NewzIntel.com

Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI Economics: CNB keeps mortgage lending rules and countercyclical and systemic risk buffer rates unchanged

    Source: Czech National Bank

    The Czech financial sector is stable and resilient to potential adverse effects, according to the conclusions of the Czech National Bank (CNB) Bank Board’s financial stability meeting today. In addition to domestic risks related to mortgage lending and the financial cycle, the Bank Board assessed risks stemming from global economic developments.

    The Czech economy is in the growth phase of the financial cycle. “Transaction activity on the mortgage market is returning to its long-term average, and growth in residential property prices has picked up considerably. We therefore still consider it necessary to leave the LTV limit at 80% (or 90% for applicants under 36 years),” said CNB Bank Board member Jakub Seidler following the Bank Board meeting on financial stability issues today. The DTI and DSTI ratios remain deactivated, as banks are not easing credit standards for mortgage loans across the board for the time being, and the related systemic risks are not increasing.

    The Bank Board also evaluated the resilience of the banking sector in the context of domestic and global economic developments and decided to leave the countercyclical capital buffer rate at 1.25%. In its decision, it took into account the level of cyclical risks in the sector’s balance sheet. The CNB expects these risks to increase slightly over the outlook horizon of the spring forecast, but the current buffer rate is sufficient to cover this increase. “Potential adverse developments in the global economy and uncertainties in international trade may increase some structural risks in the Czech economy, so the banking sector’s resilience should continue to be strengthened using the systemic risk buffer, which has been applied at 0.5% since 1 January 2025,” said Jakub Seidler.

    The banking sector is well capitalised. As a whole, it passed a stress test based on an adverse scenario used by the European Banking Authority to test the EU banking sector in 2025. “The profitability, capital buffers and asset quality of the banking sector create favourable conditions for absorbing the shocks considered in the stress test,” said Libor Holub, Executive Director of the CNB’s Financial Stability and Resolution Department.

    In its Financial Stability Report, the CNB regularly assesses the soundness of the domestic financial sector and its resilience to adverse shocks. The report forms the foundation for configuring macroprudential policy tools, in particular bank capital buffers and borrower-based measures. The CNB will publish the latest Financial Stability Report – Spring 2025 on 23 June 2025. The minutes of today’s Bank Board meeting on financial stability issues, including the votes cast by the individual Bank Board members on macroprudential policy measures and also attributed arguments, will be published the same day.

    Jakub Holas
    Director, Communications Division

    Notes for journalists:

    Financial stability has been a key objective of the Czech National Bank alongside price stability since 2013. Maintaining financial stability is defined in Act No 6/1993 Coll., on the Czech National Bank. The Act requires the CNB to set macroprudential policy by identifying, monitoring and assessing risks jeopardising the stability of the financial system and, in order to prevent or mitigate these risks, to contribute by means of its powers to the resilience of the financial system and the maintenance of financial stability. Since the second half of 2021, the CNB has had the statutory power to set upper limits on the LTV, DTI and DSTI ratios (borrower-based measures). Compliance with the limits must be legally binding in order to ensure a level playing field on the market.

    The Bank Board discusses financial stability issues twice a year – in the spring in May or June, and in the autumn in November. The aim of the Financial Stability Report is to identify the risks to the financial stability of the Czech Republic in the near future on the basis of previous and expected developments in the real economy and the financial system.

    The main macroprudential policy tools applied in the Czech Republic are the countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB), the capital conservation buffer (CCoB), the capital buffer for other systemically important institutions (O-SIIs) set only for systemically important banks, the systemic risk buffer, upper limits on the LTV, DTI and DSTI credit ratios set for all mortgage lenders, and the Recommendation on the management of risks associated with the provision of consumer loans secured by residential property.

    Countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB) – This instrument is aimed at increasing the resilience of the banking sector to risks associated with fluctuations in lending activity. The CCyB should enable banks to lend to households and firms even at a time of recession or financial instability.

    Systemic risk buffer (SyRB) – This buffer is intended to mitigate the potential impacts of systemic risks identified on the financial system and the real economy. If their level poses a risk to financial stability, the application of the SyRB enhances the capitalisation of the banking sector and increases its resilience to adverse shocks. At the same time, it may help reduce the growth or concentration of the relevant exposures in banks’ balance sheets, although this is not its primary purpose.

    Capital conservation buffer (CCoB) – This instrument is aimed at preserving a bank’s capital. Under the Act on Banks, all banks are obliged to maintain this buffer. The CCoB rate is 2.5% and does not change over time.

    Capital buffer for other systemically important institutions (O-SIIs) – This instrument is aimed at mitigating risks connected with the potential destabilisation of systemically important institutions, which could have significant adverse effects on the financial system and the economy as a whole. The CNB is required to draw up a list of O-SIIs and calibrate the buffer for individual O-SIIs at least once a year.

    Combined capital buffer – the sum of the capital conservation buffer (CCoB), the countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB), the systemic risk buffer (SyRB) and the capital buffer for other systemically important institutions (O-SII).

    LTV (loan-to-value) – the ratio of the value of a mortgage loan to the value of collateral.

    DTI (debt-to-income) – the ratio of the applicant’s total debt to their net annual income.

    DSTI (debt-service-to-income) – the ratio of the sum of the applicant’s monthly repayments to their net monthly income.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Reeflex Solutions Inc. Announces Market-Making Agreement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

    CALGARY, Alberta, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Reeflex Solutions Inc. (TSXV: RFX) (“Reeflex” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that, subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval, it has entered into an agreement with the Ventum Financial Corp. (“Ventum”) to provide market-making services in accordance with applicable TSX Venture Exchange policies. Pursuant to the agreement, Ventum will seek to maintain an orderly market for the common shares of the Company.

    Under the agreement, Ventum will receive compensation of CAD$5,000 per month, payable monthly in advance. The agreement is for an initial term of three months and will renew automatically for additional one-month terms unless terminated. The agreement may be terminated by either party with 30 days’ notice. 

    There are no performance factors contained in the agreement, and Ventum will not receive shares or options as compensation. Ventum and the Company are unrelated and unaffiliated entities. Ventum is a privately owned corporation controlled by its principals. At the time of the agreement, neither Ventum nor its principals have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the securities of the Company, except that Ventum holds 500,000 previously issued agent’s options at an exercise price of $0.10 per share, which were issued in connection with the initial public offering of the Company and are unrelated to the market-making agreement. All funds and securities required for the market-making activities will be provided by Ventum, using its own capital. No third party is providing funds or securities for these activities.

    About Ventum

    Ventum Financial Corp. is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario with key operational functions in Vancouver, British Columbia, and is a leading independent investment advisory and capital markets firm with fifteen offices across Canada. With a steadfast commitment to integrity and client service, Ventum provides a wide array of financial services to individual, institutional, and corporate clients through our team of experienced professionals. Ventum is a dealer-member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO).

    About Reeflex

    Reeflex is a public company delivering advanced engineering and manufacturing solutions across various industry sectors. Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Coil Solutions Inc., we provide coil tubing injectors and downhole tools for the oil & gas sector. Our manufacturing division, Ranglar Manufacturing, specializes in custom-designed mobile equipment for a wide range of industrial applications. See www.coilsolutions.com and www.ranglar.com.

    Reeflex Contact

    For further information, please contact:

    John Babic
    President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
    Email: john.babic@reeflex.ca
    Telephone: 780-909-4220

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward–Looking Information

    This press release contains “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, including statements included in the “About Reeflex” section of this press release, are forward-looking. Generally, the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipate”, “believes”, “estimates”, “expects”, “intends”, “may”, “should”, “will” or variations of such words or similar expressions. More particularly, and without limitation, this press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements concerning the resumption of trading of the Reeflex Shares on the TSXV and Reeflex capitalizing on opportunities for growth in its industry. Reeflex cautions that all forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of Reeflex, including expectations and assumptions concerning Reeflex, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including those described in Reeflex’s filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Reeflex. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and Reeflex does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by law.

    Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Sionic Energy awarded $200,000 grant to advance high-energy, fast- charging silicon lithium-ion batteries

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BINGHAMTON, N.Y., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sionic Energy, a recognized leader in electrolyte and silicon battery technology, has been awarded a $200,000 SuperBoost grant from the National Science Foundation Energy Storage Engine in Upstate NY. The funding will accelerate the development and commercialization of Sionic’s 100% silicon lithium-ion battery platform, which delivers industry-leading energy density, ultra-fast charging, and seamless compatibility with existing battery manufacturing infrastructure.

    The breakthrough technology is poised to transform key markets, including electric vehicles (EVs), aviation, and consumer electronics.

    As demand for high-performance, sustainable battery solutions continues to grow, Sionic’s technology offers a game-changing advantage — boosting energy density by up to 42% over conventional lithium-ion batteries while cutting charge times to as little as 10 minutes. By leveraging a proprietary silicon anode and advanced electrolyte system, the platform enhances battery efficiency without requiring costly manufacturing overhauls, ensuring a scalable, cost- effective path to commercialization.

    “Next-generation lithium-ion batteries must not only store more energy but also charge faster and integrate easily into existing production lines,” said Ed Williams, CEO of Sionic Energy. “The support from the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York allows us to accelerate the commercialization of our silicon battery technology, helping to power the future of sustainable mobility and energy storage solutions.”

    The SuperBoost program, a core initiative of the NSF Energy Storage Engine, is designed to expedite commercialization timelines, reducing development cycles from five or more years to under two years. By providing targeted funding and connecting startups with regional testbeds, manufacturing hubs, and industry partnerships, the program is advancing U.S.-based energy storage innovation while bolstering economic growth in upstate New York.

    The strategic importance of Sionic’s advancements was highlighted by Fernando Gómez- Baquero, director of the Translation Pillar at the NSF Energy Storage Engine: “Sionic’s work in silicon anode battery technology is a game-changer for lithium-ion energy storage. Their ability to deliver higher energy density while ensuring fast-charging capability aligns perfectly with the Engine’s mission to foster breakthrough technologies that can transform the energy storage landscape. Through SuperBoost, we are helping companies like Sionic bridge the gap between innovation and commercialization, strengthening upstate New York’s role as a leader in next-generation mobility solutions.”

    The NSF Energy Storage Engine is at the forefront of creating a national energy storage ecosystem, leveraging its extensive network of testbeds, infrastructure, and research collaborations to help startups accelerate their path to market.

    Meera Sampath, CEO of the NSF Energy Storage Engine, emphasized this impact: “The Engine is designed to provide early-stage energy storage companies with the critical resources they need to scale. Our region offers an unparalleled network of manufacturing capabilities and R&D infrastructure, making it an ideal location for accelerating battery innovations. Supporting Sionic through SuperBoost is another step toward strengthening domestic energy self-reliance, reinforcing national security, and positioning upstate New York as America’s Battery Capital.”

    With this SuperBoost funding, Sionic Energy will validate and prototype its technology for automotive and mobility applications, ensuring compliance with industry standards and accelerating its entry into commercial markets. This investment aligns with national efforts to build a resilient, U.S.-based battery supply chain, advancing clean energy solutions and economic growth.

    About Sionic Energy
    Sionic Energy is a recognized leader in lithium-ion battery innovation, developing high-energy- density, fast-charging silicon anode technology for electric vehicles, mobility, and energy storage applications. The company partners with automotive, mobile device, and battery manufacturers to deliver next-generation solutions under a licensing model. Sionic’s mission is to simplify the transition to silicon anodes, ensuring superior performance, efficiency, and safety in future lithium-ion batteries.

    For more information, visit www.sionicenergy.com.

    Contact:
    Ed Williams
    CEO, Sionic Energy contact@sionicenergy.com

    About the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York

    The NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York, led by Binghamton University, is a National Science Foundation-funded, place-based innovation program. The coalition of 40+ academic, industry, nonprofit, state, and community organizations includes Cornell University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Syracuse University, Launch-NY and NY-BEST as core partners. The Engine advances next-gen battery technology development and manufacturing to drive economic growth and bolster national security. Its vision is to transform upstate New York into America’s Battery Capital.

    For more information on the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York, visit https://upstatenyengine.org/.

    Contact:
    Fernando Gómez-Baquero, Ph.D.
    Translation Pillar Director
    NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York
    fernando@cornell.edu

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Pfluger Highlights Need to Stop Illegal Robocalls and Robotexts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    Rep. Pfluger Highlights Need to Stop Illegal Robocalls and Robotexts

    Washington, June 5, 2025

    WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), a member of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, participated in an Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing titled “Stopping Illegal Robocalls and Robotexts: Progress, Challenges, and Next Steps.”

    During the hearing, Rep. Pfluger emphasized that while this is certainly an issue for everyone who receives robocalls and robotexts, it is especially alarming for physicians who are being interrupted by these illegal calls and texts while caring for their patients. To highlight this, Rep. Plfuger showed screenshots from physicians in TX-11, receiving back-to-back illegal robocalls.

    Rep. Pfluger then questioned the witnesses on how Congress can effectively assist in stopping illegal robocalls and robotexts, especially when it comes to physicians in hospitals receiving these calls that disrupt patient care.

    Watch the full interaction HERE or read highlights below.

    Rep. Pfluger: What do you think we can do? And anybody is open to answering this. What do you think we can do for hospitals in general? You know, for those that are providing emergency services? Because nobody’s using a pager anymore, it’s all cell phones, and maybe they need to go back to that. But what can we do to think creatively to really stop that? Every constituent of mine wants it stopped, but are there specific ideas?

    Sarah Leggin: That’s a good question. You know, it’s a really challenging issue, especially when we want to make sure that critical public safety and public health services need to get their calls through. The same tools that we apply to protect consumers can protect the personal lines of physicians and other things: call blocking, call labeling, call filtering services, and then combining that with enforcement so that we’re stopping those at the source.

    Rep. Pfluger: This particular physician goes through, deletes, reports junk, and does all of that, so it sounds like it’s been a continued issue. I’ll go to Mr. Bercu. When we look at the gaps, and just kind of building on this same theme, are there specific things that you would have us do to address those gaps? And if so, maybe describe how they affect, let’s just go with the physician sector, the health industry?

    Joshua Bercu: Yeah, absolutely. I think we have the right framework. Mr. Winters was talking about the robocall mitigation database, and I couldn’t agree more. We need to find ways to quickly find the bad actors in that database and get them out. The FCC does require that providers have to do due diligence about who they take traffic from, so we’re developing the data to see who keeps taking traffic from these shell companies. So I’m optimistic we’ll continue to make progress. There are, as Ms. Leggin mentioned, blocking labeling in specific use cases. I know we work sometimes with some companies that sit on the inbound call side for a hospital, and they have sophisticated tools to see which is the consumer, which is not. So those are some of the things I’d recommend that the doctor look into.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Indian maritime firms secure major shipbuilding deals and green tech partnerships at Nor-Shipping 2025 in Oslo

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian maritime companies have made significant strides at Nor-Shipping 2025 in Oslo, signing key agreements with global players to boost shipbuilding, green technology, and knowledge partnerships, reinforcing India’s maritime prowess and the “Make in India” initiative. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, attended the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Memorandum of Intent (MoI) signing ceremonies, highlighting the deepening collaboration between India and global maritime leaders.

    A notable MoI was signed between Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE), Kolkata, and Germany’s Carsten Rehder Schiffsmakler und Rehder GmbH & Co. KG for the construction of four additional 7,500 DWT multi-purpose vessels with hybrid propulsion and advanced cybersecurity features. This deal supplements an existing order of eight such vessels currently under construction at GRSE’s Kolkata yard. GRSE also inked MoUs with UAE-based Aries Marine LLC for collaboration on offshore platforms and vessels, and with a global engine manufacturer to further technological advancements.

    Additionally, India’s Larsen & Toubro (L&T) signed an MoU with Norway’s DNV, covering cooperation in shipbuilding, offshore and maritime infrastructure, port development, energy systems, industrial solutions, smart infrastructure, sustainability, ESG, risk services, cybersecurity, and digital solutions.

    Speaking at the Norwegian Pavilion, Union Minister Sonowal emphasized the strong maritime ties between India and Norway, rooted in shared values and a commitment to sustainable development. “Norway has long been a valued partner of India. As two proud maritime nations, we understand that the future of the blue economy hinges on sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth,” he said. “These MoUs, including those with Norwegian companies, deepen our commitment to collaborate in the maritime sector.”

    Sonowal highlighted India’s transformative maritime initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, including the Sagarmala program, which focuses on modernizing port infrastructure, enhancing multimodal logistics, and promoting port-led industrial growth. He underscored the push for green ports and low-emission shipping, noting opportunities for collaboration in offshore wind energy, maritime digitalization, and sustainable port development. “Together, we can contribute to a sustainable and secure Indo-Pacific maritime ecosystem,” he added.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s EV Battery Recycling Boom Drives Green Transformation, Global Markets

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    TIANJIN, June 5 (Xinhua) — In the industrial city of Tianjin, north China, employees of startup Tianjin Battery Technology are refurbishing failed electric vehicle batteries with a combination of skilled technicians and automated systems.

    The development illustrates the huge business opportunity opening up in China as authorities in the world’s largest electric vehicle market aim to turn waste batteries from a pollution problem into a key asset in its “green revolution.”

    A startup at the forefront of the country’s sustainable development economy is targeting this rapidly growing sector.

    This market segment is poised for significant growth as China continues to lead the world in the production and sale of new energy vehicles. In addition, the growing number of end-of-life batteries is increasing demand for green solutions.

    By the end of 2024, there were 31.4 million new electric vehicles in the country, or about 9 percent of the country’s total car fleet. Following the government-initiated trade-in campaign, consumer interest in upgrading their cars has increased dramatically, which in turn has further expanded the recycling market.

    China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has required passenger car manufacturers to provide an eight-year or 120,000-km warranty on key components such as batteries since 2016.

    Market forecasts indicate that the volume of discarded batteries in China will reach 1.04 million tons in 2025, and this figure could rise to 3.5 million tons by 2030.

    UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

    Ma Yuwei, 40, works as a production materials control manager in the engineering equipment department at Tianjin Battery Technology. He supervises the dismantling of battery packs and modules. In his opinion, these seemingly “disused” batteries are a treasure trove.

    The firm reuses some of the dismantled components to repair used cars. Crushing the batteries produces copper and aluminum, and the black powder is processed into lithium carbonate suitable for use in batteries.

    “In our words, we need to squeeze every last drop of juice out of failed batteries,” he notes.

    With nearly 20 years of experience and the significant growth potential in the digital electronics and battery manufacturing industries, he accepted the offer to take on this position three years ago.

    Tianjin Battery Technology’s battery processing capacity has reached 10,000 tons per year, achieving a lithium recovery rate of over 90 percent.

    “China relies heavily on imported lithium, cobalt and nickel,” said Ke Yanchun of newly established state-owned China Resources Recycling Group Co., Ltd.

    “The recycling of used batteries effectively reduces the country’s high dependence on imported resources in the production of vehicles using new energy sources,” he emphasized.

    TECHNOLOGICAL ORIENTATION

    China’s battery recycling sector suffers from small, unregulated workshops. Industry leaders are using technological innovation to improve efficiency and restructure the production chain.

    China’s major EV battery maker GEM, which is listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, uses a flexible, intelligent dismantling system for precise detection and sorting. Its recycling innovations include high- and low-temperature catalytic activation and ultra-precise lithium extraction, achieving lithium recovery rates of over 90 percent.

    The company has also developed a digital lifecycle management system for batteries to track them from recycling to disposal, supporting its dual-track business model.

    The company has built a circular economy industrial park in the Shenshan Special Cooperation Zone, which is just 1 km from the production lines of BYD, the country’s leading electric vehicle maker.

    GEM currently operates more than 140 battery recycling stations across the country and cooperates with more than 750 vehicle and battery manufacturers and operators worldwide. In the first quarter of this year, the company recycled 10,800 tons of batteries, up 37 percent year-on-year.

    At Tianjin Battery Technology, Ma Yuwei and his colleagues have improved battery dismantling efficiency by 75 percent using modified tools. Using techniques such as cutting and welding, they have transformed standard tools to meet the complex requirements of battery dismantling.

    “This simple innovation had a significant impact,” the manager noted.

    EXPANSION ABROAD

    As China’s share of the global EV market continues to grow, battery recycling companies are also expanding their international presence to comply with local environmental regulations.

    CATL, the world’s largest battery maker, plans to establish a battery recycling facility in Europe, with the renovation of its Hungarian plant scheduled for completion in 2026. The initiative is part of the company’s efforts to address environmental issues in battery production and recycling.

    GEM has established 7 battery recycling centers, including in the Republic of Korea and Indonesia.

    Gotion High-tech in Hefei, capital of Anhui Province, east China, and Envision Greenwise in Hong Kong have signed a strategic cooperation agreement and plan to jointly build 100 battery recycling and after-sales service centers around the world.

    In addition, Jiaxing-based Huayou Recycling, located in east China’s Zhejiang Province, has entered into a strategic partnership with SUEZ Group, one of Europe’s largest environmental services corporations, to explore the French battery recycling market. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 23 Xinjiang Stores Offer Tax Refunds to Foreign Tourists

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) — Uzbek tourist Mirakbar Usmanov was recently given a tax refund of over 500 yuan on his purchase of a mobile phone and other goods at a shopping mall in Urumqi, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. This is the first time that Xinjiang has implemented a tax refund model for foreign tourists upon purchase rather than upon exiting the country, the Urumqi Evening newspaper reported.

    As of the end of May 2025, 23 retail outlets in Xinjiang have been approved to provide value-added tax (VAT) refund services to foreign visitors upon purchase, according to local tax authorities.

    In April of this year, the Chinese authorities announced a set of measures to further optimize the relevant policy. Thanks to the innovation, money can now be returned instantly after making a purchase, whereas previously it was only possible upon leaving the country.

    After presenting his passport, filling out a foreign buyers refund application form and pre-authorizing his credit card at the aforementioned shopping center, Mirakbar Usmanov paid for his purchases with his card and received his refund immediately.

    Under the new measures, the minimum purchase amount for tax refund has been lowered. Now, overseas travelers can apply for tax refunds by spending at least 200 yuan (about $27.83) at the same store in one day, provided they meet other requirements, according to a notice jointly released by the Ministry of Commerce and five other departments.

    The circular also outlines measures to increase the number of tax refund points, expand the supply of goods and improve the quality of services provided. Thus, the opening of such points in large shopping areas, pedestrian streets, tourist sites, resort areas, cultural centers, airports, passenger transportation points and hotels is encouraged.

    In addition, the range of products offered is expected to expand, especially branded products, consumer goods popular in the country, smart devices, intangible cultural heritage products, handicrafts and other products.

    According to observations by Xinjiang shopping mall operators, smartphones, smart home appliances, drones, branded watches, shoes, clothes and space vehicles are the most popular purchase choices among foreign tourists visiting Xinjiang.

    According to industry experts, Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, may well become the first choice for Central Asians looking to visit China for shopping, due to its geographical proximity and the ongoing implementation of the exit tax refund policy.

    Let us recall that Xinjiang borders eight countries, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

    According to statistics, from May 1 to May 21, the inbound foreign passenger flow at Urumqi Tianshan Airport increased by 75.7 percent year-on-year and exceeded 8,900 person-times, accounting for about 14.47 percent of the country’s total. Broken down by country, the largest share was from citizens of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Tajikistan and other countries. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Cloud Power 2025 Launch: JAMining Introduces a New Era of Sustainable Crypto Mining

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — London, UK – June 2025 — JAMining, a cloud mining platform regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), has officially announced the launch of its next-generation crypto mining ecosystem: Cloud Power 2025. This forward-thinking initiative aims to make cryptocurrency mining more accessible, energy-efficient, and financially rewarding than ever before.

    As the cryptocurrency industry moves towards greater scalability and environmental accountability, JAMining is setting a new benchmark by combining FCA-compliant operations, green energy infrastructure, and automated earning mechanisms. The result? A user-friendly platform that allows individuals to mine digital assets such as Bitcoin, XRP, Ethereum, and Dogecoin — without owning hardware or technical expertise.

    A Smarter Way to Mine: Sustainable, Scalable, Secure

    Cloud Power 2025 is built upon JAMining’s proprietary cloud infrastructure, powered by renewable solar and wind energy sources. This not only reduces the environmental footprint of mining but also significantly lowers operational costs, allowing users to receive higher daily returns.

    “Cloud mining should not only be profitable, it should be sustainable, transparent, and accessible to everyone,” said a JAMining spokesperson. “We’re proud to be one of the few mining platforms that combine strong regulatory oversight with cutting-edge renewable technology.”

    How It Works: One Click to Passive Crypto Earnings

    Once registered, users select a mining contract and activate it with cryptocurrency payment. From that point forward, JAMining’s automated system begins generating daily income that is credited directly to the user’s account. The platform handles all backend operations — from server maintenance to hash power distribution — with full transparency and real-time reporting.

    Example Profitability Table

    Returns are estimates based on current blockchain conditions and are subject to market fluctuation.

    Affiliate Program: Earning Beyond Mining

    JAMining also announced enhancements to its affiliate program as part of the Cloud Power 2025 rollout. Users can earn lifetime commissions by referring others to the platform. The referral structure is non-hierarchical and transparent, allowing participants to scale their earnings alongside the community’s growth.

    “We believe in empowering users not just to mine, but to build income ecosystems,” the company stated. “Our affiliate program is about sharing opportunity, not just traffic.”

    FCA Regulation & Global Transparency

    Unlike many offshore crypto mining schemes, JAMining is fully registered and regulated in the United Kingdom under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This regulatory oversight ensures anti-money laundering compliance, user fund protection, and ethical operations.

    All user funds are secured through encrypted wallet infrastructure, and the platform’s uptime is maintained by distributed global data centers to ensure maximum resilience.

    A Vision Beyond 2025

    JAMining’s roadmap includes multi-token staking options, smart mining automation, and continued development of its renewable-powered server clusters. By combining regulation, sustainability, and profitability, the company hopes to set a long-term industry standard.

    For those seeking a reliable, transparent, and forward-looking way to participate in the blockchain economy, JAMining offers a compelling model.

    To learn more or register, visit:https://jamining.info
    Press Contact:info@jamining.com

    JAMining — Cloud Power 2025. One click. Real income. Sustainable future.

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Jamf showcases AI-powered management features and enhanced security capabilities at Jamf Nation Live

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MINNEAPOLIS, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jamf (NASDAQ: JAMF), the standard in managing and securing Apple at work, showcased its latest platform advancements during the U.S. leg of its global customer event series, Jamf Nation Live. Jamf’s newest innovations in artificial intelligence, automation, compliance, and identity management transform the way customers deploy, manage, and secure Apple devices at scale. The Jamf Nation Live series will continue in the coming months with events in Europe and Asia.

    New AI capabilities to simplify IT tasks and strengthen decision-making

    Jamf is building AI tools that enhance IT expertise, simplify operations, and improve efficiency. Jamf’s AI Assistant empowers IT administrators with intelligent, action-oriented capabilities designed to enhance productivity and support better decision-making.

    Jamf has introduced two new capabilities within AI Assistant —search skill and explain skill— now available in beta for testing.

    • Search skill allows IT admins to perform quick, natural language inventory queries, making it faster and easier to identify devices that meet specific criteria. By reducing reliance on manual filtering, this feature accelerates tasks like troubleshooting, compliance auditing and fleet management.
    • Explain skill simplifies the complexity of mobile device management by translating intricate configurations and policies into clear, easy-to-understand language. This helps admins make informed decisions, streamline troubleshooting and manage policies with greater confidence.

    Further support for Declarative Device Management with Blueprints

    Following an early preview at JNUC, Jamf announced the general availability of Blueprints, furthering its support for Apple’s evolving Declarative Device Management (DDM) framework. Blueprints is designed to simplify and accelerate device configuration by consolidating policies, profiles and restrictions into a single, unified workflow. With Blueprints, organizations can reduce setup complexity and streamline ongoing management across Apple fleets.

    In addition, Jamf introduced a beta release of Configuration Profiles within Blueprints, leveraging a new dynamic framework that delivers all available MDM keys faster and more efficiently, giving IT teams greater flexibility, speed, and control in managing devices at scale.

    Self Service+ updated to empower end users and strengthen security

    Jamf has expanded Self Service+, its modern end-user portal for macOS, with new capabilities that enhance both user autonomy and organizational security. Initially launched earlier this year as the next evolution of the widely adopted Self Service app, Self Service+ enables users to request, download and update apps, as well as monitor their device security – all from a single, streamlined interface.

    Now, Self Service+ includes enhanced identity management features that allow users to view account details, change passwords and initiate workflows such as temporary admin access – all while maintaining full auditability and compliance. These enhancements help organizations accelerate onboarding, reduce IT touchpoints and foster a more security-aware, self-sufficient workforce from day one.

    New security and compliance tools to help organizations stay protected and audit-ready

    As Mac adoption continues to grow in the enterprise, Jamf is introducing new, integrated security features designed to help organizations stay ahead of risk while simplifying compliance.

    Compliance Benchmarks is now generally available in Jamf Pro. Built on Apple’s macOS Security Compliance Project (mSCP), this feature enables IT teams to automate endpoint hardening workflows within their Apple management environment. Since launch, hundreds of organizations have adopted Compliance Benchmarks to accelerate compliance readiness and reduce security risk.

    To enhance software integrity, App Installers now includes proactive malware detection powered by Jamf Threat Labs. Every application in the Jamf App Catalog is automatically scanned before deployment, adding a critical layer of supply chain security. The library of supported apps has also grown to include high-demand tools like iTerm and VLC media player—sourced directly from original software vendors.

    Jamf has also strengthened its vulnerability management capabilities with enhanced reporting that identifies risky apps across devices and integrates with leading SIEM platforms. This gives IT and InfoSec teams a shared, actionable view of software risk and streamlines remediation efforts across the organization.

    Simplified navigation and secure connectivity for a seamless admin and user experience

    To support a more connected and streamlined admin experience, Jamf has introduced App Switcher in Jamf Account. Available now, App Switcher allows administrators to more seamlessly navigate the platform – accelerating workflows and reinforcing a unified platform experience.

    Looking ahead, Jamf’s network relay service is set to launch soon, enabling Macs and mobile devices to securely access critical services during onboarding – without relying on traditional VPN or ZTNA solutions. This new feature gives IT full control over initial connectivity while ensuring users enjoy a seamless, secure start from day one.

    About Jamf

    Jamf’s purpose is to simplify work by helping organizations manage and secure an Apple experience that end users love and organizations trust. Jamf is the only company in the world that provides a complete management and security solution for an Apple-first environment that is enterprise secure, consumer simple and protects personal privacy. To learn more, visit jamf.com.

    Media Contact:

    Liarna La Porta | media@jamf.com

    Investor Contact:

    Jennifer Gaumond | ir@jamf

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Mercurity Fintech Holding Inc. and SBI Digital Markets Announce Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Tokenized Real-World Asset Adoption

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mercurity Fintech Holding Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our company,” or “MFH”) (Nasdaq: MFH), a digital fintech group, today announced a strategic partnership with SBI Digital Markets (SBIDM), a subsidiary of SBI Digital Asset Holdings, the digital asset arm of Japan’s leading conglomerate SBI Group. The underlying objective of this partnership is to accelerate the adoption of tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) and facilitate its global distribution through regulatory-compliant investment solutions.

    The partnership between MFH and SBIDM establishes a framework for collaboration that will utilize their respective strengths to connect institutional capital with tokenized assets while ensuring full regulatory compliance across key markets.

    Under the memorandum of understanding, MFH’s subsidiary Chaince Securities, LLC will facilitate the distribution of SBIDM’s tokenized asset offerings, with a focus on ensuring compliance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). This collaboration will specifically target institutional investors, high-net-worth individuals, and accredited investors seeking sophisticated, compliant digital asset exposure. In parallel, SBIDM will provide tokenization technology and related infrastructure to MFH, supporting the Company’s expansion of digital asset capabilities.

    “We’re incredibly excited about this partnership with SBIDM,” said Wilfred Daye, CSO of Mercurity Fintech Holding Inc. and CEO of Chaince Securities, LLC. “The tokenization of real-world assets is a transformative trend that’s changing how investors access markets. This collaboration lets us bring institutional-grade digital solutions to our clients while maneuvering through complex regulations that they deeply care about.”

    Winston Quek, CEO of SBI Digital Markets added, “Working with MFH and Chaince Securities gives us a tremendous opportunity to expand our distribution network in the U.S. market with a partner who truly understands the local regulatory environment. What makes this partnership special is how complementary our strengths are – SBI Digital Markets’ tokenization technology paired with MFH’s distribution capabilities unlocks a new RWA network that neither of us could achieve alone.”

    About Mercurity Fintech Holding Inc.
    Mercurity Fintech Holding Inc. (NASDAQ: MFH) is a fintech group powered by blockchain infrastructure, offering technology and financial services. Through its subsidiaries including Chaince Securities, LLC, MFH aims to bridge traditional finance and digital innovation, offering services spanning digital assets, financial advisory, and capital markets solutions.

    About SBI Digital Markets (www.sbidm.com)
    SBI Digital Markets is a subsidiary of SBI Digital Asset Holdings, the digital asset arm of Japan’s leading conglomerate SBI Group. With the largest securities account customer base and second-largest trading market in Japan, SBI Group has a global network across 26 countries and regions including key markets in Asia and Europe. SBI Digital Markets offers clients a comprehensive digitalisation framework from origination, tokenisation and distribution to custodian services across traditional and Web 3 product suites.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results.

    For more information, please contact:
    International Elite Capital Inc.
    Annabelle Zhang
    Tel: +1(646) 866-7928
    Email: mfhfintech@iecapitalusa.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Global App Store helps developers reach new heights

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Global App Store helps developers reach new heights

    June 5, 2025

    UPDATE

    Global App Store helps developers reach new heights, supporting $1.3 trillion in billings and sales in 2024

    For more than 90 percent of the billings and sales facilitated by the App Store ecosystem, developers did not pay any commission to Apple

    Apple today announced the global App Store ecosystem facilitated $1.3 trillion in developer billings and sales in 2024, according to a new study by economists Professor Andrey Fradkin from Boston University Questrom School of Business and Dr. Jessica Burley from Analysis Group. For more than 90 percent of the billings and sales facilitated by the App Store ecosystem, developers did not pay any commission to Apple.

    “It’s incredible to see so many developers design great apps, build successful businesses, and reach Apple users around the world,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “This report is a testament to the many ways developers are enriching people’s lives with app and game experiences, while creating opportunity and driving new innovations. We’re proud to support their success.”

    Developers Experience Global Growth Across the App Store

    The new study by Professor Fradkin and Dr. Burley highlights how developers on the App Store have more ways than ever to monetize their apps. The study found that in 2024, developer billings and sales for digital goods and services totaled $131 billion, driven by games, photo and video editing apps, and enterprise tools. Sales of physical goods and services exceeded $1 trillion, fueled by rising demand for online food delivery and pickup, as well as grocery orders. In-app advertising revenue from ads placed by developers in their apps was $150 billion.

    Since 2019, spending across all three categories — digital goods and services, physical goods and services, and in-app advertising — has more than doubled. Physical goods and services experienced the strongest growth (+2.6x), driven in particular by rapid increases in food delivery and pickup, and grocery spending. Growth in digital goods and services reflects continued demand for games and increased spending on apps that support content creation, such as photo and video editing apps. Meanwhile, in-app advertising has helped keep many apps free or low-cost for users. And the App Store continues to be a global launchpad for innovation, with AI-powered apps increasingly shaping users’ daily lives.

    Regional Growth Trends Around the World

    The App Store’s engine of commerce provides developers with a global distribution platform that allows them to reach users around the world, attracting over 813 million average weekly visitors worldwide. The study found that over the last five years in particular, billings and sales facilitated by the App Store ecosystem more than doubled in the U.S., China, and Europe. Spending on digital goods and services, physical goods and services, and in-app advertising grew across all regions during that period.

    Digital payment spending grew over seven-fold in the U.S. since 2019 as mobile payments have become commonplace. In China, e-commerce marketplaces expanded substantially and online grocery spending grew over five-fold since 2019. Food delivery and pickup spending more than tripled in Europe, outpacing the growth in already popular categories like general retail and travel. In Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and India, travel apps were major spending categories.

    In the last five years, user spending on apps that support digital content creation have seen a steady increase. As a result, photo and video editing apps like Adobe creative tools have found tremendous success and have increasingly introduced new features to empower creative professionals, creators, and hobbyists. Earlier this year, Adobe introduced a new Photoshop app on iPhone designed for image and design enthusiasts with an easy-to-use mobile interface. Adobe Lightroom was also recognized as Apple’s 2024 Mac App of the Year as part of the App Store Awards for its high-quality photo editing and powerful AI-powered editing advancements on Mac, iPhone, and iPad.

    Apple’s Investment in Developers

    Apple invests in tools and capabilities that make it easier for developers to distribute their apps and games, be discovered by users around the globe, and grow successful businesses. For example, the App Store’s commerce system supports developers with more than 40 local currencies and provides seamless tax handling in nearly 200 regions, while enabling developers to set prices, manage subscriptions, and more.

    Developers also benefit from a suite of tools and technologies — including services to develop and test their apps through Xcode and TestFlight, monitor app performance and benchmarks through App Analytics, and improve performance with tools like Product Page Optimization — along with opportunities and resources to promote their app. At the same time, Apple’s integrated payment system helps protect users from fraud and abuse; in the last five years, the App Store has protected users by preventing over $9 billion in fraudulent transactions.

    Apple also offers developers a variety of online and in-person programs to empower them to elevate their apps, including Meet with Apple sessions, appointments, and labs, and 24/7 access to Apple Support via phone and email in nine languages. Apple Developer Centers in the U.S., China, India, and Singapore have hosted tens of thousands of developers in the last year. The centers serve as home to year-round activities, offering supportive environments for teams to improve their apps through more than 250,000 APIs, including as part of frameworks such as HealthKit, Metal, Core ML, MapKit, and SwiftUI.

    Through a full, free curriculum for future professional developers, Apple Developer Academies in Brazil, Indonesia, Italy, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and the U.S. help students build foundational skills in coding, AI, design, and marketing. Separately, more than 20 Apple Foundation Programs provide students of all levels with the fundamentals of app development through four-week intensive courses that are available across Apple’s 18 developer academies around the world.

    Resources like Pathways and Apple Developer Forums are available to better connect developers within the community and help them easily access tools, documentation, and videos to create their best products on Apple’s platforms. Developers can share feedback, request enhancements, or report bugs at any time with the Feedback Assistant app or on the web.

    Next week during Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference, developers from every part of the globe will have free access to more than 100 technical sessions, diving deep into the latest technologies and frameworks with Apple experts. Developers will also be able to access guides and documentation that can help walk them through the conference’s biggest announcements and stay up to date with the conference across the Apple Developer website, app, YouTube channel and Apple Developer WeChat. Apple Developer Program members and Apple Developer Enterprise Program members will also have a chance to connect directly with Apple experts through online group labs and one-on-one lab appointments.

    Press Contacts

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Stop the ‘good’ vs ‘bad’ snap judgments and watch your world become more interesting

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Lorraine Besser, Professor of Philosophy, Middlebury

    Sticking to just thumbs-up or thumbs-down limits how you engage with the world. PM Images/Photodisc via Getty Images

    How many times have you used the words “good” or “bad” today?

    From checking your weather app to monitoring the progress you’ve made on your to-do list, to scrolling through social media, opportunities to make snap evaluations abound. And the more you sort things into these categories, the more instinctive making these judgments becomes. You may find yourself filtering everything that comes your way in terms of “good” or “bad.”

    A dark cloud triggers “bad,” a social media post of baby animals triggers “good,” a news story about a political scuffle triggers “bad.” Whether you think something is good or bad, or worthy of a like or not, is an important piece of information. But if that categorization is the only thing that’s on your mind, the only lens through which you interpret the world, you’ll miss out on a lot.

    I’m a philosopher who specializes in happiness, well-being and the good life. I study how one’s state of mind influences one’s experiences of the world.

    In my recent book “The Art of the Interesting,” I explore the ways the evaluative perspective squashes your ability to experience psychological richness and other positive dimensions of life. The more you instinctively react with a “good” or a “bad,” the less of the world you take in. You’ll be less likely to engage your mind, exercise curiosity and have interesting experiences.

    Evaluation narrows your mind

    When you instinctively label something as good or bad, you focus only on the features that make that thing good or bad.

    A storm cloud has so much more to it than a simple ‘good’ or ‘bad’ label allows for.
    Pobytov/E+ via Getty Images

    You look outside, and all you see is the darkness of the clouds, threatening your plans for the day. You don’t notice the cooling shade those clouds create, nor the dramatic ways the wind makes them morph. You don’t notice the flowers unfurling, nor the child walking by who is also looking up at the clouds, but with a wide-eyed look of wonder.

    When snap evaluations reign, you effectively shut yourself off from a wide range of possible experiences. When everything around you is just good or bad, nothing can be perplexing, mysterious or intriguing. Nothing can be simply new, or simply challenging, or simply stimulating. Nothing is interesting, for your mind has filtered out these possible sources of cognitive engagement. It sees what it expects, and nothing else.

    Open your mind for more psychological richness

    Snap evaluations narrow your perspective and limit your mind’s potential to connect and engage with other aspects of your experiences. But you can unlock this potential simply by resisting any instinct to judge and instead viewing the world without trying to evaluate what you see.

    Right away, you’ll start to notice more, and you’ll activate your mind’s internal drives for curiosity and exploration.

    Freed from the dead-end judgments of good/bad, you can explore what is novel, allow yourself to be challenged, and tackle the complexities inherent to human experiences. Traffic jams can become sources of intrigue, rather than just a bad way to start your day. Delicious meals won’t just taste good − they spark your curiosity and stimulate your creativity. You’ll go from seeing a co-worker as difficult and irritating to recognizing them as an individual with human imperfections who’s deserving of your compassion.

    You’ll also feel the pains, struggles and rewards that arise through these mental engagements. You’ll experience rich, intense moments and a greater range of emotions. You’ll find your life chock-full of unusual and unique experiences with very few instances of boredom and monotony.

    Over time, your mind will become more adept at finding connections, exercising creativity and operating from a place of cognitive complexity. You’ll start to view the world more holistically, as full of connections waiting to be discovered.

    All of these are signs that your life has become more psychologically rich.

    Your same old world opens up around you when you stop judging it.
    LeoPatrizi/E+ via Getty Images

    Expand your mind, expand your sense of self

    Psychological richness and, more generally, experiences of novelty and interestingness are valuable on their own. But there’s evidence that they’re also important due to their effects on your sense of self. When you engage in new, interesting activities, you not only broaden your horizons and develop fresh perspectives, but you also become more confident in your ability to do whatever comes next. In these ways, you expand your very sense of self.

    The connection between psychological richness and self-expansion is intuitive. Novel, interesting activities stimulate the mind, challenging it to engage and explore. This process can expand your confidence in your abilities and provide you with a greater sense of control over your environment. As one’s sense of self expands, one’s very presence within the world shifts.

    One recent study explored the influence of psychological richness on pro-environmental behavior. While it’s common to feel sad, anxious, angry, powerless and helpless in the face of climate change, developing psychological richness can transform these negative attitudes.

    Researchers found that people who experience psychological richness were more willing to engage in sustainable activities. They believe this correlation is mediated by self-expansion, which helps subjects feel more confident that their actions would have an impact on the daunting problem of climate change.

    Cut out good and bad, go for interesting instead

    Everyone has the capacity to develop a sense of presence and agency in the world that enhances the very experience of life. A habit of snap evaluations inhibits this capacity, but you can train your mind to be more apt to engage and explore.

    The easiest way to do this?

    Stop saying, or thinking, “good” and “bad.” When you find yourself inclined to do so, force yourself to say something else. Start right now and begin your journey to engage with the world in a more rewarding way.

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

    – ref. Stop the ‘good’ vs ‘bad’ snap judgments and watch your world become more interesting – https://theconversation.com/stop-the-good-vs-bad-snap-judgments-and-watch-your-world-become-more-interesting-252690

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How illicit markets fueled by data breaches sell your personal information to criminals

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Thomas Holt, Professor of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University

    Criminals often buy illicit information with cryptocurrencies. Boris Zhitkov via Getty Images

    Every year, massive data breaches harm the public. The targets are email service providers, retailers and government agencies that store information about people. Each breach includes sensitive personal information such as credit and debit card numbers, home addresses and account usernames and passwords from hundreds of thousands – and sometimes millions – of people.

    When National Public Data, a company that does online background checks, was breached in 2024, criminals gained the names, addresses, dates of birth and national identification numbers such as Social Security numbers of 170 million people in the U.S., U.K. and Canada. The same year, hackers who targeted Ticketmaster stole the financial information and personal data of more than 560 million customers.

    As a criminologist who researches cybercrime, I study the ways that hackers and cybercriminals steal and use people’s personal information. Understanding the people involved helps us to better recognize the ways that hacking and data breaches are intertwined. In so-called stolen data markets, hackers sell personal information they illegally obtain to others, who then use the data to engage in fraud and theft for profit.

    The quantity problem

    Every piece of personal data captured in a data breach – a passport number, Social Security number or login for a shopping service – has inherent value. Offenders can use the information in different ways. They can assume someone else’s identity, make a fraudulent purchase or steal services such as streaming media or music.

    The quantity of information, whether Social Security numbers or credit card details, that can be stolen through data breaches is more than any one group of criminals can efficiently process, validate or use in a reasonable amount of time. The same is true for the millions of email account usernames and passwords, or access to streaming services that data breaches can expose.

    This quantity problem has enabled the sale of information, including personal financial data, as part of the larger cybercrime online economy.

    eg: In headline of the following chart, U.S. doesn’t need periods.

    The sale of data, also known as carding, references the misuse of stolen credit card numbers or identity details. These illicit data markets began in the mid-1990s through the use of credit card number generators used by hackers. They shared programs that randomly generated credit card numbers and details and then checked to see whether the fake account details matched active cards that could then be used for fraudulent transactions.

    As more financial services were created and banks allowed customers to access their accounts through the internet, it became easier for hackers and cybercriminals to steal personal information through data breaches and phishing. Phishing involves sending convincing emails or SMS text messages to people to trick them into giving up sensitive information such as logins and passwords, often by clicking a false link that seems legitimate.

    One of the first phishing schemes targeted America Online users to get their account information to use their internet service at no charge.

    Selling stolen data online

    The large amount of information criminals were able to steal from such schemes led to more vendors offering stolen data to others through different online platforms.

    In the late 1990s and early 2000s, offenders used Internet Relay Chat, or IRC channels, to sell data. IRC was effectively like modern instant messaging systems, letting people communicate in real time through specialized software. Criminals used these channels to sell data and hacking services in an efficient place.

    In the early 2000s, vendors transitioned to web forums where individuals advertised their services to other users. Forums quickly gained popularity and became successful businesses with vendors selling stolen credit cards, malware and related goods and services to misuse personal information and enable fraud.

    One of the more prominent forums from this time was ShadowCrew, which formed in 2002 and operated until being taken down by a joint law enforcement operation in 2004. Their members trafficked over 1.7 million credit cards in less than three years.

    Forums continue to be popular, though vendors transitioned to running their own web-based shops on the open internet and dark web, which is an encrypted portion of the web that can be accessed only through specialized browsers like TOR, starting in the early 2010s. These shops have their own web addresses and distinct branding to attract customers, and they work in the same way as other e-commerce stores. More recently, vendors of stolen data have also begun to operate on messaging platforms such as Telegram and Signal to quickly connect with customers.

    Cybercriminals and customers

    Many of the people who supply and operate the markets appear to be cybercriminals from Eastern Europe and Russia who steal data and then sell it to others. Markets have also been observed in Vietnam and other parts of the world, though they do not get the same visibility in the global cybersecurity landscape.

    The customers of stolen data markets may reside anywhere in the world, and their demands for specific data or services may drive data breaches and cybercrime to provide the supply.

    The goods

    Stolen data is usually available in individual lots, such as a person’s credit or debit card and all the information associated with the account. These pieces are individually priced, with costs differing depending on the type of card, the victim’s location and the amount of data available related to the affected account.

    Vendors frequently offer discounts and promotions to buyers to attract customers and keep them loyal. This is often done with credit or debit cards that are about to expire.

    Some vendors also offer distinct products such as credit reports, Social Security numbers and login details for different paid services. The price for pieces of information varies. A recent analysis found credit card data sold for US$50 on average, while Walmart logins sold for $9. However, the pricing can vary widely across vendors and markets.

    Illicit payments

    Vendors typically accept payment through cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin that are difficult for law enforcement to trace.

    Bitcoin is often used as payment for elicit information because it’s difficult to trace.
    AP Photo/Charles Krupa

    Once payment is received, the vendor releases the data to the customer. Customers take on a great deal of the risk in this market because they cannot go to the police or a market regulator to complain about a fraudulent sale.

    Vendors may send customers dead accounts that are unable to be used or give no data at all. Such scams are common in a market where buyers can depend only on signals of vendor trust to increase the odds that the data they purchase will be delivered, and if it is, that it pays off. If the data they buy is functional, they can use it to make fraudulent purchases or financial transactions for profit.

    The rate of return can be exceptional. An offender who buys 100 cards for $500 can recoup costs if only 20 of those cards are active and can be used to make an average purchase of $30. The result is that data breaches are likely to continue as long as there is demand for illicit, profitable data.

    This article is part of a series on data privacy that explores who collects your data, what and how they collect, who sells and buys your data, what they all do with it, and what you can do about it.

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

    – ref. How illicit markets fueled by data breaches sell your personal information to criminals – https://theconversation.com/how-illicit-markets-fueled-by-data-breaches-sell-your-personal-information-to-criminals-251586

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to promote healthy development of automotive industry: commerce ministry

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

    BEIJING, June 5 — China will work to remove bottlenecks and obstacles restricting the circulation and consumption of automobiles, and promote the healthy development of the automotive sector, He Yongqian, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

    The automotive industry is a strategic and pillar industry of China’s national economy and plays a key role in maintaining stable growth and expanding consumption, He told a regular press conference.

    In recent years, the ministry has implemented a car trade-in program and piloted reforms in automobile circulation and consumption to unlock market potential and foster new growth points, the spokesperson added.

    The ministry recently organized a symposium with industry associations, research institutions, and related enterprises to gather opinions and explore further measures to improve automobile circulation and consumption, He said.

    Moving forward, the ministry will collaborate with relevant departments to strengthen market research and policy guidance, ensuring better alignment with diverse and personalized consumer demands.

    To address rat-race competition in the sector, the ministry will also enhance compliance oversight and market rectification efforts to maintain a fair and competitive market order, He emphasized.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Joins Colleagues in Pressing Administration to Stand by America’s Promises of Safety for Afghan Allies, Who Protected and Fought Alongside U.S. Troops

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-Md.), and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) in pressing for answers from the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State on the decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghan nationals living in the United States. The lawmakers’ letter, sent to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, notes the devastating impact of this decision, including on the many Afghans who supported the U.S. military during the war in Afghanistan and who face significant danger upon their return. The letter was signed by more than 100 lawmakers. 
      “We write with deep concern about the Department of Homeland Security’s termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan, which is scheduled to take effect on July 14, 2025. This decision is devastating for resettled Afghan nationals in the United States who have fled widespread violence, economic instability, challenging humanitarian conditions, and human rights abuses in their home country. Many of these Afghans fearlessly served as strong allies to the United States military during the war in Afghanistan, and we cannot blatantly disregard their service. We respectfully ask that you redesignate Afghanistan for TPS to ensure Afghan nationals in the U.S. are not forced to return to devastating humanitarian, civic, and economic conditions,” the lawmakers began.  
     They go on to note, “The Secretary of Homeland Security ‘may designate a foreign country for TPS due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately.’  This is why, following the withdrawal of American troops and the return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan, in May 2022 the U.S. designated Afghanistan for TPS.”  
      “The grave conditions that forced Afghan nationals to flee and seek refuge in the U.S. following the return of the Taliban to power remain. Because of this harsh reality, forcing Afghan nationals in the U.S. to return to Afghanistan would be reckless and inhumane, and would threaten the safety and well-being of thousands of individuals and families, especially women and girls,” they stress.  
     The lawmakers close the letter urging the Administration to reverse course and seeking the following information:  
      Please provide any reports that credibly determine that conditions have improved in Afghanistan since 2023.   
     The TPS termination announcement stated that “there are recipients who have been under investigation for fraud and threatening our public safety and national security.” Please provide additional details on how the Administration made this determination and how widespread these allegations of fraud and threats are. 
     Describe the collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State to reach the determination that Afghanistan no longer meets the conditions for designation for TPS.  
     Please provide any reports that indicate the Taliban is no longer a threat to Afghan nationals that assisted the United States military during the war in Afghanistan.  
      What steps are you taking to ensure that Afghan nationals who previously had TPS will not be sent back to persecution or torture in Afghanistan? 
    The letter was signed by Senator Welch, and led by Senator Van Hollen, Congressman Ivey, and Senator Klobuchar. The letter was also signed by Senators Alsobrooks, Baldwin, Blumenthal, Booker, Coons, Cortez Masto, Duckworth, Durbin, Fetterman, Gillibrand, Heinrich, Hirono, Kaine, Kelly, Kim, King, Markey, Padilla, Reed, Rosen, Sanders, Schiff, Smith, Warner, Warnock, and Wyden and Representatives Amo, Ansari, Balint, Bell, Beyer, Budzinski, Carbajal, Carter, Casten, Castro, Chu, Clarke, Cleaver, Courtney, Dean, DeGette, DelBene, Elfreth, Evans (Pa.), Fields, Garcia (Calif.), García (Ill.), Garcia (Texas), Goldman, Gomez, Gonzalez, Gottheimer, Hayes, Jackson (Ill.), Jayapal, Johnson (Ga.), Johnson (Texas), Kaptur, Keating, Kelly (Ill.), Kennedy (N.Y.), Krishnamoorthi, Landsman, Larson, Latimer, Levin, Lieu, Lofgren, Lynch, McClain Delaney, McClellan, McCollum, McGovern, Meeks, Mfume, Moulton, Norton, Olszewski, Pallone, Panetta, Peters (Calif.), Raskin, Sánchez, Scanlon, Schakowsky, Sherman, Sorensen, Subramanyam, Swalwell, Titus, Tlaib, Tokuda, Tonko, Vargas, Veasey, and Watson Coleman. 
      The full text of the letter is available here and below.  
      Dear Secretary Noem and Secretary Rubio: 
     We write with deep concern about the Department of Homeland Security’s termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan, which is scheduled to take effect on July 14, 2025. This decision is devastating for resettled Afghan nationals in the United States who have fled widespread violence, economic instability, challenging humanitarian conditions, and human rights abuses in their home country. Many of these Afghans fearlessly served as strong allies to the United States military during the war in Afghanistan, and we cannot blatantly disregard their service. We respectfully ask that you redesignate Afghanistan for TPS to ensure Afghan nationals in the U.S. are not forced to return to devastating humanitarian, civic, and economic conditions.  
     The Secretary of Homeland Security “may designate a foreign country for TPS due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately.”  This is why, following the withdrawal of American troops and the return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan, in May 2022 the U.S. designated Afghanistan for TPS.  In September 2023, the U.S. extended and redesignated TPS for Afghanistan. The Administration’s decision to terminate TPS for Afghanistan negatively impacts approximately 9,000 Afghan nationals.  
     In your announcement, you state that “there are notable improvements in the security and economic situation such that requiring the return of Afghan nationals to Afghanistan does not pose a threat to their personal safety due to armed conflict or extraordinary and temporary conditions.”  But you also concede that threats of violence and terrorism, as well as humanitarian concerns, remain.  The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), the Afghan affiliate of the Islamic State (ISIS), continues to launch attacks against ethnic and religious minorities and against the Taliban, leading to innocent civilian casualties. If Afghan nationals are forced to return to Afghanistan, they will be caught in the crossfire between the Taliban and ISKP.  According to Human Rights Watch, in 2024, Taliban authorities intensified their crackdown on human rights, especially against women and girls. Women and girls are banned from attending secondary school or university and are unable to move freely. The Taliban also continues to detain and torture journalists, curtailing free speech and media. The 2023 U.S. State Department Human Rights Report covering Afghanistan found that women’s rights rapidly declined and restrictions on freedom of expression increased. The horrific human rights conditions in Afghanistan are unsafe for Afghan nationals to return to and returning would put their personal safety at immediate risk.  
     We are also deeply concerned about the State Department Human Rights Report finding that widespread arbitrary and unlawful killings against officials associated with the pre-August 2021 government have occurred.  Afghan nationals who assisted the U.S. military should not be put in harm’s way because they supported the U.S. in its fight against the Taliban. This would be a betrayal of those who bravely served alongside our servicemembers for nearly two decades.  
     Afghan civilians still face devastating humanitarian and economic conditions. Over half of the population in Afghanistan needs urgent humanitarian assistance. Human Rights Watch reports that in 2024, 12.4 million people were facing food insecurity and 2.9 million were at emergency levels of hunger.  The World Bank also found that in Afghanistan, as of May 2025, “per capita income has stagnated, while poverty and food insecurity remain pressing challenges, exacerbated by high unemployment and restrictions on women’s economic participation.”   
     The grave conditions that forced Afghan nationals to flee and seek refuge in the U.S. following the return of the Taliban to power remain. Because of this harsh reality, forcing Afghan nationals in the U.S. to return to Afghanistan would be reckless and inhumane, and would threaten the safety and well-being of thousands of individuals and families, especially women and girls.  
     In August 2021, Americans welcomed Afghan nationals at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia with open arms, and we refuse to turn our backs on them now.  We strongly urge you to reconsider your decision to terminate TPS for Afghanistan and ask that you respond to the following requests no later than two weeks of receipt of this letter: 
     Please provide any reports that credibly determine that conditions have improved in Afghanistan since 2023.   
     The TPS termination announcement stated that “there are recipients who have been under investigation for fraud and threatening our public safety and national security.” Please provide additional details on how the Administration made this determination and how widespread these allegations of fraud and threats are.  
    Describe the collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State to reach the determination that Afghanistan no longer meets the conditions for designation for TPS.   
    Please provide any reports that indicate the Taliban is no longer a threat to Afghan nationals that assisted the United States military during the war in Afghanistan.  
     What steps are you taking to ensure that Afghan nationals who previously had TPS will not be sent back to persecution or torture in Afghanistan? 
     Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter and we hope to receive your responses soon. 
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sanders Announces Trade Mission to France, Switzerland

    Source: US State of Arkansas

    LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders released the following statement today announcing her overseas trade mission to the Paris Air Show and Switzerland from June 14 to 19:

    “After the success of my first visit to the Paris Air Show in 2023 and Farnborough Airshow in 2024, during which we secured investments from aerospace and defense giants like Dassault Falcon Jet and RTX, I am excited that I will be representing Arkansas again this year. I will begin in Normandy, paying tribute to our fallen soldiers shortly after the 81st anniversary of D-Day, before continuing onto the Paris Air Show to meet with major aerospace and defense companies, and then concluding the trip in Switzerland to discuss investing in Arkansas with several large corporations. International trade missions are a great way to pitch Arkansas to companies that might not otherwise have our state on their radar and have a proven track record of bringing in jobs and investment.”

    The Governor’s trip will include appearances on a panel at the Air Show hosted by the Aerospace Industries Association and a fireside chat hosted by the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce. She will also pay tribute to Arkansans including U.S. Army Private Rodger D. Andrews, who is memorialized at the Normandy American Cemetery’s Wall of the Missing and whose remains were only recently identified and who will be laid to rest in Arkansas on June 9.

    During the Governor’s previous trip to the Paris Air Show, her discussions helped facilitate Dassault Falcon Jet’s $100 million, 800 job expansion in Little Rock and RTX’s new, $33 million manufacturing facility in East Camden, which was later expanded to a $63 million investment. The Governor’s trip to the Farnborough Airshow last summer helped secure Taber Extrusions’ $60 million, 70 job expansion in Russellville.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: LPL Financial Welcomes Loomis Wealth Management

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial LLC announced today that financial advisors William “Bill” Curtis Loomis, III, CFP®, William Curtis “Curt” Loomis, IV and Justin K. Hitt of Loomis Wealth Management have joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) and custodial platforms. The team reported serving approximately $180 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets* and joins LPL from L.M. Kohn & Company.

    Based in Harrisonburg, Va., Bill and Curt founded Loomis Wealth Management in 2010 with the goal of empowering individuals and families to achieve their financial goals through comprehensive, fiduciary-driven wealth management. The father and son team have a combined six decades of financial industry experience and have earned a reputation in the Shenandoah Valley for their holistic approach to wealth management. Hitt, who spent a decade as an educator for the Rockingham County Public Schools before transitioning to the financial industry, joined the team in 2023. Together they offer a full range of investment management, financial planning and risk management services, allowing them to address all aspects of their clients’ financial lives.

    “We take the time to get to know our clients, their lifestyle, their family and their financial aspirations. Our personal service does more than just build bonds; it gives us a greater sense of how to work for our clients,” Curt said. “We appreciate that just as no two snowflakes are alike, no two investment portfolios will be identical. Who our clients are, how they live and their fiscal goals provide insight into how we can help.”

    Looking for more autonomy, improved technology offerings and the opportunity to provide an elevated client experience, the Loomis Wealth Management team turned to LPL.

    “LPL is a forward-thinking firm, and one aspect that particularly attracted us is their ongoing investment in resources to help advisors provide a next-level client experience — specifically their integrated and open architecture technology platform which will enable us to access everything with a single sign-on,” said Hitt. ”LPL’s commitment to its advisors, paired with our personal and in-depth approach, will allow us to serve our clients and build our business the way we envision.”

    Scott Posner, LPL Managing Director, Business Development, said, “We welcome Bill, Curt and Justin to LPL and congratulate them on this milestone in the evolution of their practice. Just as the Loomis Wealth Management team prioritizes their clients, everything we do at LPL revolves around empowering advisors to run thriving practices and provide an elevated client experience. We look forward to a long-lasting relationship with Loomis Wealth Management.”

    Related
    Advisors, learn how LPL Financial can help take your business to the next level.

    About LPL Financial

    LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace, LPL supports nearly 29,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,200 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $1.8 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of approximately 7 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit www.lpl.com.

    Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Loomis Wealth Management and LPL Financial are separate entities.

    Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial.

    We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “Investor Relations” or “Press Releases” section of our website.

    *Value approximated based on asset and holding details provided to LPL from end of year, 2024.

    Media Contact: 
    Media.relations@LPLFinancial.com 

    Tracking #745820

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: rPlus Energies Secures Over $500 Million in Tax Equity Financing with RBC Community Investments for 800 MW Green River Energy Center

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SALT LAKE CITY, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — rPlus Energies announced today the successful close of a tax equity financing commitment exceeding $500 million with RBC Community Investments and a syndicate of investors to support Green River Energy Center, a landmark solar-plus-storage project in Emery County, Utah. The financing will utilize the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC).

    Green River Energy Center includes 400 megawatts AC (MWAC) of solar PV and 400 MWAC/1,600 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage and has a long-term power purchase agreement in place with PacifiCorp.

    The project is among the largest solar-plus-storage projects currently under construction in the United States and is expected to generate more than $55 million in direct economic benefits for Emery County over the next 20 years. It has created hundreds of construction jobs.

    “Green River Energy Center is an investment in the long-term resilience of a region that has powered the American West for generations,” said Luigi Resta, President and CEO of rPlus Energies. “This project honors Emery County’s legacy as an energy-producing region while helping to secure its future. By utilizing federal tools, such as the investment tax credit, we ensure that rural communities continue to lead our country’s energy production and dominance.”

    “We are proud to partner with rPlus and provide tax equity financing for this landmark clean energy project. The economic and energy benefits that the Green River Energy Center will bring to the region were key factors in the transaction for RBC and our co-investors, including locally based FJ Management,” said Jonathan Cheng, Managing Director and Head of RBC’s renewable energy tax equity investments and syndications.

    This milestone follows the successful close of over $1 billion in construction debt financing for the project announced last year, marking continued momentum.

    As further commitment to local impact, several project stakeholders have collectively contributed $375,000 to fund two scholarship programs, the Local First Scholarship and the Energy First Scholarship, in partnership with Utah State University Eastern. These scholarships, which rPlus Energies establishes with each project that enters construction, are strategically designed to support workforce development by retaining local talent, reducing the out-migration of skilled workers, and preparing the next generation for high-demand roles in the evolving energy economy.

    Norton Rose Fulbright, CCA, and Dorsey & Whitney advised rPlus Energies, and Sidley Austin and Snell & Wilmer advised RBC on behalf of the tax equity syndicate.

    The project is expected to be complete in 2026.

    About rPlus Energies
    rPlus Energies is a team of committed energy industry professionals working together to develop, own and operate large-scale renewable energy generation and electric storage projects in the United States. The company specializes in bringing projects to market through partnership with the private sector, municipalities, utilities, and industry-leading technology, service and finance providers. Its portfolio consists of a strategic mix of solar, battery, wind, and pumped storage hydro facilities. To date, rPlus Energies has raised over $650,000 to support local scholarships in the project communities. rPlus Energies is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah and is backed by Sandbrook Capital and Gardner Group.

    About RBC Community Investments

    www.rbccm.com/communityinvestments

    RBC Community Investments is a leading syndicator of Renewable Energy Tax Credits, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Workforce Housing Investments, Historic Tax Credits, and State Tax Credits. By creating well-structured investments, our team of experienced professionals deliver equity solutions that help drive the successful development of affordable multifamily communities and renewable energy projects nationwide. As of May 2025, our team of over 137 professionals has raised over $20.4 billion in equity with 98 institutional investors.

    rPlus Energies Media Contact
    Brad Carl
    Silverline
    brad@teamsilverline.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/86512011-0136-4093-97dc-97362875d75d.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Crowd Street Introduces New Platform Enhancements to Improve Transparency, Efficiency, and Experience for Members

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Crowd Street, the direct-access private market investment platform dedicated to helping members reach their financial ambitions, today announced a series of platform enhancements designed to make investing in private markets easier, clearer, and more rewarding. These latest updates signal Crowd Street’s ongoing commitment to a first-class member experience and building one of the industry’s leading self-directed platforms for private market investing.

    “The updates are more than just features – they’re foundational improvements that reflect our vision of unlocking direct access to the private markets for accredited investors,” said John Imbriglia, CEO of Crowd Street. “We’re building a platform that reduces friction and empowers individual investors to make confident decisions about their portfolio. This is another exciting step toward setting a new industry standard for self-directed private market investing.”

    Over the past several months, Crowd Street’s product and design teams have delivered targeted updates that improve usability, enhance transparency, and reduce friction across key workflows. Notable improvements include:

    • Improved Portfolio Transparency: Clearer labeling of multi-asset deals and non-reporting offerings that help investors better understand portfolios and reporting expectations from its sponsors.
    • Streamlined Sponsor Reporting Tools: Enhancements that simplify and accelerate quarterly report uploads, surfacing the most relevant data for investors.
    • Tax-Time Enhancements: Helpful nudges and backend improvements during tax season that reduce confusion and make it easier for members to access the documents they need.
    • Refined Offering Detail Page: A redesigned experience that features clearer data, better navigation, and faster access to key documents, all of which enable quicker evaluation and decision-making.

    “These enhancements are the result of close cross-functional collaboration and an ongoing dialogue with our members,” said Shaun Mulreed, Chief Operating Officer of Crowd Street. “From onboarding to tax season, we are focused on removing obstacles and delivering clarity where it matters most. These changes are about empowering our Members through better tools, smarter processes, and a more seamless member experience.”

    The Crowd Street platform enhancements come as interest in private market investing is expected to rise. Today, only about three percent of individual investors’ assets are allocated to private market opportunities. However, industry research projects that number will rapidly expand, and become a market opportunity in the trillions of dollars by 2028.

    About Crowd Street
    Crowd Street empowers its members to reach their financial ambitions through self-directed private market investments. The platform offers a carefully selected marketplace of alternative investment opportunities that have historically only been available to a small group of people. In addition to providing advanced tools, research, and insights to help investors confidently explore these exclusive opportunities, Crowd Street is also building a member experience rooted in trust and experience – further bridging the gap between investment opportunities and true financial wealth. Learn more at https://www.crowdstreet.com/.

    Media Contact
    LaunchSquad
    CrowdStreet@launchsquad.com

    CrowdStreet, Inc. (“Crowd Street”) offers investment opportunities and financial services on its website. Broker dealer services provided in connection with an investment are offered through CrowdStreet Capital LLC (“Crowd Street Capital”), a registered broker dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through CrowdStreet Advisors, LLC (“Crowd Street Advisors”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crowd Street and a federally registered investment adviser. Investment opportunities available through Crowd Street are speculative and involve substantial risk. You should not invest unless you can sustain the risk of loss of capital, including the risk of total loss of capital. All investors should consider their individual factors in consultation with a professional advisor of their choosing when deciding if an investment is appropriate.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Dangerous Blind Spots Costing Enterprises Time, Trust, and Agility Exposed in Check Point’s 2025 Cloud Security Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    REDWOOD CITY, Calif., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a pioneer and global leader of cyber security solutions, today released its 2025 Cloud Security Report. Based on a global survey of more than 900 CISOs and IT leaders, the report reveals systemic weaknesses, including alert fatigue, fragmented toolsets, and a widespread inability for organizations to detect lateral movement or defend against AI-driven attacks leaving enterprises dangerously exposed. The findings also include actionable strategies for closing the gap between cloud innovation and cyber resilience.

    As hybrid, multi-cloud, and edge architectures expand, many organizations are relying on outdated security models that can’t keep up. According to the report, 65% of organizations experienced a cloud-related security incident in the past year—up from 61% the previous year. Alarmingly, only 9% detected the incident within the first hour, and a mere 6% managed to remediate it within that time frame, allowing intruders to remain undetected across cloud environments.

    “Security teams are chasing an ever-moving target,” said Paul Barbosa, VP of Cloud Security at Check Point Software Technologies. “As cloud environments grow more complex and AI-driven threats evolve, organizations can’t afford to be stuck with fragmented tools and legacy approaches. It’s time to shift toward unified, intelligent, and automated defenses designed for the realities of today’s decentralized world.”

    Key findings from the 2025 Cloud Security Report include:

    • Cloud Adoption Outpaces Security Readiness: 62% of organizations have adopted cloud edge technologies, 57% use hybrid cloud, and 51% operate in multi-cloud environments. Legacy, perimeter-based defenses can’t keep up with these distributed infrastructures
    • Detection and Remediation Are Too Slow: Only 9% of organizations detected an incident within the first hour. Meanwhile, 62% took more than 24 hours to remediate breaches—giving attackers ample time to escalate access
    • Tool Sprawl is Fueling Alert Fatigue: A significant 71% of respondents rely on over 10 different cloud security tools, while 16% utilize more than 50. More than half of them face nearly 500 alerts daily hindering response times and overwhelming analysts
    • Application Security Lags Behind: 61% still rely on outdated, signature-based Web Application Firewalls (WAFs), which are increasingly ineffective against sophisticated, AI-enhanced threats
    • AI is a Priority — but Defenders Aren’t Ready: While 68% list AI as a top priority for cyber defense, only 25% feel prepared to counter AI-driven attacks, highlighting a critical capability gap
    • Lateral Movement Remains a Blind Spot: Only 17% of organizations have full visibility into east-west cloud traffic. Once attackers breach the perimeter, they can move undetected within cloud environments
    • Detection Often Comes from People, Not Tools: Only 35% of cloud incidents were detected via security monitoring platforms. The majority were identified through employees, audits, or external reports—revealing alarming gaps in real-time threat detection
    • Internal Challenges Undermine Progress: 54% cite the pace of technological change as a major hurdle, while 49% face a shortage of skilled security professionals. Tool fragmentation and poor platform integration (40%) further slow response times and exacerbate blind spots

    To close these gaps, Check Point recommends a shift toward decentralized, prevention-first cloud security strategies. The report advises organizations to consolidate their toolsets, adopt AI-powered threat detection, and deploy real-time telemetry to gain full visibility across edge, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments. By leveraging Check Point CloudGuard and the Check Point Infinity Platform, organizations can unify their cloud defenses, automate incident response, and ensure consistent policy enforcement—regardless of platform or provider.

    Deryck Mitchelson, Global CISO at Check Point Software Technologies provides guidance within the 2025 cloud security report and emphasizes that, “cloud transformation is accelerating faster than our defenses. With attackers moving in minutes and defenders responding in days, the gap between detection and remediation is becoming a danger zone. CISOs must consolidate fragmented tools into unified platforms, gain visibility into lateral movement, and prepare their teams and technologies to counter AI-driven threats, or risk ceding control of the cloud to increasingly sophisticated adversaries.”

    To access the full report and receive actionable CISO advice for safeguarding against the cloud-related issues discussed, please visit our website and read our blog.

    About the Survey:
    The 2025 Cloud Security Report, carried out by Cybersecurity Insiders in the beginning of 2025, gathered insights from 937 cyber security professionals across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and other regions. Respondents included CISOs, cloud architects, security analysts, and IT leaders responsible for securing hybrid, multi-cloud, and SaaS environments. The study focused on how businesses using cloud services tackle security issues and highlight advancements, like artificial intelligence, emphasizing the complexity of modern cloud security.

    Follow Check Point via:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/check-point-software-technologies
    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/checkpointsw
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/checkpointsoftware
    Blog: https://blog.checkpoint.com
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CPGlobal

    ​​​About Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.   

    Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (checkpoint.com) is a leading protector of digital trust, utilizing AI-powered cyber security solutions to safeguard over 100,000 organizations globally. Through its Infinity Platform and an open garden ecosystem, Check Point’s prevention-first approach delivers industry-leading security efficacy while reducing risk. Employing a hybrid mesh network architecture with SASE at its core, the Infinity Platform unifies the management of on-premises, cloud, and workspace environments to offer flexibility, simplicity and scale for enterprises and service providers.

    Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements   
    This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements related to our expectations regarding future growth, the expansion of Check Point’s industry leadership, the enhancement of shareholder value and the delivery of an industry-leading cyber security platform to customers worldwide. Our expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize, and actual results or events in the future are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those projected. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2024. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Check Point as of the date hereof, and Check Point disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: New Traliant training empowers retail and hospitality teams to defuse conflict, protect themselves and improve guest experiences

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Traliant, a leader in online compliance training, today announced new de-escalation training specifically tailored for the retail and hospitality sectors. Designed to provide front-line employees with the skills and confidence to defuse conflict, the interactive courses create safer, more respectful workplaces.

    From overbooked hotel rooms to irate guests disputing charges, customer conflicts are becoming more frequent and more intense — and employees are often left to manage them without the tools they need. Traliant’s de-escalation courses empower retail and hospitality employees to effectively manage tense or challenging moments safely and confidently. Through short, relatable training rooted in real-world scenarios, employees learn how to stay calm, recognize the early signs of escalation, set boundaries and respond with empathy — even when a customer is being unreasonable.

    “In hospitality and retail ─ industries where service and guest experiences are top priorities ─ de-escalation training empowers employees to handle high-pressure, challenging situations with professionalism, empathy and care,” said Mike Dahir, CEO of Traliant. “Giving employees the tools to defuse tense situations makes them feel better supported in their roles, reducing burnout, mistakes and turnover.”

    Traliant’s training is short — just 10 minutes — but packed with actionable techniques for transforming high-stress encounters into loyalty-building moments. By providing employees with the skills to avoid customer conflicts, physical confrontation or viral incident, the training enhances workforce safety and brand reputation.

    To learn more about Traliant, visit: https://www.traliant.com/.

    About Traliant
    Traliant, a leader in compliance training, is on a mission to help make workplaces better, for everyone. Committed to a customer promise of “compliance you can trust, training you will love,” Traliant delivers continuously compliant online courses, backed by an unparalleled in-house legal team, with engaging, story-based training designed to create truly enjoyable learning experiences.
      
    Traliant supports over 14,000 organizations worldwide with a library of curated essential courses to broaden employee perspectives, achieve compliance and elevate workplace culture, including sexual harassment training, inclusion training, code of conduct training, and many more.  
      
    Backed by PSG, a leading growth equity firm, Traliant holds a coveted position on Inc.’s 5000 fastest-growing private companies in America for four consecutive years, along with numerous awards for its products and workplace culture. For more information, visit http://www.traliant.com and follow us on LinkedIn. 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Anterix Sets Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2025 Earnings Conference Call for Wednesday, June 25, at 9:00 a.m. ET

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WOODLAND PARK, N.J., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Anterix (NASDAQ: ATEX) announced today that it will hold a conference call on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET. Anterix senior management, led by President and CEO Scott Lang, will discuss the Company’s fourth quarter fiscal 2025 results. A press release regarding the results will be issued after the close of the market on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

    Participants interested in joining the call’s live question and answer session are required to pre-register by clicking here to obtain a dial-in number and unique PIN. It is recommended that you join the call at least 10 minutes before the conference call begins. The call is also being webcast live and will be accessible on the Investor Relations section of Anterix’s website at https://investors.anterix.com/events-presentations. Following the event, a replay of the call will also be available on the Anterix website.

    About Anterix Inc.

    At Anterix, we work with leading utilities and technology companies to harness the power of 900 MHz broadband for modernized grid solutions. Leading an ecosystem of more than 125 members, we offer utility-first solutions to modernize the grid and solve the challenges that utilities are facing today. As the largest holder of licensed spectrum in the 900 MHz band (896-901/935-940 MHz) throughout the contiguous United States, plus Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico, we are uniquely positioned to enable private LTE solutions that support cutting-edge advanced communications capabilities for a cleaner, safer, and more secure energy future. To learn more and join the 900 MHz movement, please visit www.anterix.com.

    Shareholder Contact

    Natasha Vecchiarelli
    Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
    Anterix
    973-531-4397
    nvecchiarelli@anterix.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: American Rebel Light Beer Completes Production Run to Meet Surging National Customer and Consumer Demand

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • American Rebel Light Beer Expanded Presence in Nashville, Motorsports (NHRA) & Music Events—Fueling Surging Demand for America’s Patriotic Beer

    NASHVILLE, TN, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) (“American Rebel” or the “Company”), creator of American Rebel Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) and a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of branded safes, personal security and self-defense products and apparel (americanrebel.com), proudly reports that American Rebel Premium Light Lager Beer (“Rebel Light”) American Rebel Light Beer, America’s Patriotic Beer, continues to see surging consumer and customer demand driven by its strategic presence at major events and iconic establishments in Nashville, motorsports partnerships, and music sponsorships. This rising demand has led to the completion of another production run, with additional runs planned throughout the year to support expanding retail placements, distributor partnerships, and new market entries.

    “American Rebel Holdings and American Rebel Light Beer remain committed to supporting military events, motorsports, and music festivals—bringing Americans together under one shared belief: Good beer, great moments, and unwavering patriotism.” Andy Ross, CEO – American Rebel Holdings. “We are experiencing unstoppable momentum. Motorsports, music, and Nashville’s patriotic culture are fueling our expansion. With more production runs planned, retail growth accelerating, and new distributors coming on board, American Rebel Light Beer is quickly becoming a dominant force in the market. Our continued partnership with AlcSource and City Brewing ensures we can scale at speed and meet the growing demand nationwide.”

    Strategic Positioned for Continued Growth & Market Expansion

    • Production Scaling Success – American Rebel Light Beer recently completed another production run to meet increasing consumer and retail demand. The company is well-positioned to scale rapidly thanks to its key partnerships with AlcSource and City Brewing, with the ability for production capacity of up to 2M+ annual cases.

    American Rebel Light Beer is brewed in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, using 100% natural ingredients for a refreshing, better-for-you domestic light lager with 100 calories, 3.2 carbs, and 4.3% ABV per 12oz serving.

    • Recent Retail Expansion Announcement – American Rebel Light Beer to expand into 62 Total Wine & More locations across seven states, further cementing its presence in the U.S. market. This strategic retail placement reinforces the brand’s rapid growth, fueled by increasing consumer demand, patriotic branding, and key distributor partnerships. As America’s Patriotic Beer, American Rebel Light Beer continues its mission to bring high-quality domestic light lager to new audiences through music, motorsports, and retail expansion.

    For the full press release, visit: American Rebel Light Beer Expands into Total Wine & More.

    Todd Porter, President of American Rebel Beverages, emphasized the beer’s meteoric rise. “I believe that American Rebel Beer will be the fastest-growing beer in U.S. history. I’ve been in the beverage industry for much of my professional life, and I’ve never seen consumers so aligned with a beverage brand. American Rebel Light Beer delivers a refreshing, all-natural taste that stands out in the domestic light beer market. With no corn, rice, or added sweeteners, it’s a clean, crisp lager that resonates with consumers looking for a high-quality, better-for-you beer option.”

    • Nashville Momentum – American Rebel Light Beer continues to thrive in high-profile venues, offering millions of visitors and locals a true American beer experience.

      CEO Andy Ross often refers to Nashville as the heartbeat of America, embodying the nation’s spirit of resilience and tradition. The American Rebel Light Beer’s epic launch at Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk (https://www.kidrockshonkytonkandsteakhouse.com/) on Broadway packed the American Rebel Light Beer Suite, as fans enjoyed music by legendary Broadway icon John Stone (https://johnstonecountry.com), with a special appearance by Ross himself.

      Since its launch, American Rebel Light Beer has secured premier Nashville accounts and is now an official sponsor of the summer-long Loser’s (Midtown) Parking Lot Concert Series, further solidifying its presence in Music City’s vibrant scene and ensuring that visitors experience the beer as part of their Nashville experience.

    For information on Loser’s Parking Lot Concert Series visit Loser’s Original

    • Motorsports Impact – Key partnerships with TSR Nitro Racing and the NHRA have connected the brand with influential distributors and retail accounts at the track, proving that beer and motorsports are a proven winning combination.

      CEO Andy Ross, presented by American Rebel Beer will be performing this weekend on Saturday June 6th at the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, TN.

      Andy Ross is scheduled to perform at the American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals at North Dinwiddle, VA on June 20 – 22. In addition to being the title sponsor American Rebel Light Beer will also be the primary sponsor for the Tony Stewart Top Fuel Dragster and the Matt Hagan Funny Car.

    • Event & Music Partnerships – Sponsorship of Loser’s Midtown Parking Lot Concert Series, CMA Fest, and other major events further solidifies American Rebel’s presence in entertainment-driven consumer markets.

      Special Announcement: American Rebel Light Beer Joins Week of the Eagles Celebration Honoring the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army at Fort Campbell, KY

      American Rebel Light Beer, America’s Patriotic Beer, is proud to be a key sponsor of the Week of the Eagles celebration at Fort Campbell, honoring the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army. This special event brings together the soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division, veterans, and patriotic Americans to pay tribute to the legacy, sacrifice, and strength of our nation’s military.

      On Saturday June 14th, 2025, American Rebel CEO Andy Ross, a passionate advocate for American values and patriotism, will headline the Week of the Eagles Concert, delivering a performance that embodies the spirit of freedom and patriotic rock and roll. His presence reinforces American Rebel’s deep commitment to honoring the men and women who serve and celebrating the traditions that make our country great.

      The event is free and open to the public, welcoming soldiers, veterans, and civilians to honor the legacy of the 101st Airborne Division and the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army.

    About American Rebel Light Beer

    American Rebel Light is more than just a beer—it’s a celebration of freedom, passion, and quality. Brewed with care and precision, our light beer delivers a refreshing taste that’s perfect for every occasion.

    Since its launch in September 2024, American Rebel Light Beer has rolled out in Tennessee, Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Iowa, Missouri, North Carolina, Florida and Indiana and is adding new distributors and territories regularly. For more information about the launch events and the availability of American Rebel Beer, please visit americanrebelbeer.com or follow us on our social media platforms.

    Produced in partnership with AlcSource, American Rebel Light Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) is a domestic premium light lager celebrated for its exceptional quality and patriotic values. It stands out as America’s Patriotic, God-Fearing, Constitution-Loving, National Anthem-Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer.

    American Rebel Light is a Premium Domestic Light Lager Beer – All Natural, Crisp, Clean and Bold Taste with a Lighter Feel. With approximately 100 calories, 3.2 carbohydrates, and 4.3% alcoholic content per 12 oz serving, American Rebel Light Beer delivers a lighter option for those who love great beer but prefer a more balanced lifestyle. It’s all natural with no added supplements and importantly does not use corn, rice, or other sweeteners typically found in mass produced beers.

    For more information about American Rebel Light Beer follow us on social media @AmericanRebelBeer

    For more information, visit americanrebelbeer.com

    About American Rebel Holdings, Inc.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) has operated primarily as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded safes and personal security and self-defense products and has recently transitioned into the beverage industry through the introduction of American Rebel Light Beer.. The Company also designs and produces branded apparel and accessories. To learn more, visit www.americanrebel.com and www.americanrebelbeer.com. For investor information, visit www.americanrebel.com/investor-relations.

    Watch the American Rebel Story as told by our CEO Andy Ross visit The American Rebel Story

    Media Inquiries:
    Matt Sheldon
    Matt@Precisionpr.co
    917-280-7329

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc.
    info@americanrebel.com
    ir@americanrebel.com

    American Rebel Beverages, LLC
    Todd Porter, President
    tporter@americanrebelbeer.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. American Rebel Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ: AREB; AREBW) (the “Company,” “American Rebel,” “we,” “our” or “us”) desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include benefits of our continued sponsorship of high profile events, continued scheduled placements in Total Wine & More locations, success and availability of the promotional activities, our ability to effectively execute our business plan, and the Risk Factors contained within our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Upexi Approved for Options Trading on Nasdaq

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAMPA, Fla., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Upexi, Inc. (NASDAQ: UPXI), a brand owner specializing in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of consumer products with diversification into the cryptocurrency space, today announced that options on its common stock are approved for trading on the Nasdaq Options Market.

    The options will trade under the ticker symbol “UPXI” and include a range of standard expiration dates and strike prices. The listing of options on UPXI shares provides investors with additional tools for managing risk and capitalizing on the Company’s performance and future growth prospects.

    “The introduction of options trading is a milestone that reflects Upexi’s increasing visibility and liquidity in the public markets,” said Allan Marshall, Chief Executive Officer of Upexi. “We view this as a positive development that enhances the ways in which investors can invest in our company as we continue to execute our growth strategy.”

    Options trading is expected to support broader investor participation and flexibility. Investors can access UPXI options through major brokerage platforms and trading networks that support equity options on the Nasdaq exchange.

    About Upexi, Inc.
    Upexi is a brand owner specializing in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of consumer products. The Company has entered the Cryptocurrency industry and cash management of assets through a Cryptocurrency Portfolio. For more information on Upexi’s treasury strategy and future developments, visit www.upexi.com.

    Follow Upexi on X – https://twitter.com/upexitreasury
    Follow CEO, Allan Marshall, on X – https://x.com/marshall_a22015
    Follow CSO, Brian Rudick, on X – https://x.com/thetinyant

    Forward Looking Statements
    This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. For example, the Company is using forward looking statements when it discusses the anticipated use of proceeds. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with business strategy, potential acquisitions, revenue guidance, product development, integration, and synergies of acquiring companies and personnel. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the beliefs, plans, expectations, and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Company Contact
    Brian Rudick, Chief Strategy Officer
    Email:brian.rudick@upexi.com
    Phone: (216) 347-0473

    Investor Relations Contact
    KCSA Strategic Communications
    Valter Pinto, Managing Director
    Email: Upexi@KCSA.com
    Phone: (212) 896-1254

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI:  ibex to Showcase Industry’s Best AI-Powered CX Solutions at CCW Customer Contact Week 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ibex (NASDAQ: IBEX), a leading global provider of business process outsourcing (BPO) and AI-powered customer engagement technology solutions, today announced it will showcase its award-winning AI-powered CX solutions at CCW Customer Contact Week Las Vegas, June 9-12. CCW is the world’s largest customer contact event, bringing together customer care, CX, and contact center leaders.

    “We are excited to engage with CX leaders at CCW and showcase the industry’s leading AI technology and best practices,” said Julie Casteel, Chief Strategic Accounts Officer and CMO at ibex. “ibex is the AI-powered CX leader. We combine cutting-edge AI technology with more than 20 years CX expertise to deliver groundbreaking AI-powered solutions. Our award-winning Wave iX solutions enable organization to refine and elevate every customer interaction, ensure a seamless customer journey while accelerating growth, enhancing service delivery, and maximizing impact.”

    ibex CX experts will be on site to discuss how to elevate your CX and to demonstrate the industry’s leading AI powered solutions. Stop by the Parloa booth (#151 in the Main Hall), where the ibex Wave iX team will be providing live demos, including:

    On Wednesday, June 11, ibex will host a Fireside Chat, titled “Is Your AI Ready For Real World Customers?” The session, which will feature speakers: Allessa Coffey, Vice President Call Center, Training, and Strategy for Leslie’s Pools; Brooke Lynch, Divisional Director of Digital at Customer Management Practice; and Eric Guarro, SVP of Digital Transformation at ibex, will provide real-world AI implementation best practices and drill down on:

    • The Importance of a Trusted AI for CX Partner
    • The AI Customization Process
    • The Top AI Tools For Maximum Customer Impact

    Later that day, ibex will crown the recipients of the 2025 CX Leadership Awards at an invite-only dinner reception at Ceasar’s Palace. The 4th annual ibex CX Leadership Awards will recognize the individuals and companies that leverage their industry leadership, technology innovation, and ability to address dynamic market challenges to drive superior customer engagement, deliver exceptional customer experiences, and simplify the customer journey.

    “We are excited to honor those CX innovators who are raising the bar – through vision, technology, and innovation – and transforming the customer experience for their brands,” added Casteel.

    About ibex
    ibex delivers innovative business process outsourcing (BPO), smart digital marketing, online acquisition technology, and end-to-end customer engagement solutions to help companies acquire, engage and retain valuable customers. Today, ibex operates a global CX delivery center model consisting of approximately 30 operations facilities around the world, while deploying next generation technology to drive superior customer experiences for many of the world’s leading companies across retail, e-commerce, healthcare, fintech, utilities and logistics.

    ibex leverages its diverse global team of more than 31,000 employees together with industry-leading technology, including the AI-powered ibex Wave iX solutions suite, to manage nearly 175 million critical customer interactions, adding over $2.2B in lifetime customer revenue each year and driving a truly differentiated customer experience. To learn more, visit our website at ibex.co and connect with us on LinkedIn.

    Media Contact:
    Dan Burris
    ibex
    Daniel.Burris@ibex.co

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7a1ca52c-a6ff-41df-ad85-5a0e9771bd50

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Life Insurance Company Meanwhile Achieves Historic Bitcoin Milestone with First-Ever Audited BTC-Denominated Financial Statements

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAMILTON, Bermuda, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Meanwhile Insurance Bitcoin (Bermuda) Limited (“Meanwhile” or the “Company”), the world’s first life insurance company fully denominated in Bitcoin (“BTC”), today announced the completion and public release of its 2024 audited financial statements as required by statute. Notably, this marks the first time globally that a company has ever released audited statements of its financial details denominated entirely in BTC.

    Licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (“BMA”), Meanwhile operates entirely in Bitcoin, blending insurance and cryptocurrency in a groundbreaking way. The public audited financials, prepared in accordance with Bermuda’s Insurance Act 1978 and reviewed by Harris & Trotter LLP and their dedicated digital asset arm which trades as ht.digital, showcase Meanwhile’s robust financial position: 220.4 BTC in total assets and a net income of 25.29 BTC (a 300% increase year-on-year) for the year ended December 31, 2024. These results reflect Meanwhile’s disciplined approach to building a sustainable, Bitcoin-based business, with all operations and financials denominated in BTC.

    “We’ve just made history as the first company in the world to have Bitcoin-denominated financial statements externally audited,” said Zac Townsend, CEO of Meanwhile. “This is an important, foundational step in reimagining the financial system based on a single, global, decentralized standard outside the control of any one government. As the first regulated Bitcoin life insurance company, we view the BTC held by Meanwhile as inherently long-term in nature—primarily held to support the Company’s insurance liabilities over decades. This makes it significantly “stickier” and resistant to market pressures compared to the BTC held by other companies as part of their treasury management strategies.”

    Unlike other companies, including famous “BTC Treasury”-style companies, Meanwhile is prohibited by regulation from selling its assets regardless of market conditions. Most of Meanwhile’s BTC is held on behalf of its policyholders as part of their life insurance policies and is subject to strict regulatory rules. Disposals of BTC can only happen when policyholders redeem their BTC through claims or surrenders, which can take decades to become eligible under life insurance policies. Meanwhile, therefore, offers a preferred method for policyholders to optimize their holdings for the long term, because it is also required to keep Bitcoin in its treasury permanently.

    Tia Beckmann, Meanwhile’s CFO, added, “We are incredibly proud of today’s news as it underscores how Meanwhile is at the forefront of the next phase of the convergence between Bitcoin and institutional financial markets. And, now having generated net income in BTC, we have demonstrated that we are earning it through a sustainable insurance business model designed for the long term and providing a critical financial service to our policyholders.”

    Key Highlights of Meanwhile’s 2024 Audited Financials:

    • Global First: Harris & Trotter completed the first-ever external audit of a fully BTC-denominated balance sheet, a milestone not just in insurance but across all industries.
    • Financial Strength: Total assets reached 220.4 BTC, driven by prudent investments in Bitcoin-based investments, including collateral loans and bonds, alongside disciplined underwriting of Bitcoin Whole Life policies.
    • Profitability: Net income of 25.29 BTC reflects strong underwriting performance, with 23.02 BTC in net premiums and 4.35 BTC in net investment income, underscoring Meanwhile’s ability to generate BTC through its business operations.
    • Regulatory Milestone: The BMA’s approval of Meanwhile’s use of BTC as the reporting currency in its statutory financial statements sets a precedent for regulators worldwide, affirming Bitcoin’s legitimacy as a financial asset and functional currency within a licensed and regulated financial services regime.
    • Actuarial Innovation: An Approved Actuary from WTW reviewed and approved Meanwhile’s Bitcoin-based reserves, a first in the insurance sector, ensuring actuarial rigor in a crypto context.

    Meanwhile’s Bitcoin Whole Life product protects policyholders’ families, builds savings in Bitcoin, enables loans against policy cash value, and supports legacy planning—all denominated in BTC. As a Class IILT insurer, Meanwhile graduated from Bermuda’s innovation sandbox in July 2024, becoming the first fully licensed Bitcoin-denominated life insurer.

    Meanwhile plans to expand its product offerings in 2025, continuing to serve long-term savers and investors globally with integrity and simplicity. By operating exclusively within the crypto ecosystem, Meanwhile remains insulated from traditional currency volatility while aligning with the growing institutional adoption of cryptocurrency.

    About Meanwhile Insurance Bitcoin (Bermuda) Limited
    Meanwhile is the world’s first life insurance company to operate entirely in Bitcoin, offering innovative products like Bitcoin Whole Life to policyholders worldwide. Licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority, Meanwhile combines the stability of traditional insurance with the potential of cryptocurrency, providing long-term financial solutions for Bitcoin savers. For more information, visit meanwhile.bm.

    Media Contact:
    Dukas Linden Public Relations
    Meanwhile@dlpr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Progress Software Unveils Powerful New ShareFile Features for Accountants to Automate Administrative Tasks and Deliver a Great Client Experience

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AI-powered document insights, client mobile app and unified client hub help firms work faster and better

    BURLINGTON, Mass., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Progress Software (Nasdaq: PRGS), the trusted provider of AI-powered digital experience and infrastructure software, today announced significant new enhancements to Progress® ShareFile®, its SaaS-native document-based collaboration and client workflow product. Designed for accounting professionals, these enhancements cut friction, elevate client interactions and give firms a competitive edge.

    With staffing shortages and client expectations on the rise, many accounting firms are struggling to keep pace, especially when administrative burdens reduce time for strategic advisory services. The latest ShareFile product enhancements directly address these pressures by providing AI-powered document insights, centralizing client interactions, automating repetitive tasks and simplifying workflows. With these new AI-powered capabilities, accounting firms can cut up to 4.25 hours off each tax engagement and extract key insights from financial documents up to 96% faster—enabling them to serve more clients, more effectively, without increasing headcount.

    “ShareFile is helping accounting professionals spend less time on administrative work and more time delivering value to their clients,” said Loren Jarrett, EVP & GM, Digital Experience, Progress Software. “For example, Strategic Treasurer has saved over 1,000 hours a year by consolidating their e-signature processes to ShareFile. From faster client onboarding to automated tax workflows, these features reflect our commitment to enabling firms to work smarter and better with AI-powered tools.”

    These key enhancements provide:

    • Streamlined client management: The new client hub (beta) provides a centralized view of client information, files, folders and projects—streamlining client management and simplifying day-to-day work. Whether managing a single client or an entire organization, firms gain quick access to the details they need to move work forward.
    • Accelerated time to insights: Firms can bypass manual reviews of financial documents and focus on higher-level, revenue-driving work. The AI document assistant transforms lengthy documents into clear, actionable insights with just one click or question. Key details are extracted instantly, reducing time spent on document review and enhancing decision-making.
    • Unified client interactions: Accounting firms can manage client tax engagements from start to finish within the ShareFile product. The upgraded income tax return solution now includes enhanced client onboarding workflows that allow firms to create multiple engagements in bulk to accelerate onboarding, making it easy to initiate service for numerous clients at once.
    • Improved client response time: Available for both iOS and Android, the new ShareFile for Clients mobile app (beta) gives clients an easy, secure way to stay engaged on the go. Clients can view and complete tasks, upload and scan documents and track service status—all from their mobile devices. This helps improve responsiveness and keep engagements on schedule.

    “I think the client hub is a really impressive tool—it genuinely makes things easier,” said Faisal Farah, Managing Director of Numerical CPA Professional Corporation. “Being able to see all client documents in one place and request what I need directly from there is a huge time-saver. It has the potential to be a very valuable part of our workflow.”

    Unlike fragmented tools that only solve part of the problem, ShareFile brings together client touchpoints in a single product. With built-in AI-powered workflows, firms can analyze financial documents faster, reduce client turnaround times and eliminate manual follow-ups—freeing staff to focus on high-value, advisory work.

    Progress will showcase the latest ShareFile product innovations at AICPA ENGAGE 2025, June 9–12, 2025, in Las Vegas. Attendees can experience hands-on demos and learn how thousands of accounting professionals are transforming their firms with the ShareFile product.

    To learn more about ShareFile and its latest capabilities, visit the website.

    About Progress Software
    Progress Software (Nasdaq: PRGS) empowers organizations to achieve transformational success in the face of disruptive change. Our software enables our customers to develop, deploy and manage responsible AI-powered applications and digital experiences with agility and ease. Customers get a trusted provider in Progress, with the products, expertise and vision they need to succeed. Over 4 million developers and technologists at hundreds of thousands of enterprises depend on Progress. Learn more at www.progress.com.

    Progress and ShareFile are trademarks or registered trademarks of Progress Software Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries or affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. Any other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. 

    Press Contacts:
    Kim Baker
    Progress Software
    +1-800-477-6473
    pr@progress.com

    A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/10eb631f-a142-4eae-a9f9-7711bf4ea9ff

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: KraneShares Launches First Global Humanoid & Embodied Intelligence ETF (Ticker: KOID) On Nasdaq

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“KraneShares”), an asset management firm known for its global exchange-traded funds (ETFs), announced the launch of the KraneShares Global Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence Index ETF (Ticker: KOID). KOID represents the first US-listed thematic equity ETF that captures the global humanoid opportunity.1

    Thanks to breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, advanced materials, and robotics manufacturing, commercial and retail applications of humanoid robotics and embodied intelligence are now a reality. Humanoid robots—including Tesla’s Optimus, Figure AI, and Unitree—are already demonstrating impressive performance in human tasks, including in both factory and home settings. The Morgan Stanley Global Humanoid Model projects there could be 1 billion humanoids and $5 trillion in annual revenue by 2050.2

    KOID seeks to capture the global humanoid and embodied intelligence ecosystem, which refers to AI systems integrated into physical machines that can sense, learn, and interact with the real world. Humanoid robotics, a key subset of embodied intelligence, focuses on robots with human-like forms and capabilities designed to work seamlessly in environments built for people, like factories, hospitals, and homes. The acceleration of bringing robots to the commercial and retail markets stems from the need to address urgent global challenges like labor shortages, aging populations, and greater efficiency and safety across industries.

    “Soon, the cost of a humanoid robot could be less than a car3,” said KraneShares Senior Investment Strategist Derek Yan, CFA. “We see compelling investment opportunities among the humanoid enablers and supply-chain partners that will bring humanoid robots into our daily lives at scale.”

    Unlike legacy robotics‐focused ETFs, KOID focuses exclusively on humanoid robotics and embodied AI, positioning itself at the forefront of the next generation of robotics innovation. KOID aims to capture the full spectrum of enabling technologies that form the foundation of humanoid development, including humanoid integration & manufacturing, mechanical systems, sensing & perception, actuation systems (the “muscle” of the robot), semiconductors & technology, and critical materials. KOID offers global exposure to companies based primarily in the United States, China, and Japan within the information technology, industrial, and consumer discretionary sectors.

    “We are excited to bring the Humanoid opportunity to global investors through KOID, the latest addition to our suite of innovative global thematic ETFs,” said KraneShares CEO Jonathan Krane. “At KraneShares, our core goal is to launch strategies like KOID to capture emerging megatrends, giving our clients access to powerful growth opportunities as they accelerate.”

    The KOID ETF will track the MerQube Global Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence Index, which is designed to capture the performance of companies engaged in humanoid and embodied intelligence-related business.

    For more information on the KraneShares Global Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence Index ETF (Ticker: KOID), please visit https://kraneshares.com/koid or consult your financial advisor.

    About KraneShares

    KraneShares is a specialist investment manager focused on China, Climate, and Alternatives. KraneShares seeks to provide innovative, high-conviction, and first-to-market strategies based on the firm and its partners’ deep investing knowledge. KraneShares identifies and delivers groundbreaking capital market opportunities and believes investors should have cost-effective and transparent tools for attaining exposure to various asset classes. The firm was founded in 2013 and serves institutions and financial professionals globally. The firm is a signatory of the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI).

    Citations:

    1. Data from Bloomberg as of 5/27/2025.
    2. “Humanoids: 1bn Robots and $5tn Revenues by 2050, China is in Pole Position” Morgan Stanley Research, 4/28/2025.
    3. “Could AI Robots Help Fill the Labor Gap?” Morgan Stanley Research, 8/13/2024.

    Carefully consider the Funds’ investment objectives, risk factors, charges and expenses before investing. This and additional information can be found in the Funds’ full and summary prospectus, which may be obtained by visiting https://kraneshares.com/koid. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

    Risk Disclosures:

    Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. There can be no assurance that a Fund will achieve its stated objectives. Indices are unmanaged and do not include the effect of fees. One cannot invest directly in an index.

    This information should not be relied upon as research, investment advice, or a recommendation regarding any products, strategies, or any security in particular. This material is strictly for illustrative, educational, or informational purposes and is subject to change. Certain content represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results; material is as of the dates noted and is subject to change without notice.

    Humanoid and embedded intelligence technology companies often face high research and capital costs, resulting in variable profitability in a competitive market where products can quickly become obsolete. Their reliance on intellectual property makes them vulnerable to losses, while legal and regulatory changes can impact profitability. Defining these companies can be complex, and some may risk commercial failure. They are also affected by global scientific developments, leading to rapid obsolescence, and may be subject to government regulations. Many companies in which the Fund invests may not currently be profitable, with no guarantee of future success.

    A-Shares are issued by companies in mainland China and traded on local exchanges. They are available to domestic and certain foreign investors, including QFIs and those participating in Stock Connect Programs like Shanghai-Hong Kong and Shenzhen-Hong Kong. Foreign investments in A-Shares face various regulations and restrictions, including limits on asset repatriation. A-Shares may experience frequent trading halts and illiquidity, which can lead to volatility in the Fund’s share price and increased trading halt risks. The Chinese economy is an emerging market, vulnerable to domestic and regional economic and political changes, often showing more volatility than developed markets. Companies face risks from potential government interventions, and the export-driven economy is sensitive to downturns in key trading partners, impacting the Fund. U.S.-China tensions raise concerns over tariffs and trade restrictions, which could harm China’s exports and the Fund. China’s regulatory standards are less stringent than in the U.S., resulting in limited information about issuers. Tax laws are unclear and subject to change, potentially impacting the Fund and leading to unexpected liabilities for foreign investors. Fluctuations in currency of foreign countries may have an adverse effect to domestic currency values.

    The Japanese economy depends heavily on international trade and is vulnerable to economic, political, and social instability, which could affect the Fund. The yen is volatile, influenced by fluctuations in Asia, and has historically shown unpredictable movements against the U.S. dollar. Natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tidal waves, also pose risks. Furthermore, government intervention and an unstable financial services sector can negatively impact the economy, which relies significantly on trade with developing nations in East and Southeast Asia.

    The Fund invests in non-U.S. securities, which can be less liquid and subject to weaker regulatory oversight compared to U.S. securities. Risks include currency fluctuations, political or economic instability, incomplete financial disclosure, and potential taxes or nationalization of holdings. Foreign trading hours and settlement processes may also limit the Fund’s ability to trade, and different accounting standards can add complexity. Suspensions of foreign securities may adversely impact the Fund, and delays in settlement or holidays may hinder asset liquidation, increasing the risk of loss.

    The Fund may invest in derivatives, which are often more volatile than other investments and may magnify the Fund’s gains or losses. A derivative (i.e., futures/forward contracts, swaps, and options) is a contract that derives its value from the performance of an underlying asset. The primary risk of derivatives is that changes in the asset’s market value and the derivative may not be proportionate, and some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses. Derivatives are also subject to liquidity and counterparty risk. The Fund is subject to liquidity risk, meaning that certain investments may become difficult to purchase or sell at a reasonable time and price. If a transaction for these securities is large, it may not be possible to initiate, which may cause the Fund to suffer losses. Counterparty risk is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the derivative.

    Large capitalization companies may struggle to adapt fast, impacting their growth compared to smaller firms, especially in expansive times. This could result in lower stock returns than investing in smaller and mid-sized companies. In addition to the normal risks associated with investing, investments in smaller companies typically exhibit higher volatility.

    A large number of shares of the Fund is held by a single shareholder or a small group of shareholders. Redemptions from these shareholder can harm Fund performance, especially in declining markets, leading to forced sales at disadvantageous prices, increased costs, and adverse tax effects for remaining shareholders.

    The Fund is new and does not yet have a significant number of shares outstanding. If the Fund does not grow in size, it will be at greater risk than larger funds of wider bid-ask spreads for its shares, trading at a greater premium or discount to NAV, liquidation and/or a trading halt. Narrowly focused investments typically exhibit higher volatility. The Fund’s assets are expected to be concentrated in a sector, industry, market, or group of concentrations to the extent that the Underlying Index has such concentrations. The securities or futures in that concentration could react similarly to market developments. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect that concentration. KOID is non-diversified.

    Neither MerQube, Inc. nor any of its affiliates (collectively, “MerQube”) is the issuer or producer of KOID and MerQube has no duties, responsibilities, or obligations to investors in KOID. The index underlying the KOID is a product of MerQube and has been licensed for use by Krane Funds Advisors, LLC and its affiliates. Such index is calculated using, among other things, market data or other information (“Input Data”) from one or more sources (each such source, a “Data Provider”). MerQube® is a registered trademark of MerQube, Inc. These trademarks have been licensed for certain purposes by Krane Funds Advisors, LLC and its affiliates in its capacity as the issuer of the KOID. KOID is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MerQube, any Data Provider, or any other third party, and none of such parties make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in KOID particularly, nor do they have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions of the Input Data, MerQube Global Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence Index, or any associated data.

    Neither MerQube nor the Data Providers make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the shares of KOID or to any member of the public, of any kind, including regarding the ability of the MerQube Global Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence Index to track market performance or any asset class. The MerQube Global Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence Index is determined, composed and calculated by MerQube without regard to Krane Funds Advisors, LLC and its affiliates or the KOID. MerQube and Data Providers have no obligation to take the needs of Krane Funds Advisors, LLC and its affiliates or the owners of KOID into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the MerQube Global Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence Index. Neither MerQube nor any Data Provider is responsible for and have not participated in the determination of the prices or amount of KOID or the timing of the issuance or sale of KOID or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which KOID is to be converted into cash, surrendered or redeemed, as the case may be. MerQube and Data Providers have no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of KOID. There is no assurance that investment products based on the MerQube Global Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence Index will accurately track index performance or provide positive investment returns. MerQube is not an investment advisor. Inclusion of a security within an index is not a recommendation by MerQube to buy, sell, or hold such security, nor is it considered to be investment advice.

    NEITHER MERQUBE NOR ANY OTHER DATA PROVIDER GUARANTEES THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE MERQUBE GLOBAL HUMANOID AND EMBODIED INTELLIGENCE INDEX OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO (INCLUDING DATA INPUTS) OR ANY COMMUNICATION WITH RESPECT THERETO. NEITHER MERQUBE NOR ANY OTHER DATA PROVIDERS SHALL BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR DELAYS THEREIN. MERQUBE AND ITS DATA PROVIDERS MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND THEY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE OR AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY KRANE FUNDS ADVISORS, LLC AND ITS AFFILIATES, OWNERS OF THE KOID, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE MERQUBE GLOBAL HUMANOID AND EMBODIED INTELLIGENCE INDEX OR WITH RESPECT TO ANY DATA RELATED THERETO. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER SHALL MERQUBE OR DATA PROVIDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE. THE FOREGOING REFERENCES TO “MERQUBE” AND/OR “DATA PROVIDER” SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO INCLUDE ANY AND ALL SERVICE PROVIDERS, CONTRACTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AND AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE REFERENCED PARTY.

    ETF shares are bought and sold on an exchange at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. However, shares may be redeemed at NAV directly by certain authorized broker-dealers (Authorized Participants) in very large creation/redemption units. The returns shown do not represent the returns you would receive if you traded shares at other times. Shares may trade at a premium or discount to their NAV in the secondary market. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns. Beginning 12/23/2020, market price returns are based on the official closing price of an ETF share or, if the official closing price isn’t available, the midpoint between the national best bid and national best offer (“NBBO”) as of the time the ETF calculates the current NAV per share. Prior to that date, market price returns were based on the midpoint between the Bid and Ask price. NAVs are calculated using prices as of 4:00 PM Eastern Time.

    The KraneShares ETFs and KFA Funds ETFs are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Company (SIDCO), 1 Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA 19456, which is not affiliated with Krane Funds Advisors, LLC, the Investment Adviser for the Funds, or any sub-advisers for the Funds.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Cloudera Joins AI-RAN Alliance to Drive Real-Time Data Innovation and AI-Native Telecommunications

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cloudera, the only true hybrid platform for data, analytics and AI, today announced it has joined the AI-RAN Alliance, a global consortium committed to integrating AI into telecommunications infrastructure. Cloudera joins a pioneering group of innovative telecommunication providers that has joined forces with data and AI companies all focused on driving the AI-RAN agenda and transforming telecommunication networks into intelligent, revenue-generating platforms with real-time data and AI.

    As telecommunication providers race to optimize the cost of network operations through virtualization and next generation infrastructure and architectures, AI provides a unique opportunity. AI drives better business outcomes through network service efficiency while at the same time opening up significant opportunities for services innovation. The complexity of deploying AI across distributed edge environments is not trivial and telecommunication providers will have to drive strategic enterprise-wide efforts to operationalize AI at scale across the radio access network (RAN) to unlock its full commercial potential.

    The AI-RAN Alliance—which counts NVIDIA as a founding member and Dell, SoftBank, T-Mobile, KT and LG U+ as members—was created to solve these issues while driving innovation at the intersection of AI and telecommunications. Together, the AI-RAN Alliance members are standardizing the integration of AI into existing and new networks, enabling shared infrastructure for AI optimization, accelerating the development of edge AI applications, and establishing real-world proof points to help telecommunications deploy AI reliably and profitably.

    As a recognized leader in enterprise AI and modern data architecture, Cloudera brings a powerful combination of scalable data management, edge-to-AI orchestration, and an open-source-first approach that complements the AI-RAN Alliance’s mission. Cloudera is uniquely positioned to enable telecommunication providers to deploy, manage, and scale AI workloads across hybrid, edge, and on-premises environments.

    As the newest member of the AI-RAN Alliance, Cloudera will:

    • Participate in the new ‘Data for AI-RAN’ working group, aimed at standardizing data orchestration, LLM-driven network automation, and hybrid-enabled MLOps across telecommunications and AI workloads. Cloudera’s involvement will bring data and AI platform expertise to the AI-RAN Alliance, and help align data and AI pipelines with telecom operational needs—unlocking faster innovation and deployment of AI-native use cases.
    • Support the AI-RAN Alliance’s three core objectives, including AI-for-RAN, AI-and-RAN, and AI-on-RAN.
    • Accelerate real-world AI use cases with AI-RAN Alliance members to pilot and deploy AI applications, such as SLA-driven network availability and real-time anomaly detection. This includes building and validating reference architectures that telecommunications operators can deploy against in live environments, shortening the path from innovation to implementation, and maximizing model reusability and collaboration.
    • Leverage the Cloudera platform to demonstrate real-time decision-making at the edge, enabling scalable training data preparation/MLOps, and operationalizing AI inference at scale while ensuring governance, observability, and edge-to-core orchestration.

    “Cloudera is proud to bring its data and AI expertise to the AI-RAN Alliance. The network is the heart of the telecom business, both in driving margin growth and in service transformation, and AI can unlock substantial value across those dimensions,” said Abhas Ricky, Chief Strategy Officer at Cloudera. “Given our leadership in the domain — having powered data and AI automation strategies for hundreds of telecommunications providers around the world, we now look forward to accelerating innovation alongside fellow AI-RAN Alliance members, and bringing our customers along. Our goal is to help define the data standards, orchestration models, and reference architectures that will power intelligent, adaptive, and AI-native networks of the future.”

    “We are proud to collaborate with Cloudera and fellow AI-RAN Alliance members in the ‘Data for AI-RAN’ working group,” said Jemin Chung, VP Network Strategy, KT. “As AI becomes increasingly central to next-generation networks, the ability to harness data securely and at scale will be a key differentiator. Through this initiative, we look forward to defining best practices that enable AI-centric RAN evolution and improve operational intelligence.”

    “Cloudera is an incredible addition to the AI-RAN Alliance, which has grown rapidly as demand for improved AI access and success increases across the industry,” said Dr. Alex Jinsung Choi, Principal Fellow, SoftBank’s Research Institute of Advanced Technology, and Chair of the AI-RAN Alliance. “The company’s leadership in data and AI, combined with their extensive telecommunications footprint, will play a vital role in advancing our shared vision of intelligent, AI-native networks.”

    To learn more about Cloudera’s role in the AI-RAN Alliance and how it’s enabling next-generation telecommunications, visit www.cloudera.com/solutions/telecommunications.html.

    About Cloudera
    Cloudera is the only true hybrid platform for data, analytics, and AI. With 100x more data under management than other cloud-only vendors, Cloudera empowers global enterprises to transform data of all types, on any public or private cloud, into valuable, trusted insights. Our open data lakehouse delivers scalable and secure data management with portable cloud-native analytics, enabling customers to bring GenAI models to their data while maintaining privacy and ensuring responsible, reliable AI deployments. The world’s largest brands in financial services, insurance, media, manufacturing, and government rely on Cloudera to use their data to solve what seemed impossible—today and in the future.

    To learn more, visit Cloudera.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X. Cloudera and associated marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cloudera, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

    Contact
    Jess Hohn-Cabana
    cloudera@v2comms.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CAI Certified as a 2025 Top Employer in the United States by Top Employers Institute

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ALLENTOWN, Pa., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CAI, a global services firm, announced today its certification as a 2025 Top Employer in the United States by Top Employers Institute.

    Top Employers Institute, the global authority on HR strategies, certifies organizations based on their performance in the HR Best Practices Survey. The assessment audits six HR domains covering several categories including People Strategy, Work Environment, Technology, Talent Acquisition, Diversity, Well-being, and more.

    Highlights of CAI’s top-performing areas included its learning practices, talent acquisition, employer branding, diversity programs, and business strategy.

    “Our north star is to be an employer of choice,” said Tammy Harper, chief human resources officer at CAI. “Having earned the Top Employers certification underscores our commitment to foster a dynamic workplace that empowers our employees to thrive professionally and personally. As we continue to innovate our people strategies, we will measure success based on our growth and impact on the areas of opportunity identified and future assessments. Maintaining an exceptional employee experience for our talented workforce is our ultimate goal.”

    “Consistency in a not-so-consistent world? Amidst constant change—through technological advances, economic shifts, and evolving social landscapes—it is inspiring to see people and organizations rise to the challenge,” said David Plink, chief executive officer of Top Employers Institute. “This year, the Top Employers Certification Program highlights the dedication of our Top Employers as they continue to set the standard, consistently delivering world-class HR strategies and practices. These Top Employers strive to foster growth and well-being, all while enriching the world of work. We are proud to celebrate these people-first leaders and teams as the Top Employers for 2025!”

    For career opportunities at CAI, visit https://careers.cai.io/us/en

    About CAI

    CAI is a global services firm with over 9,000 associates worldwide and a yearly revenue of $1.3 billion+. We have over 40 years of excellence in uniting talent and technology to power the possible for our clients, colleagues, and communities. As a privately held company, we have the freedom and focus to do what’s right—whatever it takes. Our tailor-made solutions create lasting results across the public and commercial sectors, and we are trailblazers in bringing neurodiversity to the enterprise.

    About Top Employers Institute
    Top Employers Institute is the #1 global authority on HR strategies. With our world-leading Certification and data-led insights, we guide and empower organizations in delivering transformational people practices, driving business outcomes and helping them attract, engage and retain top talent.

    In 2025, Top Employers Institute has certified more than 2,400 organizations in 125 countries/regions. These certified Top Employers positively impact the lives of over 13 million employees globally.

    Top Employers Institute. For a better world of work.

    Contact:
    Madison Oler
    Sr. PR & Communications Specialist
    CAI
    Madison.oler@cai.io

    The MIL Network –