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Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI: Sidetrade: 2025 H1 revenue, up 19% at constant exchange rates

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Booking resilience amid economic headwinds

    • Annual Contract Value (ACV) of new deals: €5.88 million
    • Down 21% vs. record H1 2024
    • Stable vs. H1 2023 (€5.84 million)

    Commercial launch of the first autonomous AI Cash Collection Agent

    Partnership signed with a global Order-to-Cash services leader

    Strong revenue growth: +19% at constant exchange rates, with SaaS subscriptions up 25% (+18% and +24% respectively in reported data)

    • Robust half-year performance driven by SaaS subscriptions
    • Acceleration in the enterprise segment

    Sidetrade, the global leader in AI-powered Order-to-Cash applications, today announced strong first-half 2025 revenue growth of 19% at constant exchange rates, driven by a 25% increase in SaaS subscription revenue.

    Commenting on the results, Sidetrade CEO Olivier Novasque stated:

    “Given the current macroeconomic environment, we were unable to replicate our record-breaking booking from the first half of 2024, which had seen a 25% year-over-year increase. As anticipated, H1 2025 reflects a 21% decline from that record high, impacted by companies’ cautious stance toward launching new investment projects. Nonetheless, our well-balanced footprint across Europe and North America, where early signs of recovery are emerging, combined with a diversified mix of new deals and upsells to our existing client base, helped maintain bookings at levels comparable to H1 2023, before the 2024 peak.

    While full-year 2025 booking is expected to follow a similar trend, early market feedback on the launch of our autonomous AI Cash Collection Agent is highly encouraging and supports the prospect of a significant reacceleration starting in 2026. Furthermore, the global alliance signed in June with a leading Order-to-Cash services firm is a new growth catalyst, expected to deliver material impact from 2026 onward. Additional agreements of this nature are in advanced stages and will enhance commercial momentum over the coming years.

    On the revenue front, we posted strong growth of +19% at constant exchange rates, including +25% for our SaaS subscriptions. This performance was driven by 1/ the consolidation of SHS Viveon in H1, 2/ strong growth in our subscriptions in the US (+26%), and 3/ a sharp increase in subscriptions from enterprise clients generating over $2.5 billion in revenue (+42%). With nearly 90% recurring revenue and two new growth engines set to kick in from 2026, Sidetrade is well-positioned to sustain a robust and highly predictable business model. We are now entering a new phase in our growth journey, one that will once again redefine the scale and scope of our company over the next three years.”

    Resilient booking performance against a record 2024 and challenging macro backdrop

    In H1 2025, Sidetrade recorded €5.88 million in new Annual Contract Value (ACV), down 21% from the €7.42 million reported in H1 2024, which marked an all-time high (+25% vs. H1 2023). While the economic context and an exceptionally high comparison base weighed on performance, H1 2025 ACV remained in line with the pre-peak level of H1 2023 (€5.84 million), demonstrating the strength of Sidetrade’s commercial model.
    New Annual Recurring Revenue (New ARR) came in at €2.44 million, down 38% from the record €3.95 million in H1 2024. Q1 2025 was exceptionally soft in North America, which accounted for only 8% of New ARR. However, a strong Q2 2025 rebound lifted the US contribution to 34% of total new contract value for the first half of the year.

    Service booking, which are generally billed within twelve months of being signed, remained stable at €3.44 million in H1 2025 (vs. €3.47 million in H1 2024), with reduced large-scale investment activity, particularly in the US, offset by strong expansion projects within the existing client base, including €1.44 million from SHS Viveon customers in Germany.

    The average initial contract period for new clients (excluding renewals) remained high at 44.5 months (vs. 44.8 in H1 2024), significantly above the SaaS industry average (24–36 months), reflecting strong client confidence and contributing to revenue visibility and resilience.

    In a notable shift in trend, only 30% of H1 2025 bookings came from New Business, compared to the historical range of 50–60%. This was due to greater caution among enterprises, especially in North America. Conversely, Cross-sell deals (new entities within a group and/or additional modules, such as CashApp, Credit Risk Expert, or e-Invoicing) accounted for 45% of total bookings (up from 20% previously), while upsells to existing clients contributed 25%. Together, Cross-Sell and UpSell accounted for 70% of signatures, clear evidence of strong customer satisfaction and revenue retention. This also reflects Sidetrade’s ability to capture incremental growth from existing enterprise clients through a multi-product platform strategy, even in a challenging environment.

    AI Agent and strategic alliances open up new structural growth opportunities for order intake

    H1 2025 marked a strategic inflection point, with two new growth levers expected to reshape Sidetrade’s medium-term commercial trajectory: the industrialization of agent-based AI and the expansion of distribution channels through global partnerships.

    In May 2025, Sidetrade unveiled the first autonomous AI agent for cash collection. Designed to operate without human supervision, this next-generation intelligent agent, embodied by Aimie, is a game-changer in the Order-to-Cash space. With strong interest from enterprise clients seeking immediate cash generation improvements, large-scale commercialization is scheduled for early 2026, with some early-stage pre-orders possible in Q4 2025. Initial feedback indicates that AI agents could significantly boost commercial momentum starting next year.

    In parallel, Sidetrade signed a global partnership in June with a major international consulting firm specializing in finance transformation. The agreement provides privileged access to Global 2000 strategic accounts across services, manufacturing, and healthcare, and is expected to generate incremental pipeline growth across North America, EMEA, and APAC.

    Backed by a substantial installed base, breakthrough innovation, and expanded go-to-market capabilities, Sidetrade is well-equipped to accelerate its commercial growth in the coming years.

    Strong revenue growth: +18%, including +24% SaaS subscription growth

    Sidetrade
    (€m)    		 H1 2025 H1 2024 Change
    SaaS Subscription Revenue 25.4 20.5 +24%
    Total Revenue 29.3 24.8 +18%

    All the 2025 information of this financial release is from consolidated, unaudited data.

    Sidetrade posted consolidated revenue of €29.3 million in H1 2025, up 19% at constant exchange rates and 18% on a reported basis.

    SaaS subscription revenue rose to €25.4 million, representing a 25% increase at constant exchange rates (+24% reported). On a like-for-like basis (excluding SHS Viveon), growth stood at +12% constant. This solid performance confirms the strength of Sidetrade’s SaaS business model, with recurring revenue driving robust results amid economic uncertainty.
    Growth was robust among enterprise accounts. SaaS subscriptions from companies generating over €2.5 billion in annual revenue surged 42%, now representing 54% of total subscription revenue, underscoring Sidetrade’s growing penetration of large international enterprises. This high-end market segment is expected to remain a significant growth driver in the coming quarters.

    Service revenue totaled €3.9 million, down 8% compared to H1 2024 and 32% on a like-for-like basis. This was due to fewer large-scale projects and more limited service engagements tied to upsell deals.

    The consolidation of SHS Viveon (effective July 1, 2024) contributed €3.9 million, or 13% of total H1 2025 revenue.

    It is worth noting that all Sidetrade multi-year contracts are indexed to inflation (Syntec index for Southern Europe, UK CPI for Northern Europe, and US CPI for the United States), ensuring that annual pricing updates are automatically reflected in subscription revenue, without waiting for contract renewals.

    Next financial announcement
    First Half Year Results for 2025: September 17, 2025 (after the stock market closes)

    Investor & Media relations @Sidetrade
    Christelle Dhrif                +33 6 10 46 72 00          cdhrif@sidetrade.com

    About Sidetrade (www.sidetrade.com)
    Sidetrade (Euronext Growth: ALBFR.PA) provides a SaaS platform designed to revolutionize how cash flow is secured and accelerated. Leveraging its new-generation agentic AI, nicknamed Aimie, Sidetrade analyzes $7.2 trillion worth of B2B payment transactions daily in its Cloud, thereby anticipating customer payment behavior and the attrition risk of 40 million buyers worldwide. Sidetrade has a global reach, with 400+ talented employees based in Europe, the United States, and Canada, serving global businesses in more than 85 countries. Among them: AGFA, BMW Financial Services, Bunzl, DXC, Engie, Inmarsat, KPMG, Lafarge, Manpower, Morningstar, Page, Randstad, Safran, Saint-Gobain, Securitas, Siemens, UGI, Veolia.
    For further information, visit us at www.sidetrade.com and follow @Sidetrade on LinkedIn.
     In the event of any discrepancy between the French and English versions of this press release, only the English version is to be taken into account.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: COFACE SA: Coface launches its syndicate at Lloyd’s offering AA solutions to its clients

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Coface launches its syndicate at Lloyd’s offering AA solutions to its clients

    Paris, 16 July 2025 – 17.45

    Coface announces today that it has received an “in principle approval” from Lloyd’s to establish a new short term trade credit syndicate, that will be managed by Apollo Syndicate Management (‘Apollo’).

    The syndicate (Coface Lloyd’s Syndicate, 2546), is expected to commence underwriting in 2025. Coface believes that the syndicate will be a valuable addition to the Group’s offering. It will enable Coface to provide AA- rated solutions to better serve the needs of selected segments of the market. Coface also believes that there is significant profitable growth potential for credit insurance solutions at Lloyd’s.

    Coface values the support and advice received from Gallagher Re throughout the entire process.

    Xavier Durand, Coface’s Chief Executive Officer, commented:
    “The creation of syndicate 2546 represents an important step for Coface. This project reflects our determination to improve the support to our customers by offering them a broader range of solutions. We see growth potential for credit insurance at Lloyd’s. This new structure is perfectly in line with the objectives of our Power The Core strategic plan, which aims to strengthen and extend our core expertise in credit insurance. It also supports our ambition to develop a global ecosystem of reference for credit risk management.”

    David Ibeson, Apollo Group CEO, said:
    “We are delighted to welcome Coface as a new Apollo Platform Partner, supporting and maximising the delivery of their Lloyd’s aspirations. The combination of Coface’s market leading trade credit expertise and Apollo’s track record of building innovative new syndicates is exceptionally exciting for the Lloyd’s market.”

    About Apollo:
    Apollo is an innovation inspired insurance platform offering data-driven and creative solutions to a wide variety of risks.

    We provide high quality products and services to clients, brokers, and capital partners at Lloyd’s, enabling a resilient and sustainable world.

    We offer insurance products across Property, Casualty, Marine, Energy & Transportation, Specialty, Reinsurance, as well as Smart Follow and digital & embedded risk programmes. Our expertise and unique Apollo ecosystem give our Platform Partners the best chance of success through the Lloyd’s new entrant process to the delivery of their long-term strategy.

    We invest in true partnership and innovation driven experiences unlike anyone else.

    About Gallagher Re:
    Gallagher Re is a full-service global reinsurance broking and advisory firm operating across the risk and capital spectrum.  

    By combining analytics capabilities with reinsurance expertise, strategic advisory services and transactional excellence, we help clients drive greater value from their businesses, negotiate optimum terms and achieve their risk transfer objectives. Our global client base includes all the world’s top insurance and reinsurance carriers, as well as national catastrophe schemes in many countries around the world. 

    Backed by Gallagher, one of the world’s largest insurance brokerage, risk management and benefits consulting companies, we’re more connected to the places you do business. Whether your operations are global, national or local, we have the talent, market position and trusted relationships to build the best solutions possible.

    CONTACTS

    ANALYSTS / INVESTORS
    Thomas JACQUET: +33 1 49 02 12 58 – thomas.jacquet@coface.com
    Rina ANDRIAMIADANTSOA: +33 1 49 02 15 85 – rina.andriamiadantsoa@coface.com

    MEDIA RELATIONS
    Saphia GAOUAOUI: +33 1 49 02 14 91 – saphia.gaouaoui@coface.com
    Adrien BILLET: +33 1 49 02 23 63 – adrien.billet@coface.com

    FINANCIAL CALENDAR 2025
    (subject to change)
    H1-2025 results: 31 July 2025 (after market close)
    9M-2025 results: 3 November 2025 (after market close)

    FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    This press release, as well as COFACE SA’s integral regulatory information, can be found on the Group’s website: http://www.coface.com/Investors

    For regulated information on Alternative Performance Measures (APM), please refer to our Interim Financial Report for H1-2024 and our 2024 Universal Registration Document (see part 3.7 “Key financial performance indicators”).

      Regulated documents posted by COFACE SA have been secured and authenticated with the blockchain technology by Wiztrust.
    You can check the authenticity on the website www.wiztrust.com.
     

    COFACE: FOR TRADE
    As a global leading player in trade credit risk management for more than 75 years, Coface helps companies grow and navigate in an uncertain and volatile environment.
    Whatever their size, location or sector, Coface provides 100,000 clients across some 200 markets with a full range of solutions: Trade Credit Insurance, Business Information, Debt Collection, Single Risk insurance, Surety Bonds, Factoring.
    Every day, Coface leverages its unique expertise and cutting-edge technology to make trade happen, in both domestic and export markets.
    In 2024, Coface employed ~5,236 people and registered a turnover of €1.84 billion.

    www.coface.com

    COFACE SA is quoted in Compartment A of Euronext Paris
    Code ISIN: FR0010667147 / Ticker: COFA

    DISCLAIMER – Certain declarations featured in this press release may contain forecasts that notably relate to future events, trends, projects or targets. By nature, these forecasts include identified or unidentified risks and uncertainties, and may be affected by many factors likely to give rise to a significant discrepancy between the real results and those stated in these declarations. Please refer to chapter 5 “Main risk factors and their management within the Group” of the Coface Group’s 2024 Universal Registration Document filed with AMF on 3 April 2025 under the number D.25-0227 in order to obtain a description of certain major factors, risks and uncertainties likely to influence the Coface Group’s businesses. The Coface Group disclaims any intention or obligation to publish an update of these forecasts, or provide new information on future events or any other circumstance.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung EEIP Calls for Eligible ICT Enterprises to Apply for the ED Programme

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has opened its third call, inviting all suitable, black-owned ICT and Service Centre SMMEs to apply for participation in this year’s Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP) for Enterprise Development (ED).
     
    Samsung’s R280-million worth EEIP, which was launched in 2019, has managed to demonstrate considerable success since its inception. In its six years of sustained success, this year represents the 3rd edition of the programme and seeks to continue making a measurable difference to the socio-economic development of black South Africans. This year’s call follows two successful cycles and forms part of Samsung’s broader commitment to the ICT sector, SMME development and the government’s Vision 2030.
     

     
    Nicky Beukes, Samsung EEIP Project Manager said: “This programme has in the last few years seen great success and has also had a positive impact in the lives of entrepreneurs in the ICT space. As part of our transformation objectives, our EEIP programme continues to contribute to the sustainable development goals of the National Development Plan (NDP).”
     
    Importantly, through Samsung’s collaboration with the DTIC – these partners remain committed to making a positive contribution to broader economic growth and, to continue playing a significant role in both job creation as well as sustainable entrepreneurship opportunities within South Africa.
     

     
    Beukes added: “And together with the DTIC, we have in the last few years re-affirmed our commitment to ICT development and economic transformation which are aligned to South Africa’s Vision 2030. This third edition of EEIP and its success to date, is a clear indication that Samsung’s significant investment in SMME development is yielding tangible results.”
     
    This third, consecutive call to all black-owned SMEs in the ICT and Service Centre space across South Africa is a great opportunity for the country’s ICT SMMEs to grow and shape the future of their businesses through this Samsung ED Programme.
     

     
    For more information on how to respond to the call and apply, please see link: www.samsung.com/za/local-programme/ed-programme/
     

    Main Page:  Samsung EEIP | Enterprise Development | Samsung South Africa
    Application form: Samsung EEIP Application for Enterprises | Samsung South Africa

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Improving climate governance in West Africa: Three calls for inclusive climate action in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal

    Source: APO

    Climate change is a growing threat across Africa, with West Africa feeling its effects especially intensely. According to the ND-GAIN index, Burkina Faso (162nd out of 182), Senegal (144th), and Côte d’Ivoire (134th) rank among the most vulnerable countries. They face a dangerous mix of low capacity to adapt and high exposure to climate hazards.

    This vulnerability shows up in more extreme weather, worsening food insecurity, and growing precarity—particularly harming women and young people.

    To tackle this urgent challenge, the Union of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions of Africa (UCESA), supported by the African Development Bank, has developed three national advocacy papers. These papers promote participatory climate governance that reflects citizens’ real needs. They also aim to strengthen the role of Economic and Social Councils in shaping national climate policies.

    “These advocacy plans put citizens back at the centre of climate action,” said Arona Soumare, Principal Climate Change and Green Growth Officer at the African Development Bank. “By giving them full backing, the African Development Bank is reiterating its commitment to inclusive, equitable climate governance rooted in local realities. These initiatives lay the foundations for sustainable and resilient development in Africa.”

    According to Abdelkader Amara, current head of UCESA and President of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) of Morocco, “UCESA is aware of these challenges and consequently intends to promote and support actions taken by African Economic and Social Councils and similar institutions that help to integrate sustainability and resilience into the frameworks for defining, implementing, and evaluating relevant institutional and policy mechanisms.”

    Burkina Faso: 

    Building resilience in a Sahelian setting

    Located in the middle of the Sahel belt, Burkina Faso is one of the countries that is most vulnerable to climate change. This fragility is exacerbated by a limited ability to adapt, which is particularly pronounced among women and young people. The advocacy effort developed by the Economic and Social Council of Burkina Faso, aided by technical support from UCESA, reflects citizens’ perceptions of the real effects of climate change. It proposes responses rooted in local realities, with a view to steering public policies towards a more inclusive, participatory and community resilience-oriented approach.

    Côte d’Ivoire:

    Towards citizen-centred climate governance

    Côte d’Ivoire lies in a region highly vulnerable to climate shocks. This vulnerability is compounded by the limited involvement of women, especially in rural areas, and the still marginal role of civil society. The national advocacy paper, developed through extensive consultation, captures citizens’ expectations and offers clear recommendations for more equitable climate governance. It underscores the importance of fully including people’s voices in decision-making processes—an essential element for effective climate action.

    Senegal:

    Citizen participation and climate resilience

    Senegal, a country in the Sahel-Sudan region, is already bearing the brunt of climate change. The national advocacy campaign draws on a citizen perception survey to inform a participatory discussion on future policy directions. Led by Senegal’s Economic, Social and Environmental Council, in partnership with UCESA and the African Development Bank, the resulting document calls for a unified effort from civil society, researchers, NGOs, and policymakers to create climate strategies that are inclusive, locally grounded, and capable of sustainably strengthening national resilience.

    A regional dynamic

    These three advocacy papers are part of a regional dynamic propelled by UCESA, with the support of the African Development Bank. They demonstrate a shared commitment to rooting climate action in citizen participation, stakeholder synergy, and regional solidarity. Through this initiative, the Economic and Social Councils are re-asserting their role as a strategic interface between civil society and public authorities in responding to the continent’s climate challenges.

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

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: From Mine Shafts to Classrooms: How a Cobalt Mining Town is Reclaiming Childhood and Rebuilding Hope

    Source: APO

    Thirteen-year-old Beni Cial Yumba Musoya used to spend her days scavenging for cobalt under the scorching sun in the artisanal mines of Kolwezi. Today, she dreams of donning a white coat and saving lives. “I want to be a doctor,” she says, smiling shyly from her wooden desk at Kasanda Primary School in Kasulo, a neighbourhood nestled in Congo’s mining heartland of south-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. “I will build schools and health centres to help people, just as I was helped before,” she continues.

    Beni is one of thousands of Congolese children whose lives have been transformed by the Support Project for Alternative Welfare of Children and Young People Involved in the Cobalt Supply Chain (PABEA-COBALT) (https://apo-opa.co/4l0Hwfv), a bold $82 million initiative funded by the African Development Bank.

    The project aims to eliminate child labour in the cobalt sector – an industry vital to the global tech economy, yet plagued by poverty, informally and exploitation.

    The atmosphere here has changed dramatically. Just a few years ago, the soundscape of Kasulo was dominated by the roar of rudimentary mining machinery and the shuffle of children burdened by sacks of ore. Today, those echoes have been replaced by the buzz of classrooms, the chatter of pupils at recess, and the laughter of children rediscovering play and learning.

    In early 2022, PABEA-COBALT identified more than 16,800 Congolese children working in artisanal cobalt mines in the provinces of Haut-Katanga and Lualaba. Since then, 13,587 of them – including Beni – have been enrolled in schools. Many attend newly constructed or rehabilitated facilities like Kasanda Primary School, where education, healthcare, psychological support and civil registry services are provided at no cost.

    “Before, I used to collect minerals in artisanal mines. That was all I knew,” recalls Beni, her expression briefly clouded by painful memories.

    A few steps away, Marie Samba tends to her hens and quails, her hand dusted with feed rather than cobalt residue. A former mine worker, Marie once spent her days sorting and washing cobalt to survive. Today, she’s a trained poultry farmer. “I used to collect and wash minerals to sell them,” she sighs.

    Marie is one of over 10,500 parents and guardians supported by the project – well above the initial target of 6,250. They have received training in agriculture and livestock farming, as well as materials to start-up kits to launch small businesses. Additionally, 8,200 young people formerly working in the mines are being supported to integrate into school, vocational training, or income-generating activities.

    “We have been educated and trained in livestock farming and agriculture. We have also been given supplies to start our activities. I didn’t think I could change my life like this,” says Marie Samba, who is delighted with the excellent results she is achieving with her poultry farm

    PABEA-COBALT has also helped establish two entrepreneurship centres in Haut-Katanga and Lualaba, equipped with modern equipment for agriculture, livestock farming and food processing. These centres serve as anchors for change, empowering young people and parents to build livelihoods away from the mines.

    “One of the project’s greatest successes is that it has anchored change from within the communities,” says project coordinator Alice Mirimo Kabetsi. “Solutions don’t just come from outside: they are now driven by parents, teachers and young people themselves. This model proves that by focusing on education and local entrepreneurship, we can break the cycle of child labour in the mines for good,” she said.

    Across the region, this shift is tangible. Nearly 1,000 agricultural cooperatives have been reorganized, strengthening local agricultural and livestock value chains and offering new economic opportunities. The transformation has drawn international attention. A recent report from the DRC’s National Human Rights Commission titled Child labour in artisanal cobalt mining sites (https://apo-opa.co/4lU5lGn), produced in collaboration with the UN Human Rights Council, commended the project’s “tangible results” and urged replication in other mining-affected region across the Great Lakes.

    Back in Kasulo, children like Beni are rediscovering their childhood dreams and the power of innocence. Mothers like Marie are holding their heads high, proud to be building a future free from the cobalt mines.

    For partners such as the African Development Bank, this project has not only changed lives. It has paved the way for a whole generation growing up far from the mines and building, day after day, a stronger, fairer and resolutely forward-looking society.

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

    About the African Development Bank Group: 
    The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Local business sentenced after crackdown on underage knife sales

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Wednesday, 16th July 2025

    A Hanley store has been ordered to pay almost £18,500 after selling a knife to a person under 18.

    Stoke Discount Ltd, trading as Hanley Discount Store, was found guilty at North Staffordshire Justice Centre last week after a member of staff sold a knife to an underage volunteer during a council-led test purchase. No attempt was made to check the young person’s age.

    The exercise was carried out by the city council’s Trading Standards team following a previous inspection where the store had been advised on how to follow the law and prevent underage sales.

    The test purchase was carried out in support of Staffordshire Police’s Ditch the Blade campaign, which works to reduce knife crime across the city.

    The court also heard that the Stafford Street store had already been warned by Staffordshire Police to move knives into a secure display unit.

    The store was ordered to pay a total of £18,404.15, including a £12,500 fine, a £5,000 victim surcharge and £904.15 in court costs.

    Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for city pride, enforcement, and sustainability at the city council, said: “This is a very serious case and I welcome this guilty verdict. This work forms part of the council’s commitment to creating a safer city for all and we will not tolerate underage sales of knives. The message is clear – you will face serious consequences if you choose to sell products to underage residents.

    “Our Trading Standards team work hard to keep people safe and this case shows the consequences for people who fail to follow the law. We’re proud to support Ditch the Blade and will continue doing everything we can to help prevent knife crime in Stoke-on-Trent.”

    Anyone wishing to report underage sales can contact the Trading Standards Hotline 01782 238444 or visit www.stoke.gov.uk/tradingstandards

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £390k boost for Acomb Explore library

    Source: City of York

    Acomb Explore library will receive a £390,000 boost to improve facilities for local residents.

    The plans, which were approved by City of York Council’s Executive yesterday [15 July], include creating a larger children’s library; increasing the capacity and accessibility of the indoor café area; new quiet spaces for work and study; improved toilet facilities; a larger area for books and improved meeting rooms and IT suite.

    The plans have been developed in response to direct feedback from local residents and have been funded in part by £100,000 from the council’s Future Libraries Investment Fund (£100k). The £7.7m fund was originally set up in 2022 to deliver three key library projects in order: creating a new library for Haxby & Wigginton, providing a new library learning centre in Clifton, and improving Acomb Explore.

    Additional funding for Acomb Explore – the first Library Learning Centre to open in the city, in 2007 – has been secured from the Arts Council, Libraries’ Investment Fund (£250,000); and a total grant of £40,000 from the Mayoral Renewables Fund for renewable energy generation projects (match funded with £14,000 from the council’s Climate Change budget).

    Local residents shared their views on what improvements were needed to the library space in 2023, citing bigger children’s space, more indoor café space and quiet space for work or study as their top three priorities, requests which have been matched by the plans.

    Jenny Layfield, Chief Executive, Explore York Libraries and Archives said:

    “Acomb was our first Explore centre and a blueprint for our vision of libraries shaped by and for their communities, so it is great news that, with this investment from the Arts Council, the Mayoral Renewables Fund and the Council we will be able to make the improvements to Acomb Explore in line with the priorities identified by local people.

    “Acomb Explore is already a vibrant place, well loved by its community, and supported by a committed team of staff and volunteers. These improvements will make a brilliant library even better!”

    Cllr Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader of City of York Council and Executive Member for Economy and Culture, said:

    “The plans for Acomb form the third and final part of our Future Library Investment Programme, which has already delivered new libraries in Haxby & Wigginton and Clifton, bringing benefits for local communities and library users across the city.

    “Securing significant external grant funding for the Acomb project has made it possible to put forward plans which will enable us to meet the need and priorities set out by local residents.”

    Luke Burton, Director Libraries, Arts Council England said:

    “The Libraries Investment Fund enables library services to invest in the upgrade of buildings and technology, so they are better able to respond to the changing ways people are using them.

    “I’m delighted that investment of £250,000 will contribute to the redevelopment of Acomb Library resulting in the creation of a bigger children’s library and improved facilities so that everyone in the community can enjoy and benefit from what the library has to offer.”

    The delivery timetable will be finalised when plans have been approved and a construction partner appointed. It’s likely that the library will need to close for a 12-week period over the next 6-9 months for work to be completed, with options that minimise disruption to the public, prioritised.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia to Start Mass Implementation of Digital Ruble in 2026

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Moscow, July 16 /Xinhua/ — The mass introduction of the digital ruble will begin in Russia on September 1, 2026. This was reported on Tuesday by the press service of the Bank of Russia /Central Bank/.

    From now on, the largest Russian banks will have to provide customers with the opportunity to open digital wallets, as well as pay for goods and services, make transfers and carry out other transactions in digital rubles. Such transactions will become mandatory for trading companies with revenues of more than 120 million rubles, if they are serviced by the largest banks.

    From September 1, 2027, these rules will become mandatory for other banks with a universal license and their clients from among trading companies with annual revenue over 30 million rubles. Other banks and sellers with revenue from 5 million to 30 million rubles per year must implement operations with the digital ruble by September 1, 2028.

    The digital ruble is being created to become another means of payment and transfer that will not depend on bank restrictions in the form of commissions and limits. People will be able to open a digital wallet through the applications of banks connected to the digital ruble platform of the Bank of Russia. –0–

    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 Europe: ​EBA publishes Handbook on simulation exercises for resolution authorities

    Source: European Banking Authority

    ​The European Banking Authority (EBA) today published the latest chapter of its resolution Handbook on simulation exercises for resolution authorities. The Handbook provides, for the first time, a comprehensive framework of best practices, methodologies and processes to support resolution authorities in enhancing their preparedness and operational capabilities through structured simulation exercises. 

    ​Testing requirements are already imposed to institutions through the EBA Guidelines on resolvability testing, and simulations are becoming more prevalent in ensuring preparation among authorities, the EBA’s Handbook proposes a taxonomy for simulation exercises for resolution authorities to harmonise the use of main concepts within the financial stability framework. 

    ​In addition, the Handbook distinguishes between testing, simulations and dry runs and introduces six main types of simulation exercise: brainstorms, desktop exercises, walkthroughs, fire drills, decision-making exercises and operational simulations. This new chapter also presents the concept of end-to-end simulations, which combine multiple exercise types to replicate real-world resolution scenarios. 

    ​The Handbook describes in operational terms how to initiate, plan, prepare and deliver a simulation exercise. It provides practical guidance on defining objectives and scope, designing scenarios, allocating resources, managing delivery, and collecting feedback. The Handbook also includes templates and examples to support authorities in implementing effective and proportionate simulation exercises. 

    ​Legal basis and background 

    ​This initiative is part of the EBA’s broader mandate under Article 8(1)(ab) of Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010 to maintain an up-to-date Union resolution handbook. The Handbook draws on the experience of resolution authorities across the EU and aims to foster convergence, interoperability and cross-border cooperation. 

    ​Simulation exercises are a key tool for resolution authorities to test and refine their internal procedures, decision-making processes and coordination mechanisms as well as to train their staff. 

    ​The Handbook is available on the EBA’s website and is intended for use by all resolution authorities in the EU. It complements the EBA’s existing Guidalines on resolvability testing and supports the ongoing development of a robust and credible resolution framework. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Stifel Ranks No. 1 in J.D. Power Study for Third Straight Year

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ST. LOUIS, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) today announced that its Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated broker-dealer subsidiary ranked No. 1 in employee advisor satisfaction among wealth management firms in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Financial Advisor Satisfaction StudySM.

    This marks the third straight year that Stifel has earned the top ranking, which is calculated based on responses submitted by Stifel advisors. Stifel’s overall score was 819 out of 1,000 – 214 points higher than the employee segment average and up 52 points from last year.

    In addition to finishing No. 1 overall, Stifel ranked first in five individual categories: compensation, leadership and culture, operational support, products and marketing, and technology.

    “I am thrilled that J.D. Power has named Stifel the No. 1 wealth management firm for employee advisor satisfaction for the third consecutive year,” said Ron Kruszewski, Chairman and CEO of Stifel. “This recognition means even more because it comes directly from our advisors. Ranking No. 1 in overall satisfaction – and in five of six categories – is a powerful testament to the culture we’ve built at Stifel. But we don’t view this as a victory lap – we view it as a challenge. A challenge to keep raising the bar, to keep listening, and to continuously improve.”

    “This is a tremendous honor for the firm, our advisors, and the colleagues who support them,” said Jim Zemlyak, President of Stifel and Head of Global Wealth Management. “Our unique culture is built around respect for our advisors, and we continually invest in their success by providing them the resources and support needed to deliver exceptional service to their clients.”

    Stifel is home to approximately 2,340 advisors with approximately $517 billion in client assets as of June 30, 2025.

