NewzIntel.com

Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Lufthansa shareholders approve all agenda items at the Annual General Meeting

    Source: Lufthansa Group

    About 1,500 shareholders followed today’s 72th Annual General Meeting of Deutsche Lufthansa AG online. A total of 42,16 percent of the share capital was represented. Nine items were on the agenda for the Annual General Meeting. The shareholders of the company approved all items by a large majority.

    The shareholders thereby approved the actions of the members of the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board for the 2024 financial year by a large majority.

    The items on the agenda of the Annual General Meeting included the appropriation of balance sheet profits, which provides for the distribution of a dividend of EUR 0.30 per share, and the election of members of the Supervisory Board. Erich Clementi, Dr. Astrid Stange, and Angela Titzrath were re-elected to the Supervisory Board. Dr. Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer of Canadian airline the WestJet Airlines, was newly elected to the Supervisory Board.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PASSED: Congressman Moran’s No Dollars to Uyghur Forced Labor Act

    Source: Congressman Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01)

    Washington, D.C. ­– The House of Representatives unanimously passed Congressman Nathaniel Moran’s (R-TX-01) No Dollars to Uyghur Forced Labor Act. This legislation that would prohibit Department of State contracts with companies tied to forced labor in the Xinjian region of China. Congressman Moran spoke in support of the legislation ahead of its passage in the House.

    “Slavery in any form is morally repugnant, and America—known on the international stage as a beacon of freedom and liberty—must not be complicit in the Chinese Communist Party’s genocide and oppression of the Uyghur people,”said Congressman Moran. “The United States must push back on China, not only in our words, but through our actions. Failing to do so enables the CCP to grow in strength and exert its malign influence over the world. It is past time we enforce accountability against our greatest adversary.”

    Watch Congressman Moran’s Full Remarks HERE

    Congressman Moran’s Full Remarks as Delivered:
     “I rise today in strong support of the No Dollars to Uyghur Forced Labor Act. I urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation that would prohibit U.S. State Department contracts with companies tied to forced labor in the Xinjiang region of China.

    “Our bill would ensure that U.S. funds are not used to finance projects in partnership with companies or organizations that import products mined or manufactured in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China.

    “Many basic goods that we consider to be part of our everyday lives as Americans are produced in Xinjiang, including textiles, bricks, cotton, and polysilicon.

    “As home to the majority of China’s cotton, coal, and natural gas reserves, and representing one-sixth of China’s land mass, the Xinjiang region is central to China’s economy.

    “It is considered to be the ‘core hub’ for China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which is China’s primary tool to exert economic influence across the globe.

    “China’s economy relies in large part on Xinjiang, yet behind its industries lie a horrifying reality—mass detention, forced labor, and brutal oppression of the people who live there.

    “The CCP is oppressing the Uyghur people and other ethnic minorities by detaining them in what they call ‘re-education centers’ for forced labor in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China.

    “Slavery in any form is morally repugnant, and America—known on the international stage as a beacon of freedom and liberty—must not be complicit in the Chinese Communist Party’s genocide and oppression of the Uyghur people.

    “The United States must push back on China, not only in our words, but through our actions. Failing to do so enables the CCP to grow in strength and exert its malign influence over the world. It is past time we enforce accountability against our greatest adversary. 

    “The U.S. must act decisively against the companies that profit from these abuses and take a firm stand against totalitarian regimes.

    “The CCP asserts its control over the Uyghur people through threats, intimidation, confinement, and physical and emotional abuse. Failing to confront China empowers gross human rights abuses and allows for the spread of such atrocities to be determined by the CCP.

    “Our legislation will ensure that our State Department plays no part in the forced slave labor of the Uyghur people.

    “America must continue to lead with strength and morality on the world’s stage and refuse to fund these brutal tactics and cruelty. Passing this critical legislation is the first step, and I urge my colleagues to vote yes. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: ModelOp Unveils 2025 AI Governance Benchmark Report Showing Speed, Scale, and Trust Will Define the Next Era of Enterprise AI

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ModelOp, the leading AI lifecycle automation and governance software for enterprises, announced today the release of its highly anticipated 2025 AI Governance Benchmark Report. Titled “AI’s Time-to-Market Quagmire: Why Enterprises Struggle to Scale AI Innovation”, the new report provides groundbreaking insights from 100 senior AI and data leaders in Financial Services, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Pharma, Biotech, Consumer Packaged Goods, Logistics, Manufacturing, Energy, and Retail across North America.

    It reveals the operational challenges that enterprises face in bringing to market and scaling AI initiatives – especially generative AI. With global AI spending expected to reach $631 billion by 2028, the report highlights a stark disconnect between enterprise ambitions and production results. Reasons include fragmented systems, inconsistent governance practices, and reliance on manual processes like spreadsheets and emails.

    Key Findings from the Report:

    • 56% of generative AI projects take between 6–18 months to move from intake to production.
    • 80% of enterprises have at least 51 generative AI use cases in the proposal phase, but most only have a handful of use cases in production.
    • While 72% of enterprises have fewer than 20 AI use cases in production, a wave of initiatives is coming, at least 90% of organizations have 21 or more use cases either in development or quality assurance.
    • 58% of enterprises said dealing with fragmented systems was among the biggest challenges to AI governance adoption.
    • 86% of enterprises run the risk of inconsistent reporting and duplicate work because they do not carry out AI assurance at the enterprise level.
    • 36% said they have budgeted more than $1M annually for AI governance software – demonstrating a trend towards ring-fencing funds for this purpose.

    “Executives are increasingly needing to demonstrate ROI for the significant investments in their AI initiatives,” says Jim Olsen, Chief Technology Officer at ModelOp. “There’s pressure for them to show leadership in new tech, drive transformation, and produce a competitive advantage — but they need to show that the tech is trustworthy too. Even if an enterprise does have well-defined governance policies, applying and enforcing them consistently across the many teams and systems involved is like herding cats if you’re doing it with spreadsheets and manual processes. Enterprises are realizing that AI governance is not a bureaucratic hurdle – they’re recognizing it as a trustworthy engine to accelerate and scale innovation. Effective AI governance is really about using AI lifecycle automation to coordinate the dozens of teams and systems involved with bringing AI to market and enforcing internal and regulatory policies consistently,” says Olsen.

    The report also showcases how early governance adoption correlates with faster deployment and stronger return on investment. A featured case study details how a major financial services firm cut time-to-market in half and reduced issue resolution time by 80% after implementing ModelOp’s AI lifecycle automation and governance software.

    “Speed will separate the leaders from the laggards,” added Olsen. “This report is a call-to-action for C-suite executives to embed automation and governance from the start, not as a check-the-box afterthought.”

    The full 2025 AI Governance Benchmark Report, developed in collaboration with Corinium Intelligence, is available now at no charge for download at https://www.modelop.com/ai-gov-benchmark-report.

    About ModelOp
    ModelOp is the leader in AI lifecycle automation and governance software, purpose-built for enterprises. It enables organizations to bring all of their AI initiatives – from GenAI and ML to regression models – to market faster, at scale, and with the confidence of end-to-end control, oversight, and value realization. ModelOp is used by the most complex and regulated institutions in the world – including major banks, insurers, regulatory bodies, healthcare organizations, and global CPG companies – because it delivers the structure, automation, and oversight necessary to operationalize AI at scale across the entire enterprise. In 2024, ModelOp received the prestigious AI Breakthrough Award for “Best AI Governance Platform” and was also recognized as a winner in Inc.’s Best in Business Awards in the AI & Data category. In 2025, it was awarded the “Best AI Governance Software Award” from Netty Awards and received Business Intelligence Group’s Artificial Intelligence Excellence Award. Follow ModelOp on LinkedIn.

    Media Contact
    Ria Romano, Partner
    RPR Public Relations, Inc.
    Tel. 786-290-6413

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a5372bd1-3e80-49a2-8d3a-0d588941c21a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Ultimus Enhances Comprehensive Private Credit Fund Administration to Support Investment Managers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CINCINNATI, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ultimus Fund Solutions® (Ultimus®), a leading provider of comprehensive fund administration solutions, is pleased to announce it has expanded its comprehensive private credit fund administration services capabilities to address the evolving needs of private credit managers and increased demand in today’s dynamic investment landscape.

    With private credit strategies gaining significant traction, managing the intricate workflows and lifecycle of loans can present a complex series of challenges without the appropriate infrastructure. Recognizing these hurdles, Ultimus delivers an advanced solution designed to provide efficiency and oversight of private credit investments.

    “Our clients benefit from our best in class, fully integrated infrastructure that enables them to achieve their investment goals without being hindered by operational complexities,” remarked Gary Tenkman, Chief Executive Officer. “Ultimus delivers a powerful combination of expertise, technology, and precision to effectively support private credit management.”

    The Ultimus private credit team specializes in post-trade workflows, with deep expertise in tracking both syndicated and private loans. With the ability to facilitate the setup of various credit instruments, Ultimus’ accounting platform automates data flow from clients, agent banks, and third-party vendors for seamless integration and complete transparency. The private credit team collaborates closely with lenders, clients, and agent banks to accurately track loan positions, empowering credit managers to focus on broader investment goals without operational concerns.

    Ultimus’ private credit fund administration encompasses a wide range of solutions to meet the rigorous demands of credit managers, including trade capture, credit lifecycle activity, reconciliation, bank resolution, profit and loss (PnL) reporting, and advanced investment manager reporting.

    Key Services Provided by Ultimus Include:

    • Data Integration & Workflow: Trade capture, security master setup, credit facility position confirmation, and pricing via leading systems like FIS® Virtus, Xceptor and S&P Global.
    • Investment Manager Reporting: Custom reporting and flexible data analytics via FIS® Hedge Fund Portfolio Manager (HFPM) and other tools.
    • Accounting System: HFPM integrates security master services, transaction processing, position/cash reconciliation, PnL calculation, and pricing/reference data management to provide a streamlined accounting workflow.
    • Auxiliary Workflows: Document management, credit ratings, and classification services to maintain comprehensive operational oversight.

    These services are further enhanced by Ultimus’ ability to scale workflows efficiently and leverage data across its extensive client network. Ultimus also maintains strong industry relationships and access to real-time information, ensuring delivery of enriched data points to alleviate operational workloads for client teams.

    “As credit managers face increasing complexities in managing their loan portfolios, Ultimus brings scalability, precision, and a commitment to operational excellence,” said Jim Cass, President at Ultimus. “Our solutions are designed to streamline workflows, enhance data accessibility, and free up resources so our clients can focus on growing their portfolios. We are already seeing increased interest and demand for our tech-driven solutions.”

    Ultimus’ extensive track record and expertise in private credit fund administration provide private credit managers with the confidence to take on complex credit strategies. The advanced platforms and workflows are designed to empower clients to scale their portfolios while maintaining operational clarity and precision.

    About Ultimus
    Ultimus Fund Solutions (Ultimus) is a leading provider of full-service tech-enhanced fund administration, accounting, middle office, and investor solutions to support the launching and servicing of registered funds, private funds, and public plans. The company also offers customized structures designed for the unique needs of pensions, endowments, foundations, and other large institutions. Ultimus’ deep commitment to excellence is achieved through investments in best-in-class technology, compliance programs, organization-wide cyber security efforts, and hiring seasoned professionals.

    Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, with offices in other major cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Denver, and Omaha, Ultimus employs more than 1,100 seasoned accountants, attorneys, paralegals, application developers, fund administrators, compliance specialists, and many others with years of experience in the financial services industry. Servicing over 2,100 total traditional and alternative funds, Ultimus helps investment managers and fund families flourish in today’s increasingly sophisticated and dynamic investment landscape. For more information, visit www.ultimusfundsolutions.com.

    CONTACT: Marketing@UltimusFundSolutions.com

    COD00000679 5/5/2025

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Sompo appoints Nicholas Walsh as Independent Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors for Sompo International Holdings Ltd.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PEMBROKE, Bermuda, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sompo, a leading global provider of commercial and consumer property and casualty (re)insurance, today announced the appointment of Nicholas Walsh as Independent Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors for Sompo International Holdings Ltd. (“SIH”)

    Mr Walsh, who has been an Independent Non-Executive Director of SIH since June 2022, succeeds James Shea who last month was appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sompo P&C, in addition to his role as CEO and Executive Director, SIH.

    Mr Shea said: “We are delighted that Nicholas Walsh has become our new SIH Board Chairman. Nic is a highly respected leader with more than 50 years of experience in insurance and his expertise has been invaluable to us since he first joined our Board three years ago. Nic’s new appointment comes at an exciting time for Sompo as we continue to expand our business around the world. We look forward to continuing to benefit from his guidance and insights, helping us put our customers and trading partners even more at the center of everything we do.”

    Mr Walsh spent 42 years with AIG, holding numerous leadership positions. He retired in 2014 as Vice Chairman of AIG Property and Casualty Inc. and previously served as Executive Vice President of AIG Inc., CEO of AIG’s international general insurance business and chair of several AIG regional companies.

    Mr Walsh has extensive experience on international boards and international societies. Since 2020, he has been an independent director of McGill Global Solutions LLC, and from 2020-2024 McGill & Partners Ltd. From 2014 to 2019, Mr Walsh was an independent director of Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT) PLC, a London-based multinational insurance broker, and JLT’s US subsidiaries. Mr Walsh also serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director of Endurance Worldwide Insurance Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SIH.

    In addition to Mr Walsh’s appointment, Monica Cramér Manhem has been appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director and Yoshihiro Uotani, Sompo Group Chief Risk Officer (CRO) has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director to the Board of Directors of SIH.

    Monica Cramér Manhem has served as Independent Non-Executive Director SI Insurance (Europe), SA (“SIIE”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SIH, since 2023. Prior to this, she was CEO at SiriusPoint International, the largest reinsurance company in Scandinavia. With nearly 40 years of experience in the insurance and reinsurance industry, Monica is a seasoned industry executive. She joined Sirius International in 1985 and was a board director between 2014-2022.

    Yoshihiro Uotani was appointed Senior Executive Vice President of Sompo Holdings in April 2025. He has served as Group Chief Risk Officer (CRO) and Executive Officer of Sompo Holdings, Inc. since April 2021. Mr Uotani leads the company’s global risk teams and has more than 35 years of experience in the insurance industry, having worked across multiple international locations including Germany, the UK, the US and Japan.

    Mr Shea said: “The appointments of Monica and Uotani-san will strengthen even further the depth of expertise within our SIH Board. Monica brings with her broad expertise across underwriting, communications, analytics, strategic and regulatory topics and is a respected industry leader. As Group CRO, Uotani-san’s extensive knowledge will help us to navigate a complex and rapidly moving global risk landscape as we continue to take our business from strength to strength.”

    About Sompo

    We are Sompo, a global provider of commercial and consumer property, casualty, and specialty insurance and reinsurance. Building on the 135 years of innovation of our parent company, Sompo Holdings, Inc., Sompo employs approximately 9,500 people around the world who use their in-depth knowledge and expertise to help simplify and resolve your complex challenges. Because when you choose Sompo, you choose The Ease of Expertise™.

    “Sompo” refers to the brand under which Sompo International Holdings Ltd., a Bermuda-based holding company, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, operates its global property and casualty (re)insurance businesses. Sompo International Holdings Ltd. is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sompo Holdings, Inc., one of the leading property and casualty groups in the world with excellent financial strength as evidenced by ratings of A+ (Superior) from A.M. Best (XV size category) and A+ (Strong) from Standard & Poor’s. Shares of Sompo Holdings, Inc. are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

    To learn more please follow us on LinkedIn or visit sompo-intl.com.

    Sompo Contact
    Mike Jones
    Global Head of Media Relations         
    M: +44 7765 901899
    E: mijones@sompo-intl.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Exterro Named ‘Enterprise Tech Company of the Year’ at the 2025 Oregon Tech Awards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PORTLAND, Ore., May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Exterro, Inc., the leading provider of data risk management software solutions for e-discovery, digital forensics, and data privacy, security, and governance professionals, today announced it was named Enterprise Tech Company of the Year at the 2025 Oregon Tech Awards. The annual awards program presented by the Technology Association of Oregon (TAO) recognizes excellence and achievement in the region’s technology industry across multiple categories.

    Recognition for Innovation and Impact

    The Enterprise Tech Company of the Year award honors a company that has demonstrated exceptional growth, innovation, and leadership in building impactful technology for enterprise customers. Exterro stood out for its unified approach to solving the most pressing data challenges enterprises face today—including data sprawl, regulatory complexity, legal risk, and cybersecurity threats.

    Exterro’s Data Risk Management Platform powers e-discovery, digital forensics, privacy, cybersecurity, and governance solutions in a single, unified, AI-driven platform. It enables organizations to reduce risk, streamline operations, and respond with speed and precision to the ever-increasing risks associated with the impact of cyber breaches, mounting litigation and growing governance challenges and requirements.

    “This award validates the vision we’ve been building toward for years: enabling organizations to take control of their data risks—not just react to them,” said Bobby Balachandran, Founder and CEO of Exterro. “We’re proud to be recognized alongside some of the most innovative tech companies in Oregon, and we’re even prouder of the role Exterro plays in helping enterprises safeguard their digital world.”

    Trusted by the World’s Leading Enterprises

    More than 3,000 organizations worldwide, including over 40 percent of the Fortune 100, rely on Exterro’s platform to simplify complexity, eliminate silos, and gain visibility across their data ecosystems. With FedRAMP, HITRUST, and SOC 2 certifications, Exterro meets the highest standards for enterprise-grade security and compliance.

    The company’s focus on product innovation, scalability, and operational efficiency has made it a go-to partner for legal, compliance, privacy, and security teams seeking to modernize and unify their data risk management practices.

    Oregon’s Premier Technology Celebration

    The Oregon Tech Awards are the flagship event of TAO and represent the state’s most prestigious recognition of technology innovation. Winners are selected based on a combination of growth metrics, product differentiation, customer impact, and industry leadership. This year’s awards ceremony brought together hundreds of executives, entrepreneurs, and technologists to celebrate Oregon’s thriving tech ecosystem.

    About Exterro

    Exterro empowers organizations to manage data risks with a complete platform for e-discovery, data privacy, cybersecurity and governance, and digital forensics. Unlike any other software provider, Exterro makes it easy for organizations to understand their data and take swift action. Exterro’s AI-driven solutions provide accurate, actionable insights, enabling businesses to ensure compliance, reduce risks, and streamline operations while lowering costs. With Exterro, organizations gain the clarity and confidence needed to address their most critical data challenges. For more information, visit www.exterro.com.

    Press Contact:

    For Exterro

    Hazel Ramirez

    hazel@plat4orm.com

    570-975-9261

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Salary.com Announces Partnership with Texas Hospital Association

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WALTHAM, Mass., May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Salary.com, the global leader in compensation technology and data, today announced its partnership with the Texas Hospital Association (THA), the leadership organization and principal advocate for the state’s hospitals and health care systems. With a shared commitment to “getting pay right” within the health care industry, THA and Salary.com are focused on addressing workforce shortages through smart compensation practices.

    One of the largest hospital associations in the country, THA represents more than 85 percent of Texas’ acute-care hospitals and health care systems, which employ more than 400,000 health care professionals statewide. Known for developing a vision of unified health care delivery for Texas, THA is an advocate for accessible, cost-effective high-quality health care delivered through a system that emphasizes integration, community health, and equitable funding.

    Competitive salaries attract and retain qualified talent. Given the escalating growth in the health care industry – which added 52,000 jobs in February 2025 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – the availability of trustworthy HR-reported market to support total compensation management is required. At the foundation of Salary.com’s products and services is the world’s largest database of compensation market data covering 16,000 jobs across 225 industries. The Salary.com Total Compensation Management solution incorporates this data directly into an integrated suite of compensation management software. The suite includes all of the components of compensation management and communications, from AI enabled job description development and job benchmarking to skills analysis and Job Architecture and from annual compensation planning tools to pay equity analysis.

    Vicki Dale, Senior Director of Business Services, THA, said, “THA is pleased to partner with Salary.com to ensure pay transparency. Their Total Compensation Management solution delivers what we need, across comp planning, job design management, pay equity analytics, and more. Our decision-making process to select Salary.com as our compensation partner involved a lengthy and meticulous vetting process. We’re looking forward to the mutual success of our work together.”

    “Salary.com’s partnership with THA represents our shared commitment to getting pay right within the health care space, which is more vital than ever as they address projected workforce shortages, an aging population, and increased demand,” commented Kevin Plunkett, Senior Vice President, Partnerships, Salary.com. “With Salary.com’s Total Compensation Management suite, THA can centralize salary planning, ascertain what skills are needed for different jobs, and provide clear and consistent pay information. As one of the largest hospital associations in the country, we’re honored to support THA’s continued success.”

    More About Total Compensation Management (TCM)
    From the C-suite to the employee, Salary.com’s Total Compensation Management (TCM) is an original approach that streamlines and improves the flow of pay information. By skillfully blending planning and management while cutting through the confusion created by disconnected parts and providers, TCM increases accuracy, clarifies processes, and delivers accurate data. With Salary.com’s TCM suite, organizations gain best-in-class products in one integrated solution that delivers a comprehensive picture of pay and benefits. To learn more please visit here.

    About Texas Hospital Association

    Founded in 1930, the Texas Hospital Association is the leadership organization and principal advocate for the state’s hospitals and health care systems. Based in Austin, THA enhances its members’ abilities to improve accessibility, quality, and cost-effectiveness of health care for all Texans. One of the largest hospital associations in the country, THA represents more than 85% of the state’s acute-care hospitals and health care systems, which employ some 400,000 health care professionals statewide.

    About Salary.com
    Salary.com has been helping organizations with human capital needs for over 25 years. The company leads the industry in compensation data, software, and services. More than 30,000 organizations in 30+ countries use Salary.com’s solutions to hire and retain talent and compete in a changing world. Salary.com provides over 10 billion data points across over 225 industries using a proprietary AI framework to ensure fair pay. The company’s main product, CompAnalyst®, helps organizations simplify hiring, reduce guesswork, and increase retention. Employee trust depends on fair pay, and Salary.com helps get it right. For additional information, please visit www.salary.com/business.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: TWAICE Rolls Out 15+ Product Enhancements to Help BESS Operators Turn Complexity into Revenue

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TWAICE, a leading provider of predictive analytics software for battery energy storage systems (BESS), today announced more than 15 major product enhancements. This rapid pace of innovation reflects the industry’s urgent need for solutions that bridge technical excellence with financial performance, as operators navigate overwhelming data volumes, growing system complexity, and dynamic market demands.

    A highlight among the latest developments is the launch of Penalty Risk Assessment, a breakthrough feature that helps operators avoid costly penalties by making State of Charge (SoC) issues easier to understand and act on. Compared to often inaccurate battery management system (BMS) estimates, the new tool indicates when systems operate near risky thresholds and provides SoC limit recommendations based on real-world system behavior. With these insights, operators can deliver power more reliably when electricity prices are highest, avoid penalties, and protect assets for long-term value.

    “As the energy storage industry scales and evolves, many of our customers are encountering new and complex challenges that they haven’t faced before,” said Stephan Rohr, Co-CEO and founder at TWAICE. “At TWAICE, we focus on anticipating these emerging needs and delivering innovations that provide immediate, practical value. Our latest feature rollouts give operators the clarity, control, and confidence they need to optimize increasingly complex systems.”

    Solving Real-World Operational Challenges with Actionable Insights and User-Friendly Tools
    Among the many enhancements, four of the new features, in particular, show how TWAICE is tackling the industry’s toughest operational challenges, including:

    • Maximizing Availability: TWAICE’s Usable and Recoverable Energy KPIs help operators quickly spot and prioritize issues impacting availability and performance. Combined with integration to Modo Energy’s financial platform, operators can now directly link hidden energy loss with revenue impact, enabling smarter asset management.
    • Protecting Long-term Asset Profitability: New Roundtrip Efficiency (RTE) monitoring ensures visibility beyond batteries to inverters and transformers. By capturing efficiency drops wherever they occur, RTE Insights enables early detection of performance degradation that could otherwise go unnoticed for months.
    • Managing Warranty and Contractual Risks: Customizable Warranty & Guarantee Tracker tied to 50+ KPIs allows proactive compliance monitoring, with predictive alerts before thresholds are crossed — saving costs and disputes.
    • Speeding Up Operational Decision Making: New Automated Reporting enhancements deliver tailored, deep-linked insights at the cadence needed — daily, weekly, or monthly, ensuring the right teams have the right information when it matters most.

    Each of these innovations addresses critical needs identified through close collaboration with TWAICE’s customers, such as BW ESS, a major operator of large-scale energy storage assets.

    “TWAICE’s battery analytics software gives us the visibility we need to make operational decisions more effectively, increase the availability of the BESS, and ensure our battery portfolio is operating safely and efficiently,” said the Head of Asset Management at BW ESS.

    To learn more about how the latest TWAICE features help energy storage operators navigate the evolving industry, visit https://www.twaice.com/.

    About TWAICE
    Since 2018, TWAICE has led the field of predictive battery analytics, meeting the demand for safe, durable, and highly available energy storage systems (BESS). While Battery Management Systems (BMS) and Energy Management Systems (EMS) offer basic monitoring capabilities, TWAICE provides advanced analytics that go deeper to optimize BESS performance and lifetime ROI. As a trusted partner to the industry, TWAICE offers unbiased insights to support objective decision-making independent of manufacturers, insurers, or service providers.
    www.twaice.com

    Media Contact:
    Justin Williams
    Trevi Communications for TWAICE
    justin@trevicomm.com
    +1 (978) 539-7157

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/07265179-9315-4cf8-9f8f-55a991ecdd9b

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: TechSmith Forms Training Advisory Board to Drive Video Learning Innovation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EAST LANSING, Mich., May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TechSmith Corporation, an industry leader in visual communication, today announced the formation of its Training Advisory Board, a strategic initiative aimed at further expanding the company’s tailored offerings in enterprise learning and digital training.

    This newly appointed board brings together top professionals from a diverse set of industries, offering deep expertise in education, HR technology, communications, legal training, and corporate development. The group will provide TechSmith with strategic guidance as it continues to expand feature sets in its flagship Snagit and Camtasia products aimed at empowering organizations to create high-impact, scalable training content.

    “TechSmith has been a critical resource for global training professionals since we began developing screen capture products over 30 years ago because we understand the importance of innovating to keep pace with our customers’ rapidly evolving needs,” said Tony Lambert, CTO of TechSmith. “Each of these board members brings a unique lens to how learning happens in the real world and across diverse industries. Their collective expertise will help shape the future of our Snagit and Camtasia product lines and ultimately elevate the value we deliver to training professionals worldwide.”

    TechSmith Training Advisory Board Members

    • Tim Slade, Founder of The eLearning Designer’s Academy
      Tim is a globally recognized and awarded speaker, author, and freelance eLearning designer. Creator of The eLearning Designer’s Academy and author of The eLearning Designer’s Handbook, Tim brings deep insight into instructional design, eLearning development, and video production.
    • Sara Schiebner, Underwriting Communications and Training Specialist at Amerisure
      Sara leads enterprise training strategies with a focus on end-user education, support communication, and learner engagement across internal teams.
    • Tracie Cantu, Chief Learning Strategist, Your CLO
      Tracie leads enterprise-wide learning operations and technology strategy, driving scalable processes, optimized governance, and efficient learning ecosystems. Her focus is on leveraging automation, strategic governance, and technology to enhance L&D efficiency, scale organizational impact, and deliver measurable business results.
    • Luke Schnoebelen, Director of Professional Development at Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP
      Luke is a dynamic leader in legal education, specializing in the professional development of attorneys and professional staff at the firm. He manages the new hire process, supports IT rollouts and adoption, maintains and delivers the Continuing Legal Education (CLE) process, and creates professional development initiatives across the firm.
    • Roberto Aiello, Senior Learning Experience Designer at Personio
      Roberto is committed to designing international HR learning solutions that improve product usage and set new standards in instructional design excellence. He leverages cutting-edge tools, multimedia content, and user-centric approaches to fuel engagement and drive meaningful results.
    • John Munnelly, Head of Innovation in Accountancy Education at Chartered Accountants Ireland
      John develops the final admitting exams (F.A.E.) for the Irish Chartered Accounting qualification and contributes to the evolution of the Accounting syllabus in Chartered Accountants Ireland.
    • Sara Sorenson, Manager of Product Enablement at Muck Rack
      Sara is a leader in the SaaS industry who draws on her diverse background in customer service, digital media design, and behavioral learning to create scalable, effective educational resources and experiences that empower users and support meaningful behavior change.

    The advisory board will meet quarterly, offering feedback on product roadmap decisions, new features, plans, and more. TechSmith also plans to co-develop and collaborate on training webinars, content, and research for the benefit of the broader training community.

    About TechSmith
    TechSmith is the market leader in screen capture software and productivity solutions for daily in-person, remote or hybrid workplace communication and customer-facing image and video content. The company’s award-winning flagship products, Snagit, Camtasia, and Audiate empower anyone to create remarkable videos and images that share knowledge for better training, tutorials, and everyday communication. TechSmith creates easy-to-use software and provides expert training resources and unmatched support — making TechSmith the global leader for easily creating effective images and videos. To date, billions of images and videos have been created with TechSmith’s products by more than 73 million people across more than 190 countries. TechSmith is ranked as a top 10 company in G2’s Spring 2024 report and winner of a 2024 Training Magazine Network Choice Award. Connect with TechSmith on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook. For more information, visit www.techsmith.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Tango Announces Leadership Change Designed to Drive Future Growth with the Appointment of Jon Elliott as New CEO

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DALLAS, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tango, the leading provider of cloud-based real estate and facilities management software solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jon Elliott as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1, 2025. Pranav Tyagi, who founded Tango and served as its leader for 17 years, is stepping down as CEO and will assume the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors where he will continue to support the company’s long-term success in an advisory capacity. This strategic leadership change marks a significant milestone for Tango as it continues to advance its mission to empower the world’s leading companies by providing innovative solutions, data, and expertise to maximize value and impact from their locations.

    Since its founding in 2008, Tango has achieved remarkable milestones, transitioning from its beginnings as a management consulting firm to becoming a pioneer in the creation of Integrated Workplace Management Systems (IWMS) and Store Lifecycle Management (SLM) solutions. Under Tyagi’s visionary leadership, Tango has led the way in the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to create a global Enterprise SaaS solution embraced by customers in more than 140 countries, enabling them to plan and manage their entire real estate and facilities lifecycle, optimize costs, enhance employee engagement, and track and improve sustainability.

    “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together at Tango,” said Tyagi, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Tango. “Our exceptional team has been the driving force behind our success, consistently innovating and pushing boundaries to help our customers respond to the evolving ways people interact with physical space. I can’t thank them enough for their dedication and hard work. I also want to extend my gratitude to our customers, many of whom have been with us since the beginning, for their unwavering support and trust.”

    Jon Elliott joins Tango after more than two decades of outstanding success across multiple industries that have seen dramatic digital transformation and growth. Most recently, he was the CEO of Bluebeam, a global B2B SaaS software business serving customers in the Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC) industry, as well as a Chief Division Officer and Executive Board Member of the Nemetschek Group.

    “The global Tango team has built something truly special — a trusted product, a passionate team, and a loyal customer base,” said Jon Elliott, Tango’s Chief Executive Officer. “I’m deeply honored to join this next chapter and work alongside the team to build on the strong foundation that Pranav and the team created.”

    Tyagi continued, “This transition marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Jon Elliott is an inspiring, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven leader who knows what it takes to scale a vision into substantial global impact. By staying close to customers and understanding industry needs, he recognizes how technology can solve the most pressing customer challenges, and I have full confidence in his ability to lead Tango into its next phase of growth.”

    Jon Nuger, a Tango Board member and Managing Director at Berkshire Partners commented on this significant appointment, “We are thrilled to welcome Jon Elliott as our new CEO. His proven leadership and depth of experience are precisely what Tango needs to navigate the evolving landscape and achieve our ambitious goals. We also want to express our deep thanks to Pranav for his visionary leadership and extraordinary dedication, which have been instrumental in shaping Tango’s success. We look forward to his ongoing guidance as Chairman of the Board.”

    About Tango
    With hundreds of customers across more than 140 countries, Tango is the leader in Store Lifecycle Management and Integrated Workplace Management System software, delivering a single solution spanning real estate, design & construction, lease administration & accounting, facilities, occupancy management, energy & sustainability, desk booking, visitor and space management. To learn more visit tangoanalytics.com.

    About Berkshire Partners
    Berkshire Partners is a 100% employee-owned, multi-sector specialist investor in private and public equity. The firm’s private equity team invests in well-positioned, growing companies across business & consumer services, healthcare, industrials, and technology & communications. Berkshire is currently investing from its Fund XI, which held its final closing in 2024 with approximately $7.8 billion in commitments. Since inception, Berkshire Partners has made more than 150 private equity investments and has a strong history of collaborating with management teams to grow the companies in which it invests. For additional information, visit www.berkshirepartners.com.

    For media inquiries, please contact:

    Tango
    Kathy Fischer
    Vice President, Marketing
    kathy.fischer@tangoanalytics.com
    (416) 727-5647

    Berkshire Partners
    Greg Winter
    Director of Marketing and Communications
    gwinter@berkshirepartners.com
    (617) 227-0050

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Lotlinx Appoints Kerri Wise as Chief Marketing Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DETROIT, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lotlinx, the auto industry’s leading VIN-specific data company for dealership inventory management, announced today the appointment of Kerri Wise as Chief Marketing Officer. With over 25 years of executive leadership experience at top automotive technology brands, Wise will spearhead Lotlinx’s marketing strategy, brand development, and dealer engagement initiatives as the company expands its footprint and enhances its solutions powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

    Wise is widely recognized as a trailblazer in automotive retail marketing. Most recently, she served as Chief Marketing Officer at AutoFi, where she led strategic branding, demand generation, and partner marketing efforts that contributed to the company’s growth and industry influence. Prior to AutoFi, she held leadership roles at TrueCar, where she served as Vice President of Dealer Marketing and Industry Education, and Edmunds, where she led dealer training, sales enablement and analytics. Earlier in her career, Wise held pivotal roles at JD Power and Associates, focusing on market intelligence and customer experience.

    “Kerri brings an exceptional blend of brand leadership, automotive expertise, and an unmatched reputation for championing dealer success,” said Len Short, Executive Chairman of Lotlinx. “She understands how to connect data-driven solutions to real dealer challenges, and she has a deep understanding of how to drive impact through strategic marketing. Kerri’s passion for innovation and inclusivity aligns perfectly with our mission, and we’re proud to welcome her to the team.”

    Wise’s industry influence extends beyond her executive roles. She is a frequent keynote speaker at major automotive events and was recognized as one of Automotive News’ 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry in 2020. She was also named a Notable Champion of Diversity in 2021. Additionally, Wise is the Co-founder and President of Women of Color Automotive Network (WOCAN), a member-based nonprofit organization with more than 1,000 members that seek to attract, connect, and empower women of color in the automotive industry.

    “Joining Lotlinx at this moment in its growth is an incredible opportunity,” said Wise. “Lotlinx is redefining how dealers harness the power of real-time, VIN-level data to make smarter marketing and inventory decisions. I’m excited to help amplify the company’s value proposition and strengthen connections with our dealer partners as we continue delivering machine-driven technology that directly impacts profitability and operational control.”

    Wise’s leadership at Lotlinx will focus on elevating the brand’s presence across digital and traditional channels, expanding education and thought leadership programs for dealers, and reinforcing Lotlinx’s role as a trusted partner in modernizing retail automotive through data precision.

    About Lotlinx 

    Founded in 2012 and based out in Peterborough, New Hampshire, Lotlinx is the automotive industry leader in VIN-specific data solutions for inventory risk management. The Lotlinx platform provides automobile dealers and manufacturers with enhanced operational control over their retail business. Leveraging state-of-the-art real-time data and machine learning technology, Lotlinx provides a precision retailing solution that enables dealers to automatically adapt to market dynamics, mitigating inventory risk through VIN-specific strategies. To learn more about Lotlinx, please visit www.lotlinx.com.  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Abundance Energy, sonnen, and Energywell Unite to Develop Residential Battery-Enabled Virtual Power Plants in Texas

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga., May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abundance Energy, sonnen, and Energywell Technology Licensing, LLC (“Energywell”) are joining forces to power the future of energy through the development of behind-the-meter, battery-enabled Virtual Power Plants (“VPP”) in Texas.

    The collaboration empowers Abundance Energy customers to use their sonnenConnect home batteries to support grid stability, ensure reliable energy delivery, and lower electricity costs while driving the development of smart, sustainable energy solutions.

    Optimized through the integration of Energywell’s Proton platform with sonnen’s advanced Virtual Power Plant battery control technology, each battery is continuously managed in response to market price signals, customer usage, and solar generation. Networked together, these batteries create a VPP, dynamically balancing energy supply and demand to maximize value for both the grid and the customer.

    “Our mission is to empower homeowners with smarter, more sustainable energy solutions,” said Thomas Mandry, CEO of Abundance Energy. “By combining sonnen’s best-in-class battery and Virtual Power Plant technology, Energywell’s market expertise through its Proton platform, we are delivering an innovative VPP model that benefits both customers and the Texas grid.”

    sonnen’s VPP technology intelligently manages energy supply and demand, ensuring stored solar or grid energy is strategically deployed when needed most. “Our VPP solutions enable customers to actively participate in the energy market while maintaining resilience in their homes,” said Blake Richetta, Chairman and CEO of sonnen. “With Abundance Energy, and Energywell, we’re setting a new standard for residential energy management.”

    Energywell’s Proton platform provides advanced forecasting and optimization tools to ensure batteries are dispatched in alignment with market opportunities. “The Texas energy landscape is evolving, and this partnership exemplifies the future of distributed energy,” said Michael Fallquist, CEO of Energywell. “By optimizing stored energy, we are reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions, building a smarter, cleaner, and more flexible grid.”

    This VPP initiative aligns with Texas’ growing demand for resilient, customer-driven energy solutions and paves the way for further innovation in the residential energy sector.

    About Abundance Energy

    Abundance Energy is a digital-native Retail Electric Provider (REP) startup licensed for operations in Texas. Abundance’s products include transparent fixed-rate residential plans and multi-meter Continuous Service Agreement plans for vacant property management with a built-to-purpose CSA customer platform. Abundance is part of the Quext family of companies that includes next-generation LoRaWAN proprietary IoT thermostats and smart locks for the multifamily market. Visit abundanceenergy.com for more information.

    About sonnen

    sonnen is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of smart energy storage systems for residential applications, and a pioneer of the residential battery based virtual power plant. The sonnen VPP is nationally recognized as a blueprint for the decentralized, digitalized, decarbonized energy system of the future. sonnen is one of the most experienced and fastest growing VPP energy storage companies in the world. sonnen has received many internationally recognized awards celebrating our technological achievement. sonnen products and services are used by the sonnenCommunity, a collection of visionaries around the world who share our vision of clean and affordable energy for everyone. In Texas, sonnen partners with SOLRITE Energy to bring their flagship Virtual Power Plant Power Purchase Agreement (VPA), to provide solar panels and home battery systems at no upfront cost.

    sonnen’s offices are located in Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, and the USA. sonnen is a wholly owned subsidiary of Shell. Learn more at: https://sonnenusa.com/en

    About Energywell

    Energywell is an energy technology company powering the sustainable energy transition. Energywell combines the financial strength of funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. and capital and commodities expertise from Hartree Partners L.P. with proprietary technology and a seasoned team of energy industry veterans. Visit Energywell.com for more information.

    About Proton

    Energywell’s Proton platform delivers real-time energy insights and seamless device integration, empowering businesses and customers to optimize energy more sustainably. Proton uses cloud-native, event-driven architecture to ensure energy solutions scale quickly while maintaining the highest standards of security, including SOC 2 Type 2 compliance. Proton is available for licensing for third parties looking to accelerate their own energy management capabilities. Visit Energywell.com/proton for more information.

    Press Contact
    FischTank PR
    sonnen@fischtankpr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: May 2025 Letter to Shareholders of Nvni Group Limited

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nuvini Group Limited (Nasdaq: NVNI) (“Nuvini” or the “Company”), a leading acquirer of private B2B SaaS companies in Latin America, today issued a letter to shareholders from Nuvini Founder and CEO Pierre Schurmann.

    Dear Fellow Shareholders,

    I wanted to take this occasion having recently announced our 2024 Full Year results and celebrated over 18 months as a public company to reflect on our journey thus far and discuss the future for Nuvini. Since inception we have been building a stable foundation of profitable, vertical SaaS companies throughout Latin America and believe today we have reached a critical inflection point in our Company’s trajectory. This new phase of growth will be one defined by leverage and execution, and not solely accumulation as we onboard strategic acquisitions to our platform and increase operational efficiencies across our portfolio in order to strengthen our margins.

    Nuvini Investment Thesis

    Our investment thesis in short is this, Nuvini is building the Constellation Software of Latin America—optimized for the AI era. We acquire durable SaaS businesses, integrate AI to unlock operational leverage, and drive sustainable, compounding returns. That vision is no longer aspirational—it’s underway.

    What’s Happening in our Portfolio and Sector?

    Latin America’s SaaS sector is going through an undeniable evolution creating massive opportunity to be achieved by those who not only are able to realize scale in a cost-efficient manner, but also by those who compound cash flow, automate operations, and allocate capital with discipline. We believe Nuvini is in a unique position to seize this opportunity and I am excited to share some recent developments from the first quarter of 2025 and catalysts we are looking forward to.

    Q1 2025 Updates

    As mentioned, Nuvini has reached an important turning point in our strategy fueled by relentless effort and rigorous execution of our business initiatives which have resulted in meaningful positive strides in the first quarter. Notably, we have launched NuviniAI, our AI focused initiative to reduce support, sales and development costs over the next 12 months, which will allow all Nuvini companies to share artificial intelligence progress to gain visibility, recognition and support across our portfolio. Additionally, during the quarter we successfully accelerated our M&A readiness by identifying five new qualified acquisition targets in Brazil and Mexico that all have over 65% gross margins and strong retention individually. This progress was highlighted by the term sheet we signed to acquire Mundii, an online platform that connects brands with consumers, suppliers, and retail chains based in São Paulo, Brazil, which we are planning to close during the second quarter of 2025. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our existing portfolio and once completed with further drive revenue growth and bolsters our already strong ecosystem of B2B Solutions. On top of it all, we made important decisions to tighten capital discipline reinforcing our commitment to accretive, cash-generative growth.

    What’s Coming Next?

    Looking forward to the second, third quarters and beyond, we are laser focused on execution across two strategic pillars.

    1)   Firstly, the activation of our M&A engine, exemplified by our expectation to close 1-2 acquisitions by the end of the third quarter. Our current pipeline is US$127 million and we are targeting companies with sticky customer bases, efficient cost structures, and high automation potential.

    2)   Secondly, we aim to implement the standardization of our AI infrastructure across the portfolio. By the fourth quarter we will obtain a key lever for margin as all operating companies will be integrated to utilize our NuviniAI tools to drive improvements in customer support, sales, and development automation.

    Capital Allocation

    To drive further value for our investors and stakeholders we are committed to continuing to operate with the mindset of disciplined business owners and operators. Each and every dollar deployed is thoughtfully allocated with a singular goal in mind, to generate and promote long-term compounding free cash flow through rigorous execution while forgoing the pitfalls of speculative hires and vanity marketing.

    Thank you for your continued trust.

    Sincerely,

    Pierre Schurmann

    Founder & CEO, Nuvini

    About Nuvini

    Headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil, Nuvini is Latin America’s leading private serial acquirer of B2B SaaS companies. The company focuses on acquiring profitable, high-growth SaaS businesses with strong recurring revenue and cash flow generation. By fostering an entrepreneurial environment, Nuvini enables its portfolio companies to scale and maintain leadership within their respective industries. The company’s long-term vision is to buy, retain, and create value through strategic partnerships and operational expertise.

    Disclaimer and Forward-Looking Statements

    Any obligation of the Company under the Term Sheet is subject to, among other things, the execution of the relevant definitive transaction documents, the result of a due diligence on Munddi, the satisfaction of conditions precedent for a transaction of this nature. There can be no assurance that any definitive transaction agreements will be entered into or that the potential Munddi acquisition will be consummated on the terms set forth herein, or at all. Therefore, it is possible that such potential acquisition may never occur.

    Statements about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the potential Munddi acquisition and the Term Sheet, including the Concurrent Investment and the other terms thereof. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including, without limitation: the Company’s ability to negotiate and enter into a definitive agreement with respect to the potential Munddi acquisition or any other alternative proposals on terms satisfactory to the Company, as well as the desirability of any such potential Munddi acquisition compared to alternatives which may be available to the Company; if a definitive agreement is reached, the Company’s ability to complete the potential acquisition on the anticipated timeline or at all,; general market conditions that could affect the consummation of the potential acquisition; if definitive documents with respect to a potential acquisition are executed, whether the parties will achieve any of the anticipated benefits of any such Proposed Transaction; and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Quarterly and Annual Reports filed with the SEC, and the risks described in other filings that the Company may make with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Investor Relations Contact

    Sofia Toledo
    ir@nuvini.co

    MZ North America
    NVNI@mzgroup.us

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Renown Capital Partners formally launches with $250M in anchor capital, leads Series C raise for Utilidata

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Renown Capital Partners, (“Renown”) – an investment firm focused on growth-stage technology companies helping to secure an efficient, affordable, and reliable energy system – has formally launched. Renown is a spinout of Moore Capital Management (“Moore”), which has provided $200M of anchor capital. The Daily Mail and General Trust (“DMGT”) has committed an additional $50M of anchor capital.

    Renown’s investment team is led by James McIntyre (Co-Founder, Chief Investment Officer, and Managing Partner), along with Hunter Horgan (Managing Director) and Cameron Scari (Managing Director). McIntyre leaves Moore after nearly twenty years with the firm and has worked with both Horgan and Scari for nearly a decade. Archie Soames is Co-Founder and Head of Business Development.

    Renown launches with a portfolio of six companies and recently led the Series C financing of Utilidata – an AI technology company bringing edge computing and AI to the electric grid. Utilidata’s distributed AI platform, Karman – designed in partnership with part owner NVIDIA – will help deliver unprecedented efficiency, resilience, and security to energy infrastructure across the globe.

    James McIntyre said, “Throughout my time at Moore I have rarely seen a secular shift as powerful and sustaining as what the world is currently experiencing in energy. Renown has been founded specifically to capitalize on this opportunity.”

    “Given the rise in demand, surge of complexity, and expansion of decentralized energy resources, utilities need real-time visibility of grid conditions and dynamic, software-defined infrastructure,” said Renown’s Hunter Horgan, who orchestrated the Utilidata round. “We believe Utilidata is providing a flexible, evergreen solution to address these complex issues, and we are excited to continue our longstanding relationship through this raise.”

    Archie Soames added, “We believe the global energy ecosystem is at an inflection point and offers a generational investment opportunity. The companies providing new technologies in this space, including those in Renown’s launch portfolio, are poised for extraordinary growth.”

    About Renown:

    Renown Capital Partners, (“Renown”), is an investment firm focused on growth-stage technology companies helping to secure an efficient, affordable, and reliable energy system. Renown is a spinout of Moore Capital Management with additional anchor capital committed from The Daily Mail and General Trust (“DMGT”).

    Contact:

    ir@renowncapital.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc. and The First of Long Island Corporation Announce Receipt of FDIC Approval for Merger

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. and MELVILLE, N.Y., May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: CNOB) (the “Company” or “ConnectOne”), parent company of ConnectOne Bank (the “Bank”), and The First of Long Island Corporation (Nasdaq: FLIC) (“First of Long Island”), parent company of The First National Bank of Long Island, today announced they have received the approval of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to proceed with the previously announced merger of ConnectOne and First of Long Island.

    Closing of the transaction is expected to occur on or about June 1, 2025, pending approvals or waivers from the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

    “We are pleased to have received FDIC approval to combine two highly complementary, client focused banks,” said Frank Sorrentino III, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ConnectOne. “By leveraging ConnectOne’s commercial expertise and modern infrastructure, we are well-positioned to serve First of Long Island’s distinguished client base. We look forward to unlocking new opportunities for our clients, employees, and stakeholders.”

    “I’m excited to move ahead with our proposed merger with ConnectOne,” commented Chris Becker, CEO of The First National Bank of Long Island. He added, “Following months of strategic and collaborative planning, our teams are ready to execute a seamless integration. I am thrilled to partner with an organization that values client service in the same way we do, and I look forward to ensuring a smooth transition for our clients.”

    Upon completion of the transaction, the combined company will operate under the ConnectOne brand, and will have approximately $14 billion in total assets, $11 billion in total deposits, and $11 billion in total loans. The combination will establish ConnectOne as one of the top 5 community banks on Long Island, in terms of deposit market share.

    About ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.

    ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc., is a modern financial services company that operates, through its subsidiary, ConnectOne Bank, and the Bank’s fintech subsidiary, BoeFly, Inc. ConnectOne Bank is a high-performing commercial bank offering a full suite of banking & lending products and services that focus on small to middle-market businesses. BoeFly, Inc. is a fintech marketplace that connects borrowers in the franchise space with funding solutions through a network of partner banks. ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc. is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the trading symbol “CNOB,” and information about ConnectOne may be found at https://www.connectonebank.com.

    About The First of Long Island Corporation

    The First of Long Island Corporation (Nasdaq: FLIC) is the parent company of The First National Bank of Long Island, a local bank founded in 1927 in Glen Head, New York. Through its branch network branded as First National Bank LI, the Bank focuses on business and consumer needs on Long Island and in New York City. The Bank offers a broad set of lending, deposit, investment, and digital products. First National Bank LI is known for its culture of delivering extraordinary service and a “Customer First” banking experience to small and middle market businesses, professional service firms, not-for-profits, municipalities and consumers. For more information about the Bank and Corporation visit fnbli.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements contained herein are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward looking statements may be identified by reference to a future period or periods, or by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “may,” “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “continue,” or similar terms or variations on those terms, or the negative of those terms.

    Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in such statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results expressed in the forward-looking statements: failure to consummate the merger for any reason, including the failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals (and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the combined company) or failure to satisfy any of the other closing conditions in a timely basis or at all; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the right of one or both of the parties to terminate the merger agreement; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against ConnectOne or FLIC; and potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the transaction. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements are discussed in ConnectOne’s and FLIC’s reports (such as the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and available at the SEC’s Internet website (www.sec.gov). Except as required by law, ConnectOne and FLIC do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statement is made.

    ConnectOne Investor Contact:
    William S. Burns
    Senior Executive VP & CFO
    201.816.4474; bburns@cnob.com

    First of Long Island Investor Contact:
    Janet T. Verneuille
    Senior Executive VP & CFO
    516.671.4900 Ext 7462; janet.verneuille@fnbli.com

    Media Contact:
    Shannan Weeks
    MikeWorldWide
    732.299.7890; sweeks@mww.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: TZA is Now Easy Metrics: A Unified Leader in Warehouse Performance Management

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BELLEVUE, Wash., May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Easy Metrics, a leading warehouse performance management platform, today announced the full integration of TZA into the Easy Metrics brand. This unification combines the strengths of both companies to deliver the most comprehensive labor analytics solution available to warehouses and manufacturers.

    “Following last year’s acquisition of TZA and its ProTrack™ labor management system, we’ve brought together the best of both worlds,” said Dean Dorcas, CEO of Easy Metrics. “TZA’s tactical expertise and engineering strength perfectly complements our focus on financial and network-level insights. Together, we offer a true end-to-end solution.”

    The acquisition established Easy Metrics as an industry leader in the warehouse performance space—especially for companies managing multiple disparate systems and seeking network-wide visibility and control.

    “While Easy Metrics and TZA had different areas of expertise, labor management was our shared foundation,” said Dorcas. “But we now have it all combined into one company, moving far beyond that with warehouse performance management. With AI and machine learning, we’re helping customers uncover hidden inefficiencies, eliminate waste, and drive profitability across their entire network.”

    One of the critical aspects that helped make this a successful acquisition process is mutual alignment on culture. “We became one team very, very quickly,” Dorcas added. “TZA brought outstanding talent and deep consulting expertise to the table. We are incorporating TZA’s best-in-class change management and training program into the Easy Metrics model. And we’re retaining the ProTrack brand as part of a combined, more powerful labor management system to complement our operational financial management solutions. As a result, we’re better equipped than ever to support our customers.”

    Companies already using either company’s platform will experience a seamless integration, with the benefit of more features, says Dan Keto, President and CTO of Easy Metrics. “They’ll see a migration into a much-improved user experience with personalized support and training available.”

    “We give customers the visibility and control they need to operate more efficiently and profitably than ever before,” Dorcas said. As technology evolves with more automation and robotics working alongside employees, the real-time management of workflow data through Easy Metrics platform will evolve as well, so customers can drive out waste and increase efficiency, explained Dorcas. “This is the future of warehouse performance management, and we’re leading the way.”

    Easy Metrics is a portfolio company of Nexa Equity, a private equity firm dedicated to scaling B2B software businesses. Nexa invested in the company in 2024.

    About Easy Metrics
    Operations and finance leaders use Easy Metrics’ cloud platform to analyze, forecast, and manage the financial and operational performance of their warehouse operations. Easy Metrics empowers leaders to drive operational speed and efficiency, cut waste, prioritize investments, and adopt labor and automation strategies that fuel their business growth. Easy Metrics is based in Bellevue, Washington, and serves over 600 facilities. It is backed by Nexa Equity, a private equity firm based in San Francisco, CA. For more information, please visit https://easymetrics.com.

    About Nexa Equity
    Nexa Equity is a San Francisco, California-based private equity firm that partners with founder-led, rapidly scaling SaaS companies that address markets underserved by technology to create enduring value for the benefit of its investors and portfolio companies. The firm has more than $400 million in private equity capital under management. The Nexa Equity team brings substantial investing and operational experience to the table and helps management teams professionalize and scale their businesses while driving long-term sustainable growth. For more information, please visit www.nexaequity.com.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5785e728-a2d3-40c6-9783-0bef56bff13a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Leveling the playing field: Talkdesk supercharges small businesses with accessible, enterprise-grade artificial intelligence service tools

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALO ALTO, Calif., May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Talkdesk®, Inc., a global provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered customer experience (CX) technology that serves enterprises of all sizes, today announced the launch of Talkdesk Express™, an enterprise-grade customer service solution for small businesses that empowers them to deliver the same exceptional customer service as large organizations, without the complexity. A Gartner® study reports, “76% of executive leaders see CX as critical to meeting organizations’ business goals.”* However, traditional contact center software is either too expensive or complex for small businesses, placing them at an unfair disadvantage. Talkdesk Express is an affordable, intuitive solution designed for ultra-fast setup, and its ease of use enables small businesses to self-manage multi-channel customer service operations—no technical knowledge required or precious hours wasted on support hotlines.

    Easy Set-up, $100 Free Credits, and 25 Free Licences

    To help small businesses with up to 50 employees get started setting up their customer service operations, Talkdesk Express includes $100 in free credits and 25 free licenses. Businesses create their contact center directly from the Talkdesk website—bypassing cumbersome vendor sales-led setup and onboarding. Talkdesk Express is self-provisioning and guides new customers through a step-by-step process to procure a phone number and set up channels, users, and connected knowledge bases in just a few minutes.

    Businesses that have started using Talkdesk Express, like TV Wall Mounters LLC, DBA Visionary AV Solutions—a company specializing in residential and commercial AV installations, including TV mounting, LED video walls, and projector setups—are already seeing the difference. By simplifying customer service operations and improving call quality, Visionary AV Solutions has been able to deliver faster, more professional support while focusing on growing its business.

    “Talkdesk has been a game-changer for us. Compared to other systems we’ve used, Talkdesk Express truly stands out—the sound quality is clearer, the platform layout is more intuitive, and the overall performance has been outstanding. Our team loves using it, and we’ve already seen great success,” said Calvin Williams, chief executive officer of TV Wall Mounters LLC, DBA Visionary AV Solutions.

    Enterprise-Grade AI for Enhanced Customer Service

    Talkdesk Express equips small businesses with the same suite of powerful AI-driven tools used by Talkdesk large enterprise customers like BankUnited, Canon, Medela, and Michael’s. The AI tools come pre-installed and pre-configured for ease, so small businesses can compete with larger organizations without needing an IT team. These include:

    • Intelligent customer routing: A tool that allows customers to state their query in their own words, understands the interaction priority level for the business, and to whom the interaction should be routed (Talkdesk Navigator™).
    • Real-time agent assistance: A real-time AI assistant that supports agents by providing important information relevant to customer queries to resolve issues faster, and automating admin tasks, e.g., summarizing after-call notes (Talkdesk Copilot™).
    • 24/7 virtual agents: A self-service AI solution that ensures customers can get answers to common questions even outside of business hours (Talkdesk After Hours and Autopilot™).
    • Intelligent voice biometrics: A tool that automates customer authentication, which helps reduce call wait times while enhancing security (Talkdesk Identity™).

    “This move not only strengthens Talkdesk’s position as an innovative AI CX leader for businesses of all sizes, it’s set to transform the customer service landscape, driving much broader adoption of AI-powered solutions,” said Tiago Paiva, chief executive officer and founder at Talkdesk. “Large enterprises have long trusted Talkdesk to modernize and enhance their CX. Now we are making advanced AI-powered customer service tools inclusive, accessible, and affordable to all businesses for the first time.”

    Additionally, multiple non-AI tools are seamlessly integrated into Talkdesk Express. Small businesses are walked through setting up: a customer service phone number with their area code; the channels they want to converse with customers on, e.g., short message service (SMS), chat, email, social, and messaging; and users, all in minutes. They can also design intuitive workflows, carry out reporting, and more.

    Flexible and Cost-Effective

    Talkdesk Express offers usage-based pricing, ensuring small businesses only pay for what they use once they exhaust their $100 in free credits. The platform also scales as the company grows, providing a cost-effective way to expand customer service capabilities as and when the business is ready.

    Visit the Talkdesk Express page to learn more or get started with the solution today.

    About Talkdesk

    Talkdesk® is on a mission to rid the world of bad customer experience. With our cloud-native, generative AI-powered CX platform, purpose-built industry solutions, and extensible AI offerings, we empower enterprises in the cloud and on-premises to deliver exceptional customer experiences that make them more competitive, grow revenue, reduce costs, and provide operational efficiencies. With specialized workflows and integrations delivered out of the box for our Industry Experience Clouds, Talkdesk accelerates value for our customers faster and more simply than legacy or one-size-fits-all solutions.

    Partnering with enterprises globally, we deliver continuous innovation and breakthrough results. Our commitment to reliability and security, paired with our track record of delivering on promises, sets us apart in the industry. Elevate customer experiences, streamline operations, and increase revenue with Talkdesk. Companies that love their customers use Talkdesk.

    Talkdesk is a registered trademark of Talkdesk, Inc. All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.

    *Gartner; What the Best CX Organizations Do Differently; May 1, 2023; Don Scheibenreif, Michael Chiu
    GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

    Media Contact:

    Talkdesk Public Relations

    pr@talkdesk.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Radix to Showcase AI Driven Innovations at Big 10 and Friends Utility Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Radix, a technology services company delivering innovative solutions to asset-intensive educational institutions and industries, will attend the Big 10 and Friends Utilities Conference at the University of Cincinnati from May 18 to May 21, 2025.

    For the past two years, Radix has actively engaged at the Big 10 and Friends Utilities Conference that has participation of over 150 campus operations leaders from colleges and universities across North America. This year the Radix team will share insights designed to elevate innovation and action towards better asset and energy management of facilities, with tangible steps to reducing wastage while optimising energy.

    Thiago Bacic, Vice President of Infrastructure and Services North America at Radix, commented: “Radix has partnered with a spectrum of small and large universities and colleges to enable robust asset performance management practice that reduce waste and drive cost savings. We look forward to sharing these partner success stories that optimise facilities and energy management that’s both sustainable and at scale.”

    Radix will share insights into process improvement and optimization to boost sustainability, and enhance energy management that’s scalable while reducing cost, a key theme for Radix this year at Big Ten and Friends. “In essence, Radix can help elevate operational excellence at scale through data-driven solutions that drive measurable improvements in ways that were previously unattainable,” Thiago added.

    Boosting operational excellence for asset-intensive educational institutions’ facilities and energy management will be expanded on by Thiago during his presentation of “A Data-Driven Approach to Cost Effective Combined Cooling, Heating & Power Operations.”

    The discussion with various Universities will also include:

    1. Key Strategies for Successful Energy Implementation.
    2. Leveraging Existing Data to Enhance Facilities Performance.
    3. Steps to developing a Path to Optimized Asset Performance Management.

    The Radix team welcomes friends and partners to Booth 24 to collaborate and learn more about Education Sector Solutions – Radix: Enhancing Learning with AI and Software

    About Radix
    Founded in 2010, Radix is a privately held technology solutions company providing consulting, engineering, operations technology, and data and software technology solutions globally. Radix combines key capabilities and practices to empower customers to thrive along their digital transformation journey. Radix provides technology-based, data-driven solutions to industrial and non-industrial companies worldwide. Radix has experience leading projects in more than 30 countries. It has more than 1,800+ employees around the globe, with North American headquarters in Houston, Texas, main headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, additional offices in Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte, and a presence in Singapore and Amsterdam. To learn more, visit www.radixeng.com.

    For more information:
    Citalouise Geiggar, Ph.D.
    citalouise.geiggar@radixeng.com
    Radix

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8c360a62-925d-4242-9213-fd3381e8c028

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Can learning cursive help kids read better? Some policymakers think it’s worth a try

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Shawn Datchuk, Associate Professor of Special Education, University of Iowa

    Pennsylvania is considering legislation that mandates cursive instruction in public schools. Angela Guthrie/iStock via Getty Images

    Recently, my 8-year-old son received a birthday card from his grandmother. He opened the card, looked at it and said, “I can’t read cursive yet.”

    Then he handed it to me to read.

    If you have a child in the Philadelphia School District, chances are they have not been taught how to read or write cursive either.

    But cursive handwriting is making a comeback of sorts for K-8 students in the United States. Several states in recent years passed legislation mandating instruction in cursive handwriting, including California, Iowa and Oklahoma.

    Pennsylvania and New Jersey are considering similar legislation, as are other states.

    I’m an associate professor of special education and the director of the Iowa Reading Research Center. At the center, we’re conducting a systematic review of prior research to improve cursive handwriting instruction.

    We also want to know how learning cursive affects the development of reading and writing skills.

    Cursive instruction sidelined

    In cursive handwriting, the individual letters of a word are joined with connecting strokes, such as in a person’s signature.

    Cursive fell out of favor in U.S. schools over a decade ago. In 2010, most states adopted Common Core academic standards which omitted cursive handwriting from expected academic skills to be learned by K-8 students. In fact, the standards only briefly mention print handwriting, a writing style in which the individual letters of a word are unconnected, as a skill to be taught in early elementary grades.

    Educators often have trouble finding enough time in the school day to teach all the expected writing skills, let alone something that’s not mandated such as cursive handwriting.

    In several national surveys, teachers have reported limited amounts of time for writing instruction and that they have found it difficult to address both the basic skills of writing, such as handwriting, and more advanced skills, such as essay composition.

    Benefits of handwriting

    The increased interest in cursive handwriting likely stems from effort by policymakers to improve the literacy performance of K-12 students across the country.

    On the National Assessment of Educational Progress reading assessment, a measure of nationwide reading progress, only 31% of fourth grade students scored proficient or above. Philadelphia’s numbers were worse, with just 19% of fourth grade students scoring proficient or above.

    Research suggests it may be possible to improve overall writing and reading through handwriting instruction.

    The benefits have been more closely studied with print handwriting, but preliminary evidence suggests cursive handwriting instruction may also be beneficial. Some studies have found cursive handwriting instruction can improve handwriting legibility, writing length and select reading skills. In a 2020 study, researchers found cursive handwriting instruction can also improve spelling accuracy and storytelling ability.

    Why might cursive make a difference? On the surface, it seems like a simple motor skill. But under the surface, cursive handwriting draws upon deep reading knowledge and requires the coordination of multiple cognitive and physical processes.

    To handwrite letters or spell words in print or cursive, students need to commit multiple aspects of each letter to memory. For example, if students handwrite the word “cat,” they need to know the overall shape of each letter, as well as its name and sound.

    After drawing upon this reading knowledge from memory, students use a combination of motor and vision systems to write each letter and the entire word. Gross motor movements are used to adjust the body and arm to the writing surface. Fine motor movements are used to manipulate the pencil with one’s fingers. And visual-motor coordination is used to write each letter and adjust movements as needed.

    Many U.S. historical documents, such as the Constitution, were written in cursive.
    Douglas Sacha/Moment Collection via Getty Images

    A skill with staying power?

    Besides potential benefits to overall writing and reading development, cursive handwriting continues to have social importance.

    It is often used to sign formal documents via a cursive signature, or to communicate with close friends or loved ones. Furthermore, understanding cursive is needed to read important historical documents, such as the Declaration of Independence.

    Even in the digital age, touch-screen tablets and other devices often come with the ability to handwrite text with an electronic pencil. I teach courses at the University of Iowa, and many of my students handwrite their notes on electronic tablets.

    For schools, low-tech options such as paper and pencils remain more cost-efficient than high-tech options. For example, it can be time-consuming and expensive to replace a broken laptop but relatively cheap to sharpen a broken pencil or get a new piece of paper.

    Although it may be difficult for educators to find sufficient time for writing instruction, students will likely benefit from developing the capacity to express their ideas in a variety of ways, including cursive handwriting.

    For anyone interested in learning about cursive handwriting and teaching it to their children or students, the Iowa Reading Research Center will release a free online course and curricula called CLIFTER on June 2, 2025.

    Read more of our stories about Philadelphia.

    Shawn Datchuk 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. Can learning cursive help kids read better? Some policymakers think it’s worth a try – https://theconversation.com/can-learning-cursive-help-kids-read-better-some-policymakers-think-its-worth-a-try-253610

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Predictive policing AI is on the rise − making it accountable to the public could curb its harmful effects

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Maria Lungu, Postdoctoral Researcher of Law and Public Administration, University of Virginia

    Data like this seven-day crime map from Oakland, Calif., feeds predictive policing AIs. City of Oakland via CrimeMapping.com

    The 2002 sci-fi thriller “Minority Report” depicted a dystopian future where a specialized police unit was tasked with arresting people for crimes they had not yet committed. Directed by Steven Spielberg and based on a short story by Philip K. Dick, the drama revolved around “PreCrime” − a system informed by a trio of psychics, or “precogs,” who anticipated future homicides, allowing police officers to intervene and prevent would-be assailants from claiming their targets’ lives.

    The film probes at hefty ethical questions: How can someone be guilty of a crime they haven’t yet committed? And what happens when the system gets it wrong?

    While there is no such thing as an all-seeing “precog,” key components of the future that “Minority Report” envisioned have become reality even faster than its creators imagined. For more than a decade, police departments across the globe have been using data-driven systems geared toward predicting when and where crimes might occur and who might commit them.

    Far from an abstract or futuristic conceit, predictive policing is a reality. And market analysts are predicting a boom for the technology.

    Given the challenges in using predictive machine learning effectively and fairly, predictive policing raises significant ethical concerns. Absent technological fixes on the horizon, there is an approach to addressing these concerns: Treat government use of the technology as a matter of democratic accountability.

    Troubling history

    Predictive policing relies on artificial intelligence and data analytics to anticipate potential criminal activity before it happens. It can involve analyzing large datasets drawn from crime reports, arrest records and social or geographic information to identify patterns and forecast where crimes might occur or who may be involved.

    Law enforcement agencies have used data analytics to track broad trends for many decades. Today’s powerful AI technologies, however, take in vast amounts of surveillance and crime report data to provide much finer-grained analysis.

    Police departments use these techniques to help determine where they should concentrate their resources. Place-based prediction focuses on identifying high-risk locations, also known as hot spots, where crimes are statistically more likely to happen. Person-based prediction, by contrast, attempts to flag individuals who are considered at high risk of committing or becoming victims of crime.

    These types of systems have been the subject of significant public concern. Under a so-called “intelligence-led policing” program in Pasco County, Florida, the sheriff’s department compiled a list of people considered likely to commit crimes and then repeatedly sent deputies to their homes. More than 1,000 Pasco residents, including minors, were subject to random visits from police officers and were cited for things such as missing mailbox numbers and overgrown grass.

    Lawsuits forced the Pasco County, Fla., Sheriff’s Office to end its troubled predictive policing program.

    Four residents sued the county in 2021, and last year they reached a settlement in which the sheriff’s office admitted that it had violated residents’ constitutional rights to privacy and equal treatment under the law. The program has since been discontinued.

    This is not just a Florida problem. In 2020, Chicago decommissioned its “Strategic Subject List,” a system where police used analytics to predict which prior offenders were likely to commit new crimes or become victims of future shootings. In 2021, the Los Angeles Police Department discontinued its use of PredPol, a software program designed to forecast crime hot spots but was criticized for low accuracy rates and reinforcing racial and socioeconomic biases.

    Necessary innovations or dangerous overreach?

    The failure of these high-profile programs highlights a critical tension: Even though law enforcement agencies often advocate for AI-driven tools for public safety, civil rights groups and scholars have raised concerns over privacy violations, accountability issues and the lack of transparency. And despite these high-profile retreats from predictive policing, many smaller police departments are using the technology.

    Most American police departments lack clear policies on algorithmic decision-making and provide little to no disclosure about how the predictive models they use are developed, trained or monitored for accuracy or bias. A Brookings Institution analysis found that in many cities, local governments had no public documentation on how predictive policing software functioned, what data was used, or how outcomes were evaluated.

    Predictive policing can perpetuate racial bias.

    This opacity is what’s known in the industry as a “black box.” It prevents independent oversight and raises serious questions about the structures surrounding AI-driven decision-making. If a citizen is flagged as high-risk by an algorithm, what recourse do they have? Who oversees the fairness of these systems? What independent oversight mechanisms are available?

    These questions are driving contentious debates in communities about whether predictive policing as a method should be reformed, more tightly regulated or abandoned altogether. Some people view these tools as necessary innovations, while others see them as dangerous overreach.

    A better way in San Jose

    But there is evidence that data-driven tools grounded in democratic values of due process, transparency and accountability may offer a stronger alternative to today’s predictive policing systems. What if the public could understand how these algorithms function, what data they rely on, and what safeguards exist to prevent discriminatory outcomes and misuse of the technology?

    The city of San Jose, California, has embarked on a process that is intended to increase transparency and accountability around its use of AI systems. San Jose maintains a set of AI principles requiring that any AI tools used by city government be effective, transparent to the public and equitable in their effects on people’s lives. City departments also are required to assess the risks of AI systems before integrating them into their operations.

    If taken correctly, these measures can effectively open the black box, dramatically reducing the degree to which AI companies can hide their code or their data behind things such as protections for trade secrets. Enabling public scrutiny of training data can reveal problems such as racial or economic bias, which can be mitigated but are extremely difficult if not impossible to eradicate.

    Research has shown that when citizens feel that government institutions act fairly and transparently, they are more likely to engage in civic life and support public policies. Law enforcement agencies are likely to have stronger outcomes if they treat technology as a tool – rather than a substitute – for justice.

    Maria Lungu receives funding from the University of Virginia, Digital Technology for Democracy Lab. She is affiliated with nonprofit Center for AI and Digital Policy (CAIDP).

    – ref. Predictive policing AI is on the rise − making it accountable to the public could curb its harmful effects – https://theconversation.com/predictive-policing-ai-is-on-the-rise-making-it-accountable-to-the-public-could-curb-its-harmful-effects-254185

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Even judges appointed by Trump are ruling against him

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Paul M. Collins Jr., Professor of Legal Studies and Political Science, UMass Amherst

    Judges appointed by Donald Trump are ruling against him during his second presidential term. Zolnierek – iStock/Getty Images Plus

    During his first term in office, President Donald Trump appointed 226 federal court judges, including three U.S. Supreme Court justices. Trump successfully installed judges who promoted his political agenda, including overturning the landmark ruling from 1973 that declared the Constitution guaranteed the right to abortion, Roe v. Wade.

    But something different seems to be happening in his second term.

    Instead of upholding Trump administration policies, federal judges − including those appointed by Trump – are blocking the implementation of much of the president’s second-term agenda.

    So, what’s going on?

    I’m a scholar of judicial decision-making and presidential interactions with the courts. Although it may seem strange that judges Trump appointed are ruling against him, it’s actually not that weird.

    Instead, it’s an example of what happens when a president overreaches his authority, and takes legal positions that even his own judicial appointees cannot support.

    The presidential proclamation invoking the Alien Enemies Act, which a federal judge ruled violates the law.
    The White House

    How judicial decision-making works

    In 2018, Trump and Chief Justice John Roberts got into a very public spat over the nature of judicial decision-making.

    This began when Trump attacked U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar, appointed by President Barack Obama, for putting a hold on Trump’s asylum policy. In his criticism, Trump referred to Tigar as an “Obama judge.”

    In an unusual retort, Roberts defended the integrity of the federal bench by writing, “We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges. What we have is an extraordinary group of dedicated judges doing their level best to do equal right to those appearing before them.”

    Trump responded, “Sorry Chief Justice John Roberts, but you do indeed have ‘Obama judges,’ and they have a much different point of view than the people who are charged with the safety of our country.”

    Both Trump and Roberts had a point.

    Trump is correct that judges have different points of view, and those perspectives influence their decision-making. Indeed, more than a half-century of research clearly demonstrates that judges’ ideologies heavily shape how they rule.

    Put simply, judges appointed by Democratic presidents tend to rule liberally, and judges appointed by Republican presidents tend to rule conservatively. This includes a strong inclination to support the positions of the president who appointed them.

    But Roberts is also correct that judges try to do their best to resolve disputes fairly. That is to say, the law also shapes the choices judges make.

    The law in this context refers to the Constitution, legislation passed by Congress and precedents created by the federal courts. These various forms of law operate as a constraint on judges, limiting their ability to reach decisions solely on the basis of their political preferences. Judges must choose from a limited range of choices that are within the bounds of the Constitution, existing law and judicial precedent.

    In a nutshell, judges have discretion, but they don’t have totally free choice.

    President Donald Trump greets Chief Justice John Roberts before he addresses a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on March 4, 2025.
    AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

    Even ‘Trump judges’ believe the president is overreaching

    This understanding of judicial decision-making is central for grasping why Trump’s judicial appointees – and other judges – are a significant obstacle to Trump’s ability to enact his second-term agenda.

    To illustrate, let’s assume that judges appointed by Trump share his political agenda and want to support it. For them to do this, the actions of the Trump administration have to fall within a limited range of activities that judges can plausibly uphold under the Constitution, existing laws and federal court precedent.

    The problem is that the Trump administration is taking actions that exceed its legal authority. As a result, even judges appointed by Trump cannot support such actions, because there is no reasonable interpretation of the law that would allow them to do so.

    This is precisely what happened on May 1, 2025, when a Trump-appointed judge blocked the administration’s efforts to use the Alien Enemies Act to deport people it suspected of being members of the Tren de Aragua transnational criminal organization. This act allows the president to deport natives of an enemy nation during a “declared war” or “invasion” or “predatory incursion” by a foreign government.

    Trump argues that he can use this act because the Tren de Aragua gang is engaged in “irregular warfare” against the United States that amounts to an “invasion or predatory incursion against the territory of the United States.”

    But Trump-appointed Judge Fernando Rodriguez didn’t accept this argument.

    Instead, Rodriguez wrote that “the President’s invocation of the AEA through the Proclamation exceeds the scope of the statute and, as a result, is unlawful.” Rodriguez reasoned that Tren de Aragua’s actions in the United States do not amount to an “invasion” or “predatory incursion” and therefore the act does not apply.

    In short, Rodriguez said that Trump overreached and tried to claim powers beyond those granted to him by the Alien Enemies Act.

    Trump’s losing now, but that may change

    Although federal court judges, both those appointed by Democrats and those appointed by Republicans, continue to block much of the Trump administration’s policy agenda, this may change for two reasons.

    First, the Trump administration could take a more measured approach to pursue its goals by working within the scope of existing law.

    Judges have vented their frustration with what one judge called “shoddy” legal work by administration lawyers and another said were weak arguments that don’t reflect “the diligence the Court expects from any litigant … let alone the United States Department of Justice.” The administration’s lawyers can learn from these losses and develop new legal strategies.

    Second, different judges may view the Trump administration’s actions differently. Indeed, Trump successfully appointed many judges who have an expansive understanding of executive authority. If Trump can get cases before those judges – something his administration is trying to do – these cases could have very different outcomes.

    Like it or not, the results of highly significant cases are often determined by the perspective of a single judge.

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

    – ref. Even judges appointed by Trump are ruling against him – https://theconversation.com/even-judges-appointed-by-trump-are-ruling-against-him-255835

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Running with a stroller: 2 biomechanics researchers on how it affects your form − and risk of injury

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Allison Altman Singles, Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Mechanical Engineering, Penn State

    Running with a stroller can alter running form, but a few simple tricks can reduce chronic injury risk. iStock via Getty Images Plus

    “Faster, mommy, faster!” Allison’s toddler squealed as she ran down the hill by her house with her jogging stroller. As a longtime runner and running biomechanics researcher, she found herself in the same situation as many parents of young children: squeezing in runs between work meetings, meal prep and nap schedules.

    A running stroller offered flexibility – but something felt off. That question about her running form soon became the starting point for a shared research effort.

    The two of us – Allison Altman Singles and Joe Mahoney – are professors and biomechanics researchers interested in how running form affects injury risk. Together, we founded the Biomechanics and Gait Evaluation Laboratory, or BaGEL, at Penn State Berks.

    The BaGEL Lab’s runway and camera system helps researchers study the biomechanics of stroller running.
    RDB Imaging LLC

    Biomechanics is the science of how the body moves − blending biology and physics to understand how muscles, bones and joints work together like a machine. Allison’s experience with stroller running raised questions we couldn’t find clear answers to in the research – so we brought these questions into the lab. For the past four years, we’ve been studying how running with a stroller affects gait and the risk of overuse injuries.

    How stroller running affects the runner

    Most stroller-related regulations focus on the child’s safety and comfort. But what about the adult doing the pushing? Overuse injuries such as shin splints, stress fractures and runner’s knee are common in all runners. Subtle changes in running mechanics, such as those that occur when adapting to a heavy stroller, can lead to these injuries.

    We found two earlier studies that hinted at the biomechanical effects of stroller running. One showed that pushing a stroller led the runner to lean forward more and change their hip posture. Another showed the runner slowed down and took longer strides when pushing a stroller. But overall, researchers and regulators have largely overlooked the runner’s experience.

    Example of a pilot data collection run in our lab.

    We decided to find out more. We invited healthy adult runners into our lab. Each participant ran with and without a stroller. We recorded their motion using high-speed motion capture – the same technology that video games and Hollywood movies use. Each runner completed trials over a force plate, which recorded the impact of every stride. After data collection, we began analyzing the results.

    What we found

    Our results suggested that running with a stroller presents a trade-off. It increases some risk factors for overuse injuries, while reducing others.

    In general, the stroller runners had less impact per step – this measurement refers to the force of the collision between the foot and the ground. Runners experienced a 16% lower impact force when pushing a stroller.

    What impact force looks like during a foot strike while running.

    Pushing down on the handlebars redirects some impact through the stroller’s wheels, reducing the load on the legs. This lower impact force decreases the risk of common injuries such as shin splints, runner’s knee and stress fractures.

    We also found a 36% increase in torsion – the twisting load produced between the foot and the ground. This increase is concerning because torsional stress contributes to stress fractures in the lower leg, a common overuse injury among distance runners.

    Holding the handlebars restricts how much a runner swings their arms and rotates their chest, which normally balances out the twisting from each step. And controlling and maintaining the stroller’s direction further increases this twisting force.

    Our study confirmed that stroller running can also cause the runner to lean forward more. Running coaches typically recommend a slight forward lean, but with a stroller, runners leaned six degrees farther forward. This shift affected their leg positioning and pushed their center of mass forward. Studies have shown that a shift like this may increase injury risk.

    How can I run more safely with a stroller?

    What can you do to minimize the risk of injury if you run with a stroller?

    Adjust your stride and posture. Shorten your stride slightly and try to maintain a neutral posture. Avoid leaning too far forward, especially when going uphill.

    Choosing the right stroller can also make injury less likely. Look for models with adjustable handlebars and lighter frames. If the stroller feels too low, you may naturally lean forward.

    What’s next?

    In the future, we plan to explore several research questions.

    We conducted this study indoors on a flat surface. Next, we want to understand how hills and uneven terrain affect stroller running mechanics and whether different pushing styles – such as one-handed or “push-and-chase” – change the forces.

    We’re also interested in whether alternate stroller designs, such as hands-free options like tethered or pull-behind strollers, allow for a more natural running form. We want to explore how these designs might affect a runner’s form. We’re also examining whether stroller use changes runners’ habits, training volume or motivation.

    Stroller running remains a great way for parents to stay active while spending time with their young children. But just like any other type of running, form matters. Paying attention to your posture and choosing gear that supports healthy movement can make all the difference.

    We hope our findings help other parents stay injury-free during those stroller miles, as their child gleefully squeals, “Faster, Mommy, faster!” Running with your child can be fun, empowering and safe — especially with the right awareness and a little science on your side.

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

    – ref. Running with a stroller: 2 biomechanics researchers on how it affects your form − and risk of injury – https://theconversation.com/running-with-a-stroller-2-biomechanics-researchers-on-how-it-affects-your-form-and-risk-of-injury-252341

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK signs trade deal with India

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK signs trade deal with India

    Multi-billion-pound boost to UK economy with landmark India trade deal to make working people better off

    • Huge economic win for UK as trade deal with India agreed which will deliver for working people and British businesses 

    • Deal will slash Indian tariffs on key products such as whisky, cosmetics and medical devices, locking in reductions on 90% of tariff lines for UK exports to unleash opportunities for businesses across regions and nations of UK 

    • Delivers on Plan for Change as £4.8 billion added to UK economy and £2.2 billion in wages every year in the long run under deal 

    The UK and India have today agreed a landmark trade deal which delivers on this government’s core mission of growing the economy, raising living standards, and putting money in people’s pockets. 

    Indian tariffs will be slashed, locking in reductions on 90% of tariff lines, with 85% of these becoming fully tariff-free within a decade. 

    Whisky and gin tariffs will be halved from 150% to 75% before reducing to 40% by year ten of the deal, while automotive tariffs will go from over 100% to 10% under a quota. 

    Other goods with reduced tariffs, which can open markets and make trade cheaper for businesses and Indian consumers, include cosmetics, aerospace, lamb, medical devices, salmon, electrical machinery, soft drinks, chocolate and biscuits.  

    British shoppers could see cheaper prices and more choice on products including clothes, footwear, and food products including frozen prawns as UK liberalises tariffs. 

    The deal is expected to increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion, UK GDP by £4.8 billion and wages by £2.2 billion each year in the long run. 

    UK businesses gain a competitive edge over international competitors when entering India’s enormous market as it gets even bigger, forecasted to become the 3rd largest global economy within three years. 

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal held final talks in London last week after relaunching negotiations only two months ago. Negotiators across both sides have worked around the clock since February to get this deal done, which is the biggest and most economically significant bilateral trade deal the UK has done since leaving the EU, and the best deal India has ever agreed. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 

    We are now in a new era for trade and the economy. That means going further and faster to strengthen the UK’s economy, putting more money in working people’s pockets.  

    Through this government’s stable and pragmatic leadership, the UK has become an attractive place to do business. Today we have agreed a landmark deal with India – one of the fastest growing economies in the world, which will grow the economy and deliver for British people and business.  

    Strengthening our alliances and reducing trade barriers with economies around the world is part of our Plan for Change to deliver a stronger and more secure economy here at home.   

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: 

    This government’s number one mission is growing the economy as part of our Plan for Change so we can put more money in people’s pockets.  

    By striking a new trade deal with the fastest-growing economy in the world, we are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year and unlocking growth in every corner of the country, from advanced manufacturing in the North East to whisky distilleries in Scotland. 

    In times of global uncertainty, a pragmatic approach to global trade that provides businesses and consumers with stability is more important than ever.

    At least 1.9 million people with Indian heritage call the UK their home and striking this deal will strengthen the vital partnership between our two democracies. 

    The benefits for UK businesses and consumers under this deal are massive, with wins across an array of sectors.  

    Notes to editors 

    Benefits for businesses of all sizes 

    Barriers to trading will be dropped, with India agreeing to reduce tariffs on a whole host of products including whisky, medical devices, advanced machinery, and lamb, making UK exports more competitive. Based on 2022 trade alone, this amounts to India cutting tariffs worth over £400 million when the deal comes into force, which will more than double to around £900 million after 10 years.  

    Exporting to this huge market will be easier than ever before thanks to India agreeing to release goods as quickly as possible after arrival at customs, work with the UK on one streamlined portal for trade and publish customs procedures and laws online in English. In addition, new digital commitments will support electronic contracts and transactions. These changes could particularly support small and medium-sized businesses, making it easier for them to enter the Indian market. 

    Delivering for high-growth sectors 

    High-growth sectors identified in the Industrial Strategy are supported through this deal, including: 

    • Tariffs cut on the UK’s large and varied advanced manufacturing sectors from aerospace and automotive, electrical circuits and conductors, and high-end optical products. 

    • The clean energy industry will have brand new, unprecedented access to India’s vast procurement market as the country makes the switch to renewable energy and continues to see growing energy demand. 

    • Reduced tariffs on medical devices that take the UK’s complex supply chains into consideration will unleash new opportunities for the UK life sciences sector. 

    • Enhanced copyright protections for the creative sector will give exporters confidence thanks to a commitment that their work will continue to be protected for at least 60 years. 

    • World-class UK services sectors – who export just over £500 billion worldwide will now benefit from market certainty when trading into the growing Indian market. 

    More choice and protections for consumers 

    As bilateral trade grows under this deal, the UK will benefit from the best India has to offer with British shoppers enjoying access to a greater variety of clothes and shoes.  New commitments will also help protect consumers from spam texts from India, which could include requiring opt-out or prior consent. 

    Mark Kent, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, welcomed the “transformational” deal: 

    The UK-India free trade agreement is a once in a generation deal and a landmark moment for Scotch Whisky exports to the world’s largest whisky market. It shows that the UK government is making significant progress towards achieving its growth mission, and the Scotch Whisky industry looks forward to working with the UK and Indian governments in the months ahead to implement the deal, which would be a big boost to two major global economies during turbulent times. 

    The reduction of the current 150% tariff on Scotch Whisky will be transformational for the industry, and has the potential to increase Scotch Whisky exports to India by £1bn over the next 5 years, creating 1,200 jobs across the UK. It will also give discerning consumers in India far greater choice of brands, as more SME Scotch Whisky producers have the opportunity to enter the market.” 

    Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said:  

    India continues to be incredibly important to the Premier League and its clubs. It is a vibrant country that presents exciting opportunities and significant potential. The Premier League’s recent announcement of an office opening in Mumbai demonstrates our commitment to build on longstanding work to engage local fans, develop grassroots and elite football and further promote the game in India. 

    The continued growth of the Premier League and UK businesses in India will have a positive impact on our domestic economy and we welcome the news of this new trade deal secured by Government, which will support UK businesses operating in India.” 

    Bill Winters CBE, Group CEO of Standard Chartered and Co-Chair of the UK-India Financial Partnership, said:

    The UK-India Free Trade Agreement is a significant achievement. It will create new opportunities for UK and Indian businesses, enable greater access to one of the world’s largest and most dynamic markets, and drive growth and innovation across the UK-India corridor. We welcome this strong commitment to partnership and prosperity.   

    Markus Kessler, Managing Director, UPS UK, Ireland and Nordics said: 

    We welcome the announcement of this important agreement between two countries that are both vital markets in our global network. We look forward to continuing to help businesses of all sizes across the UK reach new customers in one of the world’s most populous and dynamic countries.

    Richard Heald, OBE, UK-India Business Council Chair said: 

    The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) welcomes the agreement of the new Free Trade Agreement between the United Kingdom and India. This marks a significant milestone in the deepening of economic and strategic ties between our two nations.  

    It matters when the fifth and sixth largest economies in the world reach a trade agreement. Such an agreement is illustrative of the positive momentum in the UK-India relationship, the commitment and ambition of both Governments, and the opportunities for greater trade, investment and collaboration between our countries.

    Notes to editors 

    • We have championed our values – securing India’s first ever chapters on anti-corruption, consumer protections, labour rights, gender, and development. We have protected the NHS, ensured the points-based immigration system is not affected, upheld our high food standards, and maintained our animal welfare commitments throughout. 

    Data sources for this release include: 

    • FTA economic impacts: [DBT Technical Note(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-india-free-trade-agreement-technical-note)]: The preliminary economic impacts of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement 

    • India forecast to become the 3rd largest global economy within three years: IMF World Economic Outlook April 2025

    • India is the fastest growing economy in the world: IMF World Economic Outlook April 2025

    • India and the UK are the fifth and sixth largest economies: IMF World Economic Outlook April 2025 

    • 1.9 million people with Indian heritage live in the UK: ONS 2021 Census

    • UK services exports are worth over £500 billion: ONS UK trade February 2025

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Williams Announces Winners of 2025 Congressional Art Competition

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25), announced the first, second, and third place winners of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. The winning entry will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one full year.

    1st Place – “Texas Dreams” by McKenna Podlevsky from Cross Plains High School.

    2nd Place – “Bird Hunter” by Josh Irons from Burleson High School.

    3rd Place – “Freedom in Their Steps” by Lauren Spurlen from De Leon High School.

    About the Congressional Art Competition:

    Each spring, members of the U.S. House of Representatives sponsor a nationwide high school art competition. The Artistic Discovery Contest aims to recognize and encourage artistic talent across the United States. High school students in Texas’ 25th Congressional District can participate in this competition through Congressman Williams’ office. This year’s theme was Texas or American patriotism.

    ###

    Congressman Roger Williams is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and member of the House Financial Services Committee. He proudly represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Williams Applauds House Passage of Bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25), released a statement following the House passage of the bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act, by a vote of 409-2. This bill takes action to protect and empower victims of real and deepfake Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery (NCII).

    “As technology advances, predators are using AI to create deceptive material and exploit victims,” said Congressman Williams.“This bipartisan bill will hold abusers accountable and empower victims of online abuse to have deepfake content or explicit material shared without their consent removed. I look forward to sending this crucial legislation to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.”

    Background:

    • This bill protects and empowers victims of real and deepfake Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery (NCII).
    • Criminalizes the publication of NCII or the threat to publish NCII in interstate commerce.
    • Protects good faith efforts to assist victims.
    • Requires websites to take down NCII upon notice from the victim.
    • Protects lawful speech.

    Read the bill text here.

    ###

    Congressman Roger Williams is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and member of the House Financial Services Committee. He proudly represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Williams Introduces Federal Reserve Financial Accountability and Transparency Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25), introduced the Federal Reserve Financial Accountability and Transparency Act to increase Congressional oversight of the Federal Reserve. This bill requires reporting on spending and staffing by activity, identification of top research areas, engagements with international banking organizations, and disclosure of costs for new regulations.

    “For too long, burdensome regulations have been piled onto our financial institutions without considering the impacts,”  said Chairman Roger Williams.“It is time that Congress has increased oversight and transparency over the Federal Reserve’s operations and expenses. Our financial regulators should be focusing on the health and safety of the financial sector and promoting U.S. interests globally.”

    The American Bankers Association is a supporting organization.

    Read the bill text here.

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    Congressman Roger Williams is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and member of the House Financial Services Committee. He proudly represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ODS launches year-long partnership with Sobell House Hospice

    Source: City of Oxford

    Tuesday, 6 May 2025

    ODS, has named Sobell House Hospice as its Charity of the Year for 2025.

    They kicked off the partnership with a £500 donation to support the hospice’s compassionate care for people with life-limiting illnesses. The donation was handed over by ODS team member Vincent Floyd, who nominated the charity, to Beth Marsh, Director of Fundraising at Sobell House. The pair met to discuss the hospice’s vital work and how the funds raised by ODS will help support patients and their families.  

    Sobell House Hospice, based on the Churchill Hospital site, provides expert care and emotional support to people at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. With strong community roots and a reputation for outstanding care, the hospice was the clear winner in a staff vote at ODS to choose this year’s charity partner.  

    Comments 

    “As a locally-owned company, supporting Oxfordshire communities is at the heart of what we do.   

    “Amongst my favourite moments in leading ODS are those where staff ideas turn into action. Supporting Sobell House was an initiative led by our team, and we’re proud to back a cause that means so much to so many across the county.” 
    Simon Howick, Managing Director at ODS 

    “It’s great news that, once again, ODS has picked a deserving cause for their annual charity fund raising. It’s a testament to their determination to do good in the community. I wish the staff good luck with this year’s fund-raising events and look forward to hearing about the money that their commitment to Sobell House will bring in this year.”  
    Councillor Nigel Chapman, Cabinet Member for Citizen Focused Services and Council Companies 

    ODS has set a fundraising target of £10,000 to be raised over the next 12 months and is encouraging staff, and the wider community, to get involved. From team challenges and bake sales to raffles and sponsored events, ODS will be hosting and supporting a range of fundraising activities throughout the year.  

    Members of the public and local businesses are invited to contribute in any way they can and anyone wishing to support the campaign can do so by visiting the ODS Just Giving page to make a donation.  Together, we can help ensure Sobell House Hospice continues to offer its essential, life-affirming care to people across Oxfordshire.  

    Last year ODS raised over £8000 for Cancer Research UK.   

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. sustainable aviation fuel production takes off as new capacity comes online

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    May 6, 2025

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Petroleum Supply Monthly; company announcements and trade press
    Note: Other Biofuels includes sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), renewable heating oil, renewable naphtha, renewable propane, renewable gasoline, and other emerging biofuels that are in various stages of development and commercialization. SAF production capacity is an estimate based on company announcements and trade press and only includes hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) SAF. We do not publish SAF production capacity data.

    Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production is growing in the United States as new capacity comes online. U.S. production of Other Biofuels, the category we use to capture SAF in our Petroleum Supply Monthly, approximately doubled from December 2024 to February 2025.

    SAF is an alternative to petroleum jet fuel. It’s produced from agricultural and waste feedstocks and is consumed in blends with petroleum jet fuel. Investments in SAF have increased because of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), federal tax credits, and state programs and tax credits incentivizing use of the fuel.

    In addition to SAF, our Other Biofuels category includes renewable heating oil, renewable naphtha, renewable propane, renewable gasoline, and other emerging biofuels that are in various stages of development and commercialization.

    Prior to 2025, renewable naphtha and renewable propane, which are byproducts of renewable diesel production, made up most of Other Biofuels production and was growing because of growing renewable diesel production. SAF made up only a small portion of Other Biofuels production because of limited production capacity. At the beginning of 2024, U.S. SAF production capacity was only around 2,000 barrels per day (b/d), with just two plants capable of producing SAF: World Energy’s plant in Paramount, California, and Montana Renewables’ plant in Great Falls, Montana.

    U.S. SAF production capacity increased by about 25,000 b/d in late 2024. Phillips 66 completed its 10,000-b/d SAF project in Rodeo, California, in the third quarter of 2024 (3Q24), before temporarily halting production in 4Q24. Diamond Green Diesel completed its 15,000-b/d SAF project in Port Arthur, Texas, in 4Q24.

    A couple of smaller projects will bring additional SAF production capacity online in 2025. New Rise Renewables announced it began SAF production at its plant in Reno, Nevada, in February 2025, adding up to 3,000 b/d of SAF production. Par Pacific plans to begin SAF production at its plant in Kapolei, Hawaii, in the second half of the year, adding about 2,000 b/d of SAF production capacity.

    With SAF production capacity now around 30,000 b/d and growing in 2025, SAF will likely drive significant growth in Other Biofuels production and make up most of U.S. Other Biofuels production.

    In January, U.S. production of Other Biofuels reached 33,000 b/d, nearly 30% more than the previous record high set in September 2024. Production increased another 30% in February to 44,000 b/d. In our latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, we forecast that U.S. production of Other Biofuels will more than double between 2024 and 2025 and increase by about another 20% in 2026. Although we do not publish a forecast for each fuel that makes up the category, we expect increased SAF production to drive most of that growth. Despite strong growth in SAF on a percentage basis, the absolute volumes will remain relatively low, making up less than 2% of about 1.7 million b/d of U.S. jet fuel consumption in 2025 and about 2% in 2026.

    Principal contributor: Jimmy Troderman

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Cambridge Growth Company has appointed Buro Happold, Prior + Partners and other technical experts to develop a growth strategy for Greater Cambridge

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    The Cambridge Growth Company has appointed Buro Happold, Prior + Partners and other technical experts to develop a growth strategy for Greater Cambridge

    The Cambridge Growth Company (CGC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Buro Happold, Prior + Partners and others to prepare a vision, supported by a robust evidence base that will underpin a long-term growth strategy for Greater Cambridge.

    Published on behalf of the Cambridge Growth Company

    CGC will work collaboratively with locally elected leaders and the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. It will also access support from a number of government departments where required, to pursue infrastructure-led growth.

    This appointment marks a significant step towards shaping a sustainable and strategic future for the Greater Cambridge region working in parallel with but extending over a longer period than the emerging Local Plan. The Local Plan is being developed by the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service representing Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council.

    The development of the evidence base has commenced as a first step in defining a vision for the future of Greater Cambridge that is sustainable, inclusive and innovative. By drawing on insights into the knowledge economy, infrastructure, housing, employment, transport, and the natural environment, the evidence base will act as a foundation for identifying challenges and opportunities, policy development and a future spatial strategy. Key areas of focus will be overcoming transport congestion and water scarcity.

    CGC is based in the city and has already commenced recruitment for a number of additional executive roles within the company to build its capacity and expertise over the coming months. These roles will be advertised locally in coming weeks.

    Buro Happold – Integrated consulting engineers and advisors is a globally recognised consultancy specialising in strategic planning, economics, infrastructure, design, engineering, environment and sustainability and strategic advisory services. With a strong track record in delivering large-scale city strategies, new communities and urban transformation projects.

    Buro Happold leads the team to shape the evidence base, strategy and implementation plan. Their contributions will ensure that the evidence base is grounded in data-driven insights, technical analysis and best practices for sustainable growth.

    Roger Savage, Project Director said:

    We look forward to working with local partners on addressing the challenges of the area. In developing the evidence base for the Growth Company we will consider ways which planning for growth can deliver a quality of life dividend for existing and future communities through investment in the environment and infrastructure.

    Prior + Partners is an acclaimed urban planning, masterplanning and economic consultancy known for its role in shaping major urban regeneration and expansion projects. Their experience in spatial planning, placemaking, data analytics and policy advisory will be instrumental in aligning the evidence base with Greater Cambridge’s unique needs, ensuring that growth is managed effectively and equitably.

    They will be supported by a multidisciplinary team with technical expertise and local knowledge, including BNP Paribas Real Estate, CBA, LUC, Peter Studdert, Turner and Townsend and Womble, and Bond Dickinson.

    By partnering with these leading experts in urban strategy and infrastructure planning, the Cambridge Growth Company is laying the groundwork to help Greater Cambridge realise its full potential.

    For further information please refer to CGC’s new website.

    Note to editors

    Cambridge Growth Company

    The Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Matthew Pennycook MP appointed Peter Freeman to chair the Cambridge Growth Company in October 2024. The government then committed £10 million to the CGC at the 2024 Autumn Statement.

    The CGC’s mission is to support Greater Cambridge in the creation of a delivery programme to bring forward an ambitious vision for long term growth. This vision will maximise the potential for the benefit of the city and the UK through enabling further growth of Cambridge’s knowledge and innovation industries.

    The CGC, which is supported by an Advisory Council consisting of elected local leaders and a range of local experts, will work with local government to establish the best long-term business model to fund infrastructural improvements — water supplies, the transport network, education, health, and the natural environment, ensuring that as much as possible is delivered from the increase in the land value of the sites to be developed.

    The intention is that the CGC in its current form transitions into a growth and delivery vehicle that has the capacity and capability to take a long-term approach to delivery.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump targets NPR and PBS as public and nonprofit media account for a growing share of local news coverage

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Matthew Powers, Professor of Communication, University of Washington

    The Seattle Times currently funds 30 reporter positions through philanthropy and government aid. AP Photo/Ted S. Warren

    Republicans in Washington have their sights – once again – on defunding public media.

    On May 1, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order calling for the termination of taxpayer support for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the nonprofit that helps fund American public media stations of all sizes, from NPR and PBS, to smaller outlets like WBHM in Birmingham, Alabama, and KGOU in Norman, Oklahoma.

    Many Republicans have denounced public media programming as biased, outdated or simply unnecessary.

    Beneath those familiar talking points lies a long-standing assumption: that the market already provides “abundant, diverse and innovative news options,” as the president’s executive order put it.

    That assumption is wrong. And the story of media in Washington state reveals why.

    Public media’s expanding footprint

    As a communication scholar at the University of Washington, I’ve studied journalism in Seattle and across Washington state for the past decade.

    During that time, I’ve watched for-profit journalism struggle to meet the needs of the region. For this reason, local news outlets have increasingly turned to other sources of revenue.

    The shift has been striking. Just 10 years ago, about 10% of all full-time journalists in Seattle worked for local, nonprofit affiliates of NPR and PBS. Today, that figure is closer to 30%.

    That growing share reflects investments by NPR affiliates like KUOW and KNKX and public television station Cascade PBS, which have expanded their coverage of critical topics like homelessness and immigration. Federal support plays a small but significant role, making up between 5% and 10% of their budgets. The rest of their funding comes from a combination of donations, sponsorship and philanthropic grants.

    However, public media’s expanding footprint is also a symptom of collapse elsewhere: corporate cutbacks at commercial broadcast media networks and stations, the shuttering of community newspapers and the disappearance of alt-weeklies, which sometimes challenged mainstream political or cultural narratives.

    To be sure, public media has not and cannot replace everything that has been lost. But it has helped fill the void left after once-iconic outlets like the Seattle Post-Intelligencer underwent huge layoffs.

    Donors, tax dollars plug holes

    Public media outlets are only one prong of an increasingly noncommercial local news system. In the past, local media were dominated by commercial players that garnered the lion’s share of their revenues through advertising.

    Now, more and more journalism jobs in the state of Washington, including those at commercial outlets, are sustained by philanthropy and government spending. The Seattle Times – which is still, by far, the largest newsroom in the city – pays 30 of its reporters through philanthropic funding. That’s roughly 20% of its entire newsroom. The national nonprofit Report for America has, since its inception in 2018, placed 13 reporters in towns and cities across Washington to cover underserved topics like rural health and veterans issues.

    Meanwhile, the Murrow News Fellowship, launched in 2023 and funded by Washington’s state Legislature, has enabled 16 full-time journalists to be hired for two-year stints in commercial, nonprofit and public media newsrooms around the state.

    Universities are also playing a role. Long a pipeline into the profession, undergraduate and graduate journalism programs have increasingly become a piece of the local news infrastructure. Roughly 10% of all state Legislature coverage in Washington, for example, is now produced by undergraduate student journalists. Many report for newsrooms that no longer have a dedicated journalist in Olympia, the state’s capital.

    Then-state Sen. Pramila Jayapal speaks to reporters in Olympia, Wash., about a proposal to make community and technical college free for state residents without a bachelor’s degree.
    AP Photo/Ted S. Warren

    News isn’t always profitable

    All of these examples – public media, philanthropic support for nonprofit outlets and jobs at for-profit media enterprises, and student journalism – meet needs that for-profit journalism can no longer address on its own.

    Of course, no funding model is perfect. Last year, KUOW laid off three newsroom staffers due to a budget shortfall. Cascade PBS journalists are threatening to strike over low pay. Some critics worry that philanthropic funding can subtly shape news organizations’ coverage priorities.

    But to pretend the market can fix these problems is to ignore that it played a key part in creating them. When a newsroom job disappears, it’s not because watchdog journalism has lost its civic value. It’s because it became hard to monetize.

    Professional reporting takes time and doesn’t inherently deliver high traffic or quick profits. But it does inform citizens, promote government accountability and strengthen communities.

    The push to defund NPR and PBS stems in large part from long-standing Republican antipathy toward public media. But it also rests on a belief that journalism should only survive if it can compete in the marketplace.

    In Washington state, we’ve already seen what happens when we rely on markets alone: fewer reporters, less oversight and a growing amount of AI-generated news that provides no original reporting.

    If these defunding efforts succeed, they will likely do real harm to local news. KNKX has warned that it would lead to “difficult decisions and sacrifices at the expense of access to local journalism.” KUOW has signaled that it would “immediately need to raise 1 million dollars” to offset the loss in federal funding.

    Translation: It could lead to fewer reporters and less reporting at a time when more of both is needed.

    Matthew Powers 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. Trump targets NPR and PBS as public and nonprofit media account for a growing share of local news coverage – https://theconversation.com/trump-targets-npr-and-pbs-as-public-and-nonprofit-media-account-for-a-growing-share-of-local-news-coverage-255740

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –