Category: Business

MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Expands Direct Access to AI Assistant With Side Button on Galaxy A Series

Source: Samsung

Samsung Electronics today announced that select Galaxy A series devices will soon support AI assistant activation through the side button, bringing a fan-favorite feature from the Galaxy S series to more users and furthering Samsung’s vision of democratizing the latest AI experiences. With this update,1 users will be able to enjoy smarter AI experiences, including launching Gemini,2 Google’s AI-powered assistant, by simply pressing and holding the side button. Samsung introduced Awesome Intelligence3 on the latest Galaxy A series – Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G and Galaxy A26 5G – including select fan-favorite AI-powered features that open up Galaxy’s incredible mobile AI experiences to more users. Now, the upcoming update makes it easier for even more Galaxy A series users around the world to complete everyday tasks more intuitively with direct access to Gemini with the side button.

Known for its balance of performance and value, the Galaxy A series now offers a smarter mobile experience thanks to this update. With easier access to Gemini, users can effortlessly check their schedule, find nearby restaurants or get recommendations for birthday gifts using voice commands. They can also carry out tasks across apps4 with just a single command – like finding a dinner spot on Google Maps and sending the address to a friend through Messages – spanning Samsung, Google and select third-party apps.

“Samsung and Google have been working together to deliver seamless, intuitive and meaningful AI experiences, making the latest technology more accessible for more users,” said Jay Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Customer Experience Office, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “We’re excited that Galaxy A series users will now be able to activate Gemini faster and more naturally through a simple gesture that brings intelligent support into the flow of daily tasks.”

Faster access to Gemini means help is ready in everyday moments – like making last-minute dinner plans. With a simple voice command, users can say “Find French, pet-friendly restaurants with terrace seating nearby” to Gemini and get suggestions in seconds, making it easy to pick a spot and share it with a friend, without typing a single word.

The software update will roll out globally to select Galaxy A series models starting in early May.

For more information about the Galaxy A series, please visit: Samsung Newsroom, Samsungmobilepress.com and Samsung.com

1 Availability and supported features may vary by market, carrier and device model. This update will be only available on Galaxy A56 5G, A55 5G, A54 5G, A36 5G, A35 5G, A34 5G, A26 5G, A25 5G, A25e 5G and A24 running One UI 7, and is scheduled to begin rolling out in May. Timing subject to change.2 Internet connection and compatible operating system required. Availability may vary by device, country/region, and language.3 Awesome Intelligence is available on Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G. Availability of Awesome Intelligence features may vary by country/region, One UI/OS version, device model, and carrier.4 Requires internet connection and Google Account login. Service availability may vary by country/region, language, and device model. Works on compatible apps. Feature availability may differ depending on subscription and results may vary. Set up may be required for certain functions or apps. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

MIL OSI Economics –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: SARS welcomes agreement to suspend VAT increase

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Edward Kieswetter, has welcomed the agreement between the parties and the court order to suspend the 0.5 percentage point increase in value-added tax (VAT).

The VAT increase was initially announced to come into effect on 1 May 2025.

The Minister of Finance and main respondents in the matter, the Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), agreed to have the matter settled out of court, and the Western Cape High Court subsequently ratified the agreement on 27 April 2025.

“This is an important order that provides clarity to SARS to effectively and efficiently administer the VAT Act. It also has practical implication for consumers and VAT vendors charged with managing VAT.

“The court’s order suspends the 0.5 percentage point increase that was originally announced to come into effect on 1 May 2015 and there is, therefore, no basis for VAT vendors to implement an increase of VAT rate,” SARS said.

The revenue service urged all vendors to readjust their systems back to 15%, while also calling on consumers to ensure that they are charged the correct VAT rate of 15%.

“In the unlikely event they are charged 15.5%, consumers should bring this to the attention of the vendor and ensure that this is resolved at the point of sale or otherwise by mutual agreement,” SARS said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana has agreed to the court order suspending his decision to increase the VAT rate by 0.5 percentage points.

READ | Government agrees to suspend VAT increase decision

“[Minister] Godongwana welcomes the court order, as it is entirely consistent with his announcement on 23 April 2025 to suspend the VAT increase. Having already announced the withdrawal, the Minister felt that he would no longer have cause to continue with the court case.

“The context to the suspension of the increase is set out in an affidavit filed earlier on Sunday by the Minister in response to the Democratic Alliance’s (“the DA”) supplementary affidavit filed on 25 April 2025,” National Treasury said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Game change Canadian election: Mark Carney leads Liberals to their fourth consecutive win consécutive

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Fiona MacDonald, Associate Professor, Political Science, University of Northern British Columbia

Canada’s 2025 federal election will be remembered as a game-changer. Liberal Leader Mark Carney pulled off a dramatic reversal of political fortunes after convincing voters he was the best candidate to fight annexation threats from United States President Donald Trump.

“We are over the shock of the American betrayal; we have to take care of each other,” he told cheering supporters in his victory speech in Ottawa.

“Together we will build a Canada worthy of our values. Canada strong, Canada free, Canada forever, vive le Canada!”

Canadians gave the Liberals their fourth mandate since 2015, although the race against the Conservatives was much closer than polls predicted.

Nonetheless, only four months ago, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre had a 25-point lead in public opinion polls and a fairly secure path to victory.

Yet Poilievre’s lead soon vanished due to shifting voter sentiments defined less by the official campaign period and more by the months that preceded it. Justin Trudeau’s early January resignation announcement and Carney’s confirmation that he was officially in the Liberal leadership race dramatically changed the political landscape.

Read more:
After stunning comeback, centre-left Liberals likely to win majority of seats at Canadian election

Within a matter of weeks, Liberal support surged when Carney became party leader and Trump continued to make threats about Canada becoming a 51st American state — and to levy punishing on-again, off-again tariffs against the country.

The party went from being 20 percentage points behind the Conservatives to overtaking them, putting the party on track to secure its fourth consecutive victory. A shift described by longtime pollster Frank Graves as “unprecedented.”

Poilievre’s messaging

The emerging “Canada Strong” and “Elbows Up” narratives, linked to the widespread anti-Trump sentiment, proved a major advantage for the Liberals, who made the most out of this political gift.

This shift, alongside Carney’s elimination of the carbon tax, left Poilievre on the back foot as his longstanding messaging on Trudeau and his “axe the tax” slogan became largely irrelevant. Poilievre also lost his Ottawa-area seat to a Liberal.

Read more:
Who really killed Canada’s carbon tax? Friends and foes alike

The impact of these shifts in electoral fortunes extended beyond the two main parties. As the election became increasingly a two-party race between the Liberals and Conservatives, the smaller parties struggled for relevance.

Election campaign polling and early results indicated steep losses for the NDP, with Jagmeet Singh losing his own seat in Burnaby, B.C. and then resigning as party leader. This could be due to voters on the left responding to calls to vote strategically to prevent Conservative victories in various ridings.

The Bloc Québecois also lost ground, as did the Green Party of Canada and the People’s Party of Canada (PPC). Neither the Greens nor the PPC fielded full slates of candidates or participated in the leaders’ debates and therefore played comparatively limited roles in this election.

Advance voting in a gendered election

Another notable feature of this election was the record advance voting turnout, which surged to 7.3 million Canadians, up sharply from 5.8 million in 2021.

Early voting has now become a central part of party campaign strategy, with campaigns “getting out the vote” at every opportunity, not just on Election Day. This trend raises questions not only about whether overall turnout will rise, but also whether party platforms remain as influential given so many votes were cast before all parties released their platforms.

While many Canadians take in elections with a focus on party leaders and seat counts, there are other important ways to contemplate election outcomes in terms of inclusion and voice. What does this election tell us about gender and diversity representation in Canada’s Parliament?

This was a deeply gendered election. The major party leaders are all men, with the exception of Elizabeth May, the Green Party co-leader.

Preliminary candidate data showed a decrease in the number of women candidates compared to 2021.

The NDP nominated the highest proportion of women candidates — the majority of its candidates are women — and fielded the most diverse slate of candidates in terms of Indigenous people, Black people, racialized people and LGBTQ+ candidates. But the party’s dramatic losses mean these gains will not translate into more diverse representation in Parliament.

Furthermore, one of Carney’s first actions as prime minister was to eliminate the sex-balanced cabinet and to reduce the size of the cabinet. He eliminated the Ministry of Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) as well as ministerial portfolios focused on youth, official languages, diversity, inclusion, disability and seniors.

These decisions reverse previous efforts taken to institutionalize gender and diversity leadership in Canada’s Parliament.

Party platforms also reflected diverging approaches when it came to women. The Conservative platform only mentioned women four times, and three of those mentions were in the context of opposition to transgender rights.

Read more:
Pierre Poilievre’s ‘More Boots, Less Suits’ election strategy held little appeal to women

The role of young working-class men

Polling also revealed intersections of generation, gender and class are increasingly relevant. Like the last federal election, young working-class men are increasingly drawn to the Conservatives. This trend appears to be driven less by fiscal conservatism and more by concerns about rapid social change, a trend also observed in the 2024 American presidential election.

Many of these young men are expressing frustrations over housing affordability and job security, and what they view as the Liberal and NDP’s “woke culture,” which they regard as eroding traditional values that have traditionally benefited men. In contrast, Canadian women of all ages continue to favour parties they view as more progressive — the Liberals and the NDP.

Theoretical explanations for this include young men feeling left behind by the Liberals, while the Conservatives have seemingly figured out a way to connect with them.

This may reflect campaign rhetoric about returning to traditional expectations and values around gender roles and men’s rights to well-paying jobs, an affordable home and taking care of their families.

Electoral reform needed?

In the aftermath of the election, there are avenues through which current gaps in representation can be addressed. Organizations like the United Nations’ Inter-parliamentary Union and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, as well as gender and politics scholarship, propose various reforms to continue to strengthen diversity in Parliament.

These reforms are understood to be essential for enhancing the legitimacy, responsiveness and effectiveness of Canada’s parliamentary system. Research on gender-and diversity-sensitive parliaments consistently shows that when legislative bodies reflect the diversity of the societies they govern, they are more likely to produce policies that are equitable, inclusive and trusted by the public.

Overall, this Canadian election was characterized by transformative twists and turns that shed more light on important ongoing questions about representation and the potential need for democratic reform if Canadians want to avoid a two-party system.

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

– ref. Game change Canadian election: Mark Carney leads Liberals to their fourth consecutive win consécutive – https://theconversation.com/game-change-canadian-election-mark-carney-leads-liberals-to-their-fourth-consecutive-win-consecutive-253721

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Ghana’s citizens have a right to protest: what does the law say about restricting it?
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Justice Tankebe, Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Cambridge

Ghana’s attorney general and minister of justice dropped charges against members of Democracy Hub, a civil society group, in February 2025, after four months of prosecution. The group had organised a protest in September 2024 against the widespread destruction and contamination of the country’s water bodies by persons and gangs engaged in illegal artisanal mining.

Media reports alleged police harassment and use of excessive force during the three-day protest. The actions of the police and the courts were the latest in a history of suppression of the exercise of the right to protest. They are based on a military-era law that the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional three decades ago.

The situation highlights the tension between the right to protest and lawful interference with those rights. As a criminologist and an expert in constitutional law, we argue that the tension can be minimised by considering four factors:
- location and time
- rights of others
- target of protest
- intentions of protesters.
Right to protest in Ghana

Ghana’s 1992 constitution guarantees the right to protest. However, as is standard practice in democracies, the constitution also allows these rights to be restricted on specified public interest grounds. Restrictions must be “reasonably required” in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public health or the running of essential services.

The challenge democratic societies face is managing the apparent tension between people’s fundamental rights to protest and the need, sometimes, to interfere with those rights in the larger public interest.

While Ghana’s Supreme Court ruling in 1993 forbids any action that would deny protesters their right to protest, it had grey areas. For example, it did not offer clear guidance on what would make a restriction “reasonably required” and “reasonably justifiable in terms of the spirit of the constitution”.

Ghana is a former British colony, and its law and legal system continue to be influenced by UK legal principles. So the UK can offer guidance. In 2021, in the case of Director of Public Prosecutions v Ziegler and others, the UK Supreme Court pronounced certain principles and factors that police, prosecutors and judges must consider.

Location and time

The UK court reasoned that the right to protest includes the right to choose when and where to hold the protest. The location or path of a protest will determine whether its message is received by the intended target and what impact it will have.

The Ghanaian police and courts have often violated this principle when a protest is stopped because the location is a so-called “security zone”. The basis for this categorisation is not clearly specified or defined in law. The Ghana constitution specifies that any restriction of the right to protest must be contained in “a law”.

Rights of others

Ghanaian law does not allow protesters to obstruct traffic, cause confusion or disorder, or violate the rights and freedoms of other members of the public. But protests almost always do cause some interference with the rights of others.

That’s not sufficient reason to interfere with the right to protest. According to the UK Supreme Court, the police and courts must establish the extent of the actual violation of citizens’ rights – such as how many people were likely to be inconvenienced.

Target of protests

Where there is obstruction, there must be evidence that it was not connected to the reasons for the protest. One accusation against the Democracy Hub protesters was that they blocked the entrance to a health facility. Had they blocked access to, say, an authority responsible for granting licences for artisanal mining, the police would not have been justified in arresting them. The police must also show that no alternative routes were reasonably available to the inconvenienced public.

Intentions of protesters

This factor requires the police and courts to consider whether a protest is intended to be peaceful. Cooperating with the police, such as notifying them about the intended protest, signifies a peaceful intent. The UK court notes that where a protest is intended to be peaceful and is, indeed, peaceful, protesters will have the right to resist police arrest.

A fair hand

The checklist is not exhaustive, but it puts an important obligation on the police and the courts not to interfere unreasonably with the fundamental rights of citizens. While the right to protest is not absolute, it remains fundamental in a democracy. Therefore, a restriction of the right cannot be absolute either. The restriction must be reasonable and proportionate.

In short, the restrictions attached to the right to assemble and to protest are designed to do no more than restrict (limit or constrain), within reasonable limits, how, where and when the right may be exercised. They are not meant to destroy or undermine protesters’ ability to exercise that right to achieve their desired goals.

Current Ghanaian police and judicial practice must change, along the lines of the UK Supreme Court’s ruling, to ensure the right to protest is not treated as less valuable or less important than the restrictions that may be applied to limit it.

Henry Kwasi Prempeh, who co-authored this article, is a Ghanaian lawyer and educationist, and the current executive director of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development.

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

– ref. Ghana’s citizens have a right to protest: what does the law say about restricting it? – https://theconversation.com/ghanas-citizens-have-a-right-to-protest-what-does-the-law-say-about-restricting-it-248049
MIL OSI – Global Reports –
April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: US-China trade war could hurt Nigerian entrepreneurs: why, and how they should prepare

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Tolu Olarewaju, Economist and Lecturer in Management, Keele University

As China and the United States lock horns in a trade war, slamming tariffs on each other, entrepreneurs in Nigeria are vulnerable to the fallout. In 2024, 27.8% of imports into Nigeria came from China. In the same year, US exports to Nigeria reached US$4.2 billion. Economist and entrepreneurship researcher Tolu Olarewaju unpacks what could happen if Chinese products destined for the American market were diverted to developing economies, including Nigeria.

What dangers do the tariff tensions pose to Nigeria’s entrepreneurs?

China is the world’s biggest manufacturing nation, producing far more than its population consumes domestically. It is already running an almost US$1 trillion goods surplus, meaning it exports more goods than it imports.

China is often producing those goods at below the true cost of production due to domestic subsidies and state financial support, like cheap loans for favoured firms.

If the goods it currently exports are unable to enter the US because tariffs have made them too expensive, Chinese firms could seek to divert them to other countries. This could be beneficial for some consumers. But it could undercut entrepreneurs who make competing products in these countries and threaten jobs and wages.

Looking at the past profile of Chinese exports to Nigeria, these are some Nigerian goods that could be replaced by cheaper goods from China:

Textiles and garments: Nigeria is the largest producer of textiles in west Africa. The Nigerian textile, apparel, and footwear sector contributed 2.97% to Nigeria’s GDP in 2023 and contracted by 1.75% in the first quarter of 2024. Locally made fabrics, garments and leather goods can easily be replaced by Chinese products, especially in the low-cost and mass-market segment. This is because China is one of the sector’s largest producers globally and can export at low cost.

In 2024, the US was the top destination for China’s textiles exports.

Furniture and home décor: Nigerian artisans are skilled at producing wooden furniture, home décor items, and other interior products. However, China is a global leader in furniture manufacturing. It offers mass-produced, inexpensive items. The wide variety and affordability could displace Nigerian furniture makers. The furniture market in Nigeria is expected to generate revenue of US$5.11 billion in 2025 and experience an annual growth rate of 2.93% between 2025 and 2029.

Footwear: The Nigerian footwear market is valued at US$2.57 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow annually by 9.83%. The Nigerian footwear industry produces around 50 million pairs of shoes annually and employs over 500,000 people. China is one of the largest producers of footwear. In the US, 61.9% of all shoes are imported from China. Nigerian shoe manufacturers may find it difficult to compete with the flood of affordable Chinese-made footwear.

Beauty, cosmetic, and skincare products: The Nigerian soap market is growing. It generated revenue of US$660.5 million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$1.07 billion by 2030. With a population of over 200 million, the demand for soap products is increasing. China is a major supplier of inexpensive, mass-produced beauty products.

What are the biggest challenges holding back Nigerian entrepreneurs?

Weak infrastructure: Frequent power outages make it difficult for businesses to operate and distribute their products. This is a significant barrier, especially in the age of digital technologies, machine learning and artificial intelligence. Poor road conditions also make it difficult to transport goods.

High inflation: Nigeria’s headline inflation rate on a year-on-year basis stood at 24.48% in January 2025, and 29.90% in January 2024. High inflation raises the cost of raw materials, fuel, utilities and transport.

Inflation also means a reduction in the purchasing power of consumers. While inflation should make Nigeria a less attractive market, Chinese goods are typically cheaper than local or western alternatives, even when inflation affects import costs.

Interest rates for business loans are high in Nigeria. This reduces profit margins and makes it harder to maintain affordable prices for consumers.

A poor business environment: Nigeria’s unpredictable political and economic landscape, characterised by shifting policies, and inconsistent regulations, makes it difficult for entrepreneurs to plan. They need to be able to forecast expenses, set pricing strategies or invest in long-term projects.

Corruption also increases the costs of doing business and makes the business environment more uncertain.

While it might seem logical for the government to protect the domestic business environment with blanket tariffs as suggested by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a more strategic approach is needed, one that focuses on targeted tariffs and investing in sectors with strong growth potential.

Limited access to finance and high interest rates: Access to finance is a major barrier due to high interest rates and unreasonable collateral requirements for business credit.

Currency depreciation and exchange rate volatility: The Nigerian naira has depreciated against foreign currencies in recent years. Entrepreneurs who rely on imports for raw materials or equipment have been hit hard by fluctuating exchange rates. Rising import costs can lead to even higher production costs. For businesses looking to export, this volatility can reduce the profitability of foreign sales, discouraging expansion into international markets.

What should Nigeria’s entrepreneurs do to prepare for any potential fallout from the China-US trade war?

Identify niche market needs: They should identify a market need that is not being met or that is under-served and cannot easily be met by Chinese goods.

Focus on customer service: This way, entrepreneurs can build customer loyalty and reputation despite the influx of cheap goods.

Embrace innovation: Nigerian entrepreneurs should be open to new ideas and technologies that can help them create new products and services, increase efficiency and reduce costs.

Diversify supply chains: Relying heavily on imports from one country, especially raw materials, machinery, or electronics, can lead to shortages and price hikes if trade tensions escalate. Businesses should identify alternative suppliers, explore local sourcing options, and build stockpiles of essential inputs.

Explore new export markets: Nigerian entrepreneurs should exploit regional trade agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area for easier access to African markets.

Adaptability and value creation: Businesses that focus on value creation are best positioned not just to survive but to thrive amid global shifts. Raw material exporters (for example, cashew and cocoa) may be vulnerable to price shocks. Value-added products offer better margins and greater market protection. Entrepreneurs should consider investing in light manufacturing or local processing, such as turning cocoa into chocolate.

– US-China trade war could hurt Nigerian entrepreneurs: why, and how they should prepare
– https://theconversation.com/us-china-trade-war-could-hurt-nigerian-entrepreneurs-why-and-how-they-should-prepare-254840

MIL OSI Africa –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: FAMAR Strengthens Angolan Downstream, Returns as Silver Sponsor of Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2025

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

LUANDA, Angola, April 29, 2025/APO Group/ —

Bunkering and maritime services company FAMAR has joined the sixth edition of the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference as a Silver Sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to Angola’s growing downstream sector. As the company expands its port infrastructure to support offshore oil and gas operations, FAMAR’s presence at AOG 2025 will facilitate new opportunities for industry collaboration and investment.

With extensive operations across Angola’s ports, FAMAR plays a key role in the distribution and trade of petroleum products and services. The company is actively modernizing port infrastructure with integrated solutions in fuel storage, management and ship repair.

At AOG 2024, FAMAR signed a Memorandum of Understanding with construction firm Angobetumes to jointly manage two fuel storage tanks at the Port of Luanda and three tanks at the Lobito Terminal. All five tanks have been certified by national authorities for the storage and marketing of petroleum, strengthening Angola’s fuel storage capacity in strategic locations.

Beyond fuel storage, FAMAR offers a wide range of maritime services including passenger and cargo transport, training and vessel chartering. The company supplies marine fuels – such as Marine Diesel MGO and Fuel Oil IFO 180 cts – for all ship types and facilitates both import and export of refined petroleum products. FAMAR also manages full-cycle maintenance and repair for a variety of floating marine assets, playing a vital role in supporting Angola’s offshore oil and gas projects. Notable partnerships include work with Azule Energy on Block 18, as well as contributions to the Platina Oil Field and Greater Plutonio developments.

AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute; national oil company Sonangol; and the African Energy Chamber; the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

MIL OSI Africa –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appeal to find relatives of local Second World War hero John Baskeyfield

Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

Published: Tuesday, 29th April 2025

An appeal has been launched to find relatives of Burslem’s Second World War hero, Lance Sergeant John Baskeyfield.

The Burslem hero was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his remarkable courage during the largest airborne landing in military history – into Nazi-occupied Netherlands.

During the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944, Lance Sergeant Baskeyfield, known as Jack, single-handedly manned two anti-tank guns and refused to leave his post.

Jack was a very dear friend of George and Anne Price. Their grandson, Andrew Felton, is trying to find relatives of the war hero who was killed at the age of 21, ahead of events Stoke-on-Trent City Council is planning around Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day to commemorate Mr Baskeyfield.

Mr Felton said: “My Grandad George and Nana Anne spoke often about Jack, and always with deep affection and reverence.

“I never forgot their stories, which sparked my interest in his incredible bravery at Arnhem during World War II.

“A few years ago, I started researching Jack’s remarkable service in the South Staffordshire Regiment after he signed up aged 19.

“Last September, I travelled to the Netherlands to join the 80th anniversary commemorations of Operation Market Garden and the Battle of Arnhem.

“It was very sobering and humbling visiting the places I had read about where so many brave men fell. Walking from the John Frost Bridge over the Rhine at Arnhem to where Jack had last stood in Oosterbeek, commemorated by the Jack Baskeyfield Tree, was hugely poignant.

“It would be wonderful to trace any of Jack’s relatives so they can join the special events being planned to honour this very special man during the City Centenary year.”

Councillor Lyn Sharpe, Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, said: “Our city is proud of Lance Sergeant John Baskeyfield. His bravery will never be forgotten in Stoke-on-Trent and beyond.

“We hope any relatives can be found so they can be part of the special events we’re holding later this year in his memory.”

The events in November are expected to include an expanded exhibition in the Spitfire Gallery at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery with items Jack’s family gifted to the Staffordshire Regiment Museum, and an Act of Remembrance at the Jack Baskeyfield memorial at Festival Retail Park.

Any relatives can email sot100@stoke.gov.uk to find out more about the event.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Chairwoman Lisa McClain, Chairman Guthrie, and Rep. Salazar Celebrate the House Passing Legislation to Protect Children from Deepfake Exploitation

Source: US House of Representatives Republicans

The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

WASHINGTON— House Republican Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.), and Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) released the following statements after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks (TAKE IT DOWN) Act:

“I’m proud to have voted in favor of the TAKE IT DOWN Act. This important legislation will protect our kids from deepfake exploitation and hold the perpetrators of these horrifying crimes accountable. I want to thank Congresswoman Salazar for leading the bill, Chairman Guthrie for getting it across the floor, and First Lady Melania Trump for supporting victims and their families,” Chairwoman McClain said.

“Thank you to the many supporters, and especially the survivors, whose stories and steadfast advocacy helped us take quick, decisive, and targeted action to prevent the spread of explicit, non-consensual AI-generated images, including giving law enforcement the tools they need to stop these predators. Our work does not end here, as the Committee on Energy and Commerce remains committed to protecting kids and all Americans from online predators and other 21st century threats to their health and well-being,” Chairman Guthrie said.

“My TAKE IT DOWN Act’s passage is a bipartisan victory to protect victims of real and deepfake revenge pornography. This bill shows Congress at its best, working together to empower victims, especially women and girls. It equally holds offenders and Big Tech accountable. Special thanks to Speaker Johnson, Leader Scalise, Whip Emmer, and Conference Chair McClain for their leadership in getting this done,” Congresswoman Salazar said.

Chairwoman McClain has expressed her support for this bill, including during a roundtable discussion with the First Lady in April.

The bill criminalizes the publication of non-consensual intimate images (“NCII”) or the threat to publish NCII in interstate commerce. The bill requires covered internet platforms to establish and implement a notice and takedown process within one year of enactment.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Cyberattacks: how companies can communicate effectively after being hit
Source: The Conversation – France – By Paolo Antonetti, Professeur, EDHEC Business School

In its latest annual publication, insurance group Hiscox surveyed more than 2,000 cybersecurity managers in eight countries including France. Two thirds of the companies in the survey reported having been the victim of a cyberattack between mid-August 2023 and September 2024, a 15% increase over the previous period. In terms of potential financial losses, Statista estimated that cyberattacks cost France up to €122 billion in 2024, compared to €89 in 2023 – a 37% rise.

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The main forms of cyberattacks on French businesses, the recommendations for how companies can protect themselves, and the technical and legal responses they can adopt are well documented.

However, much less is known about appropriate communications and public relations responses to cyberattacks. The issues at stake are critical. When a company is the target of a cyberattack, should it systematically accept responsibility, or can it instead claim to be a victim to protect its reputation? A wrong answer can aggravate the situation and undermine the confidence of customers and investors.

Positioning as a victim

Our recent research questions the assumption that accepting causal responsibility should be the norm after a cyberattack: we show that positioning oneself as a victim can be more effective in limiting damage to one’s image – provided claims of victimhood are deployed intelligently.

There is evidence that firms need a strategy to present themselves effectively as victims of cybercriminals. Some firms, such as T-Mobile and Equifax, have in the past paid compensation to consumers while refusing to accept any responsibility, essentially presenting themselves as victims.

Similarly, the large French telecommunications operator Free presented itself as a victim when communicating about the large-scale cyberattack that affected its operations last October, which may have had an impact on its image. The UK’s TalkTalk initially framed itself as a victim of a cybercrime but was later criticized for its inadequate security measures.

Victimhood and sympathy

Clumsily declaring itself as the sole entity to blame or the sole victim of a cyberattack – which is what interests us here – can be risky and backfire on a company, damaging its credibility rather than protecting its reputation.

When companies present themselves as victims of cybercrime, they can elicit sympathy from stakeholders. People tend to be more compassionate toward businesses that depict themselves as wronged rather than those that deny responsibility or shift blame. In essence, this strategy frames the organization as a target of external forces beyond its control, rather than as negligent or incompetent. It leverages a fundamental social norm – people’s instinctive tendency to support those they see as victims.

But claims of victimhood must align with public expectations and the specific context of the breach. They should not be about shirking responsibility, but about acknowledging harm in a way that fosters understanding and trust. The following approaches and choices can help.
- align with public perception
The reactions of stakeholders often depend on their understanding of the situation. If the attack is perceived as an external and malicious act, it is crucial for a company to adopt a consistent stance by emphasizing that it itself has been a victim. But if internal negligence is proven, claiming victim status could be counterproductive. The swiftness of a company’s response, the level of transparency and the relative stance taken are all part of a good strategy.
- express support for stakeholders
Adopting a position of victimhood does not mean denying all responsibility or minimizing the consequences of an attack. The company must show that it takes the situation seriously by expressing empathy and commitment to affected stakeholders. It must pay particular attention to those affected inside the organization: a claim of victimhood should be part of an apology or a message expressing concern. An effective message must be sincere and oriented toward concrete solutions.
- consider reputation
We find that it is easier for companies to claim victimhood persuasively if they are perceived as virtuous. This reputation can be due to a positive track record in terms of corporate social responsibility or because they are a not-for-profit institution (e.g. a library, a university or a hospital). Virtuous victims generate sympathy and empathy, and this is also reflected after a cyberattack.
- highlight the harmfulness and sophistication of the attack
The results of our study also show that public acceptance of victim status is more effective when the cyberattack is perceived to be the work of highly competent malicious actors. It is also important for a company to persuade the public that the attack harmed the company, while keeping the main focus of the response on the public.
- don’t complain
It is essential to distinguish between legitimate claims of victim status and communication that could be perceived as an attempt to exonerate oneself. An overly plaintive tone could undermine a company’s credibility. The approach should be factual and constructive, focusing on the measures taken to overcome the crisis.
- test reactions before communicating widely
Companies’ responses to a cyberattack can vary depending on the context and the public. It is best to assess different approaches before embarking on large-scale communication. This can be done through internal tests, focus groups or targeted surveys. Subtle differences in the situation can cause important shifts in how the public perceives the breach and what the best response might be.

Our study sheds light on a shift in public expectations about crisis management: in the age of ubiquitous cybercrime, responsibilities are often shared. Poorly managed communication after a cyberattack can lead to a lasting loss of trust and expose a company to increased legal risks. Claiming victim status effectively, with an empathetic and transparent approach, can help mitigate the impact of the crisis and preserve the organization’s reputation.

This article was written with Ilaria Baghi (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia).

Paolo Antonetti ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.

– ref. Cyberattacks: how companies can communicate effectively after being hit – https://theconversation.com/cyberattacks-how-companies-can-communicate-effectively-after-being-hit-255061
MIL OSI – Global Reports –
April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: US-China trade war could hurt Nigerian entrepreneurs: why, and how they should prepare

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Tolu Olarewaju, Economist and Lecturer in Management, Keele University

As China and the United States lock horns in a trade war, slamming tariffs on each other, entrepreneurs in Nigeria are vulnerable to the fallout. In 2024, 27.8% of imports into Nigeria came from China. In the same year, US exports to Nigeria reached US$4.2 billion. Economist and entrepreneurship researcher Tolu Olarewaju unpacks what could happen if Chinese products destined for the American market were diverted to developing economies, including Nigeria.

What dangers do the tariff tensions pose to Nigeria’s entrepreneurs?

China is the world’s biggest manufacturing nation, producing far more than its population consumes domestically. It is already running an almost US$1 trillion goods surplus, meaning it exports more goods than it imports.

China is often producing those goods at below the true cost of production due to domestic subsidies and state financial support, like cheap loans for favoured firms.

If the goods it currently exports are unable to enter the US because tariffs have made them too expensive, Chinese firms could seek to divert them to other countries. This could be beneficial for some consumers. But it could undercut entrepreneurs who make competing products in these countries and threaten jobs and wages.

Looking at the past profile of Chinese exports to Nigeria, these are some Nigerian goods that could be replaced by cheaper goods from China:

Textiles and garments: Nigeria is the largest producer of textiles in west Africa. The Nigerian textile, apparel, and footwear sector contributed 2.97% to Nigeria’s GDP in 2023 and contracted by 1.75% in the first quarter of 2024. Locally made fabrics, garments and leather goods can easily be replaced by Chinese products, especially in the low-cost and mass-market segment. This is because China is one of the sector’s largest producers globally and can export at low cost.

In 2024, the US was the top destination for China’s textiles exports.

Furniture and home décor: Nigerian artisans are skilled at producing wooden furniture, home décor items, and other interior products. However, China is a global leader in furniture manufacturing. It offers mass-produced, inexpensive items. The wide variety and affordability could displace Nigerian furniture makers. The furniture market in Nigeria is expected to generate revenue of US$5.11 billion in 2025 and experience an annual growth rate of 2.93% between 2025 and 2029.

Footwear: The Nigerian footwear market is valued at US$2.57 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow annually by 9.83%. The Nigerian footwear industry produces around 50 million pairs of shoes annually and employs over 500,000 people. China is one of the largest producers of footwear. In the US, 61.9% of all shoes are imported from China. Nigerian shoe manufacturers may find it difficult to compete with the flood of affordable Chinese-made footwear.

Beauty, cosmetic, and skincare products: The Nigerian soap market is growing. It generated revenue of US$660.5 million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$1.07 billion by 2030. With a population of over 200 million, the demand for soap products is increasing. China is a major supplier of inexpensive, mass-produced beauty products.

What are the biggest challenges holding back Nigerian entrepreneurs?

Weak infrastructure: Frequent power outages make it difficult for businesses to operate and distribute their products. This is a significant barrier, especially in the age of digital technologies, machine learning and artificial intelligence. Poor road conditions also make it difficult to transport goods.

High inflation: Nigeria’s headline inflation rate on a year-on-year basis stood at 24.48% in January 2025, and 29.90% in January 2024. High inflation raises the cost of raw materials, fuel, utilities and transport.

Inflation also means a reduction in the purchasing power of consumers. While inflation should make Nigeria a less attractive market, Chinese goods are typically cheaper than local or western alternatives, even when inflation affects import costs.

Interest rates for business loans are high in Nigeria. This reduces profit margins and makes it harder to maintain affordable prices for consumers.

A poor business environment: Nigeria’s unpredictable political and economic landscape, characterised by shifting policies, and inconsistent regulations, makes it difficult for entrepreneurs to plan. They need to be able to forecast expenses, set pricing strategies or invest in long-term projects.

Corruption also increases the costs of doing business and makes the business environment more uncertain.

While it might seem logical for the government to protect the domestic business environment with blanket tariffs as suggested by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a more strategic approach is needed, one that focuses on targeted tariffs and investing in sectors with strong growth potential.

Limited access to finance and high interest rates: Access to finance is a major barrier due to high interest rates and unreasonable collateral requirements for business credit.

Currency depreciation and exchange rate volatility: The Nigerian naira has depreciated against foreign currencies in recent years. Entrepreneurs who rely on imports for raw materials or equipment have been hit hard by fluctuating exchange rates. Rising import costs can lead to even higher production costs. For businesses looking to export, this volatility can reduce the profitability of foreign sales, discouraging expansion into international markets.

What should Nigeria’s entrepreneurs do to prepare for any potential fallout from the China-US trade war?

Identify niche market needs: They should identify a market need that is not being met or that is under-served and cannot easily be met by Chinese goods.

Focus on customer service: This way, entrepreneurs can build customer loyalty and reputation despite the influx of cheap goods.

Embrace innovation: Nigerian entrepreneurs should be open to new ideas and technologies that can help them create new products and services, increase efficiency and reduce costs.

Diversify supply chains: Relying heavily on imports from one country, especially raw materials, machinery, or electronics, can lead to shortages and price hikes if trade tensions escalate. Businesses should identify alternative suppliers, explore local sourcing options, and build stockpiles of essential inputs.

Explore new export markets: Nigerian entrepreneurs should exploit regional trade agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area for easier access to African markets.

Adaptability and value creation: Businesses that focus on value creation are best positioned not just to survive but to thrive amid global shifts. Raw material exporters (for example, cashew and cocoa) may be vulnerable to price shocks. Value-added products offer better margins and greater market protection. Entrepreneurs should consider investing in light manufacturing or local processing, such as turning cocoa into chocolate.

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

– ref. US-China trade war could hurt Nigerian entrepreneurs: why, and how they should prepare – https://theconversation.com/us-china-trade-war-could-hurt-nigerian-entrepreneurs-why-and-how-they-should-prepare-254840

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council – on the Middle East [as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

Source: United Nations secretary general

Monsieur le Président, Excellences,

Je remercie la présidence française d’organiser cette réunion au niveau ministériel sur le Moyen-Orient, y compris la question palestinienne.

La région traverse des bouleversements fondamentaux, marqués par la violence et la volatilité, mais également porteurs d’opportunités et de potentiel.

Au Liban, le cessez-le-feu et l’intégrité territoriale doivent être respectés et tous les engagements doivent être mis en œuvre.

En Syrie, nous devons poursuivre nos efforts pour accompagner le pays sur la voie d’une transition politique inclusive de toutes les composantes de la population syrienne – une transition qui garantisse la reddition de comptes, favorise la réconciliation nationale, et jette les bases du redressement à long terme de la Syrie ainsi que de son intégration future au sein de la communauté internationale.

Cela inclut la situation dans le Golan syrien occupé, qui demeure précaire en raison de violations majeures de l’Accord de désengagement des forces de 1974 – notamment la présence continue des Forces de défense israéliennes dans la zone de séparation, ainsi que leurs multiples frappes contre des sites au-delà de la ligne de cessez-le-feu.

À travers le Moyen-Orient, les populations réclament et méritent un avenir meilleur – et non des conflits et des souffrances sans fin.

Nous devons agir ensemble pour faire en sorte que cette période de turbulences et de transition réponde à ces aspirations – et qu’elle apporte justice, dignité, droits, sécurité, et une paix durable.

Cela commence par la reconnaissance de deux faits fondamentaux :

Premièrement, la région se trouve à un moment charnière de son histoire.

Et, deuxièmement, que toute paix vraiment durable au Moyen-Orient dépend d’une question centrale.

Un élément essentiel que ce Conseil de sécurité a affirmé et réaffirmé, année après année, décennie après décennie : une solution à deux États, Israël et la Palestine, vivant côte-à-côte dans la paix et la sécurité, avec Jérusalem comme capitale des deux États.

Mr. President,

Today, the promise of a two-State solution is at risk of dwindling to the point of disappearance.

The political commitment to this long-standing goal is farther than it has ever been.

As a result, the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to live and peace and security have been undermined – and the legitimate national aspirations of the Palestinians have been denied – while they endure Israel’s continued presence that the International Court of Justice has found unlawful.

And since the horrific 7 October terror attacks by Hamas, it has gotten worse on every front.

First, the unrelenting conflict and devastation in Gaza – including the utterly inhumane conditions of life imposed on its people who are repeatedly coming under attack, confined to smaller and smaller spaces, and deprived of lifesaving relief.

In line with international law, the Security Council has rejected any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip, including any actions that reduce its territory.

Gaza is — and must remain — an integral part of a future Palestinian state.

Second, in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli military operations and the use of heavy weaponry in residential areas, forcible displacement, demolitions, movement restrictions, and settlement expansion are dramatically altering demographic and geographic realities.

Palestinians are being contained and coerced. Contained in areas that are subject to increasing military operations and where the Palestinian Authority is under growing pressure – and coerced out of areas where settlements are expanding.

Third, settler violence continues at alarmingly high levels in a climate of impunity, with entire Palestinian communities facing repeated assaults and destruction, sometimes abetted by Israeli soldiers.

Palestinian attacks against Israelis in both Israel and the occupied West Bank also continue.

Mr. President,

The world cannot afford to watch the two-State solution disappear.

Political leaders face clear choices — the choice to be silent, the choice to acquiesce, or the choice to act.

Mr. President,

In Gaza, there is no end in sight to the killing and misery.

The ceasefire had brought a glimmer of hope – the long-sought release of hostages and delivery of lifesaving humanitarian relief.

But those embers of opportunity were cruelly extinguished with the shattering of the ceasefire on 18 March.

Since then, almost 2,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israeli strikes and military operations – including women, children, journalists, and humanitarians.

Hamas also continues to fire rockets towards Israel indiscriminately – while the hostages continue to be held in appalling conditions.

The humanitarian situation throughout the Gaza Strip has gone from bad … to worse … to beyond imagination.

For nearly two full months, Israel has blocked food, fuel, medicine and commercial supplies, depriving more than two million people of lifesaving relief.

All while the world watches.

I am alarmed by statements by Israeli government officials about the use of humanitarian aid as a tool for military pressure.

Aid is non-negotiable.

Israel must protect civilians and must agree to relief schemes and facilitate them.

I salute the women and men of the United Nations and all other humanitarian workers – especially our Palestinian colleagues — who continue to work under fire and in incomprehensibly difficult conditions.

And I mourn all of the women and men of the United Nations who were killed – including some with their families.

The entry of assistance must be restored immediately — the safety of UN personnel and humanitarian partners must be guaranteed – and UN agencies must be allowed to work in full respect of humanitarian principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.

There must be no hindrance in humanitarian aid – including through the vital work of UNRWA.

We need the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

And we need a permanent ceasefire.

It’s time to stop the repeated displacement of the Gaza population – along with any question of forced displacement outside of Gaza.

And the trampling of international law must end.

I call on Member States to use their leverage to ensure that international law is respected and impunity does not prevail.

This includes for the 19 March incident for which Israel has now acknowledged responsibility in firing on a UN guesthouse, killing one colleague and injuring six others … the 23 March killing of paramedics and other rescue workers in Rafah … as well as many other cases.

There must be accountability across the board.

Mr. President,

Advisory proceedings are ongoing at the International Court of Justice on the obligations of Israel, as an occupying Power and a Member of the United Nations, in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

In February, the United Nations Legal Counsel submitted a written statement to the Court – and yesterday, she made an oral statement before the Court – both of which on my behalf.

The statement to the Court includes points that I have made on a number of occasions.

Specifically, that all parties to conflict must comply with all their obligations under international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

That Israel, as an occupying Power, is under an obligation to ensure food and medical supplies of the population.

That Israel has an obligation to agree to and facilitate relief schemes in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

That humanitarian, medical and United Nations personnel must be respected and protected.

And I emphasize the obligation under international law to respect the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its personnel, including the absolute inviolability of United Nations premises, property and assets – and the immunity from legal process of the United Nations.

Such immunity applies to all UN entities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory – including UNRWA – a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly.
I call on Member States to fully support all of these efforts.

Mr. President,

In this period of turmoil and transition for the region, Member States must spell out how they will realize the commitment and promise of a two-State solution.

This is not a time for ritualistically expressing support, ticking a box, and moving on.

We are past the stage of ticking boxes – the clock is ticking.

The two-State solution is near a point of no return.

The international community has a responsibility to prevent perpetual occupation and violence.

My call to Member States is clear and urgent:

Take irreversible action towards implementing a two-State solution.

Do not let extremists on any side undermine what remains of the peace process.

The High-Level Conference in June, co-chaired by France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is an important opportunity to revitalize international support.

I encourage Member States to go beyond affirmations, and to think creatively about the concrete steps they will take to support a viable two-State solution before it is too late.

At the same time, the Palestinian Authority needs stepped-up and sustained support – politically and financially. This is crucial to ensure the continued viability of Palestinian institutions, consolidate ongoing reforms, and enable the PA to resume its full responsibilities in Gaza.

Mr. President,

At this hinge point of history for the people of the Middle East – and on this issue on which so much hinges – leaders must stand and deliver.

Show the political courage and exercise the political will to make good on this central question for peace for Palestinians, Israelis, the region and humanity.

Thank you.

***
[all-English]

Mr. President, Excellencies,

I thank the French presidency for convening this ministerial-level meeting on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

The region is undergoing fundamental shifts, marked by violence and volatility but also opportunity and potential.

In Lebanon, the ceasefire and territorial integrity must be respected and all commitments implemented.

In Syria, we must keep working to support the country’s path towards a political transition that is inclusive of all segments of the Syrian population – one that ensures accountability, fosters national healing, and lays the foundation for Syria’s long-term recovery and further integration into the international community.

This includes the situation in the occupied Syrian Golan — which remains precarious with significant violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, with the continued presence of the Israel Defense Forces into the area of separation and their several strikes targeting locations across the ceasefire line.

Across the Middle East, people demand and deserve a better future, not endless conflict and suffering.

We must collectively work to ensure that this turbulent and transitional period meets those aspirations — and delivers justice, dignity, rights, security and lasting peace.

It starts by recognizing two fundamental facts:

First, that the region is at a hinge-point in history.

And, second, that truly sustainable Middle East peace hinges on one central question.

On a core issue that this Security Council has affirmed and re-affirmed decade after decade, year after year: a two-state solution, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.

Mr. President,

Today, the promise of a two-State solution is at risk of dwindling to the point of disappearance.

The political commitment to this long-standing goal is farther than it has ever been.

As a result, the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to live and peace and security have been undermined – and the legitimate national aspirations of the Palestinians have been denied – while they endure Israel’s continued presence that the International Court of Justice has found unlawful.

And since the horrific 7 October terror attacks by Hamas, it has gotten worse on every front.

First, the unrelenting conflict and devastation in Gaza – including the utterly inhumane conditions of life imposed on its people who are repeatedly coming under attack, confined to smaller and smaller spaces, and deprived of lifesaving relief.

In line with international law, the Security Council has rejected any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip, including any actions that reduce its territory.

Gaza is — and must remain — an integral part of a future Palestinian state.

Second, in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli military operations and the use of heavy weaponry in residential areas, forcible displacement, demolitions, movement restrictions, and settlement expansion are dramatically altering demographic and geographic realities.

Palestinians are being contained and coerced. Contained in areas that are subject to increasing military operations and where the Palestinian Authority is under growing pressure – and coerced out of areas where settlements are expanding.

Third, settler violence continues at alarmingly high levels in a climate of impunity, with entire Palestinian communities facing repeated assaults and destruction, sometimes abetted by Israeli soldiers.

Palestinian attacks against Israelis in both Israel and the occupied West Bank also continue.

Mr. President,

The world cannot afford to watch the two-State solution disappear.

Political leaders face clear choices — the choice to be silent, the choice to acquiesce, or the choice to act.

Mr. President,

In Gaza, there is no end in sight to the killing and misery.

The ceasefire had brought a glimmer of hope – the long-sought release of hostages and delivery of lifesaving humanitarian relief.

But those embers of opportunity were cruelly extinguished with the shattering of the ceasefire on 18 March.

Since then, almost 2,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israeli strikes and military operations – including women, children, journalists, and humanitarians.

Hamas also continues to fire rockets towards Israel indiscriminately – while the hostages continue to be held in appalling conditions.

The humanitarian situation throughout the Gaza Strip has gone from bad … to worse … to beyond imagination.

For nearly two full months, Israel has blocked food, fuel, medicine and commercial supplies, depriving more than two million people of lifesaving relief.

All while the world watches.

I am alarmed by statements by Israeli government officials about the use of humanitarian aid as a tool for military pressure.

Aid is non-negotiable.

Israel must protect civilians and must agree to relief schemes and facilitate them.

I salute the women and men of the United Nations and all other humanitarian workers – especially our Palestinian colleagues — who continue to work under fire and in incomprehensibly difficult conditions.

And I mourn all of the women and men of the United Nations who were killed – including some with their families.

The entry of assistance must be restored immediately — the safety of UN personnel and humanitarian partners must be guaranteed – and UN agencies must be allowed to work in full respect of humanitarian principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.

There must be no hindrance in humanitarian aid – including through the vital work of UNRWA.

We need the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

And we need a permanent ceasefire.

It’s time to stop the repeated displacement of the Gaza population – along with any question of forced displacement outside of Gaza.

And the trampling of international law must end.

I call on Member States to use their leverage to ensure that international law is respected and impunity does not prevail.

This includes for the 19 March incident for which Israel has now acknowledged responsibility in firing on a UN guesthouse, killing one colleague and injuring six others … the 23 March killing of paramedics and other rescue workers in Rafah … as well as many other cases.

There must be accountability across the board.

Mr. President,

Advisory proceedings are ongoing at the International Court of Justice on the obligations of Israel, as an occupying Power and a Member of the United Nations, in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

In February, the United Nations Legal Counsel submitted a written statement to the Court – and yesterday, she made an oral statement before the Court – both of which on my behalf.

The statement to the Court includes points that I have made on a number of occasions.

Specifically, that all parties to conflict must comply with all their obligations under international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

That Israel, as an occupying Power, is under an obligation to ensure food and medical supplies of the population.

That Israel has an obligation to agree to and facilitate relief schemes in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

That humanitarian, medical and United Nations personnel must be respected and protected.

And I emphasize the obligation under international law to respect the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its personnel, including the absolute inviolability of United Nations premises, property and assets – and the immunity from legal process of the United Nations.

Such immunity applies to all UN entities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory – including UNRWA – a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly.

I call on Member States to fully support all of these efforts.

Mr. President,

In this period of turmoil and transition for the region, Member States must spell out how they will realize the commitment and promise of a two-State solution.

This is not a time for ritualistically expressing support, ticking a box, and moving on.

We are past the stage of ticking boxes – the clock is ticking.

The two-State solution is near a point of no return.

The international community has a responsibility to prevent perpetual occupation and violence.

My call to Member States is clear and urgent:

Take irreversible action towards implementing a two-State solution.

Do not let extremists on any side undermine what remains of the peace process.

The High-Level Conference in June, co-chaired by France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is an important opportunity to revitalize international support.

I encourage Member States to go beyond affirmations, and to think creatively about the concrete steps they will take to support a viable two-State solution before it is too late.

At the same time, the Palestinian Authority needs stepped-up and sustained support – politically and financially. This is crucial to ensure the continued viability of Palestinian institutions, consolidate ongoing reforms, and enable the PA to resume its full responsibilities in Gaza.

Mr. President,

At this hinge point of history for the people of the Middle East – and on this issue on which so much hinges – leaders must stand and deliver.

Show the political courage and exercise the political will to make good on this central question for peace for Palestinians, Israelis, the region and humanity.

Thank you.

***
[all-French]

Monsieur le Président, Excellences,

Je remercie la présidence française d’organiser cette réunion au niveau ministériel sur le Moyen-Orient, y compris la question palestinienne.

La région traverse des bouleversements fondamentaux, marqués par la violence et la volatilité, mais également porteurs d’opportunités et de potentiel.

Au Liban, le cessez-le-feu et l’intégrité territoriale doivent être respectés et tous les engagements doivent être mis en œuvre.

En Syrie, nous devons poursuivre nos efforts pour accompagner le pays sur la voie d’une transition politique inclusive de toutes les composantes de la population syrienne – une transition qui garantisse la reddition de comptes, favorise la réconciliation nationale, et jette les bases du redressement à long terme de la Syrie ainsi que de son intégration future au sein de la communauté internationale.

Cela inclut la situation dans le Golan syrien occupé, qui demeure précaire en raison de violations majeures de l’Accord de désengagement des forces de 1974 – notamment la présence continue des Forces de défense israéliennes dans la zone de séparation, ainsi que leurs multiples frappes contre des sites au-delà de la ligne de cessez-le-feu.

À travers le Moyen-Orient, les populations réclament et méritent un avenir meilleur – et non des conflits et des souffrances sans fin.

Nous devons agir ensemble pour faire en sorte que cette période de turbulences et de transition réponde à ces aspirations – et qu’elle apporte justice, dignité, droits, sécurité, et une paix durable.

Cela commence par la reconnaissance de deux faits fondamentaux :

Premièrement, la région se trouve à un moment charnière de son histoire.
Et, deuxièmement, que toute paix vraiment durable au Moyen-Orient dépend d’une question centrale.

Un élément essentiel que ce Conseil de sécurité a affirmé et réaffirmé, année après année, décennie après décennie : une solution à deux États, Israël et la Palestine, vivant côte-à-côte dans la paix et la sécurité, avec Jérusalem comme capitale des deux États.

Monsieur le Président,

Aujourd’hui, la promesse de la solution des deux États court le risque de s’effilocher au point de disparaître.

L’engagement politique en faveur de cet objectif de longue date n’a jamais été aussi ténu.

De ce fait, les droits des Israéliens et des Palestiniens de vivre en paix et sécurité ont été mis à mal – et les aspirations nationales légitimes des Palestiniens ont été niées – alors qu’ils continuent de subir une présence israélienne que la Cour internationale de justice a jugée illicite.

Depuis les effroyables attaques terroristes perpétrées par le Hamas le 7 octobre, la situation s’est aggravée sur tous les fronts.

Premièrement, avec le conflit incessant et la dévastation que subit la bande de Gaza : les conditions de vie sont absolument inhumaines, les habitants sont la cible d’attaques à répétition et sont confinés dans des espaces de plus en plus réduits et privés d’une aide vitale.

S’appuyant sur le droit international, le Conseil de sécurité a rejeté toute tentative de changement démographique ou territorial dans la bande de Gaza, y compris tout acte visant à réduire le territoire.

Gaza fait partie intégrante d’un futur État palestinien et doit le rester.

Deuxièmement, en Cisjordanie occupée, y compris Jérusalem-Est, les opérations militaires israéliennes et l’emploi d’armes lourdes dans des zones résidentielles, les déplacements forcés, les démolitions, les restrictions de circulation et l’expansion des colonies transforment radicalement les réalités démographiques et géographiques.

Les Palestiniens sont cantonnés dans certains endroits et contraints d’en quitter d’autres. Ils sont cantonnés dans des zones où les opérations militaires se multiplient et où l’Autorité palestinienne est soumise à des pressions croissantes, et contraints de quitter les zones où les colons étendent leur emprise.

Troisièmement, la violence exercée par les colons se poursuit dans un climat d’impunité, parfois avec la complicité de soldats israéliens, et atteint des niveaux alarmants : des communautés palestiniennes tout entières sont agressées et victimes de destructions à répétition.

Les attaques menées par des Palestiniens contre des Israéliens en Israël et en Cisjordanie occupée se poursuivent également.

Monsieur le Président,

Le monde ne peut pas se permettre de voir la solution des deux États s’évanouir.

Les dirigeants politiques ont le choix : se taire, acquiescer ou agir.

Monsieur le Président,

À Gaza, rien ne laisse entrevoir la fin de la tuerie et des souffrances.

Le cessez-le-feu avait apporté une lueur d’espoir : la libération des otages, tant attendue, et l’acheminement d’une aide humanitaire vitale.
Hélas, cette lueur d’espoir s’est éteinte avec la rupture du cessez-le-feu le 18 mars.

Depuis, les frappes et les opérations militaires israéliennes ont fait près de 2000 morts parmi les Palestiniens dans la bande de Gaza, y compris des femmes, des enfants, des journalistes et du personnel humanitaire.

Le Hamas continue également de tirer des roquettes sur Israël sans discernement – tandis que les otages sont toujours détenus dans des conditions épouvantables.

Déjà mauvaise, la situation humanitaire dans la bande de Gaza n’a fait qu’empirer et dépasse aujourd’hui l’entendement.

Depuis près de deux mois, Israël bloque les livraisons de nourriture, de carburant, de médicaments et de marchandises, privant ainsi plus de deux millions de personnes d’une aide vitale.

Et ce, au vu et au su du monde entier.

Je suis alarmé par les déclarations de représentants d’Israël concernant l’utilisation de l’aide humanitaire comme moyen de pression militaire.

L’aide humanitaire n’est pas négociable.

Israël est tenu de protéger les civils ; il doit accepter les programmes d’aide et en faciliter l’exécution.

Je rends hommage au personnel des Nations Unies, femmes et hommes, ainsi qu’à tous les autres agents humanitaires, en particulier à nos collègues palestiniens, qui continuent à travailler malgré les frappes et dans des conditions inouïes.

Et je pleure toutes les femmes et tous les hommes des Nations Unies qui ont été tués – y compris certains avec leurs familles.

L’acheminement de l’aide doit être rétabli immédiatement, la sécurité du personnel des Nations Unies et des partenaires humanitaires doit être garantie et les entités des Nations Unies doivent pouvoir travailler dans le plein respect des principes humanitaires : humanité, impartialité, neutralité et indépendance.

Il ne doit y avoir aucune entrave à l’aide humanitaire, notamment au travail vital que fait l’UNRWA.

Il faut que tous les otages soient libérés immédiatement et sans conditions.

Et il faut un cessez-le-feu permanent.

Il est temps de mettre un terme aux déplacements répétés de la population de Gaza, ainsi qu’à la question des déplacements forcés en dehors de Gaza.

Et il faut cesser de bafouer le droit international.

J’engage tous les États Membres à user de leur influence pour que le droit international soit respecté et que l’impunité ne l’emporte pas.

Je veux parler notamment de la frappe du 19 mars contre une résidence des Nations Unies, qui a fait un mort et six blessés parmi nos collègues et pour laquelle Israël a désormais reconnu sa responsabilité … de l’attaque du 23 mars, dans laquelle du personnel paramédical et d’autres secouristes ont trouvé la mort à Rafah … et de bien d’autres encore.

Aucun acte ne saurait rester impuni.

Monsieur le Président,

Une procédure consultative a été engagée à la Cour internationale de Justice sur les obligations d’Israël, Puissance occupante et membre de l’ONU, en ce qui concerne la présence et les activités des entités des Nations Unies dans le Territoire palestinien occupé et en lien avec celui-ci.

En février, la Conseillère juridique de l’ONU a soumis en mon nom une déclaration écrite à la Cour, et hier, elle a fait une déclaration orale devant la Cour, également en mon nom.

Cette déclaration reprend des points que j’ai soulevés à plusieurs reprises.

En particulier, le fait que toutes les parties au conflit sont tenues de s’acquitter des obligations que leur impose le droit international, y compris le droit international humanitaire et le droit international des droits humains.

Qu’Israël, Puissance occupante, est tenu d’assurer l’approvisionnement de la population en produits alimentaires et fournitures médicales.

Qu’il est tenu d’accepter les programmes d’aide et d’en faciliter l’exécution dans le Territoire palestinien occupé.

Que le personnel humanitaire et médical, ainsi que le personnel des Nations Unies, doit être respecté et protégé.

Je tiens à insister sur l’obligation faite en droit international de respecter les privilèges et immunités des Nations Unies et de leur personnel, y compris l’inviolabilité absolue des locaux, des biens et des avoirs des Nations Unies, ainsi que l’immunité de juridiction des Nations Unies.

Cette immunité s’applique à toutes les entités des Nations Unies dans le Territoire palestinien occupé, y compris l’UNRWA, organe subsidiaire de l’Assemblée générale.

J’engage les États Membres à soutenir tous ces efforts.

Monsieur le Président,

En cette période de tourmente et de transition pour la région, les États Membres doivent énoncer clairement comment ils concrétiseront l’engagement qu’ils ont pris et la promesse qu’ils ont faite quant à la solution des deux États.

Ce n’est pas le moment d’exprimer rituellement son soutien, de cocher une case et de passer à autre chose.

Nous avons dépassé le stade des cases à cocher : le temps presse.

Pour la solution des deux États, le glas a presque sonné.

La communauté internationale a la responsabilité d’empêcher l’occupation et la violence perpétuelles.

L’appel que je leur lance est urgent et sans équivoque :

Prenez des mesures irréversibles pour concrétiser la solution des deux États.

Ne laissez pas les extrémistes de tout bord saper ce qu’il reste du processus de paix.

La Conférence de haut niveau qui se tiendra en juin, co-présidée par la France et le Royaume d’Arabie saoudite, est une véritable occasion de revitaliser le soutien international.

J’encourage les États membres à aller au-delà des affirmations et à réfléchir de manière créative aux mesures concrètes qu’ils prendront pour soutenir une solution viable à deux États avant qu’il ne soit trop tard.

J’encourage les États Membres à traduire les paroles en actes et à réfléchir de manière créative pour déterminer les mesures concrètes qu’ils prendront pour soutenir une solution viable de deux États – avant qu’il ne soit trop tard.

Parallèlement, l’Autorité palestinienne a besoin d’un soutien accru et durable, tant sur le plan politique que financièrement parlant. C’est une condition essentielle pour garantir la viabilité des institutions palestiniennes, asseoir les réformes engagées et permettre à l’Autorité palestinienne d’exercer de nouveau toutes ses responsabilités dans la bande de Gaza.

Monsieur le Président,

À ce moment charnière de l’histoire pour les peuples du Moyen-Orient – et vis-à-vis de cette question dont dépendent tant de choses – les dirigeants doivent concrétiser leur promesse.

Faites preuve de courage et de volonté politiques, tenez vos engagements vis-à-vis de cette question centrale pour la paix : pour les Palestiniens, les Israéliens, la région et l’humanité tout entière.

Je vous remercie.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Former Vice President and Controller of Publicly Traded Consumer Goods Company Sentenced to 13 Months for $1.6M Insider Trading Scheme

Source: US State Government of Utah

A Florida man was sentenced yesterday in the Southern District of Florida to 13 months’ imprisonment and a $10,000 fine for his role in an insider trading scheme that netted over $1.6 million in profits. He was also ordered to pay over $200,000 in restitution and over $1.6 million in forfeiture.

According to court documents, from November 2018 to April 2023, Stephen George, 54, of Parkland, was a member of the Finance Department and held roles including controller and vice president at a consumer-packaged goods company headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida (Company A). The company was the maker of a fitness drink whose securities were publicly traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market. At Company A, George received material non-public information (MNPI) regarding the company’s financial performance.

On his final day at Company A on April 7, 2023, George created a consolidated income statement showing its financial performance for the first quarter of 2023, which George knew contained MNPI. The income statement showed that the company’s first quarter results had greatly exceeded expectations. George then emailed the document to himself using two personal email accounts.

On April 10, 2023, the first trading day after his last day of employment, and continuing through May 8, 2023, George purchased Company A securities based on MNPI – specifically, 20,000 shares of common stock and 300 call option contracts. On May 9, 2023, after the market close, Company A publicly reported better-than-expected earnings and sales for the first quarter of 2023, including an all-time quarterly record in revenue. After the public announcement, its stock price increased significantly. During the next trading day, George sold all 20,000 shares of common stock and 300 call option contracts, resulting in over $1.6 million in personal profits.

In February 2025, George pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud.

Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case. The Justice Department appreciates the assistance of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s Criminal Prosecution Assistance Group.

Trial Attorneys Matthew F. Sullivan and Matt Kahn of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eli S. Rubin and Elizabeth Young for the Southern District of Florida prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Grosnoff for the Southern District of Florida handled asset forfeiture.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Memphis Woman Sentenced in Health Care Fraud Scheme and Schemes to Defraud COVID-19 Relief Program

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

Memphis, TN – A federal judge has sentenced Nakita Cannady, 49, to 14 months in federal prison to be followed by two years of supervised release for healthcare fraud and making false statements in connection with loan applications for the Covid-19 Relief Program. The final sentencing hearing was concluded on April 4, 2025, with the entry of an order by Senior United States District Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr. directing the defendant to pay more than $500,000.00 dollars in restitution to the victims. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

According to the original federal indictment in the healthcare fraud case, Cannady owned and operated What About Us In-Home Healthcare, a home healthcare services business that purported to provide custodial healthcare services 24-hours a day, 7 days a week to mostly elderly patients. From May 29, 2017 through December 23, 2019, Cannady fraudulently billed Cigna Insurance for 24 hours a day of home healthcare when she knew the patients had only received 8 or 12 hours a day of home healthcare. Cannady was ordered to make restitution to Cigna Insurance in the amount of $193,508.10.

According to the second federal indictment, from June 17, 2020 through April 15, 2021, Cannady submitted six fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications for four purported businesses she controlled, specifically: What About Us Childcare, What About Us Foundation, What About Us Adult Daycare, and What About Us In-Home Healthcare. Cannady’s loan applications contained false information concerning the dates of operation, gross revenues, costs of goods sold, number of employees, and amount of payroll related to the businesses. Cannady was ordered to make restitution to the Small Business Administration in the amount of $346,882.13.

“Those who exploit health care programs for personal gain will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Nashville Field Office. “Health care fraud is a priority for the FBI, and we will continue to work with our partners to investigate those who prioritize greed over the well-being of others.”

Interim United States Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr. and Assistant United States Attorney Raney Irwin prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Cotten and former Assistant United States Attorneys Courtney Lewis and Murrell Foster also assisted in the prosecution of this case. The FBI Nashville Field Office – Memphis Resident Agency and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation investigated this case.

###

For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

MIL Security OSI –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Prolific Fraudster Sentenced to 10 Years for Series of Schemes Costing Victims Millions

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

HOUSTON – A 39-year-old Manvel resident who used his veteran status to perpetuate several financial crimes has been ordered to federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Antonio Jackson Jr. pleaded guilty Feb. 4.

U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal has now ordered Jackson to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. The court also ordered Jackson to pay a total of $1,974,145.63 in restitution to four different victims.

At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence about the various methods Jackson used to exploit his victims, including creating fake companies, submitting bogus tax records and even faking signatures of government officials and copying official government seals and emblems. In handing down the sentence, Judge Rosenthal highlighted Jackson’s wide-ranging criminal conduct and his ongoing commitment to defrauding both public and private victims. The court also noted that Jackson exploited his brief stint in the U.S. Army, which ended in a court-martial, as a way to deceive others under the guise of service.

From July 2020 to May 2021, Jackson submitted four false Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications. He claimed his business earned millions in revenue and paid hundreds of thousands in wages to more than 20 employees. In reality, Jackson fabricated tax returns, bank statements and other business records to support his false claims. The scheme resulted in losses of approximately $480,000.

While awaiting trial, authorities uncovered three additional schemes Jackson committed. As part of his plea agreement, he admitted to defrauding a Washington D.C.-based federal credit union through a series of scam home improvement loans. Jackson also made false statements to obtain a Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA)-backed loan. In addition, he defrauded Brazoria County taxpayers by falsely claiming disabled veteran status to receive property tax relief on his Manvel residence.

He will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The Small Business Administration and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs- Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation with the assistance of several local police departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Swartz and Thomas Carter prosecuted the case.

MIL Security OSI –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Former Vice President and Controller of Publicly Traded Consumer Goods Company Sentenced to 13 Months for $1.6M Insider Trading Scheme

Source: United States Attorneys General 13

A Florida man was sentenced yesterday in the Southern District of Florida to 13 months’ imprisonment and a $10,000 fine for his role in an insider trading scheme that netted over $1.6 million in profits. He was also ordered to pay over $200,000 in restitution and over $1.6 million in forfeiture.

According to court documents, from November 2018 to April 2023, Stephen George, 54, of Parkland, was a member of the Finance Department and held roles including controller and vice president at a consumer-packaged goods company headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida (Company A). The company was the maker of a fitness drink whose securities were publicly traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market. At Company A, George received material non-public information (MNPI) regarding the company’s financial performance.

On his final day at Company A on April 7, 2023, George created a consolidated income statement showing its financial performance for the first quarter of 2023, which George knew contained MNPI. The income statement showed that the company’s first quarter results had greatly exceeded expectations. George then emailed the document to himself using two personal email accounts.

On April 10, 2023, the first trading day after his last day of employment, and continuing through May 8, 2023, George purchased Company A securities based on MNPI – specifically, 20,000 shares of common stock and 300 call option contracts. On May 9, 2023, after the market close, Company A publicly reported better-than-expected earnings and sales for the first quarter of 2023, including an all-time quarterly record in revenue. After the public announcement, its stock price increased significantly. During the next trading day, George sold all 20,000 shares of common stock and 300 call option contracts, resulting in over $1.6 million in personal profits.

In February 2025, George pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud.

Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case. The Justice Department appreciates the assistance of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s Criminal Prosecution Assistance Group.

Trial Attorneys Matthew F. Sullivan and Matt Kahn of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eli S. Rubin and Elizabeth Young for the Southern District of Florida prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Grosnoff for the Southern District of Florida handled asset forfeiture.

MIL Security OSI –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: BloFin Surpasses Top Exchange Standards in Performance, Liquidity, and Broker Integration

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BloFin, a futures-focused trading platform and Title Sponsor of TOKEN2049 Dubai 2025, is accelerating the next generation of trading infrastructure.

According to its April 2025 technical performance report, BloFin’s trading system outperforms many top-tier global exchanges in key areas, including speed, stability, efficiency, and automation. From ultra-low-latency execution to industry-leading memory and CPU optimization, and the highest level of broker integration and API openness, BloFin is building an infrastructure designed for professional traders and institutions.

Low-Latency Performance Across Devices: BloFin Delivers Seamless Trading on Both Web and Mobile with Institutional-Grade Speed and Stability

BloFin Outperforms Top Exchanges with Best-in-Class Homepage, Spot, and Futures Trading Performance. According to real-user data and Google PageSpeed testing, BloFin’s homepage scored 86, outperforming OKX (79), Binance (71), Bitget (60), and Bybit (54), which deliver faster loading, smoother interaction, and a superior first impression for users.

On the trading side, BloFin’s spot page achieved a score of 66, and its futures page reached 63, both surpassing major competitors.

These results highlight BloFin’s commitment to offering traders a consistently faster, more stable, and more reliable experience, even under heavy trading loads.

– Data Source: Google PageSpeed Insights – Core Web Vitals (CWV) performance data

Ranking Top 3: BloFin Among the Best-in-Class Exchanges for Mobile App Efficiency

BloFin also continues to lead in mobile performance, ranking among the top three exchanges for app speed and efficiency. With a startup time of just 1.57 seconds, BloFin outperforms BingX, Bybit, and Bitget, allowing traders to access the platform quickly without delay. BloFin also maintains a low stutter rate (68 times), closely following Binance and significantly outperforming Bybit, Bitget, and OKX for a smoother and more stable experience.

In addition, it demonstrates industry-leading memory efficiency, using only 354 MB compared to Binance (732 MB) and Bitget (832 MB), and achieves the lowest CPU usage at just 17%, which minimizes device strain and maximizes battery life during trading.

BloFin leads top-tier exchanges in broker integrations, with over 30 external partners, far ahead of Bybit, BingX, MEXC, and others.

Additionally, BloFin leads the industry with 30 broker integrations, far surpassing other exchanges. Major partners include CCXT, CoinStats, Tuleep Trade, Alertatron, and Crypto OS, giving users unparalleled access to external trading tools and ecosystems. BloFin stands out with clear, verifiable partnerships with top broker platforms.

The platform currently supports full public API access for futures trading, including copy trading strategies. More than 30 external brokers, including CCXT, CoinStat, and Compendium, are already integrated, making it easy for institutional traders, quants, and strategy providers to connect and operate at scale.

Additionally, BloFin has introduced direct support for high-frequency bots and automated strategy deployment, allowing users to execute, optimize, and scale their trading operations seamlessly. This infrastructure not only boosts platform liquidity but also promotes organic, strategy-driven growth.

As BloFin continues to scale its infrastructure and expand its global presence, the platform is setting a new benchmark for speed, strategy, and institutional-grade trading.

With a commitment to technical excellence and continuous innovation, BloFin is shaping the future of professional crypto trading — staying true to its mission of being Where Whales Are Made.

Follow BloFin X（Twitter）｜Telegram｜Instagram｜YouTube

About BloFin

BloFin is a top-tier cryptocurrency exchange that specializes in futures trading. The platform offers 480+ USDT-M perpetual pairs, spot trading, copy trading, API access, unified account management, and advanced sub-account solutions. Committed to security and compliance, BloFin integrates Fireblocks and Chainalysis to ensure robust asset protection. By partnering with top affiliates, BloFin delivers scalable trading solutions, efficient fund management, and enhanced flexibility for professional traders. As the constant sponsor of TOKEN2049, BloFin continues to expand its global presence, reinforcing its position as the place “WHERE WHALES ARE MADE.” For more information, visit BloFin’s official website at https://www.blofin.com.

Contact:
Annio W.
annio@blofin.io

Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by BloFin. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.

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The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025

MIL-OSI: Eagle Bancorp Montana Earns $3.2 Million, or $0.41 per Diluted Share, in the First Quarter of 2025; Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.1425 Per Share and Renews Stock Repurchase Plan

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HELENA, Mont., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. (NASDAQ: EBMT), (the “Company,” “Eagle”), the holding company of Opportunity Bank of Montana (the “Bank”), today reported net income of $3.2 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $3.4 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, in the preceding quarter, and $1.9 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2024.

Eagle’s board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.1425 per share on April 24, 2025. The dividend will be payable June 6, 2025, to shareholders of record May 16, 2025. The current dividend represents an annualized yield of 3.43% based on recent market prices.

“We produced solid first quarter 2025 operating results, reflecting quarterly deposit growth, a reduction in operating expenses and net interest margin expansion,” said Laura F. Clark, President and CEO. “We are making progress in building our community bank franchise across the state of Montana, highlighted by a steady core deposit base and a well-balanced loan portfolio. We are one of only three publicly traded financial institutions based in Montana, and while market volatility and interest rate cycles continue to impact the overall economy, we remain well positioned in our markets to continue to grow.”

First Quarter 2025 Highlights (at or for the three-month period ended March 31, 2025, except where noted):

Net income was $3.2 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $3.4 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, in the preceding quarter, and increased 70.7% compared to $1.9 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, in the first quarter a year ago.
Net interest margin (“NIM”) was 3.74% in the first quarter of 2025, a 15-basis point increase compared to 3.59% in the preceding quarter and a 41-basis point increase compared to the first quarter a year ago.
Net interest income, before the provision for credit losses, increased 0.7% to $16.9 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $16.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, and increased 11.1% compared to $15.2 million in the first quarter of 2024.
Revenues (net interest income before the provision for credit losses, plus noninterest income) decreased 2.1% to $20.9 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $21.4 million in the preceding quarter and increased 9.1% compared to $19.2 million in the first quarter a year ago.
Total loans increased 1.7% to $1.52 billion, at March 31, 2025, compared to $1.50 billion a year earlier, and remained unchanged compared to $1.52 billion at December 31, 2024.
Total deposits increased $54.4 million or 3.3% to $1.69 billion at March 31, 2025, compared to a year earlier, and increased $8.7 million or 0.5%, compared to December 31, 2024.
The allowance for credit losses represented 1.10% of portfolio loans and 313.1% of nonperforming loans at March 31, 2025, compared to 1.10% of total portfolio loans and 227.6% of nonperforming loans at March 31, 2024.
The Company paid a quarterly cash dividend in the first quarter of $0.1425 per share on March 7, 2025, to shareholders of record February 14, 2025.

The Company’s available borrowing capacity was approximately $437.4 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $404.0 million at December 31, 2024.

	March 31, 2025				December 31, 2024
(Dollars in thousands)	Borrowings Outstanding		Remaining Borrowing Capacity		Borrowings Outstanding		Remaining Borrowing Capacity
Federal Home Loan Bank advances	$	124,952	$	310,857	$	140,930	$	276,664
Federal Reserve Bank discount window		–		26,509		–		27,349
Correspondent bank lines of credit		–		100,000		–		100,000
Total	$	124,952	$	437,366	$	140,930	$	404,013

Balance Sheet Results

Total assets were $2.09 billion at March 31, 2025, compared to $2.08 billion a year ago, and $2.10 billion three months earlier. The investment securities portfolio totaled $291.7 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $311.2 million a year ago, and $292.6 million at December 31, 2024.

Eagle originated $43.2 million in new residential mortgages during the quarter and sold $42.8 million in residential mortgages, with an average gross margin on sale of mortgage loans of approximately 3.15%. This production compares to residential mortgage originations of $68.1 million in the preceding quarter with sales of $64.0 million and an average gross margin on sale of mortgage loans of approximately 3.18%. Mortgage volumes remain low as rates have continued to be elevated relative to rates on existing mortgages.

Total loans increased $26.1 million, or 1.7%, compared to a year ago, and increased $2.9 million, or 0.2%, from three months earlier. Commercial real estate loans increased 5.3% to $666.3 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $632.5 million a year earlier. Commercial real estate loans were comprised of 71.9% non-owner occupied and 28.1% owner occupied at March 31, 2025. Agricultural and farmland loans increased 10.7% to $284.6 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $257.0 million a year earlier. Residential mortgage loans decreased 4.9% to $149.7 million, compared to $157.4 million a year earlier. Commercial loans increased 1.5% to $139.7 million, compared to $137.6 million a year ago. Commercial construction and development loans decreased 25.5% to $110.1 million, compared to $147.7 million a year ago. Home equity loans increased 11.3% to $100.7 million, residential construction loans increased 1.1% to $45.5 million, and consumer loans decreased 9.1% to $27.0 million, compared to a year ago.

“Our deposit mix has shifted over the last several quarters towards higher yielding deposits due to the higher interest rate environment, a trend that has affected most community banks. However, we have started to experience an ease in deposit pricing following the Fed rate cuts in the second half of 2024, and we anticipate this will continue as CDs continue to reprice,” said Miranda Spaulding, CFO.

Total deposits increased to $1.69 billion at March 31, 2025, compared to $1.64 billion at March 31, 2024, and $1.68 billion at December 31, 2024. Noninterest-bearing checking accounts represented 24.3%, interest-bearing checking accounts represented 12.5%, savings accounts represented 12.6%, money market accounts comprised 23.5% and time certificates of deposit made up 27.1% of the total deposit portfolio at March 31, 2025. Time certificates on deposits include $6.2 million in brokered certificates at March 31, 2025, compared to $50.0 million at March 31, 2024 and no brokered certificates at December 31, 2024. The average cost of total deposits was 1.67% in the first quarter of 2025, compared to 1.71% in the preceding quarter and 1.62% in the first quarter of 2024. The estimated amount of uninsured deposits was approximately $309.0 million, or 18% of total deposits, at March 31, 2025, compared to $323.0 million, or 19% of total deposits, at December 31, 2024.

FHLB advances and other borrowings decreased to $125.0 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $177.5 million at March 31, 2024, and $140.9 million at December 31, 2024. The average cost of FHLB advances and other borrowings was 4.75% in the first quarter of 2025, compared to 5.02% in the preceding quarter and 5.53% in the first quarter of 2024.
Shareholders’ equity was $177.6 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $168.9 million a year earlier and $174.8 million three months earlier. Book value per share increased to $22.26 at March 31, 2025, compared to $21.07 a year earlier and $21.77 three months earlier. Tangible book value per share, a non-GAAP financial measure calculated by dividing shareholders’ equity, less goodwill and core deposit intangible, by common shares outstanding, increased to $17.38 at March 31, 2025, compared to $16.05 a year earlier and $16.88 three months earlier.

Operating Results

“As anticipated, the higher yields on interest earning assets combined with a lower cost of funds contributed to our 15-basis point NIM expansion during the quarter, compared to the preceding quarter,” said Spaulding. “We anticipate continued improvement in our cost of funds based on current Fed rates.”

Eagle’s NIM was 3.74% in the first quarter of 2025, a 15-basis point increase compared to 3.59% in the preceding quarter and a 41-basis point improvement compared to the first quarter a year ago. The interest accretion on acquired loans totaled $172,000 and resulted in a four basis-point increase in the NIM during the first quarter of 2025, compared to $161,000 and a four basis-point increase in the NIM during the preceding quarter. Average yields on interest earning assets for the first quarter of 2025 increased to 5.76%, compared to 5.70% in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 5.47% in the first quarter a year ago. Funding costs for the first quarter of 2025 were 2.54%, compared to 2.69% in the fourth quarter of 2024 and 2.67% in the first quarter of 2024.

Net interest income, before the provision for credit losses, increased 0.7% to $16.9 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $16.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, and increased 11.1% compared to $15.2 million in the first quarter of 2024.

Total noninterest income decreased 12.2% to $4.0 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $4.6 million in the preceding quarter, and unchanged compared to $4.0 million in the first quarter a year ago. Net mortgage banking income, the largest component of noninterest income, totaled $2.1 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $2.8 million in the preceding quarter and $2.2 million in the first quarter a year ago. This decrease compared to the preceding quarter was largely driven by a decline in net gain on sale of mortgage loans, which was impacted by lower mortgage loan volumes.

Eagle’s first quarter noninterest expense was $17.0 million, a decrease of 3.9% compared to $17.7 million in the preceding quarter and unchanged compared to $17.0 million in the first quarter a year ago. Contract changes led to lower data processing expense, which contributed to the quarter-over-quarter decrease.

For the first quarter of 2025, the Company recorded income tax expense of $631,000. This compared to income tax expense of $269,000 in the preceding quarter and $370,000 in the first quarter of 2024. The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2025 was 16.3%, which was unchanged compared to 16.3% for the first quarter of 2024. The preceding quarter’s effective tax rate was 7.3%. The effective tax rate has been impacted by an increase in the proportion of tax-exempt income compared to pretax earnings, as well as tax credits from investments in low-income housing tax credit projects.

Credit Quality

During the first quarter of 2025, Eagle recorded a $42,000 provision for credit losses. This compared to a $36,000 recapture in the provision for credit losses in the preceding quarter and a $135,000 recapture in the provision for credit losses in the first quarter a year ago. The allowance for credit losses represented 313.1% of nonperforming loans at March 31, 2025, compared to 437.7% three months earlier and 227.6% a year earlier. Nonperforming loans were $5.3 million at March 31, 2025, $3.9 million at December 31, 2024, and $7.2 million a year earlier. Net loan charge-offs totaled $2,000 in the first quarter of 2025, compared to net loan charge-offs of $44,000 in the preceding quarter and net loan recoveries of $65,000 in the first quarter a year ago. The allowance for credit losses was $16.7 million, or 1.10% of total loans, at March 31, 2025, compared to $16.9 million, or 1.11% of total loans, at December 31, 2024, and $16.4 million, or 1.10% of total loans, a year ago.

Capital Management

The ratio of tangible common shareholders’ equity (shareholders’ equity, less goodwill and core deposit intangible) to tangible assets (total assets, less goodwill and core deposit intangible) was 6.77% at March 31, 2025, up from 6.32% a year ago and 6.57% three months earlier. This ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure. For the most comparable GAAP financial measure, see “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below. As of March 31, 2025, the Bank’s regulatory capital was in excess of all applicable regulatory requirements and is deemed well capitalized. The Bank’s Tier 1 capital to adjusted total average assets was 10.29% as of March 31, 2025.

Stock Repurchase Authority

Eagle announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to 400,000 shares of its common stock beginning May 1, 2025, representing approximately 5.0% of outstanding shares. Under the plan, shares may be purchased by the Company on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The extent to which the Company repurchases its shares and the timing of such repurchase will depend upon market conditions and other corporate considerations. The plan is expected to be in place for approximately 12 months, but may be suspended, terminated or modified by the Company’s Board of Directors at any time. The plan does not obligate the Company to purchase any particular number of shares.

About the Company

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Helena, Montana, and is the holding company of Opportunity Bank of Montana, a community bank established in 1922 that serves consumers and small businesses in Montana through 30 banking offices. Additional information is available on the Bank’s website at www.opportunitybank.com. The shares of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. are traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “EBMT.”

Forward Looking Statements

This release may contain certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and may be identified by the use of such words as “believe,” “will” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “estimated,” and “potential.” These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to statements of our goals, intentions, expectations and anticipations; statements regarding our business plans, prospects, mergers, growth and operating strategies; statements regarding the asset quality of our loan and investment portfolios; and estimates of our risks and future costs and benefits. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. These factors include, but are not limited to, changes in laws or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including changes in regulatory fees and capital requirements; general economic conditions and political events, either nationally or in our market areas, that are worse than expected; the emergence or continuation of widespread health emergencies or pandemics, including but not limited to vaccine efficacy and immunization rates, new variants, steps taken by governmental and other authorities to contain, mitigate and combat the pandemic, adverse effects on our employees, customers and third-party service providers, the increase in cyberattacks in the current work-from-home environment; the impact of volatility in the U.S. banking industry, including the associated impact of any regulatory changes or other mitigation efforts taken by governmental agencies in response thereto; the impact of any new regulatory, policy or enforcement developments resulting from the change in U.S. presidential administration, including the implantation of tariffs and other protectionist trade policies; the possibility that future credit losses may be higher than currently expected due to changes in economic assumptions, customer behavior, adverse developments with respect to U.S. economic conditions and other uncertainties, including the impact of supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures and labor shortages on economic conditions and our business; an inability to access capital markets or maintain deposits or borrowing costs; competition among banks, financial holding companies and other traditional and non-traditional financial service providers; loan demand or residential and commercial real estate values in Montana; the concentration of our business in Montana; our ability to continue to increase and manage our commercial real estate, commercial business and agricultural loans; the costs and effects of legal, compliance and regulatory actions, changes and developments, including the initiation and resolution of legal proceedings (including any securities, bank operations, consumer or employee litigation); inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins or reduce the fair value of financial instruments; adverse changes in the securities markets that lead to impairment in the value of our investment securities and goodwill; other economic, governmental, competitive, regulatory and technological factors that may affect our operations; our ability to implement new technologies and maintain secure and reliable technology systems including those that involve the Bank’s third-party vendors and service providers; cyber incidents, or theft or loss of Company or customer data or money; the effects of any U.S. federal government shutdown, or closures or significant staff reductions in agencies regulating our business; our ability to navigate differing social, environmental, and sustainability concerns among governmental administrations, our stakeholders and other activists that may arise from our business activities; the effect of our recent or future acquisitions, including the failure to achieve expected revenue growth and/or expense savings, the failure to effectively integrate their operations, the outcome of any legal proceedings and the diversion of management time on issues related to the integration.

Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. All information set forth in this press release is current as of the date of this release and the company undertakes no duty or obligation to update this information.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles utilized in the United States, or GAAP, in this release, including the Financial Ratios and Other Data contains non-GAAP financial measures. Non-GAAP financial measures include: 1) core efficiency ratio, 2) tangible book value per share and 3) tangible common equity to tangible assets. The Company uses these non-GAAP financial measures to provide meaningful supplemental information regarding the Company’s operational performance, performance trends and financial condition, and to enhance investors’ overall understanding of such financial performance. In particular, the use of tangible book value per share and tangible common equity to tangible assets is prevalent among banking regulators, investors and analysts.

The numerator for the core efficiency ratio is calculated by subtracting acquisition costs and intangible asset amortization from noninterest expense. Tangible assets and tangible common shareholders’ equity are calculated by excluding intangible assets from assets and shareholders’ equity, respectively. For these financial measures, our intangible assets consist of goodwill and core deposit intangible. Tangible book value per share is calculated by dividing tangible common shareholders’ equity by the number of common shares outstanding. We believe that this measure is consistent with the capital treatment by our bank regulatory agencies, which exclude intangible assets from the calculation of risk-based capital ratios and present this measure to facilitate the comparison of the quality and composition of our capital over time and in comparison, to our competitors.

Non-GAAP financial measures have inherent limitations, are not required to be uniformly applied, and are not audited. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies’ non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names. Further, the non-GAAP financial measure of tangible book value per share should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for book value per share or total shareholders’ equity determined in accordance with GAAP, and may not be comparable to a similarly titled measure reported by other companies. Eagle strongly encourages investors to review its consolidated financial statements in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure. Reconciliation of the GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures are presented below.

Balance Sheet
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)						(Unaudited)
			March 31,			December 31,			March 31,
			2025			2024			2024

Assets:
	Cash and due from banks		$	21,360		$	29,824		$	19,479
	Interest bearing deposits in banks			1,445			1,735			1,438
		Total cash and cash equivalents		22,805			31,559			20,917
	Securities available-for-sale, at fair value			291,661			292,590			311,227
	Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock			7,101			7,778			8,449
	Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) stock			4,131			4,131			4,131
	Mortgage loans held-for-sale, at fair value			6,223			13,368			9,612
	Loans:
	Real estate loans:
	Residential 1-4 family			149,699			153,721			157,414
	Residential 1-4 family construction			45,508			45,701			45,026
	Commercial real estate			666,265			645,962			632,452
	Commercial construction and development			110,107			124,211			147,740
	Farmland			153,456			146,610			140,246
	Other loans:
	Home equity			100,665			97,543			90,418
	Consumer			26,978			28,513			29,677
	Commercial			139,668			144,039			137,640
	Agricultural			131,162			134,346			116,775
		Total loans		1,523,508			1,520,646			1,497,388
	Allowance for credit losses			(16,720	)		(16,850	)		(16,410	)
		Net loans		1,506,788			1,503,796			1,480,978
	Accrued interest and dividends receivable			13,271			12,890			12,038
	Mortgage servicing rights, net			15,282			15,376			15,738
	Assets held-for-sale, at cost			960			960			–
	Premises and equipment, net			101,759			101,540			97,643
	Cash surrender value of life insurance, net			53,573			53,232			48,218
	Goodwill			34,740			34,740			34,740
	Core deposit intangible, net			4,181			4,499			5,514
	Other assets			25,941			26,631			26,869
		Total assets	$	2,088,416		$	2,103,090		$	2,076,074

Liabilities:
	Deposit accounts:
	Noninterest bearing		$	411,272		$	419,211		$	408,781
	Interest bearing			1,278,694			1,262,017			1,226,818
		Total deposits		1,689,966			1,681,228			1,635,599
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities			36,739			47,018			34,950
	FHLB advances and other borrowings			124,952			140,930			177,540
	Other long-term debt, net			59,186			59,149			59,037
		Total liabilities		1,910,843			1,928,325			1,907,126

Shareholders’ Equity:
	Preferred stock (par value $0.01 per share; 1,000,000 shares
	authorized; no shares issued or outstanding)			–			–			–
	Common stock (par value $0.01; 20,000,000 shares authorized;
	8,507,429 shares issued; 7,977,177, 8,027,177 and 8,016,784
	shares outstanding at March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024, and
	March 31, 2024, respectively			85			85			85
	Additional paid-in capital			108,451			108,334			108,893
	Unallocated common stock held by Employee Stock Ownership Plan			(3,867	)		(4,011	)		(4,440	)
	Treasury stock, at cost (530,252, 480,252 and 490,645 shares at
	March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively)			(11,517	)		(10,761	)		(11,124	)
	Retained earnings			103,366			101,264			96,797
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax			(18,945	)		(20,146	)		(21,263	)
		Total shareholders’ equity		177,573			174,765			168,948
		Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	2,088,416		$	2,103,090		$	2,076,074

Income Statement					(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)			Three Months Ended
			March 31,		December 31,			March 31,
			2025		2024			2024
Interest and dividend income:
	Interest and fees on loans		$	23,320	$	23,756		$	21,942
	Securities available-for-sale			2,451		2,475			2,724
	FRB and FHLB dividends			260		308			247
	Other interest income			38		148			29
		Total interest and dividend income		26,069		26,687			24,942
Interest expense:
	Interest expense on deposits			6,871		7,216			6,548
	FHLB advances and other borrowings			1,626		2,005			2,497
	Other long-term debt			670		676			683
		Total interest expense		9,167		9,897			9,728
Net interest income				16,902		16,790			15,214
Provision (recapture) for credit losses				42		(36	)		(135	)
		Net interest income after provision for credit losses		16,860		16,826			15,349

Noninterest income:
	Service charges on deposit accounts			389		387			400
	Mortgage banking, net			2,125		2,818			2,177
	Interchange and ATM fees			593		675			563
	Appreciation in cash surrender value of life insurance			350		408			288
	Net loss on sale of available-for-sale securities			–		(141	)		–
	Other noninterest income			559		425			524
		Total noninterest income		4,016		4,572			3,952

Noninterest expense:
	Salaries and employee benefits			9,664		9,830			9,718
	Occupancy and equipment expense			2,302		2,194			2,099
	Data processing			1,330		1,715			1,525
	Software subscriptions			658		576			528
	Advertising			232		466			253
	Amortization			320		337			369
	Loan costs			372		372			398
	FDIC insurance premiums			231		287			299
	Professional and examination fees			520		596			484
	Other noninterest expense			1,377		1,323			1,360
		Total noninterest expense		17,006		17,696			17,033

Income before provision for income taxes				3,870		3,702			2,268
Provision for income taxes				631		269			370
Net income			$	3,239	$	3,433		$	1,898

Basic earnings per common share			$	0.41	$	0.44		$	0.24
Diluted earnings per common share			$	0.41	$	0.44		$	0.24

Basic weighted average shares outstanding				7,812,248		7,862,279			7,824,928

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding				7,823,636		7,868,507			7,835,304

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION						(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)			Three Months Ended or Years Ended
			March 31,			December 31,			March 31
			2025			2024			2024

Mortgage Banking Activity (For the quarter):
	Net gain on sale of mortgage loans		$	1,349		$	2,036		$	1,414
	Net change in fair value of loans held-for-sale and derivatives			(115	)		(3	)		(173	)
	Mortgage servicing income, net			891			785			936
		Mortgage banking, net	$	2,125		$	2,818		$	2,177

Performance Ratios (For the quarter):
	Return on average assets			0.62	%		0.65	%		0.37	%
	Return on average equity			7.66	%		8.12	%		4.67	%
	Yield on average interest earning assets			5.76	%		5.70	%		5.47	%
	Cost of funds			2.54	%		2.69	%		2.67	%
	Net interest margin			3.74	%		3.59	%		3.33	%
	Core efficiency ratio*			79.77	%		81.26	%		86.95	%

Asset Quality Ratios and Data:			As of or for the Three Months Ended
			March 31,			December 31,			March 31,
			2025			2024			2024

	Nonaccrual loans		$	2,701		$	3,227		$	5,231
	Loans 90 days past due and still accruing			2,638			623			1,979
		Total nonperforming loans		5,339			3,850			7,210
	Other real estate owned and other repossessed assets			46			45			–
		Total nonperforming assets	$	5,385		$	3,895		$	7,210

	Nonperforming loans / portfolio loans			0.35	%		0.25	%		0.48	%
	Nonperforming assets / assets			0.26	%		0.19	%		0.35	%
	Allowance for credit losses / portfolio loans			1.10	%		1.11	%		1.10	%
	Allowance for credit losses/ nonperforming loans			313.17	%		437.66	%		227.60	%
	Gross loan charge-offs for the quarter		$	6		$	51		$	1
	Gross loan recoveries for the quarter		$	4		$	7		$	66
	Net loan charge-offs (recoveries) for the quarter		$	2		$	44		$	(65	)


			March 31,			December 31,			March 31,
			2025			2024			2024
Capital Data (At quarter end):
	Common shareholders’ equity (book value) per share		$	22.26		$	21.77		$	21.07
	Tangible book value per share**		$	17.38		$	16.88		$	16.05
	Shares outstanding			7,977,177			8,027,177			8,016,784
	Tangible common equity to tangible assets***			6.77	%		6.57	%		6.32	%

Other Information:
	Average investment securities for the quarter		$	293,273		$	300,088		$	314,129
	Average investment securities year-to-date		$	293,273		$	306,538		$	314,129
	Average loans for the quarter ****		$	1,526,774		$	1,533,686		$	1,499,293
	Average loans year-to-date ****		$	1,526,774		$	1,523,384		$	1,499,293
	Average earning assets for the quarter		$	1,835,210		$	1,858,078		$	1,830,316
	Average earning assets year-to-date		$	1,835,210		$	1,850,120		$	1,830,316
	Average total assets for the quarter		$	2,079,142		$	2,107,357		$	2,066,579
	Average total assets year-to-date		$	2,079,142		$	2,092,051		$	2,066,579
	Average deposits for the quarter		$	1,671,349		$	1,671,653		$	1,625,770
	Average deposits year-to-date		$	1,671,349		$	1,636,390		$	1,625,770
	Average equity for the quarter		$	169,088		$	169,054		$	162,637
	Average equity year-to-date		$	169,088		$	164,591		$	162,637

* The core efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP ratio that is calculated by dividing non-interest expense, exclusive of acquisition
costs and intangible asset amortization, by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income.
** The tangible book value per share is a non-GAAP ratio that is calculated by dividing shareholders’ equity,
less goodwill and core deposit intangible, by common shares outstanding.
*** The tangible common equity to tangible assets is a non-GAAP ratio that is calculated by dividing shareholders’
equity, less goodwill and core deposit intangible, by total assets, less goodwill and core deposit intangible.
**** Includes loans held for sale

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Core Efficiency Ratio			(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)			Three Months Ended
			March 31,			December 31,			March 31,
			2025			2024			2024
Calculation of Efficiency Ratio:
	Noninterest expense – efficiency ratio numerator		$	17,006		$	17,696		$	17,033

	Net interest income			16,902			16,790			15,214
	Noninterest income			4,016			4,572			3,952
		Efficiency ratio denominator		20,918			21,362			19,166

	Efficiency ratio (GAAP)			81.30	%		82.84	%		88.87	%

Calculation of Core Efficiency Ratio:
	Noninterest expense		$	17,006		$	17,696		$	17,033
	Intangible asset amortization			(320	)		(337	)		(369	)
		Core efficiency ratio numerator		16,686			17,359			16,664

	Net interest income			16,902			16,790			15,214
	Noninterest income			4,016			4,572			3,952
		Core efficiency ratio denominator		20,918			21,362			19,166

	Core efficiency ratio (non-GAAP)			79.77	%		81.26	%		86.95	%

Tangible Book Value and Tangible Assets			(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)			March 31,			December 31,			March 31,
			2025			2024			2024
Tangible Book Value:
	Shareholders’ equity		$	177,573		$	174,765		$	168,948
	Goodwill and core deposit intangible, net			(38,921	)		(39,239	)	$	(40,254	)
		Tangible common shareholders’ equity (non-GAAP)	$	138,652		$	135,526		$	128,694

	Common shares outstanding at end of period			7,977,177			8,027,177			8,016,784

	Common shareholders’ equity (book value) per share (GAAP)		$	22.26		$	21.77		$	21.07

	Tangible common shareholders’ equity (tangible book value)
		per share (non-GAAP)	$	17.38		$	16.88		$	16.05

Tangible Assets:
	Total assets		$	2,088,416		$	2,103,090		$	2,076,074
	Goodwill and core deposit intangible, net			(38,921	)		(39,239	)		(40,254	)
		Tangible assets (non-GAAP)	$	2,049,495		$	2,063,851		$	2,035,820

	Tangible common shareholders’ equity to tangible assets
		(non-GAAP)		6.77	%		6.57	%		6.32	%

Contacts:

Laura F. Clark, President and CEO
(406) 457-4007
Miranda J. Spaulding, SVP and CFO
(406) 441-5010

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025

MIL-OSI: Growers Edge Raises $25M to Build First Full-Service Fintech Platform for Agriculture

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

JOHNSTON, Iowa, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Growers Edge, which provides modern financial products and data-driven tools for agricultural retailers, manufacturers, and lenders, today announced a first close of a new financing round. The round was co-led by S2G Investments, Cibus Capital, and Lowercarbon Capital, with additional participation by Otter Creek, iSelect, and Jeff Ubben, founder of ValueAct Capital.

The new funding will enable Growers Edge to scale its financial solutions and expand its reach with more ag retailers and lenders, while driving greater adoption of climate-smart agricultural products and practices across the U.S.

“This milestone is a testament to the creativity and tenacity of our incredible team,” said Matt Hansen, CEO of Growers Edge. “They’re the true innovators who continue to transform complex challenges into real-world solutions for growers, retailers, and lenders.”

Growers Edge offers a suite of financial products that reduce risk and promote ag innovation, including its Crop Plan Warranty Program, land and climate intelligence solutions, digital mortgage lending products, and input lending tools. As a full-service fintech platform, Growers Edge delivers data-backed products that help agricultural businesses reduce risk and drive growth.

“Growers Edge is tackling one of the most critical barriers to agricultural innovation – financial risk,” said Ubben. “Their solutions provide ag retailers, lenders, and growers with the critical tools they need to embrace sustainability at scale, creating a clear path to profitability and innovation.”

The company partners directly with manufacturers, retailers, and industry groups to help growers adopt innovative practices with confidence, and has worked with five of the top ten largest ag retailers and leading organizations, including Nutrien, PepsiCo, Mondelez, Helena Agri-Enterprises, and The Nature Conservancy.

“Cibus is excited to invest in Growers Edge, who are leading the financial digital disruption of US agriculture with a focus on enabling sustainable farming practices,” said Alastair Cooper, Partner and Head of Venture at Cibus Capital.

“Farmers want what’s best for their land. But too often, the risk of trying something new means sticking with business as usual,” said Eric Helfgott, Principal at Lowercarbon Capital, known for investing in “better, faster, and cheaper” technologies that also significantly reduce carbon emissions. “By enabling new, sustainable ag practices without the financial risk, Growers Edge is helping climate-smart farming take root.”

The investment follows several recent milestones for Growers Edge, including acquiring AQUAOSO Technologies, expanding its farmland valuation tool to over 144 million acres, and surpassing one million acres protected through its Crop Plan Warranty program.

For more information, visit www.growersedge.com.

About Growers Edge

Growers Edge provides modern financial products and data-driven tools that help forward-thinking agriculture retailers, manufacturers, and lenders reduce their growers’ risks and costs when adopting newer innovative solutions and practices. The company’s crop plan warranty and input financing solutions are trusted by dozens of retailers and manufacturers to assist hundreds of growers affordably purchase their products and guarantee yields on over one million acres of cropland. For more information, visit growersedge.com.

John Strackhouse, Vice Chairman of Caldwell, led the recruitment for the CEO of Growers Edge.

About S2G Investments

S2G is a multi-stage investment firm focused on venture and growth-stage businesses across food & agriculture, oceans, and energy. The firm provides capital and value-added resources to companies and leadership teams pursuing market-based solutions designed to deliver greater value, improved outcomes, and enhanced performance over traditional alternatives. With a commitment to creating long-term, measurable outcomes, S2G structures flexible capital solutions that can range from venture funding through growth equity to debt and infrastructure financing. For more information about S2G, visit s2ginvestments.com.

About Cibus Capital LLP

Cibus Capital LLP is the London-based investment advisor to the Cibus funds. The Cibus funds partner with food and agriculture companies that provide investors with a risk-adjusted return on capital and a sustainable competitive advantage. Cibus has raised over USD 1bn to invest in two strategies: mid-market growth/buyout investments in food production and processing businesses and late-stage agrifood technology companies. For more information, visit cibusfund.com.

About Lowercarbon Capital

Lowercarbon Capital is a multibillion-dollar venture capital firm founded by Chris and Crystal Sacca that backs kickass companies making real money slashing CO2 emissions, sucking carbon out of the sky, and buying us time to unf**k the planet. For more information, visit www.lowercarboncapital.com.

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: DePoly to launch 500-tonne-per-year showcase plant to give yesterday’s plastics a new purpose, as it secures $23M

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Zurich, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Every year, millions of tons of PET and polyester waste end up in landfills or are incinerated, yet sustainable recycling solutions remain limited. Today, DePoly – the leading sustainable PET-to-raw-material recycling company – announces the upcoming launch of a 500-tonne-per-year showcase plant in Monthey, Switzerland this summer, representing a critical step in the company’s journey from laboratory breakthrough to industrial-scale implementation.

The facility will demonstrate DePoly’s proprietary process that converts PET and polyester waste into virgin-quality raw materials without fossil fuels. Imagine a world where discarded items – from polyester shirts to water bottles – are not wasted anymore but resources transformed back into the building blocks for new products. After all, revolutionizing an industry isn’t just about creating new technology – it’s about proving it works at scale.

DePoly co-founders (L to R) Christopher Ireland, Samantha Anderson and Bardiya Valizadeh.

DePoly’s technology has already demonstrated its commercial impact through collaborations with some of the world’s leading companies—not only in fashion, like Odlo, but also in cosmetics and the broader consumer goods industry, including innovators such as PTI. Through these partnerships, DePoly has validated the quality of its recycled monomers by transforming PET waste into new bottles, high-performance textile fibers, and cosmetic packaging. This proves that DePoly’s recycled materials can meet, and even exceed, the highest standards of purity and performance across a wide range of industries.

By delivering oil-equivalent monomers, DePoly’s technology sets a new benchmark for circularity, offering a genuine alternative to virgin materials. “The upcoming showcase plant validates our roadmap to creating a truly circular plastics market. Following our pilot and showcase plant, our next goal is to scale our operations to industrial size with a first of a kind commercial plant based on our technology,” said Samantha Anderson, Co-founder & CEO of DePoly.

DePoly is ramping up with world-class innovators, bold thinkers and cutting-edge know-how—taking their pilot victory to industrial scale demands nothing less than unstoppable ambition.The company is planning to build a commercial plant in 2027 that will process significantly larger volumes of PET and polyester waste – a major leap in redefining recycling and advancing the circular economy, as DePoly strives to become the global leader in sustainable, circular plastics.

Shredded PET samples.

To further accelerate this expansion, DePoly has secured a total of $23 million in seed funding with MassMutual Ventures joining a second closing of its round. The expanded investor base positions DePoly as one of the biggest recycling technology companies in Europe, with more than $30 million raised across two rounds and grants. MassMutual Ventures joins existing investors, including Founderful, ACE & Company, Angel Invest, Zürcher Kantonalbank, BASF Venture Capital, Beiersdorf Venture Capital, and Syensqo.

“DePoly’s proven technology is a game changer addressing a crucial industrial and societal challenge. This raise and the showcase plant opening are advancing DePoly’s position as a leader in plastics recycling,” said Alix Brunet, Europe Lead at MassMutual Ventures.

David Hanf, who joined DePoly in 2024 as CFO, brings extensive experience from European scale-ups including Smava and Thermondo—Germany’s largest B2C heat service company. Both an entrepreneur and an executive, he adds: “We are convinced our technology is one of the fastest to scale and will allow us to compete with virgin pricing at scale, a key factor for success. We are happy to have expanded our investor base to the US with MassMutual Ventures as we want to build a global champion.”

By transforming discarded plastics into high-quality raw materials, DePoly reduces reliance on fossil resources, minimizes waste, and paves the way for a circular materials industry. Recognized as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum and a winner of the 2024 Top 100 Swiss Startup Award, DePoly proves that sustainable innovation is not only possible – it’s happening now.

Ends

Media images can be found here.

About DePoly
DePoly is a cleantech company transforming polyester and PET waste into valuable raw materials. Using patented technology, DePoly breaks down plastic and textile waste into the building blocks for new, high-quality PET and polyester—reducing waste, cutting reliance on fossil fuels, and advancing circularity across multiple industries. DePoly was named a 2024 Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum and won the Top 100 Swiss Startup Award in 2024. Learn more at www.depoly.co.

About MassMutual Ventures
MassMutual Ventures (MMV) is a multistage global venture capital firm investing in climate technology, financial technology, enterprise SaaS, healthtech and cybersecurity companies. With teams based in London, Singapore, and Boston, MMV manages over $1 billion in investment capital across the globe. We help accelerate the growth of the companies we partner with by providing capital, connections, and advice. With our deep expertise and extensive network, MMV helps entrepreneurs build compelling and scalable companies of value. For more information, visit www.massmutualventures.com/.

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Wix Partners with ActiveCampaign to Enhance Customer Engagement and Marketing Automation
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

The partnership empowers businesses of all sizes, including multi-location brands and franchises, to streamline customer engagement, marketing automation, and website management in one seamless solution

NEW YORK – Wix.com Ltd. (NASDAQ: WIX), the leading SaaS website builder platform globally¹, today announced a partnership with ActiveCampaign, a leading marketing automation platform that helps small teams power big businesses in over 170 countries. This collaboration introduces an integrated solution for businesses of all sizes, franchises and multi-location businesses, to streamline their website and marketing technology stack, simplifying operations and enhancing customer engagement.

By combining Wix’s robust website management capabilities with ActiveCampaign’s advanced marketing automation platform, businesses can seamlessly oversee customer journeys from front-end website interactions to back-office operations. The integration enables effortless syncing of data between Wix websites and ActiveCampaign accounts——allowing for streamlined customer interactions, marketing campaigns and automations, and analytics. Key features include:
- Streamlined Data Integration: Data is seamlessly synched across both platforms, enabling business to better manage customer interactions and marketing efforts.
- Scalable Marketing Automation: Businesses can effortlessly create, distribute, and automate highly personalized marketing campaigns By leveraging customer insights—such as form submissions, product purchases, and other behaviors tracked on Wix sites and landing pages—businesses can seamlessly launch targeted, data-driven marketing initiatives.
- Comprehensive Centralized Reporting: Businesses have a holistic view of performance across their entire network, providing insights into customer engagement, sales conversions, and the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.
- Enhanced Multi-Location Management: Franchises and multi-location businesses can efficiently manage marketing automation, customer engagement, and website operations across multiple brands and locations using ActiveCampaign HQ. This centralized platform allows businesses to maintain brand consistency at both corporate and local levels.
“Whether managing a single site or hundreds of locations, Wix and ActiveCampaign provide an intuitive, scalable solution that simplifies workflows and businesses to focus on growth,” said David Schwartz, VP of Product at Wix. “With this partnership, businesses can qualify and nurture leads seamlessly, personalize sales and marketing efforts using engagement metrics, and enhance operational efficiency by automating repetitive tasks. This solution will ultimately empower businesses of all sizes to manage their brand holistically—driving growth, profitability, and customer loyalty.”

“Today’s businesses need streamlined solutions that enable them to scale without adding complexity,” said Shay Howe, Chief Strategy Officer at ActiveCampaign. “By combining Wix’s powerful website platform with ActiveCampaign’s marketing automation, we’re giving businesses of all sizes—especially franchises and multi-location brands—the tools they need to personalize customer experiences, automate engagement, and drive measurable growth.”

The integration is available for Wix users with an ActiveCampaign account.

About Wix.com Ltd.

Wix is the leading SaaS website builder platform¹ to create, manage and grow a digital presence. Founded in 2006, Wix is a comprehensive platform providing users – self-creators, agencies, enterprises, and more – with industry-leading performance, security, AI capabilities and a reliable infrastructure. Offering a wide range of commerce and business solutions, advanced SEO and marketing tools, the platform enables users to take full ownership of their brand, their data and their relationships with their customers. With a focus on continuous innovation and delivery of new features and products, users can seamlessly build a powerful and high-end digital presence for themselves or their clients.

For more about Wix, please visit our Press Room
Media Relations Contact: PR@wix.com

¹ Based on number of active live sites as reported by competitors’ figures, independent third-party data and internal data as of H1 2024.

About ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign is an AI-first, end-to-end marketing platform for people at the heart of the action. It empowers teams to automate their campaigns with AI agents that imagine, activate, and validate–freeing them from step-by-step workflows and unlocking limitless ways to orchestrate their marketing.

With AI, goal-based automation, and 950+ app integrations, agencies, marketers, and owners can build cross-channel campaigns in minutes–fine-tuned with billions of data points to drive real results for their unique business.

ActiveCampaign is the trusted choice to help businesses unlock a new world of boundless opportunities–where ideas become impact and potential turns into real results.

Attachment
- Wix & ActiveCampaign
The MIL Network –
April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Glowforge Selects Mulberry to Redefine Product Protection for Creators

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mulberry, the people-first product protection platform, and Glowforge, the creator of the award-winning 3D laser printer, have announced a new partnership to deliver smarter, more comprehensive protection plans to Glowforge customers — designed for real-world use and real-life accidents.

“At Glowforge, we’re always seeking out the best solutions for our customers, from precision laser-cutting technology to simple product set-up through warranty coverage,” said Dan Shapiro, CEO and co-founder of Glowforge. “We switched to Mulberry because our customers need more than just extended manufacturer’s warranties — they need enhanced product protection that covers real accidents. Mulberry delivers that.”

Unlike traditional extended warranty providers that only cover manufacturing defects, Mulberry’s protection plans include accidental damage coverage — a major upgrade and necessity for Glowforge customers who push the limits of innovation in their home and studio spaces.

“We’re proud to support Glowforge’s mission by offering protection that’s as forward-thinking as their technology,” said Chinedu Eleanya, CEO of Mulberry. “Coverage should be as reliable and creative as the people using the product. That’s why we continue to innovate and push the boundaries with our protection plans.”

Glowforge customers can now add Mulberry protection seamlessly throughout the purchase process, backed by Mulberry’s AI-powered platform that delivers real-time, personalized coverage recommendations at industry-low prices. Mulberry integrates deep into the Glowforge customer experience, simplifying the claims process so customers can get back to creating faster.

Mulberry delivers a 90%+ claim approval rate and has been shown to drive an average order value increase of 10% for partners, helping brands build lasting trust with their customers. With this partnership, Glowforge users can innovate with confidence — knowing their investment is protected not just from manufacturer defects, but from the everyday accidents that come with creative experimentation.

To learn more about Mulberry’s product protection solutions, visit getmulberry.com

About Glowforge

Glowforge is the creator of the award-winning 3D laser printer that cuts, engraves, and scores hundreds of materials so you can make magical things. It was founded in 2015 by Chief Executive Officer, Dan Shapiro and Chief Technology Officer, Mark Gosselin, and launched with the world’s largest crowdfunding campaign, raising more than $27 million in pre-orders in 30 days. The company has since secured more than $115 million in funding from some of Silicon Valley’s most prominent investors including the Foundry Group, True Ventures, DFJ Growth, and Revolution Growth. Unlike 3D printers that use additive technology to build objects out of plastic, Glowforge uses subtractive technology to laser cut, engrave, and score products from beautiful materials like wood, leather, acrylic, paper, fabric – even chocolate. A sleek and efficient design makes this industrial-grade technology beautiful and affordable while its cloud-based app makes it easy for anyone to create magical things at the touch of a button.

About Mulberry
Mulberry is a people-first product protection platform that offers solutions for retail partners and consumers. Mulberry product protection plans can be purchased directly from Mulberry or through qualified retail partners. Mulberry protects customer purchases from accidental damages and losses with a best-in-class solution that offers simple claims-filing and fast resolutions. To learn more about Mulberry, visit https://www.getmulberry.com.

Press contact:

press@getmulberry.com

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: STATEMENT: CanREA congratulates the Liberal Party of Canada for their re-election

Source: – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: STATEMENT: CanREA congratulates the Liberal Party of Canada for their re-election

CanREA eager to resume positive work with the federal government to advance wind energy, solar energy and energy storage initiatives nationwide.

Ottawa, Ontario, April 29, 2025—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) congratulates Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal Party of Canada for their election today, forming a minority government. At press time, votes were still being counted with many ridings too close to call.

“CanREA looks forward to strengthening our collaboration with the Canadian government to advance clean-energy initiatives nationwide. Expanding investments in wind, solar, and energy storage technologies is essential for safeguarding Canada’s economic sovereignty while delivering affordable, reliable and clean energy solutions. The urgency to act has never been greater,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO.

During the campaign, Mr. Carney and the Liberal Party committed to a suite of proposals that support the rapid deployment of clean energy. These include:

Finalizing the Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits (ITCs), policies that have already galvanized private sector investment in Canada’s renewable energy and energy storage industry. Getting the remaining ITCs passed into law, particularly the Clean Electricity ITC, will secure Canada’s position as a competitive and safe place for the private sector to invest. These will also help lower the cost of electricity to Canadian ratepayers.
Reducing the barriers that Indigenous companies and communities face when it comes to accessing capital, by expanding the kinds of projects the Canada Infrastructure Bank can support to be more in line with First Nation, Inuit and Métis priorities. The Liberals also committed to exploring options for an Indigenous Infrastructure Bank to further address this gap.
Offering support for Canadians entering the trades, while also helping to reduce barriers that these skilled workers face when working in another province.
Creating a new First and Last Mile Fund that will move more electricity and goods from where they are produced to where they are needed, creating a more integrated and accessible Canadian economy.
Signing new Cooperation and Substitution Agreements with all willing provinces, territories, and Indigenous Governing Bodies within six months, ensuring that projects go through only one review that upholds environmental standards and Indigenous consultation.
Cementing the signal for electrification by maintaining the industrial carbon price. During his leadership campaign, Mr. Carney even promised to set a pricing schedule out to 2035—this would be a strong signal upon which Canada’s renewable energy and energy storage industry could rely.
“We are ready to work with all 343 MPs to deliver on legislation that will accelerate the development of the new renewable energy and energy storage projects Canada needs to meet its economic and environmental goals,” said Fernando Melo, CanREA’s Federal Director.

“CanREA will continue to champion the speedy introduction of legislation that will enable the Clean Electricity ITC and other tools to improve Indigenous communities’ and companies’ access to capital. We are also committed to working with the new Liberal government to secure Canada’s clean-energy supply chains during this period of uncertainty,” said Melo.

Quotes

“CanREA looks forward to strengthening our collaboration with the Canadian government to advance clean-energy initiatives nationwide. Expanding investments in wind, solar, and energy storage technologies is essential for safeguarding Canada’s economic sovereignty while delivering affordable, reliable and clean energy solutions. The urgency to act has never been greater.”

—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

“We are ready to work with all 343 MPs to deliver on legislation that will accelerate the development of the new renewable energy and energy storage projects Canada needs to meet its economic and environmental goals. CanREA will continue to champion the speedy introduction of legislation that will enable the Clean Electricity ITC and other tools to improve Indigenous communities’ and companies’ access to capital. We are also committed to working with the new Liberal government to secure Canada’s clean-energy supply chains during this period of uncertainty.”

—Fernando Melo, Federal Director, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

For media interview opportunities, please contact:

Bridget Wayland, Senior Director of CommunicationsCanadian Renewable Energy Associationcommunications@renewablesassociation.ca

About CanREA

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.” Follow us on X and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
The post STATEMENT: CanREA congratulates the Liberal Party of Canada for their re-election   appeared first on Canadian Renewable Energy Association.

MIL OSI Economics –

April 30, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: 50 years after the ‘fall’ of Saigon – from triumph to Trump

30 April 1975. Saigon Fell, Vietnam Rose. The story of Vietnam after the US fled the country is not a fairy tale, it is not a one-dimensional parable of resurrection, of liberation from oppression, of joy for all — but there is a great deal to celebrate.

After over a century of brutal colonial oppression by the French, the Japanese, and the Americans and their various minions, the people of Vietnam won victory in one of the great liberation struggles of history.

It became a source of inspiration and of hope for millions of people oppressed by imperial powers in Central & South America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

Civil war – a war among several
The civil war in Vietnam, coterminous with the war against the Western powers, pitted communists and anti-communists in a long and pitiless struggle.

Within that were various strands — North versus South, southern communists and nationalists against pro-Western forces, and so on. As various political economists have pointed out, all wars are in some way class wars too — pitting the elites against ordinary people.

As has happened repeatedly throughout history, once one or more great power becomes involved in a civil war it is subsumed within that colonial war. The South’s President Ngô Đình Diệm, for example, was assassinated on orders of the Americans.

By 1969, US aid accounted for 80 percent of South Vietnam’s government budget; they effectively owned the South and literally called the shots.

Donald Trump declared April 2 “Liberation Day” and imposed some of the heaviest tariffs on Vietnam because they didn’t buy enough U.S. goods! Image: www.solidarity.co.nz

US punishes its victims
This month, 50 years after the Vietnamese achieved independence from their colonial overlords, US President Donald Trump declared April 2 “Liberation Day” and imposed some of the heaviest tariffs on Vietnam because they didn’t buy enough US goods!

As economist Joseph Stiglitz pointed out, they don’t yet have enough aggregate demand for the kind of goods the US produces. That might have something to do with the decades it has taken to rebuild their lives and economy from the Armageddon inflicted on them by the US, Australia, New Zealand and other unindicted war criminals.

Straight after they fled, the US declared themselves the victims of the Vietnamese and imposed punitive sanctions on liberated Vietnam for decades — punishing their victims.

Under Gerald Ford (1974–1977), Jimmy Carter (1977–1981), Ronald Reagan (1981–1989), George H.W. Bush (1989–1993) right up to Bill Clinton (1993–2001), the US enforced the Trading with the Enemy Act (TWEA) of 1917.

The US froze the assets of Vietnam at the very time it was trying to recover from the wholesale devastation of the country.

Tens of millions of much-needed dollars were captured in US banks, enforced by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The US also took advantage of its muscle to veto IMF and World Bank loans to Vietnam.

Countries like Australia and New Zealand, to their eternal shame, took part in both the war, the war crimes, and imposing sanctions and other punitive measures subsequently.

The ‘Boat People’ refugee crisis
While millions celebrated the victory in 1975, millions of others were fearful. The period of national unification and economic recovery was painful, typically repressive — when one militarised regime replaces another.

This triggered flight: firstly among urban elites — military officers, government workers, and professionals who were most closely-linked to the US-run regime.

You can blame the Commies for the ensuing refugee crisis but by strangling the Vietnamese economy, refusing to return Vietnamese assets held in the US, imposing an effective blockade on the economy via sanctions, the US deepened the crisis, which saw over two million flee the country between 1975 and the 1980s.

More than 250,000 desperate people died at sea.

Đổi Mới: the move to a socialist-market economy
In 1986, to energise the economy, the government moved away from a command economy and launched the đổi mới reforms which created a hybrid socialist-market economy.

They had taken a leaf out of the Chinese playbook, which under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping (1978 –1989), had moved towards a market economy through its “Reform and Opening Up” policies. Vietnam saw the “economic miracle” of its near neighbour and its leaders sought something similar.

Vietnam’s economy boomed and GDP grew from $18.1 billion in 1984 to $469 billion by 2024, with a per capita GDP at purchasing power parity (PPP) of $15,470 (up from about $300 per capita in the 1970s).

After a sluggish start, literacy rates soared to 96.1 percent by 2023, and life expectancy reached 73.7 years, only a few short of the USA. GDP growth is around 7 percent, according to the OECD.

An unequal society
Persistent inequality suggests the socialist vision has partially faded. A rural-urban divide and a rich-poor divide underlines ongoing injustices around quality of life and access to services but Vietnam’s Gini coefficient — a measure of income inequality — puts it only slightly more “unequal” as a society than New Zealand or Germany.

Corruption is also an issue in the country.

Press controls and political repression
As in China, political power resides with the Party. Freedom of expression — highlighted by press repression — is severely limited in Vietnam and nothing to celebrate.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) rates Vietnam as 174th out of 180 countries for press freedom and regularly excoriates its strongmen as press “predators”. In its country profile, RSF says of Vietnam: “Independent reporters and bloggers are often jailed, making Vietnam the world’s third largest jailer of journalists”.

Vietnam is forging its own destiny
What is well worth celebrating, however, is that Vietnam successfully got the imperial powers off its back and out of its country. It is well-placed to play an increasingly prosperous and positive role in the emerging multipolar world.

It is part of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and the ASEAN network, and borders China, giving Vietnam the opportunity to weather any storms coming from the continent of America.

Vietnam today is united and free and millions of ordinary people have achieved security, health, education and prosperity vastly better than their parents and grandparents’ generations were able to.

In the end the honour and glory go to the Vietnamese people.

Ho Chi Minh, the great leader of the Vietnamese people who reached out to the United States, and sought alliance not conflict. Image: www.solidarity.co.nz

I’ll give the last word to Ho Chi Minh, the great leader of the Vietnamese people who reached out to the United States, and sought alliance not conflict. He was rebuffed by the super-power which had a different agenda.

On September 2, 1945, Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independent Democratic Republic of Vietnam in Hanoi’s Ba Dinh square:

“‘All men are created equal. They are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among them are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.’

“This immortal statement was made in the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America in 1776. In a broader sense, this means: All the peoples on the earth are equal from birth, all the peoples have a right to live, to be happy and free.

“… A people who have courageously opposed French domination for more than eight years, a people who have fought side by side with the Allies against the Fascists during these last years, such a people must be free and independent.

“For these reasons, we, members of the Provisional Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, solemnly declare to the world that Vietnam has the right to be a free and independent country — and in fact is so already. The entire Vietnamese people are determined to mobilise all their physical and mental strength, to sacrifice their lives and property in order to safeguard their independence and liberty.”

And, my god, they did.

To conclude, a short poem attributed to Ho Chi Minh:

“After the rain, good weather.

“In the wink of an eye,

the universe throws off its muddy clothes.”

Eugene Doyle is a community organiser and activist in Wellington, New Zealand. He received an Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian award in 2023 for community service. His first demonstration was at the age of 12 against the Vietnam War. This article was first published at his public policy website Solidarity and is republished here with permission.

Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Erin Houchin Introduces the Abortion Funding Awareness Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Erin Houchin (Indiana 09)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) has introduced the Abortion Funding Awareness Act, companion legislation to the Senate bill led by Senator Jim Banks (R-IN). This legislation brings long-overdue transparency to how states are using Medicaid funds in connection with abortion providers like Planned Parenthood.

This legislation ensures that American taxpayers are not unknowingly footing the bill for abortion-related services and holds state governments accountable for how federal funds are spent.

“The Abortion Funding Awareness Act exposes how states are funneling tax dollars to abortion providers,” said Congresswoman Erin Houchin. “For too long, the left has used loopholes and a lack of transparency to prop up Planned Parenthood and others who profit from taking innocent lives. This bill says enough is enough.”

Despite federal restrictions on direct abortion funding, states have been quietly steering taxpayer-funded Medicaid dollars to abortion providers under the radar. The Abortion Funding Awareness Act seeks to stop that by requiring states to report all Medicaid payments made to abortion providers, submit annual reports detailing those transactions, and publish this information on their official state websites for the public to see.

“This legislation provides the transparency and accountability the American people deserve. I remain committed to defending rights of conscience and the integrity of taxpayer dollars,” said Houchin.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chancellor speech at Global Innovate Summit 2025

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Speech

Chancellor speech at Global Innovate Summit 2025

The Chancellor delivered the keynote speech at the Global Innovate Summit 2025 on 29 April.

Thank you Janine, and good afternoon everyone.

It’s a pleasure to be here today to mark the 11th year of UK FinTech Week …

… brought together once again by Innovate Finance…

…who continue to champion tirelessly our FinTech sector.

As Chancellor, I’ve always said it’s my job to back the builders…

… back the wealth creators…

…and the job creators.

So my job is to back all of you in this room.

After all, it’s thanks to your work that the UK is a world leader in FinTech.

When I was working at the Bank of England 20 years ago…

…FinTech was in its infancy…

…an offshoot of financial services…

…and there was certainly no such thing as FinTech week.

But times have changed, the industry has changed.

Last year, the UK’s FinTech sector attracted $3.6 billion of investment – more than any other country bar the US.

Almost half of Europe’s FinTech unicorns are based here in Britain…

…and roughly a third of all UK unicorns are FinTechs – a higher share than anywhere else.

Companies like Allica Bank and Zilch, who were both recently named among the fastest growing companies in Europe by the Financial Times …

…Or Zopa, for whom 2024 marked another year of extraordinary economic growth.

Last week when I was in Washington for the IMF Spring Meetings…

… I spoke to industry, legislators, and policymakers…

…as well as US firms already operating here in the UK.

I set out our strengths as an open trading nation with trade links around the world…

…and as a nation that can provide political and financial stability and certainty to businesses…

…in an uncertain world.

The UK has a long history of breaking new ground in Financial Services.

We were the first country to develop uniform Open Banking standards…

…and we were one of the first countries to establish a system for near-instant digital payments with the Faster payments system in 2008.

In my Mansion House speech last year, I published the National Payments Vision…

… setting out the government’s ambition for seamless account-to-account payments…

…and demonstrating our commitment to a regulatory environment that cares about managing the burden we put on businesses.

Something that we will build in with the consolidation of the Payment Systems Regulator into the FCA.

The UK is Europe’s leading hub for investment…

…raising more equity capital than the next three European exchanges combined last year.

I am committed to building on these strong foundations…

…with an ambitious programme of reforms.

Last September I chose to extend the UK’s generous venture capital schemes…

… the Enterprise Investment Scheme and the Venture Capital Trust scheme…

…which – alongside the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme – offer generous tax reliefs…

…in return for investing in British business.

And we will soon publish the final Pension Investment Review, ahead of the introduction of the Pension Schemes Bill…

…where we will legislate to unlock up to £80 billion of investment into companies like yours…

start-up, scale-up, and fast growing businesses.

…delivering a major consolidation of the Defined Contribution market and the Local Government Pension Scheme…

…so that pension funds have sufficient scale to invest in growing industries like FinTech.

I am determined to make sure that the UK remains one of the best places in the world for FinTechs to start-up, scale-up and to list…

…benefitting from our stable and liquid markets.

Last July, the FCA implemented a fundamental rewrite of the UK’s Listing Rules, the biggest reforms in a generation.

These new rules now put the UK in line – or in many cases ahead – of other global markets in giving companies the flexibility to pursue their growth ambitions…

…backing their aspiration…

…and allowing them to raise large amounts of capital more easily.

And for those companies who want to remain private for longer, we are developing the new Private Intermittent Securities and Capital Exchange System – or PISCES…

…which we will legislate for next month.

This is a brand new type of stock exchange for trading private company shares…

…supporting private companies to scale and grow…

…and providing a steppingstone to IPO.

Finally, we’ve reformed the rules to allow greater investment research to be produced on UK listed companies…

…and reducing the burdens imposed on public companies through the UK’s Corporate Governance Code.

I want the UK to be a place where you can take risks…

…innovate and experiment…

…and find new ways to deliver for your customers.

When I met with senior leaders from across the FinTech sector last month…

…you told me about the importance of getting the balance of regulation right…

…especially on digital assets.

I agree.

While the UK will always be committed to high international standards…

…I am determined that our regulatory framework supports economic growth.

That’s why I’m delighted that we are today publishing draft legislation for the UK’s comprehensive regulatory regime for cryptoassets…

…engaging with all of you to ensure that the final legislation – planned for later this year – delivers for government and most importantly for the industry…

…and makes the UK a great place for digital asset companies to invest and innovate.

For the UK to be a world-leader in digital assets…

…international cooperation is vital.

Which is why I discussed continued U.S. and UK engagement with Secretary Bessent last week…

…including further dialogue at the upcoming UK-U.S. Financial Regulatory Working Group in June…

…to support the use and responsible growth of digital assets…

…maintaining the deep historic relationship between the world’s two largest financial centres through this period of significant technological change.

Regulation must support business, not hold it back.

Our regulators were among the first to embrace and develop sandboxes…

…including the Digital Securities Sandbox, where I’m delighted that we already have a broad range of firms all looking at different proposals for tokenising our financial markets.

Last November, I announced that this government will issue a Digital Gilt Instrument…

…an entirely new debt instrument…

…using distributed ledger technology…

this will enable us to experience first-hand the benefits of digital technologies in debt issuance.

And I know that there is appetite to go further.

Last week, Secretary Bessent and I also discussed how our officials could explore opportunities to support industry to innovate cross-border…

…in line with proposals put forward by US Securities and Exchange Commissioner Hester Peirce about a transatlantic sandbox for digital securities…

…potentially allowing greater digital collaboration between capital markets in New York and London.

I’ve talked about what we’ve already done, and some ideas for the future.

Financial services is one of the key growth-driving sectors in the UK’s modern industrial strategy…

….with FinTech as a priority growth opportunity…

…and I look forward to publishing the Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy at my upcoming Mansion House address…

…which I can today confirm will take place on the 15th July.

At Mansion House last year I set out my vision on economic growth…

…and the new approach required to build sustainable growth…

…on a platform of stability.

At Mansion House this year I’ll talk about how we can go further and faster in realising that growth.

By publishing the Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy…

…I will set out our strategy for the rest of this parliament and beyond…

…building on our strengths in areas including capital markets, insurance and asset management…

… supporting firms to innovate by ensuring they can access and develop the talent they need…

…and promoting the UK as a great place to do business globally.

Backing the builders in FinTech means improving outcomes for businesses and consumers…

…revolutionising how we invest and trade…

And driving growth and prosperity, here in the UK.

It’s incredible how far Fintech has come in the past decade…

And I’m enormously optimistic about the future.

From the huge growth of the sector that has already taken place…

…to the passion, drive and commitment I see from all of you to make FinTech a huge UK success story…

…it is clear that our job in government is to back you, back the builders, back the change makers all the way.

And I am ready to do just that.

Thank you very much.

Updates to this page

Published 29 April 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: TAB Bank Kicks Off 2025 with $67 Million Loans for More Than 230 Companies in Q1
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

OGDEN, Utah, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TAB Bank kicked off 2025 building value for over 230 companies by closing more than $67 million in financing in Q1. Businesses in the transportation, beauty, specialty finance and real estate industries, along with 70 small businesses, chose TAB Bank to help fund their growth. Types of financing included factoring, asset-based and equipment loans, small business lines of credit and real estate loans.

Highlights of the largest Q1 2025 deals include:
- $13 million—Capital Foundry, a Pittsburgh-based specialty finance lender providing various debt and credit products to small and middle-market companies.
- $12 million—Commercial real estate loan for a Kentucky-based behavioral health hospital.
- $6.5 million— HydroEdge Solutions of Pennsylvania, a leading water transfer and fluid management services provider for the energy industry.
- $5 million—An agriculture finance company in Nevada specializing in factoring financing for farmers, agricultural businesses and fresh produce exporters in Mexico.
- $4 million—A California company involved in the formulation, product development and manufacturing of beauty products.
In addition, TAB Bank provided 17 companies, primarily in the transportation industry, term loans and lines of credit ranging from $40,000 to $500,000. In 1998, TAB Bank started its business financing over-the-road truckers and the broader transportation industry to help create consistent operational cash flow.

“Companies from various industries trust TAB Bank to build value for their business,” said Justin Hatch, Chief Lending Officer at TAB Bank. “From straightforward lending to unique financing structures, we learn about each individual business to ensure their experience with TAB Bank is excellent and helps them grow their business.”

The bank’s services include working capital, equipment financing, term loans, lines of credit and commercial real estate loans. TAB Bank’s specialists ensure each client is matched with the right financial product for their industry and growth stage. The bank supports businesses with stellar credit and those without, requiring alternative assessments. To determine creditworthiness, the bank considers various factors, such as income and operational history.

For more information on TAB Bank’s capital financing and credit solutions, visit TABBank.com.

About TAB Bank
At TAB Bank, our mission is to unlock dreams with bold financial solutions that empower individuals and businesses nationwide. We are committed to making financial success accessible to everyone through our innovative banking products. Our dedication drives us to continuously improve, ensuring that we meet the evolving needs of our clients with excellence and agility. For over 25 years, we have remained steadfast in offering tailored, technology-enabled solutions designed to simplify and enhance the banking experience.

For more information about how we can help you achieve your financial dreams, visit www.TABBank.com.

Contact Information:
Trevor Morris
Director of Marketing
801-710-6318
trevor.morris@tabbank.com

The MIL Network –
April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Bitget Wallet Integrates Sui to Boost Cross-Chain Trading Capabilities

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, a leading non-custodial Web3 wallet, has expanded its cross-chain trading capabilities to include the Sui Network. The new integration enables users to bridge assets from major blockchains such as Solana and BNB Chain directly to Sui, supporting seamless trading of popular Sui-based tokens like $WAL, $DEEP, and $CETUS within the wallet app.

The integration streamlines cross-chain activity by allowing users to complete swaps across networks in a single transaction, eliminating the need for manual bridging or multiple wallets. Bitget Wallet has also introduced a dedicated Sui DApp section, providing users with access to airdrops, ecosystem activities, and trading opportunities as the Sui ecosystem continues to expand.

Sui, developed by Mysten Labs, is a Layer 1 blockchain designed to prioritize speed, scalability, and low transaction costs. Its object-based architecture and use of the Move programming language aim to unlock new opportunities for DeFi, NFTs, and gaming applications. Bitget Wallet’s support for Sui reflects its strategy to connect users with emerging ecosystems that are driving innovation across Web3.

To further enhance the user experience, Bitget Wallet plans to launch the GetGas feature for Sui, allowing users to pay gas fees with stablecoins such as USDT and USDC. The feature is expected to simplify on-chain participation by removing the need to acquire native gas tokens separately. Currently, Bitget Wallet supports over 130 public chains and facilitates cross-chain transactions across more than 27 networks.

“As we expand cross-chain capabilities, our goal is to make it easier for users to engage with emerging ecosystems like Sui,” said Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet. “Our upcoming GetGas feature will remove another major barrier to entry, offering a more seamless experience for users exploring new opportunities across Web3.“

About Bitget Wallet
Bitget Wallet is a non-custodial crypto wallet designed to make crypto simple, secure, and accessible for everyone. With over 60 million users, it brings together a full suite of crypto services, including swaps, market insights, staking, rewards, a DApp browser, and crypto payment solutions. Supporting 130+ blockchains, 20,000+ DApps, and a million tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges. Backed by a $300+ million user protection fund, it ensures the highest level of security for users’ assets.

For more information, visit: X | Telegram | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Discord | Facebook

For media inquiries, please contact media.web3@bitget.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dae92455-f634-499c-bff0-1ed8d72cc26e

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: BIMAC 2025 Conference Has Become an Effective Platform for Discussing the Digital Transformation of the Industry

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – At the conference sections

The VIII International Scientific and Practical Conference “Information Modeling in Construction and Architecture” (BIMAC-2025), held at the St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Urban Planning on April 22–25, has ended. Over the course of four days, representatives of the scientific and industry communities discussed the development of digital solutions and their implementation in segments of the construction industry in various sections.

Focus on digital solutions

Information modeling of architectural and design solutions, engineering systems, the use of information modeling technologies in estimates, artificial intelligence and training of engineering personnel for the digitalization of construction, parametrics, visual programming, software development, 4D modeling in construction – these were the topics that were the focus of discussions and were considered from the point of view of various representatives of the construction industry. The Consortium of the Construction Industry of the Northwestern Federal District organized a working meeting and a round table “Digitalization of Construction Project Management Processes”. Let us recall that the priority areas of the consortium’s activities are the creation of a system of interaction with administrative, educational, scientific, industrial and public-professional organizations to ensure the region’s leading positions in the construction industry, the effective implementation of national projects and regional development programs.

In addition, the conference paid attention to advanced training: Deputy General Director of Interregional Institute of Expertise LLC Sergey Dragomirov held a two-day intensive course “Information modeling in construction. Regulatory legal acts and legislative requirements, national standards”, in which he covered the current state of the regulatory framework in the field of application of information modeling technologies (BIM) in the design, construction and operation of capital construction projects.

Industry exhibition

An industry exhibition was held on the upper balustrade of SPbGASU. Here one could get acquainted in detail with the offers of partners and exhibitors, among which were the companies “WIZARDSOFT”, “Credo-Dialog”, “ELITA”, GC “NEOLANT”, “Stroygazservis”, BIMIT, “Nanosoft”, CSoft, “ASCON”. Our university also presented its stand.

“We are manufacturers of engineering systems. Here we present our technologies for BIM. The “Smart Water” software allows you to calculate internal water supply and sewerage, as well as select pumping equipment and pumping units,” said Tatyana Kolegova, a representative of the ELITA company.

“WIZARDSOFT is a developer of domestic software such as SmetaWIZARD, BIM WIZARD and PlanWIZARD. We are happy to tell you more about them. Visitors actively come to us, especially students. Students of SPbGASU use our programs,” shared a representative of the company “WIZARDSOFT” Alexandra Makarova.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: “The Art of Management: Science, Practice, Project Technologies”: The Results of the V All-Russian Interuniversity Forum

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

The 5th All-Russian Interuniversity Forum “The Art of Management: Science, Practice, Project Technologies” has concluded at the State University of Management.

This forum has become an important platform for exchanging experiences in organizing project-based learning in higher education institutions, discussing current issues in project management and introducing innovative approaches in the educational and scientific fields.

The event took place thanks to a fruitful partnership with two authoritative organizations: the project-methodical association “Association of project-oriented organizations of science and higher education” and the professional community “Association of project management “SOVNET”, which unites leading specialists in the field of project management.

The Forum program included three large-scale events that brought together participants of different categories: from first-year students to teaching staff, representatives of administrative and managerial personnel of universities and experts from organizations of the real sector of the economy.

More details about the first day of the Forum are provided in a separate article.

On the second day, the Final of the Student Project Competition took place, which this year for the first time went beyond the SUM and attracted more than 50 external projects from various Russian universities, including: Kazan National Research Technical University named after A.N. Tupolev, Siberian Federal University, Southern Federal University, St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Tyumen State University, Russian University of Transport, MSTU “STANKIN”, Moscow Automobile and Road State Technical University, etc.

Student project teams presented their developments to the expert jury in four nominations: “Business projects (startups)”, “Social projects”, “Consulting projects” and “Research projects”. Thanks to the support of our partners – IPI Lab LLC, Roskachestvo, Bank FINAM JSC, Exity Group, Algorithmika LLC, BPM Soft, Alfa-Bank, Smartika LLC and independent consultants – the participants received valuable recommendations and opportunities for further development of their projects.

A particularly active and interesting event within the framework of the V All-Russian Interuniversity Forum “The Art of Management: Science, Practice, Project Technologies” was the Interuniversity Hackathon “Urban Development Technologies”, which took place at the State University of Management throughout all three days of the Forum.

This year, the Hackathon was held for the fourth time and united 80 participants from GUU, RUT (MIIT), RGUTIS, RTU MIREA, RUDN, SFedU, SPbGASU in various fields of study in 9 teams as participants and team facilitators.

More details about its discovery were given here, and the results were summed up in this article.

The V All-Russian Interuniversity Forum “The Art of Management: Science, Practice, Project Technologies” ended with a ceremonial summing up of the results and awarding of the winners of the GUU Student Project Competition and the interuniversity hackathon “Urban Development Technologies”. Student projects and case solutions were awarded both the highest awards (1-3 places) and individual nominations from our colleagues and partners, as well as audience sympathy prizes.

The State University of Management expresses its sincere gratitude to everyone for their active participation, professionalism and desire for development. We hope that the results of our joint work will find their application in practice, and new acquaintances and ideas will become the basis for further achievements and further development of project-based learning in Russian universities.

Winners of the Student Projects Competition of the State University of Management

Nomination “Business projects (startups)”

1st place – project “Flight controller”, authors of the project – Korolev Semyon Yuryevich and Feoktistov Sergey Vyacheslavovich, MSTU “STANKIN”, curator – Kovalev Ilya Aleksandrovich;

2nd place — project “Development of a wearable device for visualizing data from CNC systems in augmented reality mode”, Author of the project — Sergey Igorevich Karasev, MSTU “STANKIN”, curator — Ilya Aleksandrovich Kovalev;

3rd place – project “RUmaTe”, team of the Russian University of Transport (MIIT) consisting of Mikhailova Elizaveta Alekseevna, Kharin Alexander Nikolaevich, Ushkalo Eduard Stanislavovich, Smaglyuk Kira Sergeevna, Baulina Karina Aleksandrovna, Anikeev Mikhail Andreevich. Curator – Chigarev Valentin Nikolaevich.

Nomination “Social Projects”

1st place — the project “Modern Pensioner”, the project team consisting of Fyodor Romanovich Nazarov, Anastasia Ivanovna Rudchenko, Vlada Vladimirovna Sudakova, Ksenia Dmitrievna Sysoeva, Shonia Sofiko Paataevna. State University of Management, curator — Elena Vadimovna Dianina;

2nd place – project “Promotion of a public digital platform”

3rd place — project “SMM promotion of the social project “Sobriety”, project team consisting of: Akinshina Anna Andreevna, Skripko Artem Vyacheslavovich, Eminova Anna Dmitrievna. Southern Federal University. Curator — Lankina Maria Yuryevna.

Nomination “Consulting projects”

1st place — project “Visualization of agricultural statistics data in the context of municipalities of the Moscow region”, project team consisting of Fedotov Sergey Andreevich, Khomutovskaya Kristina Dmitrievna, Chorbadzhyan Venera Agvanovna. State University of Management, curator — Dolgikh Ekaterina Alekseevna;

2nd place – project “HR in the heart”, project team – Druzhinina Polina Yurievna, Makarkin Matvey Maksimovich, Nguyen Ngoc Ha Phuong, Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, Nikitina Ksenia Dmitrievna, Fastovskaya Milana Sukhrobovna. State University of Management, Curator – Lobacheva Anastasia Sergeevna;

3rd place — project “Development of an application for maintaining results of online meetings”, project team: Belova Diana Dmitrievna, Mizgireva Kristina Yaroslavovna, Redikultsev Gleb Sergeevich. State University of Management. Curator — Terekhova Anna Evgenievna.

Nomination “Research Projects”

1st place – project “Software product for assessing the condition of power transmission line insulators”, author of the project – Radmir Rafilevich Mugletdinov, Kazan State Power Engineering University, curator – Aidar Khaidarovich Sabitov;

2nd place — project “Development of a methodology for valuation zoning taking into account regional characteristics of the territory for the purposes of state cadastral valuation”, author of the project — Alina Pavlovna Illarionova. St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Curator — Yana Aleksandrovna Volkova;

3rd place — project “Russian and foreign experience of legal protection of traditional spiritual and moral values”, author of the project – Karina Igorevna Meshcheryakova. State University of Management. Curator – Svetlana Evgenievna Titor.

Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 04/29/2025

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Gevo to Report First Quarter 2025 Financial Results on May 13, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) announced today that it will host a conference call on May 13, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. MT) to report its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

To participate in the live call, please register through the following event weblink: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI14d4db26011d45b9871ce05b8b3c5a63

After registering, participants will be provided with a dial-in number and pin.

To listen to the conference call (audio only), please register through the following event weblink: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/xd9v2i3x

A webcast replay will be available two hours after the conference call ends on May 13, 2025. The archived webcast will be available in the Investor Relations section of Gevo’s website at www.gevo.com.

About Gevo
Gevo is a next-generation diversified energy company committed to fueling America’s future with cost-effective, drop-in fuels that contribute to energy security, abate carbon, and strengthen rural communities to drive economic growth. Gevo’s innovative technology can be used to make a variety of renewable products, including SAF, motor fuels, chemicals, and other materials that provide U.S.-made solutions. By investing in the backbone of rural America, Gevo’s business model includes developing, financing, and operating production facilities that create jobs and revitalize communities. Gevo owns and operates one of the largest dairy-based renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities in the United States, turning by-products into clean, reliable energy. We also operate an ethanol plant with an adjacent carbon capture and sequestration (“CCS”) facility, further solidifying America’s leadership in energy innovation. Additionally, Gevo owns the world’s first production facility for specialty alcohol-to-jet (“ATJ”) fuels and chemicals. Gevo’s market-driven “pay for performance” approach regarding carbon and other sustainability attributes, helps ensure value is delivered to our local economy. Through its Verity subsidiary, Gevo provides transparency, accountability, and efficiency in tracking, measuring and verifying various attributes throughout the supply chain. By strengthening rural economies, Gevo is working to secure a self-sufficient future and to make sure value is brought to the market.

For more information, see www.gevo.com.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT
Heather Manuel
VP of Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
PR@gevo.com

INVESTOR CONTACT
Eric Frey, PhD
VP of Corporate Development
IR@gevo.com

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025

Category: Business

Poilievre’s messaging

Advance voting in a gendered election

The role of young working-class men

Electoral reform needed?

Right to protest in Ghana

A fair hand

What dangers do the tariff tensions pose to Nigeria’s entrepreneurs?

What are the biggest challenges holding back Nigerian entrepreneurs?

What should Nigeria’s entrepreneurs do to prepare for any potential fallout from the China-US trade war?

Positioning as a victim

Victimhood and sympathy

What dangers do the tariff tensions pose to Nigeria’s entrepreneurs?

What are the biggest challenges holding back Nigerian entrepreneurs?

What should Nigeria’s entrepreneurs do to prepare for any potential fallout from the China-US trade war?

Chancellor speech at Global Innovate Summit 2025

Updates to this page