NewzIntel.com

Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Releases Statement After Voting to Confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D., released the following statement after voting to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy was confirmed by a vote of 52-48.
    “Today marks a great day for America, particularly for our nation’s children,” said Senator Marshall. “I want to extend a big thank you to all members of the Make America Healthy Again movement who were instrumental in pushing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. across the finish line. With 60 percent of Americans currently battling chronic diseases, we desperately need a radical shift toward prevention rather than focusing on treatment alone. Now, it’s time to get to work and Make America Healthy Again.”
    BACKGROUND
    Senator Marshall is a founding member of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Caucus, which will focus on nutrition, access to affordable, high-quality, nutrient-dense foods, improving primary care, and addressing the root causes of chronic diseases. 
    Senator Marshall met with Kennedy last December, where they discussed addressing chronic disease, improving nutrition and food policy, ensuring vaccine and drug safety, empowering the physician-patient relationship, and leaving our world cleaner, safer, and healthier for future generations.
    In early February this year, Senator Marshall voted to advance Kennedy during his Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing. 
    Senator Marshall also recently wrote an op-ed in The Hill supporting Kennedy’s nomination.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Declares Distribution of $0.12 Per Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RYE, N.Y., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Board of Directors of The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc. (NYSE:GCV) (the “Fund”) declared a $0.12 per share cash distribution payable on March 24, 2025 to common stock shareholders of record on March 17, 2025.

    The Fund intends to pay a minimum annual distribution of 8% of the average net asset value of the Fund within a calendar year or an amount sufficient to satisfy the minimum distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code for regulated investment companies. The average net asset value of the Fund is based on the average net asset values as of the last day of the four preceding calendar quarters during the year. The net asset value per share fluctuates daily.

    Each quarter, the Board of Directors reviews the amount of any potential distribution from the income, realized capital gain, or capital available. The Board of Directors will continue to monitor the Fund’s distribution level, taking into consideration the Fund’s net asset value and the current financial market environment. The Fund’s distribution policy is subject to modification by the Board of Directors at any time, and there can be no guarantee that the policy will continue. The distribution rate should not be considered the dividend yield or total return on an investment in the Fund.

    All or part of the distribution may be treated as long-term capital gain or qualified dividend income (or a combination of both) for individuals, each subject to the maximum federal income tax rate for long term capital gains, which is currently 20% in taxable accounts for individuals (or less depending on an individual’s tax bracket). In addition, certain U.S. shareholders who are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds will be required to pay a 3.8% Medicare surcharge on their “net investment income”, which includes dividends received from the Fund and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund.

    If the Fund does not generate sufficient earnings (dividends and interest income, less expenses, and realized net capital gain) equal to or in excess of the aggregate distributions paid by the Fund in a given year, then the amount distributed in excess of the Fund’s earnings would be deemed a return of capital. Since this would be considered a return of a portion of a shareholder’s original investment, it is generally not taxable and would be treated as a reduction in the shareholder’s cost basis.

    Long-term capital gains, qualified dividend income, investment company taxable income, and return of capital, if any, will be allocated on a pro-rata basis to all distributions to common shareholders for the year. Based on the accounting records of the Fund currently available, the current distribution paid in 2025 to common shareholders with respect to the Fund’s fiscal year ending September 30, 2025 would include approximately 17% from net investment income and 83% would be deemed a return of capital on a book basis. This does not represent information for tax reporting purposes. The estimated components of each distribution are updated and provided to shareholders of record in a notice accompanying the distribution and are available on our website (www.gabelli.com). The final determination of the sources of all distributions in 2025 will be made after year end and can vary from the quarterly estimates. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the current distribution. All individual shareholders with taxable accounts will receive written notification regarding the components and tax treatment for all 2025 distributions in early 2026 via Form 1099-DIV.

    Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. For more information regarding the Fund’s distribution policy and other information about the Fund, call:

    Laurissa Martire
    (914) 921-5399

    About Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund
    The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc. is a diversified, closed-end management investment company with $85 million in total net assets whose primary investment objective is to seek a high level of total return on its assets through a combination of current income and capital appreciation. The Fund is managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, a subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (OTCQX: GAMI).

    NYSE: GCV
    CUSIP – 36240B109

    THE GABELLI CONVERTIBLE AND INCOME SECURITIES FUND INC.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Laurissa Martire
    (914) 921-5399
    lmartire@gabelli.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. Declares Distribution of $0.13 Per Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RYE, N.Y., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Board of Trustees of Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. (NYSE American: ECF) (the “Fund”) declared a $0.13 per share cash distribution payable on March 24, 2025 to common shareholders of record on March 17, 2025.

    The Fund intends to pay the greater of either an annual distribution of 5% of the Fund’s trailing 12-month average month-end market price or an amount that meets the minimum distribution requirement of the Internal Revenue Code for regulated investment companies.

    Each quarter, the Board of Trustees reviews the amount of any potential distribution from the income, realized capital gain, or capital available. The Board of Trustees will continue to monitor the Fund’s distribution level, taking into consideration the Fund’s net asset value and the financial market environment. If necessary, the Fund pays an adjusting distribution in December, which includes any additional income and net realized capital gains in excess of the quarterly distributions. The Fund’s distribution policy is subject to modification or termination by the Board of Trustees at any time, and there can be no guarantee that the policy will continue. The distribution rate should not be considered the dividend yield or total return on an investment in the Fund.

    All or part of the distribution may be treated as long-term capital gain or qualified dividend income (or a combination of both) for individuals, each subject to the maximum federal income tax rate for long term capital gains, which is currently 20% in taxable accounts for individuals (or less depending on an individual’s tax bracket). In addition, certain U.S. shareholders who are individuals, estates or trusts and with income that exceeds certain thresholds will be required to pay a 3.8% Medicare surcharge on their “net investment income”, which includes dividends received from the Fund and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund.

    If the Fund does not generate sufficient earnings (dividends and interest income, less expenses, and realized net capital gain) equal to or in excess of the aggregate distributions paid by the Fund in a given year, then the amount distributed in excess of the Fund’s earnings would be deemed a return of capital. Since this would be considered a return of a portion of a share-holder’s original investment, it is generally not taxable and would be treated as a reduction in the shareholder’s cost basis.

    Long-term capital gains, qualified dividend income, investment company taxable income and return of capital, if any, will be allocated on a pro-rata basis to all distributions to common shareholders for the year. Based on the accounting records of the Fund currently available, the current distribution paid in 2025 to common shareholders with respect to the Fund’s fiscal year ending September 30, 2025 would include approximately 13% from net investment income and 87% from net capital gains on a book basis. This information does not represent information for tax reporting purposes. The estimated components of each distribution are updated and provided to shareholders of record in a notice accompanying the distribution and are available on our website. The final determination of the sources of all distributions in 2025 will be made after year end and can vary from the quarterly estimates. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the current distribution. All individual shareholders with taxable accounts will receive written notification regarding the components and tax treatment for all 2025 distributions in early 2026 via Form 1099-DIV.

    Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. For more information regarding the Fund’s distribution policy and other information about the Fund, call:

    Bethany Uhlein
    (914) 921-5546

    About Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund
    Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. is a diversified, closed-end management investment company with $190 million in total net assets. ECF invests primarily in convertible securities and common stock with the objectives of providing income and the potential for capital appreciation, objectives the Fund considers to be relatively equal over the long-term due to the nature of the securities in which it invests. The Fund is managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, a subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (OTCQX: GAMI).

    NYSE American: ECF
    CUSIP – 289074106

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Bethany Uhlein
    914.921.5546
    buhlein@gabelli.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust Continues Monthly Distributions, Declares Distributions of $0.10 Per Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RYE, N.Y., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Board of Trustees of The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust (NYSE American: GLU) (the “Fund”) approved the continuation of its policy of paying fixed monthly cash distributions. The Board of Trustees declared cash distributions of $0.10 per share for each of April, May, and June 2025.

    Distribution Month Record Date Payable Date Distribution Per Share
    April April 15, 2025 April 23, 2025 $0.10
    May May 15, 2025 May 22, 2025 $0.10
    June June 13, 2025 June 23, 2025 $0.10
           

    Under the Fund’s initial distribution policy, the Fund has paid a minimum annual distribution of 6% of the initial public offering price of $20.00 per share (a distribution of $0.10 per share each month).

    Each quarter, the Board of Trustees reviews the amount of any potential distribution from the income, realized capital gain, or capital available. The Board of Trustees will continue to monitor the Fund’s distribution level, taking into consideration the Fund’s net asset value and the financial market environment. If necessary, the Fund will pay an adjusting distribution in December which includes any additional income and net realized capital gains in excess of the monthly distributions for that year to satisfy the minimum distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code for regulated investment companies. The Fund’s distribution policy is subject to modification by the Board of Trustees at any time, and there can be no guarantee that the policy will continue. The distribution rate should not be considered the dividend yield or total return on an investment in the Fund.

    All or part of the distribution may be treated as long-term capital gain or qualified dividend income (or a combination of both) for individuals, each subject to the maximum federal income tax rate for long term capital gains, which is currently 20% in taxable accounts for individuals (or less depending on an individual’s tax bracket). In addition, certain U.S. shareholders who are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds will be required to pay a 3.8% Medicare surcharge on their “net investment income”, which includes dividends received from the Fund and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund.

    If the Fund does not generate sufficient earnings (dividends and interest income, less expenses, and realized net capital gain) equal to or in excess of the aggregate distributions paid by the Fund in a given year, then the amount distributed in excess of the Fund’s earnings would be deemed a return of capital. Since this would be considered a return of a portion of a shareholder’s original investment, it is generally not taxable and would be treated as a reduction in the shareholder’s cost basis.

    Long-term capital gains, qualified dividend income, investment company taxable income, and return of capital, if any, will be allocated on a pro-rata basis to all distributions to common shareholders for the year. Based on the accounting records of the Fund currently available, each of the distributions paid to common shareholders in 2025 would include approximately 8% from net investment income, 51% from net capital gains and 41% would be deemed a return of capital on a book basis. This does not represent information for tax reporting purposes. The estimated components of each distribution are updated and provided to shareholders of record in a notice accompanying the distribution and are available on our website (www.gabelli.com). The final determination of the sources of all distributions in 2025 will be made after year end and can vary from the monthly estimates. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the current distribution. All individual shareholders with taxable accounts will receive written notification regarding the components and tax treatment for all 2025 distributions in early 2026 via Form 1099-DIV.

    Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. For more information regarding the Fund’s distribution policy and other information about the Fund, call:

    Adam Tokar
    (914) 457-1079

    About The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust
    The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust is a diversified, closed-end management investment company with $119 million in total net assets whose primary investment objective is to seek a consistent level of after-tax total return for its investors with an emphasis on tax-advantaged dividend income under current tax law. The Fund is managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, a subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (OTCQX: GAMI).

    NYSE American – GLU
    CUSIP – 36242L105

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Adam Tokar
    (914) 457-1079
    atokar@gabelli.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Living to tell the story: Lawsuit accuses ER doctor of anti-Indigenous racism

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Mary Jane Logan McCallum, Professor of History, University of Winnipeg

    On Jan. 15, 2023, Justin Flett arrived at the emergency room at St. Anthony’s Hospital, in the Pas, Manitoba.

    According to Flett’s statement of claim, submitted to the Court of King’s Bench of Manitoba in December and as reported by CBC News and APTN, he told the triage nurse he was experiencing distressing abdominal pain.

    Flett was assigned a triage score of five, which is intended for non-urgent low-priority cases. The statement of claim alleges that the physician who finally saw Flett insinuated that he was hungover, saying something to the effect of: “I don’t know what to tell you, we don’t treat you here for hangovers.”. Flett was not given diagnostic tests, imaging, a physical examination or pain medication.

    In a statement made through his lawyer, Flett said, “I knew that there was something seriously wrong with me and this doctor didn’t seem to want to take me seriously or help me. In that moment, I just felt worthless.”

