mining’s enhancements come as part of a broader effort to ensure operational transparency while contributing to a cleaner, more secure crypto mining ecosystem. The company offers users a decentralized entry point into blockchain participation without requiring hardware ownership or technical proficiency.

    The platform will continue rolling out regional integrations and compliance-driven upgrades across additional jurisdictions through 2025. These measures are aimed at improving local performance, supporting data sovereignty, and maintaining alignment with global digital finance standards.

    As the cloud mining sector matures from niche to infrastructure-grade utility, providers like JA Mining are positioning themselves not just as service platforms, but as contributors to the ongoing transformation of how digital networks are powered, accessed, and secured.

    About JA Mining
     JA Mining is a cloud-based blockchain infrastructure provider focused on security, automation, and sustainability. With operations spanning North America, Europe, and Asia, the company leverages renewable energy and AI-based systems to support encrypted access to major cryptocurrency networks.

    For more information, visit: https://jamining.com
    Media Contact: info@jamining.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: JA Mining Expands Renewable Mining Infrastructure in North America Post Completion of Independent Security Audit

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, CO, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In response to rising demand for sustainable and secure digital asset participation, JA Mining has announced a strategic expansion of its renewable-powered mining operations across North America. This move coincides with a recently completed third-party platform security audit, aimed at reinforcing the company’s commitment to transparency, compliance, and user data protection in the evolving cloud mining landscape.

    The announcement comes at a time when institutional activity in the crypto sector has intensified, with Bitcoin trading above $118,000 and other major assets like Ethereum and XRP seeing renewed investor interest. As noted in a recent Yahoo Finance article, sustainable mining partnerships—such as Tether’s initiative with Adecoagro to power Bitcoin mining using solar and battery systems—are shaping the future of decentralised infrastructure.

    JA Mining’s expanded facilities now include multiple solar and wind-powered data centres designed to reduce carbon impact while improving regional access and operational resilience. These centres support the mining of major protocols and are aligned with emerging environmental and social governance (ESG) benchmarks that are gaining traction across the financial sector.

    To complement the infrastructure expansion, JA Mining underwent an external cybersecurity assessment evaluating its encryption protocols, system uptime, and multi-layered access control. Following the audit, the platform implemented enhancements to elevate its encryption framework, boost internal security layers, and improve real-time system monitoring capabilities.

    “Security is now a baseline expectation, not a differentiator,” said Maya Cohen, Strategy Director at JA Mining. “As more users seek credible ways to engage with digital assets, our focus remains on reinforcing both platform integrity and sustainable infrastructure—two pillars that define the next generation of blockchain access.”

    Industry data supports this shift. According to recent reports, over 60% of cloud mining infrastructure deployed in 2025 incorporates automated systems, with more than 50% powered by renewable energy sources. Adoption of AI-enabled cloud mining platforms has grown by approximately 25% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting a user base increasingly drawn to low-barrier, climate-conscious models for blockchain engagement.

    JA Mining’s enhancements come as part of a broader effort to ensure operational transparency while contributing to a cleaner, more secure crypto mining ecosystem. The company offers users a decentralized entry point into blockchain participation without requiring hardware ownership or technical proficiency.

    The platform will continue rolling out regional integrations and compliance-driven upgrades across additional jurisdictions through 2025. These measures are aimed at improving local performance, supporting data sovereignty, and maintaining alignment with global digital finance standards.

    As the cloud mining sector matures from niche to infrastructure-grade utility, providers like JA Mining are positioning themselves not just as service platforms, but as contributors to the ongoing transformation of how digital networks are powered, accessed, and secured.

    About JA Mining
     JA Mining is a cloud-based blockchain infrastructure provider focused on security, automation, and sustainability. With operations spanning North America, Europe, and Asia, the company leverages renewable energy and AI-based systems to support encrypted access to major cryptocurrency networks.

    For more information, visit: https://jamining.com
    Media Contact: info@jamining.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: JA Mining Expands Renewable Mining Infrastructure in North America Post Completion of Independent Security Audit

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, CO, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In response to rising demand for sustainable and secure digital asset participation, JA Mining has announced a strategic expansion of its renewable-powered mining operations across North America. This move coincides with a recently completed third-party platform security audit, aimed at reinforcing the company’s commitment to transparency, compliance, and user data protection in the evolving cloud mining landscape.

    The announcement comes at a time when institutional activity in the crypto sector has intensified, with Bitcoin trading above $118,000 and other major assets like Ethereum and XRP seeing renewed investor interest. As noted in a recent Yahoo Finance article, sustainable mining partnerships—such as Tether’s initiative with Adecoagro to power Bitcoin mining using solar and battery systems—are shaping the future of decentralised infrastructure.

    JA Mining’s expanded facilities now include multiple solar and wind-powered data centres designed to reduce carbon impact while improving regional access and operational resilience. These centres support the mining of major protocols and are aligned with emerging environmental and social governance (ESG) benchmarks that are gaining traction across the financial sector.

    To complement the infrastructure expansion, JA Mining underwent an external cybersecurity assessment evaluating its encryption protocols, system uptime, and multi-layered access control. Following the audit, the platform implemented enhancements to elevate its encryption framework, boost internal security layers, and improve real-time system monitoring capabilities.

    “Security is now a baseline expectation, not a differentiator,” said Maya Cohen, Strategy Director at JA Mining. “As more users seek credible ways to engage with digital assets, our focus remains on reinforcing both platform integrity and sustainable infrastructure—two pillars that define the next generation of blockchain access.”

    Industry data supports this shift. According to recent reports, over 60% of cloud mining infrastructure deployed in 2025 incorporates automated systems, with more than 50% powered by renewable energy sources. Adoption of AI-enabled cloud mining platforms has grown by approximately 25% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting a user base increasingly drawn to low-barrier, climate-conscious models for blockchain engagement.

    JA Mining’s enhancements come as part of a broader effort to ensure operational transparency while contributing to a cleaner, more secure crypto mining ecosystem. The company offers users a decentralized entry point into blockchain participation without requiring hardware ownership or technical proficiency.

    The platform will continue rolling out regional integrations and compliance-driven upgrades across additional jurisdictions through 2025. These measures are aimed at improving local performance, supporting data sovereignty, and maintaining alignment with global digital finance standards.

    As the cloud mining sector matures from niche to infrastructure-grade utility, providers like JA Mining are positioning themselves not just as service platforms, but as contributors to the ongoing transformation of how digital networks are powered, accessed, and secured.

    About JA Mining
     JA Mining is a cloud-based blockchain infrastructure provider focused on security, automation, and sustainability. With operations spanning North America, Europe, and Asia, the company leverages renewable energy and AI-based systems to support encrypted access to major cryptocurrency networks.

    For more information, visit: https://jamining.com
    Media Contact: info@jamining.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Netcapital Announces Up To $5.9 Million Registered Direct Offering Priced At-The-Market Under Nasdaq Rules

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    $3 million upfront with up to an additional $2.9 million of potential aggregate gross proceeds upon the exercise in full of short-term warrants

    Boston, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Netcapital Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: NCPL, NPCLW), a digital private capital markets ecosystem, today announced that it has entered into definitive agreements for the purchase and sale of 641,712 shares of common stock at a purchase price of $4.675 per share in a registered direct offering priced at-the-market under Nasdaq rules. In a concurrent private placement, the Company will issue unregistered short-term warrants to purchase up to 641,712 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $4.55 per share that will be immediately exercisable upon issuance and will expire twenty-four months following the effective date of the registration statement covering the resale of the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the unregistered short-term warrants. The closing of the offering is expected to occur on or about July 17, 2025 subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

    H.C. Wainwright & Co. is acting as the exclusive placement agent for the offering.

    The gross proceeds to the Company from the offering are expected to be approximately $3 million, before deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses payable by the Company. The potential additional gross proceeds to the Company from the unregistered short-term warrants, if fully-exercised on a cash basis, will be approximately $2.9 million. No assurance can be given that any of such unregistered short-term warrants will be exercised. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for the repayment of certain outstanding promissory notes and for general working capital purposes.

    The common stock (but not the unregistered short-term warrants and the shares of common stock underlying the unregistered short-term warrants) described above are being offered by the Company pursuant to a “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-267921) that was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on October 26, 2022. The offering of the shares of common stock is being made only by means of a prospectus, including a prospectus supplement, forming a part of the effective registration statement. A final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the registered direct offering will be filed with the SEC. Electronic copies of the final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus may be obtained, when available, on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov or by contacting H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC at 430 Park Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, New York 10022, by phone at (212) 856-5711 or e-mail at placements@hcwco.com.

    The unregistered short-term warrants described above are being offered in a private placement under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and/or Regulation D promulgated thereunder and, along with the shares of common stock underlying such unregistered short-term warrants, have not been registered under the Securities Act, or applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, the unregistered short-term warrants and underlying shares of common stock may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and such applicable state securities laws.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About Netcapital Inc.

    Netcapital Inc. is a fintech company with a scalable technology platform that allows private companies to raise capital online and provides private equity investment opportunities to investors. The Company’s consulting group, Netcapital Advisors, provides marketing and strategic advice and takes equity positions in select companies. The Company’s funding portal, Netcapital Funding Portal Inc. is registered with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), a registered national securities association. The Company’s broker-dealer, Netcapital Securities Inc., is also registered with the SEC and is a member of FINRA.

    Forward Looking Statements

    The information contained herein includes forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events, including, but not limited to, statements relating to closing of the offering and satisfaction of closing conditions of the offering, the expected gross proceeds from the offering, the exercise of the unregistered short-term warrants prior to their expiration and statements regarding the anticipated use of proceeds from the offering, or to our future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond our control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects our current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

    Investor Contacts
    800-460-0815
    ir@netcapital.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Methodological recommendations, including control ratios (NO AIF and UK, NO BKI, NO PURTSB, NO SD)

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The final XBRL taxonomy of the Bank of Russia (version 7.0), in comparison with the preliminary XBRL taxonomy of the Bank of Russia (version 7.0), contains architectural amendments to the supervisory and statistical reporting module, as well as control ratios of indicators of supervisory and statistical reporting of non-credit financial institutions, entities providing professional services in the financial market, and self-regulatory organizations in the financial market (hereinafter referred to as financial market participants).

    The final XBRL taxonomy of the Bank of Russia (version 7.0) contains a finalized set of requirements for reporting data in terms of supervisory and statistical reporting for the following segments:

    1) insurance organizations, mutual insurance societies, foreign insurance organizations (subject to the entry into force of the draft Bank of Russia instruction1);

    2) non-state pension funds (subject to the entry into force of the draft Bank of Russia instruction2);

    3) professional participants in the securities market, trade organizers, clearing organizations (subject to the entry into force of the draft Bank of Russia instruction3);

    4) joint-stock investment funds, investment fund management companies, mutual investment funds, non-state pension funds (subject to the entry into force of the draft Bank of Russia instruction4);

    5) specialized depositories (subject to the entry into force of the draft Bank of Russia instruction5);

    6) credit rating agencies (subject to the entry into force of the draft Bank of Russia instruction6);

    7) insurance brokers (subject to the entry into force of the draft Bank of Russia instruction7);

    8) credit history bureau (subject to the entry into force of the draft Bank of Russia instruction8);

    9) operators of investment platforms, operators of financial platforms, operators of information systems in which digital financial assets are issued, operators of digital financial asset exchange (subject to the entry into force of the draft Bank of Russia instruction9);

    10) payment acceptance operators (subject to the entry into force of the draft Bank of Russia instruction10);

    11) self-regulatory organizations in the financial market (submission in accordance with the current Bank of Russia Instruction dated 10.06.2024 No. 6744-U11).

    The final XBRL taxonomy of the Bank of Russia (version 7.0) also contains a finalized set of requirements for reporting data on cash transactions (OKUD 0420011) (presentation in accordance with the current Bank of Russia Instruction dated 28.06.2024 No. 6789-U12) and requirements for reporting data of annual consolidated financial statements (presentation in accordance with the current Bank of Russia Instruction dated 20.07.2020 No. 5510-U13).

    The specified version of the XBRL taxonomy of the Bank of Russia is intended for review.

    In the future, it is planned to publish a corrective version of the final XBRL taxonomy of the Bank of Russia (version 7.1), which will include corrected control ratios and other targeted improvements, with a planned entry into force date of 01.01.2026.

    Information about the pilot collection of test reporting will be provided additionally.

    Please note that the final XBRL taxonomy of the Bank of Russia (version 7.0) does not contain requirements for the accounting (financial) reporting of non-credit financial institutions and persons providing professional services in the financial market.

    1 The project of instructions of the Bank of Russia “On the Forms, Dates and Procedure of the Compilation and Presentation of the Reporting of Insurers to the Bank of Russia.” The project of the Bank of Russia “On Amending the Bank of Russia dated June 28, 2024 No. 6796-U”. and clearing organizations, as well as other information. ”4 Project of the Bank of Russia instructions“ On Amending the Bank of Russia dated October 5, 2022 No. 6292-U. ”Design of indicating the Bank of Russia“ On Amending the Bank of Russia dated September 27, 2022 No. 6270-U. ”The draft of the Bank of Russia instruction“ On the content of the reporting of the credit rating agency, the subject, form, form and form of terms and procedure, form, form and manner. its compilation and submission to the Bank of Russia. ”The project of instructions of the Bank of Russia“ On Amendments to the Bank of Russia dated June 28, 2024 No. 6795 ”.8 The draft Bank of Russia instructions“ On Amending the Bank of Russia dated September 27, 2022 No. 6267-U. ”9 Draft of the Bank of Russia instructions “On the procedure and the terms for the procedure and submission to the Bank of the reports of investment operators platforms, reporting of financial platforms operators, information systems operators in which digital financial assets are issued, digital financial assets exchange operators, reports of investment platform operators and the composition of the information included in them, financial platform operators, as well as the procedure for reporters of investment platforms, financial platform operators, and information operators. systems in which digital financial assets are issued, information exchange operators to the Bank of Russia information about persons who are entrusted with identification, simplified identification, updating information about customers, customer representatives, beneficiaries and beneficial owners .10 Project of the Bank of Russia “On the form, Preject of drawing up, terms and procedure for submitting to the Bank of Russia Bank reports of operators for receiving payments, on the procedure for the report of the Bank of Russia, information about persons who are entering the receipt of identification, updating information about clients, customer representatives, beneficiaries and beneficial owners .11 Bank of Russia indication dated 10.06.2024 No. 6744-U “On the content, forms, procedure and terms for compiling and submission to the Bank of Russia in the Bank of Russia Reporting of a self-regulatory organization in the field of the financial market. ”12 Bank of Russia indication dated 06.28.2024 No. 6789-U “On the forms, terms and procedure for drawing up and submission to the Bank of Russia reports on transactions with cash funds of individual non-credit financial organizations. ”13 Bank of Russia indication dated 20.07.2020 No. 5510-U“ On the Procedure and Dates for submission to the Russian Banking Bank Consolidated financial statements by organizations specified in paragraphs 2-5 of part 1 of Article 2 of the Federal Law of July 27, 2010 No. 208-ФЗ “On Consolidated Financial Reporting”.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: Questions and Answers: Social Bank Deposit and Social Bank Account

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Updated: 18.03.2024

    The following persons have the right to insurance compensation:

    – small businesses;

    — non-profit organizations (NPOs) that operate in one of the following organizational and legal forms:

    a) property owners’ associations;

    b) consumer cooperatives, with the exception of financial institutions;

    c) Cossack societies included in the register of Cossack societies;

    d) communities of indigenous peoples of Russia;

    d) religious organizations;

    e) charitable foundations;

    3) NPOs – providers of socially useful services that meet the requirements established by Federal Law No. 7-FZ of 12.01.1996 “On Non-Commercial Organizations”, information about which is contained in the register of non-commercial organizations – providers of socially useful services.

    From 25.03.2024, the deposit insurance system will also extend to:

    1) medium-sized enterprises included in the relevant register, with the exception of entities that are credit institutions and non-credit financial institutions in accordance with the Federal Law “On the Central Bank of the Russian Federation (Bank of Russia)”;

    2) socially oriented non-profit organizations, as well as trade unions (trade union organizations).

    3) lawyers, notaries and other persons carrying out professional activities provided for by federal law.

    The maximum amount of insurance compensation will be 1.4 million rubles for accounts and deposits in one bank.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Monitoring of enterprises: growth of business activity has slowed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Bank of Russia’s Business Climate Indicator (BCI) stood at 1.5 points in July, down from 3.0 points a month earlier. Current production and demand estimates, as well as short-term expectations, were below the June level. Business price expectations increased slightly after 6 months of decline. Companies’ investment activity grew more slowly than in Q2 2025.

    Read more in the July issue of the information and analytical commentary “Monitoring of enterprises”.

    Starting from this issue, the Bank of Russia will regularly publish data on the main indicators of enterprise monitoring by macroregions. In addition, survey data on types of economic activity and groups of enterprises in time series format are now available inData retrieval service (API).

    Preview photo: Eric Romanenko / TASS

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Annual inflation falls for fifth month in a row.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    In June, annual inflation decreased to 9.4%. Seasonally adjusted monthly price growth was 4.0% in annual terms. Differences in price dynamics by groups of goods and services remained significant.

    The monthly increase in food prices has decreased. The rate of increase in meat prices has decreased the most, while fruits and vegetables have become cheaper faster than the seasonal norm. The growth in prices for household and medical services has slowed somewhat, but remains high. Prices for non-food products, excluding petroleum products, have not changed on average.

    Despite the decline, annual inflation in June was still significantly above the target. The Bank of Russia intends to return it to 4.0% in 2026 and keep it close to this level in the future.

    For more details, read the Bank of Russia’s information and analytical commentary “Dynamics of consumer prices”.

    Preview photo: Leny Studio / Shutterstock / Fotodom

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Guarantee system for IIS-3.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    A system of guaranteeing property on individual investment accounts (IIA) of the third type will appear in Russia. It will be possible to count on compensation for assets in the event of bankruptcy of the professional participant who was engaged in maintaining the account. Such law adopted by the State Duma.

    The compensation fund will be formed from voluntary contributions of professional participants who work with IIS and have joined the guarantee system. The operator of the system will be the currently operating Federal Public-State Fund for the Protection of the Rights of Investors and Shareholders, which will be renamed the Individual Investment Account Guarantee Fund. It will determine the amount of contributions and will be responsible for payments.

    An affected investor may apply to this fund if he/she has not received his/her assets in full within 6 months after the professional participant has been declared bankrupt and bankruptcy proceedings have begun. The maximum compensation amount is 1.4 million rubles for all accounts opened with the bankrupt.

    The law defines the specifics of participation in the guarantee system, the procedure for the formation of the compensation fund and the investment of its funds, and also establishes requirements for the structure and powers of the governing bodies of the system operator.

    Preview photo: Cholpan / Shutterstock / Fotodom

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Mass implementation of the digital ruble will begin on September 1, 2026

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The largest banks will have to be the first to provide their clients with the opportunity to use digital rubles: open accounts, make transfers, pay for purchases and services, and perform other transactions. Gradually, by September 2028, all banks will have this obligation. The corresponding law The State Duma adopted it today.

    Trading companies that are clients of the largest banks and whose revenue for the past year exceeds 120 million rubles will also have to provide the ability to pay for goods and services in a digital form of the national currency from September 1, 2026.

    Banks with a universal license and their clients — trading companies with annual revenue of over 30 million rubles — will have to start working with digital rubles from September 1, 2027. Other banks and sellers with revenue of less than 30 million rubles per year — from September 1, 2028. The obligation to accept payments in digital rubles will not apply to retail outlets whose annual revenue is less than 5 million rubles.

    The law also sets the launch dates for a universal QR code based on the National Payment Card System (NSPK) solution. It will allow both buyers and sellers to significantly simplify the payment process without cards and avoid confusion when there are many QR codes at the checkout. The universal QR code can be used to access various payment options: the Fast Payment System, banking services or installment plans, and in the future, digital rubles. At the same time, the bonuses and discounts of the selected payment method are retained.

    All banks must complete the preparation of their systems to work with the universal QR code by September 1, 2026. However, they can do it earlier if they wish.

    NSPK will provide banks with a free universal QR code service. This will reduce their integration costs. The timeframes within which banks will be required to connect the universal QR code to sellers will be determined by the Board of Directors of the Bank of Russia.

    Let us recall that digital rubles will be in circulation along with cash and non-cash. People will be able to create a wallet and use the digital national currency through the usual applications of banks connected to the digital ruble platform of the Bank of Russia. All transactions with the digital national currency for citizens will be free. The choice of whether to use digital rubles or not remains with the person.

    Read more about the digital ruble on the website Bank of Russia.

    Preview photo: Hamara / Shutterstock / Fotodom

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: What the trends say: Inflation is returning to target.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    In June, the monthly growth of seasonally adjusted consumer prices slowed down, and in annual terms it was close to the inflation target. Inflation expectations of enterprises and the population decreased, and the growth of enterprise costs slowed. At the same time, price dynamics remain uneven across segments, and fixing inflation at the target level requires additional confirmation. A sustainable reduction in inflation to 4% and its stabilization at this level require maintaining tight monetary conditions for a long time.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: Institutions Should Be More Responsible About Stock Investing

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Bank of Russia has developed Code of Responsible Investment for banks, insurers, management companies, NPFs and other institutional investors who place funds in equity instruments. The regulator suggests that they adhere to a number of principles that will increase the return on investment not only through effective management of the securities portfolio, but also through active interaction with issuers.

    Institutional investors are currently little involved in the corporate governance of joint-stock companies. The Code requires them to be more actively involved in the life of issuers in order to improve the long-term prospects of companies – primarily to help increase their shareholder value. When investing, “institutionalists” should pay attention primarily to companies that have adopted strategy to increase shareholder valueIf such a document does not exist, investors can exercise their corporate rights and encourage the issuer to develop it.

    Those who adhere to the Code are required to publicly report annually on their compliance with these principles.

    Compliance with the principles of the Code will contribute to the development of the equity capital market and increase the capitalization of the Russian stock market.

    Preview photo: Sirtravelalot / Shutterstock / Fotodom

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –