NewzIntel.com

Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Secures Over $6.9 Million in Refunds from CityMD for New Yorkers Wrongfully Charged for COVID-19 Testing

    Source: US State of New York

    NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that her office has secured over $6.9 million in refunds and $7 million in canceled debt from CityMD, a popular urgent care provider with over 140 locations in New York, for patients who were wrongfully billed for COVID-19 testing at the height of the pandemic. An Office of the Attorney General (OAG) investigation revealed that CityMD improperly billed its patients for COVID-19 tests, in some cases issuing bills up to two years after services were provided and even threatening to escalate overdue bills to debt collection. CityMD issued these bills despite knowledge of state and federal laws that protected patients from being billed for COVID-19 testing during the pandemic. As a result of OAG’s enforcement, CityMD has canceled more than $7 million in outstanding COVID-19 testing bills for over 87,000 patients and refunded nearly $7 million to over 215,000 patients who already paid.

    “New Yorkers should never have to worry about unexpected medical bills, especially during a public health crisis,” said Attorney General James. “CityMD’s actions added unnecessary stress and financial burdens to patients seeking essential COVID-19 testing at the height of the pandemic. I am proud to have secured millions of dollars in refunds for impacted individuals and I encourage anyone who believes they’ve been a victim of fraudulent medical billing practices to file a complaint with my office.”

    The OAG opened an investigation in October 2022 after receiving numerous complaints about CityMD charging patients for COVID-19 tests. The investigation revealed that between March 2020 and November 2022, CityMD billed and collected payment from thousands of New Yorkers for COVID-19 testing services, with many bills being issued nearly two years after the date of service. The OAG also found that CityMD continued this practice despite knowing that New York and federal law prohibited health plans from charging co-pays and deductibles for medically necessary COVID-19 testing and related services or visits during the public health emergency. 

    Based on CityMD’s website and assurances by staff at the time tests were performed, patients understood they would not face out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 testing services. CityMD also did not include a clearly posted cash price for COVID-19 testing services on its website. Many patients who tried to report concerns or complaints regarding testing bills to CityMD found it difficult to get in contact with the company. When these patients were able to reach CityMD, the company often refused to amend previously issued COVID-19 testing bills. 

    As a result of the OAG investigation, CityMD has issued $6,910,986 in refunds to 215,819 patients and recalled $7,026,668 in outstanding medical bills for 87,334 patients. CityMD sent all impacted patients a letter via mail and email notifying them of the refunds and debt cancellations and posted notices of the refunds and cancellations on its website and social media. Moving forward, CityMD must ensure its COVID-19 test billing practices comply with the law, must provide transparent pricing for COVID-19 testing services on its website, and continue to cooperate with OAG to address any COVID-19 testing-related consumer complaints. CityMD will pay $95,000 in penalties to the State of New York and has agreed to pay an additional $5,000 per violation for any future violations or failure to implement the required programmatic updates. 

    If a patient believes they have been a victim of misleading billing practices, they should contact the OAG Health Care Bureau online or call 1-800-428-9071. 

    This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Eve Woodin of the Health Care Bureau under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Leslieann Cachola and Bureau Chief Darsana Srinivasan. The Health Care Bureau is part of the Division for Social Justice, led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Taking on Sky-High Utility Costs

    Source: US State of New York

    February 11, 2025

    Albany, NY

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced new steps to protect consumers from sky-high utility costs that are making New York less affordable. In a letter to Public Service Commission Chair and Department of Public Service CEO Rory Christian, Governor Hochul calls for the rejection of Con Edison’s proposed rate hike. Governor Hochul also directed the Department of Public Service to conduct a statewide audit of utility company salaries and compensation, to ensure New York ratepayers are getting a fair deal.

    “The cost of living is too damn high and New Yorkers need more money in their pockets,” Governor Hochul said. “Of course we need safe, reliable energy sources to power our homes and businesses. But utility companies shouldn’t be jacking up costs unnecessarily – especially if they’re paying their own staff too much.”

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    To address the immediate threat of Con Ed’s proposed rate hikes, which would cost New Yorkers hundreds of dollars each year, Governor Hochul today sent a letter to Public Service Commission (PSC) Chair and Department of Public Service (DPS) CEO Rory Christian urging action on behalf of New York consumers. The Governor called on DPS to act in the best interest of New Yorkers by closely scrutinizing this rate case and rejecting Con Ed’s unconscionable request to increase electricity rates by 11.4 percent and natural gas rates by 13.3 percent.

    Governor Hochul also directed DPS to conduct a first-of-its-kind audit of utility management compensation. 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. For example, 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.

    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.

    The cost of living is too damn high and New Yorkers need more money in their pockets.”

    Governor Hochul

    Governor Hochul has prioritized affordability and helping New Yorkers with the high cost of living. To address rising costs related to home heating, Governor Hochul recently added $35 million to fund the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) which supports low-income New Yorkers who need help paying utility bills; the Governor also signed legislation in 2024 to help senior citizens access this vital program. New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) administers the Weatherization Assistance Program which helps HEAP-eligible households reduce energy costs, conserve energy, and improve safety and health standards.

    In her 2025 State of the State, Governor Hochul prioritized passing an affordability agenda that puts money back in the pockets of middle-class New Yorkers. Governor Hochul proposed New York’s first-ever Inflation Refund, which would give eligible New Yorkers checks of up to $500. The Governor is also calling for a tax cut that would reduce rates for middle-class families to the lowest levels in nearly 60 years and proposing a massive expansion of the Child Tax Credit.

    Embedded Flickr Album

    AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel said, “By opposing Con Edison’s latest rate hike proposal, Governor Hochul is again standing up for New Yorkers who are struggling simply to pay for their basic living expenses such as rent, food and prescription drugs. That includes the many older New Yorkers living on fixed incomes who can’t afford to have their utility bills go up even higher. New York’s population is aging rapidly, and far too many older adults are already living in poverty. The Governor is prioritizing making New York a more affordable place to live for people of all ages, and we support her in these efforts.”

    Community Service Society of New York Senior Director Carrie Tracy said, “We thank Governor Hochul for her strong defense of working families in New York and for opposing the proposed rate hikes, which would be disastrous for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers. The Community Service Society of New York has been dedicated to promoting economic opportunity for over 180 years, and we appreciate the Governor’s commitment to building a more equitable city and state.”

    Assemblymember Didi Barrett said, “In the last two years alone, we have seen eight double digit utility rate increase requests across New York State, including this most recent one from Con Ed. These rate increases are simply unsustainable for already cash-strapped New Yorkers. I thank Governor Hochul for focusing on utility affordability and I support her call for a compensation audit, increasing transparency and holding utilities accountable to our constituents.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Solomon Partners Expands Financial Institutions Group with the Hiring of 3 Seasoned Bankers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Solomon Partners, a leading financial advisory firm and independent affiliate of Natixis, today announced a significant expansion of its Financial Institutions Group with the hiring of Juan Guzman as a Partner, and Faiz Vahidy and Matthew Cornish as Managing Directors. The trio previously worked at Houlihan Lokey and will now collaborate with their former colleague Arik Rashkes, who started at Solomon in December as Head of the recently formed Financial Institutions Group.

    “Collectively Juan, Faiz and Matt represent a meaningful step toward rapidly building out our Financial Institutions practice. They each have substantial experience across a variety of subsectors and have successfully worked together in their prior roles,” said Marc Cooper, CEO of Solomon Partners.

    Mr. Rashkes added, “My colleagues are well known and respected across the financial services industry as talented investment bankers who are dedicated to serving clients. Together we will further develop Solomon’s Financial Institutions advisory services.”

    Mr. Guzman specializes in mortgage services and insurance, as well as the broader real estate services sector. He has more than 20 years of experience in financial services, advising clients on a diverse range of transactions, including M&A, capital raising, valuations, and special committee assignments. Prior to joining Solomon, Mr. Guzman was a Managing Director in Houlihan Lokey’s Financial Services Group focused on the mortgage services and insurance sectors. He earned an MBA with concentrations in Corporate Finance and Law & Business from New York University’s Stern School of Business and a BA in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles.

    “I look forward to contributing to Solomon’s growth and success by expanding the Financial Institutions Group and the sub-sectors we serve. The firm’s commitment to excellence and client-focused approach aligns with my professional values and goals,” Mr. Guzman commented.

    At Solomon, Mr. Vahidy will primarily focus on advising insurance distribution companies on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, divestitures, fairness opinions, strategic planning, and other corporate finance engagements. He has more than two decades of experience in financial services, covering insurance distribution companies including MGAs, MGUs, BGAs, IMOs, and FMOs. He has successfully executed a wide variety of transactions for insurance carriers, insurance services providers, and insurtech companies. Mr. Vahidy received a BBA from the George Washington University and an MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.

    In his new role, Mr. Cornish will specialize in insurance services and illiquid financial assets, leveraging his extensive experience in corporate finance and advisory services. He previously served as a Director in Houlihan Lokey’s Financial Services Group & Illiquid Financial Assets Group. Over the past 15 years, Mr. Cornish executed transactions across multiple industries and asset classes, including benefits, claims, TPAs, property & casualty insurance, life settlements, tax receivable agreements, minority equity, receivership wind-downs, and private equity and hedge fund LP interests. He holds a BS in Accountancy, Economics, and Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Villanova University.

    About Solomon Partners

    Founded in 1989, Solomon Partners is a leading financial advisory firm with a legacy as one of the oldest independent investment banks. Our difference is unmatched industry knowledge in the sectors we cover, creating superior value with unrivaled wisdom for our clients. We advise clients on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings, recapitalizations, capital markets solutions and activism defense across a range of verticals. These include Business Services, Consumer Retail, Distribution, Financial Institutions, Financial Sponsors, FinTech, Grocery, Pharmacy & Restaurants, Healthcare, Industrials, Infrastructure, Power & Renewables, Media and Technology. Solomon Partners is an independently operated affiliate of Natixis, part of Groupe BPCE. For further information, visit solomonpartners.com.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/79874508-3307-43e1-87f1-c127d605658e

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3f447c06-0049-477a-b3da-8b11c48f3270

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/99656942-b936-46d7-96bf-b495571881f4

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Even as polarization surges, Americans believe they live in a compassionate country

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Tara Sonenshine, Edward R. Murrow Professor of Practice in Public Diplomacy, Tufts University

    Most Americans responding to a survey said compassion is declining but still strong. stellalevi/DigitalVision Vectors via Getty Images

    Compassion comes easily to me.

    As the granddaughter of immigrants from Lithuania and Poland who spoke little English, I understand what it’s like to be treated as a stranger in America.

    As a journalist, I covered stories of war and trauma in the 1990s, including the crushing of Chinese protests in Tiananmen Square and the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, followed by the Soviet Union’s collapse two years later. I covered the war between Iraq and Iran. I witnessed ethnic strife in South Africa and the toll poverty takes in Mexico.

    As a professor of cultural engagement and public diplomacy, I have watched and studied how compassion can help build and strengthen civil society.

    And having worked in senior levels of the U.S. government for Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama on international conflict resolution, I have learned that compassion is a key ingredient of peacemaking.

    Especially now, as President Donald Trump seeks to deport millions of immigrants living in the U.S. without authorization and to stop funding the U.S. Agency for International Development, which has long spent billions of dollars a year helping the world’s poorest people, compassion seems lacking among U.S. leaders.

    Perhaps that all explains my curiosity about a new study on the state of compassion in America – part of the glue that holds communities together.

    Defining compassion

    Sociologists define compassion as the human regard for the suffering of others, and the notion of using action to alleviate this pain.

    The report that caught my eye was issued in January 2025 by the Muhammad Ali Center, which the late boxer co-founded 20 years ago in Louisville, Kentucky, to advance social justice.

    As the Ali Center explains, compassion starts with the individual – self-care and personal wellness. It then radiates out to the wider community in the form of action and engagement.

    You can see compassion at work in the actions of a Pasadena, California, girl, who started a donation hub for teens affected by fires that ripped through the Los Angeles region in early 2025. She began collecting sports bras, hair ties and fashionable sweaters – helping hundreds of her peers begin to recover from their losses in material and emotional ways.

    It’s also visible in the estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. who donate blood each year, according to the American Red Cross.

    Resilience in America

    While Ali is best known for his battles in the ring and his outspoken political views, he also helped those in need in the U.S. and other countries through large charitable donations and his participation in United Nations missions to countries like Afghanistan, where he helped deliver millions of meals to hungry people.

    The researchers who worked on the Ali Center report interviewed more than 5,000 U.S. adults living in 12 cities in 2024 in order to learn more about the prevalence of compassionate behaviors such as charitable giving, volunteering and assisting others in their recovery from disasters.

    They found that the desire to help others still animates many Americans despite the nation’s current polarization and divisive politics.

    The center has created an index it calls the “net compassion score.” It approximates the degree to which Americans give their time and money to programs and activities that nurture and strengthen their communities.

    Cities with high compassion scores have more community engagement and civic participation than those with low scores. A higher-scoring community performs better when it comes to things like public housing and mental health resources, for example. Its residents report more career opportunities, better communications between local government and citizens, more community programs and more optimism around economic development where they live.

    The report provides some clues as to what drives compassionate behavior in a city: a sense of spirituality, good education, decent health care, resources for activities like sports, and opportunities to engage in local politics.

    All told, Americans rate their country as a 9 on a scale that runs from minus 100 to 100.

    The report also identified some troubling obstacles that stand in the way of what it calls “self-compassion” – meaning how volunteers and donors treat their own mental and physical health. Frequent struggles with self-care can lead to rising levels of isolation and loneliness.

    Jeni Stepanek, left, chair of the Muhammad Ali Index; Lonnie Ali, co-founder and vice chair of the Muhammad Ali Center; and DeVone Holt, the center’s president and CEO, at the launch of the Muhammad Ali Index on Jan. 16, 2025.
    Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Muhammad Ali Center

    Doubting their own capacity

    The 2025 Compassion Report’s findings show that many Americans still want to live in a compassionate country but also that Americans view the country as less compassionate today than four years ago.

    The report delves into gaps in compassion. About one-third of those interviewed acknowledged that there are groups toward whom they feel less compassionate toward, such as people who have been convicted of crimes, immigrants living in the U.S. without authorization and the rich.

    Only 29% said they feel compassion toward everyone.

    The report also identifies gender gaps. Despite expressing greater awareness of systemic challenges, the women surveyed reported less self-compassion than men.

    It’s not the first compassion study ever done. But I believe that this one is unique due to its focus on specific cities, and how it assessed limits on the compassion some people feel toward certain groups.

    Helping health and humanity

    The Compassion Institute, another nonprofit, seeks to weave compassion training into health care education to “create a more caring and humanitarian world.” It cites the benefits of compassion for human beings, with everything from reducing stress to alleviating the effects of disease on the mind and body.

    Academic institutions, including Stanford University, have conducted many studies on how teaching compassion can guide health care professionals to both treat patients better and achieve better outcomes.

    A team of Emory University researchers examined how training people to express more compassion can reduce stress hormones levels, triggering positive brain responses that improve immune responses.

    Offering an advantage

    Although there are plenty of adorable videos of dogs and cats behaving kindly with each other or their human companions, historically compassion has differentiated humans from animals.

    Human beings possess powers of emotional reasoning that give us an edge.

    Scholars are still working to discover how much of human compassion is rooted in emotional reasoning. Another factor they’ve identified is the aftermath of trauma. Studies have found evidence that it can increase empathy later on.

    You might imagine that in a world of hurt, there’s a deficit of compassion for others. But the Ali Center’s report keeps alive the notion that Americans remain compassionate people who want to help others.

    My experiences around the world and within the U.S. have taught me that human beings both have the power to be violent and destructive. But despite it all, there is, within all of us, the innate ability and desire to be compassionate. That is a net positive for our country.

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

    – ref. Even as polarization surges, Americans believe they live in a compassionate country – https://theconversation.com/even-as-polarization-surges-americans-believe-they-live-in-a-compassionate-country-247677

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: On holding auctions on February 12, 2025 to place OFZ issues No. 26248RMFS3 and No. 26233RMFS5

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    For bidders

    We inform you that, based on the letter of the Bank of Russia and in accordance with Part I. General Part and Part II. Stock Market Section of the Rules for Conducting Trading on the Stock Market, Deposit Market and Credit Market of Moscow Exchange PJSC, the order establishes the form, time, term and procedure for holding auctions for the placement and trading of the following federal loan bonds:

    1.

    Name of the Issuer Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation
    Name of security federal loan bonds with constant coupon income
    State registration number of the issue 26233RMFS from 02/14/2020
    Date of the auction February 12, 2025
    Information about the placement (trading mode, placement form) The placement of Bonds will be carried out in the Trading Mode “Placement: Auction” by holding an Auction to determine the placement price. BoardId: PACT (Settlements: Ruble)
    Trade code SE26233RMFS5
    ISIN code RO000A101F94
    Calculation code B01
    Additional conditions of placement The share of non-competitive bids in relation to the total volume of bids submitted by the Bidder may not exceed 90%.
    Trading time Trading hours: bid collection period: 12:00 – 12:30; bid execution period: 13:00 – 18:00.

    2.

    Name of the Issuer Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation
    Name of security federal loan bonds with constant coupon income
    State registration number of the issue 26248RMFS from 08.05.2024
    Date of the auction February 12, 2025
    Information about the placement (trading mode, placement form) The placement of Bonds will be carried out in the Trading Mode “Placement: Auction” by holding an Auction to determine the placement price. BoardId: PACT (Settlements: Ruble)
    Trade code CO26248RMFS3
    ISIN code RO000A108EH4
    Calculation code B01
    Additional conditions of placement The share of non-competitive bids in relation to the total volume of bids submitted by the Bidder may not exceed 90%.
    Trading time Trading hours: bid collection period: 14:30 – 15:00; bid execution period: 15:30 – 18:00.

    Contact information for media 7 (495) 363-3232Pr@moex.kom

    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: //VVV. MOEX.K.Mom/N77536

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Technological changes in the stock market system from 01.03.2025

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    We inform you about changes in the stock market system planned for implementation on March 1, 2025. The changes are intended to ensure technical readiness for the start of trading in experimental mode on the stock market during additional weekend trading sessions.

    Changes in stock market trading reports

    The mandatory attribute of the trading session date is added to the reports SEM02 “Extract from the register of orders”, SEM03 “Extract from the register of transactions with securities”, SEM21 “Stock market information” and SEM42 “Register of transactions of sponsored access identifiers”:

    TradeSessionDate — date of the trading session.

    Additionally, an additional value for the SessionNo attribute is added to the SEM02, SEM03, and SEM21 reports:

    5 – Additional weekend session.

    The SEM2T tabulated report also adds the TradeSessionDate field — the date of the trading session. The field is added last.

    The updated specification of the formats of reports on the results of trades is posted on the exchange website: HTTPS: //FS. MOEX.K.MOMU/943.Updated files of schemes and styles for printed forms of reports are published on the exchange’s FTP server: HTTPS: //FTP. MEEX.K.Mom/pub/reports/eckot.

    The following reports will be sent out on the days of the additional weekend session:

    after 08:00 (morning report) — SEM42; after 19:00 — SEM02, SEM03, SEM21, as well as SEM80 “Daily report on the fulfillment of market makers’ obligations (for the market makers’ championship)” and SEM85 “Daily report on the fulfillment of market makers’ obligations”.

    Changes in stock market clearing reports

    The mandatory attribute of the trading session date is added to the reports EQM06, EQM06P, EQM06R, EQM6C, EQM6D and EQM63 “Extract from the register of transactions accepted for clearing”:

    TradeSessionDate — date of the trading session.

    The updated specification of the formats of reports on the results of clearing is posted on the exchange website: HTTPS: //FS. MOEX.K.MOM/951.Updated files of schemes and styles for printed forms of reports are published on the exchange’s FTP server: HTTPS: //FTP. MEEX.K.Mom/pub/reports/eckot.

    On the days of the additional weekend session, clearing reports are not generated or sent. Separate report files for the results of the DSVD are not expected. Information on transactions concluded in the DSVD will be included in the reports that are sent after the Main Session:

    EQM06/EQM06P/EQM06R “Extract from the register of transactions accepted for clearing”; EQM63 “Extract from the register of transactions accepted for clearing (for a Trading Participant)”; EQM6C “Extract from the register of transactions accepted for clearing (for client transactions)”; EQM6D “Extract from the register of transactions accepted for clearing (for nominal holders); EQM13 “Report on Total Net Obligations / Total Net Claims”; EQM15 “Report on Commission Fees”; EQM23 “Report on Obligations for T Transactions”.

    New version of the gateway interface Broker53 and BrokerRisk53

    Previously announced The interface update has expired. A new version will be released on March 1, 2025.

    Changes in the broker’s gateway interfaces for connecting to trading and clearing systems:

    The WEEKENDSESSION field is added to the SECURITIES, FIRMS and BANKACC tables, defining availability in the additional weekend session. The TRADEDATE field is added to the ALL_TRADES table, containing the calendar date of the transaction. The TRADESESSIONDATE field is added to the TESYSTIME and RESYSTIME tables — the date of the current trading session. The TRADESESSIONDATE field is added to the TRADES, ALL_TRADES and USTRADES tables — the date of the trading session in which the transaction was concluded. The ENTRYDATE fields are added to the ONEORDER, ORDERS and QUOTES tables — the calendar date of order registration, TRADESESSIONDATE — the date of the trading session in which the order was registered. The TRADESESSIONDATE field is added to the NEGDEALS and ONENEGDEALS tables — the date of the trading session in which the order was registered.

    A description of the new version of the gateway interfaces, as well as a comparison with the previous version, is published on the exchange’s FTP server: HTTPS: //FTP. MOEX.K.Mom/pub/klinsapi/ASC/bridge_ interfaces/Eckeys/Test.

    Changes in the Info interface:

    The following fields are added to the ALL_TRADES table: TRADESESSIONDATE — date of the current trading session, TRADEDATE — calendar date of the transaction. The WEEKENDSESSION field is added to the SECURITIES table, defining availability in the additional weekend session. The TRADESESSIONDATE field — date of the current trading session — is added to the TESYSTIME table.

    A description of the new version of the gateway interfaces, as well as a comparison with the previous version, is published on the exchange’s FTP server: HTTPS: //FTP. MOEX.K.Mom/pub/klinsapi/ASC/bridge_ interfaces/marketdat/test.

    The composition of FIX and TWIME trading protocol messages, FAST MarketData templates and SIMBA ASTS message schemas will not change.

    The additional weekend trading session will be held from 09:50:00 to 18:59:59

    During the days of the additional weekend session, the Trading and Clearing System will be available for connection via all protocols starting from 07:50 MSK. The end of availability is no earlier than 20:00 MSK.

    Registration of end customers

    The Single Client Registration Service will process all transaction types (A, U, L, R, M, D) on weekends for a client record that is registered or registered only on the stock market.

    If a client sends an “A” type transaction for a record that is registered on multiple markets, the ERC service will register the participant on the stock market, but will not register on other markets – an error message will be sent for them.

    For type “U” or “D” transactions, if the client entry is registered in addition to the stock on the FX and Futures markets, the message will be rejected completely with an error.

    Possible actions of participants:

    Register clients on the stock market, re-submit applications for the currency or futures market on Monday. Postpone registration and do not send files to the exchange during the additional weekend session, but send them on Monday.

    Admission of participants to an additional weekend session

    Moscow Exchange will admit participants to an additional weekend session at the start of trading on March 1, 2025, upon the participant’s application.

    Contact information for media 7 (495) 363-3232Pr@moex.kom

    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: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Auburn National Bancorporation, Inc. Declares Quarterly Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUBURN, Ala., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On February 11, 2025, the Board of Directors of Auburn National Bancorporation, Inc. (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: AUBN) declared a first quarter $0.27 per share cash dividend, payable March 25, 2025 to shareholders of record as of March 10, 2025.

    About Auburn National Bancorporation, Inc.

    Auburn National Bancorporation, Inc. (the “Company”) is the parent company of AuburnBank (the “Bank”), with total assets of approximately $977 million. The Bank is an Alabama state-chartered bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System, which has operated continuously since 1907. Both the Company and the Bank are headquartered in Auburn, Alabama. The Bank conducts its business in East Alabama, including Lee County and surrounding areas. The Bank currently operates seven full-service branches in Auburn, Opelika, Valley, and Notasulga, Alabama. The Bank also operates a loan production office in Phenix City, Alabama. Additional information about the Company and the Bank may be found by visiting www.auburnbank.com.

    For additional information, contact:
    David A. Hedges
    President and CEO
    (334) 821-9200

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Latin America is moving fast to protect democracy from excesses of big tech

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sebastian Smart, Senior Research Fellow in Access to Justice, Law and Technology, Anglia Ruskin University

    Brazil’s president Lula da Silva is one of the Latin American leaders who are concerned about misinformation being used to undermine democracy. Focuspix/Shutterstock

    Bosses of tech giants Meta, Google and X had front row seats at Donald Trump’s recent presidential inauguration. This special treatment highlighted the increasingly cosy relationship between leaders of technology companies and the White House.

    Just a few weeks before the ceremony, Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg had pledged to “work with President Trump to push back on governments around the world that are going after American companies and pushing to censor more”.

    Zuckerberg also highlighted, and criticised, the restrictions that the European Union and Latin American nations had put in place to legally restrict the social media giants. These include liability for moderation and limiting targeted advertising.

    However, Latin America is emerging as the region which is moving fast to protect democratic institutions from misuse of social media, and other technology.

    For instance, Brazil’s proposed fake news bill (Lei das Fake News) seeks to regulate social media and curb misinformation. It has faced strong opposition from Google. The bill is still under consideration by Brazil’s Congress.



    Read more:
    Meta’s shift to ‘community notes’ risks hurting online health info providers more than ever

    Other examples include how, in August 2024, Brazil’s Supreme Court temporarily banned X for failing to comply with legal requirements, including blocking social media accounts accused of spreading misinformation linked to the 2022 election. X had also failed to appoint a local legal official.

    The platform remained suspended until October 8 2024, when X complied with the court’s orders, paid fines totalling 28 million reals (£3.9 million), and appointed a legal representative.

    Brazil temporarily banned social media network X.

    The court decision has been part of a broader effort in Brazil to protect its democracy and restrict potential disruption from use of technology or social media.

    This push intensified after allies of then president Jair Bolsonaro used social media to spread misinformation (ahead of the 2022 elections), and then attack democratic institutions, and mobilise supporters in the lead-up to the January 8 2023 attacks on government buildings.

    Digital platforms were used to spread false claims of voter fraud and discredit mainstream media as well as spread misinformation about Bolsonaro’s opponents. These efforts fuelled conspiracy theories and protests, which later turned violent. In response, Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court tightened regulations, ordering platforms to remove false election claims.



    Read more:
    Elon Musk’s feud with Brazilian judge is much more than a personal spat − it’s about national sovereignty, freedom of speech and the rule of law

    But the region’s regulatory efforts extend beyond social media into other emerging technologies. Colombia, Ecuador and Chile – among others – are currently debating regulations of artificial intelligence (AI) and looking at AI’s human rights and environmental impact.

    Chile was the first country to recognise neurorights (brain rights) in its constitution, ensuring protections against the misuse of neurotechnology, such as brain-computer interfaces that could read or manipulate thoughts, emotions or cognitive processes. These developing technologies could be used in medicine, but also raise ethical concerns about privacy and cognitive freedom.

    Political leaders across Latin America also regularly challenge global technology leaders over their effect on society. Chile’s president, Gabriel Boric, has criticised Elon Musk’s support for far-right movements. Brazil’s president, Lula da Silva, said the world did not have to put up with Musk’s “far-right free-for-all just because he is rich”. Brazil’s first lady, Janja Lula da Silva, was even more direct. During a global summit on social media regulation, she declared: “I’m not afraid of you, fuck you, Elon Musk.”

    History of authoritarianism

    Many people in Latin America remember how political power was abused in the recent past to undermine democracy. During the military dictatorships of the 1970s and 1980s in countries such as Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, many businesses supported repressive regimes.

    After the coup in Chile in 1973, Augusto Pinochet’s authoritarian government privatised industries and cut social protections with help from the Chicago Boys, a group of US-trained Latin American economists. The regime crushed dissent through state violence, and imprisoned and tortured thousands of people.

    In the early 1970s, Chilean president Salvador Allende had tried to establish the Cybersyn Project, an ambitious initiative to create an economic planning system using networked telex machines and an early form of algorithmic decision-making. It was designed to enhance state control over the economy, while reducing dependence on foreign corporations. But Cybersyn was dismantled after the US-backed military coup that installed Pinochet’s dictatorship.

    Today, Latin America may be better positioned to counter foreign influence than it was in the 1970s. Brazil’s leadership at the recent G20 global summit, where it successfully pushed for social media and artificial intelligence regulation, showed that there is a regional will to push back against the demands, and power, of Silicon Valley’s technology giants.

    The question is whether these countries can sustain their efforts against pressure from big companies, economic pressure (such as tariffs) and shifting geopolitical alliances. If they do, Latin American nations could provide a much-needed counterweight to corporate influence, and an example to the rest of the world of what could be achieved.

    Sebastian Smart receives funding from FONDECYT-Chile

    – ref. Latin America is moving fast to protect democracy from excesses of big tech – https://theconversation.com/latin-america-is-moving-fast-to-protect-democracy-from-excesses-of-big-tech-248487

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Is it true you need to love yourself before you can find romantic love? Here’s what philosophers say

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Tony Milligan, Research Fellow in the Philosophy of Ethics, King’s College London

    The Dreamer by Cecilia Beaux (1894). Wiki Commons

    Consider the popular idea that you need to love yourself first, before you can find love from others. It was set out in the German psychologist Erich Fromm’s book The Art of Loving in 1956 and has been popularised in recent years by drag queen RuPaul’s catchphrase “if you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?”

    But is it actually true? If we think of self-love in an extreme sense, as raging egocentricity, then the answer is a resounding “no”. Philosophers who reject self-love do so for this reason. Iris Murdoch is a case in point. She warned her readers that the proper direction of attention should always be outwards. Love others, not yourself.

    This is a very sacrificial way of thinking about love. If we think about love as the most important way of valuing anything, then of course self-love is desirable. The person who has no self-love has no proper sense of their own worth as a unique, feeling being.

    Looking for love this Valentine’s Day? Whether you want to improve your relationship with others or with yourself, The Quarter Life Glow-up can help.

    This six-week newsletter course from The Conversation will bring you research-backed advice and tools to help improve your relationships, your career, your free time and your mental health – no supplements or skincare required. Sign up here to start your glow-up at any time.

    This is the insight captured by the idea that we must love ourselves first. It’s endorsed by the classical philosophical tradition and is especially evident in discussions of friendship by Aristotle and Cicero where a friend is “another self” – someone who is due the same love that we have for ourselves.

    They treat love for ourselves as a basic background to a good life, and hold that something has gone badly wrong when any of us lacks such an attitude. This is a far less sacrificial way of thinking. One in which being loved and loving ourselves turn out to be inseparable.

    This is the insight that the catchphrase about loving yourself first plays upon. But it puts things the wrong way around. Coming to love ourselves often happens as a result of being loved by another person. It is an outcome, not a first step.

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    In your 20s and 30s, you may find that all around you people have paired off. There is a game going on, played out with varying degrees of success. Some people find themselves always on the outside of this game. They have never had a girlfriend or boyfriend. Never even received a Valentine’s Day card. They may have wanted these things, and waited for them, but nothing has happened.

    Many people live like this, with an exclusion from romantic love that makes it feel almost impossible to form an appropriate sense of self-worth. Those in this position cannot will themselves into self-love as a way of propelling themselves into the game. And they also cannot educate themselves into self-love.

    In your 20s and 30s, you may find that all around you, people have paired off. Detail from Hesperus, the Evening Star, Sacred to Lovers by Joseph Noel Paton (1857).
    Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

    Even philosophers cannot do so. Immanuel Kant argued in his Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals (1785) that we are all autonomous rational agents and that this makes us equally valuable. But for those without a romantic history, their experience is not one of being equally valued.

    What they need is not a special effort of will but the experience of being loved. Or of having been loved by someone that they themselves have loved. We cannot draw a sense of our own value from the love of someone we do not admire, or from the kind of abusive person who systematically undermines our sense of self-esteem. Being loved by someone dreadful, or just wildly unpleasant, is unlikely to fill any of us with warm fuzzy feelings. No matter how smitten we are. No matter what flowers and chocolate they send.

    Being loved by someone we love, someone we value, is a different matter. Nothing shows us our own value so effectively.

    A good deal of my own sense of value, for example, does not come from a recognition of my autonomy or from a self-willed effort to think nice thoughts about myself. It stems instead from being loved by my wife Suzanne. Without this experience of being loved, everything else would be diminished.

    Being lovable

    Most of us enjoy an approximation to this experience of being loved long before we ever experience actual romantic love.

    Most of us have been loved by our parents, and up to a point by our siblings and friends. We even may have been loved by our pets – or at least by the dog, if not by the cat. But at a certain point, we want love of a more intimate and grownup sort. Love from someone who could simply pass us by in the street, but who does not do so. Without it, an adult sense of self-worth may remain permanently out of reach.

    This does not mean to say that that every day must be a whirlwind of romance, or even that we have to be continuously in a relationship.

    Suzanne and myself seem to have mated for life. We still buy one another flowers and chocolates for Valentine’s Day rather than gift vouchers and lawnmowers. Suzanne gets the flowers, I get the chocolates. It is a ritual in which we both win. But many people are just as content moving from one relationship to another.

    What seems to matter in each case is seeing ourselves as lovable. Whether we are serial daters, or hibernate with a lifelong partner like two creatures in a burrow. What we really need is the experience of having been loved romantically, at some point in time. And the knowledge that it could happen again. A recognition that we may sometimes have bad romantic luck, and may have made mistakes – but that we remain fundamentally lovable.

    Tony Milligan 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. Is it true you need to love yourself before you can find romantic love? Here’s what philosophers say – https://theconversation.com/is-it-true-you-need-to-love-yourself-before-you-can-find-romantic-love-heres-what-philosophers-say-247298

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump tariffs: there may be silver linings in the trade war storm clouds

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Scott Mahadeo, Senior Lecturer in Macroeconomics, University of Portsmouth

    bella1105/Shutterstock

    US tariffs – both threatened and imposed – on trade partners including China, Canada, Mexico and the EU quickly set off waves of retaliatory measures. The latest commodities in the sights of president Donald Trump are steel and aluminium – with tariffs of 25% announced for all imports. But not only do these taxes disrupt well-established trade flows, they ignite concerns over the very future of globalisation.

    Yet amid this uncertainty, it’s possible that there may be a silver lining. Trump may inadvertently be paving the way for a realignment of trade relationships and the emergence of new economic blocs. Such partnerships could foster more resilient and regionally focused economic cooperation.

    Trump’s decision to levy tariffs on its major trading partners disrupts the fundamental tenets of the gravity model of trade. According to this theory, trade between two nations is largely determined by their economic size and proximity. For instance, introducing tariffs to the close economic relationship between the US and Canada, underpinned by their shared border, effectively increases the distance between the two by raising costs and reducing the volume of bilateral trade.

    However, these disruptions can inadvertently encourage diversification of trade relationships. As companies and governments seek to mitigate the risks associated with tariffs, they may begin to explore new markets and alternative supply chains. This could ultimately lead to a more dispersed and – potentially – more stable global trade system.

    Yet as Trump continues to test the limits of his power, he is learning it is not so easy to defy gravity. Already, the president has dialled down tariffs on Canada and Mexico, while China has struck back with retaliatory measures.

    One positive spin-off of the trade war may be the reinforcement of regional alliances. With traditional trade flows disrupted, countries are increasingly incentivised to strengthen ties with neighbouring economies.

    North American outlook

    Canada and Mexico, long considered natural trading partners of the US, might pivot towards deepening their economic cooperation. They may also look to bilateral agreements with other partners as well as seeking new markets, strengthening ties with China and Japan.

    The USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) provides a strong foundation for trade. But attempts to dismantle this arrangement could see Canada and Mexico accelerating efforts to build closer economic ties with other regions, reducing their exposure to the US market.

    Trump reveals his plans for sweeping steel tariffs on “everybody”.

    Trump’s planned tariffs on steel threaten to undermine the USMCA. After all, it is designed to foster integrated supply chains and low-tariff economic cooperation among the three countries. This is likely to escalate trade tensions across the bloc, forcing a reassessment of the trade agreement’s key terms and destabilising the established relationships.

    European Union outlook

    The imposition of tariffs on the EU could lead to deepening integration among its member states. Faced with new pressures from the US, the EU might accelerate initiatives aimed at consolidating internal trade, harmonising regulations and promoting intra-European supply chains.

    Member states, with France at the forefront, are already advocating for a united response to counteract US protectionism. They hope to signal a strong political commitment to resist the pressures from Trump.

    Asia-Pacific outlook

    China, as the world’s second-largest economy behind the US, may seek to expand its trade relationships in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. As China’s economic growth model is export-led, it may seek stronger partnerships with regional players and invest in new trade agreements. This could potentially give rise to an even more integrated Asian economic community.

    A new economic order

    Whatever else plays out, these tariff wars signal a reordering of the global economic landscape. Such disruptions, though painful in the short term, can create long-term changes that rebalance economic systems. The natural trading partner hypothesis reinforces this view by highlighting how countries with shared cultural, historical and geographical ties are likely to deepen their economic relationships in the face of external shocks.

    Table of US trade

    Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis (2025)
    Author provided

    In this new order, traditional superpowers may find themselves challenged by unified responses from other nations. By imposing tariffs, the US risks isolating itself from these emerging alliances, while its major trading partners may become united in their efforts to counterbalance rising American protectionism.



    Read more:
    Brics: growth of China-led bloc raises questions about a rapidly shifting world order

    The ripple effects of the US tariff row extend well beyond the directly involved countries, with significant implications for global trade networks. For the UK, already coping with the aftermath of Brexit, this new environment offers both challenges and opportunities.

    With US-led protectionism disrupting traditional trade channels, the UK could seize the opportunity to diversify its export markets by forging stronger ties with the EU and digging deeper into its Commonwealth alliances. It could reinforce its position as a hub for international commerce while continuing to cultivate its relationship with the US. Managing Trump is a delicate balancing act for prime minister Keir Starmer, as both are expected to be in office for four years.

    A word of caution – negotiating international trade agreements is a complex and lengthy process. This is the hard lesson learned by the UK. Its trade with the EU (its most important commercial partner) shrank after Brexit, driving the quest for new trading partners and agreements. But these fruits are slow to materialise.

    The UK formally requested accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in February 2021, but only signed the accession protocol in July 2023.

    And we should not forget that in 2024 the UK halted its trade talks with Canada after two years of negotiations, due to disagreements over the standards on some agricultural products.

    Tariffs come with challenges, but they might also be the beginning of a slow and painful change towards a more balanced and robust global economic order.

    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. Trump tariffs: there may be silver linings in the trade war storm clouds – https://theconversation.com/trump-tariffs-there-may-be-silver-linings-in-the-trade-war-storm-clouds-249526

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wisconsin Universities Share Dire Consequences of Illegal Funding Cuts for Lifesaving Research

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is highlighting the dire consequences for lifesaving research at Wisconsin’s Universities after President Donald Trump and Elon Musk announced that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be making significant, illegal cuts to critical funding used to discover medical breakthroughs. The NIH announced that it is arbitrarily capping indirect cost rates at 15%, which will slash funding that helps research institutions, like the University of Wisconsin, conduct research, operate their facilities and labs, pay staff, and buy equipment needed for groundbreaking work to find cures for diseases and treatments for patients.

    “Cutting funding for lifesaving cures for diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and cancer will hurt Wisconsin families. Period. These illegal cuts will not only mean fewer treatment options for Americans down the road, but it also will cost Wisconsinites their jobs across our state,” said Senator Baldwin. “Elon Musk and Donald Trump are stripping away investments that help Wisconsin families to make room for their tax cut for billionaires and the biggest corporations. I’m standing up for Wisconsin and doing everything I can to push back on this illegal funding cut that will cost American lives and livelihoods.”

    “For decades, the federal government and research universities have had a deep and extremely successful partnership to produce important research for the good of the nation.?UW–Madison has long been a research powerhouse, and this effort is central to our purpose. Federal funding has contributed to a wide variety of critical innovations and discoveries at UW–Madison, from weather satellites that save lives during natural disasters to the ‘UW Solution’ that advanced the practice of organ transplantation by extending the viability of human organs,” said the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “Today, campus researchers are leading a major national NIH grant to unlock the mysteries surrounding Alzheimer’s disease in a quest for better treatments, and ultimately, a cure. Work done here saves lives with innovations like cell therapies to treat cancer and heart attacks, improvements in medical imaging, and new treatments for diabetes. Our research enterprise is at the heart of the Wisconsin Idea, our commitment to innovating for the public good and doing work that makes a difference for Wisconsin and the world.”

    “As we continue to assess the situation and its potential impact on our university, we recognize the significant role of NIH-funded research at UW-Milwaukee, totaling $7.9 million from 2019 to 2027. These projects support critical research that enhance quality of life by improving physical and mental health interventions, disease prevention strategies and public health policies. Examples of these projects include studies on genetic mutations linked to birth defects in children, the neuroscience of aging and the effects of wheelchair use on shoulder pain,” said University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Chancellor Mark Mone.

    Indirect costs are necessary expenses for universities that support research, including paying key support staff, maintaining equipment, and operating labs, among other activities. Slashing this funding will shift billions of dollars in burdens to states and their taxpayers, who cannot afford to pay the difference. According to a lawsuit filed by 22 states including Wisconsin to block the Trump Administrative directive, this cut to NIH funding at UW-Madison would eliminate approximately $65 million in funding – which would mean layoffs and immediately halting research programs including potentially terminating clinical trials. UW-Madison could be forced to not only stop admitting new patients to some clinical trials, but to scale back ongoing clinical trials. This means slower and fewer treatments for adult and pediatric cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, degenerative neurologic diseases, and more. A federal judge on Monday temporarily blocked the NIH funding cuts from going into effect, issuing a temporary restraining order, and setting a hearing for February 21.

    Implementing the Trump Administration’s 15% cap on indirect costs would mean an immediate loss of billions of dollars that have already been committed at research institutions across the country to employ tens of thousands of researchers and other workers. It would mean an immediate halt of life-saving health research and cutting-edge biomedical innovations that produce vaccines and cures for diseases like cancer and addiction. It would have a ripple effect across the private sector as it disrupts partnerships with private institutions, causing some of them to go bankrupt. Business communities, mayors, governors, and Chambers of Commerce across the country have all expressed concerns about the devastating impact imposing this illegal, arbitrary policy would have on local and state economies.

    Research institutions in Wisconsin, including the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Medical College of Wisconsin, Marquette University, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, and Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, among other University of Wisconsin System schools, will be impacted by these funding cuts.

    As Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Related Agencies, Senator Baldwin is responsible for writing the bill that funds the NIH, which explicitly prohibits NIH from taking this arbitrary action.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: With a ‘tradwife’ starring in Married at First Sight, a nostalgic vision of womanhood takes centre stage

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christina Vogels, Senior Lecturer, School of Communication Studies, Auckland University of Technology

    Da Antipina/Shutterstock

    When Married at First Sight Australia bride Lauren Hall said her main goal was to “serve” her man, the reality show contestant was reflecting a growing trend in western culture – the so-called tradwife lifestyle.

    Tradwives are women who choose to take up traditional gendered roles within the home, centred around serving their husband and children. This version of wifehood is underpinned by a deference to one’s husband.

    Because of this, tradwives tend to be financially dependent on their husbands and many also give over decision-making rights to their husbands. In essence, the tradwife lifestyle rejects the past seven decades of feminism.

    But why is being a tradwife growing in popularity in 2025, and how has it become so marketable?

    The rise (or return) of tradwives

    Social media is partly to blame. The tradwife trend has risen in visibility across platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.

    Influencer Hannah Neeleman from Ballerina Farm is one of the most prolific tradwife influencers, topping ten-million followers on her Instagram page.

    Other Instagram accounts such as Ekaterina Anderson and Aria Lewis are popular in their own right, with followers ranging from 100,000 to 200,000.

    All promote a joy of domesticity. They post about their daily tasks of baking, preparing meals, raising children and, for many, connecting to the land and living sustainably.

    However, underneath this joy of domesticity is often an advocation of subservience. Many tradwives openly promote the daily pleasure they get from serving their husbands, who they argue are the “natural” head of the household.

    Marketing a romanticised lifestyle

    Why, then, is this version of femininity so desirable?

    For one, tradwives market a romanticised lifestyle. Theirs is reminiscent of the 1950s: a golden age economically, where employment was high, consumables were affordable and the male breadwinner was supported at home by a subservient wife.

    The tradwife lifestyle also promotes a pioneering domesticity. Tradwife influencers often post about baking their own bread, make their own preserves and mending their family’s clothes.

    Many also wear pioneering-type clothing – blouses and long skirts with the signature tradwife apron. A number of tradwives such as Aria Lewis also have their own clothing and merchandise lines for their followers to buy.

    People’s need for “ontological security” (security of the self) – a term coined in 1984 by sociologist Anthony Giddens – is another reason why the tradwife lifestyle is followed by so many women today.

    Broadly speaking, ontological security denotes a desire for a stable identity. Academics Catarina Kinnvall and Jennifer Mitzen offer this explanation:

    As the world is becoming more fragile, contentious, and conflictual, we are, Giddens argues, prone to seek a sense of security, a “protective cocoon”, in established norms and routines and in beliefs about particular narratives of home and secure pasts.

    The tradwife identity offers women this security: a stable, strictly defined and seemingly uncomplicated identity that is predicated solely on serving one’s husband and children. The nostalgia for the 1950s and the pioneering “return to basics” life feeds this sense of security.

    A double entanglement

    It also seems women are desiring the tradwife lifestyle due to the damaging effects of “double entanglement”.

    Society constantly tells women they can “have it all”: sexual freedom, any career they desire and an ability to choose whether or not to become mothers.

    In reality, however, this is an empty promise. Sexually assertive women, women who appear overly dominant in the workplace, and women who choose not to mother are often heavily shamed in society.

    Herein lies the double-entanglement. Women are told they can choose how to live their lives but are then shamed for choosing ways of living that are actually seen as unfeminine.

    It is possible the tradwife identity offers women a version of femininity that provides safe haven from being shamed as “pariahs” in society.

    Sadly, though, there is no safe haven. When you strip away the romanticism of domesticity, the tradwife lifestyle only furthers the difficulties women face today by breeding a deep misogyny that is based on an intense subjugation of women.

    The new female right

    This misogyny is further entrenched by many tradwives’ association with the far-right women’s movement, which is gaining popularity within the United States.

    The BBC’s America’s New Female Right documentary explores the rise of this movement and how it further feeds into narratives that femininity ought to be based on submission to men.

    It seems this version of womanhood will only gain momentum as the world veers even farther to the far right. The uncertainty of today – with frequent economic crises, climate emergencies and other crises of humanity – will only fuel the need for a nostalgic, seemingly simpler life.

    On the surface, this is what many feel a traditional return to womanhood offers. But the costs of giving up the gains of feminism are not clear.

    Christina Vogels 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. With a ‘tradwife’ starring in Married at First Sight, a nostalgic vision of womanhood takes centre stage – https://theconversation.com/with-a-tradwife-starring-in-married-at-first-sight-a-nostalgic-vision-of-womanhood-takes-centre-stage-248861

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why is there an increase in lung cancer among women who have never smoked?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Pinar Uysal-Onganer, Reader in Molecular Biology, University of Westminster

    Lung cancer cases are increasing in people who have never smoked, especially in women, a new study by the World Health Organization’s cancer agency has found.

    The findings, published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, reveal that lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer among non-smokers, accounts for nearly 60% of lung cancer cases in women compared to 45% in men.

    About 2.5 million new lung cancer cases were diagnosed worldwide in 2022 – an increase of 300,000 since 2020. The study suggests that environmental factors, particularly air pollution, along with genetic predisposition and immune responses, may be driving this rise in non-smoking-related lung cancer.

    One of the most significant risk factors for lung cancer in non-smokers is genetic mutations, especially mutations in the EGFR gene. This gene provides instructions for producing a protein on the surface of cells involved in growth and division.

    Mutations in this gene drive uncontrolled cell division and tumour growth. They are found in 50% of lung adenocarcinomas in non-smoking Asian women and 19% in non-smoking western women – compared with 10–20% in non-smoking men.

    Advances in genetic testing have made it easier to detect these mutations. However, rising exposure to air pollution, which is known to trigger EGFR mutations – may also be contributing to their increasing prevalence.

    Other genetic changes that drive tumour growth include mutations in the genes ALK and ROS1, which are found in about 5% of lung cancer cases in non-smokers. These mutations are more often seen in younger non-smoking women, particularly in Asia. Thankfully, improved screening programmes, especially in east Asian countries, have helped detect these mutations more frequently.

    Mutations in TP53, a crucial tumour-suppressing gene, also appear to be more commonly found in non-smoking women than in men. This gene prevents cells from becoming cancerous, and its mutation leads to out-of-control cell growth. The hormone oestrogen can interact with TP53 mutations, making lung cancer more likely to develop in women over time.

    Another gene that is worth mentioning is KRAS. Mutations in this gene are usually associated with smoking-related lung cancer, however, they are increasingly being found in non-smokers – particularly women.

    Recent studies suggest that exposure to tiny particles in the air, or PM2.5 (so-called because they are 2.5 micrometres or smaller) may be responsible for these mutations in non-smoker women.

    Since PM2.5 levels continue to rise in many towns and cities, exposure to these particles could be another factor not only in lung cancer but also in other types of cancers in women.

    In addition to genetic predisposition, hormone fluctuations may influence tumour growth in women. Oestrogen receptors are found in lung tissue, and experimental studies suggest that oestrogen promotes tumour growth. Studies have shown.) that women who receive hormone-replacement therapy (HRT), have a lower risk of lung cancer compared with women not on HRT, suggesting that natural oestrogen cycles may provide some level of protection.

    Chronic inflammation

    Beyond genetics and hormones, chronic inflammation could also explain why lung cancer is rising among non-smoking women.

    Women are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases than men, and problems with the immune system can play a role in cancer. Persistent inflammation can cause repeated damage to tissues, leading to changes in DNA and promote abnormal cell growth, all of which raise the risk of cancer.

    Women with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus have a higher chance of getting lung cancer, possibly because of long-lasting inflammation in the lungs. Inflammatory molecules – like interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha – can exacerbate the cancer by helping tumour cells survive and spread.

    Autoimmune diseases have been increasing globally, probably because of environmental changes, changes in diet and shifts in gut microbiomes (the constellation of microorganisms that live in our guts and play an important role in our health). Because women are disproportionately affected by autoimmune conditions, they may be more vulnerable to chronic inflammation-driven cancer.

    As life expectancy increases, more women are accumulating years of immune system activation, leading to a higher risk of developing inflammation-related lung cancer. In addition, things like pollution, household chemicals and work-related exposures can make immune system problems worse, increasing the risk of cancer even more.

    Air pollution has long been recognised as a significant factor in lung cancer risk, but emerging evidence suggests that women may be particularly vulnerable. Studies show that women’s lung anatomy and function make them more susceptible to the harmful effects of pollutants. Women’s lungs are smaller than men’s, with narrower airways, which might cause more fine particles, like PM2.5, to get trapped in their lungs.

    Additionally, oestrogen has been shown to amplify inflammatory responses when exposed to pollutants, potentially making lung tissue more prone to damage that can lead to lung cancer.

    Women are more exposed to air pollution than men, but in a different way. While men often face pollution from factory work, women spend more time indoors where toxic fumes from cooking and heating are more common.

    Air pollution in the home, especially from things like wood, coal and kerosene, can raise the risk of lung cancer. Women working in places such as textile factories, beauty salons and hospitals are also more exposed to harmful chemicals that can damage the lungs. In rapidly growing cities, women are often in areas with high traffic and factory pollution.

    More significant

    Women are biologically more likely than men to develop certain genetic mutations that increase the risk of lung cancer. However, factors like rising pollution, changes in hormone levels, immune system imbalances and longer life expectancy are making these risks even more significant.

    Recent research suggests that HPV, a virus, may also contribute to lung cancer in women, underscoring the need for further study and preventative measures.

    Understanding the roles of immune, hormonal, genetic and viral factors is key to spotting lung cancer early, creating more effective treatments and developing better ways to prevent it.

    Pinar Uysal-Onganer 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. Why is there an increase in lung cancer among women who have never smoked? – https://theconversation.com/why-is-there-an-increase-in-lung-cancer-among-women-who-have-never-smoked-249406

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘When you’ve got nothing in your belly, you can’t concentrate’: teachers on the food banks they run in schools

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sharon Vince, Lecturer in Education and Early Years, University of West London

    Anna Kuzmenko/Shutterstock

    Across England, schools are running food banks to help the children and their families. Research suggests that 21% of schools in England now offer some form of food charity.

    In our recently published book, we carried out research at 12 schools and nurseries with food banks across England, interviewing 30 teachers, headteachers and school staff who ran the food banks. We wanted to explore why there has been such considerable growth in the education sector offering food to families, and the impact it has on children, parents and school staff.

    Many of the schools and nurseries that we visited as part of our research initially set up the food bank in response to the COVID pandemic. This is in keeping with findings from previous research, although the cost-of-living crisis was the stimulus for others.

    Learning better

    Staff in the schools we visited told us that children could not learn if they were hungry. “You know what it’s like when you have nothing to eat and you’ve got nothing in your belly, you can’t concentrate,” one teacher said.

    Through addressing children’s hunger, the school staff we spoke to believed, schools can improve children’s concentration and motivation to learn.

    This echoed the views of almost 18,000 teachers in a 2023 National Education Union survey: 87% of school staff in the survey said that pupils they taught were unable to concentrate as a result of poverty, and over half said that they or their school were providing extra food for children during the school day.

    One headteacher in our study talked about the impact of the food bank on one of the children in their school:

    So he came in all full of beans. ‘I’ve got all gold. Look at my work. Can I have a sticker? ’ And I was like, ‘Someone’s had their Weetabix,’ and they’re like, ‘Yeah, I did. I had that special Weetabix’, … And then it turned out the dad had been into the food bank … that’s why, that’s why I’m doing this.

    The teachers believed that having a food bank at school also led to an improvement in learning and wellbeing through other means, such as reduced family stress. “If you meet the need of the parent, they’re then available to meet the need of the child,” one school staff member said.

    The food banks also helped build closer relationships between families and the school. Teachers told us that families appreciated the support and became more willing to approach the school for help with other issues.

    The caring role of schools

    Beyond the need to improve learning outcomes, however, the main justification for running a food bank was the moral imperative to support families who needed it and could not access help anywhere else. In the words of one teacher: “We’re humans and our natural instinct is to care. That’s why I came into this profession. It’s a caring profession.”

    The teachers felt a moral imperative to care for their pupils and their families.
    Irina Gutyryak/Shutterstock

    The school staff told us about the work that went into running the foodbanks. They sourced food from local food redistribution charities, companies and other families at the school. Often, food was delivered, but sometimes it required collection. In some cases, parent volunteers helped pick up donations. A headteacher told us about how she collected food from a distribution centre:

    I would have literally had to go and root around and find what I needed … At least I am not teaching all day every day. So actually, I can take an hour and a half out – even though it’s only in term – to go and drive there, park up, open my boot, get the two pallets. And it was all heavy stuff – tins – [to] get here.

    We asked the people in our research whether schools should run food banks. Most replied positively, restating the impact that the food bank had upon the learning and wellbeing of children. Others were pragmatic, accepting that right now, there is no alternative support. However, some were critical, suggesting that the government should find alternative solutions to the issue of child poverty.

    While the provision of food for children and families in education settings may be having a beneficial effect, it is not sustainable.

    The burden of child poverty does not fall evenly on schools. Those that provide food banks are disproportionately located in areas with more pupils from deprived backgrounds, and schools with more pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to receive poor Ofsted grades. Operating a food bank requires significant time, energy and funding, none of which are recognised in education policy, or by Ofsted, the schools inspectorate.

    The work that education staff are doing to support children in this way should be celebrated and rewarded, although it is not currently recognised in measures of a school’s effectiveness. But this also risks normalising the presence of food banks in schools. One teacher argued: “Our job is to look after them and educate them and care for them while they’re at school, not to feed them at the weekends or holidays, but we can’t help but be concerned about that.”

    The government should recognise the work that schools and early years settings are doing in this area and ensure that they have the resources needed. Government action to abolish the two-child benefit cap would also support families, lifting 300,000 children out of poverty.

    The government is currently developing a child poverty strategy. These measures would be welcome inclusions.

    Sharon Vince received funding from the British Education Research Association and the Monday Charitable Trust for the projects on food banks.

    Alice Bradbury receives funding from the Helen Hamlyn Trust which funds the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Pedagogy at UCL. She has also received research funding from the British Education Research Association and the Monday Charitable Trust for the projects on food banks. She is a member of the Labour Party and the Universities and College Union.

    – ref. ‘When you’ve got nothing in your belly, you can’t concentrate’: teachers on the food banks they run in schools – https://theconversation.com/when-youve-got-nothing-in-your-belly-you-cant-concentrate-teachers-on-the-food-banks-they-run-in-schools-248507

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Angola vaccinates over 1 million people as it bolsters cholera outbreak control efforts

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

    LUANDA, Angola, February 11, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Antonio Morais, from Paraíso neighborhood in Cacuaco, one of Luanda’s nine municipalities, has witnessed friends and neighbours succumb to cholera. So, when Morais heard about an oral cholera vaccination campaign as part of Angola’s efforts to step up outbreak control, he was first in line to receive a vaccine. “I feel relieved, as I know that vaccines save lives,” he says.

    More than 1 million people have been vaccinated in the three hardest-hit provinces in a five-day campaign to complement the ongoing public health measures to halt the spread of the infectious disease.

    Health facilities and other public places such as markets, churches and schools were used as vaccination posts, while mobile teams visited communities to ensure widespread reach during the 3–7 February campaign. At least 99.5% of the targeted population received the vaccine in a drive led by the Ministry of Health, with support from World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and World Bank.

    Around 2000 teams were deployed, including health professionals and community volunteers, under the supervision of around 500 coordinators. In total, more than 6400 staff were involved in the operation, to ensure wide coverage and the success of the campaign. As they conducted vaccinations, health workers provided information on preventive measures, such good hygiene practices and promoted access to safe drinking water, which are fundamental to preventing new cases.  

    Together with key partners such as UNICEF, World Bank, Red Cross, and the private sector, WHO supported the Government in procuring 978 000 vaccine doses through the International Coordinating Group for Vaccine Provision, microplanning, ensuring efficient resource allocation and vaccination coverage. The joint efforts also supported training almost 2000 vaccinators to enhance their capacity to administer the vaccine safely and effectively and provided supportive supervision during the campaign.

    “In this fight against cholera, we acknowledge the role of our development partners and thank them for their unwavering cooperation and support, including WHO and other partners and friends, who have been strong allies in the fight to control this disease,” says Minister of Health Dr Silvia Lutucuta.

    Oral cholera vaccines are an additional tool for cholera control, complementing others such as use of safe water, good hygiene, surveillance, and early treatment. As of 11 February 2025, 3047 cases and 180 deaths had been reported in eight provinces, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 3.4%. During cholera outbreaks, a CFR lower than 1% is commonly considered as acceptable threshold.

    “WHO congratulates the government leadership and reiterates its commitment to continue supporting Angola in its response to the cholera outbreak,” says Dr Zabulon Yoti, WHO Representative in Angola. “We will continue to collaborate with other UN agencies and partners, including the private sector, to support the government in developing sustainable initiatives that guarantee prevention, response, and protection of the population against cholera and other preventable diseases.”

    WHO and key partners have also supported other aspects of the cholera response in Angola, facilitating the drafting of a National Cholera Response Plan, procuring medical supplies, strengthening the capacity of health professionals, distributing water treatment solutions, implementing basic sanitation measures and community mobilization.

    Back in Paraíso, Morais has encouraged everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated. “With this vaccine, I know we’ll be better protected. With the availability of drinking water and if we all comply with basic sanitation measures, our community can resume activities and live without fear,” he says. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General, at Action Summit, Urges Working Together so Artificial Intelligence Expedites Sustainable Development, Not Creates World of ‘Haves and Have-Nots’

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks at the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit, in Paris today: 

    Let me begin by thanking President Macron and Prime Minister Modi for convening this AI Action Summit.  Let’s get straight to the point.  Let’s look at the world around us beyond those who are in this room.

    This meeting poses a fundamental question about our relationship with artificial intelligence:  Are we ready for the future?  The answer is easy.  No.  We may not even be ready for the present.

    In what seems like the blink of an eye, AI has gone from the stuff of science fiction to a powerful force that is transforming our world. Reshaping the way we live, work and interact.  Fuelling breakthroughs in education, healthcare, agriculture, but also testing our shared values and rights.

    The power of AI carries immense responsibilities.  Today, that power sits in the hands of a few.  While some companies and some countries are racing ahead with record investments, most developing nations find themselves left out in the cold.  This growing concentration of AI capabilities risks deepening geopolitical divides.

    We must prevent a world of AI “haves” and “have-nots”.  We must all work together so that artificial intelligence can bridge the gap between developed and developing countries — not widen it. It must accelerate sustainable development — not entrench inequalities.

    The United Nations offers an inclusive, transparent and effective platform for AI solidarity.  And we are working to strengthen that platform.  The Global Digital Compact, adopted at the Summit of the Future, established the first universal agreement on the governance of AI.

    It brings the world together around a shared vision:  One where technology serves humanity, not the other way around.  The creation of an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI will be central to translating this vision into reality.

    By pooling global expertise, this Scientific Panel will promote a common understanding of AI risks, benefits, opportunities and capabilities, and help bridge knowledge gaps.  I urge everyone to support its creation without delay.

    Member States also agreed to establish a Global Dialogue on AI Governance — within the United Nations — to ensure that all countries have a voice in shaping the future of AI.  Through the Global Dialogue, we can align governance efforts around the world and reinforce their interoperability, uphold human rights in AI applications and prevent misuse.

    The UN provides an inclusive forum for cooperation, complementing existing mechanisms such as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) AI Principles, Group of 7 (G7) and the Global Partnership on AI — as well as regional efforts by the African Union, European Union, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Council of Europe.  And I am confident that discussions at this Summit will help enrich this Dialogue.

    The Compact also calls for building AI capacity in developing nations.  This is not only about technology diffusion.  We need concerted efforts to build sustainable digital infrastructure at an unprecedented scale; foster talent and train workforces to develop, deploy and maintain AI systems; and ultimately, empower peoples and nations to become not just users, but active participants in the AI revolution.

    A global AI capacity-building network, as proposed by my High-Level Advisory Body on AI, is an economic necessity and a moral imperative. Today’s launch of the AI Foundation for Public Interest is an important contribution.

    I will soon present a report on innovative voluntary financing models and capacity-building initiatives to help all countries harness AI as a force for good.

    Finally, we know that AI can be a force for climate action and energy efficiency.  But, we also know AI power-intensive systems are already placing an unsustainable strain on our planet.  So, it is crucial to design AI algorithms and infrastructures that consume less energy and integrate AI into smart grids to optimize power use.  From data centres to training models, AI must run on sustainable energy so that it fuels a more sustainable future.

    I began with a question.  Let me end with a few more.  Who decides what problems AI should or should not solve?  Who benefits most from its deployment?  Who bears the cost of its mistakes?  These questions affect everyone — so the answers must also involve everyone.

    It is in all our interests for Governments and technology leaders to commit to global guardrails, share best practices and shape fair policy and business models.  The whole world benefits when development banks and the philanthropic community provide catalytic funding to jumpstart capacity-building worldwide.  And we all stand to gain when academia and thought leaders help us navigate through this complex landscape.

    AI is not standing still.  Neither can we.  Let us move for an AI that is shaped by all of humanity, for all of humanity.  In other words, let’s make sure we are ready for the future.  Right now.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Auer Growth Fund [AUERX] Earns 5-Star Overall Morningstar Rating™

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SBAuer Funds, LLC, announced its Auer Growth Fund [AUERX] has earned an overall Morningstar Rating™ of 5 stars among 464 Small Value funds based upon risk-adjusted returns as of 12/31/2024.

    As of 12/31/2024, AUERX showed a 1-year return of 11.31% while its benchmark, the S&P 500, posted 25.02%; a 3-year return of 14.08% as the S&P 500 returned 8.94%; a 5-year return of 16.16% versus 14.53% by the S&P 500; and a 10-year return of 9.08% while the S&P 500 posted a 13.10% return during that same period. Within the Small Value category of funds based upon total returns, the Auer Growth Fund ranked in the 27th percentile out of 488 funds at the 1-year mark, in the 2nd percentile out of 464 funds at the 3-year mark, the 4th percentile out of 441 funds at the 5-year mark, and the 12th percentile out of 349 funds at 10 years.

    Morningstar’s 5-star rating system assigns a one- to five-star ranking to each fund based on past performance of risk-adjusted returns relative to peer funds, according to Investopedia. Graded on a curve, star ratings give the top 10% of funds 5 stars, the next 22.5% receive four stars, the middle 35% get three stars, followed by 22.5% percent receiving two stars and the bottom 10% only getting one star.

    “I have always liked the following quote from Muriel Siebert, ‘You create opportunities by performing, not complaining,’” says AUERX fund manager Bob Auer. “And I believe it’s the perfect summation of our performance rating with Morningstar, which we’re extremely excited about.”

    SBAuer was established in 2008 when, after twenty years of investing with the strategy, father and son team Bryan and Bob Auer converted their portfolio into a retail mutual fund—the Auer Growth Fund. Currently, lead manager Bob Auer and managers Eric McKenzie and Auer’s brother Paul oversee the Fund’s investment picks.

    Maintaining a disciplined investment strategy, the Auer Growth Fund selects stocks of companies whose quarterly year-over-year profit growth is 25% with quarterly year-over-year revenue growth of at least 20%; stocks must also have a price-to-earnings ratio of less than 12 times earnings. Any stock that doesn’t meet the firm’s demanding criteria on a quarterly basis is removed from the portfolio, plus a stock is sold if it doubles in value.

    About SB Auer, LLC:
    SB Auer Funds, LLC, is an SEC-registered, registered investment advisor with $59.8 million AUM as of 12/31/2024.
    All of its assets are in the Auer Growth Fund, with the sole objective being capital appreciation. Visit sbauerfunds.com for information.

    Disclosures: 
    AUERX (12/31/2024) – 1 Year: 11.31%, 3 Year: 14.08%, 5 Year: 16.16%, 10 Year: 9.09%, Total Gross Expense Ratio: 2.07% as of March 29, 2024.

    You should carefully consider the investment objectives, potential risks, management fees, and charges and expenses of the Fund before investing. The Fund’s prospectus contains this and other information about the Fund, and should be read carefully before investing. You may obtain a current copy of the Fund’s prospectus by calling 888-711-2837.

    Performance quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than what is stated. Investment return and principal value will vary with market conditions so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. For current to most recent month-end performance, please visit sbauerfunds.com/performance or call us at 888-711-2837. The Fund imposes a 1% redemption fee on proceeds redeemed or exchanged within 7 days of purchase. The performance illustrated does not include the effect of the redemption charge. If it did, performance would have been lower.

    Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. You could lose money by investing in the Fund. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s investment objectives will be achieved. Small-cap and mid-cap investing involves greater risk not associated with investing in more established companies, such as greater price volatility, business risk, less liquidity and increased competitive threat. Stocks of micro-capitalization companies are more volatile, less liquid, involve substantial risks, and are subject to more abrupt or erratic movements than small, mid or large capitalization companies. The Fund invests in companies that appear to be growth-oriented companies. If the Adviser’s perceptions of a company’s growth potential are wrong, the securities purchased may not perform as expected, causing losses that will reduce the Fund’s return. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

    The S&P 500 Index is a widely recognized unmanaged index of equity prices and are representative of a broader market and range of securities than is found in the Fund’s portfolio. The Index returns do not reflect the deduction of expenses, which have been deducted from the Fund’s returns. The Index return assumes reinvestment of all distributions and does not reflect the deduction of taxes and fees.

    © 2024 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved. The information contained herein: (1) is proprietary to Morningstar and/or its content providers; (2) may not be copied or distributed; and (3) is not warranted to be accurate, complete, or timely. Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

    The Morningstar Rating TM for funds, or “star rating,” is calculated for managed products (including mutual funds, variable annuity and variable life subaccounts, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, and separate accounts) with at least a three-year history. Exchange-traded funds and open-ended mutual funds are considered a single population for comparative purposes. It is calculated based on a Morningstar Risk-Adjusted Return measure that accounts for variation in a managed product’s monthly excess performance, placing more emphasis on downward variations and rewarding consistent performance. The Morningstar Rating does not include any adjustment for sales loads. The top 10% of products in each product category receive 5 stars, the next 22.5% receive 4 stars, the next 35% receive 3 stars, the next 22.5% receive 2 stars, and the bottom 10% receive 1 star. The Overall Morningstar Rating for a managed product is derived from a weighted average of the performance figures associated with its three-, five-, and 10-year (if applicable) Morningstar Rating metrics. The weights are: 100% three-year rating for 36-59 months of total returns, 60% five-year rating/40% three-year rating for 60-119 months of total returns, and 50% 10-year rating/30% five-year rating/20% three-year rating for 120 or more months of total returns. While the 10-year overall star rating formula seems to give the most weight to the 10-year period, the most recent three-year period actually has the greatest impact because it is included in all three rating periods. As of 12/31/24, the Auer Growth (AUERX) fund received a ten-year rating of 4 stars out of 349 Small Value funds, a five-year rating of 5 stars out of 441 funds, and three-year rating of 5 stars out of 464 funds. The Auer Growth Fund inception is December 28, 2007.

    Morningstar classifies funds into categories based on similar investment objective and strategy. Morningstar percentile rankings are based on a fund’s total return compared to its Morningstar Category of exchange-traded and open-end mutual funds. The highest percentile rank is 1 and the lowest percentile rank is 100. Rankings are relative to a peer group and do not necessarily mean the fund had high or positive total returns. Morningstar updates its fund rankings daily. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

    Auer Growth Fund is distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, 225 Pictoria Dr., Suite 450 , Cincinnati, OH 45246 United States. (Member FINRA). Ultimus Fund Solutions and Auer Growth Fund are not affiliated entities.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: EIA revises forecast for 2025 U.S. natural gas prices, leaves other forecasts largely unchanged

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    U.S. ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION
    WASHINGTON DC 20585

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    February 11, 2025

    The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) published its February Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), revising its forecast for 2025 average U.S. benchmark Henry Hub natural gas spot prices upward following a cold end to January.

    U.S. energy market indicators 2024 2025 2026
    Brent crude oil spot price (dollars per barrel) $81 $74 $66
    Retail gasoline price (dollars per gallon) $3.30 $3.20 $3.10
    U.S. crude oil production (million barrels per day) 13.2 13.6 13.7
    Natural gas price at Henry Hub (dollars per million British thermal units) $2.20 $3.80 $4.20
    U.S. liquefied natural gas gross exports (billion cubic feet per day) 12 14 16
    Shares of U.S. electricity generation       
    Natural gas 43% 40% 39%
    Coal 16% 16% 15%
    Renewables 23% 25% 27%
    Nuclear 19% 19% 19%
    U.S. GDP (percentage change) 2.8% 2.1% 2.0%
    U.S. CO2 emissions (billion metric tons) 4.8 4.8 4.8
    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Short-Term Energy Outlook, February 2025

    Some key highlights from the February STEO include:

    • Natural gas prices: Cold weather at the end of January increased demand for space heating and contributed to a 12% increase in U.S. natural gas consumption over the previous five-year average for the month. Higher natural gas consumption led to above-average inventory withdrawals, and EIA now expects the benchmark Henry Hub spot price to average $3.80 per million British thermal units in 2025, about 20% higher than previously forecast.
    • Crude oil production and prices: EIA continues to expect growth in global oil production and significant decreases in crude oil prices through 2026. EIA completed its January forecasts before additional sanctions against Russia’s oil and shipping sectors were announced, which created additional uncertainty in outlooks for crude oil supply. EIA does not expect the sanctions to have significant impact on global oil production or prices, although trade flows could be affected.
    • U.S. refinery operations: EIA expects U.S. production of refined petroleum products to decrease by about 190,000 barrels per day in 2025 and by 180,000 barrels per day in 2026 as two refineries close operations. LyondellBasell began closing its Houston refinery on January 27 and Phillips 66 plans to close its Los Angeles refinery at the end of the year. EIA expects that in 2026, the United States will begin importing more gasoline and jet fuel than it exports while remaining a net exporter of distillate fuel oil.
    • Residential electricity prices: EIA forecasts that retail electricity prices for the U.S. residential sector will grow by 2% in 2025, which would be the smallest annual increase in residential electricity prices since 2020. The modest price increase, similar to the expected rate of inflation growth, reflects relatively low natural gas prices over the past year offset by continuing expenses for improvements in grid infrastructure.
    • U.S. coal exports: EIA expects the United States to export about 100 million short tons of coal in both 2025 and 2026, about 2% less than EIA’s January forecast. EIA expects that China’s tariffs against the United States will affect U.S. coal exports, but exporters are likely to find customers in other markets, limiting the tariff’s impact.

    The full February 2025 Short-Term Energy Outlook is available on the EIA website.

    The product described in this press release was prepared by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy. By law, EIA’s data, analysis, and forecasts are independent of approval by any other officer or employee of the U.S. government. The views in the product and this press release therefore should not be construed as representing those of the U.S. Department of Energy or other federal agencies.

    EIA Program Contact: Tim Hess, STEO@eia.gov
    EIA Press Contact: Chris Higginbotham, EIAMedia@eia.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Epiq Earns Great Place To Work Certification™ in India

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HYDERABAD, India, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Epiq today announced it has earned the 2025 Great Place To Work® Certification™ in India, a prestigious award based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at Epiq. This year, an impressive 90 percent of respondents said it’s a great place to work.

    Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention, and increased innovation.

    “This certification highlights our dedication to creating an inclusive workplace where our associates feel proud, valued, and empowered,” said Abhay Garg, Epiq’s Senior Vice President, Business Services and Products. “This achievement is a testament to the outstanding team, environment, and culture we’ve established in India. We celebrate and thank our committed associates, whose contributions have earned us this honor. This award belongs to every member of our team, inspiring us to continue offering exceptional products and solutions.”

    According to Great Place To Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a Certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93 percent more likely to look forward to coming to work, and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits, and have a fair chance at promotion.

    Epiq scores high on all key parameters in India offices

    A summary of the company’s survey highlights include:

    • 96 percent said they feel Epiq is a physically safe place to work.
    • 95 percent said people are treated fairly, regardless of sexual orientation or gender.
    • 94 percent said clients would rate the service Epiq delivers as ‘excellent.’
    • 93 percent indicated that when employees join Epiq, they are made to feel welcome.
    • 92 percent said they are given the resources and equipment to do their job.
    • 92 percent said they are proud to tell others that they work at Epiq.

    About 1,500 associates work for Epiq’s India global capability centre at Hyderabad and Pune. Epiq is a US-based technology-enabled legal and compliance services company that operates in 18 countries to support clients anytime and anywhere in the world.

    Building an exceptional employee experience

    At Epiq, creating a supportive and dynamic workplace culture is a top priority.

    “Our efforts to foster meaningful connections, support professional growth, and build an inclusive workplace are being recognized by our employees,” Garg said. “We are proud of the strides we have taken and are excited about the future as we continue to champion this.”

    Here are some of Epiq India’s initiatives:

    • Employees Benefits Program: Free transport to and from the office, free meals in office, medical insurance to cover the family, and industry-leading opportunities for learning and development.
    • Inclusive Work Culture: Through Epiq’s Women Employee Resource Group and other initiatives, Epiq fosters an environment that values diversity, promotes a sense of belonging, and supports the professional growth of women.
    • Wellness and Safety Programs: Epiq prioritizes the safety and well-being of all employees, especially women colleagues who come to work in office, with comprehensive wellness policies, flexible work arrangements, and enhanced security measures.
    • Innovation: Programs including ‘Innovation Day’ and ‘Annual Hackathon’ inspire employees to form teams and develop their ideas into client solution prototypes.
    • Rewards and Recognition: Monthly, quarterly, and annual recognition programs motivate individuals to embody Epiq’s values, inspiring them to excel and perform at their best in the workplace.

    Epiq is Hiring
    To learn more about Epiq’s people, culture, and career opportunities, visit Epiq’s careers page at: https://www.epiqglobal.com/en-us/careers

    About Epiq
    Epiq is a leading legal and compliance services platform integrating people, process, and technology. Through this combination of innovative technology, legal and business expertise, and comprehensive solutions, Epiq drives efficiency in large-scale and increasingly complex tasks. High-performing clients around the world rely on Epiq to streamline the administration of business, settlement administration, legal, and compliance operations to solve immediate challenges and provide scalable ongoing support to transform the enterprise. Learn more at www.epiqglobal.com. 

    About Great Place to Work Certification™
    Great Place To Work® Certification™ is the most definitive “employer-of-choice” recognition that companies aspire to achieve. It is the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience – specifically, how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace. Great Place to Work Certification is recognized worldwide by employees and employers alike and is the global benchmark for identifying and recognizing outstanding employee experience. Every year, more than 10,000 companies across 60 countries apply to get Great Place To Work-Certified.

    About Great Place To Work®
    As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work® brings 30 years of groundbreaking research and data to help every place become a great place to work for all. Their proprietary platform and For All™ Model helps companies evaluate the experience of every employee, with exemplary workplaces becoming Great Place To Work Certified™ or receiving recognition on a coveted Best Workplaces™ List.

    Press Contact
    Carrie Trent
    Epiq, Director of Communications and Public Relations
    Carrie.Trent@epiqglobal.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: EIA revises forecast for 2025 U.S. natural gas prices, leaves other forecasts largely unchanged

    Source: US Energy Information Administration – EIA

    Headline: EIA revises forecast for 2025 U.S. natural gas prices, leaves other forecasts largely unchanged

    U.S. ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION
    WASHINGTON DC 20585

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    February 11, 2025

    The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) published its February Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), revising its forecast for 2025 average U.S. benchmark Henry Hub natural gas spot prices upward following a cold end to January.

    U.S. energy market indicators 2024 2025 2026
    Brent crude oil spot price (dollars per barrel) $81 $74 $66
    Retail gasoline price (dollars per gallon) $3.30 $3.20 $3.10
    U.S. crude oil production (million barrels per day) 13.2 13.6 13.7
    Natural gas price at Henry Hub (dollars per million British thermal units) $2.20 $3.80 $4.20
    U.S. liquefied natural gas gross exports (billion cubic feet per day) 12 14 16
    Shares of U.S. electricity generation       
    Natural gas 43% 40% 39%
    Coal 16% 16% 15%
    Renewables 23% 25% 27%
    Nuclear 19% 19% 19%
    U.S. GDP (percentage change) 2.8% 2.1% 2.0%
    U.S. CO2 emissions (billion metric tons) 4.8 4.8 4.8
    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Short-Term Energy Outlook, February 2025

    Some key highlights from the February STEO include:

    • Natural gas prices: Cold weather at the end of January increased demand for space heating and contributed to a 12% increase in U.S. natural gas consumption over the previous five-year average for the month. Higher natural gas consumption led to above-average inventory withdrawals, and EIA now expects the benchmark Henry Hub spot price to average $3.80 per million British thermal units in 2025, about 20% higher than previously forecast.
    • Crude oil production and prices: EIA continues to expect growth in global oil production and significant decreases in crude oil prices through 2026. EIA completed its January forecasts before additional sanctions against Russia’s oil and shipping sectors were announced, which created additional uncertainty in outlooks for crude oil supply. EIA does not expect the sanctions to have significant impact on global oil production or prices, although trade flows could be affected.
    • U.S. refinery operations: EIA expects U.S. production of refined petroleum products to decrease by about 190,000 barrels per day in 2025 and by 180,000 barrels per day in 2026 as two refineries close operations. LyondellBasell began closing its Houston refinery on January 27 and Phillips 66 plans to close its Los Angeles refinery at the end of the year. EIA expects that in 2026, the United States will begin importing more gasoline and jet fuel than it exports while remaining a net exporter of distillate fuel oil.
    • Residential electricity prices: EIA forecasts that retail electricity prices for the U.S. residential sector will grow by 2% in 2025, which would be the smallest annual increase in residential electricity prices since 2020. The modest price increase, similar to the expected rate of inflation growth, reflects relatively low natural gas prices over the past year offset by continuing expenses for improvements in grid infrastructure.
    • U.S. coal exports: EIA expects the United States to export about 100 million short tons of coal in both 2025 and 2026, about 2% less than EIA’s January forecast. EIA expects that China’s tariffs against the United States will affect U.S. coal exports, but exporters are likely to find customers in other markets, limiting the tariff’s impact.

    The full February 2025 Short-Term Energy Outlook is available on the EIA website.

    The product described in this press release was prepared by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy. By law, EIA’s data, analysis, and forecasts are independent of approval by any other officer or employee of the U.S. government. The views in the product and this press release therefore should not be construed as representing those of the U.S. Department of Energy or other federal agencies.

    EIA Program Contact: Tim Hess, STEO@eia.gov
    EIA Press Contact: Chris Higginbotham, EIAMedia@eia.gov

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: EcoClaim and Northbridge Team Up to Turn Claims into Climate Action

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EcoClaim and Northbridge Financial are helping change the way insurance claims are handled by adding a focus on sustainability. Northbridge, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, has made a commitment to reducing emissions across its supply chain by encouraging its restoration vendors to become EcoClaim Certified Contractors and begin using EcoClaim’s TRAX software. This enables Northbridge’s three insurance brands, Northbridge Insurance, Federated Insurance, and TruShield Insurance, together with their vendors, to move beyond generic industry benchmarks by tracking real data and working toward measurable emissions reductions.

    In addition to requiring EcoClaim Certification for their preferred contractors, Northbridge has also invested in sustainability training for its own claims staff, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to make environmental responsibility a part of their claims process.

    “At Northbridge, we recognize that technology, tools, and training are key to driving meaningful change across our industry,” said Alfred DeSousa, Vice President, Claims National Field Services at Northbridge Financial. “By introducing EcoClaim’s software platform and certification model into our claims process, we’re working to reduce the impact of our operations and equipping our vendor network with the resources they need to take real action and achieve measurable results in reducing emissions and building greener practices.”

    With these changes, Northbridge is empowering its network to reduce landfill waste, cut emissions, and lower costs, all while enabling practical, measurable sustainability improvements in every claim.

    “Sustainability isn’t about vague goals, it’s about creating a clear pathway to measurable progress,” said Jodi Scarlett, CEO at EcoClaim. “Through this multi-year partnership, Northbridge is equipping their staff and contractors with the tools, data, and training they need to embed sustainability into their claims process and achieve tangible results.”

    About EcoClaim
    EcoClaim™ transforms insurance claims into climate action with its innovative platform, offering industry-leading training, GhG management software and a Carbon Exchange marketplace. Tailored for P&C insurers, EcoClaim replaces generic emissions benchmarks with precise claim-level data, empowering insurers to measure, manage and reduce Scope 3 emissions effectively. The platform not only strengthens sustainability disclosures but also lowers claims costs, proving that the low-carbon way can also be the cost-efficient way.

    About Northbridge Financial Corporation

    Northbridge Financial Corporation is a leading commercial property and casualty insurance company that has helped protect Canadian businesses for more than 100 years. We offer a wide range of innovative solutions to Canadian businesses through our Northbridge Insurance, Federated Insurance, and TruShield Insurance brands. We are proud to be a 100% Canadian company, wholly-owned by Fairfax Financial Holdings. Visit us at www.nbfc.com to learn more.

    Media Contact: 

    Meaghan Ralston
    CMO, EcoClaim 
    mralston@ecoclaim.ca 
    403.926.8112 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Madrona-backed Gradial to Expand Agentic AI Ecosystem with Three Strategic Hires

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEATTLE, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gradial, the agentic AI content supply chain company backed by Madrona Venture Group, has tapped three strategic hires to expand the company’s ecosystem of technology platforms, digital experience agencies and enterprise customers. Jason Michaels joins as head of partnerships, Lisa Hillman as head of customer success and Cara Olson as a senior account executive.

    Gradial is an agentic AI platform that supercharges content supply chains, enabling enterprises to drive smarter and faster engagements. The tool allows marketing teams to automate content updates, streamline enterprise migrations and generate pages at scale, breaking free from legacy systems and eliminating content debt. Large enterprises use anywhere from tens to hundreds to marketing technology tools but, according to research from Foundry, an IDG, Inc. company, only 29 percent of companies say they have the right tech to manage content across the organization, 32 percent have the technology but aren’t using its potential, and 28 percent say they haven’t acquired the right technology.

    Founded in 2024, Gradial is already reducing friction, delivering operational cost savings and accelerating publishing speeds for Fortune 500 brands in the technology, healthcare, retail and financial services sectors. Over the past year, the company has also established strategic partnerships with companies such as Slalom, Huge, Dentsu, Infogain and EPAM Systems, delivering transformation initiatives for marketing leaders at world-leading companies.

    “Gradial is changing the game for modern marketing teams, empowering them to focus on high-impact customer experiences and use Gradial to deliver, integrate and optimize content across the entire enterprise,” said Doug Tallmadge, Gradial’s co-founder and CEO. “Bringing in Jason, Lisa and Cara to build partnerships across the digital experience ecosystem represents the next evolution of our mission of creating agentic AI at enterprise scale.”

    Michaels joins Gradial from Accenture Song, where he built and served as head of agency services for North America, leading a 1,000-person team responsible for strategic partnerships, digital user experiences and content supply chain optimization, and working with blue chip clients including Cisco, Intel, Microsoft and TIAA. Previously, he was managing director and chief strategy officer at Wire Stone, a creative marketing and user experience agency that Accenture acquired to amplify its marketing agency services business unit.

    Hillman joins from Kaiser Permanente, the largest managed care company in the United States, where she was a senior director for digital services. Previously, she held senior corporate strategy, digital experience and operations roles at T-Mobile, worked with Fortune 500 companies as a consultant at Accenture, and served as chief operating officer at venture capital firm Tola Capital.

    Olson joins from Merkle, a global digital marketing and customer experience agency, where she served as growth orchestration and enable officer as well as senior director for partnerships. Previously, she was senior director of partnerships and director of relationship marketing at DEG Digital, a digital experience, commerce and advertising services agency.

    “When I saw Gradial, I saw something readily adoptable that customers already wanted but couldn’t find anywhere else,” said Michaels. “The product is powerful and the roadmap is exciting. Gradial has the opportunity to truly transform how enterprises and marketing teams operate at a scale I’ve never seen before.”

    About Gradial

    Founded by veterans of SpaceX and Microsoft and backed by Madrona Venture Group, Gradial is building a modern marketing content supply chain, partnering with enterprises, agencies and technology platforms to deliver reimagined digital experiences at scale. To learn more, visit https://gradial.com/.

    Media Contact:
    Sam Butler for Gradial
    sam@35thAvenuePartners.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ICC and IE University expand partnership to strengthen multilateralism 

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: ICC and IE University expand partnership to strengthen multilateralism 

    Leveraging the unique networks of both institutions across the private sector, academia, and the multilateral system, the “Rethinking Multilateralism: A New Role for the Private Sector” project aims to promote pragmatic and inclusive pathways to respond to global challenges.

    The growing threat of fragmentation, the need to secure over US$1 trillion of sustainable finance to meet the Paris Agreement and rising trade frictions present major global challenges. Rethinking the role of multilateralism in addressing these global issues and advancing sustainable development goals is more urgent than ever.

    ICC Secretary General, John W.H. Denton AO said:

    “International organisations need to realise that the private sector has so much more to offer beyond funding in efforts to advance sustainable development and prosperity around the world. We know things can be done better, so now we need to find practical ways to make change happen.”

    The “Rethinking Multilateralism” project, led by an ICC-IE Steering Committee, will provide insights and capacity-building opportunities. The two partners believe that tackling global challenges requires the private sector as a true partner in multilateral efforts, with stronger collaboration across sectors capable of delivering practical solutions.  

    IE University Provost Manuel Muñiz said:

    “IE University, as a catalyst for change, aims to strengthen the private sector’s role in multilateralism through this project with ICC, fostering an inclusive, pragmatic model that leverages innovation and knowledge to address global challenges and drive sustainable development.”

    Since 2019, ICC and IE University have developed a range of programming together, including executive master’s programmes, field trips to the ICC Court of Arbitration and ICC Global Headquarters in Paris, and capstone projects for students.

    About IE University

    IE University promotes positive change through education, research, and innovation. It offers a technology-based learning ecosystem for leaders with a global vision, an entrepreneurial mindset, deep respect for diversity and sustainability, and a unique focus on the humanities. IE University is comprised of six schools: IE Business School, IE Law School, IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs, IE School of Architecture and Design, IE School of Science and Technology, and IE School of Humanities. The institution has a faculty of more than 500 professors who produce high-quality research and teach students from 160 countries in Bachelors, Masters and Executive Education programs. IE University’s platform of more than 82,000 alumni is present in 185 countries.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Guest blog: Navigating cross-border disputes in MENA

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: Guest blog: Navigating cross-border disputes in MENA

    Overcoming legal complexities

    Cross-border disputes often involve multiple jurisdictions, each with distinct legal principles. The MENA region, with its unique combination of civil law, common law, and Sharia principles, presents additional challenges for arbitration. Successfully navigating these disputes demands a deep understanding of local and international arbitration rules, including frameworks like ICC, LCIA, and DIAC.

    Professionals with experience in this region can mitigate risks by identifying applicable laws and ensuring procedural compliance. By leveraging their knowledge of the legal landscape, they provide clients with clear, actionable strategies to resolve their disputes effectively.

    Strategic approaches to cross-border arbitration

    Effectively managing cross-border disputes requires a proactive and strategic approach. Some of the key methodologies include:

    1. Early risk assessment: Evaluating potential risks and liabilities to establish a focused strategy
    2. Tailored advocacy: Adapting strategies to align with the specifics of each case and jurisdiction
    3. Efficient resource management: Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to utilise expertise and resources efficiently
    4. Collaboration with local counsel: Engaging local experts to understand jurisdiction-specific nuances and enhance representation

    Case example: arbitration support for a large-scale infrastructure project

    One recent example in the Gulf Cooperation Council region involves arbitration support for a major infrastructure project valued at over QAR 15 billion. The case required reconciling conflicting contractual provisions under multiple legal frameworks. Through thorough preparation and strategic advocacy, the dispute was resolved favourably, underscoring the importance of tailored approaches in high-stakes arbitration.

    Conclusion

    Navigating cross-border disputes in the MENA region is a complex process requiring expertise, strategic insights and a commitment to excellence. Professionals with experience in cross-border arbitration provide invaluable support to clients dealing with jurisdictional conflicts, enforcement challenges or intricate legal frameworks. Their ability to manage disputes ensures favourable outcomes and long-term success.

    *Disclaimer: The content of this article may not reflect the official views of the International Chamber of Commerce. The opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and other contributors.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Caisse Française de Financement Local: Report on asset quality as of December 31, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paris, February 11, 2025

    REPORT ON ASSET QUALITY AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2024

    In accordance with the regulatory requirements in force, Caisse Française de Financement Local announces that the French version of the report on asset quality as of December 31, 2024 was filed with the Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et de résolution (ACPR) and that it can be obtained from its website: https://caissefrancaisedefinancementlocal.fr/investisseurs/publications/ (heading: Rapport sur la qualité des actifs). The English version of the report on asset quality as of December 31, 2024 can be obtained from its website: https://caissefrancaisedefinancementlocal.fr/en/investor/publications/ (heading: Report on asset quality).

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NNIT A/S: NNIT RELEASES UNAUDITED FINANCIAL FIGURES FOR 2024, 2025 OUTLOOK AND ADJUSTS FINANCIAL ASPIRATIONS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Today, NNIT releases its preliminary financial key figures for 2024, the financial outlook for 2025 and announces an adjustment of the group’s financial aspirations.

    Preliminary financial figures for 2024
    Based on unaudited financial figures, NNIT delivered results in line with the latest outlook for organic growth of around 6-7% and group operating profit margin excluding special items of 6-7%. Group revenue amounted to DKK 1,851m corresponding to organic growth of 6.0% and reported growth of 7.1%. Group operating profit excluding special items was DKK 117m equating to a margin of 6.3%. Special items amounted to DKK 69m.

    Financial outlook for 2025
    Although market conditions and the geopolitical landscape have become more uncertain, NNIT expects to continue growing its underlying business across the Life Science, Public and Private verticals in 2025. Organic growth is expected to be 7-10% with profitability anticipated to increase driven by top line growth, improving billability and cost optimization. The group operating profit margin excluding special items is expected to be 7-9%. Special items are anticipated to be at a lower level than 2024. 

    Financial aspirations adjusted
    NNIT remains committed to its strategic direction of becoming a pure-play IT consultancy company with strong positions in globally attractive markets and ample opportunities to profitably grow its business.

    NNIT adjusts its financial mid-term aspirations based on lower-than-initially-expected financial performance in 2024, the impact on expectations for 2025 and beyond from continued macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty combined with a significant downgrade of the market outlook for the Life Science industry1 from around 8% CAGR in 2023-2026 to around 5% CAGR in 2024-2028. For the mid-term strategy period 2025-27, NNIT aspires to deliver profitable growth with annual organic revenue growth between 7 to 10%, and an operating profit margin before special items above 10% in 2027.

    NNIT will release its Annual Report 2024 on February 18, 2025, and host a webcast on the following day as planned.

    1Source: Gartner data from 2023 and latest data from Everest Group, November 2024

    For more information, please contact:
    Investor Relations
    Carsten Ringius
    EVP & CFO
    Tel: +45 3077 8888
    carr@nnit.com

    Media Relations
    Sofie Mand Steffens
    Senior Communications Consultant
    Tel: +45 3077 8337
    smst@nnit.com

    ABOUT NNIT
    NNIT is a leading provider of IT solutions to life sciences internationally, and to the public and private sectors in Denmark.

    We focus on high complexity industries and thrive in environments where regulatory demands and complexity are high.

    We advise on and build sustainable digital solutions that work for the patients, citizens, employees, end users or customers.

    We strive to build unmatched excellence in the industries we serve, and we use our domain expertise to represent a business first approach – strongly supported by a selection of partner technologies, but always driven by business needs rather than technology.

    NNIT consists of group company NNIT A/S and the subsidiary SCALES. Together, these companies employ more than 1,700 people in Europe, Asia and USA.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: DealHub Strengthens Leadership to Accelerate Growth and Power Revenue AI Innovation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Co-founder Eyal Orgil Transitions to Chief Product Officer; Gilad Zubery Appointed Chief Revenue Officer

    AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DealHub.io, the leading Revenue AI platform, today announced a strategic leadership transition to drive its next phase of growth and innovation. Co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer, Eyal Orgil, will assume the role of Chief Product Officer, focusing on advancing the company’s product vision and development. Stepping into the CRO role is Gilad Zubery, a seasoned leader experienced in building and leading global GTM teams. Zubery comes to DealHub after holding executive leadership positions at Clicktale and Contentsquare.

    In his new role, Eyal will lead DealHub’s product strategy to deliver advanced solutions that empower Revenue leaders to navigate evolving sales motions and diverse revenue streams. Under his leadership, DealHub will accelerate its investment in AI to streamline revenue orchestration, optimize deal execution, and enhance predictive insights, helping organizations stay ahead in their multifaceted sales landscape.

    “Eyal’s vision for product innovation has been instrumental in building DealHub into the industry leader it is today. His deep understanding of sales processes and extensive sales leadership experience uniquely position him to drive the development of best in class revenue solutions and ensure our continued leadership in the Revenue AI market,” said Eyal Elbahary, CEO of DealHub. “I’m thrilled to welcome Gilad Zubery to the team. His extensive background in leading high-performing global GTM teams and scaling organizations makes him the ideal leader to drive DealHub’s next phase of accelerated growth.”

    Gilad will leverage his extensive international experience to spearhead DealHub’s global go-to-market strategy and expand its presence in key markets. With his expertise in partner ecosystems, business development, sales and global expansion, Gilad will play a pivotal role in propelling DealHub’s growth and market leadership.

    “I am thrilled to be joining DealHub at such an exciting time for the company,” said Zubery. “DealHub’s innovative approach to Revenue AI is transforming how businesses manage their entire sales-to-revenue operations, and I’m looking forward to building on our existing success to take the company to even greater heights.”

    About DealHub
    DealHub delivers a business-logic driven engine to power the complete Quote-to-Revenue workflow incorporating CPQ, CLM, Subscription Billing, DealRoom, and new composable API-First Headless Quoting. 

    This intelligent flow drives revenue execution from new business to renewed customers without delays and errors, ensuring a superior buyer experience across all revenue streams.

    For more information, users can visit dealhub.io or follow DealHub on LinkedIn.

    Contact

    CMO
    Gideon Thomas
    DealHub
    gideon.thomas@dealhub.io

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/da77e819-8ee0-4362-a144-3bbb7b081c31

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9f002c74-3aa7-445e-802b-a30ba0ee1945

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Digital Tails Group, Llc. and Bowmo Inc., Announce Introduction of Engineering Solutions and Case Studies

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, NY, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — bowmo™, Inc. (OTC: BOMO), a New York City based company powered by AI and XR/VR technologies aiming to provide fully customizable SaaS Platforms to multiple industries (https://bowmo.com) (“bowmo,” “the Company”) and its recent merger partner OWNverse/Digital Tails Group (“DTG”), are pleased to announce release of an expanded family of engineering and industrial automation solutions for industrial manufacturing, healthcare, energy, automotive and aerospace.

    Digital Tails Group developed solutions that include 3D Configurators, CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote) Automation, XR (Extended Reality) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) designed to make manufacturing simpler and more efficient. Key system capabilities for engineering industries include 3D product visualization, and integrations with ERP, CAD and PLM systems.

    Typical customer benefits include streamlined manufacturing and design processes, rapid product customizations and ordering, reduced error rates, and increased sales conversion rates.

    Aleksey Shestakov, Chairman of the Board of OWNverse/Digital Tails and the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of bowmo, Inc. summarized, “By integrating several core technologies like 3D visualization, extended reality (XR) and artificial intelligence (AI) into an intuitive CPQ solution, we are able to rapidly configure customer solutions that deliver significant ROI and value.”

    Michael R. Neece, Chief Product Officer of bowmo Inc, stated, “Bowmo’s ‘One Platform for Multiple Verticals‘ product strategy is now revealing the significance of integrating AI, 3D/XR, Blockchain and workflow automation into a single platform that can be rapidly configured for specific needs of multiple industry verticals.”

    You can learn more about this latest family of engineering innovations from bowmo and OWNverse/Digital Tails Group at: https://digital-tails.group/industrial-cpq-solution.

    About bowmo, Inc.
    Bowmo Inc., (OTC: BOMO) is a New York City–based AI-powered software and services company that incorporates a novel set of technologies to build a platform that will deliver solutions for multiple industries. Bowmo’s flagship product seamlessly integrates AI and extended reality (XR) technologies to revolutionize recruitment and human resource (HR) processes.

    Building upon our multi-vertical platform, bowmo is poised to introduce a suite of future products catering to the needs of cybersecurity, SaaS sales, retail, sports, media/entertainment, and real estate sectors. This expansion underscores bowmo’s commitment to diversifying revenue streams and addressing diverse industry needs through advanced technological solutions. bowmo’s platform harnesses AI, machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), blockchain, extended/augmented/virtual realities (XR) and process orchestration.

    About Digital Tails Group, LLC.
    Digital Tails Group (“DTG,” the “Company”) is an IT company specializing in software development using 3D technology, extended reality (XR) and artificial intelligence (AI). The DTG expertise in advanced technologies ranges from virtual reality (VR) experiences to smart AI algorithms, enabling us to help our clients improve their competitive strength through the application of advanced UI and knowledge technologies.

    About OWNverse, LLC.
    OWNverse is a virtual platform company that develops unique tools for creating targeted products and services for virtual spaces (“Metaverses”) by using the technology stack available through widely used Web2 platforms driven by AI.

    OWNverse allows for the integration of such tools to elevate the dimensionality of products and services, while offering such products and services within the spatially immersive 3D Internet—Web3.

    OWNverse aims to empower all users to become co-creators of the content. The main OWNverse ideology is to supply proven tools to users to provide real value for businesses and create virtual communities in numerous business sectors.

    Additional Information and Where to Find It
    Additional information is available on the Company’s website: https://www.bowmo.com. In addition, other information related to the Company is available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to: Michael E. Lakshin, Chairman of the Board and President, Michael.Lakshin@bowmo.com.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by the use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “continue,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, BOMO’s ability to successfully execute its expanded business strategy, including by entering into definitive agreements with suppliers, commercial partners and customers; general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing various software programs, changes in future customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technical advances and delivering technological innovations, regulatory requirements and the ability to meet them, government agency rules and changes, and various other factors beyond BOMO’s control. Except as may be required by law, bowmo, Inc. undertakes no obligation, and does not intend, to update these forward-looking statements after the date of this release.

    Contact:
    Michael E. Lakshin
    Chairman of the Board and President
    Michael.Lakshin@bowmo.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Landsbankinn hf.: Landsbankinn issues AT1 securities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Today, Landsbankinn completed the sale of Additional Tier 1 (AT1) securities in the amount of USD 100 million. This marks the Bank’s inaugural AT1 securities issuance, with the securities sold to investors at a fixed interest rate of 8.125%.

    Total demand was strong, exceeding USD 400 million, with participation from over 70 investors from the US, Europe and Asia.

    Lilja B. Einarsdóttir, CEO of Landsbankinn: “This issuance is a further step towards optimisation of the Bank’s capital structure, simultaneously strengthening our capital base and diversifying our funding sources. The favourable terms and strong demand in today’s issuance reflect the Bank’s solid access to international markets.”

    The securities have no fixed maturity date but are callable by the issuer after 5.5 years. They are subordinated to all other claims, except equity. The expected credit rating of the AT1 securities is BB from S&P Global Ratings. The aim is to list the securities on Euronext Dublin as of 18 February 2025.

    Bank of America, Citibank and JP Morgan acted as joint managers for the issuance.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    The AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies is an annual economic policy conference, held in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, organized by the Ministry of Finance of Saudi Arabia and the IMF Regional Office in Riyadh. The conference will convene a select group of emerging markets’ ministers of finance, central bank governors, and policymakers, as well as public and private sector leaders, international institutions, and academia. It will offer a unique platform to exchange views on domestic, regional, and global economic developments and discuss policies and reforms to spur inclusive prosperity and build resilience supported by strong international cooperation.

    The sessions with an asterisk (*) will be streamed live on this page.

    Agenda

    Day 1: February 16, 2025

    09:30-09:40 – Opening remarks by H.E. Mohammed Al-Jadaan (Minister of Finance, Saudi Arabia) and Kristalina Georgieva (Managing Director, IMF) *

    09:40-10:00 – Keynote Lecture: Emerging Markets Amid Structural Shifts in the World Economy

    The keynote address will discuss global trends and their potential implications for emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs), as well as the role of international cooperation.

    • Keynote Address: H.E. Pan Gongsheng (Governor, PBOC)

    10:00-10:50 – Emerging Markets: Policy Challenges Amid Structural Shifts in the World Economy

    The panel will delve into EMDEs’ policy challenges in the context of the rising uncertainty and the changing global economic landscape. Specifically, it will cover the implications for EMDEs of (i) more frequent external shocks; (ii) elevated uncertainty; and (iii) structural challenges in the context of high debt, weak growth, energy transitions, and new technologies.

    • Moderator: Jihad Azour (Director, Middle East and Central Asia Department, IMF)

    Panelists:

    • H.E. Olayemi Cardoso (Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria)
    • José De Gregorio (Dean, School of Economics and Business, University of Chile)
    • H.E. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari (Minister of Finance, Qatar)
    • Jin Liqun (President, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank)

    10:50-11:10 – Coffee break

    11:10-12:10 – High Debt-Low Fiscal Space—Fiscal Consolidation and Multilateral Solutions to Debt Restructuring

    Maintaining or restoring debt sustainability in EMDEs is a challenging task in the context of elevated debt, higher interest rate and weak potential growth, as well as significant spending pressures (e.g., related to sustainable development goals, defense, energy transitions, and economic diversification). The panelists will discuss the pace of the ongoing pivot towards fiscal consolidation and ways to garner support for politically difficult reforms. Potential debt restructuring mechanisms from both creditor and debtor perspectives will also be highlighted.

    • Moderator: Ryadh Alkhareif (IMFC Deputy, Saudi Arabia)

    Panelists:

    • H.E. Mohammed Al-Jadaan (Minister of Finance, Saudi Arabia)
    • Mauricio Cárdenas (Professor, Columbia University, former Minister of Finance, Colombia)
    • H.E. Situmbeko Musokotwane (Minister of Finance and National Planning, Zambia)
    • H.E. Anton Siluanov (Minister of Finance, Russia)

    12:10-13:00 – Lunch

    13:00-14:00 – Monetary Policy and Capital Flows Amid Elevated Uncertainty

    The session will discuss the path of future monetary policy in EMDEs, considering the spillovers from monetary policy in advanced economies and potential swings in global market sentiment, as well as the uncertainty around the implications for inflation, the neutral rate, and capital flows of the changing economic landscape.

    • Moderator: Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas (Economic Counsellor, Director of the Research Department, IMF)
    • Author: Hélène Rey (Professor, London Business School)

    Discussants:

    • H.E. Fatih Karahan (Governor, Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye)
    • H.E. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput (Governor, Bank of Thailand)

    14:00-15:00 – Resilience of the Financial System in Emerging Markets

    The panel will focus on the implications of the changing global landscape for financial stability in emerging markets, as well as the policy priorities.

    • Moderator: Tobias Adrian (Director, Monetary and Capital Markets Department, IMF)

    Panelists:

    • H.E. Ayman Mohammad Al-Sayari (Governor, SAMA)
    • H.E. Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al Thani (Governor, Qatar Central Bank)
    • H.E. Taleh Kazimov (Governor, Central Bank of Azerbaijan)
    • H.E. Andriy Pyshnyi (Governor, National Bank of Ukraine)

    19:30-21:30 – Dinner hosted by the Ministry of Finance of Saudi Arabia

    Day 2: February 17, 2025

    09:00-10:00 – Navigating Trade Tensions and Uncertainties

    Against the backdrop of mounting risks and uncertainty, the session will discuss (i) how geoeconomic fragmentation and geopolitical risks are affecting trade and investment globally and in EMDEs; (ii) how EMDEs can adapt to these developments and mitigate risks; (iii) what policies to enhance trade and investment flows; and (iv) what changes to the current global trade system to respond to EMDEs’ needs.

    • Moderator: Indermit Gill (Chief Economist, World Bank Group)

    Panelists:

    • H. E. Adebayo Olawale Edun (Minister of Finance, Nigeria)
    • H.E. Nadia Fettah (Minister of Economy and Finance, Morocco)
    • H.E. Sergii Marchenko (Minister of Finance, Ukraine)

    10:00-11:00 – Productivity in EMDEs: Challenges and Opportunities

    Compared with the pre-pandemic period, the medium-term growth outlook has worsened significantly, including in EMDEs. The projected slowdown jeopardizes income convergence and could also lead to widening income inequality within countries. Against this backdrop, the session will take stock of EMDEs’ growth outlook, including the main headwinds, and discuss the potential challenges and opportunities from shifts in the economic landscape (e.g., AI).

    • Moderator: H.E. Muhammad Al Jasser (President, Islamic Development Bank)
    • Author: Leslie Teo (Director, AI Products, AI Singapore; Former chief economist and head of investment strategy, GIC Singapore)

    Discussants:

    • H.E. Faisal F. Alibrahim (Minister of Economy and Planning, Saudi Arabia)
    • Santiago Levy (Senior Fellow, Brookings)
    • H.E. Federico Sturzenegger (Minister of Deregulation and State Transformation, Argentina)

    11:00-11:20 – Coffee break

    11:20-12:20 – Closing Panel: A Path for Emerging Market Resilience *

    The concluding panel will focus on (i) how EMDEs should deal with shocks in the short term, taking into consideration the persistence of some global shocks; (ii) identifying the main trade-offs for fiscal and monetary policymakers to build resilience, maintain stability and spur growth (“rise strong”); and (iii) how the underlying concerns behind “anti-globalization” pressures can be addressed to revitalize global economic integration.

    • Moderator: Kristalina Georgieva (Managing Director, IMF)

    Panelists:

    • H.E. Muhammad Aurangzeb (Minister of Finance, Pakistan)
    • H.E. Rania Al-Mashat (Minister of Planning, Development, International Cooperation, Egypt)
    • H.E. Fernando Haddad (Minister of Finance, Brazil)
    • H.E. Mehmet Şimşek (Minister of Finance, Türkiye)
    • H.E. Hon. John Mbadi Ng’ongo (Minister of Finance, Kenya)

    12:20-12:40 – Closing remarks by H.E. Mohammed Al-Jadaan (Minister of Finance, Saudi Arabia) and Kristalina Georgieva (Managing Director, IMF) *

    MIL OSI Economics –