    Flett is a father of six, a building contractor, a resident of Winnipeg and a citizen of Tataskweyak First Nation.

    Flett’s statement of claim says he endured an 11-hour bus trip to Winnipeg to seek the care he needed while in severe pain and without other healthcare alternatives.

    Once in Winnipeg, Flett called 911 and requested an ambulance. He was instructed by the operator to take a taxi to Seven Oaks Hospital. There he was triaged as a priority but still told to wait.

    He finally underwent surgery for acute appendicitis more than 30 hours after he first sought care. The surgery left Flett with complications.

    Flett is suing the Winnipeg and Northern Regional health authorities as well as an ER doctor, accusing them of racism and failing to provide timely care.

    As scholars of Indigenous and settler colonial history, we see Flett’s story within an enduring pattern of anti-Indigenous medical racism.

    A pattern of anti-Indigenous medical racism

    Brian Sinclair is not here to personally tell his version of what happened in the 34 hours he spent in September 2008 in the emergency room of a major Winnipeg hospital.

    Structures of Indifference by Mary Jane Logan McCallum and Adele Perry.

    Sinclair, a middle-aged Anishinaabe man, died from what is normally an easily treated infection. In our 2018 book, Structures of Indifference: An Indigenous Life and Death in a Canadian City, we show how Sinclair’s tragic and unnecessary death reveals some painful truths about the ongoing history of settler colonialism, and how its legacies continue to devalue Indigenous life.

    Sinclair’s death and Flett’s accusations can only be understood within a history of settler colonialism and segregated medical care that is exemplified by the “Indian hospitals” that ran from the 1920s to the 1980s. They must also be understood in context of a society that blames Indigenous people for their own deaths.

    Sinclair was assumed to be drunk by medical staff and did not receive timely or adequate care, while Flett accuses medical authorities in Manitoba of the same treatment.

    These types of experiences are not particular to Manitoba, but are mirrored by incidents of medical racism across Canada.

    Tania Dick, Dzawada̱ʼenux̱w registered nurse and current Indigenous Nursing Lead at the University of British Columbia, explained to CBC’s The Current in 2018 that many Indigenous families have their own “Brian Sinclair story.”

    This includes the family of Joyce Echaquan. Echaquan was a 34-year-old Atikamew mother of six, who recorded hospital staff hurling racial slurs at her while withholding medical treatment causing her death in a hospital north of Montréal in September 2020.

    Inadequate treatment

    Both Echequan’s and Sinclair’s families and communities made sure that their deaths did not go unnoticed.

    In Sinclair’s case, an inquest and a number of reports resulted in significant changes to the way that patients are triaged and managed.

    Echaquan’s experience led to an inquest and the development of Joyce’s Principle, which aims to “guarantee to all Indigenous people the right of equitable access, without any discrimination, to all social and health services.”

    These cases have helped fuel a growing awareness about anti-Indigenous medical racism, including among organizations of medical professionals.

    Apologies and pledges

    Two years ago, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM) apologized and accepted responsibility for failing to fairly treat Indigenous patients and they pledged to take action against anti-Indigenous racism.

    And last year, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) also acknowledged the racism and discrimination that Indigenous patients and health care providers face. They apologized and pledged to “act against anti-Indigenous racism in health care.”

    When we discuss these stories and the apologies in our classrooms we find our students know it is time to think beyond quick fixes and surface remedies. Rather, we need to address racism and colonialism as powerful determinants of health.

    The inquests, reports and apologies appear to have fallen short. Flett’s lawsuit claims that his treatment violated Sections 7 and 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It seeks damages under Section 24.1, which says that those whose rights or freedoms have been violated can seek remedies from the courts.

    It is a good time for us all to think about the ongoing costs of anti-Indigenous racism in Canada’s past and present.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Living to tell the story: Lawsuit accuses ER doctor of anti-Indigenous racism – https://theconversation.com/living-to-tell-the-story-lawsuit-accuses-er-doctor-of-anti-indigenous-racism-247078

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Saudi Export-Import Bank (Saudi EXIM) and The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation Sign an Implementation Agreement for $5 Million Line of Financing in Favor of Alizz Islamic Bank in Oman

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

    MUSCAT, Oman, February 13, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Saudi Export-Import Bank (Saudi EXIM) and The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-IDB.org) have signed an Implementation Agreement for $5 million line of financing in favor of Alizz Islamic Bank in the Sultanate of Oman, under the “KSA SMEs Export Empowerment Program”.

    The agreement aims to enhance the access of Saudi non-oil exports to Omani markets, promote export opportunities for the SMEs sector in the Kingdom, and attract Omani importers. 

    The agreement was signed by the Director of the Financial Institutions Department at Saudi EXIM Bank Mr. Mohammed Alabdulmuhsen, and the General Manager of the Treasury Department Mr. Ahmed M. Yousef Jan from The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation. The signing ceremony took place at Alizz Islamic Bank’s headquarters in the Sultanate of Oman.

    “KSA SMEs Export Empowerment Program” is committed to elevate the competitiveness of the Saudi non-oil exports globally, as Saudi EXIM and ITFC continues to provide credit facilities to targeted financial institutions in targeted countries.

    This collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing international trade and increasing the contribution of SMEs to the Gross Domestic Product, aligning with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which represents one of the objectives of the “KSA SMEs Export Empowerment Program”. It also represents a crucial milestone in enabling Saudi exports and expand their global reach.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 12 regions reached the final of the all-Russian competition “Capital of Financial Culture”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    Based on the results of the qualifying stage competition The members of the competition committee selected 12 subjects of the Russian Federation that will continue the competition for the title of “Capital of Financial Culture”. They are Altai Krai, Bryansk Oblast, Kaliningrad Oblast, Kemerovo Oblast – Kuzbass, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Primorsky Krai, the Republic of Bashkortostan, the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Stavropol Krai, Ulyanovsk Oblast, and the Chuvash Republic.

    The finalists will present projects to improve financial literacy and form a financial culture, which they plan to implement in the region. The results of the competition will be announced in March 2025 at the site of the National Center “Russia”.

    Preview photo: Andrii Zastrozhnov / Shutterstock / Fotodom

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //vv. KBR.ru/Press/Event/? ID = 23374

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman, Kennedy, Moran Champion Bill to Protect Veterans’ Second Amendment Rights

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

    WASHINGTON––U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), John Kennedy (R-LA) and Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act to ensure veterans do not lose their Second Amendment right to purchase or own firearms when they receive help managing their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits.

    Because of the VA’s interpretation of current law, the VA sends a beneficiary’s name to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) whenever a fiduciary is appointed to help a beneficiary manage his or her VA benefit payments. The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act would prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from transmitting a veteran’s personal information to NICS unless a relevant judicial authority rules that the beneficiary is a danger to himself or others.

    “Veterans must not be required to forfeit the Second Amendment without a careful, constitutional process. Attempting to deprive former servicemembers of firearms for protection or recreation simply because they require assistance managing the benefits they have earned is bureaucracy at its worst. Our legislation would correct this injustice and preserve these law-abiding patriots’ rights,” said Boozman.

    “Our veterans should not receive less due process rights than other Americans just because they served our country and asked the federal government for a helping hand. Under the VA’s interpretation of the law, however, unelected bureaucrats punish Louisiana and America’s veterans by forcing them to choose between their Second Amendment rights and getting the help they need as they manage their financial affairs. I’m proud to introduce the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act to stand up for veterans’ constitutional rights by ending this unfair practice,” said Kennedy.

    “Veterans should never be forced to choose between receiving assistance from VA to manage their benefits and their fundamental Second Amendment rights. Our nation should be encouraging veterans to utilize VA services, not discouraging them by denying them due process. The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act makes certain that the rights of those who have served are protected, and that veterans are not penalized for receiving support that they have earned and deserve,” said Moran.

    The legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Steve Daines (R-MT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Jim Banks (R-IN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Tim Sheehy (R-MT). 

    Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL-12), Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act is endorsed by the Vietnam Veterans of America, National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, Black Veterans Empowerment Council, Military Order of the Purple Heart, National Shooting Sports Foundation, National Rifle Association, Gun Owners of America, AMAC Action, Turning Point Action, Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition, National Disability Rights Network and the National Association for Gun Rights.

    Click here for full text of the legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker Opposes RFK, Jr., Nomination to be HHS Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement:

    “There’s no question that America’s food system is painfully broken. It drives historic levels of suffering and illness. It’s broken for farmers and rural communities; it’s broken for workers; it poisons our environment; it subsidizes unhealthy foods and hurts consumers. It’s a system that seems to hurt everyone except the multinational food companies that control it.

    “It’s also true that our country faces a huge nutrition crisis. In recent decades, we’ve seen an explosion of diet-related diseases, fueled by the world’s biggest food companies that rigged the rules in their favor to maximize profits at the expense of public health. These companies have blocked my efforts to regulate things like toxic pesticides, food chemicals, and ultra-processed foods.

    “I’m always hopeful that we can make progress on these challenges and I will work with whomever wants to join with me and the millions of Americans who are demanding change.

    “However, I will not be voting to confirm Mr. Kennedy. He has championed views on a number of issues that are deeply concerning to me. Furthermore, the Trump administration is flagrantly ignoring the law in its efforts to dismantle vital government programs, from health care to education to national security, while ignoring the burden of rising costs on American families.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Plan to Audit Utility Company Salaries is Approved

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) has initiated a comprehensive review of utility management compensation following her direction on Tuesday for the Department of Public Service (DPS) to move forward with the audit. This audit follows years of work by DPS to examine utility management structures and seeks to align utility priorities with State objectives, including affordability, reliability, safety, and a cleaner environment. This is part of a comprehensive effort by the Governor to combat rising utility costs and protect consumers, and it builds upon her direction for DPS to reject Con Edison’s rate proposal and her demand that the New York Power Authority suspend its proposed rate increase.

    “New Yorkers deserve fair and transparent utility rates,” Governor Hochul said. “This audit will ensure that utility compensation structures are working for New Yorkers, not rewarding expected behavior. We will hold utilities accountable and ensure their focus is where it should be: delivering reliable, affordable, and high-quality service. At a time when families are facing rising costs, we are taking decisive action to ensure every dollar that customers pay is justified and that utility companies are prioritizing the needs of the people they serve.”

    The audit will focus on compensation for non-union utility management employees statewide and the results will inform future rate cases to protect New Yorkers from unfair rate hikes. Numerous recent management and operations audits of large, investor-owned electric and gas utilities have highlighted meaningful concerns with how utilities administer their programs.

    In a recent audit of Central Hudson, the auditor concluded their bonus structure rewarded financial performance, but only set reliability and service quality metrics at the bare minimum. In the case of NYSEG and RG&E, auditors had to recommend that the companies set performance standards that encourage service improvements. And in other recent audits, including of Con Edison, O&R, and National Grid, auditors found that companies should update their compensation structures to focus on ratepayer-centric goals.

    Commission Chair Rory M. Christian said, “This audit is about accountability. Management compensation is a reflection of a company’s values, and we expect utility values to mirror our own and be focused on providing quality, affordable service to ratepayers.”

    The audit will examine compensation practices at 13 major utilities, including Con Edison, National Grid, Central Hudson, NYSEG, RG&E, and Veolia Water New York. Investor-owned electric and gas utilities have a total of 12.4 million customers in New York State. Findings from the audit will influence future rate cases, providing the PSC with insights into best practices and potential cost-saving measures.

    Over the last four years, Governor Hochul has prioritized energy affordability by:

    • Affordability policy enhancements to expand eligibility in the Energy Affordability Program and creating the Energy Affordability Guarantee, the first-in-the nation pilot program that ensures low-income New Yorkers participating in the EmPower Plus program never pay more than 6 percent of their incomes on electricity and incentivizes them to fully electrify their homes.
    • Budget appropriations to reduce ratepayer costs of EAP that provides critical utility bill relief to low-income New Yorkers.
    • Providing arrears forgiveness of more than $1 billion.
    • State procurements of renewable generation to offset ratepayer costs of developing new clean generation resources
    • $300 million to create power-ready sites for attracting new businesses through the Promote Opportunity with Electric Readiness for Underdeveloped Properties (POWER UP) Fund.

    Assemblymember Didi Barrett said, “As utility rates continue to soar it is imperative that we take a close look at utility company salaries to ensure our constituents across the state are not shouldering the burden of inflated salaries. I thank Governor Hochul for her focus on energy affordability and the Public Service Commission for their support of this audit.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New I-81 Connect Mobile App Launches

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced an exciting addition to the transformative Interstate 81 Viaduct Project’s community engagement toolbox: The launch of the I-81 Connect mobile app. The app builds on the unprecedented community outreach efforts implemented during the project’s planning and environmental phases — which are currently still effective — during construction. The I-81 Connect mobile app incorporates the convenience of 21st century technology into the largest infrastructure project in the New York State Department of Transportation’s history. The app will deliver real-time project updates and travel alerts and allow the Central New York Community to connect with the I-81 Project team directly. A daily tap of the app will enhance everyday life and reduce stress caused by congested commutes, improve traffic flow and increase overall safety.

    “Community engagement does not stop once construction begins,” Governor Hochul said. “The New York State Department of Transportation is building on the robust public outreach that has accompanied every stage of this project, as we step into the future of community engagement with the new I-81 Connect mobile app. Our commitment to ensuring the residents of this community are involved in every aspect of this undertaking will remain strong until the viaduct comes down and the neighborhoods surrounding it are reconnected for good.”

    The I-81 Connect mobile app is a one-stop shop resource that provides users 24/7 access to all aspects of the I-81 Viaduct Project and streamlines communication between the user and NYSDOT. When users navigate to the section titled “Connect with Us” on the app’s home screen, they will be redirected to clickable links that call the I-81 Viaduct Project toll-free hotline or draft an email to the project team. The notification feature on the app provides NYSDOT the ability to send messages about important project information directly to the user’s mobile device. This modernized approach to community engagement cuts out the middleman and allows the public to receive information directly from the source.

    New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “The I-81 Connect mobile app is a game changer and reinforces Governor Hochul’s commitment to providing a safe and reliable transportation network, accessible to all. I-81 Connect brings the community and NYSDOT together through the app, on the phone, or online, decreasing anxiety and sharing information. Today, we raised the bar on community engagement!”

    As the first-ever mobile app to be paired with a NYSDOT infrastructure project, I-81 Connect is linked to the project’s website and provides full access to project renderings, contract updates, information and data associated with the first of its kind Local Hire Initiative, an inquiry form for jobseekers, materials and resources for prospective Disadvantage Business Owners and contractors, archived documents, technical details and more. Downloading the app automatically enables users to receive important project updates and traffic alerts on their mobile devices. Additionally, users can opt-in to receive email notifications.

    The I-81 Connect home screen includes a list of categories to help users find what information they are looking for, quickly and efficiently.

    I-81 Connect is an inclusive communications tool that gives the most vulnerable Central New York communities a seat at the table. Members of the community — whether they live in downtown Syracuse or in surrounding suburban and rural areas — will be able to get real time updates and not rely on word-of-mouth or wait to attend a community event, and instead, will be able to engage with a member of the I-81 Viaduct Project team right from the palm of their hand. The I-81 Viaduct Project’s outreach Centers will continue to be open and available to all New Yorkers interested in the project.

    The I-81 Viaduct Project is part of Governor Hochul’s unprecedented commitment to modernize New York State’s infrastructure and invest in projects that promote connectivity and multi-modal transportation opportunities for communities across the State. The project will take down a 1.4-mile stretch of elevated highway that has divided the City of Syracuse for generations and implement a Community Grid that will reconnect neighborhoods, modernize infrastructure, give motorists multiple options to safely access downtown Syracuse and improve mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists.

    Work on the I-81 Viaduct Project has been in progress for two years, with four of the project’s eight contracts in construction and a fifth contract anticipated to start later this spring. Additionally, final design on phase two of the project has begun. The project’s first two contracts focusing on reconstructing the existing I-81/I-481 northern and southern interchanges into Business Loop 81 and I-81, are anticipated to be substantially complete by the end of this year.

    The I-81 Connect mobile app, powered by GoGov, is available on iPhone and Android devices for free and can be downloaded in the App Store and Google Play.

    State Senator Rachel May said, “The I-81 Viaduct project is moving along quickly. That means drivers, cyclists and pedestrians need a way to stay up to date with reliable information. This new app will be helpful for road users in Central New York, providing updates on road construction and traffic alerts that will make navigating the project much more manageable. Thank you to Commissioner Dominguez for introducing this innovative app and for your dedication to making the I-81 project a success.”

    Assemblymember Bill Magnarelli said, “The I-81 Viaduct Project significantly impacts the entire Central New York region. The investment reinforces New York State’s commitment to protecting and enhancing our statewide infrastructure, strengthening economic development and our quality of life. The I-81 Connect mobile app will allow the community to stay informed during the construction phases and have real-time information throughout the process.”

    About the Department of Transportation

    It is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to provide a safe, reliable, equitable and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment and supports the economic well-being of New York State.
    Lives are on the line; slow down and move over for highway workers!

    For more information, find us on Facebook, follow us on X or Instagram, or visit our website. For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Founder of Purported Artificial Intelligence-Driven Hedge Fund Pleads Guilty to Investment Adviser Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant Targeted Egyptian-American Coptic Christians and Spent Victims’ Funds on Luxury Goods and Expensive Meals

    Earlier today, Mina Tadrus pled guilty at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, New York to committing investment adviser fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud investors in Tadrus Capital LLC, a hedge fund Tadrus founded and operated, of more than $5 million.  Today’s proceeding took place before United States District Judge Hector Gonzalez.  When sentenced, Tadrus faces up to five years in prison.    Tadrus was charged in September 2023.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York Field Office (IRS-CI), announced the guilty plea.

    “The defendant preyed on the Egyptian-American Coptic Christian community by falsely promising that his purported artificial intelligence-driven hedge fund would earn guaranteed annual returns of 30% or more, and taking advantage of their trust for his own personal gain,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “This Office has prioritized protecting and seeking justice for individual investors in our District and beyond.”

    Mr. Durham expressed his appreciation to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s New York Regional Office for its assistance in this matter.

    “The only thing more artificial than Tadrus’ AI-driven hedge fund was his sincerity.  He sold a dream to trusting investors and instead of turning their money into profit, he swindled it for his own luxuries.  Today’s plea and forfeiture agreements are just a small step forward for his victims to receive genuine justice,” said Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS-CI New York.

    According to court filings and facts presented during the plea proceeding, Tadrus marketed interests in Tadrus Capital LLC to investors based on false promises that he would employ artificial intelligence-driven trading strategies that would earn them guaranteed annual returns of 30% or more.

    In reality, however, Tadrus did not use investor funds to engage in artificial intelligence-based trading as promised, nor did he engage in any trading activity. Instead, he used investor funds to pay employees, to purchase luxury gifts and expensive meals for himself, and to make Ponzi scheme-like payments to new victim investors.

    If you were a Tadrus Capital LLC client and would like to file a complaint, please visit www.iC3.gov.  Please reference “Tadrus Capital” or “Mina Tadrus” in your complaint.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorney John O. Enright and Special Agent Martin Sullivan are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Sarah Burn.

    The Defendant:

    MINA TADRUS
    Age: 38
    Tampa, Florida

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-393 (HG)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Real Estate Executive Charged In Thirty-Million-Dollar Bank Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Danielle Sassoon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James E. Dennehy, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the arrest of KEVIN FENG GAO. The Indictment unsealed today charges GAO with committing bank fraud as part of a scheme to steal $30 million intended as an investment in Manhattan real estate. GAO will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron. 

    U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon said: “As alleged, Kevin Gao orchestrated a complex scheme to create a fraudulent, unauthorized bank account and use the account to steal $30 million from a real estate investor. Bank fraud schemes undermine the integrity of our financial system by corrupting it for criminal purposes, and I commend the FBI and our dedicated team of prosecutors for their outstanding work in uncovering this massive fraud.”   

    FBI Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy said: “Kevin Gao allegedly opened an unauthorized corporate bank account to intercept and steal a $30 million investment. This alleged establishment of an illicit bank account wrongfully diverted a significant sum from its intended use. The FBI remains dedicated to apprehending all individuals who implement deceitful measures to steal what is not owed to them.”

    According to allegations in the Indictment:[1] 

    GAO carried out a fraudulent scheme to open and use an unauthorized bank account in the name of a company (the “Management Company”) that managed a real estate development project in Manhattan (the “Real Estate Project”). GAO was an executive at another company that participated in a joint venture to develop the Real Estate Project, but GAO had no authorization from the Management Company to open the account in its name (the “Fraudulent Account”). 

    When GAO applied to open the Fraudulent Account, GAO made false representations to employees of an FDIC-insured bank (the “Bank”), including falsely representing that GAO was opening the Fraudulent Account with the Management Company’s permission. Additionally, when a representative of the Bank asked GAO to provide a copy of the Management Company’s operating agreement, GAO provided a fraudulent document rather than the actual operating agreement. 

    After GAO created the Fraudulent Account, an investment company agreed to invest $30 million in the Real Estate Development managed by the Management Company. But the investment company transferred its $30 million into the Fraudulent Account created by GAO rather than a legitimate account actually held and controlled by the Management Company. GAO then dispersed the $30 million to several accounts under the control of GAO and his co-conspirators.

    *                *                *

    GAO, 37, of Queens, New York is charged with one count of bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. 

    The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.      

    Ms. Sassoon praised the outstanding work of the FBI. 

    The case is being handled by the Office’s Illicit Finance and Money Laundering Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Brumwell and Maggie Lynaugh are in charge of the prosecution.

    The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.    

    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the texts of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: StepStone Group Launching ELTIF in Europe

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — StepStone Group Inc. (Nasdaq: STEP), a leading global private markets investment firm responsible for approximately $698 billion in total capital, including $65 billion in private debt, announced it received approval to launch a Private Debt-based European Long-Term Investment Fund (“ELTIF”).

    “As part of our continued expansion into the European private wealth market, this milestone marks yet another chapter in our story of delivering private markets strategies to more investors with the mission of convenience, efficiency, and transparency,” said Neil Menard, Partner and President of Distribution, StepStone Private Wealth. “With these approvals in place, we will now be able to deliver institutional-grade investments better tailored to the dynamics of European wealth platforms.”

    ELTIFs are designed to channel investments in Europe that support economic growth and job creation. StepStone plans to initially market ELTIFs in Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Nordic and Benelux regions, focusing on investing in private credit assets in the European Union.

    “We believe that this offering provides unique advantages and is very differentiated to all other solutions in the market. The Firm’s sourcing network can provide significant selectivity and diversification to investors in a market that is otherwise highly fragmented,” said Marcel Schindler, Head of StepStone Private Debt. “Both institutional and individual investors alike are seeking efficient solutions such as this one. StepStone is well positioned to meet these expectations.”

    StepStone also received approval to convert their current RAIF funds into UCI Part II vehicles, allowing professional investors and semi-professional investors greater access to the private markets, including private equity, infrastructure, and real estate. Funds set to be converted include StepStone Private Markets Fund Lux (SPRIM Lux), StepStone Private Venture and Growth Fund Lux (SPRING Lux) and StepStone Private Infrastructure Fund Lux (STRUCTURE Lux). These funds are currently available on a variety of platforms, including Allfunds, FundsPlace, and offer a digital subscription through Goji.

    About StepStone

    StepStone Group Inc. (Nasdaq: STEP) is a global private markets investment firm focused on providing customized investment solutions and advisory and data services to its clients. As of December 31, 2024, StepStone was responsible for approximately $698 billion of total capital, including $179 billion of assets under management. StepStone’s clients include some of the world’s largest public and private defined benefit and defined contribution pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and insurance companies, as well as prominent endowments, foundations, family offices and private wealth clients, which include high-net-worth and mass affluent individuals. StepStone partners with its clients to develop and build private markets portfolios designed to meet their specific objectives across the private equity, infrastructure, private debt and real estate asset classes.

    Contacts

    Shareholder Relations:
    Seth Weiss
    shareholders@stepstonegroup.com
    +1 (212) 351-6106

    Media:
    Brian Ruby / Chris Gillick / Matt Lettiero, ICR
    StepStonePR@icrinc.com
    +1 (203) 682-8268

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Gabelli Multimedia Trust 10% Distribution Policy Reaffirmed and Declared First Quarter Distribution of $0.22 Per Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RYE, N.Y., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Board of Directors of The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc. (NYSE:GGT) (the “Fund”) reaffirmed and satisfied its 10% distribution policy by declaring a $0.22 per share cash distribution payable on March 24, 2025 to common stock shareholders of record on March 17, 2025.

    The Fund intends to pay a minimum annual distribution of 10% of the average net asset value of the Fund within a calendar year or an amount sufficient to satisfy the minimum distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code for regulated investment companies. The average net asset value of the Fund is based on the average net asset values as of the last day of the four preceding calendar quarters during the year. The net asset value per share fluctuates daily.

    Each quarter, the Board of Directors reviews the amount of any potential distribution from the income, realized capital gain, or capital available. The Board of Directors will continue to monitor the Fund’s distribution level, taking into consideration the Fund’s net asset value and the current financial market environment. The Fund’s distribution policy is subject to modification by the Board of Directors at any time, and there can be no guarantee that the policy will continue. The distribution rate should not be considered the dividend yield or total return on an investment in the Fund.

    All or part of the distribution may be treated as long-term capital gain or qualified dividend income (or a combination of both) for individuals, each subject to the maximum federal income tax rate for long term capital gains, which is currently 20% in taxable accounts for individuals (or less depending on an individual’s tax bracket). In addition, certain U.S. shareholders who are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds will be required to pay a 3.8% Medicare surcharge on their “net investment income”, which includes dividends received from the Fund and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund.

    If the Fund does not generate sufficient earnings (dividends and interest income, less expenses, and realized net capital gain) equal to or in excess of the aggregate distributions paid by the Fund in a given year, then the amount distributed in excess of the Fund’s earnings would be deemed a return of capital. Since this would be considered a return of a portion of a shareholder’s original investment, it is generally not taxable and would be treated as a reduction in the shareholder’s cost basis.

    Long-term capital gains, qualified dividend income, investment company taxable income, and return of capital, if any, will be allocated on a pro-rata basis to all distributions to common shareholders for the year. Based on the accounting records of the Fund currently available, the current distribution paid to common shareholders in 2025 would be deemed 100% from paid-in capital on a book basis. This does not represent information for tax reporting purposes. The estimated components of each distribution are updated and provided to shareholders of record in a notice accompanying the distribution and are available on our website (www.gabelli.com). The final determination of the sources of all distributions in 2025 will be made after year end and can vary from the quarterly estimates. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the current distribution. All individual shareholders with taxable accounts will receive written notification regarding the components and tax treatment for all 2025 distributions in early 2026 via Form 1099-DIV.

    Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. For more information regarding the Fund’s distribution policy and other information about the Fund, call:

    Carter Austin
    (914) 921-5475

    About The Gabelli Multimedia Trust
    The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc. is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company with $198 million in total net assets whose primary investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Fund is managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, a subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (OTCQX: GAMI).

    NYSE: GGT
    CUSIP – 36239Q109

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Carter Austin
    (914) 921-5475
    caustin@gabelli.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust Continues Monthly Distributions, Declares Distributions of $0.14 Per Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RYE, N.Y., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Board of Trustees of The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust (NYSE:GDV) (the “Fund”) approved the continuation of its policy of paying fixed monthly cash distributions. The Board of Trustees declared cash distributions of $0.14 per share for each of April, May, and June 2025.

    The Board of Trustees increased the annual distribution 27% to $1.68 per share, which will be paid $0.14 per share monthly, commencing with the January 2025 monthly distribution.

    Distribution Month Record Date Payable Date Distribution Per Share
    April April 15, 2025 April 23, 2025 $0.14
    May May 15, 2025 May 22, 2025 $0.14
    June June 13, 2025 June 23, 2025 $0.14

    Additionally, the Board of Trustees continues to evaluate potential strategic opportunities for the Fund in what we believe to be an attractive environment to invest in the broader equity markets.

    Each quarter, the Board of Trustees reviews the amount of any potential distribution from the income, realized capital gain, or capital available. The Board of Trustees will continue to monitor the Fund’s distribution level, taking into consideration the Fund’s net asset value and the financial market environment. If necessary, the Fund will pay an adjusting distribution in December which includes any additional income and net realized capital gains in excess of the monthly distributions for that year to satisfy the minimum distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code for regulated investment companies. The Fund’s distribution policy is subject to modification by the Board of Trustees at any time, and there can be no guarantee that the policy will continue. The distribution rate should not be considered the dividend yield or total return on an investment in the Fund.

    All or part of the distribution may be treated as long-term capital gain or qualified dividend income (or a combination of both) for individuals, each subject to the maximum federal income tax rate for long term capital gains, which is currently 20% in taxable accounts for individuals (or less depending on an individual’s tax bracket). In addition, certain U.S. shareholders who are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds will be required to pay a 3.8% Medicare surcharge on their “net investment income”, which includes dividends received from the Fund and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund.

    If the Fund does not generate sufficient earnings (dividends and interest income, less expenses, and realized net capital gain) equal to or in excess of the aggregate distributions paid by the Fund in a given year, then the amount distributed in excess of the Fund’s earnings would be deemed a return of capital. Since this would be considered a return of a portion of a shareholder’s original investment, it is generally not taxable and would be treated as a reduction in the shareholder’s cost basis.

    Long-term capital gains, qualified dividend income, investment company taxable income, and return of capital, if any, will be allocated on a pro-rata basis to all distributions to common shareholders for the year. Based on the accounting records of the Fund currently available, each of the distributions paid to common shareholders in 2025 would include approximately 3% from net investment income, 4% from net capital gains and 93% would be deemed a return of capital on a book basis. This does not represent information for tax reporting purposes. The estimated components of each distribution are updated and provided to shareholders of record in a notice accompanying the distribution and are available on our website (www.gabelli.com). The final determination of the sources of all distributions in 2025 will be made after year end and can vary from the monthly estimates. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the current distribution. All individual shareholders with taxable accounts will receive written notification regarding the components and tax treatment for all 2025 distributions in early 2026 via Form 1099-DIV.

    Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. For more information regarding the Fund’s distribution policy and other information about the Fund, call:

    Carter Austin
    (914) 921-5475

    About The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust
    The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust is a diversified, closed-end management investment company with $3.0 billion in total net assets whose primary investment objective is to provide a high level of total return with an emphasis on dividends and income. The Fund is managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, a subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (OTCQX: GAMI).

    NYSE – GDV
    CUSIP – 36242H104

    THE GABELLI DIVIDEND & INCOME TRUST

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Carter Austin
    (914) 921-5475
    caustin@gabelli.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Gabelli Global Small and Mid Cap Value Trust Declares First Quarter Distribution of $0.16 Per Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RYE, N.Y., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Board of Trustees of The Gabelli Global Small and Mid Cap Value Trust (NYSE:GGZ) (the “Fund”) declared a $0.16 per share cash distribution payable on March 24, 2025 to common shareholders of record on March 17, 2025.

    The Fund intends to pay a quarterly distribution of an amount determined each quarter by the Board of Trustees. In addition to the quarterly distributions, and in accordance with the minimum distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code for regulated investment companies, the Fund may pay an adjusting distribution in December which includes any additional income and net realized capital gains in excess of the quarterly distributions for that year.

    Each quarter, the Board of Directors reviews the amount of any potential distribution from the income, realized capital gain, or capital available. The Board of Directors will continue to monitor the Fund’s distribution level, taking into consideration the Fund’s net asset value and the current financial market environment. The Fund’s distribution policy is subject to modification by the Board of Directors at any time, and there can be no guarantee that the policy will continue. The distribution rate should not be considered the dividend yield or total return on an investment in the Fund.

    All or part of the distribution may be treated as long-term capital gain or qualified dividend income (or a combination of both) for individuals, each subject to the maximum federal income tax rate for long term capital gains, which is currently 20% in taxable accounts for individuals (or less depending on an individual’s tax bracket). In addition, certain U.S. shareholders who are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds will be required to pay a 3.8% Medicare surcharge on their “net investment income”, which includes dividends received from the Fund and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund.

    If the Fund does not generate sufficient earnings (dividends and interest income, less expenses, and realized net capital gain) equal to or in excess of the aggregate distributions paid by the Fund in a given year, then the amount distributed in excess of the Fund’s earnings would be deemed a return of capital. Since this would be considered a return of a portion of a shareholder’s original investment, it is generally not taxable and would be treated as a reduction in the shareholder’s cost basis.

    Long-term capital gains, qualified dividend income, investment company taxable income, and return of capital, if any, will be allocated on a pro-rata basis to all distributions to common shareholders for the year. Based on the accounting records of the Fund currently available, the current distribution paid to common shareholders in 2025 would be deemed 100% from paid-in capital on a book basis. This does not represent information for tax reporting purposes. The estimated components of each distribution are updated and provided to shareholders of record in a notice accompanying the distribution and are available on our website (www.gabelli.com). The final determination of the sources of all distributions in 2025 will be made after year end and can vary from the quarterly estimates. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the current distribution. All individual shareholders with taxable accounts will receive written notification regarding the components and tax treatment for all 2025 distributions in early 2026 via Form 1099-DIV.

    Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. For more information regarding the Fund’s distribution policy and other information about the Fund, call:

    Bethany Uhlein
    (914) 921-5546

    About The Gabelli Global Small and Mid Cap Value Trust
    The Gabelli Global Small and Mid Cap Value Trust is a diversified, closed-end management investment company with $136 million in total net assets whose primary investment objective is to achieve long-term capital growth of capital. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in equity securities (such as common stock and preferred stock) of companies with small or medium sized market capitalizations. The Fund is managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, a subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (OTCQX: GAMI).

    NYSE – GGZ
    CUSIP – 36249W104

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Bethany Uhlein
    (914) 921-5546
    buhlein@gabelli.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Progress and lessons learned on the road to 2030 climate goals

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Progress and lessons learned on the road to 2030 climate goals

    2025 is a notable year in the world’s continued efforts toward a more sustainable future. It marks the five-year countdown to 2030, the end of the timeline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 2025 will also be the 30th convening of the UN Climate Change Conference—also known as COP30—and it is taking place in Brazil, both a symbolically and strategically important nation in the world’s fight against climate change and environmental degradation.   

    It is also a notable year for Microsoft. In addition to celebrating the 50th anniversary of our company’s founding, it is the midpoint of our own sustainability journey. In 2020 we announced our ambitions to be carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste by 2030, all while protecting ecosystems. We have made tremendous progress over the past five years, and we are proud of what we’ve accomplished. We’ve also learned lessons along the way, lessons that constantly inform and shape our path toward 2030 and beyond.  

    The goals that we set in 2020 reflected what we believed we needed to do in order to help push the world toward a net-zero economy. I joined Microsoft on this journey two years ago—becoming our Chief Sustainability Officer in January 2023—and I continue to be impressed by the work of employees across the company in their relentless pursuit of these goals.  

    • In June 2020, we announced our largest power PPA to date at the time—a 500MW PPA with Sol Systems. Today, we are one of the largest carbon-free energy buyers in the world, with a 34-gigawatt (GW) contracted renewable energy portfolio across 24 countries to date. We are bringing more carbon-free electricity onto the grids where we operate, and we continue to advocate for the expansion of clean energy solutions around the world. 
    • A key component of our water positive goal is to replenish more water than we consume across our global operations. We’ve grown our replenishment portfolio to 90 projects in over 40 locations around the world.  
    • On our journey to become zero waste, we’re finding opportunities to keep electronics in circulation. The repairability of our current portfolio of Surface devices has evolved significantly from our first field-repairable product in 2019. This is also true of Xbox, which recently announced how they’re working to expand the number of ways players can get support to repair their consoles and accessories.  
    • We exceeded our land protection goal, with 15,849 acres of protected land and surpassed our initial target of 11,000 acres by more than 40%. 

    This is only a snapshot of the real progress we’ve made over the last 5 years. We have a longstanding commitment to sustainability, and our experience shows us that the investments and innovations we’ve focused on are good for our company, our customers, the economy, and our planet. Every investment has also been a learning opportunity, a chance to test our assumptions and adjust as needed.  

    While we are proud of these achievements, we know that our work is far from over, and that the path ahead has gotten harder. The world is not on track to meet critical climate goals and we see many of these challenges reflected in our own journey.  

    In 2020, Microsoft leaders referred to our sustainability goals as a “moonshot,” and nearly five years later, we have had to acknowledge that the moon has gotten further away. However, the force creating this distance from our goals in the short term is the same one that will help us build a bigger, faster, and more powerful rocket to reach them in the long term: artificial intelligence (AI). This is not hyperbole. Already, we are seeing AI make a positive impact on the planet, and in the coming years, this technology will begin to rapidly accelerate climate solutions at a scale we’ve not yet seen. In November 2023, we introduced our AI and Sustainability Playbook, which highlights five foundational enabling conditions needed to unlock AI’s full transformative potential for accelerating sustainability progress. In January, we shared a report that highlights our progress and the innovations that have advanced each of those five pillars.  

    Building the AI economy of the future is a top priority for our business, but we are also in the business of sustainability. As CSO, it is my job to ensure that these dual mandates are working together.   

    To achieve this, we need to run our sustainability initiatives like we run the rest of our business: ensuring that our focus is on the highest-impact interventions that truly move the needle when it comes to planetary impact. 

    Carbon Neutrality

    Microsoft announced that it was carbon neutral in 2012, several years ahead of our ambitious goal to be carbon negative by 2030. Microsoft’s prior years achieving carbon neutrality were based on a common combination of environmental attributes purchased with funds from our corporate-wide carbon fee and our overall carbon emissions reduction efforts. This is a prime example of where we have learned and adjusted along our journey. While we continue to apply the carbon fee to investments in emissions reductions, we have ceased purchasing non-additional, unbundled renewable energy certificates. We are refocusing the use of these funds on more long-term, higher-impact investments across carbon reduction, carbon removal, and clean electricity procurement. These interventions are expected to more effectively help us achieve our goal of becoming carbon negative by 2030 and may take us out of carbon-neutral position. 

    We will also continue to invest in innovative climate solutions through our $1B Climate Innovation Fund (CIF). Since launching the CIF in 2020, Microsoft has committed nearly $800M to solutions ranging from sustainable fuels and low-carbon building materials to carbon dioxide removal, water innovation, and circular economy technologies. We now have a portfolio of 63 investees that we’re helping to scale. Going forward, we will extend this strategy and continue to invest our capital to build new markets and increase the market supply of emerging sustainable technologies to address carbon, water, and waste.  

    We are proud to continue making decisions that drive positive environmental impact in the market and deliver high-integrity investments. We remain resolute in our commitment to our climate goals and to empowering others with the technology needed to build a more sustainable future.

    In my first year with Microsoft, I wrote a piece on LinkedIn: Removing Roadblocks in the Race to Net Zero, where I compared reaching our sustainability goals to training for a marathon, noting that “it will take focus, planning, and perseverance to reach the finish line.” Today—and now two years into my role—I would like to add another comparison, to an African proverb that says the following: “If you want to travel fast, travel alone; if you want to travel far, travel together.”     

    In 2025, the moon is further away, so we all must travel together and do more if we are going to reach it. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our employees, customers, suppliers, industry peers, partners, and with policymakers to maximize our impact in pursuit of our shared goals. 

     

    Tags: COP30, net zero, sustainability, Sustainable Development Goals, UN Climate Change Conference

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Captain America: what the evolution of the superhero says about the US

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Laura Crossley, Senior Lecturer in Film, Bournemouth University

    The first time comic fans saw Captain America, he was punching Adolf Hitler. It was 1940 and the image was the cover of the first volume of the Captain America Comics.

    Now, 85 years later, many people know “Cap” best from his depiction in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The first film to bring the character to the big screen was Captain America: The First Avenger, in 2011. The film establishes what is probably the best known iteration of Captain America, a mantle taken up by the second world war “super-soldier” Steve Rogers (Chris Evans).

    Each iteration of Captain America correlates to the real US of their time. For Trump’s America, that iteration is played by Anthony Mackie. His MCU character, Sam Wilson, formerly known as Falcon, takes up the mantle in Avengers: Endgame (2019). Mackie now appears in his first standalone film in the role, Captain America: Brave New World.

    But what do other MCU wielders of the shield reveal about their respective era of US history?

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    Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, the creators of Captain America, conceived him explicitly as the antithesis to Hitler. By draping Steve Roger in stars and stripes and giving him the name Captain America, their superhero became the symbol of a nation.

    With his origins in the second world war, the Steve Rogers iteration of Captain America is a fairly uncomplicated piece of propaganda, representing the righteousness of the US and its fight against Nazism. Captain America is the archetype of the nationalist superhero. He’s embodiment of the nation state and therefore represents and defends the ideal version of it.

    However, as cultural geographer Jason Dittmer points out in his book Captain America and the Nationalist Superhero (2013), the state and the nation are not necessarily the same thing. The state is the governmental apparatus while the nation is the identity of its people.

    Erskine explains why Rogers was chosen as a super-solder.

    This difference is articulated, to an extent, in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011). The creator of the super-soldier serum, Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci) explains that the weak, sickly Rogers was chosen to become the first super-soldier because he understands the value of power. Having never had it, Erskine argues, he would not be corrupted by it. Rogers is not a perfect soldier, but he is a good man and that is more important.

    If we map this onto the US, the implication is that America as a nation is fundamentally good and just, and therefore separate from any potentially problematic policies set by America the state.

    As Rogers’ arc progresses across successive movies, the character becomes increasingly disillusioned with state power and control. His relationship with his own identity as Captain America fluctuates, with his ambivalence often symbolised by his either giving up or reclaiming the shield.

    Enter Sam Wilson

    In one of the closing scenes of Avengers: Endgame (2019), an aged Steve Rogers passes his shield to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), the African-American superhero known as the Falcon.

    In the world of the MCU, Captain America’s shield has never just been a shield – it is a symbol of heroism, of moral values and of “American-ness”. It can be read as a symbol of what America is, and what it could be.

    Captain America: Brave New World is Anthony Mackie’s first standalone film in the role.

    The legacy of Steve Rogers’ Captain America was explored in the TV show The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021). The series interrogated topics such as race, patriotism and American identity through the story arcs of two versions of Captain America: the Rogers-approved Wilson and the state-sponsored John Walker (Wyatt Russell). The series explores the concept of heroism and links it to questions of race.

    In American Masculinities: A Historical Encyclopedia (2003), associate professor of American studies Holly Allen argues that: “The basis of American notions of both heroism and manliness has been a tension between virtuous devotion to a higher cause and the quest for personal achievement.”

    This tension is palpably played out in the narrative arc of Rogers and in some ways resolved across the course of his films. His personal achievement (thanks to the super-soldier serum) is put in service of a higher cause, first during the second world war, later with the Avengers and finally in passing the shield to Wilson.

    The state-sponsored shield

    Despite his disillusionment, Rogers is positioned as being the living embodiment of the American dream, rather than a tool of the state. The same cannot be said of Walker, the white, blond, blue-eyed, highly decorated soldier selected to be the next Captain America by the US government.

    Rogers’ Captain America was conceived of to fight against and be ideologically opposed to fascism. But Walker’s short-lived tenure sees him – with the backing of the “Global Repatriation Council” – carrying out raids on safe houses and refuges. He angrily demands that the people he is brutalising show him respect purely because he is Captain America.

    Walker becomes, effectively, the public face of the Global Repatriation Council. Armed with the shield and dubbed the new “Star Spangled Man”, he embodies a particularly American brand of aggressive insertion into global politics. This can be interpreted as a critique of the positioning of America as “the world’s policeman”.

    Wilson’s speech in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier.

    During the show, Walker’s murder of an unarmed dissident brings his stint as Captain America to an end. The shield, mantle and title of Captain America therefore return to Wilson, whose climatic speech in the series’ finale articulates the hostility and judgment he faces as a black man wearing the stars and stripes.

    During the recent promotional tour for Brave New World, Mackie stated that Captain America was a man with “honour, dignity and integrity”, noting that these are virtues not currently embodied by America the state.

    He added that while Cap represents many things, “America” as it currently is should not be one of them. It looks likely then that Wilson’s Captain will return the character to the ideal of the nation as it should be, rather than a tool of state propaganda and repression.

    Unsurprisingly, Mackie has faced enormous backlash to his comments – despite them being almost identical to sentiments expressed by Evans in 2011. Whatever the future of the character in the MCU, ideas around heroism, patriotism and race will be central to the continuing evolution of Captain America.

    Laura Crossley 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. Captain America: what the evolution of the superhero says about the US – https://theconversation.com/captain-america-what-the-evolution-of-the-superhero-says-about-the-us-249635

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: We have always used music to express our love – we can now use AI too

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Hussein Boon, Principal Lecturer – Music, University of Westminster

    GoodStudio/Shutterstock

    As a nine-year-old, I loved singing and took every chance to do so enthusiastically during school assemblies and end-of-year shows. I developed a bit of a reputation, so much so that one day, a classmate asked me to serenade him and a girl. Cut to me belting Donna by 10CC from behind a bush outside his bedroom window.

    My classmate was lacking in musical or lyrical abilities to write and perform his own song. However, if he found himself in a similar position this Valentine’s Day, he could get a little help from AI, and so can you.

    Suno’s Valentine’s Day Experience is a tool to create personalised love songs in response to a three-question prompt. Keenan Freyberg, one of Suno’s co-founders, noted that their generator is similar to a mixtape, a curated collection of songs that can reflect the compiler’s feelings and intentions.

    Music and dance have long served as mediators in matters of love. A British music publisher, writing in 1912, recounted in Pete Doggett’s Electric Shock, noted that music was essential at the start of a courtship, with song lyrics needing to be a blend of directness and obliqueness. This balance should allow the message to be understood while providing a safe way to ignore it if the sentiment is not reciprocated.

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    So, for instance, if you send someone At Last by Etta James you can plausibly deny that it meant anything. You were just sharing a great song. If, however, they share the sentiment and hear a ring of reciprocal feeling in James’s voice then you can bond in a burgeoning romance where “life is like a song”.

    Many of us have probably been guilty of doing this and there are so many love songs out there that there is quite possibly one to help convey every sort of romantic feeling.

    A recent survey by the UK’s Performing Rights Society of 2,000 British respondents identified All of Me by John Legend as the UK’s favourite love song. The song was prompted by an old friend of Legend’s who suggested that he write one for his future-wife, Chrissy Teigen, that conveyed a similar message as Billy Joel’s She’s Always A Woman To Me. The idea that you could love someone, flaws and all, is a pretty powerful and universal sentiment.

    In the US, a similar chart compiled by Billboard of the top 50 songs with love in their title, spanned hits from 1958 to 2011. The top track was Endless Love by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie, a true classic about undying feelings and commitment.

    The most recently released song in the list was Rhianna’s We Found Love featuring Calvin Harris from 2011. The song’s lyrics and central hook, “We found love in a hopeless place,” were written by Calvin Harris and conveys perhaps a more youthful, possibly hedonistic message of love in a club based track.

    All of these songs have really strong sentiments, but they aren’t quite the same as expressing your unique thoughts and feelings for your intended yourself. But if, like my 10CC-loving friend, you lack the skill, AI could help you craft something a bit more specific for your intended.

    Suno’s love song generator asks for you to plug in your love interest’s name, where you met and something nice about them. The product is a personalised love song. While you might not be able to hide your feelings in the words of others with this AI-generated song, there is something brave and worthy about being so forthright.

    Such a direct show of emotion might not be for you but this new development in AI makes clear that music and words have long been essential in the expression of love through the ages. As my experience at the tender age of nine confirms, providing the right words, with a suitable melody, at crucial moments mitigates the awkwardness of males, of all ages, where matters of the heart are concerned. Even in the age of AI.

    Hussein Boon 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. We have always used music to express our love – we can now use AI too – https://theconversation.com/we-have-always-used-music-to-express-our-love-we-can-now-use-ai-too-249523

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Valentine’s Day: the economic value of romantic tradition

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sameer Hosany, Professor of Marketing, Royal Holloway University of London

    Evgeny Karandaev/Shutterstock

    We may never know if St Valentine, a martyr beheaded for officiating the forbidden weddings of persecuted Christians, was keen on chocolate and flowers. But we do know that millions of people around the world will be using those very items to celebrate his name on February 14.

    In the UK, it is estimated that 60% of the population will celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, each spending around £52 on gifts and other romantic gestures. The total spend in the US will be about US$27 billion (£22 bilion), including roughly $US500 million on roses.

    So the tradition of spending money on your romantic partner on February 14 seems fairly well established. But it is hard to know exactly when the link began.

    Up until the late 14th century, Valentine’s Day was solely a commemoration of his martyrdom. The shift toward an association with romantic love emerged in the Middle Ages, and is often attributed to the poet Geoffrey Chaucer, who linked Valentine’s Day to romance in his poem Parliament of Fowls.

    But it was the 19th century industrial revolution which brought about the mass production of romantic gifts. Cadbury was the first chocolate maker to commercialise the association between romance and confectionery by producing heart-shaped boxes of chocolates for Valentine’s Day in 1868. These boxes were decorated with images of Cupid, roses and hearts, and would sometimes be kept to store romantic letters and mementos.

    And while Hallmark did not invent the occasion, it played a big part in bolstering its popularity by selling Valentine’s Day postcards in 1910, and then printing its own greetings cards from 1916.

    Now in the US, around 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year, making it the second largest annual occasion for card giving (after Christmas).

    But it’s not just car sellers, florists and chocolate-makers who seek to benefit from the commercial opportunities Valentine’s Day provides. This year for example, IKEA has partnered with a dating app to give nine British couples a “once-in-a-lifetime” first date in an Ikea store, where they will share a meatball dinner for two in bed.

    Lego has launched a travelling campaign in major cities around the world to show off its floral designs, and Coca-Cola has teamed up with a fast-food brand to create a Valentine-themed drive-thru experience.

    Chocolate and marshmallows

    These kinds of one-off marketing campaigns are only possible thanks to a long history of Valentine’s traditions, which vary around the world.

    In Japan for example, it is a two-part celebration. On February 14, women often give “Giri-choco” (“obligation chocolate”) to friends and colleagues, while “home-choco” (“true-feeling chocolate”) is reserved for romantic partners. On March 14, known as White Day, men reciprocate by giving jewellery and less-expensive gifts that are white (marshmallows are a popular choice).

    Celebrations in South Korea are similar to those in Japan, but with the addition of Black Day on April 14 when single people gather at restaurants to eat black noodles (jajangmyeon). In the Philippines, Valentine’s Day is marked by mass weddings organised by the government.

    In Finland and Estonia, Valentine’s Day is known as “Friend’s Day” with the focus on celebrating non-romantic love and friendship. A similar idea, “Galentine’s Day”, which featured in a 2010 episode of the US sitcom Parks and Recreation, has become a popular way of celebrating female friendship.

    Love for sale

    Of course, not all consumers enjoy Valentine’s Day rituals. For many, there is pressure attached to romantic shopping, while for others it is just an unwelcome reminder of their single status.

    It can also bring social pressure, and lead to feelings of obligation and self-loathing.

    But there is a market for that too. Anti-Valentine’s day sentiment has inspired other ways to (not) celebrate, including a box of chocolates aimed at single people.

    And it can be a very valuable day for businesses, large and small. With high levels of participation and spending, Valentine’s Day brings a major surge in revenue for sectors including retail, hospitality and entertainment.

    So although it might not sound very romantic, it’s worth remembering that while money can’t buy you love, love can provide a significant boost to the economy.

    Sameer Hosany 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. Valentine’s Day: the economic value of romantic tradition – https://theconversation.com/valentines-day-the-economic-value-of-romantic-tradition-248594

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The ‘romantic’ advertising tricks that give you unrealistic expectations of love

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Carl W. Jones, Senior Lecturer at Westminster School of Media and Communication, University of Westminster

    Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

    The run up to February 14 is a good time for selling certain products. And alongside the jewellery and flowers, advertisers also try to sell us something broader: a notion of what we should consider romantic.

    This might involve an idyllic and perfectly filmed holiday destination, or the casting of a glamorous Hollywood star to represent a particular perfume. For research has shown that advertising can shape our expectations of what love should look like – from the perfect partner to the things we should buy for them.

    It’s become a familiar tactic for all kinds of advertising. And it fits with an idea explored by the French literary theorist Roland Barthes in his 1957 collection of essays, Mythologies: that if a message is repeated enough, it becomes true.

    Advertisers seem to have embraced this notion, and we see the same kind of messages repeated year after year, telling potential customers what they should aspire to – and invest in – to achieve their best and most romanticised ideals.

    Whether those ideals are realistic or not is not the goal here. Advertising generates money for brands by creating a commercially driven view of what love should look like.

    There are various techniques available to advertisers to shape those expectations. Emotional appeals, for example, try to evoke feelings of passion and desire.

    Google did this effectively in a simple video which tells a love story through the medium of an online search tool.

    To connect with consumers, some brands use humour to elicit a positive emotional response, like the men’s body shaver company which uses innuendo and suggestive storytelling to sell its product.

    These narratives associate various emotions with specific products or experiences in order to persuade consumer to buy.

    “Social proof” is a different advertising approach which involves relaying a specific message about what consumers can achieve if they turn to a particular brand. You too can be happy if you drink coffee with your new partner at a local branch of McDonalds for example.

    This kind of marketing is designed to appeal to people’s need for social validation. It is advertising which implies that using certain products will lead to a fulfilling romantic life, and that your partner will really love you if you buy them a Toblerone this Valentine’s Day.

    “Targeted marketing” is a method which focuses on creating personalised campaigns for specific audiences. This strategy has become more common as we spend more time online, providing big tech with plenty of data about our likes and dislikes.

    And with online dating still growing in popularity, targeted marketing is applied through apps like Tinder and Hinge, which are able to provide valuable insights into users’ preferences, enabling advertisers to tailor their messages to specific demographics.

    Match up

    Marketing can also apply pressure to consumers to purchase gifts or experiences as a way of demonstrating affection. This could be anything from a box of chocolates to an engagement ring.

    And who came up with the idea that one of those rings should cost the proposer the equivalent of two months’ salary? It was the jewellery company, De Beers.

    In fact, it was only after the company’s 1947 advertising campaign with the slogan “A diamond is forever”, that diamond rings became an engagement tradition at all.

    But depictions of diamonds and perfect lifestyles can lead to feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem when people compare themselves to idealised portrayals in the media. Research suggests that how we process these romantic ideals is affected by our own attachment styles – the patterns of bonding that we learn as children and carry into our adult relationships.

    Feelings of inadequacy have also inspired alternative Valentine’s Day celebrations. For instance, an Indian chocolate bar created a campaign to “destroy Valentine’s Day” using the assumption that as soon as uncles join a trend, such as celebrating February 14th, it becomes instantly unfashionable – and Generation Z runs for the hills.

    Another harmful effect of advertising romance is how young people’s perception of relationships is shaped by the media promoting unrealistic lifestyles, body shapes and beauty standards. These kinds of branded messages are being delivered to romantic consumers of all ages as the battle for their money and time continues.

    Advertisers want you to buy their products. And to make this happen, they also want you to buy into fabricated expectations of romantic love – through repetition, strategy and a familiar date in February.

    Carl W. Jones 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. The ‘romantic’ advertising tricks that give you unrealistic expectations of love – https://theconversation.com/the-romantic-advertising-tricks-that-give-you-unrealistic-expectations-of-love-249672

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The love we seek: How to build authentic and healthy relationships

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By DaLissa Alzner, Registered Psychotherapist, Adjunct faculty in the Department of Applied Psychology, Adler University

    A healthy relationship is one where you feel comfortable being your authentic self. (Shutterstock)

    Many people spend much of their lives searching for what is arguably one of the most subjective of human experiences — true love. From popular movies, TV shows and dating apps to a cultural focus on finding “the one,” the phenomenon of love is inescapable. Our preoccupation with social connectedness is biologically connected to our desire for human connection.

    But how do we establish connections across all our relationships that positively contribute to our well-being? Identifying the characteristics of a healthy relationship and being mindful of red flags is a reasonable place to start.

    Love is often one of those things that you just know when you feel it. While it is difficult to define love as an explicit experience or construct, there are certain guides we can use to understand what makes a loving relationship.

    What makes a healthy relationship?

    If you believe that friends are the family we choose, then you have been fortunate to experience a meaningful friendship that positively contributes to a reality where you feel appreciated, valued and have a sense of belonging.

    This experience of connection can be defined as compassionate love — originally coined as a component of the Two-Factor Theory of Love, which suggests love is comprised of two main categories. The first is passionate love, which is the intense longing for someone that may end in sexual connection or rejection. The second is compassionate love, which is associated with friendship, companionship and affection.

    A healthy relationship is one where you feel comfortable being your authentic self. As children, we are encouraged to contribute to social situations by being ourselves. As we grow, however, pre-conceived notions and human constructs like social comparison, stone-walling and gaslighting often push us to conform to certain standards or conceal who we are and how we feel

    Being your authentic self means aligning your actions and behaviours with your core values and beliefs. This allows you to engage in self-discovery and thrive in every environment or relationship you find yourself in.

    This alignment fosters a sense of congruence between your internal self and external expressions, allowing you to interact with others genuinely. Engaging with others authentically allows you to navigate social interactions with integrity and fosters deeper, more meaningful relationships.

    What does love look like?

    While love can be a difficult thing to define, there are some ways that we can sense when it is present, and when it isn’t.

    Celebrating differences: Embracing the authenticity and differences of friends, siblings and partners fosters appreciation. This can reduce criticism, unrealistic expectations and dissatisfaction in relationships. Forcing change may work briefly, but it often leads to resentment and unhappiness.

    Putting in the work: The grass is greener where you water it. Whether it’s a 25-year or five-month partnership, relationships require effort and co-operation. Working through individual differences to achieve a common goal is crucial in relationships. Siblings may need to overlook disagreements, while friends should meet regularly.

    Leaning into language: When extending a gesture or token of appreciation, consider how it will be received by your partner — not by you. For instance, if you enjoy going out for dessert, but the other person prefers staying at home, you might initially think to take them out for dessert. However, to ensure the gesture is meaningful, present it in a way that aligns with their preferences and how they receive affection.

    Diffusion: Acceptance and commitment therapy encourages people to create psychological and emotional space when conflict arises. This makes space for them to process conflict objectively, while also de-personalizing the interaction, contributing to emotional regulation and an ability to respond intentionally. The ability to develop and facilitate this skill is a vital tool for emotional regulation across relationships and circumstances.

    To curate healthy and meaningful relationships, be intentional about nurturing connection, authenticity and mutual respect.
    (Shutterstock)

    Signs love may not be present

    Our need to belong and form meaningful connections drives our desire for companionship. When these efforts fail or relationships break, it is painful. Yet, there are some potential signs that can indicate when love is no longer present in a relationship.

    Lack of communication and avoiding conflict: Poor communication and avoiding conflict can harm relationships. Research shows that not communicating leads to misunderstandings, emotional withdrawal and unresolved issues. Avoiding conflict can result in internalizing emotions, passive-aggressive behaviour and tension. In friendships, poor communication can cause feelings of being unheard or undervalued. Studies indicate that healthy friendships rely on open communication and respectful conflict resolution.

    In family relationships, dysfunctional communication often contributes to division and resentment. Family therapy research has found that a lack of open communication can contribute to generational misunderstandings, leading to dysfunctional family dynamics.

    Lack of empathy and emotional support: Empathy is essential for maintaining a long and satisfying relationship longevity. In the absence of empathy, relationships are more likely to become emotionally disconnected and particularly one sided, where one person is identified as the giver and the other the recipient.

    Within families, particularly between parents and children, the absence of empathy may lead to significant emotional strain. Research has found that if family members fail to offer emotional support or to recognize each other’s needs, it negatively impacts family cohesion and individual well-being.

    Controlling or manipulative behavior: Controlling behaviours, like restricting autonomy or manipulating someone into believing they are the problem in every situation, poses a serious threat to the well-being of a relationship. Research has shown that controlling behaviours often reflect insecurity and can contribute to abusive dynamics in relationships.

    In friendships, manipulation may present as guilt-tripping, isolating from others or using emotional leverage to get one’s way. Research in this area suggests that healthy friendships involve mutual respect and boundaries, and when manipulation is present, satisfaction and trust is significantly reduced.

    In families, controlling behaviours from parents, siblings or other relatives may contribute to a decrease in personal growth. The creation of toxic family dynamics manipulation and control at the hands of family has been found to significantly contribute to damaging effects over time, particularly in the parent-child relationship.

    To curate healthy and meaningful relationships, be intentional about nurturing connection, authenticity and mutual respect. By celebrating differences, putting in effort, communicating openly and practising emotional regulation, it is possible to create meaningful relationships that will positively contribute to our well-being.

    At the same time, we need to be diligent in recognizing and addressing red flags like poor communication and manipulative behaviours. Doing so allows us to safeguard our emotional health. Start today — reflect on your relationships, embrace authenticity and take the steps necessary to build deeper, more supportive connections that enrich your life.

    DaLissa Alzner 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. The love we seek: How to build authentic and healthy relationships – https://theconversation.com/the-love-we-seek-how-to-build-authentic-and-healthy-relationships-247674

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The heart is a symbol of love – things weren’t always like that

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michelle Spear, Professor of Anatomy, University of Bristol

    Valentine’s Day is all about the hearts: heart-shaped chocolates, cards, balloons and even pizza. But the heart hasn’t always just been a symbol of romance.

    Across cultures and centuries, the heart has been revered as the seat of the soul, a source of supernatural power and a vessel of identity. From ancient Egyptian afterlife beliefs to medieval relics, from necromantic rituals to modern heart transplants, this organ has been at the centre of both scientific curiosity and deep-seated mysticism.

    Why has the heart, more than any other organ, been imbued with such deep symbolism and power? While anatomy tells us it is a muscular pump controlled by electrical impulses, history tells a more complex story – one of rituals, relics and even dark magic.

    The human heart is a remarkably efficient pump, beating about 100,000 times a day and circulating about 7,500 litres of blood. It is driven by the sinoatrial node, a cluster of pacemaker cells that spontaneously generate electrical impulses independently of the brain.

    As this intrinsic electrical system does not rely on direct nervous input but is influenced by it, the heart can continue beating for a short while even when removed from the body – provided it has an adequate supply of oxygen and electrolytes. This uncanny quality only reinforced superstitions that the heart was more than just a muscle and may explain why many early cultures viewed the heart as possessing a life force of its own.

    But to present the heart as merely a pump ignores wider influences. The heart functions as an endocrine organ, releasing hormones that regulate blood pressure, fluid balance and cardiovascular health.

    The connection between the heart and “love hormones”, such as oxytocin, extends beyond metaphor, as research suggests the heart not only responds to oxytocin but may also play a role in its release.

    Oxytocin is primarily produced in the brain by the hypothalamus and released from the pituitary gland, flooding the body during moments of affection, trust and bonding. It is the chemical catalyst behind the deep emotional connections that define human relationships.

    The heart is equipped with oxytocin receptors, and studies show that the hormone promotes vasodilation (widening of the blood vessels), reducing blood pressure and improving circulation. Beyond this, oxytocin may protect the heart, helping it repair itself and reducing inflammation after injury, such as during a heart attack.

    However, the heart’s function was not always understood. The ancient Greeks believed it was the seat of intelligence, while Aristotle dismissed the brain as a mere “cooling fluid” for the heart’s divine fire.

    Galen, a Greek physician, surgeon and philosopher who lived during Roman times, described the heart as the body’s furnace, while William Harvey’s 1628 discovery of circulation reshaped our understanding of this important organ. Even so, its symbolic and mystical significance never fully waned.

    The seat of the soul

    The ancient Egyptians preserved the heart during mummification, believing it would be weighed by Anubis against the Feather of Truth, the divine measure of justice. Ironically, the brain was discarded as totally useless. An excerpt from the Book of the Dead, an ancient Egyptian funerary text, reads:

    O my heart which I had from my mother! which I had from my mother! O my heart of my different ages! Don’t stand up as a witness against me. Do not be opposed to me in the tribunal.

    This spell is intended to pacify the heart and assert dominion, ensuring it remains loyal when weighed.

    The idea that the heart carried more than just blood persisted into the Renaissance, with scholars debating whether it was the true locus of identity.

    “If indeed from the heart alone rise anger or passion, fear, terror, and sadness; if from it alone spring shame, delight, and joy, why should I say more?” Andreas de Laguna, a Spanish physician wrote in 1535.

    Even today, heart transplants fuel questions about whether a transplanted heart carries something of its donor. Some recipients report changes in personality, memories or food preferences, raising speculation about cellular memory. While no definitive scientific basis exists, such cases continue to intrigue.

    Heart of darkness

    The heart’s power was not only revered, but feared. In folk magic and necromancy, people believed that the hearts of executed criminals retained energy from their violent deaths. Some thought consuming, burning or preserving a heart could grant knowledge or strength.

    In Scotland and England, people reportedly boiled the hearts of murderers to prevent their ghosts from haunting the living. Dried hearts were sometimes ground into powders for potions, while in occult traditions, they were burned in rituals to banish spirits or bind enemies.

    More disturbing are accounts of unbaptised infants’ hearts in witchcraft traditions. Some sources claim they were used in hexes, flying ointments or dark pacts. While probably exaggerated during witch trials, such stories reflect a deep-rooted belief in the heart as a conduit of power.

    The heart has been a vessel of the soul, a source of magic and a point of conflict between science and superstition. While modern medicine has demystified much of its function, its symbolism remains deeply ingrained in human culture.

    This Valentine’s Day, as we exchange stylised hearts in celebration of love, we might pause to remember that the power of the heart has been a symbol of life, death and everything in between for millennia.

    Michelle Spear 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. The heart is a symbol of love – things weren’t always like that – https://theconversation.com/the-heart-is-a-symbol-of-love-things-werent-always-like-that-249211

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Key Tronic Corporation Executes New Lease to Expand Domestic Operations In Arkansas

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Key Tronic Corporation, a provider of electronic manufacturing services (EMS), is expanding its clean-tech manufacturing operations in Arkansas, establishing its flagship manufacturing and research and development location in Springdale. The company anticipates investing more than $28 million in the new facility and expects to create over 400 new jobs in the next five years.

    “We are pleased to announce the expansion of our U.S. manufacturing operations in Northwest Arkansas. Our new center of excellence in Springdale will provide both our employees and customers with cutting-edge technology and the increased capacity necessary to accommodate expected growth,” said Brett Larsen, CEO of Key Tronic. “We are committed to continuously investing in our capabilities and attracting innovative talent. Our people are our most valuable asset, and we are delighted to enhance our operations in a region where we have maintained a longstanding presence and a strong team and can benefit from a business-friendly environment.”

    “When we invest in education and our workforce, we can attract companies like Key Tronic and ensure they have the skilled workforce they need. Arkansas LEARNS and ACCESS are laser-focused on that issue and help attract announcements like this one, which mean $28 million and nearly 400 jobs for Springdale,” said Governor Sanders.

    Key Tronic will be shifting its existing Arkansas operations to a new larger facility in Springdale, located at 601 W Apple Blossom Avenue later in 2025, increasing its total U.S. production capacity by approximately 40 percent.

    “Crossland purchased the land in 2021 with a vision to build a modern, best-in-class facility, and we are grateful that Key Tronic has chosen this location to call home. This building is part of a larger business park, representing an investment of over $100 million in the Springdale community,” said Director of Real Estate Mattie Crossland. “Our goal is to provide spaces that allow our tenants to run their businesses efficiently while also contributing to the growth and future of the community.”

    Crossland Realty Group developed the 300,000-square-foot building shell in late 2023, with Crossland Construction completing Key Tronic’s tenant improvements, slated for completion in Q3 2025.

    “Key Tronic has a long history of manufacturing electronics in Arkansas, and we are proud that the company has decided to expand their presence and increase production capacity in our state,” said Clint O’Neal, Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “Congratulations to the Key Tronic team and to the City of Springdale on this major economic development win.”

    “Key Tronic’s decision to relocate to Springdale is a strong endorsement of our city’s talented workforce, thriving economy, and commitment to fostering business success,” said Springdale Mayor Doug Sprouse. “This investment brings significant job opportunities to our community, further strengthening Springdale’s reputation as a prime destination for industry and innovation. We proudly welcome Key Tronic and look forward to their future growth here.”

    “This exciting announcement would not have been possible without the leadership of Governor Sanders and the unwavering support of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission,” said Bill Rogers, president and CEO of the Springdale Chamber of Commerce. “Thanks to our regional partners and the proactive efforts of Mayor Sprouse’s administration, we were able to roll out the red carpet for Key Tronic. We are thrilled to welcome them to Springdale and look forward to supporting their success in our community.”

    “Key Tronic’s reinvestment in Northwest Arkansas highlights our region’s strong workforce and pro-growth environment,” said Nelson Peacock, president and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council. “As a leader in electronics manufacturing, their expansion strengthens our economy, retains quality jobs and creates new opportunities—reinforcing our position as a top destination for business and innovation.”

    About Key Tronic
    Founded in 1969, Key Tronic is a leading contract manufacturer offering value-added design and manufacturing services from its facilities in the United States, Mexico, China and Vietnam. The Company provides its customers with full engineering services, materials management, worldwide manufacturing facilities, assembly services, in-house testing, and worldwide distribution. Its customers include some of the world’s leading original equipment manufacturers. Key Tronic has operated in Arkansas since 1985.

    For more information about Key Tronic visit: www.keytronic.com.

    About Crossland Construction Company
    Crossland is a top-ranked construction firm offering a wide range of services through its family of companies. Crossland Construction provides general contracting, construction management, and much more. Crossland Realty, a division of Crossland Construction, offers complete real estate services, guiding clients through location scouting, planning, development, construction, and leasing. Crossland is dedicated to Building So Much More for its clients and the communities they serve. Learn more: www.crossland.com

    About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission
    At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn’t happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success. AEDC is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce. To learn more, visit ArkansasEDC.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Some of the statements in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including Key Tronic’s opportunities and its partnership, the potential success of Key Tronic and the customer, and related revenues. Forward-looking statements include all passages containing verbs such as aims, anticipates, believes, estimates, expects, hopes, intends, plans, predicts, projects or targets or nouns corresponding to such verbs.  Forward-looking statements also include other passages that are primarily relevant to expected future events or revenue or that can only be fully evaluated by events that will occur in the future.  There are many factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted or projected in forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the success and timing of our expansion plans; the success and timing of ramping; availability and timing and receipt of critical parts or components; demand from customers and sales channels; the future of the global economic environment and its impact on our customers and suppliers; the availability of a healthy workforce; the accuracy of suppliers’ and customers’ forecasts; development and success of customers’ programs and products; success of new-product introductions; the risk of legal proceedings or governmental investigations relating to the previously reported financial statement restatements and related material weaknesses, the May 2024 cybersecurity incident and the subject of the internal investigation by the Company’s Audit Committee and related or other unrelated matters; acquisitions or divestitures of operations or facilities; technology advances; changes in pricing policies by the Company, its competitors, customers or suppliers; impact of new governmental legislation and regulation, including tax reform, tariffs and related activities, such trade negotiations and other risks; and other factors, risks, and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings.

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    CONTACTS:   Anthony G. Voorhees   Michael Newman
        Chief Financial Officer   Investor Relations
        Key Tronic Corporation   StreetConnect
        (509) 927-5345   (206) 729-3625

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: iink Appoints Scott Fleszar as Chief Executive Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ANN ARBOR, Mich., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — iink, a leading provider of technology to streamline the property damage insurance claims process and support faster payments to contractors, property owners, and claim professionals, is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Fleszar as its new Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Fleszar brings extensive experience and a proven track record of scaling businesses, driving operational excellence, and cultivating customer-centric innovation in high growth technology companies.

    Mr. Fleszar succeeds Tom McGrath who will transition to the role of Chief Product Officer and lead iink’s product innovation efforts. “Tom has been a tremendous steward of the iink business, and this planned transition will ensure that Tom’s deep industry expertise and experience leading product teams will continue to support our ambitious platform innovation agenda and customer-focused product roadmap,” said Mr. Fleszar. Mr. McGrath will also lead iink’s partnerships strategy aimed at building more automation and connectivity across the insurance payments ecosystem.

    “I am excited to work closely with Tom as we continue to enhance iink platform’s capabilities and extend our reach through partnerships to offer customers more convenience, transparency, and speed in claims processing and payments.” Mr. Fleszar added.

    iink recently launched powerful new platform capabilities, including a proprietary digital wallet that enables instant, wallet-to-wallet payments, even on weekends. “We are just getting started with our vision for revolutionizing claims processing and payments,” said Mr. McGrath. “This is an exciting time for iink. Scott’s experience leading high-growth technology businesses will help propel us into our next phase of expansion and strengthen our market leadership.”   

    Mr. Fleszar most recently served as CEO of SafeSend, a market leader in automation and client collaboration technology for accounting firms. During his tenure, the company experienced transformational growth, with revenues increasing eightfold, annual margin improvements, and customer NPS scores rising into the 60s—a testament to strong customer satisfaction. Under his leadership, SafeSend cultivated an award-winning, high-performance culture, marked by exceptional employee engagement, low turnover, and a commitment to innovation, positioning the company as a standout employer in the fintech and automation space.

    “I am thrilled to join iink at such a pivotal time in its journey,” said Mr. Fleszar. “Leading a passionate and talented team, backed by an engaged investor group, is truly an honor. iink has established itself as a pioneer in insurance payments, and I look forward to accelerating our growth, expanding our product offerings, and delivering even greater value to customers and partners.” Under Mr. Fleszar’s leadership, iink will focus on advancing its technology platform, securing key strategic partnerships, and expanding its Sales and Marketing efforts. His vision reinforces iink’s mission to simplify claims payments, empower policyholders, and drive efficiency across the insurance ecosystem.

    “Scott’s extensive experience and leadership make him the ideal person to guide iink into its next chapter,” said King Goh of Headline Venture Capital, Chairman of the Board at iink. “We are confident that his strategic vision and passion for innovation will propel iink to new heights and further strengthen our position as an industry leader.”

    Mr. Fleszar’s appointment follows the recent addition of Tina Hsiao to iink’s Board of Directors. Hsiao brings deep expertise in payments, having led WePay through a Series B funding round to a successful acquisition by JP Morgan Chase.

    The appointments of Mr. Fleszar and Ms. Hsiao come at a pivotal moment for iink as the company pursues rapid expansion of its platform capabilities, target customer segments, and vendor partners.

    About iink

    iink, Corp develops and operates a homeowner’s claims and endorsements management platform. The company provides document review, insurance claims, mortgages, insurance payments, endorsement package submission, and insurance services. Its platform also allows its users to access property insurance payments for restoration professionals and enables payees to endorse and disburse funds electronically.

    For more information about iink, please visit https://iink.com/.

    Media Contact:

    iink Media Relations

    media@iink.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump Making Valentine’s Day More Expensive This Year

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC – There are many ways to show one’s love on Valentine’s Day, but unfortunately, due to President Donald Trump’s tariff threats and refusal to help lower food prices, Americans will likely shell out record amounts this year for things like flowers, chocolate, or a dinner date at their favorite local restaurant. 

    U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) says it’s time President Trump follow through on his campaign promise to actually do something to help lower prices instead of making moves to increase costs on consumers and American businesses.

    “Donald Trump pledged to fix the economy, but so far he’s made things worse.  He’s fixated on tax cuts for the wealthy and tariffs that economic experts say will only drive up prices for American consumers.  Since Trump took office, inflation is accelerating and groceries, gas, and rents rose over the last month.  His chaotic, destabilizing approach is sending prices in the wrong direction for families,” said Senator Reed.

    During Trump’s second term in office, the consumer price index rose 3 percent in January from a year ago, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. It has increased from a 3-and-a-half year low of 2.4 percent in September.

    Those planning to wine and dine their sweetheart this Valentine’s Day will likely face higher costs than last year for everything from flowers to food to fuel.  In fact, Trump’s focus on everything but the economy might leave Americans a little lighter in their wallet for things like:

    Flowers: A majority of florists import their bouquet flowers from countries like Colombia and Mexico. Recent tariff threats by President Trump are already creating supply chain pressures and impacting prices on products coming into the U.S.  In order to stay afloat, some mom and pop flower shops are estimating they could have to raise prices as much as 10 percent on bouquets compared to last year’s Valentine’s Day.

    Chocolate: It will be harder to find a sweet deal on chocolate this Valentine’s Day because chocolate prices are up about twenty percent as cocoa prices hit new heights.  Several factors contribute to the price hike, and not all are within Trump’s direct control. For instance, key cocoa-producing regions of West Africa have been impacted by severe weather, exacerbated by climate change. But Trump’s inaction and climate denial only exacerbates environmental and health hazards that don’t respect borders. The chocolate industry in the U.S. is also impacted by consolidation.  Trump has allowed anti-competitive industry consolidation in the past which leads to higher prices in the long run and allows huge companies to stomp out upstarts. 

    Restaurant Dining: Not only are menu prices rising under the Trump Administration, but due to Trump ignoring his pledge to take action on day one to address food prices, staples like eggs and entrée items like steak have shot up in the last month.

    “Americans want the federal government to work effectively and they want action to lower prices and strengthen the economy.  Donald Trump needs to stop with the culture war sideshows and focus on the things he pledged to do — like lowering food, housing, and health costs.  Giving away massive tax windfalls for the wealthy and slashing Medicaid doesn’t lower prices.  So far, Trump’s policies have made things worse for many Americans.  He needs to change course,” concluded Reed.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak approved the creation of three new special economic zones and the expansion of the existing one

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Alexander Novak held a meeting of the interdepartmental working group on the creation of special economic zones (SEZ)

    February 13, 2025

    Alexander Novak held a meeting of the interdepartmental working group on the creation of special economic zones (SEZ)

    February 13, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Alexander Novak held a meeting of the interdepartmental working group on the creation of special economic zones (SEZ)

    Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak held a meeting of the interdepartmental working group on the creation of special economic zones (SEZ). It was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Federal Customs Service, the Governor of the Vologda Region Georgy Filimonov, the Governor of the Novosibirsk Region Andrei Travnikov, the Governor of the Orenburg Region Denis Pasler, the Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Moscow Region Ekaterina Zinovieva, as well as representatives of investors and industry business associations.

    The working group supported plans to create industrial-production SEZs “Vologda”, “Bolshoy Serpukhov” and “Novosibirsk”. In addition, an increase in the area of the existing industrial-production SEZ “Orenburg” was approved.

    The Vologodskaya SEZ is being created in the Vologda region in the format of a compact industrial site on a territory of 76 hectares. At the first stage, we are talking about the implementation of six investment projects worth over 8.7 billion rubles with plans to create 788 jobs. Two clusters are being formed on the basis of the SEZ: metalworking and woodworking.

    The SEZ “Big Serpukhov” and the SEZ “Novosibirsk” are private projects.

    At the first stage, the SEZ “Big Serpukhov” includes an area of about 30 hectares, where a cluster of medicine and innovations will be concentrated, consisting of at least seven enterprises with a declared investment volume in projects of over 8 billion rubles and plans to create 896 jobs in modern production.

    SEZ “Novosibirsk” is an industrial zone on an area of 406 hectares within the city of Novosibirsk in the format of a “dry port”, where logistics and construction products clusters will be formed. In total, five projects are planned at the first stage for an investment amount of over 9.2 billion rubles with plans to create 700 jobs.

    The already operating Orenburg SEZ currently consists of two sites in Orenburg and Orsk, which were created in the fall of 2021 and have already been filled with residents in a relatively short period of time. 20 investment projects are being actively implemented in the SEZ, and plans include launching two more worth 1.6 billion rubles with the creation of over 160 jobs. The projects involve localizing the production of thermal insulation, translucent products and metal structures to provide the domestic construction industry with its own products.

    “The President of the Russian Federation in his May decree set an ambitious goal to increase investments by 2030 to 60% of the 2020 level. Today, we are in a situation associated with a period of tight monetary policy and the need to reduce inflation. Investors who come to special economic zones in the current conditions create jobs – this is very valuable. We see that special economic zones are an effective tool that allows us to attract investments in the infrastructure of regions,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted.

    Alexander Novak instructed regional authorities to oversee the attraction of new residents to special economic zones, provide support to existing residents, and monitor the effectiveness of decision-making on the work of the SEZ.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan’s Building Construction Leads the Nation

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on February 13, 2025

    Province ranks first in year-over-year growth

    Today, new Statistics Canada data shows that Saskatchewan’s building construction investment increased by 30.0 per cent in December 2024 compared to December 2023 (seasonally-adjusted). The province also saw a 9.4 per cent increase in month-over-month growth from November 2024 to December 2024.

    This ranks Saskatchewan first in year-over-year and second in month-over-month growth in this category among the provinces.

    “The increased activity we are seeing across our construction sector is a testament to the confidence individuals and businesses have in our province’s strong and stable economy,” said Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding. “Every new project contributes not only to job growth and infrastructure development, but further bolsters Saskatchewan’s economy. These investments lead to direct benefits for Saskatchewan’s communities, now and into the future.”

    Investment in building construction is calculated based on the total spending value on building construction within the province.

    Statistics Canada’s latest GDP numbers indicate that Saskatchewan’s 2023 real GDP reached an all-time high of $77.9 billion, increasing by $1.77 billion, or 2.3 per cent from 2022. This places Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth, and above the national average of 1.6 per cent.

    Private capital investment is projected to reach $14.2 billion in 2024, an increase of 14.4 per cent over 2023. This is the highest anticipated percentage increase in Canada.

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

    For more information visit InvestSK.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Help choose North Dakota’s new icon

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    The North Dakota Department of Commerce Tourism and Marketing Division has partnered with The Good Kids, a Bismarck based design studio, to create a new icon that represents our great state. This initiative aims to increase awareness of North Dakota beyond our borders while also fostering pride among residents. The icon will not replace the state’s “Be Legendary” brand but will complement it, offering a versatile graphic for use on merchandise such as t-shirts, stickers, and flags.

    After careful development, two design options are being forwarded for public input. You can help choose the icon that best represents North Dakota.

    For more information on how to participate in selecting the icon, go to  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/StateIconPress.

    MIL OSI USA News –