    Stifel Company Information
    Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) is a financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, that conducts its banking, securities, and financial services business through several wholly owned subsidiaries. Stifel’s broker-dealer clients are served in the United States through Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, including its Eaton Partners business division; Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.; Miller Buckfire & Co., LLC; and Stifel Independent Advisors, LLC; and in the United Kingdom and Europe through Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited. The Company’s broker-dealer affiliates provide securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses, and municipalities. Stifel Bank and Stifel Bank & Trust offer a full range of consumer and commercial lending solutions. Stifel Trust Company, N.A. and Stifel Trust Company Delaware, N.A. offer trust and related services. To learn more about Stifel, please visit the Company’s website at www.stifel.com. For global disclosures, please visit www.stifel.com/investor-relations/press-releases.

    For further information,
    contact Brian Spellecy
    (314) 342-2000        

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: TAB Bank Welcomes Traci Crabtree as Vice President, Business Development

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OGDEN, Utah, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TAB Bank announces the appointment of Traci Crabtree as Vice President, Business Development, expanding the bank’s presence in Southern California. Crabtree brings more than 20 years of experience in corporate finance and leadership in middle-market direct lending.

    Crabtree has been with TAB Bank since 2018 and was recently promoted from Director of Corporate Credit, Underwriting.

    Throughout her career, Crabtree has built deep expertise in asset-based, cash flow and real estate lending, with a specialized focus on the healthcare industry. She has led numerous system integration projects, developed robust financial modeling tools across a wide range of borrower industries and implemented real-time, paperless borrower reporting solutions to improve efficiency and transparency.

    “Traci’s wide-ranging experience and customer-first mindset make her a tremendous asset to TAB Bank,” said Curtis Sutherland, Senior Vice President and Head of Sales at TAB Bank. “Her background in complex credit structures, paired with her ability to balance risk management with relationship-building, will help us build value for our clients. Traci embodies our mission to unlock dreams with bold financial solutions that lift and empower, especially as we grow our presence in Southern California.”

    Crabtree’s career progression has given her a comprehensive understanding of all facets of transaction structuring and portfolio management. Before joining TAB Bank, Crabtree held senior roles at several regional and national financial institutions, including Vice President, Team Leader at Pacific Premier Bank; Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager at Siemens Financial Services; and National Audit Director at DVI Business Credit.   She began her asset-based lending career working for several years at FINOVA Capital.

    About TAB Bank
    At TAB Bank, our mission is to unlock dreams with bold financial solutions that empower individuals and businesses nationwide. We are committed to building value in all we do through our innovative banking products.   Our dedication drives us to continuously improve, ensuring that we meet the evolving needs of our clients with excellence and agility. For over 25 years, we have remained steadfast in offering tailored, technology-enabled solutions designed to simplify and enhance the banking experience. 

    For more information about how we can help you achieve your financial dreams, visit www.TABBank.com.

    Contact Information:
    Trevor Morris
    Director of Marketing
    801-710-6318
    trevor.morris@tabbank.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cca4804d-11ec-4bce-83e9-d1d928dfe61e

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: AdvicePay Unveils its Summer 2025 Product Showcase with 20 New Features, Updates, and Integrations to Help Advisors Serve Clients and Grow Their Businesses

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Bozeman, Mont., July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AdvicePay, the industry-leading platform for managing billing, payments, and compliance of fee-for-service financial planning, today released its Summer 2025 Product Showcase, which highlights its newest features and updates, providing enhanced automation, accelerated payments, stronger data security, and improved firm-level controls.

    With its Summer 2025 Product Showcase, AdvicePay is building on the success of its previous product release—the AdvicePay 2025 Winter Showcase—which is a finalist for a 2025 WealthManagement.com Industry Award, known as the “Wealthies,” in the digital marketing campaign category.

    A highlight of the 2025 Summer Product Showcase is AdvicePay’s integration with Zapier, which allows advisors to automate tasks across thousands of tools, including CRMs, project management tools, marketing platforms, and more. The Zapier integration also reflects AdvicePay’s broader customer commitment, having ranked as one of the platform’s most requested features.

    The Showcase also features special discounted pricing for new customers signing up for both AdvicePay and AdvisorBOB, a leading advisor compensation software company. In May, AdvicePay announced its acquisition of AdvisorBOB, marking a strategic step forward in its ability to support the full advisory firm revenue lifecycle, from billing clients to paying advisors.

    “We’re excited to provide our customers with an array of new features and updates that allow them to do their jobs faster and more efficiently,” said AdvicePay President Kelsey Lewis. “Our focus is always on helping advisory firms better serve their clients, and everything in this Showcase demonstrates our commitment to investing in innovative tools to streamline firm operations and drive advisor success.”

    The Showcase includes a total of 20 new updates and features. From improved navigation and cleaner displays to faster access to cash flow and stronger security, the updated menu of services provides advisors with more powerful tools to serve their clients and grow their businesses.

    About AdvicePay
    Established by well-known financial advisors Michael Kitces and Alan Moore, AdvicePay is the industry-leading platform for overseeing the compliance, delivery, and payment processing of fee-for-service financial planning. Financial services firms and their advisors benefit from efficient workflows designed exclusively to support their fee-for-service financial planning revenue, including up-to-date compliance and data security management, all in one unified platform.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Central 1 Announces Departure of Chief Financial Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Central 1 Credit Union (Central 1) announced today that Emma Hider, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), will be leaving Central 1 in the fourth quarter of 2025.

    “After much consideration, Emma has made the decision to leave Central 1, and will remain in the role to support the transition,” said Sheila Vokey, Central 1 President & CEO. “In her time with Central 1, Emma has been a strong leader enhancing our financial and management reporting, and providing reliable financial counsel and support on several major initiatives. On behalf of Central 1, we are deeply grateful for Emma’s contributions.”

    Central 1 will immediately begin a search for a new Chief Financial Officer, while Ms. Hider continues to provide support in the role.

    About Central 1
    Central 1 cooperatively empowers credit unions and other financial institutions who deliver banking choice to Canadians. With assets of $10.8 billion as of March 31, 2025, Central 1 provides services at scale to enable a thriving credit union system. We do this by collaborating with our clients, developing strategies, products, and services to support the financial well-being of their more than 5 million diverse customers in communities across Canada. For more information, visit www.central1.com. 

    Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements

    This press release and announcement contain historical and forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are or may be based on assumptions, uncertainties, and management’s best estimates of future events. Central 1 has based the forward-looking statements on current plans, information, data, estimates, expectations, and projections about, among other things, results of operations, financial condition, prospects, strategies and future events, and therefore undue reliance should not be placed on them. These include, without limitation, statements relating to our financial and non-financial performance objectives, vision and strategic goals and priorities, including focus on capital and cost management, the economic, market and regulatory review and outlook for the Canadian economy and the provincial economies in which our member credit unions operate , the impacts of external events such as international conflicts, protests, natural disasters or pandemics, as well as statements that contain the words “may,” “will,” “intends” and “anticipates” and other similar words and expressions.

    Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated. Securityholders are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Certain important assumptions by Central 1 in making forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, competitive conditions, economic conditions and regulatory considerations. Important risk factors that could cause actual results and the timing of such results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include economic risks, regulatory risks (including legislative and regulatory developments), risks and uncertainty from the impact of rising or falling interest rates, international conflicts, natural disasters or pandemics, geopolitical uncertainty, information technology and cyber risks, environmental and social risk (including climate change), digital disruption and innovation, reputation risk, competitive risk, privacy, data and third-party related risks, risks related to business and operations, risks relating to the transition of clients to alternative digital banking providers, and other risks detailed from time to time in Central 1’s periodic reports filed with securities regulators. Central 1 is subject to risks associated with evolving U.S. trade and tariff policies, inflationary pressures, interest rate volatility, and potential regulatory changes under the current U.S. administration. Shifts in tariff structures or global trade conditions may adversely affect our cost structure and overall operating environment. Given these risks, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Central 1 undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws.

    Contacts

    Media:
    Amanda LeNeve
    AVP, Communications & Marketing
    Central 1 Credit Union
    E communications@central1.com

    Investors:
    Brent Clode
    Chief Investment Officer
    Central 1 Credit Union
    T 905.282.8588 or 1.800.661.6813 ext. 8588
    E bclode@central1.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Siili Solutions Plc: Share Repurchase 16.7.2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Siili Solutions Plc       Announcement  16.7.2025
         
         
    Siili Solutions Plc: Share Repurchase 16.7.2025  
         
    In the Helsinki Stock Exchange    
         
    Trade date           16.7.2025  
    Bourse trade         Buy  
    Share                  SIILI  
    Amount             900 Shares
    Average price/ share    6,6811 EUR
    Total cost            6 012,99 EUR
         
         
    Siili Solutions Plc now holds a total of 30 978 shares
    including the shares repurchased on 16.7.2025  
         
    The share buybacks are executed in compliance with Regulation 
    No. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council (MAR) Article 5
    and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052.
         
    On behalf of Siili Solutions Plc    
         
    Nordea Bank Oyj    
         
    Sami Huttunen Ilari Isomäki  
         
    Further information:    
    CFO Aleksi Kankainen    
    Email: aleksi.kankainen@siili.com    
    Tel. +358 50 584 2029    
         
    www.siili.com    
         
         
         
         
         

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Siili Solutions Plc: Share Repurchase 16.7.2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Siili Solutions Plc       Announcement  16.7.2025
         
         
    Siili Solutions Plc: Share Repurchase 16.7.2025  
         
    In the Helsinki Stock Exchange    
         
    Trade date           16.7.2025  
    Bourse trade         Buy  
    Share                  SIILI  
    Amount             900 Shares
    Average price/ share    6,6811 EUR
    Total cost            6 012,99 EUR
         
         
    Siili Solutions Plc now holds a total of 30 978 shares
    including the shares repurchased on 16.7.2025  
         
    The share buybacks are executed in compliance with Regulation 
    No. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council (MAR) Article 5
    and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052.
         
    On behalf of Siili Solutions Plc    
         
    Nordea Bank Oyj    
         
    Sami Huttunen Ilari Isomäki  
         
    Further information:    
    CFO Aleksi Kankainen    
    Email: aleksi.kankainen@siili.com    
    Tel. +358 50 584 2029    
         
    www.siili.com    
         
         
         
         
         

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Treasury Bond Auction Announcement – RIKB 27 0415 – RIKS 29 0917 – Switch Auction or Cash payment

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Series RIKB 27 0415 RIKS 29 0917
    ISIN IS0000036291 IS0000037711
    Maturity Date 04/15/2027 09/17/2029
    Auction Date 07/18/2025 07/18/2025
    Settlement Date 07/23/2025 07/23/2025
    10% addition 07/22/2025 07/22/2025
     
    Buyback issue RIKS 26 0216  
    Buyback price (clean) 98.1600  

    On the Auction Date, between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., the Government Debt Management will auction Treasury bonds in the Series, with the ISIN numbers and with the Maturity Dates according to the table above. Article 6 of the General Terms of Auction for Treasury bonds applies for the right to purchase an additional 10%. The Treasury bonds will be delivered in electronic form on the Settlement Date.

    Payment for the bonds can be made in cash or with the Buyback issue at the Buyback price.

    Payment in cash for the Treasury bonds must be received by the Central Bank before 14:00 on the Settlement Date. If payment is made with the Buyback issue, a notification of the amount must be received no later than by 14:00 on the Auction Date. In that case, the value of the Buyback bond is determined by the Buyback price plus accrued interest and indexation (i.e. dirty price).

    No fee is paid in relation to the purchase of RIKS 26 0216.

    Further reference is made to the description of the Treasury bond and the General Terms of Auction of Treasury Bonds.

    For additional information please contact Tryggvi Freyr Harðarson, Government Debt Management, at +354 569 9630.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: PaladinMining Launches Robinhood Wallet Integration, Unlocking Daily Returns Up to $7,777

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, UK,, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PaladinMining, a global leader in cloud mining solutions, has announced a major update to its platform, now supporting seamless Robinhood Wallet payments. In line with this milestone, investors can now earn up to $7,777 per day in returns with PaladinMining’s advanced cloud mining contracts—combining cutting-edge technology, high-yield mining packages, and a secure, user-friendly experience.

    According to recent assessments from Robinhood analysts, PaladinMining’s high-efficiency computing power packages can generate daily returns of up to $7,777—a game-changing opportunity for both new and experienced investors. These figures are achievable under optimized market conditions and strategic power allocation, made possible by PaladinMining’s advanced energy optimization technology and low-rate data centers.

    “PaladinMining’s cloud computing lease model opens the door for everyday investors to access elite-level mining profits—without needing to invest in or manage physical hardware,” said a spokesperson from Robinhood.

    Why PaladinMining?

    Founded in 2016 and legally registered in the UK, PaladinMining has been at the forefront of the cloud mining revolution. The company focuses on high-performance infrastructure, energy efficiency, and transparency—allowing users to start mining in minutes using only a phone or computer.

    Key benefits include:

    • $15 New User Bonus: Get started with free credit.
    • Flexible Contracts: From short-term trials to high-profit investments.
    • Multi-Currency Support: Mine with BTC, DOGE, XRP, and 8+ others.
    • Automated Profit Tracking: Real-time updates and detailed reports.
    • Bank-Level Security: Asset protection with advanced risk management.
    • No Maintenance Required: The system runs fully on autopilot.
    • 24/7 Customer Support: Expert help, always available.

    PaladinMining Custom Cloud Mining Contract:
    ⦁【New User Experience Contract】: Investment Amount: $100, Total Net Profit: $100 + $7.
    ⦁【ETC Miner E9 Pro】: Investment amount: $1500, total net profit: $1500 + $180.
    ⦁【Bitcoin Miner S21 Pro】: Investment amount: $4300, total net profit: $4300 + $1100.8.
    ⦁【Bitcoin Miner S21 XP】: Investment amount: $7900, total net profit: $7900 + $3128.4.
    ⦁【Bitcoin Miner S21 XP】: Investment amount: 12,000 USD, total net profit: 12,000 USD + 7,560 USD.
    ⦁【Avalon Air Box-40ft】: Investment amount: 28,000 USD, total net profit: 28,000 USD + 22,400 USD.

    Transforming Cloud Mining for the Digital Age

    As the data landscape grows more complex, PaladinMining aims to simplify and optimize cloud-based computation. From mining cryptocurrency to processing large-scale data in real-time, the platform empowers users to extract value with precision and security.

    Whether you’re a novice curious about crypto or an expert seeking reliable high returns, PaladinMining delivers a transparent, sustainable, and profitable experience.

    Get Started Today

    Download the PaladinMining app via the official website or access it through your Robinhood Wallet.

    In short
    For investors looking to explore free cryptocurrency mining, PaladinMining is the top choice due to its cutting-edge technology, eco-friendly approach, and generous free tickets.
    Whether you are a novice or an experienced user, PaladinMining welcomes everyone from around the world to participate.
    Just click the corresponding system APP button on PaladinMining to download the PaladinMining application.

    For more information, please visit the official website: https://paladinmining.com/

    or contact the official email address of the platform: info@paladinmining.com

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: PaladinMining Launches Robinhood Wallet Integration, Unlocking Daily Returns Up to $7,777

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, UK,, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PaladinMining, a global leader in cloud mining solutions, has announced a major update to its platform, now supporting seamless Robinhood Wallet payments. In line with this milestone, investors can now earn up to $7,777 per day in returns with PaladinMining’s advanced cloud mining contracts—combining cutting-edge technology, high-yield mining packages, and a secure, user-friendly experience.

    According to recent assessments from Robinhood analysts, PaladinMining’s high-efficiency computing power packages can generate daily returns of up to $7,777—a game-changing opportunity for both new and experienced investors. These figures are achievable under optimized market conditions and strategic power allocation, made possible by PaladinMining’s advanced energy optimization technology and low-rate data centers.

    “PaladinMining’s cloud computing lease model opens the door for everyday investors to access elite-level mining profits—without needing to invest in or manage physical hardware,” said a spokesperson from Robinhood.

    Why PaladinMining?

    Founded in 2016 and legally registered in the UK, PaladinMining has been at the forefront of the cloud mining revolution. The company focuses on high-performance infrastructure, energy efficiency, and transparency—allowing users to start mining in minutes using only a phone or computer.

    Key benefits include:

    • $15 New User Bonus: Get started with free credit.
    • Flexible Contracts: From short-term trials to high-profit investments.
    • Multi-Currency Support: Mine with BTC, DOGE, XRP, and 8+ others.
    • Automated Profit Tracking: Real-time updates and detailed reports.
    • Bank-Level Security: Asset protection with advanced risk management.
    • No Maintenance Required: The system runs fully on autopilot.
    • 24/7 Customer Support: Expert help, always available.

    PaladinMining Custom Cloud Mining Contract:
    ⦁【New User Experience Contract】: Investment Amount: $100, Total Net Profit: $100 + $7.
    ⦁【ETC Miner E9 Pro】: Investment amount: $1500, total net profit: $1500 + $180.
    ⦁【Bitcoin Miner S21 Pro】: Investment amount: $4300, total net profit: $4300 + $1100.8.
    ⦁【Bitcoin Miner S21 XP】: Investment amount: $7900, total net profit: $7900 + $3128.4.
    ⦁【Bitcoin Miner S21 XP】: Investment amount: 12,000 USD, total net profit: 12,000 USD + 7,560 USD.
    ⦁【Avalon Air Box-40ft】: Investment amount: 28,000 USD, total net profit: 28,000 USD + 22,400 USD.

    Transforming Cloud Mining for the Digital Age

    As the data landscape grows more complex, PaladinMining aims to simplify and optimize cloud-based computation. From mining cryptocurrency to processing large-scale data in real-time, the platform empowers users to extract value with precision and security.

    Whether you’re a novice curious about crypto or an expert seeking reliable high returns, PaladinMining delivers a transparent, sustainable, and profitable experience.

    Get Started Today

    Download the PaladinMining app via the official website or access it through your Robinhood Wallet.

    In short
    For investors looking to explore free cryptocurrency mining, PaladinMining is the top choice due to its cutting-edge technology, eco-friendly approach, and generous free tickets.
    Whether you are a novice or an experienced user, PaladinMining welcomes everyone from around the world to participate.
    Just click the corresponding system APP button on PaladinMining to download the PaladinMining application.

    For more information, please visit the official website: https://paladinmining.com/

    or contact the official email address of the platform: info@paladinmining.com

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. Third Quarter 2025 Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUNMORE, Pa., July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Board of Directors of Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: FDBC), parent company of The Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank, announce their declaration of the Company’s third quarter dividend of $0.40 per share. The dividend is payable September 10, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 15, 2025.

    Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc., serves Lackawanna, Luzerne, Northampton and Lehigh Counties through The Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank’s 21 full-service community banking offices, along with the Fidelity Bank Wealth Management Minersville Office in Schuylkill County. Fidelity Bank provides a digital and virtual experience via digital services and digital account opening through Online Banking and the Fidelity Mobile Banking app.

    For more information visit our investor relations web site through www.bankatfidelity.com.

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results and trends could differ materially from those set forth in such statements due to various factors. These factors include the possibility that increased demand or prices for the company’s financial services and products may not occur, changing economic, interest rate and competitive conditions, technological developments and other risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
    Contacts:  
    Daniel J. Santaniello  Salvatore R. DeFrancesco, Jr.
    President and Chief Executive Officer Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
    570-504-8035 570-504-8000

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. Third Quarter 2025 Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUNMORE, Pa., July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Board of Directors of Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: FDBC), parent company of The Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank, announce their declaration of the Company’s third quarter dividend of $0.40 per share. The dividend is payable September 10, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 15, 2025.

    Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc., serves Lackawanna, Luzerne, Northampton and Lehigh Counties through The Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank’s 21 full-service community banking offices, along with the Fidelity Bank Wealth Management Minersville Office in Schuylkill County. Fidelity Bank provides a digital and virtual experience via digital services and digital account opening through Online Banking and the Fidelity Mobile Banking app.

    For more information visit our investor relations web site through www.bankatfidelity.com.

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results and trends could differ materially from those set forth in such statements due to various factors. These factors include the possibility that increased demand or prices for the company’s financial services and products may not occur, changing economic, interest rate and competitive conditions, technological developments and other risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
    Contacts:  
    Daniel J. Santaniello  Salvatore R. DeFrancesco, Jr.
    President and Chief Executive Officer Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
    570-504-8035 570-504-8000

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Staff Guidance Note on The Implementation of The IMF Strategy for Fragile and Conflict-Affected States (FCS)

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Preview Citation

    Format: Chicago

    Staff Guidance Note on The Implementation of The IMF Strategy for Fragile and Conflict-Affected States (FCS), (USA: International Monetary Fund, 2023) accessed July 16, 2025

    Summary

    This note provides operational advice and information to help staff implement the IMF Strategy for Fragile and Conflict-Affected States (FCS) approved by the Executive Board on March 9, 2022. Topics covered include (i) the new IMF FCS classification methodology, which is aligned with that of the World Bank; (ii) the preparation of Country Engagement Strategies (CES) that will be rolled out across FCS to ensure that Fund engagement is appropriately tailored to country-specific manifestations of fragility and/or conflict; (iii) advice on tailoring the thematic focus of Article IV consultations and Fund analytics to FCS, as well as on the prioritization, design, and implementation of capacity development (CD) projects in fragile contexts; (iv) guidance on making full use of the flexibilities of the lending toolkit; (v) guidance on engaging in specific FCS situations, including building accountable institutions to exit fragility, cases of rising fragility risks, active conflict, post-conflict, and addressing the impact of external shocks and spillovers; and (v) strengthening partnerships with humanitarian, development, and peace actors, in accordance with the Fund’s mandate. Dedicated annexes provide additional information on the CES process, addressing good governance in FCS, program design, and country examples of Fund engagement in FCS.

    Subject: Monetary policy, Political economy

    Keywords: Absorptive capacity, Balance of payments, Capacity development, Conflict, Country engagement strategies, Fragile and conflict-affected states, Fragility, Governance, Inclusive growth, Macroeconomic policy, Partnerships, Political economy, Surveillance

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Helps Secure Over $200 Million from Gilead Sciences for Paying Illegal Kickbacks

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    California will receive more than $4 million from multistate settlement in principle

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 48 other attorneys general in securing $202 million from Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Gilead), for running an illegal kickback scheme to promote its HIV medications. Gilead allegedly violated federal law by illegally providing incentives – including awards, meals, and travel expenses – to healthcare providers to prescribe Gilead’s medications, resulting in millions of dollars of false claims submitted to government health care programs, including Medi-Cal. The settlement in principle, reached in coordination with the U.S. Department of Justice and approved by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, provides $49 million for Medicaid programs nationwide, including $4,118,184 for California, with the remainder going to Medicare, Tricare, and the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP).   

    “The best interests of patients must always come first,” said Attorney General Bonta. “At this time of unprecedented funding cuts to Medicaid, it is particularly important to protect the program from illegal kick-back schemes that harm the program and patients alike. Today’s settlement returns critical funding to our communities and programs like Medicaid that keep them healthy.” 

    From January 2011 to November 2017, Gilead allegedly violated federal anti-kickback laws by providing gifts to healthcare providers who attended and spoke at promotional speaker programs for Gilead’s HIV drugs: Stribild, Genvoya, Complera, Odefsey, Descovy, and Biktarvy. Gilead paid high-volume prescribers tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars to present as “HIV Speakers.” The company also covered travel expenses for speakers, including those traveling long distances and to attractive destinations, such as Hawaii, Miami, and New Orleans, and hosted dinners at high-end restaurants.

    Gilead’s internal compliance mechanisms failed to halt these violations. The company’s internal policies and procedures failed to prevent its sales representatives from improperly offering incentives to induce prescriptions.

    Joining Attorney General Bonta in securing settlements with Gilead are the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

    The Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $69,244,976 for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2025. The remaining 25 percent is funded by the State of California. FY 2025 is from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: eSHARE Announces Continued Commitment to US and European Regulator Compliance Frameworks for FY 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WALTHAM, Mass., July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — eSHARE, a leading provider of secure collaboration and data governance solutions, proudly announces a series of major compliance achievements in 2025, further solidifying its position as a trusted partner for enterprises and regulated industries. Through rigorous third-party assessments and internal initiatives, eSHARE has successfully achieved and maintained the following security and compliance certifications.

    2025 Compliance Achievements:

    • SOC 2 Type II Attestation (Year 4): Third-party verified controls for security, availability, and confidentiality—achieved for the fourth consecutive year across commercial and government environments.
    • NIST 800-171 Assessment: Confirms eSHARE meets U.S. federal standards for safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), critical for defense and public sector collaboration.
    • Risk Assessment: Highlights eSHARE’s proactive approach to identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks across its operations.
    • Independent Penetration Testing: Completed extensive independent penetration testing to ensure robust protection against evolving cyber threats.
    • CSA STAR Level 1 & 2 Attestation: Achieved both Level 1 (self-assessment) and Level 2 (third-party certification) in the Cloud Security Alliance’s Security, Trust & Assurance Registry, reflecting industry-leading cloud security practices.
    • ISO/IEC 27001 Certification: Validates eSHARE’s implementation of a comprehensive Information Security Management System (ISMS) in accordance with international standards.
    • DORA (EU) Attestation: Demonstrates eSHARE’s alignment with the European Union’s DORA requirements, ensuring operational resilience and risk management in digital finance.
    • FedRAMP (In Progress): Following a completed gap assessment, eSHARE is progressing toward FedRAMP Authorization, targeted for completion by December 2025.

    “These achievements reflect our relentless commitment to security, operational resilience, and regulatory compliance”, said Nick Stamos, Founder & CEO of eSHARE. “As customers increasingly rely on eSHARE to enable secure external collaboration, our focus remains on embedding trust at every level of our platform and operations.”

    Why It Matters

    These accomplishments position eSHARE as a preferred partner for Fortune 500 companies and regulated industries—including aerospace, health insurance, and financial services—that require secure external collaboration without compromising the Microsoft-native user experience.

    About eSHARE

    eSHARE is the secure collaboration platform built for Microsoft 365, empowering organizations to exchange sensitive data and collaborate with confidence—inside and outside their enterprise. Trusted by Fortune 100 companies, eSHARE helps highly regulated industries ensure compliance, security, and control without disrupting the Microsoft-native experience. Learn more at www.eshare.com.

    This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding eSHARE’s compliance posture and future initiatives. Actual results may differ based on regulatory developments and business needs.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: When big sports events expand, like FIFA’s 2026 World Cup matches across North America, their climate footprint expands too

    Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Brian P. McCullough, Associate Professor of Sport Management, University of Michigan

    Lionel Messi celebrates with fans after Argentina won the FIFA World Cup championship in 2022 in Qatar. Michael Regan-FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

    When the FIFA World Cup hits North America in June 2026, 48 teams and millions of soccer fans will be traveling to and from venues spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

    It’s a dramatic expansion – 16 more teams will be playing than in recent years, with a jump from 64 to 104 matches. The tournament is projected to bring in over US$10 billion in revenue. But the expansion will also mean a lot more travel and other activities that contribute to climate change.

    The environmental impacts of giant sporting events like the World Cup create a complex paradox for an industry grappling with its future in a warming world.

    A sustainability conundrum

    Sports are undeniably experiencing the effects of climate change. Rising global temperatures are putting athletes’ health at risk during summer heat waves and shortening winter sports seasons. Many of the 2026 World Cup venues often see heat waves in June and early July, when the tournament is scheduled.

    There is a divide over how sports should respond.

    Some athletes are speaking out for more sustainable choices and have called on lawmakers to take steps to limit climate-warming emissions. At the same time, the sport industry is growing and facing a constant push to increase revenue. The NCAA is also considering expanding its March Madness basketball tournaments from 68 teams currently to as many as 76.

    Park Yong-woo of team Al Ain from Abu Dhabi tries to cool off during a Club World Cup match on June 26, 2025, in Washington, D.C., which was in the midst of a heat wave. Some players have raised concerns about likely high temperatures during the 2026 World Cup, with matches scheduled June 11 to July 19.
    AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

    Estimates for the 2026 World Cup show what large tournament expansions can mean for the climate. A report from Scientists for Global Responsibility estimates that the expanded World Cup could generate over 9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, nearly double the average of the past four World Cups.

    This massive increase – and the increase that would come if the NCAA basketball tournaments also expand – would primarily be driven by air travel as fans and players fly among event cities that are thousands of miles apart.

    A lot of money is at stake, but so is the climate

    Sports are big business, and adding more matches to events like the World Cup and NCAA tournaments will likely lead to larger media rights contracts and greater gate receipts from more fans attending the events, boosting revenues. These are powerful financial incentives.

    In the NCAA’s case, there is another reason to consider a larger tournament: The House v. NCAA settlement opened the door for college athletic departments to share revenue with athletes, which will significantly increase costs for many college programs. More teams would mean more television revenue and, crucially, more revenue to be distributed to member NCAA institutions and their athletic conferences.

    When climate promises become greenwashing

    The inherent conflict between maximizing profit through growth and minimizing environmental footprint presents a dilemma for sports.

    Several sport organizations have promised to reduce their impact on the climate, including signing up for initiatives like the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework.

    However, as sports tournaments and exhibition games expand, it can become increasingly hard for sports organizations to meet their climate commitments. In some cases, groups making sustainability commitments have been accused of greenwashing, suggesting the goals are more about public relations than making genuine, measurable changes.

    For example, FIFA’s early claims that it would hold a “fully carbon-neutral” World Cup in Qatar in 2022 were challenged by a group of European countries that accused soccer’s world governing body of underestimating emissions. The Swiss Fairness Commission, which monitors fairness in advertising, considered the complaints and determined that FIFA’s claims could not be substantiated.

    Alessandro Bastoni, of Inter Milan and Italy’s national team, prepares to board a flight from Milan to Rome with his team.
    Mattia Ozbot-Inter/Inter via Getty Images

    Aviation is often the biggest driver of emissions. A study that colleagues and I conducted on the NCAA men’s basketball tournament found about 80% of its emissions were connected to travel. And that was after the NCAA began using the pod system, which is designed to keep teams closer to home for the first and second rounds.

    Finding practical solutions

    Some academics, observing the rising emissions trend, have called for radical solutions like the end of commercialized sports or drastically limiting who can attend sporting events, with a focus on fans from the region.

    These solutions are frankly not practical, in my view, nor do they align with other positive developments. The growing popularity of women’s sports shows the challenge in limiting sports events – more games expands participation but adds to the industry’s overall footprint.

    Further compounding the challenges of reducing environmental impact is the amount of fan travel, which is outside the direct control of the sports organization or event organizers.

    Many fans will follow their teams long distances, especially for mega-events like the World Cup or the NCAA tournament. During the men’s World Cup in Russia in 2018, more than 840,000 fans traveled from other countries. The top countries by number of fans, after Russia, were China, the U.S., Mexico and Argentina.

    There is an argument that distributed sporting events like March Madness or the World Cup can be better in some ways for local environments because they don’t overwhelm a single city. However, merely spreading the impact does not necessarily reduce it, particularly when considering the effects on climate change.

    How fans can cut their environmental footprint

    Sport organizations and event planners can take steps to be more sustainable and also encourage more sustainable choices among fans. Fans can reduce their environmental impact in a variety of ways. For example:

    • Avoid taking airplanes for shorter distances, such as between FIFA venues in Philadelphia, New York and Boston, and carpool or take Amtrak instead. Planes can be more efficient for long distances, but air travel is still a major contributing factor to emissions.

    • While in a host city, use mass transit or rent electric vehicles or bicycles for local travel.

    • Consider sustainable accommodations, such as short-term rentals that might have a smaller environmental footprint than a hotel. Or stay at a certified green hotel that makes an effort to be more efficient in its use of water and energy.

    • Engage in sustainable pregame and postgame activities, such as choosing local, sustainable food options, and minimize waste.

    • You can also pay to offset carbon emissions for attending different sporting events, much like concertgoers do when they attend musical festivals. While critics question offsets’ true environmental benefit, they do represent people’s growing awareness of their environmental footprint.

    Through all these options, it’s clear that sports face a significant challenge in addressing their environmental impacts and encouraging fans to be more sustainable, while simultaneously trying to meet ambitious business and environmental targets.

    In my view, a sustainable path forward will require strategic, yet genuine, commitment by the sports industry and its fans, and a willingness to prioritize long-term planetary health alongside economic gains – balancing the sport and sustainability.

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

    – ref. When big sports events expand, like FIFA’s 2026 World Cup matches across North America, their climate footprint expands too – https://theconversation.com/when-big-sports-events-expand-like-fifas-2026-world-cup-matches-across-north-america-their-climate-footprint-expands-too-259437

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Paolo Borsellino: the murder of an anti-mafia prosecutor and the enduring mystery of his missing red notebook

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Felia Allum, Professor of Comparative Organised Crime and Corruption, University of Bath

    It has been 33 years since anti-mafia prosecutor Paolo Borsellino was blown up by Cosa Nostra in front of his mother’s home in Palermo, Sicily. His death on July 19 1992 came 57 days after the murder of his colleague, Giovanni Falcone. This was the peak of Cosa Nostra’s attack on state representatives.

    A vital document was lost that day – a red notebook believed to have been in Borsellino’s work bag. This loss has hampered attempts to understand how deep into the Italian state Cosa Nostra’s activities run.

    The early 1990s were a turbulent time in Italy. The fall of the Berlin wall in 1989 broke the Italian party system and wiped out the traditional political parties, which had been based around the opposing forces of the Christian Democrats (supported by the US and the Vatican) and the Communist party.

    The Christian Democrats, in power during the post-war period, had often protected Cosa Nostra. But losing power meant an inability to honour its “pact” with mafiosi. This led to the mafia attacking anyone who got in its way.

    Falcone and Borsellino, as anti-mafia prosecutors, had got under the skin of Cosa Nostra. Their work zoned in on its mentality and activities. They were the driving force behind the 1986 “maxi trial” that saw hundreds of mafiosi prosecuted. This was the first time important mafia bosses were imprisoned. Falcone and Borsellino had brought a new understanding to the internal workings of the mafia, including its links with politics and money laundering operations.

    The mafia was deploying terrorist tactics against state representatives and institutions in the early 1990s in what appears to have been an attempt to get the state to negotiate with it. Borsellino, it is believed, was investigating this when he was murdered.

    The red notebook

    Crucially, on the day Borsellino was murdered, his work bag, which contained his red notebook (“l’agenda rossa”) disappeared from the wreckage of his car.

    He carried his red notebook around with him everywhere, making copious notes of his investigations and ideas. Had it been recovered, l’agenda rossa could have revealed the possible links between state representatives (including with the police and judiciary), businessmen and Cosa Nostra.

    It could, in effect, have mapped out how and to what extent Cosa Nostra had infiltrated the Italian state and the nature of its relationships with the new political class, the business elite, freemasons and other covert actors.

    A photograph of a police officer walking off with what looks very much like the bag that presumably contained the notebook has circulated ever since. But this is where the trail ends. The bag – minus the notebook – was later found in the office of the head of the flying squad, with no explanation as to how and why it got there.

    The disappearance of the red notebook remains a persistent enigma – and one which continues to haunt contemporary Italy because of what it might suggest about the nation’s underworld and political class.

    This photo could even suggest that the goal of killing Borsellino was not just to eliminate a zealous public prosecutor but to remove a pantheon of knowledge about organised crime and its infiltration into the public realm as part of a more orchestrated plan.

    Then, in 1993, Cosa Nostra suddenly and inexplicably ceased its terrorist tactics against the state. It was as though a truce had been reached. Could this be the case?

    Many have speculated that there was a secret dialogue and a trattativa – a state-mafia negotiation entered and a deal struck between state representatives and Cosa Nostra leaders to stop the violence. In exchange for an end to the violence, it was suggested that state representatives promised softer anti-mafia laws. It’s possible that the disappearance of Borsellino’s red notebook could have been part of the deal.

    Interpreting history

    The history of these dynamics between state and the mafia has since been written and re-written, dividing Italians and mafia scholars.

    At the heart of all these disagreements lie two questions: was the notebook taken intentionally and why did Cosa Nostra stop its attacks on the state at the specific moment that it did?. The answer to these would essentially establish whether or not there was a negotiated peace between the mafia and the state.

    In 2014, high-profile politicians, police officers and mafiosi were put on trial, accused of playing a role and enabling these negotiations. This was, in effect, the Italian state putting itself on trial.

    Some legal experts and historians have argued that the theory of coordinated action by state representatives and mafiosi was always an absurd hypothesis. While there might have been some random informal contacts, they contest that there was never a formal pact. The end of Cosa Nostra‘s violence, they argue, was due to a combination of other factors, including greater enforcement of the law.

    Others argue that there is evidence of a pact. These include first-hand accounts from former criminals. But of course it is hard to make these stories stick because all evidence of a relationship of this kind would, by definition, be covert and off the books. As with many trials and in particular, mafia trials, there are no facts, just interpretations of facts.

    In 2018, some state representatives and mafiosi were found guilty. But in 2023, the Italian supreme court overturned the 2018 ruling and concluded that there was no pact and no state-mafia negotiation.

    All involved were cleared for different reasons as the court attempted to draw a line under the intrigue by articulating a clear position. But with the mafia, answers are rarely that simple. And history is not only written in the courtroom.

    Borsellino’s legacy is celebrated in Italy to this day – but the unresolved matter of his missing notebook haunts the country more profoundly. His bag – minus the notebook – has recently been put on show at the Italian senate to celebrate his life. The display is also a reminder of how much remains unresolved from that period.

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

    – ref. Paolo Borsellino: the murder of an anti-mafia prosecutor and the enduring mystery of his missing red notebook – https://theconversation.com/paolo-borsellino-the-murder-of-an-anti-mafia-prosecutor-and-the-enduring-mystery-of-his-missing-red-notebook-259101

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Deluzio Fights Price Gouging, Secures Wins for Western PA in Annual Defense Bill

    Source: US Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) with colleagues on the powerful House Armed Services Committee, marked up the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)—the large, annual defense bill that creates the policies related to our armed services and other national security-related efforts. Congressman Deluzio voted for the measure, which passed out of committee by a vote of 55-2.

    “The United States faces tremendous strategic challenges across the globe, including the war in Ukraine, intensifying competition with Communist China, and instability in the Middle East. All this activity is stressing the highly consolidated defense industrial base,” said Congressman Deluzio. “For too long, our government has neglected America’s manufacturing competitiveness and power. We need stronger accountability, transparency, and competition in government contracting to beef up our defense industrial base and to protect public money. While not a perfect bill, the 2026 NDAA takes on many of these important issues and more, and that’s why I voted yes last night.”  

    Specifically, the NDAA included Congressman Deluzio’s amendment to fight defense industry price gouging by requiring defense contractors to report when their products under sole source contracts increase by more than 25% of the price specified in the contract bid, over 25% more than the price of the product the preceding year, or by 50% more than the government paid for the product at any time over the last five years.   

    During the NDAA markup, Congressman Deluzio successfully secured several important wins, including some that will specifically benefit the people and economy of Western Pennsylvania. 

    This legislation: 

    • Implements an assessment and evaluation of the use of inland waterways for national defense purposes, and an assessment of vulnerabilities in our Marine Transportation Systems and associated infrastructure.
    • Authorizes an additional two and a half million dollars in funding to improve long range precision fires technology. This kind of research is ongoing at Western Pennsylvania institutions like the University of Pittsburgh.
    • Requires a new report about the technology and disposal methods of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). This is important because the Defense Department has previously considered incinerating PFAS “forever chemicals” in East Liverpool, Ohio—just across the border from Pennsylvania’s 17th District.
    • This year’s NDAA also includes the text of Congressman Deluzio’s bill, the Depot Investment Reform Act. This bill strengthens federal investment in military depots, including those in Pennsylvania, like the Letterkenny and Tobyhanna Army Depots.   

    Congressman Deluzio secured additional national priorities in this defense bill. This legislation:

    • Strengthens the “right to repair,” requiring contractors to give access to tools, parts, and information for major weapon systems so that our military and servicemembers can repair their own equipment.
    • Adjusts annual reporting on the U.S. Navy’s shipyard modernization efforts at the four public shipyards to include efforts related to the incorporation of digital hardware, software, and cloud storage.
    • Extends the number of days that national guardsmen can be activated by a governor of a state to respond to an emergency like a natural disaster from 3 to 14 days, with possible extensions of 7 and up to 46 days.
    • Requires a report on the Department of Defense’s efforts to incorporate artificial intelligence data centers on Department of Defense land. This report will analyze the risks, benefits, impacts, and footprint of those facilities.
    • Requires the Department of Defense to identify shortfalls and propose solutions for shortfalls of critical minerals and other materials in the National Defense Stockpile. This will better inform the United States’ current readiness and preparedness for any future conflict.
    • Fights consolidation in the defense industry by requiring the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate impacts of mergers and acquisitions on the defense industrial base and competition in the defense industry.
    • Requires that contractors who are negotiating sole-source contracts with the government provide timely and critical pricing data to the government. This will assist the military in getting the best deal for our servicemembers and will steward good use of American public dollars.
    • Requires the Department of Defense to assess the current competitive environment for contracts under $10 million. This will help the military and Congress assess whether recent policy changes have been effective in uplifting small businesses and growing the defense industrial base. 

    A full summary of the Fiscal Year 2026 NDAA as prepared by Democratic committee staff can be found here. 

    The NDAA now goes to the House Floor for a vote, and the final bill will be negotiated with the Senate. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Heinrich, Luján Demand Answers on Trump Admin Re-Adding Medical Debt onto Credit Reports

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Banking Committee Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren (D- Mass.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and 24 other Senators in pushing the Trump administration for answers regarding the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) decision to vacate the medical debt rule finalized in January 2025. The letter demands CFPB share any data the agency relied on in deciding to petition a court to vacate the rule and any communications it had with entities during the process that would profit from its decision.

    “On April 30, 2025, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) asked a court to vacate the agency’s recently released rule to remove medical debt from consumer credit reports. We write to request the information you relied on in making that determination, including any communications with collection agencies that stand to profit from it,” the Senators said.

    “Medical debt collections information is often inaccurate, and studies show that it is not useful in determining a consumer’s ability to repay other debts…Almost half of all medical bills contain at least one error, and almost half of nonprofit hospitals have routinely and mistakenly billed patients who were eligible for free or discounted care,” they continued.

    At the conclusion of the letter, the Senators emphasize the need for transparency into the agency’s decision-making process.

    “On April 30, the CFPB filed a joint motion with the industry groups that oppose the rule, petitioning the court to vacate it – lining the pockets of corporations off the backs of American consumers. Given the substantial evidence that the CFPB’s rule was well-considered and would help consumers without reducing the accuracy of their credit scores, we write to request that the CFPB make public all information relied on by the agency in its decision to drop the rule, including any communications with the debt collection industry,” the Senators closed.

    Senator Luján has long worked to support Americans facing medical debt. In March 2024, Senator Luján called on CFPB Director Rohit Chopra to eliminate reporting of all medical debt in consumers’ credit reports. In November 2024, Senator Lujánintroduced the Medical Bankruptcy Fairness Act to ease the burden on Americans forced into bankruptcy because of unforeseen medical expenses. Senator Luján continues to stand up in defense of New Mexicans by holding the CFPB under President Trump accountable.

    In addition to Senators Heinrich, Lujan, Warnock, Warren, Schumer, and Merkley, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Adam Schiff (D-CA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tina Smith (D-MN), Jack Reed (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Angus King (I-ME), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).

    Read the full letter HERE, and the text is below

    Dear Acting Director Vought,

    On April 30, 2025, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) asked a court to vacate the agency’s recently released rule to remove medical debt from consumer credit reports. We write to request the information you relied on in making that determination, including any communications with debt collection agencies that stand to profit from it.

    Medical debt collections information is often inaccurate, and studies show that it is not useful in determining a consumer’s ability to repay other debts. One major credit scoring company, VantageScore, has stopped using medical debt in its newer models entirely. Almost half of all medical bills contain at least one error, and almost half of nonprofit hospitals have routinely and mistakenly billed patients who were eligible for free or discounted care. People often receive collection notices for debts they did not owe, in the wrong amount, or that should have been covered by insurance—but still end up experiencing long-lasting damage to their credit scores.

    Listing medical debt on a person’s credit report drives down their credit score, which hurts their ability to purchase a car, buy a home or rent an apartment, get utility service, start a business, or access other banking services. This has profound effects on families that can last generations. To make matters worse, medical debt is the most common reason debt collectors contact consumers; the debt collection industry makes one-fourth of its annual revenue from health care debt. Including medical debt on credit reports makes consumers more vulnerable to predatory debt collection practices.

    Medical debt on credit reports also blocks working families from access to credit that they would be able to repay.The CFPB found that people who had all their medical debts completely removed from their credit reports experienced an average credit score increase of 20 points, in some cases elevating families into a higher credit score tier.

    In response to growing data that medical debt is not a good indicator of creditworthiness, states across the country have acted to ban the inclusion of medical debt on credit reports. And on January 7, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a final rule to remove medical debt from consumer credit reports. The rule would remove an estimated $49 billion in medical bills from the credit reports of 15 million Americans, prohibit credit reporting companies from sharing medical debt information with lenders, and bar lenders from considering medical debt in underwriting decisions. It was designed to help the millions of Americans who are struggling to make ends meet, by lowering costs and increasing access to affordable credit for working families without affecting the predictive value of their credit reports. The rule would also help reduce the effects of structural racism and other prejudices. People of color are disproportionately harmed by the inclusion of medical debt on credit reports. Meanwhile, adults with a disability and new moms are more than twice as likely to carry medical debt.

    Despite the critical importance of the medical debt rule, on April 30, the CFPB filed a joint motion with the industry groups that oppose the rule, petitioning the court to vacate it—lining the pockets of corporations off the backs of American consumers. Given the substantial evidence that the CFPB’s rule was well-considered and would help consumers without reducing the accuracy of their credit scores, we write to request that the CFPB make public all information relied on by the agency in its decision to drop the rule, including any communications with the debt collection industry, by July 28, 2025. We specifically request that CFPB publicly publish all data about how medical debt relates to key economic indicators, including:

    • Barriers to home and car ownership, including challenges getting loans or not being approved to rent or lease,
    • Paying higher premiums for auto, homeowner’s and other types of insurance,
    • Losing job opportunities as a result of credit reporting on background checks,
    • Obstacles to starting small businesses because of challenges with securing loans,
    • Paying more for everyday services such as household utilities or cell phone contracts

    We are particularly concerned about the outsize impact that medical debt has on the credit scores of seniors, veterans, new parents, people with disabilities, cancer patients and survivors, and small business owners.

    Thank you for your attention to this matter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Subsurface Mineral Public Offering Generates $1 Million in Revenue

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 16, 2025

    The Government of Saskatchewan’s first subsurface mineral public offering of the fiscal year, held on Monday, July 7, 2025, generated $1,023,670.98 in revenue, primarily due to interest in lithium.

    Out of the 11 subsurface permits listed for this offering, four received bids covering a total area of 22,910.998 hectares. All the permits are prospective for lithium in formation water.

    The highest bid was $984,452.07 from Millennium Land Ltd. for a 2,852.327 hectare block north of Estevan. Millennium Land Ltd. bid $27,044.83 on a second block, covering 12,697.104 hectares, in the Weyburn area.  

    Inland Country Earth Consulting acquired the remaining two permit blocks. One block, covering 3,854.236 hectares and located in the Estevan area, received a bid of $6,286.56. The second block, covering 3,507.332 hectares and situated southeast of Radville, received a bid of $5,887.52.  

    Lithium is one of the 27 critical minerals found in Saskatchewan and several companies are actively pursuing lithium exploration and production in the province. Lithium will play a key role in the province achieving the goals outlined in Saskatchewan’s Critical Minerals Strategy, including doubling the number of critical minerals being produced in Saskatchewan and increasing Saskatchewan’s share of Canadian mineral exploration spending to 15 per cent, all by 2030.

    The July public offering is the first of three planned for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The next public offering is scheduled for November.  

    For more information about the Government of Saskatchewan’s subsurface mineral offering process, visit this link.  

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Northpoint Asset Management Selects AppFolio to Unlock Performance Across its Diverse Portfolio

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTA BARBARA, Calif., July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AppFolio (NASDAQ:APPF), the technology leader powering the future of the real estate industry, announced that it has been selected by Northpoint Asset Management to power its operations.

    Headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT, Northpoint is a full-service property management company for long-term single and multifamily rental homes, managing over 8,000 units. With more than $5 billion in real estate assets managed, Northpoint identified the need for a performance-first platform that could unify data, streamline operations, and deliver real-time insights to owners. Northpoint chose AppFolio Property Manager Max, an enterprise-grade solution specifically tailored for large residential operators, for its intuitive user experience and leadership in AI.

    “It’s essential that our tools evolve with us as we expand our geographic footprint and portfolio,” said Adam Haleck, CEO at Northpoint Asset Management. “AppFolio will free our team from task-based silos, allowing us to focus on holistic outcomes and unlocking tangible performance.”

    “Moving to AppFolio was a seamless experience, which speaks volumes about the partnership. AppFolio’s significant and ongoing investment in product development, along with their client-first support team, reinforces our confidence that Northpoint’s residents and owners will continue to have the best experiences and outcomes,” Haleck continued.

    “Northpoint Asset Management is a forward-thinking operator that recognizes the power of a unified experience across its entire business,” said Marcy Campbell, Chief Revenue Officer at AppFolio. “We’re excited to help Northpoint harness the full performance potential of their operations, empowering their teams to act proactively, delight stakeholders, and thrive.”

    This partnership underscores how leading operators are choosing AppFolio Realm, the company’s AI-native product suite, to help them free up staff while delivering improved outcomes. AppFolio Realm-X – its embedded generative AI – continues to expand its capabilities, including the recently announced AppFolio Realm-X Performers, which empower operators to delegate entire workflows through agentic AI.

    About Northpoint Asset Management, Inc.
    Northpoint, a founder-led business, is a full-service property management company for long-term single and multifamily rental homes with 40+ office locations across the US. Northpoint manages real estate for thousands of clients across the US, including some of the nation’s largest-institutional investors.

    About AppFolio
    AppFolio is the technology leader powering the future of the real estate industry. Our innovative platform and trusted partnership enable our customers to connect communities, increase operational efficiency, and grow their business. For more information about AppFolio, visit appfolio.com.

    For more information, please contact:
    AppFolio
    appfolio@missionnorth.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Northpoint Asset Management Selects AppFolio to Unlock Performance Across its Diverse Portfolio

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTA BARBARA, Calif., July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AppFolio (NASDAQ:APPF), the technology leader powering the future of the real estate industry, announced that it has been selected by Northpoint Asset Management to power its operations.

    Headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT, Northpoint is a full-service property management company for long-term single and multifamily rental homes, managing over 8,000 units. With more than $5 billion in real estate assets managed, Northpoint identified the need for a performance-first platform that could unify data, streamline operations, and deliver real-time insights to owners. Northpoint chose AppFolio Property Manager Max, an enterprise-grade solution specifically tailored for large residential operators, for its intuitive user experience and leadership in AI.

    “It’s essential that our tools evolve with us as we expand our geographic footprint and portfolio,” said Adam Haleck, CEO at Northpoint Asset Management. “AppFolio will free our team from task-based silos, allowing us to focus on holistic outcomes and unlocking tangible performance.”

    “Moving to AppFolio was a seamless experience, which speaks volumes about the partnership. AppFolio’s significant and ongoing investment in product development, along with their client-first support team, reinforces our confidence that Northpoint’s residents and owners will continue to have the best experiences and outcomes,” Haleck continued.

    “Northpoint Asset Management is a forward-thinking operator that recognizes the power of a unified experience across its entire business,” said Marcy Campbell, Chief Revenue Officer at AppFolio. “We’re excited to help Northpoint harness the full performance potential of their operations, empowering their teams to act proactively, delight stakeholders, and thrive.”

    This partnership underscores how leading operators are choosing AppFolio Realm, the company’s AI-native product suite, to help them free up staff while delivering improved outcomes. AppFolio Realm-X – its embedded generative AI – continues to expand its capabilities, including the recently announced AppFolio Realm-X Performers, which empower operators to delegate entire workflows through agentic AI.

    About Northpoint Asset Management, Inc.
    Northpoint, a founder-led business, is a full-service property management company for long-term single and multifamily rental homes with 40+ office locations across the US. Northpoint manages real estate for thousands of clients across the US, including some of the nation’s largest-institutional investors.

    About AppFolio
    AppFolio is the technology leader powering the future of the real estate industry. Our innovative platform and trusted partnership enable our customers to connect communities, increase operational efficiency, and grow their business. For more information about AppFolio, visit appfolio.com.

    For more information, please contact:
    AppFolio
    appfolio@missionnorth.com

    The MIL Network –