NewzIntel.com

Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI: DT Midstream Achieves Investment Grade Rating with All Three Major Credit Rating Agencies

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DETROIT, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DT Midstream, Inc. (NYSE: DTM) announced today that it has achieved an investment grade rating with all three major credit rating agencies:

    1. Fitch Ratings upgraded DTM’s credit rating to BBB- with a stable outlook on October 3, 2024;
    2. Moody’s Ratings upgraded DTM’s credit rating to Baa3 with a stable outlook on May 16, 2025; and
    3. S&P Global Ratings upgraded DTM’s credit rating to BBB- with a stable outlook on July 8, 2025.

    “The investment grade ratings are a recognition of the strength of our balance sheet and the quality and scale of our business, which is well-positioned for continued growth,” said David Slater, President and CEO.

    About DT Midstream

    DT Midstream (NYSE: DTM) is an owner, operator and developer of natural gas interstate and intrastate pipelines, storage and gathering systems, compression, treatment and surface facilities. The company transports clean natural gas for utilities, power plants, marketers, large industrial customers and energy producers across the Southern, Northeastern and Midwestern United States and Canada. The Detroit-based company offers a comprehensive, wellhead-to-market array of services, including natural gas transportation, storage and gathering. DT Midstream is transitioning towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, including a plan of achieving 30% of its carbon emissions reduction by 2030. For more information, please visit the DT Midstream website at www.dtmidstream.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Virtu Financial to Host Conference Call Announcing Second Quarter 2025 Results on Wednesday, July 30, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Virtu Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VIRT), a leading provider of global, multi-asset financial services that delivers liquidity and innovative, transparent products across the complete investment cycle to the global markets, will announce its results for the second quarter 2025 on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, before the US market open.

    Virtu will host a conference call to discuss the company’s financial results at 8:00 AM (EDT). A live webcast of the event will be available and archived on the Investor Relations section of the company’s website at https://ir.virtu.com/events-presentations. The call will be open to the public.

    About Virtu Financial, Inc.
    Virtu is a leading provider of financial services and products that leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver liquidity to the global markets and innovative, transparent trading solutions to its clients. Leveraging its global market making expertise and infrastructure, Virtu provides a robust product suite including offerings in execution, liquidity sourcing, analytics and broker-neutral, multi-dealer platforms in workflow technology. Virtu’s product offerings allow clients to trade on hundreds of venues across 50+ countries and in multiple asset classes, including global equities, ETFs, foreign exchange, futures, fixed income, cryptocurrency and myriad other commodities. In addition, Virtu’s integrated, multi-asset analytics platform provides a range of pre-, intra-, and post-trade services, data products and compliance tools that clients rely upon to invest, trade and manage risk across global markets.

    Contact:

    Investor Relations and Media Relations
    Andrew Smith
    investor_relations@virtu.com
    media@virtu.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Virtu Financial to Host Conference Call Announcing Second Quarter 2025 Results on Wednesday, July 30, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Virtu Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VIRT), a leading provider of global, multi-asset financial services that delivers liquidity and innovative, transparent products across the complete investment cycle to the global markets, will announce its results for the second quarter 2025 on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, before the US market open.

    Virtu will host a conference call to discuss the company’s financial results at 8:00 AM (EDT). A live webcast of the event will be available and archived on the Investor Relations section of the company’s website at https://ir.virtu.com/events-presentations. The call will be open to the public.

    About Virtu Financial, Inc.
    Virtu is a leading provider of financial services and products that leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver liquidity to the global markets and innovative, transparent trading solutions to its clients. Leveraging its global market making expertise and infrastructure, Virtu provides a robust product suite including offerings in execution, liquidity sourcing, analytics and broker-neutral, multi-dealer platforms in workflow technology. Virtu’s product offerings allow clients to trade on hundreds of venues across 50+ countries and in multiple asset classes, including global equities, ETFs, foreign exchange, futures, fixed income, cryptocurrency and myriad other commodities. In addition, Virtu’s integrated, multi-asset analytics platform provides a range of pre-, intra-, and post-trade services, data products and compliance tools that clients rely upon to invest, trade and manage risk across global markets.

    Contact:

    Investor Relations and Media Relations
    Andrew Smith
    investor_relations@virtu.com
    media@virtu.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Mithril Silver & Gold Announces $10 Million Brokered Private Placement of Common Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES.

    MELBOURNE, Australia and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mithril Silver and Gold Limited (TSXV: MSG) (ASX: MTH) (“Mithril” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Ventum Financial Corp. as lead agent and sole bookrunner on behalf of a syndicate of agents (collectively, the “Agents”), in connection with a private placement of 27,778,000 common shares (the “Shares”) of the Company at a price of C$0.36 per Share (the “Offering Price“) for aggregate gross proceeds of C$10,000,080 (the “Offering”), excluding any additional proceeds raised from the exercise of the Agents’ Option (defined below).

    The Company will grant the Agents an option (the “Agents’ Option”), which will allow the Agents to offer up to an additional 15% of the Offering, on the same terms as the Shares. The Agents’ Option may be exercised in whole or in part at any time prior to the Closing Date of the Offering.

    The Shares (including any Shares issued pursuant to the Agents’ Option) will be offered on a private placement basis pursuant to exemptions from prospectus requirements under applicable securities laws, in all provinces of Canada, and will be made utilising the Company’s available placement capacity under ASX Listing Rules 7.1 and 7.1A.

    The net proceeds from the Offering will be used to accelerate exploration and drilling activity at the Company’s Copalquin district project in Durango State, Mexico, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes.

    The Offering is scheduled to close on July 29, 2025 (the “Closing Date”), or such other date as the Company and the Agents may agree and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. All securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day from the Closing Date.

    In consideration for services provided by the Agents, the Company has agreed to pay a fee of 6.0% of the gross proceeds of the Offering plus any applicable taxes in cash to the Agents. The Company has also agreed to issue to the Agents that number of compensation options equal to 6.0% of the aggregate number of Shares issued by the Company under the Offering, each exercisable into one Share at the Offering Price, with an expiry date of two (2) years from the Closing Date. The same commission shall be paid to the Agents in connection with any Shares issued or sold pursuant to the exercise of the Agents’ Option.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

    All currency references herein are to Canadian dollar unless otherwise stated.

    About Mithril Silver and Gold

    Mithril Silver and Gold Limited is an Australian and Canadian listed precious metals exploration company, focused on its Copalquin district project, in Mexico’s Sierra Madre Gold Silver Trend.

    The Copalquin mining district is located in Durango State, Mexico and covers an entire mining district of 70km2. The district is within the Sierra Madre Gold Silver Trend which extends north-south along the western side of Mexico and hosts many world-class gold and silver deposits.

    Additional information about Mithril and its mineral projects can be viewed on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at (www.sedarplus.ca) and its website at www.mithrilsilvergold.com.

    The information in this announcement relating to mineral resources has been reported by the Company in accordance with the 2012 Edition of the ‘Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves’ (JORC Code) previously (refer to the Company’s ASX announcement dated 7 July 2025) which is available to view on the Company’s website. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information as at the date of this announcement that materially affects the information included in the previous market announcement and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the Company’s previous announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

    For further information, please contact:
    John Skeet
    Managing Director and CEO
    Email: jskeet@mithrilsilvergold.com
    Tel: +61 435 766 809
    Corporate Communications
    Nicole@mithrilsilvergold.com
    Liz@mithrilsilvergold.com

    Cautionary Notes and Forward-looking Statements

    Certain information contained in this news release constitutes “forward-looking information” under Canadian securities legislation. This includes, but is not limited to, information or statements with respect to the Offering, including statements with respect to the completion of the Offering and the anticipated closing date thereof; the expected receipt of regulatory and other approvals relating to the Offering; participants in the Offering; the expected proceeds of the Offering and the anticipated use of the net proceeds therefrom; the future exploration plans of the Company, timing of future exploration, anticipated results of exploration and potential mineralization of the Company’s mineral projects. Such forward looking information or statements can be identified by the use of words such as “believes”, “plans”, “suggests”, “targets” or “prospects” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results “will” be taken, occur, or be achieved. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company and/or its subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, the actual results of current exploration activities, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future prices of precious and base metals, accident, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, and delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that could cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking information contained herein are made as of the date of this news release. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Mithril Silver & Gold Announces $10 Million Brokered Private Placement of Common Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES.

    MELBOURNE, Australia and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mithril Silver and Gold Limited (TSXV: MSG) (ASX: MTH) (“Mithril” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Ventum Financial Corp. as lead agent and sole bookrunner on behalf of a syndicate of agents (collectively, the “Agents”), in connection with a private placement of 27,778,000 common shares (the “Shares”) of the Company at a price of C$0.36 per Share (the “Offering Price“) for aggregate gross proceeds of C$10,000,080 (the “Offering”), excluding any additional proceeds raised from the exercise of the Agents’ Option (defined below).

    The Company will grant the Agents an option (the “Agents’ Option”), which will allow the Agents to offer up to an additional 15% of the Offering, on the same terms as the Shares. The Agents’ Option may be exercised in whole or in part at any time prior to the Closing Date of the Offering.

    The Shares (including any Shares issued pursuant to the Agents’ Option) will be offered on a private placement basis pursuant to exemptions from prospectus requirements under applicable securities laws, in all provinces of Canada, and will be made utilising the Company’s available placement capacity under ASX Listing Rules 7.1 and 7.1A.

    The net proceeds from the Offering will be used to accelerate exploration and drilling activity at the Company’s Copalquin district project in Durango State, Mexico, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes.

    The Offering is scheduled to close on July 29, 2025 (the “Closing Date”), or such other date as the Company and the Agents may agree and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. All securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day from the Closing Date.

    In consideration for services provided by the Agents, the Company has agreed to pay a fee of 6.0% of the gross proceeds of the Offering plus any applicable taxes in cash to the Agents. The Company has also agreed to issue to the Agents that number of compensation options equal to 6.0% of the aggregate number of Shares issued by the Company under the Offering, each exercisable into one Share at the Offering Price, with an expiry date of two (2) years from the Closing Date. The same commission shall be paid to the Agents in connection with any Shares issued or sold pursuant to the exercise of the Agents’ Option.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

    All currency references herein are to Canadian dollar unless otherwise stated.

    About Mithril Silver and Gold

    Mithril Silver and Gold Limited is an Australian and Canadian listed precious metals exploration company, focused on its Copalquin district project, in Mexico’s Sierra Madre Gold Silver Trend.

    The Copalquin mining district is located in Durango State, Mexico and covers an entire mining district of 70km2. The district is within the Sierra Madre Gold Silver Trend which extends north-south along the western side of Mexico and hosts many world-class gold and silver deposits.

    Additional information about Mithril and its mineral projects can be viewed on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at (www.sedarplus.ca) and its website at www.mithrilsilvergold.com.

    The information in this announcement relating to mineral resources has been reported by the Company in accordance with the 2012 Edition of the ‘Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves’ (JORC Code) previously (refer to the Company’s ASX announcement dated 7 July 2025) which is available to view on the Company’s website. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information as at the date of this announcement that materially affects the information included in the previous market announcement and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the Company’s previous announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

    For further information, please contact:
    John Skeet
    Managing Director and CEO
    Email: jskeet@mithrilsilvergold.com
    Tel: +61 435 766 809
    Corporate Communications
    Nicole@mithrilsilvergold.com
    Liz@mithrilsilvergold.com

    Cautionary Notes and Forward-looking Statements

    Certain information contained in this news release constitutes “forward-looking information” under Canadian securities legislation. This includes, but is not limited to, information or statements with respect to the Offering, including statements with respect to the completion of the Offering and the anticipated closing date thereof; the expected receipt of regulatory and other approvals relating to the Offering; participants in the Offering; the expected proceeds of the Offering and the anticipated use of the net proceeds therefrom; the future exploration plans of the Company, timing of future exploration, anticipated results of exploration and potential mineralization of the Company’s mineral projects. Such forward looking information or statements can be identified by the use of words such as “believes”, “plans”, “suggests”, “targets” or “prospects” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results “will” be taken, occur, or be achieved. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company and/or its subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, the actual results of current exploration activities, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future prices of precious and base metals, accident, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, and delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that could cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking information contained herein are made as of the date of this news release. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: First Western Financial, Inc. to Report Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results on Thursday, July 24

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Western Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: MYFW), a financial services holding company headquartered in Denver, Colorado (“First Western”), announced today that it will release financial results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2025 after the markets close on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

    Management will hold a conference call at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time/12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, July 25, 2025, to discuss First Western’s financial results. Analysts and investors may participate in the question-and-answer session. The conference call will be webcast live on the News & Events page of First Western’s investor relations website.

    Participants on the conference call will need to click on the Telephone Access link provided below, register for the conference call, and then they will receive the dial-in number and a personalized PIN code.

    Conference Call and Webcast Information:

    Date: Friday, July 25, 2025

    Time: 10:00 a.m. MT / 12:00 p.m. ET

    Telephone Access: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI4e9784b7b6ee4a528ae8f3affe52d2ee

    Webcast Access: A live webcast will be available on the News & Events page of First Western’s investor relations website. An archived version of the webcast will be available in the same location shortly after the live call has ended.

    About First Western Financial, Inc.

    First Western is a financial services holding company headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with operations in Colorado, Arizona, Wyoming, California, and Montana. First Western Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide a fully integrated suite of wealth management services on a private trust bank platform, which includes a comprehensive selection of deposit, loan, trust, wealth planning and investment management products and services. First Western’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “MYFW.” For more information, please visit www.myfw.com.

    Contacts:
    Financial Profiles, Inc.
    Tony Rossi
    310-622-8221

    MYFW@finprofiles.com
    IR@myfw.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: First Western Financial, Inc. to Report Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results on Thursday, July 24

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Western Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: MYFW), a financial services holding company headquartered in Denver, Colorado (“First Western”), announced today that it will release financial results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2025 after the markets close on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

    Management will hold a conference call at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time/12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, July 25, 2025, to discuss First Western’s financial results. Analysts and investors may participate in the question-and-answer session. The conference call will be webcast live on the News & Events page of First Western’s investor relations website.

    Participants on the conference call will need to click on the Telephone Access link provided below, register for the conference call, and then they will receive the dial-in number and a personalized PIN code.

    Conference Call and Webcast Information:

    Date: Friday, July 25, 2025

    Time: 10:00 a.m. MT / 12:00 p.m. ET

    Telephone Access: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI4e9784b7b6ee4a528ae8f3affe52d2ee

    Webcast Access: A live webcast will be available on the News & Events page of First Western’s investor relations website. An archived version of the webcast will be available in the same location shortly after the live call has ended.

    About First Western Financial, Inc.

    First Western is a financial services holding company headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with operations in Colorado, Arizona, Wyoming, California, and Montana. First Western Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide a fully integrated suite of wealth management services on a private trust bank platform, which includes a comprehensive selection of deposit, loan, trust, wealth planning and investment management products and services. First Western’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “MYFW.” For more information, please visit www.myfw.com.

    Contacts:
    Financial Profiles, Inc.
    Tony Rossi
    310-622-8221

    MYFW@finprofiles.com
    IR@myfw.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Vital Energy Provides Details for its Second-Quarter 2025 Earnings Release and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TULSA, OK, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vital Energy, Inc. (NYSE: VTLE) (“Vital Energy” or the “Company”) will report its second-quarter 2025 financial and operating results after market close on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

    A conference call to discuss results is planned for 7:30 a.m. CT on Thursday, August 7, 2025. A webcast of the call will be available on the Company’s website at www.vitalenergy.com “Investor Relations | News & Presentations | Upcoming Events.”

    About Vital Energy

    Vital Energy, Inc. is an independent energy company with headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Vital Energy’s business strategy is focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties in the Permian Basin of West Texas.

    Additional information about Vital Energy may be found on its website at www.vitalenergy.com.

    Investor Contact:
    Ron Hagood
    918.858.5504
    ir@vitalenergy.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Special Opportunities Fund Declares Distributions For Third Quarter of 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Special Opportunities Fund, Inc. (NYSE: SPE) (the “Fund”) has announced that the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has declared the next three monthly distributions under the Fund’s managed distribution plan.

    Under the Fund’s managed distribution plan, the Fund intends to make monthly distributions to common stockholders at an annual rate of 8% (or 0.6667% per month) for 2025, based on the net asset value of $16.47 of the Fund’s common shares as of December 31, 2024.

    The next three distributions declared under the managed distribution plan are as follows:

    Month Amount Record Date Payable Date
    July $0.1098 July 22, 2025 July 31, 2025
    August $0.1098 August 19, 2025 August 29, 2025
    September $0.1098 September 16, 2025 September 30, 2025
           

    Under the managed distribution plan, the Fund will distribute net investment income, net realized capital gains and/or return of capital. No conclusions should be drawn about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the distributions. The Board may amend the terms of the managed distribution plan or terminate the plan at any time without prior notice to stockholders.

    The Fund will issue a notice to common stockholders that will provide an estimate of the composition of each distribution. For tax reporting purposes the actual composition of the total amount of distributions for each year will continue to be provided on a Form 1099-DIV issued after the end of the year.

    Contacts

    For information, please contact:
    Thomas Antonucci, Bulldog Investors LLP (tantonucci@bulldoginvestors.com)

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Lake Shore Bancorp Announces Closing Date of Conversion Transaction and Results of Stock Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUNKIRK, N.Y., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. (“Lake Shore Federal Bancorp”) (NASDAQ: LSBK), the holding company for Lake Shore Savings Bank (the “Bank”), announced today that all regulatory approvals have been received to close the conversion of Lake Shore, MHC from mutual to stock form and the related stock offering by Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. (“Lake Shore Bancorp”), the proposed new stock holding company for Lake Shore Bank and the Bank’s conversion from a federal savings bank to a New York chartered commercial bank.

    Closing is expected to occur after the close of business on July 18, 2025. Lake Shore Bancorp’s common stock is expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the trading symbol “LSBK” on July 21, 2025.

    As a result of the subscription offering, Lake Shore Bancorp expects to sell a total of 4,950,460 shares of its common stock (approximately the midpoint of the offering range) at a price of $10.00 per share for total gross proceeds of $49.5 million. All valid stock orders submitted by eligible account holders, supplemental eligible account holders and voting members in the subscription offering will be filled in full. Lake Shore Bancorp’s transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (“Computershare”), expects to mail Direct Registration System (“DRS”) Book-Entry statements for shares purchased in the subscription offering and interest checks, on or about July 21, 2025.

    As part of the conversion transaction, each outstanding share of Lake Shore Federal Bancorp common stock owned by the public stockholders of Lake Shore Federal Bancorp (stockholders other than Lake Shore, MHC) as of the closing date will be converted into shares of Lake Shore Bancorp common stock based on an exchange ratio of 1.3549 shares of Lake Shore Bancorp common stock for each share of Lake Shore Federal Bancorp common stock so that Lake Shore Federal Bancorp’s existing public stockholders will own approximately the same percentage of Lake Shore Bancorp’s common stock as they owned of Lake Shore Federal Bancorp’s common stock immediately prior to the conversion, subject to adjustment as disclosed in the prospectus. Cash will be issued in lieu of a fractional share of Lake Shore Bancorp common stock based on the offering price of $10.00 per share. Upon the completion of the conversion and stock offering, approximately 7,825,877 shares of Lake Shore Bancorp common stock are expected to be outstanding before adjustment for fractional shares.

    Stockholders of Lake Shore Federal Bancorp holding shares in street name will receive shares of Lake Shore Bancorp common stock and cash in lieu of fractional shares within their accounts. Stockholders of Lake Shore Federal Bancorp holding shares in certificated form will be mailed a letter of transmittal on or about July 21, 2025. After submitting their stock certificates and a properly completed letter of transmittal to Computershare, stockholders will receive DRS Book-Entry statements reflecting their shares of Lake Shore Bancorp common stock and checks for cash in lieu of fractional shares.

    Luse Gorman, PC has acted as legal counsel to Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Federal Bancorp. Raymond James & Associates, Inc. has acted as marketing agent for Lake Shore Bancorp in the subscription offering. Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP has acted as legal counsel to Raymond James & Associates, Inc.

    About Lake Shore
      
    Lake Shore Federal Bancorp is the mid-tier holding company of Lake Shore Savings Bank, a federally chartered, community-oriented financial institution headquartered in Dunkirk, New York. The Bank has ten full-service branch locations in Western New York, including four in Chautauqua County and six in Erie County. The Bank offers a broad range of retail and commercial lending and deposit services. Lake Shore Federal Bancorp’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Market as “LSBK”. Additional information about Lake Shore Federal Bancorp is available at www.lakeshoresavings.com.

    Safe-Harbor

    This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about Lake Shore Federal Bancorp’s, Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc.’s (collectively, the “Company”) and the Bank’s industry, and management’s beliefs and assumptions. Words such as anticipates, expects, intends, plans, believes, estimates and variations of such words and expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect management’s current views of future events and operations. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Company as of the date of this release. It is important to note that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve and are subject to significant risks, contingencies, and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond our control including, but not limited to, delays in closing the conversion and stock offering; possible unforeseen delays in delivering DRS Book-Entry statements or interest checks; and/or delays in the start of trading due to market disruptions or otherwise, data loss or other security breaches, including a breach of our operational or security systems, policies or procedures, including cyber-attacks on us or on our third party vendors or service providers, economic conditions, the effect of changes in monetary and fiscal policy, inflation, tariffs, unanticipated changes in our liquidity position, climate change, geopolitical conflicts, public health issues, increased unemployment, deterioration in the credit quality of the loan portfolio and/or the value of the collateral securing repayment of loans, reduction in the value of investment securities, the cost and ability to attract and retain key employees, regulatory or legal developments, tax policy changes, dividend policy changes and our ability to implement and execute our business plan and strategy and expand our operations. These factors should be considered in evaluating forward looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements, as our financial performance could differ materially due to various risks or uncertainties. We do not undertake to publicly update or revise our forward-looking statements if future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized.

    Legal Disclosures

    The shares of common stock of Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. are not savings accounts or deposit accounts and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any other governmental agency.

    Source: Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc.
    Category: Financial

    Investor Relations/Media Contact
    Kim C. Liddell
    President, CEO, and Director
    Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc.
    31 East Fourth Street
    Dunkirk, New York 14048
    (716) 366-4070 ext. 1012

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Oyster Enterprises II Acquisition Corp Announces the Separate Trading of its Class A Ordinary Shares and Rights, Commencing July 11, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Miami, Florida, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oyster Enterprises II Acquisition Corp (Nasdaq: OYSEU) (the “Company”) announced today that, commencing July 11, 2025, holders of the units sold in the Company’s initial public offering may elect to separately trade the Company’s Class A ordinary shares and rights included in the units. The Class A ordinary shares and rights that are separated will trade on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbols “OYSE” and “OYSER,” respectively. Those units not separated will continue to trade on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “OYSEU.”

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

    About Oyster Enterprises II Acquisition Corp

    Oyster Enterprises II Acquisition Corp is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, amalgamation, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. The Company may pursue an acquisition opportunity in any business, industry, sector or geographical location, but is focused on industries that align with the background of the Company’s management team and advisor, including technology, media, entertainment, sports, consumer products, financial services, real estate and hospitality. The Company will also focus on AI companies positioned to complement or disrupt those industries, as well as companies within the digital assets and blockchain ecosystem.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may include, and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of the Company may include, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements regarding possible business combinations and the financing thereof, and related matters, as well as all other statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management team, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company’s management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors detailed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement and prospectus for the Company’s initial public offering filed with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

    Company Contact

    Oyster Enterprises II Acquisition Corp
    801 Brickell Avenue, 8th Floor
    Miami, Florida, 33131
    Attn: Mario Zarazua, CEO and Vice Chairman
    mario@oysteracquisition.com
    (786) 744-7720
    www.oysteracquisition.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Flywire to Announce Second Quarter 2025 Results on August 5, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Flywire Corporation (Flywire) (Nasdaq: FLYW), a global payments enablement and software company, announced that its second quarter financial results will be released after market close on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Flywire will host a conference call to discuss its second-quarter financial results at 5:00 pm ET the same day. Hosting the call will be Mike Massaro, CEO, Rob Orgel, President and COO, and Cosmin Pitigoi, CFO.

    The conference call will be webcast live from Flywire’s investor relations website at https://ir.flywire.com/. A replay will be available on the investor relations website following the call.

    About Flywire
    Flywire is a global payments enablement and software company. We combine our proprietary global payments network, next-gen payments platform, and vertical-specific software to deliver the most important and complex payments for our clients and their customers.

    Flywire leverages its vertical-specific software and payments technology to deeply embed within the existing A/R workflows for its clients across the education, healthcare, and travel vertical markets, as well as in key B2B industries. Flywire also integrates with leading ERP systems, such as NetSuite, so organizations can optimize the payment experience for their customers while eliminating operational challenges.

    Flywire supports more than 4,600 clients with diverse payment methods in more than 140 currencies across more than 240 countries and territories around the world. The company is headquartered in Boston, MA, USA with global offices. For more information, visit www.flywire.com. Follow Flywire on X, LinkedIn and Facebook.

    Contacts
    Investor Relations:
    Masha Kahn
    ir@Flywire.com 

    Media:
    Sarah King
    media@flywire.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MidCap Financial Investment Corporation Schedules Earnings Release and Conference Call for Quarter Ended June 30, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MidCap Financial Investment Corporation (NASDAQ: MFIC) (the “Company”) announced today that it will report results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, after the closing of the Nasdaq Global Select Market on Monday, August 11, 2025.

    The Company will also host a conference call on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. All interested parties are welcome to participate in the conference call by dialing (800) 225-9448 approximately 5-10 minutes prior to the call; international callers should dial (203) 518-9708. Participants should reference either MidCap Financial Investment Corporation Earnings or Conference ID: MFIC0812 when prompted. A simultaneous webcast of the conference call will be available to the public on a listen-only basis and can be accessed through the Events Calendar in the Shareholders section of our website at www.midcapfinancialic.com. Following the call, you may access a replay of the event either telephonically or via audio webcast. The telephonic replay will be available approximately two hours after the live call and through September 2, 2025, by dialing (800) 753-4652; international callers should dial (402) 220-4235. A replay of the audio webcast will also be available later that same day. To access the audio webcast please visit the Events Calendar in the Shareholders section of our website at www.midcapfinancialic.com.

    About MidCap Financial Investment Corporation

    MidCap Financial Investment Corporation (NASDAQ: MFIC) is a closed-end, externally managed, diversified management investment company that has elected to be treated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). For tax purposes, the Company has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Company is externally managed by Apollo Investment Management, L.P., an affiliate of Apollo Global Management, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, a high-growth global alternative asset manager. The Company’s investment objective is to generate current income and, to a lesser extent, long-term capital appreciation. The Company primarily invests in directly originated and privately negotiated first lien senior secured loans to privately held U.S. middle-market companies, which the Company generally defines as companies with less than $75 million in EBITDA, as may be adjusted for market disruptions, mergers and acquisitions-related charges and synergies, and other items. To a lesser extent, the Company may invest in other types of securities including, first lien unitranche, second lien senior secured, unsecured, subordinated, and mezzanine loans, and equities in both private and public middle market companies. For more information, please visit www.midcapfinancialic.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, statements as to our future operating results; our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies; the impact of investments that we expect to make; our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties; the dependence of our future success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest; the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives; our expected financings and investments; the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital; and the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our portfolio companies.

    We may use words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “should,” “may” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on currently available operating, financial and competitive information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations. Statements regarding the following subjects, among others, may be forward-looking: the return on equity; the yield on investments; the ability to borrow to finance assets; new strategic initiatives; the ability to reposition the investment portfolio; the market outlook; future investment activity; and risks associated with investing in real estate assets, including changes in business conditions and the general economy. Undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements as such statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements unless required by law.

    Contact

    Elizabeth Besen
    Investor Relations Manager
    MidCap Financial Investment Corporation
    (212) 822-0625
    ebesen@apollo.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MidCap Financial Investment Corporation Schedules Earnings Release and Conference Call for Quarter Ended June 30, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MidCap Financial Investment Corporation (NASDAQ: MFIC) (the “Company”) announced today that it will report results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, after the closing of the Nasdaq Global Select Market on Monday, August 11, 2025.

    The Company will also host a conference call on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. All interested parties are welcome to participate in the conference call by dialing (800) 225-9448 approximately 5-10 minutes prior to the call; international callers should dial (203) 518-9708. Participants should reference either MidCap Financial Investment Corporation Earnings or Conference ID: MFIC0812 when prompted. A simultaneous webcast of the conference call will be available to the public on a listen-only basis and can be accessed through the Events Calendar in the Shareholders section of our website at www.midcapfinancialic.com. Following the call, you may access a replay of the event either telephonically or via audio webcast. The telephonic replay will be available approximately two hours after the live call and through September 2, 2025, by dialing (800) 753-4652; international callers should dial (402) 220-4235. A replay of the audio webcast will also be available later that same day. To access the audio webcast please visit the Events Calendar in the Shareholders section of our website at www.midcapfinancialic.com.

    About MidCap Financial Investment Corporation

    MidCap Financial Investment Corporation (NASDAQ: MFIC) is a closed-end, externally managed, diversified management investment company that has elected to be treated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). For tax purposes, the Company has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Company is externally managed by Apollo Investment Management, L.P., an affiliate of Apollo Global Management, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, a high-growth global alternative asset manager. The Company’s investment objective is to generate current income and, to a lesser extent, long-term capital appreciation. The Company primarily invests in directly originated and privately negotiated first lien senior secured loans to privately held U.S. middle-market companies, which the Company generally defines as companies with less than $75 million in EBITDA, as may be adjusted for market disruptions, mergers and acquisitions-related charges and synergies, and other items. To a lesser extent, the Company may invest in other types of securities including, first lien unitranche, second lien senior secured, unsecured, subordinated, and mezzanine loans, and equities in both private and public middle market companies. For more information, please visit www.midcapfinancialic.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, statements as to our future operating results; our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies; the impact of investments that we expect to make; our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties; the dependence of our future success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest; the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives; our expected financings and investments; the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital; and the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our portfolio companies.

    We may use words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “should,” “may” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on currently available operating, financial and competitive information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations. Statements regarding the following subjects, among others, may be forward-looking: the return on equity; the yield on investments; the ability to borrow to finance assets; new strategic initiatives; the ability to reposition the investment portfolio; the market outlook; future investment activity; and risks associated with investing in real estate assets, including changes in business conditions and the general economy. Undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements as such statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements unless required by law.

    Contact

    Elizabeth Besen
    Investor Relations Manager
    MidCap Financial Investment Corporation
    (212) 822-0625
    ebesen@apollo.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Swell, a Leading Mexican Credit Provider, Retains ‘BBB-‘ Rating and Stable Outlook from Rating Agency HR Ratings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GUADALAJARA, Mexico, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Swell, a leading Mexican credit provider, has received a BBB- with a Stable Outlook credit rating from firm HR Ratings.

    It closed with a 35.3% capitalization ratio at year-end 2024, a clear indicator of the firm’s sustained financial resilience. 

    “This new rating conveys a validation that the Strategic Plan we announced in 2024, coupled with prudent risk management and our financial discipline, is leading to successful results,” explained Ethel Mora, who took over as the company’s CEO in 2023.

    “The fact that HR Ratings have reaffirmed our favorable rating shows how ready we are to grow in the near future,” she added.

    With over 20 headstrong and around two hundred active clients, Swell currently manages a total loan portfolio valued at approximately 245 million Mexican pesos (13,14 million USD) as of June 2025.

    In 2024, the company’s pre-tax earnings remained stable, closing at 10.8 million pesos compared to 10.6 million pesos in the previous year. 

    The credit rating, bylined by analysts Oscar Herrera, Ana Landgrave, Angel García, and Roberto Soto, explains Swell’s strong credit position and its ability to consistently generate shareholder profit and add value to the market.

    In its report, the rating agency also noted some deterioration in Swell’s loan portfolio quality, with overdue loans of 45.9 million pesos, resulting in a delinquency rate of 19.1 percent at the end of 2024. 

    Long-term delinquencies (over ninety days) remained essentially unchanged year-over-year at 33.9 million pesos.

    Net profit declined to 5.6 million pesos due to higher tax expenses related to non-deductible provisions, which became irrecoverable, resulting in an average ROA of 1.7 percent.

    Swell was founded in 2010 and specializes in lending to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). While most of its loans are focused on machinery and transportation equipment, auto leasing for cars and commercial vehicles, the company also provides financing for working capital, capital expenditures, asset acquisitions, and investment projects.

    Swell operates under the supervision of Mexico’s National Banking and Securities Commission and the National Commission for the Protection of Users of Financial Services.

    Forward-Looking Statement:
    This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Swell (SWELL FINANZAS EN MOVIMIENTO SAPI DE CV SOFOM ENR) and its credit ratings assigned by HR Ratings. These statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” the future tense, and similar terms. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including changes in market conditions, credit performance, regulatory impacts, and other financial uncertainties. This information does not constitute an offer or solicitation to investors in the United States or any jurisdiction where such an offer would be unlawful. The statements reflect current beliefs and forecasts as of the date of this release. Swell assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements due to new information, future events, or other circumstances.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6d157d03-dd32-4f0d-bf50-a6a96a95a313

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Nasdaq Reports June 2025 Volumes and 2Q25 Statistics

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) today reported monthly volumes for June 2025, as well as quarterly volumes, estimated revenue capture, number of listings, and index statistics for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, on its Investor Relations website.

    A data sheet showing this information can be found at: http://ir.nasdaq.com/financials/volume-statistics.

    About Nasdaq

    Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a leading global technology company serving corporate clients, investment managers, banks, brokers, and exchange operators as they navigate and interact with the global capital markets and the broader financial system. We aspire to deliver world-leading platforms that improve the liquidity, transparency, and integrity of the global economy. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software, exchange capabilities, and client-centric services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence. To learn more about the company, technology solutions, and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on X @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    Information set forth in this communication contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Nasdaq cautions readers that any forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to (i) projections relating to our future financial results, total shareholder returns, growth, trading volumes, products and services, ability to transition to new business models, taxes and achievement of synergy targets, (ii) statements about the closing or implementation dates and benefits of certain acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic, restructuring, technology, de-leveraging and capital allocation initiatives, (iii) statements about our integrations of our recent acquisitions, (iv) statements relating to any litigation or regulatory or government investigation or action to which we are or could become a party, and (v) other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other factors beyond Nasdaq’s control. These factors include, but are not limited to, Nasdaq’s ability to implement its strategic initiatives, economic, political and market conditions and fluctuations, government and industry regulation, interest rate risk, U.S. and global competition, and other factors detailed in Nasdaq’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q which are available on Nasdaq’s investor relations website at http://ir.nasdaq.com and the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Nasdaq undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Media Relations Contacts:

    Nick Eghtessad
    +1.929.996.8894
    Nick.Eghtessad@Nasdaq.com

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Ato Garrett
    +1.212.401.8737
    Ato.Garrett@Nasdaq.com

    -NDAQF-

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BenchPrep Expands Learning Platform with Enhanced Continuing Education Capabilities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BenchPrep, an award-winning learning management system, today announced the expansion of its platform to power Continuing Education (CE) programs. With enhanced capabilities, credentialing bodies and professional associations can now deliver, manage, and track CE alongside certification training, exam prep, and microcredentialing offerings—all through a unified, modern learning experience.

    BenchPrep’s expanded capabilities offer deeper learner personalization, greater administrative control, and enhanced flexibility to support a broader range of CE use cases.

    As demand for lifelong learning accelerates, organizations are seeking efficient ways to engage learners, streamline program delivery, and gain deeper insights. BenchPrep’s CE offering enables customers to meet this demand while reducing technology sprawl and improving learner satisfaction.

    Building on a year of strong momentum—during which BenchPrep welcomed 1.5 million new learners and facilitated over 668 million assessment items answered—this expansion reflects the company’s commitment to empowering professionals throughout their careers.

    “Many of the world’s leading learning organizations trust BenchPrep to deliver impactful exam prep experiences,” said Ashish Rangnekar, CEO and Co-Founder of BenchPrep. “Strengthening our continuing education capabilities is a natural evolution—one that enables our partners to consolidate systems, reduce costs, and deliver even greater value to their learners. Our comprehensive platform reflects our long-term commitment to supporting lifelong learning worldwide.”

    One of the organizations embracing this evolution is the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), which is expanding beyond licensure exam prep for the first time to offer CE courses.

    “We’ve always been focused on helping engineers and surveyors prepare for their exams, but now we’re starting to think about how we can support them throughout their careers,” said Jason Gamble, Chief Officer of Examination at NCEES. “BenchPrep is helping us take that next step with our first continuing education courses. Having both prep and CE in one place just makes sense. It keeps things simpler for us and creates a more consistent experience for our learners.”

    Another leading professional association transformed 180 hours of in-person CE into a digital experience and tripled anticipated enrollments in the first year. By modernizing with BenchPrep’s configurable platform, the organization unlocked new revenue streams and increased learner engagement.

    Key features supporting CE programs include:

    • Learning Paths to guide and personalize learner progress
    • Digital badges, certificates, and CE credits
    • A robust catalog and storefront for free and paid offerings
    • Flexible event management for instructor-led learning experiences
    • Analytics and reporting to track participation, engagement, and outcomes

    BenchPrep’s expanded CE solution is now available to new and existing customers. Learn more at www.benchprep.com.

    About BenchPrep
    BenchPrep is an award-winning learning platform that helps associations and credentialing bodies grow revenue, expand impact, and support learners across the entire lifelong learning journey. With a focus on certification training, exam preparation, and continuing education, BenchPrep delivers an interactive, personalized experience that drives engagement and results. Trusted by many of the world’s leading credentialing organizations, BenchPrep has helped over 12 million learners achieve academic and professional success. Learn more at www.benchprep.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA:  ICYMI: Senator Scott Talks Gig Worker Benefits and Bipartisanship on Squawk Box 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
    WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Joe Kernen on Squawk Box to discuss a recently introduced legislation package concerning gig workers in America.
    [embedded content]
    Click here or on the image above to watch the full interview.
    On Creating a Positive Environment for Gig Workers…
    “What we need as a country is exactly the opposite of what the Democrats want in California. We want an environment that is conducive to increase our labor participation by giving workers the kind of environment that allows them to choose who they work for, when they work, and how they’re going to be compensated. If we can get there by relaxing the test on the common law with the NLRA, we find ourselves in a position where we can attract more people back to the workforce. And as you know, Joe, with the benefits for businesses and the big beautiful bill, plus deregulation and an environment that attracts more workers back to the workforce, we can have this economy humming.”
    On the Needs of Independent Contractors…
    “What we want to do as a nation is give people options and choice. Optionality is incredibly important for the 21st century worker. They don’t always want to be an employee. Sometimes they’re better off being a contractor, so they’re working for three or four different companies at the same time. That kind of flexibility allows for folks to meet their needs at home and at work– And frankly, from an educational perspective as well.”
    On Bipartisanship in the Senate…
    “We continue to work for, look for partners where there’s common ground that makes common sense. If we find that here, and I think we can, we can move it forward. It will not be from California, it won’t be from New York, and it won’t be from Illinois. But there are folks from other states that may work with us.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Markey on Trump’s Tariff War, Civil Rights, and Climate on Dan Koh’s People’s Cabinet Podcast

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Watch: Senator Markey on “The People’s Cabinet”

    Washington (July 1, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Top Democrat on the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee and the Primary Health and Retirement Security Subcommittee of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, recently spoke with Dan Koh for his podcast “The People’s Cabinet,” discussing his fight to exempt small businesses from Trump’s tariffs, how what Tufts student Rümeysa Öztürk’s case shown a spotlight on the threats to due process in the Trump era, and Donald Trump’s attacks on the Green New Deal, clean energy, and the environment. Below are excerpts from their conversation.

    Threats to Small Businesses

    “I’m listening to small businesses in Massachusetts and across the country, and uniformly they are terrified by Trump’s tariff regime. A larger business might be able to ride out the uncertainty of the tariffs for a year, but for a small business – they live week to week, or month to month, and they can’t have that kind of cloud over them indefinitely. The most vulnerable businesses in America are small businesses, which is why I have a bill that would exempt small businesses from the tariffs. These tariffs could be an extinction event for small businesses, and they are the ones who are paying the price.”

    Threats to Due Process

    “Rumeysa [Ozturk] was picked up off the streets right just a couple of miles from my house in Malden, in Somerville, and I knew it was part of a much larger story in our country. Rumeysa Ozturk had not been charged with a crime. People realized that what happened to her could happen to them in the Trump era – that there could be a curtailment of their fifth amendment due process rights and first amendment right to free speech. Trump was weaponizing his government to go after people who he considered to be threats to the country without any evidence.”

    Green New Deal

    “To a very large extent, the Green New Deal changed the whole discussion in the Democratic party about the issues we should be focusing upon, and to a certain extent, it’s all going to be on the table in 2026. I’m very confident that our vision of talking about a cleaner environment but also housing, education, breaking up monopolies, and making sure there are opportunities for everyone regardless of income and regardless of race is going to be a very powerful and winning message in 2026.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Castor Urges Justice Department to Reinstate Prosecutor in Major Florida Fraud Case

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

    TAMPA, Fla. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) called on U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to immediately reinstate Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Gordon following his abrupt removal from the Department of Justice. Gordon had been leading the prosecution of Leo Govoni, a St. Petersburg man accused of stealing over $100 million from medical trust funds meant to help individuals with disabilities, injured workers and retirees across Florida.

    “These funds—managed by nonprofits Govoni helped found—were systematically siphoned into shell companies and fraudulent investment vehicles, allegedly to support his lavish personal lifestyle. Victims were blindsided when their accounts were drained, leaving them without the resources they relied on for housing, therapy, medication, and basic dignity,” wrote Castor. “The victims of Govoni’s alleged fraud number in the thousands—each with painful and personal stories. Mr. Gordon’s removal places this case, and their hope for accountability, in jeopardy.”

    Castor closed, “I respectfully request that you stand up for the victims of the Govoni crimes, reinstate Mr. Gordon immediately and allow the prosecution of Leo Govoni to proceed unimpeded. The victims deserve closure, and the public deserves a justice system free from intimidation and partisan retribution.”

    Castor’s letter also raises concerns about Gordon’s dismissal as potential political retaliation for previously prosecuting January 6 insurrection cases. Castor calls the firings of Gordon and other career prosecutors “a deep stain of callous disregard for the U.S. Constitution and rule of law… These actions appear petty and vindictive, aimed at punishing those who upheld the rule of law.”

    The Trump Administration’s action to remove a prosecutor in charge of holding a serial fraudster accountable for preying on vulnerable Floridians runs contrary to his claims of rooting out waste, fraud and abuse in health care and across the federal government.

    Read the full letter here and below:

    Dear Attorney General Bondi:

    I urge you to reconsider the recent dismissal of Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Gordon from the Department of Justice. His removal—documented in your June 27 memo—comes at a pivotal moment in the federal prosecution of St. Petersburg fraudster Leo Govoni, who stands accused of orchestrating one of the largest fraud schemes in Florida’s recent history. The timing and circumstances of Mr. Gordon’s termination raise serious concerns about political retribution and threaten to derail justice for victims who have already suffered for far too long.

    Mr. Govoni is charged with embezzling over $100 million from medical trust funds intended to safeguard the long-term care of vulnerable individuals, including individuals with disabilities, injured workers, and retirees across Florida. These funds—managed by nonprofits Govoni helped found—were systematically siphoned into shell companies and fraudulent investment vehicles, allegedly to support his lavish personal lifestyle. Victims were blindsided when their accounts were drained, leaving them without the resources they relied on for housing, therapy, medication, and basic dignity

    The harm inflicted is especially profound in the Tampa Bay area:

    • In St. Petersburg, Rebekah Bowman trusted Govoni with $800,000 from a settlement meant to care for her disabled son, Kienan Freeman, who requires lifelong support due to a severe seizure disorder. Govoni personally assured her the funds would be protected and grown. Instead, federal investigators found the account partially emptied, and the nonprofit declared bankruptcy. Rebekah shared: “He promised that he would take care of the money and help it grow… and then I shouldn’t have to worry about the money.” After watching Govoni remain free while her son’s care became uncertain, she said: “He gets to walk free and the rest of us still have to struggle.”
    • In Tampa, Melissa Beck witnessed her father, Thomas Hancock, denied chemotherapy despite having over $347,000 in a Medicare Set-Aside account Govoni’s nonprofit claimed to manage. Hancock, permanently disabled after a fall in 2007, died on May 16, 2025, from complications of cancer and COPD. Melissa discovered the alleged theft only after his death and now seeks justice. She said: “My feeling is this man killed my father… My father could’ve gotten treatment. Maybe he could have survived?” And added: “There’s no amount of money that is going to bring my dad back… but my dad deserves justice, and I will fight until my last breath to get it.”
    • The victims of Govoni’s alleged fraud number in the thousands—each with painful and personal stories. Mr. Gordon’s removal places this case, and their hope for accountability, in jeopardy.

    Equally alarming is the dismissal of a highly regarded Department of Justice prosecutor for purely politically vindictive reasons. Mr. Gordon previously served as senior trial counsel for the Capitol Siege Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. His team prosecuted individuals involved in the January 6 violent insurrection, during which nearly 140 police officers were injured, suffering broken bones, burns, and blunt trauma. Officer Brian Sicknick died from strokes after being assaulted; four others died by suicide in the aftermath. Rioters committed serious crimes, including:

    • Assaulting law enforcement officers with flagpoles, bear spray, and blunt weapons
    • Seditious conspiracy, as in the case of Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio
    • Obstruction of congressional proceedings
    • Destruction and theft of government property
    • Unlawful entry into restricted federal buildings, often while armed

    As of January 20, 2025, 1,575 individuals were charged in connection with the attack. Yet on his first day back in office, in what is a deep stain of callous disregard for the U.S. Constitution and rule of law, President Trump pardoned over 1,500 convicted rioters, including violent offenders. He has since fired prosecutors and FBI agents who worked on these cases. Your dismissal of Mr. Gordon—alongside two other career prosecutors—marks the first time that non-probationary federal attorneys were removed for their role in these prosecutions. These actions appear petty and vindictive, aimed at punishing those who upheld the rule of law.

    I respectfully request that you stand up for the victims of the Govoni crimes, reinstate Mr. Gordon immediately and allow the prosecution of Leo Govoni to proceed unimpeded. The victims deserve closure, and the public deserves a justice system free from intimidation and partisan retribution.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: North Dakota Tourism Announces Partnership with Tigirlily Gold

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    North Dakota Tourism is proud to announce a new partnership with country music duo Tigirlily Gold, uniting the power of storytelling, music, and North Dakota spirit. As part of this collaboration, the Hazen-born sisters have written and recorded a brand-new anthem inspired by their appreciation of the beauty, people and tranquility of North Dakota. The song will debut Thursday, with a live performance at ND Country Fest on July 10, and an official release later this year.

    Krista and Kendra Slaubaugh, the voices behind Tigirlily Gold, have never been shy about their love for the place that raised them. Now, through this special partnership, they’ll add new sound and energy to North Dakota’s “Hello” campaign, sharing their connection to the state on a national stage.

    “It’s so fun to work with people who are true ambassadors for North Dakota,” said North Dakota Department of Commerce Tourism & Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman. “I’ve watched these women grow up and seeing them use their platform to celebrate and support our state has been really inspiring.”

    The partnership includes appearances at North Dakota promotional events, including the Waste Management Phoenix Open in Phoenix, which took place in February, social media and branded content, a North Dakota photo shoot, and music and assets to be used in North Dakota promotional efforts. Additionally, they will be sharing stories about their experiences growing up in North Dakota and highlighting fun things to see and do in the state during interviews.

    “We’ve always dreamed of working with North Dakota Tourism,” the duo added. “This collaboration is truly full circle, and we’re honored to share what makes our home state so special.”

    The duo wrote the song this spring and North Dakota Tourism officials are hopeful it becomes the soundtrack to celebrate North Dakota and make others more aware of our state. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Speaks at National Rollout of USDA Farm Security Action Plan

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Speaks at National Rollout of USDA Farm Security Action Plan

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Governor Jim Pillen joined national and state leaders in Washington, D.C. for the national rollout of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Security Action Plan – a new initiative focused on protecting America’s rural farms, food suppliers and ag interests.

    Addressing the crowd outside the USDA Whitten Building, Gov. Pillen highlighted his unique perspective as the first governor from Nebraska in 100 years to make his living from agriculture. Since entering office, Gov. Pillen has issued two executive orders and introduced several bills aimed at protecting the state’s property, infrastructure and other assets from the threat of foreign adversaries. He signed LB644 into law just last month – a comprehensive piece of legislation that among other things, bars companies associated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from receiving Nebraska tax credits.

    At today’s event, speakers touched on the variety of emerging threats from China and other nations including land ownership near military installations, intellectual property theft, and bioterrorism. The seven-point plan unveiled today by the USDA was developed in response to the purchase of significant amounts of American farmland by people and companies connected to the CCP.  

    “Farm security equals food security, which equals national security,” said Gov. Pillen. “Thanks to these actions taken by President Trump and his team, we can further protect the backbone of Nebraska’s economy from foreign adversaries like China.”

    Additional speakers at today’s event, hosted by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, included Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, White House Counselor Peter Navarro, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama), U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (Kansas) and House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson.

    Gov. Pillen joined governors Lee, Huckabee Sanders and other speakers in complimenting the collective and coordinated effort by those in President Trump’s cabinet to provide solutions for better protecting rural farms – now and for future generations. 

    “It’s important that we continue to have the courage and the wisdom to never back down and to stand up and protect our land and protect our families. In agriculture, we risk everything we have every single day to put food on grocery store shelves,” said Gov. Pillen.

    The multi-agency plan contains seven action items, some of which are touched on in a letter to Sec. Rollins, signed by Gov. Pillen and other members of the America First Governors’ Council. In it, the group affirms its support of the Farm Security Action Plan saying:

    “Across the country, Chinese investors now control hundreds of thousands of acres of U.S. agricultural land, posing risks not just to local economies but to our food supply, water access, and national security. This is a coordinated, strategic effort by the CCP to weaken America from within and use our land as a Trojan horse. Washington’s past failures allowed this threat to metastasize. The previous administration was too compromised and entangled with CCP interests to act decisively. As a result, the American people paid the price. That era is over.”

    Signatories on the letter, in addition to Gov. Pillen, include Gov. Mike Braun, Indiana; Gov. Bill Lee, Tennessee; Gov. Brad Little, Idaho; Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa; Gov. Larry Rhoden, South Dakota; Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Arkansas; Gov. Kevin Stitt, Oklahoma; and former governors Phil Bryant, Mississippi; Bobby Jindal, Louisiana; and Rick Perry, Texas.

    A copy of the letter is included below.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department’s Antitrust Division Announces Whistleblower Rewards Program

    Source: US State of California

    The Program Incentivizes Individuals to Report Postal-Related Antitrust Crimes that Undermine the Competitive Process or Market Competition Across Industries

    The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division today announces its partnership with the United States Postal Service to create the Whistleblower Rewards Program. For the first time, the Antitrust Division will offer rewards for individuals who report antitrust crimes and related offenses that harm consumers, taxpayers, and free market competition across industries from healthcare to agriculture — under existing law and at no additional cost to the taxpayer.

    “Antitrust crimes and related offenses that harm free market competition often occur in secret, making detection a formidable challenge. The new Whistleblower Rewards Program will create a new pipeline of leads from individuals with firsthand knowledge of criminal antitrust and related offenses that will help us break down those walls of secrecy and hold violators accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Antitrust Division. “This program raises the stakes: If you’re fixing prices or rigging bids, don’t assume your scheme is safe — we will find and prosecute you, and someone you know may get a reward for helping us do it.”

    “This reporting mechanism gives those with a vested interest in maintaining the integrity of the Postal Service the opportunity to join us in the fight,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “The Postal Inspection Service, along with our partners in the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General will not tolerate anyone who violates Antitrust Laws; we remain committed to seeking justice against anyone who chooses to do so. And for those who are also motivated to using this tool to report Antitrust crimes, we affirm our commitment to fully investigate and bring violators to justice.”

    “As a key partner and original member in the Department of Justice’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG), actively collaborates with other federal agencies to detect, investigate, and prosecute antitrust crimes, ensuring fair competition and safeguarding taxpayer’s dollars in federal procurements,” said Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Robert Kwalwasser, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. “We are pleased to be partnering with DOJ and the Postal Inspection Service to implement the Whistleblower Rewards Program to incentivize individuals and companies to provide information about collusive behavior without fear of reprisal. This newly established program is an example of DOJ’s commitment to root out illicit behavior in all industries, which includes industries where the USPS procures goods and services either directly or indirectly. The USPS OIG will fully participate in this collaborate effort to ensure the USPS and the U.S. taxpayers are not being defrauded of honest services.”

    The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and USPS OIG have long played a vital role in uncovering and investigating postal-related antitrust crimes that harm Americans. The Whistleblower Rewards Program will provide individuals with the opportunity to report evidence of antitrust crimes directly to the Antitrust Division and, in appropriate cases, qualify for substantial monetary rewards of up to 30% of any criminal fines recovered, for violations of law affecting the Postal Service, its revenues, or its property. The program expands upon the Division’s long-standing efforts to detect and prosecute cartels and criminal collusion by incentivizing individuals to report specific, credible, and timely information about illegal agreements to fix prices, rig bids, and allocate markets, as well as other federal criminal violations that impact, distort, or undermine the competitive process or market competition.

    To facilitate reporting, the Division has established a dedicated Whistleblower Regards Program webpage accessible at www.justice.gov/atr/whistleblower-rewards. Whistleblowers and their counsel are encouraged to contact the Division promptly.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department’s Antitrust Division Announces Whistleblower Rewards Program

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    The Program Incentivizes Individuals to Report Postal-Related Antitrust Crimes that Undermine the Competitive Process or Market Competition Across Industries

    The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division today announces its partnership with the United States Postal Service to create the Whistleblower Rewards Program. For the first time, the Antitrust Division will offer rewards for individuals who report antitrust crimes and related offenses that harm consumers, taxpayers, and free market competition across industries from healthcare to agriculture — under existing law and at no additional cost to the taxpayer.

    “Antitrust crimes and related offenses that harm free market competition often occur in secret, making detection a formidable challenge. The new Whistleblower Rewards Program will create a new pipeline of leads from individuals with firsthand knowledge of criminal antitrust and related offenses that will help us break down those walls of secrecy and hold violators accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Antitrust Division. “This program raises the stakes: If you’re fixing prices or rigging bids, don’t assume your scheme is safe — we will find and prosecute you, and someone you know may get a reward for helping us do it.”

    “This reporting mechanism gives those with a vested interest in maintaining the integrity of the Postal Service the opportunity to join us in the fight,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “The Postal Inspection Service, along with our partners in the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General will not tolerate anyone who violates Antitrust Laws; we remain committed to seeking justice against anyone who chooses to do so. And for those who are also motivated to using this tool to report Antitrust crimes, we affirm our commitment to fully investigate and bring violators to justice.”

    “As a key partner and original member in the Department of Justice’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG), actively collaborates with other federal agencies to detect, investigate, and prosecute antitrust crimes, ensuring fair competition and safeguarding taxpayer’s dollars in federal procurements,” said Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Robert Kwalwasser, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. “We are pleased to be partnering with DOJ and the Postal Inspection Service to implement the Whistleblower Rewards Program to incentivize individuals and companies to provide information about collusive behavior without fear of reprisal. This newly established program is an example of DOJ’s commitment to root out illicit behavior in all industries, which includes industries where the USPS procures goods and services either directly or indirectly. The USPS OIG will fully participate in this collaborate effort to ensure the USPS and the U.S. taxpayers are not being defrauded of honest services.”

    The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and USPS OIG have long played a vital role in uncovering and investigating postal-related antitrust crimes that harm Americans. The Whistleblower Rewards Program will provide individuals with the opportunity to report evidence of antitrust crimes directly to the Antitrust Division and, in appropriate cases, qualify for substantial monetary rewards of up to 30% of any criminal fines recovered, for violations of law affecting the Postal Service, its revenues, or its property. The program expands upon the Division’s long-standing efforts to detect and prosecute cartels and criminal collusion by incentivizing individuals to report specific, credible, and timely information about illegal agreements to fix prices, rig bids, and allocate markets, as well as other federal criminal violations that impact, distort, or undermine the competitive process or market competition.

    To facilitate reporting, the Division has established a dedicated Whistleblower Regards Program webpage accessible at www.justice.gov/atr/whistleblower-rewards. Whistleblowers and their counsel are encouraged to contact the Division promptly.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Cassidy Outlines Plan to Save Social Security in Op-Ed

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) penned an op-ed in the Washington Post outlining his “Big Idea” to save Social Security by creating a sovereign wealth fund—separate from the Social Security Trust Fund—dedicated to protecting the program for all current and future Social Security beneficiaries. Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) in penning the op-ed.
    “There is a nationwide appetite to implement a bipartisan, commonsense plan like ours. Waiting until the Social Security Trust Fund is on the eve of crisis would have difficult and preventable consequences. Congress should seize the moment,” wrote the senators.
    Read the full op-ed here or below.
    Our Bipartisan Plan Could Rescue Social Security
    If Congress doesn’t act, the Social Security Trust Fund will be insolvent as soon as 2033, and millions of Americans who have been paying into the program will see a significant portion of their promised benefits cut. That’s why we’re working on a bipartisan proposal for a new investment fund that would infuse much-needed money into Social Security, while ensuring no one on Social Security or nearing retirement sees any change to the benefits whatsoever.
    Social Security is currently funded through payroll taxes, which are not keeping pace with the amount needed to sustain the program. For now, the Social Security Trust Fund — which is invested exclusively in U.S. government bonds yielding low returns — is helping to fill the gap, but it can’t for long. The most recent Social Security Trustees Reportshowed that payroll tax revenue will fall more than $25 trillion short of owed benefits over the next 75 years, in today’s dollars, if the trust fund becomes insolvent. We propose creating an additional investment fund — in parallel to the trust fund, not replacing it — that would be invested in stocks, bonds and other investments that generate a higher rate of return, helping keep the program from running dry.
    We estimate that it would take a $1.5 trillion up-front investment into the fund to get it going, and we propose giving the fund 75 years to grow. The Treasury would temporarily shoulder the burden of providing benefits to Social Security beneficiaries — but when the new fund’s 75 years are up, it would pay the Treasury back and supplement payroll taxes to help fill the future gap.
    The result? The consistent delivery of Social Security benefits for generations of Americans, and a reduction to the United States’ long-term indebtedness by up to 20 percent.A substantial majority of Americans are concerned about the challenges facing Social Security. We understand if they also question whether politicians could use the proceeds of the new fund we propose for other objectives.That risk can be effectively managed by putting in place guardrails modeled after those used by the Thrift Savings Plan, including a fiduciary duty to seek a maximal return on investments and deterrence measures to address concerns that a future Congress might want to raid the fund. As for transparency, the new fund should be subject to annual audits published online.
    We know a program like this could work because it already has. In 2001, Congress created the National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust — a diversified investment fund designed to ensure retirement benefit payouts for railroad workers. The trust has remained firmly in the black, with returns even exceeding expectations at some points and with payments consistently remaining reliable and on schedule. Our proposal is also consistent with virtually every other pension plan — state and private — currently operating in our country, and it matches the strategy most nations use to fund their retirement programs.
    There is a nationwide appetite to implement a bipartisan, commonsense plan like ours. Waiting until the Social Security Trust Fund is on the eve of crisis would have difficult and preventable consequences. Congress should seize the moment.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG’s Office wins $8.2M in penalties and consumer restitution in trial against repeat scammer

    Source: Washington State News

    Michigan defendants mailed nearly 600,000 deceptive solicitations for workplace posters to Washington businesses

    SEATTLE — A Michigan-based scammer that has been deceiving businesses for years was ordered to pay more than $8.2 million in penalties and consumer restitution following a lawsuit brought by the Washington State Attorney General’s Office.

    Following trial against Labor Law Poster Service and two of its principals, King County Superior Court Judge Maureen McKee imposed a $7.4 million penalty and awarded $850,000 in consumer restitution, plus interest, to the Attorney General’s Office. The court also ordered the defendants to pay the state’s attorney fees.

    For almost a decade, the company has illegally targeted tens of thousands of Washington small businesses by mass mailing deceptive solicitations. These mailings deceived business owners into purchasing workplace posters they were not obligated to buy. The letters mimicked legitimate government communications. Before trial, the court had already determined that each of the company’s nearly 600,000 solicitations were deceptive, and violated the Consumer Protection Act, and that co-owner Joseph Fata was personally liable for the unlawful conduct.

    The trial before Judge McKee focused on three issues: the personal liability of co-owner Justin Fata, the defendants’ violations of a 2016 injunction prohibiting them from engaging in the same deceptive conduct, and the amount of penalties and consumer restitution defendants would have to pay.

    Focusing primarily on the bad faith of these repeat offenders, Judge McKee imposed a $12 penalty for each of the nearly 600,000 mailers sent to Washington business owners—amounting to $7.1 million. The Court also awarded $850,000 in restitution for those small business owners who responded to the deceptive solicitations and purchased workplace posters—along with 12% in prejudgment interest. 

    The court also found the defendants violated a 2016 court order prohibiting them from sending deceptive solicitations in two ways: First by engaging in the prohibited conduct, and second by failing to distribute the 2016 order to the company’s employees.

    For years, the Fatas have treated adverse legal actions as the cost of doing business. This lawsuit represents the third time the state has taken enforcement action against the Fatas’ operations, first in 2008 and again in 2016. The 2016 action resulted in an order requiring defendants to pay $1.2 million in civil penalties, restitution, and attorneys’ fees.

    Assistant Attorneys General Zorba Leslie, Kelsey Burazin and Michael Bradley, Paralegals Mary Barber, Ashley Totten, KC Winfield, Anne Wallig, and Vick Walker all handled the case for Washington.

    -30-

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

    General contacts: Click here

    Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Meagre pensions for former temporary employees in the public administration in Sicily – E-002676/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002676/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Giuseppe Antoci (The Left)

    Sicily is faced with a serious social welfare problem concerning temporary and former temporary workers in the island’s public administration.

    As pointed out by the Regional Committee of the National Social Security Institute (INPS), around 9 000 of these workers are destined to receive social welfare payouts that are ‘bordering on the breadline’[1].

    They are said to be receiving pensions that are totally insufficient to meet the demands of everyday living, especially with the rise in the cost of living[2].

    This problem calls for immediate action, since around one thousand of these workers have just retired and are receiving payments of just EUR 600 per month, despite having worked for at least 35 years[3].

    The reason for this unacceptable situation lies in the tendency for public administrations (municipal, provincial and regional councils and publicly-owned companies) to resort to temporary and intermittent, fixed-term and part-time contracts. For the workers involved, these types of contract lead to piecemeal careers, low wages and insufficient contribution payments. As a corollary of this, they then receive equally inappropriate pensions.

    Can the Commission state whether it is aware of this unacceptable social welfare treatment of public servants who have had to work in precarious contractual conditions, how it views this situation and how it might intervene?

    Submitted: 1.7.2025

    • [1] https://tg24.sky.it/economia/2025/06/06/pensioni-precari-pa-sicilia-inps?card=5.
    • [2] https://www.palermotoday.it/cronaca/lavoratori-ex-precari-regione-enti-locali-cisl-fp-sicilia.html.
    • [3] https://palermo.gds.it/articoli/politica/2025/06/04/le-pensioni-povere-degli-ex-precari-il-comitato-inps-sicilia-intervengano-politica-e-sindacati-434bb156-a3cf-407a-a0cb-b3e467ecd0e5/.
    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: PS Miner announces rapid progress in its AI cloud mining infrastructure after raising $350 million in Series B funding

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PS Miner, a UK cloud mining platform headquartered in Southwark, London, was founded in 2019. On July 1, 2025, it announced the successful completion of its Series B financing, receiving $350 million to support the integration of artificial intelligence technology into its cloud mining business. This round of financing was participated by several investment institutions with expertise in blockchain and sustainable technology.
    The company said the newly raised funds will be used to enhance its global network of renewable energy data centers and develop artificial intelligence mining systems designed to improve operational efficiency. These systems are designed to dynamically manage computing resources, predict optimal mining intervals, and reduce overall energy consumption, thereby increasing block verification success rates and operational stability.
    PS Miner currently operates more than 50 data centers in multiple countries. These facilities are powered by renewable energy such as wind and solar energy, in line with the company’s environmentally sustainable mining strategy. The platform serves more than 7 million users in more than 180 countries and regions.
    Cloud Mining Overview
    Cloud mining allows users to access cryptocurrency mining capabilities by renting computing power from a service provider without having to purchase and maintain physical hardware. This model provides an alternative to traditional mining, which usually requires a lot of capital investment and technical expertise.
    Open the website: psminer.com, and you can get a mining experience contract worth $12 after registration.
    PS Miner supports a variety of digital assets, including BTC, ETH, DOGE, USDT, USDC, LTC, XRP, SOL and BCH. The mining business is fully managed by the company, including hardware maintenance and infrastructure operations.
    Integration of AI
    Integrating AI into PS Miner’s cloud mining framework aims to optimize resource allocation and performance in real time. This approach is expected to reduce power consumption in renewable energy centers and improve system responsiveness.
    The company has stated that it plans to expand its green data center layout in Europe, North America and Asia. These centers are expected to use wind and hydroelectric power to provide low-cost and sustainable mining capacity.
    Mining Contract Structure
    PS Miner offers a variety of cloud mining contract options. These contracts vary in terms of duration and computing power allocation. After the contract is activated, mining income is settled on a daily basis, and the contract principal is returned when the contract expires.
    The existing contract levels include terms of 1 to 60 days, and are adjusted accordingly based on the scale of calculations and expected net income. For more details on cloud mining contracts, please visit: https://psminer.com/project
    Here are some of the contract displays:

    For more information, please contact online customer service or send a message to PS Miner’s corporate email: info@psminer.com
    Official website: https://psminer.com/

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: PS Miner announces rapid progress in its AI cloud mining infrastructure after raising $350 million in Series B funding

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PS Miner, a UK cloud mining platform headquartered in Southwark, London, was founded in 2019. On July 1, 2025, it announced the successful completion of its Series B financing, receiving $350 million to support the integration of artificial intelligence technology into its cloud mining business. This round of financing was participated by several investment institutions with expertise in blockchain and sustainable technology.
    The company said the newly raised funds will be used to enhance its global network of renewable energy data centers and develop artificial intelligence mining systems designed to improve operational efficiency. These systems are designed to dynamically manage computing resources, predict optimal mining intervals, and reduce overall energy consumption, thereby increasing block verification success rates and operational stability.
    PS Miner currently operates more than 50 data centers in multiple countries. These facilities are powered by renewable energy such as wind and solar energy, in line with the company’s environmentally sustainable mining strategy. The platform serves more than 7 million users in more than 180 countries and regions.
    Cloud Mining Overview
    Cloud mining allows users to access cryptocurrency mining capabilities by renting computing power from a service provider without having to purchase and maintain physical hardware. This model provides an alternative to traditional mining, which usually requires a lot of capital investment and technical expertise.
    Open the website: psminer.com, and you can get a mining experience contract worth $12 after registration.
    PS Miner supports a variety of digital assets, including BTC, ETH, DOGE, USDT, USDC, LTC, XRP, SOL and BCH. The mining business is fully managed by the company, including hardware maintenance and infrastructure operations.
    Integration of AI
    Integrating AI into PS Miner’s cloud mining framework aims to optimize resource allocation and performance in real time. This approach is expected to reduce power consumption in renewable energy centers and improve system responsiveness.
    The company has stated that it plans to expand its green data center layout in Europe, North America and Asia. These centers are expected to use wind and hydroelectric power to provide low-cost and sustainable mining capacity.
    Mining Contract Structure
    PS Miner offers a variety of cloud mining contract options. These contracts vary in terms of duration and computing power allocation. After the contract is activated, mining income is settled on a daily basis, and the contract principal is returned when the contract expires.
    The existing contract levels include terms of 1 to 60 days, and are adjusted accordingly based on the scale of calculations and expected net income. For more details on cloud mining contracts, please visit: https://psminer.com/project
    Here are some of the contract displays:

    For more information, please contact online customer service or send a message to PS Miner’s corporate email: info@psminer.com
    Official website: https://psminer.com/

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: PS Miner announces rapid progress in its AI cloud mining infrastructure after raising $350 million in Series B funding

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PS Miner, a UK cloud mining platform headquartered in Southwark, London, was founded in 2019. On July 1, 2025, it announced the successful completion of its Series B financing, receiving $350 million to support the integration of artificial intelligence technology into its cloud mining business. This round of financing was participated by several investment institutions with expertise in blockchain and sustainable technology.
    The company said the newly raised funds will be used to enhance its global network of renewable energy data centers and develop artificial intelligence mining systems designed to improve operational efficiency. These systems are designed to dynamically manage computing resources, predict optimal mining intervals, and reduce overall energy consumption, thereby increasing block verification success rates and operational stability.
    PS Miner currently operates more than 50 data centers in multiple countries. These facilities are powered by renewable energy such as wind and solar energy, in line with the company’s environmentally sustainable mining strategy. The platform serves more than 7 million users in more than 180 countries and regions.
    Cloud Mining Overview
    Cloud mining allows users to access cryptocurrency mining capabilities by renting computing power from a service provider without having to purchase and maintain physical hardware. This model provides an alternative to traditional mining, which usually requires a lot of capital investment and technical expertise.
    Open the website: psminer.com, and you can get a mining experience contract worth $12 after registration.
    PS Miner supports a variety of digital assets, including BTC, ETH, DOGE, USDT, USDC, LTC, XRP, SOL and BCH. The mining business is fully managed by the company, including hardware maintenance and infrastructure operations.
    Integration of AI
    Integrating AI into PS Miner’s cloud mining framework aims to optimize resource allocation and performance in real time. This approach is expected to reduce power consumption in renewable energy centers and improve system responsiveness.
    The company has stated that it plans to expand its green data center layout in Europe, North America and Asia. These centers are expected to use wind and hydroelectric power to provide low-cost and sustainable mining capacity.
    Mining Contract Structure
    PS Miner offers a variety of cloud mining contract options. These contracts vary in terms of duration and computing power allocation. After the contract is activated, mining income is settled on a daily basis, and the contract principal is returned when the contract expires.
    The existing contract levels include terms of 1 to 60 days, and are adjusted accordingly based on the scale of calculations and expected net income. For more details on cloud mining contracts, please visit: https://psminer.com/project
    Here are some of the contract displays:

    For more information, please contact online customer service or send a message to PS Miner’s corporate email: info@psminer.com
    Official website: https://psminer.com/

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –