Category: Business

MIL-OSI Global: Co-working spaces aren’t just about convenience – they bring a whole range of benefits for employees and communities

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Mariachiara Barzotto, Senior Lecturer in Management Strategy and Organisation, University of Bath

Master1305/Shutterstock

When you think of co-working spaces – where workers from different industries come together to share a convenient workplace – you might picture a group of young freelancers hunched over laptops. But today’s co-working spaces have evolved into something more powerful – particularly in a world still reshuffling office work practices in the wake of the COVID pandemic.

As workplaces adapt to new ways of operating, from hybrid to “digital nomadism”, co-working spaces can do more than simply offer flexibility. They can support workers’ wellbeing and work–life balance by enhancing a sense of community, building trust and new friendships, and encouraging continuous learning.

Research I undertook with colleagues shows these spaces may also play a role in addressing societal challenges. They can provide support for workers with family or caring responsibilities and enhance digital connectivity in under-served areas by offering faster, stable internet access. They can also encourage knowledge-sharing around new technology – while reducing the need for long commutes, which brings environmental benefits.

Other research shows that co-working staff tend to report higher levels of job satisfaction and wellbeing, particularly compared with those working at home. There are various reasons for this.

The ability to choose how and where to work, to exchange knowledge with others on-site, and to avoid long commutes all contribute to better mental health, happiness and wellbeing.

Productivity can also be boosted by, for example, the social support and interactions encouraged by open architecture and flexible workstations, as well as by a workplace that is much closer to home.

Some co-working spaces have gone a step further, integrating childcare, wellness programmes and even care for older dependants. One example is COWORCare, a European initiative linking co-working spaces with family support such as kindergartens and elderly-care services. This helps parents (especially mothers) participate more fully in the labour market.

Workers often need to update their skills to stay competitive. While informal learning happens in traditional offices too, co-working spaces can offer advantages by connecting professionals, entrepreneurs and freelancers across industries. This encourages knowledge-sharing between sectors.

Many also host training sessions, workshops and networking events, making it easier to develop skills than when working from home or in more homogeneous office settings.

Some of these spaces also create opportunities, both formal and informal, for young people to learn from more skilled and experienced workers. They can also help youngsters who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) into the workforce.

This all matters because the shift to greener and more digital economies – known as the “twin transition” – is creating both opportunities and risks. Many workers, especially in rural and older populations, could be left behind without access to training or digital infrastructure. Co-working spaces specifically for older people are ideally placed to address this.

Such spaces can act as “infrastructures of care” by helping workers feel like part of a community. Perhaps one of the most underrated benefits of co-working is how it can combat loneliness and boost morale for staff who might otherwise be working from home or face a long commute to their employer’s office.

Remote working can be lonely – and people in the early stages of their career can miss out on chances to learn from more experienced workers.
fizkes/Shutterstock

During the pandemic, many people realised how much they missed casual chats and social interaction. Co-working can bring that back – even for remote workers. In fact, co-working spaces can create the kind of “light-touch” community that encourages inclusion without being overwhelming.

Left-behind places

Co-working isn’t just for buzzing city centres. Some of the most exciting developments are happening in small towns and rural areas.

Governments across Europe are supporting this shift. Ireland’s Connected Hubs scheme has built a national network of remote-working hubs, aiming to revitalise rural communities and reduce the urban-rural divide.

These hubs can provide better internet than workers may have at home, and keep talented young people in the region. They can also spark local entrepreneurship, especially when paired with funding and mentoring. For example, the Youth Re-Working Rural project across Norway, Italy, Spain, Greece, Latvia and Slovenia supports youth and creative industries through co-working and digital training.

But these spaces aren’t a silver bullet. Our research also shows they are most effective when public investment simultaneously targets specific areas.

This could be extending high-speed broadband to rural areas, improving transport connections and providing vocational and digital skills training. Policies that support back-to-work programmes – for example, mentoring for unemployed people, parents returning after career breaks, or those who have lost jobs reintegrating into the labour market – are crucial, alongside access to affordable housing.

Co-working spaces can be part of the solution to making work better – not just more convenient and efficient, but more human. They can improve wellbeing, encourage new skills, and bring life back into places that have been left behind after traditional local industries declined.

Rethinking the future of work in the face of multiple transitions – digital, green and demographic – means also thinking about the kind of spaces that make learning, connection and wellbeing possible.

Mariachiara Barzotto 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. Co-working spaces aren’t just about convenience – they bring a whole range of benefits for employees and communities – https://theconversation.com/co-working-spaces-arent-just-about-convenience-they-bring-a-whole-range-of-benefits-for-employees-and-communities-255281

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: RFK Jr. said many autistic people will never write a poem − even though there’s a rich history of neurodivergent poets and writers
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Bradley J. Irish, Associate Professor of English, Arizona State University

Scholars today believe Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw was probably on the autism spectrum. Bettmann/Getty Images

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently declared autism a national “epidemic,” calling it a “preventable disease” that is growing at an “alarming rate.”

He went on to cast autism as an “individual tragedy” that “destroys families,” while stating that many autistic people will “never pay taxes, they’ll never hold a job, they’ll never play baseball, they’ll never write a poem, they’ll never go out on a date.”

The remarks drew widespread criticism from researchers, advocacy groups and autistic people. They objected to these scientifically unsound characterizations of autism, along with the broad strokes with which Kennedy described autistic people, who exist on a vast spectrum.

As an autistic English professor who studies literature and neurodiversity, I was especially unnerved by Kennedy’s contention that many autistic people will never write poetry.

It couldn’t be further from the truth.

Working poets

There’s a remarkable corpus of poetry written by autistic people, who have also written novels, plays and virtually any kind of literature imaginable. The Autism Books by Autistic Authors Project catalogs 133 collections of poetry authored by autistic individuals, which represents only a fraction of the work created by autistic poets throughout history.

One of the most well-known contemporary autistic poets is David Miedzianik, who in 1986 also wrote one of the earliest autistic memoirs. He’s published his poetry in the books “I Hope Some Lass Will Want Me After Reading All This,” “Taking the Load Off My Mind: Autobiographical and Other Poems” and “Now All I’ve Got Left is Myself: Autobiographical Poems, 1993-1996.”

Adam Wolfond is another celebrated autistic poet. Wolfond, who is nonspeaking, has released several books of poetry, including “In Way of Music Water Answers Toward Questions Other Than What Is Autism” in 2019, “The Wanting Way” in 2022 and “Open Book in Ways of Water” the following year. And Traci Neal is an autistic poet, advocate and spoken-word artist whose work has been featured in Newsweek and NPR’s Poetry Moment.

Autistic poets write about many topics. But their work is particularly poignant when discussing how they fit into a world that often labels them broken, incomplete or something less than human.

In writer and poet Tito Rajarshi Mukhopadhyay’s 2010 poem “Misfit,” the speaker of the poem notes that other people often ostracize him for his differences. But he doesn’t care:
My hands, as usual, were flapping The birds knew I was Autistic; They found no wrong with anything.
Poets from the past

Beyond living writers, readers and researchers have also explored the possibility that poets from the past may have had autistic characteristics, even before autism came to be formally theorized by clinicians in the mid-20th century.

Of course, it’s important to exercise caution when categorizing people from the past, since they lived in worlds without those terms. At the same time, there have always been people whose minds and bodies worked in ways we’d now describe as autistic. So most literary scholars believe it is perfectly reasonable to discuss it as a possibility, as long as these historical figures aren’t given a formal, authoritative “diagnosis.”

In 2010, for example, literary scholar Julie Brown suggested that renowned American poet Emily Dickinson had characteristics – such as sensory issues, social quirkiness and a savant’s command of language – that align with those of some individuals on the autism spectrum. More recent readers have agreed.

In fact, many historical poets, novelists and playwrights have been tentatively associated with autism or other kinds of neurodivergence, such as William Wordsworth, Lewis Carroll, Hans Christian Andersen, George Bernard Shaw and Virginia Woolf.

Unique voices, unique perspectives

Of course, there are countless autistic people who write poetry who aren’t famous and haven’t published books. Neurodivergent poet and educator Chris Martin, who works with autistic people around the world, helps his students discover how to express themselves in poems.

He describes this work in “May Tomorrow Be Awake: On Poetry, Autism, and Our Neurodiverse Future,” a book that’s part memoir of Martin’s own journey and part poetry anthology of his students’ poetry.

Autistic poet and educator Chris Martin and autistic poet Adam Wolfond, who is nonspeaking, participate in a reading in 2023.

Martin describes the “remarkable reciprocity poetry shares with autism or autistic minds or autistic ways of moving through the world.”

“Time and again,” he adds, “I have watched my students … grasp the hand of poetry and begin dancing like they’ve been doing it their whole lives.”

In fact, he argues that “poetry’s patterned structure uniquely serves neurodivergent thinking.” Because many autistic people seek patterns with a “combination of knack and urgency,” reading and writing poetry, which is anchored in patterns of words, images, sounds and forms, is particularly well suited for their way of thinking.

In a recent interview with the magazine Mother Jones, autistic poet, educator and attorney Elizabeth R. McClellan said, “I know so many poets with various kinds of neurodivergence and that adds to the way that we see the world in our unique way, and that adds to our unique voice as poets.”

In other words, autistic people are able to expand the possibilities of poetry itself.

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

– ref. RFK Jr. said many autistic people will never write a poem − even though there’s a rich history of neurodivergent poets and writers – https://theconversation.com/rfk-jr-said-many-autistic-people-will-never-write-a-poem-even-though-theres-a-rich-history-of-neurodivergent-poets-and-writers-255367
MIL OSI – Global Reports –
April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: No whistleblower is an island – why networks of allies are key to exposing corruption

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Kate Kenny, Professor of Business and Society, University of Galway

Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen speaks at a conference in 2022. Kimberly White/Getty Images for SumOfUs

Whistleblowers – people who expose wrongdoing within their organizations – play a crucial role in holding governments and corporations accountable. But speaking up can come at a cost. People who report misconduct often face retaliation, job loss or legal threats, making whistleblowing risky and challenging. And when legal protections for whistleblowers are weakened, the risks only grow.

That’s exactly the situation many workers face today.

In the U.S., a Trump administration executive order threatens to effectively strip thousands of federal workers’ rights to whistleblower protection. The executive order is part of a larger effort to reclassify civil servants as “at-will” workers who can be sacked at any time for any reason. While federal workers have enjoyed protection against whistleblower reprisal for decades, those safeguards are now under threat. And this comes as private-sector whistleblowers have increasingly faced reprisal, too.

Yet while the risks are real, whistleblowing isn’t impossible. Indeed, after researching whistleblowing for over 10 years, I’ve observed that insiders who successfully sound the alarm often do so with help − by partnering with allies who can amplify their message and help shield them from retaliation.

Meet the ‘regulators of last resort’

My new book, “Regulators of Last Resort: Whistleblowers, the Limits of the Law and the Power of Partnerships,” tells the stories of whistleblowers from Facebook, Amazon, Theranos, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers and Ireland’s public electricity service. In each case, the worker suffered reprisal and was aggressively silenced. In each case, they persisted, and allies emerged to help.

For Facebook employee Frances Haugen, finding an ally meant teaming up with Wall Street Journal reporter Jeff Horwitz, a specialist in tech who had been writing about Facebook’s misdeeds for some time. When Haugen decided to go public about the social media platform’s knowing exploitation of teenagers and its awareness of the violence incited by poorly regulated non-English versions of its site, Horwitz was pivotal in orchestrating when and how the newspaper articles would appear, helping maximize their impact and granting Haugen control over how her story was told.

This partnership was no accident; Haugen chose the reporter and tech expert carefully. “I auditioned Jeff for a while,” she later told a reporter. “One of the reasons I went with him is that he was less sensationalistic than other choices I could have made.”

Indeed, many whistleblowers disclose with the wrong journalist, leaving themselves open to attack.

At Theranos – a multibillion-dollar biotech company that turned out to be a fraud – a lawyer “friend of a friend” gave whistleblower Erika Cheung critical advice about disclosing to a regulator. This was a lifeline for the recent graduate, who feared for her career and safety after being threatened by bosses and lawyers and warned to stay silent and obey her nondisclosure agreement. Meanwhile, Cheung had no money for formal legal representation. It was that call to the lawyer that made all the difference, Cheung told me. “He said, ‘You can whistleblow.’”

Her contact explained that if she disclosed to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, she could avail of whistleblower protection and break her NDA. She would have to do it right and focus on the details: to highlight Theranos’ “regulatory noncompliance” and demonstrate the firm was violating the rules for proficiency testing. But all it would require of Cheung was a simple email to the right organization.

Finally, my research also detailed the many colleagues at Amazon who supported whistleblowing manager Chris Smalls in disclosing risks to life and health during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York. When Smalls was fired for speaking out and subject to racist language in internal memos about the incident that were later leaked, his close colleague Derrick Palmer described his response. “I was appalled,” Palmer said. “I just knew that they wanted to – pretty much – silence the whole effort. Anyone speaking out. That was how they were going to treat them, moving forward. Including myself.”

Labor leader Chris Smalls speaks during a conference in Chicago, Ill., in 2022.
Jeremy Hogan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

This strengthened Palmer’s determination to help Smalls. Meanwhile, the leaked memo prompted letters of support and emails “from people from all over the country – Amazon workers, non-Amazon workers, that just want to help advocate as well,” as Smalls put it. In the days and weeks after, workers held demonstrations at Amazon facilities all across the U.S., with banners declaring solidarity with the New York warehouse whistleblowers.

No whistleblower is an island

These allies often go overlooked when the media focuses on whistleblowers. But their support is critical, particularly in an era when protections for workers who speak up are coming under increasing threat worldwide.

Organizing whistleblowing allies involves strategy, and some nonprofit and civil society groups have become experts in this domain. Leading the way is the U.S. Government Accountability Project and its “information matchmaking” approach. The idea is simple: Whistleblowers need a whole team of other people – from experts to members of the public – on their side. And this takes planning.

For years, lawyer-activists like those at the Government Accountability Project have been treating whistleblower protection and support efforts as holistic campaigns that entail a media operation and networking effort, as well as a legal defense.

Take the example of Dawn Wooten, a former nurse at the Irwin County Detention Center – a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement contractor – who encountered and disclosed medical misconduct and critical failures. Dana Gold at the Government Accountability Project supported her whistleblowing with other activists, enlisted civil society groups and politicians in the cause, helped land newspaper articles in The Guardian and The New York Times, and even arranged a New Yorker podcast in which Wooten told her story.

The information went viral, and multiple investigations ensued. Within a year, the Department of Homeland Security directed ICE to formally end its contract with the Irwin County Detention Center, citing the revelations made public by Wooten and some of the detained women.

None of this is straightforward. In most whistleblowing disputes, the organization holds the balance of power. It has the files, the witnesses and the money to pay good lawyers. I’ve found that whistleblower allies must work with whatever limited resources they can marshal to give themselves an advantage. This means engaging influential people who might help, including pro bono lawyers, specialists who can give evidence, concerned regulators and beat journalists. In short, what is necessary is experts across all domains who are interested in the story and willing to help. And it’s the collective effort that matters.

Even with this support, however, whistleblowers don’t have it easy. In many high-profile cases where a disclosure is made public and a whistleblower is clearly vindicated and recognized as a courageous truth-teller, they can suffer afterward. Potential employers can balk at the prospect of hiring a whistleblower, even a celebrated one. And vindictive organizations can and do continue retaliating, even years after a story has dropped off the front pages.

Whistleblower allies and their strategies don’t offer a magic bullet. But they can help tip the balance of power, bringing public opinion to bear on an employer bent on reprisal or a government intent on coddling the powerful.

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

– ref. No whistleblower is an island – why networks of allies are key to exposing corruption – https://theconversation.com/no-whistleblower-is-an-island-why-networks-of-allies-are-key-to-exposing-corruption-250721

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Florida panthers and black bears need a literal path for survival – here’s how the Florida Wildlife Corridor provides it in one of the fastest-growing US states

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Thomas Hoctor, Research Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture, University of Florida

Florida panthers are a federally endangered species. Carlton Ward Jr./Wildpath

Imagine a Florida panther slinking its way 400 miles (645 kilometers) from the Big Cypress Swamp, in the southwest part of the state, to Okefenokee Swamp, on Florida’s northern border with Georgia, without ever being spotted by a human.

No one has yet documented a panther making this journey. But evidence suggests it happens.

Florida panthers were once distributed throughout most of the southeast U.S., but now their number is tiny – maybe 200 or so – and their known breeding range has greatly shrunk, now concentrated in southwest Florida.

They do show up in north Florida and Georgia on occasion when young males travel north looking to escape social pressure from adult males. Biologists have found their tracks not far south of Okefenokee. One panther made it almost to Atlanta before it was shot by a hunter.

Large mammals such as the Florida panther and black bear literally need room to roam in order to hunt, breed and thrive. Such journeys across the state of Florida are possible thanks to the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a statewide system of interconnected wildlife habitat that turns 15 this year.

The Florida Wildlife Corridor built on conservation efforts that date back to the 1980s and 1990s, when researchers from the University of Florida, including the two of us and our mentor Larry Harris, created maps of existing and proposed conservation areas that interlinked across the state.

A family of Florida black bears scratches on a log in the dry season.
Carlton Ward Jr./Wildpath

Today, the Florida Wildlife Corridor spans 18 million acres – about half of the state.

Ten million of these acres are protected from development. They are either local, state, regional or federal public conservation lands or they are private conservation easements. These easements restrict the landowners’ uses of the land to activities compatible with wildlife conservation, such as ranching, timber production and other sustainable activities.

The other 8 million acres are the focus of state-funded land protection efforts to close the unprotected gaps. For now, these lands could be converted to intensive residential, commercial or industrial development.

The corridor is an ambitious conservation project. It provides sufficient habitat to sustain healthy wildlife populations while also protecting Florida’s key ecosystem services, including water quality and flood storage. Ecosystem services refers to the benefits that ecosystems provide humans.

The corridor is also a unique example of how conservationists can combine science with public education and outreach to protect important natural habitats – even in regions like Florida that face burgeoning population growth.

Florida’s population boom

Until the early 20th century, Florida was the most remote and undeveloped state on the East Coast.

After World War II and the introduction of affordable home air conditioning, Florida transformed from a sleepy winter holiday destination to the third-most-populated state in the nation.

Currently, about 300,000 new residents move to Florida each year.

With this population growth came a rapid loss of natural habitat and rural landscapes. Using federal land use data, we calculate that approximately 60,000 acres of Florida habitat are lost each year.

Florida’s development was initially concentrated along the coasts, especially in areas with extensive beaches. With the opening of tourist attractions such as Disney World near Orlando in 1971, central Florida also became a hub of rapid growth.

It became clear to concerned Floridians that virtually all land not protected by permanent conservation designations could eventually be lost to urban and suburban sprawl.

Responding to these concerns, Florida became a leader in land protection, which has generally been popular and bipartisan in the Sunshine State.

Since the 1970s, Florida has protected millions of acres of conservation lands through programs including the Florida Preservation 2000 Act of 1990, the Florida Forever acquisition program that replaced it in 2001, and the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, also created in 2001.

The authors estimate that approximately 60,000 acres of Florida habitat are lost each year to development.
Carlton Ward Jr./Wildpath

Scientists identify key areas to protect

Wildlife biologists since the 1930s have observed how birds and mammals use wooded fencerows, hedgerows, streamsides and other natural corridors to travel through agricultural regions in the U.S. and Canada.

When corridors are protected, they allow animals to travel safely across landscapes and they can save animals from extinction. They also provide people with ecosystem services such as clean water and flood protection.

Since 1995, the Florida Ecological Greenways Network, or FEGN, has identified a statewide system of large, intact natural areas and connecting green spaces. It is now part of the state-legislated Florida Greenways and Trails System, a statewide network of recreational trails and ecological corridors.

As conservation scientists who are deeply involved with the FEGN, we were able to make use of the state’s early investment in geographic information systems. GIS produces digital maps and other high-quality data on the locations of wildlife habitat and other conservation priorities.

The Florida Wildlife Corridor covers nearly 18 million acres of Florida. A little over half of the acres, pictured in dark green, are conserved lands while the rest, pictured in light green, are considered opportunity areas for future conservation.
University of Florida Center for Landscape Conservation Planning

We continue to work with state agencies and other partners to continually update the FEGN as land use changes and as better data and tools become available to identify conservation priority areas.

Getting the public on board

While the FEGN proved fundamental for supporting state conservation programs, it was not widely known by Floridians or visitors to the state.

In 2010, conservation photographer Carlton Ward and colleagues proposed a simple, unified map and a public campaign to promote protection of the top-priority lands in the Florida Ecological Greenways Network.

Ward called it the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

He organized a team of photographers, videographers and scientists who trekked across large swaths of the corridor to document Florida’s natural ecosystems and native species that were threatened by development.

The expeditioners highlighted species like the Florida panther, Florida black bear and Florida grasshopper sparrow. They raised awareness about the corridor’s connection to water conservation, lands managed by ranchers and foresters, and recreational opportunities. And they produced documentary films, media and social media coverage, and public talks and events to educate the public on the importance of protecting the corridor.

Photographer Carlton Ward Jr. paddles to set up cameras at a site in the Fakahatchee Strand in southwest Florida.
Carlton Ward Jr./Wildpath

Bipartisan support continues

In June 2021, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act into law. The legislation, which had unanimous support from the state Legislature, officially recognized the corridor’s critical role in Florida’s economy, cultural and natural heritage, and protection of imperiled species and ecosystems.

The law also reenergized legislative support and funding to acquire land directly for conservation and to establish conservation easements on private lands.

Ranchers with the Seminole Tribe of Florida steer cattle through wooden sorting pens at the Big Cypress Reservation in southern Florida.
Carlton Ward Jr./Wildpath

The 2025-2026 Florida budget, which is still under negotiation, earmarks US$300 million to $450 million for land protection programs.

And on April 23, 2025, the Florida Senate passed a resolution to proclaim April 22 as Florida Wildlife Corridor Day. The resolution affirmed the corridor’s importance as “a unique natural resource” that is essential for “preserving the green infrastructure that is the foundation of this state’s economy and quality of life.”

There is a lot of land protection work left to be done in a race against a burgeoning human population. But Florida has proved ready to implement science-based strategies and work with willing landowners to protect a statewide wildlife corridor as a key element of Florida’s future.

The Florida Wildlife Corridor is also a potential model for other states and regions that want to protect viable wildlife populations and ecosystem services.

Uplands and wetlands east of Fort Myers, in the core of Florida panther territory, are part of the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
Carlton Ward Jr./Wildpath

Thomas Hoctor receives funding from state government related to working on the science and planning associated with the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

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

– ref. Florida panthers and black bears need a literal path for survival – here’s how the Florida Wildlife Corridor provides it in one of the fastest-growing US states – https://theconversation.com/florida-panthers-and-black-bears-need-a-literal-path-for-survival-heres-how-the-florida-wildlife-corridor-provides-it-in-one-of-the-fastest-growing-us-states-251790

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Almost Zion: Remembering a short-lived Jewish state in New York

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Adam L. Rovner, Director of the Center for Judaic Studies, University of Denver

Twin bridges spanning the Niagara River lead from Tonawanda to Grand Island, New York — the proposed site of ‘Ararat.’ Kevin Menschel/iStock via Getty Images Plus

At dawn on Sept. 15, 1825, a burst of cannon fire shook the ramshackle buildings of Buffalo, New York. Families raced down the main street to witness a grand ceremony, following a parade of soldiers, clergymen, Freemasons, musicians and Seneca tribesmen, including their venerable chief, Red Jacket. All surged toward St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the frontier town’s only grand edifice.

Inside, a crowd of Christians, Jews and Native Americans were already packed together to witness the founding of Ararat, a tract of land on nearby Grand Island that was intended to be the first autonomous Jewish city-state in almost 1,800 years.

Ararat’s 400-pound cornerstone, engraved with a central Jewish tenet of faith from the Bible’s Book of Deuteronomy, rested inside the church. When the swell of the organ died down, former diplomat, political power broker and playwright Mordecai Manuel Noah – the man who had dreamed up Ararat – rose to his feet.

Today, this marker is one of the few surviving signs of the proposed settlement.
Adam Rovner

Described as a “stout … gentleman, with sandy hair, a large Roman nose, and … red whiskers,” Noah had draped himself for the ceremony in fur-trimmed robes borrowed from a theater. He triumphantly announced the reestablishment of “the Government of the Jewish Nation … under the auspices and protection of the constitution and laws of the United States of America.”

Noah also welcomed Native Americans, whom he – like many Americans at the time – mistakenly believed were “the descendants of the lost tribes of Israel.” In addition, he granted equal “rights and religious privileges” to the “black Jews of India and Africa,” disclosing a rare-for-his-time sensitivity toward Jews of color.

A portrait of Mordecai Noah by 19th-century painter John Wood Dodge.
Smithsonian American Art Museum via Wikimedia Commons

But Noah’s utopian ark sank with barely a trace. Not a single Jew heeded his call to settle Ararat. Noah himself abandoned ship when his calls for a Jewish republic were rebuffed by religious leaders. All that he left behind was the cornerstone.

As a scholar who scours archives to trace connections between literature and history, I’ve seen how Noah’s efforts to found a Jewish statelet have fascinated students of both American and Zionist history.

Noah was only the first of many modern thinkers to propose establishing Jewish territories far from the biblical land of Israel. In the 20th century, organizations seeking a humanitarian solution to Jewish persecution considered carving out enclaves the world over, including lands in today’s Kenya, Angola, Madagascar, Tasmania and Suriname.

‘City of refuge’

Noah wielded considerable influence in early 19th-century America through his roles as a political party boss, helming various daily newspapers, and as a popular playwright. But he was also a marginalized outsider at a time when there were fewer than 500 Jews in Manhattan, the young republic’s largest city.

Noah used his press pulpit to demand equality for Jews, even proposing himself as a presidential candidate. He remained one of few high-profile American Jews throughout his life, urging other citizens to acknowledge that one’s faith and patriotism need never be at odds. Yet antisemitic slurs dogged him throughout his career.

After witnessing the persecution of Jews in Europe during his diplomatic travels, Noah hoped Ararat would be a territorial solution to religious oppression.

‘Noah’s Ark,’ by 19th-century American painter Edward Hicks.
Philadelphia Museum of Art via Wikimedia Commons

In some ways, his efforts hearkened back to the origins of America itself. Instead of the Mayflower, Noah invoked the symbolic ark of his biblical namesake – “Ararat” is the biblical name of the mountain where the ark came to a rest after the flood. In the role of the Puritans, he cast European Jewry. And instead of Plymouth Rock, he landed on Grand Island. As the cornerstone of Ararat proclaimed, the settlement was to be a “city of refuge for the Jews” – one that Noah hoped would grow to become a state and be admitted to the American republic.

In his speeches, Noah imagined that Ararat would allow European Jews to escape persecution while simultaneously fulfilling America’s need for immigration, industry and financial capital. He also believed that his purchase of 2,555 acres of Grand Island would prove a lucrative personal investment: The recently completed Erie Canal, he reasoned, would make Buffalo a major port.

Failure to launch

At the time of Noah’s proposal, the Zionist movement – the modern political program for Jewish national self-determination – had not yet coalesced. Most Jews at the time believed that founding a Jewish state in the land of Israel was a pipe dream, or worse. God had expelled their ancestors from the Holy Land in 70 C.E., they believed, so taking matters into their own hands and rebuilding a Jewish state there would be blasphemy.

Noah hoped to sidestep those theological objections by locating a Jewish polity in the promised land of America, not the biblical promised land. Nonetheless, Jewish leaders dismissed his vision as contrary to God’s will. The chief rabbis of England and France publicly condemned Noah’s plan, and the September 1825 ceremony in Buffalo proved Ararat’s high point.

Though ridiculed in the press for Ararat’s failure, Noah took a philosophical view:

I … stand as the pioneer of the great work, leaving others to complete it. … When sneers and mockery shall have had their day … then my motives and objects will have been duly estimated and rewarded.“

The front page of one of Mordecai Noah’s books, published in 1819.
Library of Congress via Wikimedia Commons

Birth of Zionism

Noah quickly resumed his career as a journalist and emerged as a kind of ambassador, penning articles and delivering speeches that linked Jewish and Christian America. To Christians, he explained Jewish practices. To his brethren, he demonstrated the fundamental compatibility between the ideals of Judaism and the United States, assuring them that America “is the country which the Almighty has blessed,” a land in which Jews “may repose in safety and happiness.”

Yet Noah never abandoned his plans for Jewish self-government and ultimately advocated national repatriation to areas of Palestine, then under Ottoman control. In 1845 he published a short book, “Discourse on the Restoration of the Jews.” A young journalist whom he had befriended, Edgar Allan Poe, praised Noah’s proposal for a Jewish return to the biblical land of Israel as “extraordinary [and] full of novel and cogent thought.”

Noah did not live to see his dreams fulfilled. After his death in March 1851, nearly 50 years passed before another playwright and journalist resurrected the idea of Jewish political autonomy: Theodor Herzl.

Herzl’s vision laid the groundwork for the establishment of the state of Israel. Today, he is considered the father of Zionism, with his image paraded on Israeli Independence Day.

Paradoxically, Noah is remembered today thanks only to the spectacular failure of his American Zion.

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

– ref. Almost Zion: Remembering a short-lived Jewish state in New York – https://theconversation.com/almost-zion-remembering-a-short-lived-jewish-state-in-new-york-253534

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Spider-Man’s lessons for us all on the responsibility to use our power, great or small, to do good

Source: The Conversation – USA – By George Tsakiridis, Senior Lecturer of Philosophy and Religion, South Dakota State University

A large statue of Spider-Man at a mall in Dubai. Giuseppe Cacace AFP via Getty Images

As a child, I watched reruns of the 1967 Spider-Man cartoon on television. I was drawn to the action and colors and, of course, the catchy tune. This was my early introduction to Spider-Man, as it was for many children who grew up in the 1960s-’80s.

Spidey, as he is affectionately called, was a huge part of popular culture. The Spider-Man story was first released in 1962 as part of another comic book, Marvel’s Amazing Fantasy (192) #15. A year later he became his own title character, branching out into cartoons, merchandising and feature films. In other words, Spider-Man became ubiquitous.

With the advent of films featuring him in 2002, however, Spider-Man reached an entirely new level of influence, so much so that academic interest in him increased. I edited a 2021 book in which I wrote a chapter about Spider-Man’s creeds – his main sets of beliefs, or one might say his religion: “Theology and Spider-Man.”

A phrase that has appeared in various forms in Spider-Man lore – “with great power comes great responsibility” – is an example of such a creedal statement. I examine how this one phrase can resonate with readers and viewers to such a degree that it shapes their everyday lives and makes Spider-Man a moral exemplar to many of us.

More broadly, however, I believe that as a moral exemplar, Spider-Man exemplifies the struggle for virtue that most of us face every day.

Spider-Man is relatable

Moral exemplars are figures who transcend the average human experience, achieving extraordinary feats in pursuit of virtue. They serve as models for others to follow. They can be historical figures or people we interact with every day.

A 2017 study led by educational psychology scholar Hyemin Han states moral exemplars influence others because their stories seem relevant and attainable. The study shows evidence that people are more likely to respond to a peer’s example of good behavior and be motivated by that. This means that role models who feel relatable to our daily lives tend to have the greatest impact.

I would argue that Marvel superheroes and the films they have inspired are popular because we see ourselves in these stories. These characters are the sort of moral exemplars that can influence our behavior because we identify with them so closely.

Spider-Man particularly fits this bill. Peter Parker is a teenager who unexpectedly gains superhuman power. In this transformation, he is forced to struggle with moral behavior on a higher level because he now has newfound abilities to do things normal humans cannot. He can use his powers for good or selfish ends, and the effects are much more damaging than for a normal person.

Spider-Man is popular because many people identify with him closely.
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Moral exemplars are connected in a fundamental way to virtue ethics – a framework of behavior based in core virtues such as honesty, bravery and kindness. Virtue ethics focuses on building character within versus following a set of rules.

Moral exemplars are the people who represent virtue ethics in its purest form. They are the most virtuous in their character, displaying what all humans should aspire to when practicing virtue ethics. The virtuous hero is the one we emulate and build our own character around, being a representative of a virtuous life.

Spidey is a perfect moral exemplar because he is relatable. He is one of us. He has limitations but invites us to work beyond them.

Morality is Spider-Man’s strength

In the 2021 film “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” Spidey is confronted with the choice of using his power for good or for revenge. As a portal opens to other dimensions, he encounters a number of villains from past films, including the Green Goblin from the 2002 film.

In contrast to the Green Goblin, Spidey chooses to use his power for good. Green Goblin kills Aunt May because he wants Spidey to embrace the power he has and use it for selfish means. Aunt May serves as a moral foundation for Peter Parker, and with her gone, perhaps the Goblin sees an opportunity for Spidey to embrace power for power’s sake. He tells Spidey, “Morality is your weakness.”

Spider-Man must struggle with the temptation to kill the Goblin in a fit of revenge – exactly the kind of self-serving thinking that the Green Goblin himself encourages. Green Goblin is the anti-moral exemplar. He embraces power and vice, while Spidey embraces doing good for others. Earlier in the film, the Goblin states, “Gods don’t have to choose; we take.” For the Goblin, there is no real morality. His power entitles him to any action.

On the contrary, Spider-Man sees his power as a gift to be used – “with great power comes great responsibility.” Spider-Man continually sacrifices the joy in his life – his relationships, his health and his family – in order to fight villains and protect the innocent. This is practicing virtue ethics at a high level, one that reaches the status of a moral exemplar.

Spidey’s determination to use his power for good arises out of his origin story in the original narrative found in Amazing Fantasy #15. Spider-Man feels a strong sense of guilt and responsibility due to his uncle’s death, which he feels is the result of his inaction. Thus he is committed to using his power for good.

At first, he uses his abilities to make money wrestling or finding fame on television. In the aftermath of a television appearance, however, he allows a thief to escape because he doesn’t feel morally responsible to stop him. As the thief escapes, Spidey states, “From now on I just look out for number one – that means – me!” Soon after, he finds that same thief has killed his uncle.

It is out of this origin story that is born his adoption of the phrase “with great power comes great responsibility.” His uncle’s death was necessary for his moral tranformation.

Spider-Man shows us that moral responsibility does not go away just because one has power. It is in this lesson that Spider-Man exemplifies morality for us. He becomes a moral exemplar.

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

– ref. Spider-Man’s lessons for us all on the responsibility to use our power, great or small, to do good – https://theconversation.com/spider-mans-lessons-for-us-all-on-the-responsibility-to-use-our-power-great-or-small-to-do-good-248529

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Romford builder banned for Covid loan abuse agrees to repay money he should never have claimed
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Romford builder banned for Covid loan abuse agrees to repay money he should never have claimed

Construction director previously disqualified as a director signs compensation agreement
Ioan Marcu overstated his company’s turnover to receive £50,000 in Bounce Back Loan funds when he was only entitled to little more than £11,000

Marcu was handed a decade-long director ban for his misconduct following Insolvency Service investigations

The 38-year-old has now signed a formal document in which he agrees to repay the money he secured

A builder who was disqualified as a company director for Covid loan abuse has now agreed to repay all the money the company was not entitled to claim.

Ioan Marcu inflated his Imbusi Ltd company’s turnover to receive a £50,000 Bounce Back Loan in 2020, the maximum allowed under the scheme.

Marcu was disqualified as a director for 10 years in January 2025 following Insolvency Service investigations.

The 38-year-old, of Lindfield Road, Romford, has now signed an agreement committing him to repay more than £38,000 – the total amount the company should never have received.

Ann Oliver, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:

Ioan Marcu significantly overstated his company’s turnover in order to receive the maximum amount of money businesses were entitled to under the Bounce Back Loan Scheme.

This was clearly an inaccurate declaration which has resulted in him being banned as a director until the start of 2035.

Marcu has now signed a compensation undertaking which legally requires him to pay back all the public money the company should never have received in the first place.

Imbusi was incorporated in August 2014 with Marcu as its sole director.

Marcu applied to the bank for the £50,000 Bounce Back Loan in July 2020, claiming Imbusi’s turnover was £280,000 – an over-estimate of more than £230,000.

Insolvency Service analysis of Imbusi’s accounts revealed the company was only entitled to a loan of £11,451.

The Secretary of State for Business and Trade accepted a compensation undertaking from Marcu on Thursday 24 April, in which he has agreed to repay £38,549 in monthly instalments.

His disqualification undertaking prevents him from being involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court.

Imbusi went into liquidation in July 2022 with liabilities of more than £63,000.

Further information

Ioan Marcu is of Lindfield Road, Romford. His date of birth is 6 January 1987

Imbusi Ltd (company number 09180287)

Individuals subject to a disqualification order or undertaking are bound by a range of restrictions

Read more about the Bounce Back Loan Scheme and the action the Insolvency Service can take if it finds misconduct 

Further information about the work of the Insolvency Service, and how to complain about financial misconduct.

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Updates to this page

Published 29 April 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: HTX Launches $TRUMP Promotions: 20% APY, $20,000 Trading Competition, and 0 Fees

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SINGAPORE, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HTX is launching a series of exclusive promotions for $TRUMP, offering users multiple ways to boost earnings and capture market opportunities amid surging global interest in the token.

Learn more about the $TRUMP promotions:
https://www.htx.com.gt/en-us/mars/web/activity-center?callId=174581400284440

Seize the Momentum with $TRUMP Promotions

1. Earn $TRUMP with 20% APY – Flexible and Instant Access

Starting April 26 at 16:00 (UTC), HTX launched a special $TRUMP Flexible Earn offer. Users can subscribe to the $TRUMP Earn product and enjoy an annualized return of up to 20% with hourly compounding. Funds can be deposited and withdrawn at any time for maximum flexibility. Simply log in to the HTX App or website and select the “$TRUMP Flexible” product under “Earn.”

2. 0 Trading Fees for $TRUMP/USDT Spot Trading

From April 28 at 10:00 to May 13 at 15:59 (UTC), users can trade the $TRUMP/USDT spot pair with zero trading fees. This limited-time offer lowers trading costs and makes it easier for users to capture potential gains.

3. $TRUMP Trading Competition to Share 20,000 USDT – Race to the Top

HTX is hosting a $TRUMP Trading Competition from April 27 at 10:00 to May 4 at 10:00 (UTC).
Participants who trade $TRUMP spot will be ranked by total trading volume for a chance to share a 20,000 USDT prize pool.
Bonus: $TRUMP leveraged trades will count 3x toward the total volume.
Note: Users must register on the event page to qualify for rewards.

HTX: Empowering Users with Quality Digital Asset Opportunities

Through Earn promotions, fee-free trading offers, and trading competitions, HTX continues to create a low-cost, high-liquidity trading environment. The $TRUMP campaigns are part of HTX’s broader efforts to enhance user opportunities through curated digital asset offerings, while continuously optimizing platform experience and driving sustainable growth across the global user base.

About HTX

Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.

As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.

To learn more about HTX, please visit HTX Square or https://www.htx.com/, and follow HTX on X, Telegram, and Discord. For further inquiries, please contact glo-media@htx-inc.com

Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by HTX. 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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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c52a1adf-dbce-488c-a634-70886fb93017

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Global Artificial Intelligence Influence on Diabetic Retinopathy Market Expected to See Significant Growth

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PALM BEACH, Fla., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – According to reports from industry insiders the Global AI in Diabetic Retinopathy market is projected to continue to grow at a substantial rate for years to come. According to Metastat, Global AI in Diabetic Retinopathy Market is witnessing unprecedented growth, reshaping the landscape of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for this prevalent and sight-threatening complication of diabetes. As technology continues to advance, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative force in healthcare, particularly in the domain of diabetic retinopathy (DR), where early detection and timely intervention are critical. The report said “AI applications in diabetic retinopathy are gaining momentum due to their ability to augment traditional diagnostic methods. Image analysis, a cornerstone in the detection of retinal abnormalities, has witnessed a paradigm shift with the incorporation of AI algorithms. These algorithms, trained on vast datasets of retinal images, demonstrate remarkable accuracy in identifying subtle changes indicative of diabetic retinopathy. Consequently, they empower healthcare professionals with more efficient and precise tools for early diagnosis. One of the notable contributions of AI in diabetic retinopathy lies in its potential to address the challenge of limited access to ophthalmic expertise, especially in resource-constrained regions. Automated screening processes, driven by AI, enable remote and quick assessment of retinal images, offering a scalable solution to bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility. This democratization of expertise has the potential to revolutionize the way diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed and managed globally.” According to a report issued by Grand View Research: “the global diabetic retinopathy market size was estimated at USD $9.48 Billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2025 to 2030. One of the main factors expected to fuel market expansion is the growing incidence of diabetes in older individuals and the rising prevalence of blindness caused by diabetes. The introduction of novel diagnostic technologies and treatments and the increased awareness are driving the market expansion.”   Active healthcare/tech companies active in the markets include: Avant Technologies Inc. (OTCQB: AVAI), Recursion (NASDAQ: RXRX), Tempus AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: TEM), Predictive Oncology Inc. (NASDAQ: POAI), ADMA Biologics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADMA).

The Metastat report continued: “Moreover, AI is not confined to diagnosis alone; it extends its influence on the realm of personalized treatment strategies. Tailoring interventions based on individual patient profiles; AI algorithms enhance the efficacy of therapeutic approaches. This marks a significant departure from conventional one-size-fits-all methodologies, allowing for more precise and targeted treatment plans. The continuous evolution of AI models also holds promise for prognostic applications in diabetic retinopathy. Predictive analytics, driven by machine learning algorithms, analyzes diverse patient data to forecast the progression of the disease. This foresight equips healthcare providers with valuable information to strategize long-term management plans, optimizing outcomes for patients with diabetic retinopathy.”

Avant Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: AVAI) and Ainnova Request Pre-Submission Meeting with US FDA for VisionAI Platform Technology – Avant Technologies, Inc. (“Avant” or the “Company”), and its JV partner, Ainnova Tech, Inc., (Ainnova), a leading healthcare technology company focused on revolutionizing early disease detection using artificial intelligence (AI), today announced that The Center for Devices and Radiological Health of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received the company’s submission package requesting a pre-submission meeting with the FDA for its VisionAI platform technology and is now under review.

Ainnova is requesting a pre-submission meeting with the FDA’s review team to discuss any questions and/or concerns about its proposed formal submission, including seeking advice to finalize the protocol and obtain agency guidance for a clinical trial of its VisionAI platform in the early detection of diabetic retinopathy. A pre-submission meeting allows companies to clarify regulatory requirements, get feedback on their plans, and potentially avoid delays or issues during the formal review process.

The clinical studies will aim to support an FDA 510(k) submission to obtain clearance from the regulatory agency to market its technology in the U.S.

Ai-nova Acquisition Corp. (AAC), the company formed by the partnership between Avant and Ainnova to advance and commercialize Ainnova’s technology portfolio, including its VisionAI platform and its versatile retinal cameras, has worldwide licensing rights for this portfolio. The licensing rights include the U.S., where the FDA regulates drug and medical device development, so the success of Ainnova’s interactions with the FDA are paramount to marketing the technology portfolio in the United States.

Vinicio Vargas, Chief Executive Officer at Ainnova and a member of AAC’s Board of Directors, said, “This milestone reflects our two-tiered strategy, rapid deployment in low-regulation markets where VisionAI operates as a screening tool, and simultaneous progress toward FDA clearance for the U.S. market. Entering the U.S. will unlock significant commercial potential, and early engagement with regulators ensures we do so with speed, credibility, and a validated product.”

For medical device applicants like Ainnova, the FDA’s pre-submission program is useful to determine a clear regulatory pathway for the successful launch of the device, including the number of patients and the number of clinics that will be needed to generate the necessary clinical data for the FDA to make an informed decision on Ainnova’s VisionAI platform. For Avant, the pre-submission meeting will help define a precise budget for the strategic partnership’s entire FDA process.   CONTINUED… Read this and more news for Avant Technologies at:   https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-avai/

In other developments and happenings in the markets recently include:

Recursion (NASDAQ: RXRX) recently announced it will present preliminary data during the 2025 Digestive Disease Week (DDW) meeting from its ongoing Phase 1b/2 clinical trial, TUPELO, which is evaluating the safety and preliminary activity of REC-4881 for the treatment of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). The data will be presented as a late-breaking oral presentation during the Research Forum session on Hereditary GI cancer syndromes on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in San Diego.

“We are pleased that DDW has recognized the importance of our data in addressing the unmet needs of the FAP patient population, where no FDA-approved therapies currently exist,” said Najat Khan, PhD, Chief R&D Officer and Chief Commercial Officer at Recursion. “MEK 1/2 inhibition for the potential treatment of FAP was identified through our AI-powered Recursion OS platform, which analyzed cellular models of APC gene loss to uncover a potential first-in-disease treatment. We look forward to sharing our preliminary findings in our upcoming DDW presentation in May.”

Tempus AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: TEM), a technology company leading the adoption of AI to advance precision medicine and patient care, recently announced Tempus Loop, a new oncology-focused platform for target discovery and validation. Loop is Tempus’ proprietary approach to novel target identification that integrates real-world patient data (RWD) with human-derived biological models and CRISPR-screens, all leveraging AI to rapidly uncover insights for pre-clinical therapeutic development.

One of the biggest industry challenges has been translating promising preclinical experiments into treatments that can benefit patients. Conventional approaches in target discovery and validation rely on cell lines or animal models, which may not be reliable representations of human tumors. Loop’s approach is uniquely powerful because it leverages Tempus’ rich RWD to identify patient subpopulations with similar clinical, pathologic, and molecular patterns, followed by use of systems biological approaches to help reveal novel target genes and multimodal signatures. These signatures allow Tempus to seamlessly map patient subcohorts to relevant patient-derived organoids (PDOs), which the company has been expanding for years. By ensuring continuity between RWD and PDOs, Tempus can validate targets using high-throughput functional screens in models that more closely reflect patient attributes. This seamless integration—RWD to PDO and back—can help to enable rapid hypothesis generation and testing in the most relevant disease models, accelerating target discovery and validation.

Predictive Oncology Inc. (NASDAQ: POAI), a leader in AI-driven drug discovery, recently announced that it has made significant progress along the continuum of biomarker discovery, drug discovery and drug repurposing. These latest developments build upon Predictive’s ongoing initiative to combine its in-house biomarker identification platform with its AI screening capabilities.   Identifying new indications using active machine learning and a biobank of patient derived dissociated tumor cells (DTCs) represents a novel and commercially sustainable approach to repurposing abandoned oncology drugs.

“This efficient screening approach on a small, curated cohort of abandoned drugs identified three compounds that warrant further exploration in tumor indications that have never been examined in this way,” said Dr. Arlette Uihlein, SVP of Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery and Medical Director at Predictive Oncology. “The work that we have done successfully demonstrates our ability to utilize our active machine learning and biobank of tumor samples to capture patient response heterogeneity in less than 12 weeks.”

ADMA Biologics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADMA) (“ADMA” or the “Company”) recently announced U.S. FDA approval of its innovative yield enhancement production process. This innovative process has demonstrated an ability to increase production yields by approximately 20% from the same starting plasma volume.

“This approval represents a pivotal milestone for ADMA, unlocking the opportunity for meaningful acceleration in our revenue and earnings trajectory beginning in late 2025 and accelerating further into 2026 and beyond,” said Adam Grossman, President and Chief Executive Officer of ADMA. “As the first U.S. producer of plasma-derived products to achieve regulatory approval for its innovative yield enhancement production process, ADMA continues to demonstrate its leadership in modernizing and advancing plasma fractionation through agile, forward-thinking scientific development and execution. We commend our team for driving this novel process from concept to approval with speed and capital efficiency, and we thank the FDA for its thorough and timely review as well as the Agency’s commitment to expanding immune globulin access for immunocompromised patients. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue to advance our internal R&D platform—further optimizing production capabilities and progressing novel pipeline programs, most notably SG-001, our pre-clinical, investigative hyperimmune globulin targeting S. pneumonia, which exemplify our commitment to product and process innovation.”

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The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Resolutions of Nokia Corporation’s Annual General Meeting
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Nokia Corporation
Stock Exchange Release
29 April 2025 at 15.45 EEST

Resolutions of Nokia Corporation’s Annual General Meeting

Espoo, Finland – The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Nokia Corporation took place today 29 April 2025 in Helsinki, Finland. The AGM approved all the proposals of the Board of Directors to the AGM.

The AGM adopted the Company’s financial statements, discharged the members of the Board and the President and Chief Executive Officer from liability for the financial year 2024 and adopted the Company’s Remuneration Report and Remuneration Policy. In addition, the AGM adopted the following resolutions.

Authorization to the Board to decide on the asset distribution
The AGM decided that no dividend is distributed by a resolution of the Annual General Meeting and authorized the Board to resolve on the distribution of an aggregate maximum of EUR 0.14 per share as dividend from the retained earnings and/or as assets from the reserve for invested unrestricted equity.

The authorization is valid until the opening of the next Annual General Meeting. The Board will resolve separately on the amount and timing of each distribution of the dividend and/or assets from the reserve for invested unrestricted equity so that the preliminary record and payment dates will be as set out below. The Company shall make a separate announcement of each such Board resolution confirming the relevant record and payment dates.

Preliminary record dates Preliminary payment dates

5 May 2025 12 May 2025

29 July 2025 7 August 2025

28 October 2025 6 November 2025

3 February 2026 12 February 2026

Each installment based on the resolution of the Board of Directors will be paid to a shareholder registered in the Company’s shareholders’ register maintained by Euroclear Finland Oy on the record date of the payment.

Composition of the Board of Directors
The AGM resolved to elect ten members to the Board. The following eight members of the Board were re-elected for the term ending at the close of the next Annual General Meeting: Timo Ahopelto, Sari Baldauf, Elizabeth Crain, Thomas Dannenfeldt, Lisa Hook, Mike McNamara, Thomas Saueressig and Kai Öistämö. In addition, the AGM resolved to elect Pernille Erenbjerg and Timo Ihamuotila as new members of the Board of Directors for the same term of office. The qualifications and career experience of the elected Board members are available on the Company’s website at https://www.nokia.com/about-us/company/leadership-and-governance/board-of-directors/meet-the-board/.

Board members’ remuneration
The AGM resolved that the annual fees to be paid to the members of the Board for the term ending at the close of the next Annual General Meeting are as follows:
- EUR 440 000 for the Chair of the Board;
- EUR 210 000 for the Vice Chair of the Board;
- EUR 185 000 for each member of the Board;
- EUR 30 000 each for the Chairs of the Audit Committee and the Personnel Committee and EUR 20 000 each for the Chairs of the Technology Committee and the Strategy Committee as an additional annual fee; and
- EUR 15 000 for each member of the Audit Committee and Personnel Committee and EUR 10 000 for each member of the Technology Committee and Strategy Committee as an additional annual fee.
The AGM resolved that approximately 40% of the annual fee will be paid in Nokia shares. The rest of the annual fee would be paid in cash to cover taxes arising from the remuneration. The members of the Board shall retain until the end of their directorship such number of shares that they have received as Board remuneration during their first three years of service on the Board. If the term of a Board member terminates before the Annual General Meeting of 2026, the Board has a right to decide upon potential reclaim of the annual fees as it deems appropriate.

The AGM also resolved to pay a meeting fee of EUR 5 000 per meeting requiring intercontinental travel and EUR 2 000 per meeting requiring intracontinental travel for Board and Committee meetings to all Board members. The meeting fee is paid for a maximum of seven meetings per term. Only one meeting fee is paid if the travel entitling to the fee includes several meetings of the Board and the Committees. The AGM also resolved that the members of the Board of Directors shall be compensated for travel and accommodation expenses as well as other costs directly related to Board and Committee work.

Auditor and Sustainability Reporting Assurer
The AGM re-elected audit firm Deloitte Oy as the auditor for Nokia for the financial year 2026. In addition, the AGM elected authorized sustainability audit firm Deloitte Oy as the sustainability reporting assurer for Nokia Corporation for the financial year 2026. Deloitte Oy has informed the Company that the key audit partner and key sustainability partner will be Authorized Public Accountant (KHT) and Authorized Sustainability Auditor (KRT) Jukka Vattulainen.

The AGM resolved, in accordance with the Board proposal, that the auditor and the sustainability reporting assurer elected for 2026 be reimbursed based on the purchase policy approved by the Board’s Audit Committee and the invoices approved by the Company

Authorizations to resolve on the repurchase of the Company’s own shares and on the issuance of shares and special rights entitling to shares
The AGM authorized the Board to resolve to repurchase a maximum of 530 million Nokia shares by using funds in the unrestricted equity. Shares may be repurchased to be cancelled, held to be reissued, transferred further or for other purposes resolved by the Board. The shares may be repurchased otherwise than in proportion to the shares held by the shareholders (directed repurchase). The authorization is effective until 28 October 2026 and it terminated the corresponding repurchase authorization granted by the Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024 to the extent that the Board has not previously resolved to repurchase shares based on the respective authorization.

The AGM authorized the Board to resolve to issue a maximum of 530 million shares through issuance of shares or special rights entitling to shares under Chapter 10, Section 1 of the Finnish Companies Act in one or more issues. The authorization may be used to develop the Company’s capital structure, diversify the shareholder base, finance or carry out acquisitions or other arrangements, settle the Company’s equity-based incentive plans, or for other purposes resolved by the Board. Under the authorization, the Board may issue new shares or treasury shares held by the Company. The authorization includes the right for the Board to resolve on all the terms and conditions of the issuance of shares and special rights entitling to shares, including issuance of shares or special rights in deviation from the shareholders’ pre-emptive rights within the limits set by law. The authorization is effective until 28 October 2026 and it terminated the corresponding authorization granted by the Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024.

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting
The minutes of the AGM will be available on the Company’s website latest on 13 May 2025.

About Nokia
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

Inquiries:
Nokia Communications
Phone: +358 10 448 4900
Email: press.services@nokia.com
Maria Vaismaa, Head of External Communications

Nokia
Investor Relations
Phone: +358 931 580 507
Email: investor.relations@nokia.com

The MIL Network –
April 30, 2025

MIL-OSI: Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. Reports Earnings of $1.2 Million, or $0.37 per Share, for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HAMPSTEAD, Md., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”), the parent company of Farmers and Merchants Bank (the “Bank” and, together with the Company, “we”, “us” and “our”), announced that net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was $1.2 million, or $0.37 per common share (basic and diluted), compared to $1.2 million, or $0.39 per common share (basic and diluted), for the same period in 2024. The Company’s return on average equity during the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was 8.22% compared to 9.40% for the same period in 2024. The Company’s return on average assets during the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was 0.57% compared to 0.61% for the same period in 2024.

Net interest income was $5.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, an increase of $321 thousand over the $5.2 million reported for the same period in 2024. The increase was due to a 35 basis point increase in the yield on earning assets to 5.03% for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to 4.68% for the same period in 2024. Average earning assets increased $10.6 million to $790.6 million as of March 31, 2025. Average loans increased to $593.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, an increase of $59.1 million over the $534.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The combination of higher yields on earning assets plus higher average earning asset balances was the primary reason for the increase. Offsetting the increase in interest income was the higher cost of funds in 2025. The average interest rate paid on interest bearing liabilities was 2.70% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 2.48% for the same period in 2024. Average interest bearing liabilities increased to $650.0 million, an increase of $23.0 million when compared to the $627.0 million reported as of March 31, 2024.

A provision for credit losses of $30 thousand was recorded for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to no provision for credit loss for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The Company’s loan portfolio continues to perform at a high level with just four non-accrual loans totaling $2.6 million and two loans more than 30 days delinquent totaling $577 thousand at March 31, 2025.

Noninterest income increased slightly to $514 thousand for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to $504 thousand for the same period in 2024. Mortgage banking income increased $24 thousand, income on bank owned life insurance increased $15 thousand, gains on the sale of investment securities increased $94 thousand, and other fees and commissions increased $37 thousand. The increases were offset by a decrease in service charges of $30 thousand and a decrease in insurance proceeds of $143 thousand due to the non-recurring receipt of insurance proceeds during the first quarter of 2024 in connection with storm damage to the Bank’s office building in Upperco, Maryland.

Noninterest expense was $386 thousand higher for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 when compared to the same period in 2024. This increase was due primarily to a $175 thousand increase in occupancy and furniture and equipment costs, a $101 thousand increase in FDIC premiums, a $33 thousand increase in ATM related costs, and a $96 thousand increase in other expenses. The increase in other expenses was due primarily to legal fees incurred for stockholder matters and additional costs related to the Company’s captive insurance company subsidiary. The Bank’s FDIC assessment expense increased due to higher asset size and higher FDIC assessment rates. The increase in occupancy and furniture and equipment was due primarily to depreciation on the renovations and new equipment for the Bank’s Upperco, Maryland location which was placed in service at the end of the first quarter of 2024 and the Bank’s new Towson, Maryland location that was placed in service during the second quarter of 2024. The increase in ATM related expenses was due to vendor price increases.

Income taxes decreased by $30 thousand during the quarter ended March 31, 2025 when compared to the same period in 2024 due to lower earnings before taxes. The effective tax rate decreased to 21.3% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 from 22.1% for the same period last year due to an increase in the amount of nontaxable income included in pretax income year over year.

Total assets were $817.6 million at March 31, 2025 compared to $844.6 million at December 31, 2024. Compared to December 31, 2024, total loans, net of the allowance for credit losses, increased $17.1 million to $600.0 million at March 31, 2025. Offsetting the increase in loans was a decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $42.0 million. The decrease was primarily due to the funding of new loans of $17.1 million, a decrease in deposits of $23.2 million, and the repayment of $5.0 million of Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings. Deposits decreased to $735.6 million at March 31, 2025 from $758.8 million at December 31, 2024. The Company’s tangible equity was $51.5 million at March 31, 2025 compared to $49.2 million at December 31, 2024.

The book value of the Company’s common stock increased to $18.44 per share at March 31, 2025 from $17.77 per share at December 31, 2024. Book value per share at March 31, 2025 was inclusive of the $15.6 million unrealized loss, net of income taxes, on the Bank’s available for sale (“AFS”) investment portfolio as a result of higher interest rates. Changes in the market value of the AFS investment portfolio, net of income taxes, are reflected in the Company’s equity, but are not included in the income statement. The AFS investment portfolio is comprised of 72% government agency mortgage backed securities which are fully guaranteed, 22% investment grade non agency mortgage backed securities, less than 1% investment grade corporate and municipal bonds, and 5% subordinated debt of other community banks. There is no indication of credit deterioration in any of the bonds and we intend to hold these investments to maturity, so no actual losses are anticipated. The unrealized loss in the AFS investment portfolio did not impact regulatory capital because the Bank elected many years ago to not include changes in the market value of the AFS investment portfolio in the calculation of regulatory capital regardless of whether they are positive or negative.

Our Federal Home Loan Bank facility, other borrowing lines available, unpledged securities, brokered deposit access, and cash and cash equivalents provided us with access to approximately $337.8 million of liquidity as of March 31, 2025.

Gary A. Harris, President and CEO, commented “Our loan growth remains strong with a $17.1 million increase in net loans over the past quarter. We previously announced the opening of the new Towson Commercial Banking Office. Since its inception in June 2024, the office has produced over $29 million in new commercial loans and $8 million in new relationship deposits through March 31, 2025. We believe that this new office will be instrumental in both loan and deposit growth in 2025. Our asset growth along with the Federal Reserve’s three interest rate decreases over the past seven months have led to positive gains in our net interest margin. Asset quality remains high and our liquidity position remains strong. We continue to believe that Farmers and Merchants is well positioned to grow earnings in 2025.”

About the Company

The Company is a financial holding company and the parent company of the Bank. The Bank was chartered in Maryland in 1919 and has over 100 years of service to the community. The Bank serves the deposit and financing needs of both consumers and businesses in Carroll and Baltimore Counties along the Route 30, Route 795, Route 140, Route 26, and Route 45 corridors. The main office is located in Upperco, Maryland, with seven additional Maryland branches in Owings Mills, Hampstead, Greenmount, Reisterstown, Westminster, Eldersburg, and Towson. Certain broker-dealers make a market in the common stock of Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc., and trades are reported through the OTC Markets Group’s Pink Market under the symbol “FMFG”.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements contained herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements (as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) based on management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company. Such statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the control of the Company. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting the Company will be the same as those anticipated by management. These statements are evidenced by terms such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “should,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” and similar expressions. Although these statements reflect management’s good faith beliefs and projections, they are not guarantees of future performance and they may not prove true. These projections involve risk and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those addressed in the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of these risks and uncertainties, see the section of the periodic reports filed by Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission entitled “Risk Factors”.


Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

Dollars in thousands except per share and share data

	March 31,			December 31,
		2025			2024

Assets

Cash and due from banks	$	21,779		$	63,962
Federal funds sold and other interest-bearing deposits		918			697
Cash and cash equivalents		22,697			64,659
Certificates of deposit in other banks		100			100
Securities available for sale, at fair value		123,780			125,713
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost less allowance for credit
losses of $62.5 thousand and $35.6 thousand		21,135			20,499
Equity security, at fair value		530			518
Restricted stock, at cost		715			921
Mortgage loans held for sale		240			157
Loans, less allowance for credit losses of $4.3 million and $4.3 million		600,048			582,993
Premises and equipment, net		7,316			7,349
Accrued interest receivable		2,376			2,439
Deferred income taxes, net		7,246			7,606
Other real estate owned, net		1,176			1,176
Bank owned life insurance		15,429			15,324
Goodwill and other intangibles, net		7,024			7,026
Other assets		7,746			8,163
Total assets	$	817,558		$	844,643

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

Deposits
Noninterest-bearing	$	104,379		$	107,197
Interest-bearing		631,219			651,609
Total deposits		735,598			758,806
Securities sold under repurchase agreements		5,482			5,564
Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta advances		–			5,000
Long-term debt, net of issuance costs		10,858			11,329
Accrued interest payable		766			1,003
Other liabilities		6,306			6,669
Total liabilities		759,010			788,371
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock, par value $.01 per share,
authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding
3,175,347 shares in 2025 and 3,166,653 shares in 2024		32			32
Additional paid-in capital		31,294			31,136
Retained earnings		42,777			41,613
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(15,555	)		(16,509	)
Total stockholders’ equity		58,548			56,272
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	817,558		$	844,643


Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

Dollars in thousands except per share data
	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2025		2024

Interest income
Loans, including fees	$	8,366	$	6,882
Investment securities – taxable		1,051		1,579
Investment securities – tax exempt		156		137
Federal funds sold and other interest earning assets		313		468
Total interest income		9,886		9,066

Interest expense
Deposits		4,249		3,101
Securities sold under repurchase agreements		17		23
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		12		13
Federal Reserve Bank advances		–		622
Long-term debt		113		134
Total interest expense		4,391		3,893
Net interest income		5,495		5,174

Provision for credit losses		30		–

Net interest income after provision for credit losses		5,465		5,174

Noninterest income
Service charges on deposit accounts		165		195
Mortgage banking income		29		5
Bank owned life insurance income		105		90
Fair value adjustment of equity security		9		(4	)
Gain on sale of investment securities		94		–
Gain on insurance proceeds, net		–		143
Other fees and commissions		112		75
Total noninterest income		514		504

Noninterest expense
Salaries		2,207		1,976
Employee benefits		382		606
Occupancy		328		246
Furniture and equipment		335		242
Professional services		173		205
Automated teller machine and debit card expenses		168		135
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation premiums		199		98
Postage, delivery, and armored carrier		78		82
Advertising		56		48
Other real estate owned expense		5		3
Other		567		471
Total noninterest expense		4,498		4,112

Income before income taxes		1,481		1,566
Income taxes		316		346
Net income	$	1,165	$	1,220

Earnings per common share – basic	$	0.37	$	0.39
Earnings per common share – diluted	$	0.37	$	0.39

Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc.
Selected Consolidated Financial Data
(Unaudited)
Dollars in thousands except per share data

	As of or For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2025			2024			2023

OPERATING DATA

Interest income	$	9,886		$	9,066		$	7,051.53
Interest expense		4,391			3,892			1,395
Net interest income		5,495			5,174			5,657
Provision for credit losses		30			–			(270	)
Net interest income after provision for credit losses		5,465			5,174			5,927
Noninterest income		514			504			382
Noninterest expense		4,498			4,112			3,757
Income before income taxes		1,481			1,566			2,552
Income taxes		316			346			651
Net income	$	1,165		$	1,220		$	1,901

PER SHARE DATA

Net income (Basic and diluted)	$	0.37		$	0.39		$	0.62
Dividends	$	0.00		$	0.00		$	0.00
Book value	$	18.44		$	17.03		$	16.53

KEY RATIOS

Return on average assets		0.57	%		0.61	%		1.05	%
Return on average equity		8.22	%		9.40	%		15.49	%
Efficiency ratio		75.23	%		72.42	%		59.55	%
Dividend payout ratio		0.00	%		0.00	%		0.00	%
Net yield on interest-earning assets		2.81	%		2.69	%		3.24	%
Tier 1 capital leverage ratio		9.48	%		9.39	%		9.97	%


Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc.
Selected Consolidated Financial Data
(Unaudited)
Dollars in thousands except per share data

	As of or For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2025			2024			2023

AT PERIOD END

Total assets	$	817,558		$	794,593		$	722,679
Gross loans		604,352			541,398			525,485
Cash and cash equivalents		22,697			25,633			9,566
Securities		145,569			182,325			146,300
Deposits		735,598			655,978			637,309
Borrowings		10,858			71,742			24,625
Stockholders’ equity		58,548			53,077			50,757

SELECTED AVERAGE BALANCES

Total assets	$	816,760		$	799,841		$	723,106
Gross loans		593,653			534,566			525,516
Cash and cash equivalents		26,648			37,224			8,719
Securities		169,215			208,134			169,873
Deposits		634,274			550,010			501,185
Borrowings		4,946			69,551			36,124
Stockholders’ equity		54,127			51,928			49,071

ASSET QUALITY

Nonperforming assets	$	3,789		$	1,898		$	1,898

Nonperforming assets/total assets		0.46	%		0.24	%		0.26	%

Allowance for credit losses/total loans		0.71	%		0.80	%		0.87	%

Contact:	Mr. Gary A. Harris President and Chief Executive Officer (410) 374-1510, ext. 1104

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025

MIL-OSI Banking: Howard Lee: Opening remarks – Project Cargox expert panel kick-off meeting

Source: Bank for International Settlements

Good morning, distinguished guests and Expert Panel Members.

On behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), I would like to extend a very warm welcome to you all. We are excited to have you join us today to launch Project Cargo^x and share your valuable expertise.

Let me start by thanking you for dedicating your time, insights and energy to this important initiative. Cargo^x unites us with a bold vision: to build a more inclusive and efficient digital ecosystem for trade finance, powered by cargo data insights and our CDI data infrastructure.

This vision is critical in today’s evolving global landscape, where trade conflicts and disrupted supply chains are reshaping established trade patterns. Many businesses, SME traders in particular, stand to benefit immensely from a more digitalised and streamlined trade finance ecosystem as they transform their business model and supply chains.

SMEs’ access to trade finance has long been hindered by different processing pain points. For instance, the heavy reliance on paper-based documents has led to inefficiencies and difficulty in tracking and verifying the transactions. With light balance sheets, many SMEs also struggle to provide the collateral required by banks to secure loans. Furthermore, issues like duplicate financing have heightened the risk of default and fraud.

Through Cargo^x, we aim to address these challenges in a few ways. First, leverage cargo data to streamline trade finance processes for banks; second, develop digital solutions to enhance SMEs’ access to trade finance, in collaboration with key partners such as the Transport and Logistics Bureau and Airport Authority Hong Kong; and third, explore connections between CDI and international data partners to support innovative trade financing use cases.

Trade finance is inherently a complex process. For example, the export of collectible figures from Hong Kong already involves multiple parties, including the importer, freight forwarder, shipping line, port operator, insurance company, banks and customs authorities.

Given the intricate flow of goods, services, trade loans and payments, numerous documents, such as invoices, bills of lading, insurance certificates, letters of credit and customs declarations, are required to facilitate the trade.

To navigate this complexity, it is crucial to leverage industry expertise to gain a holistic understanding of the trade finance landscape, pinpoint areas for improvement, and identify processes for further digitalisation, particularly through cargo data. We are therefore very pleased to establish the Cargo^xExpert Panel, comprising representatives from the trading and trade finance industry.

The Expert Panel will serve as a vital platform for public-private collaboration, fostering dialogue to develop a roadmap and recommendations for a more robust digital trade finance ecosystem. Your insights will be instrumental in driving this transformation.

We look forward to charting the future of digital trade finance together with the Expert Panel members through Cargo^x. Our concerted efforts will help overcome traditional barriers and empower SMEs with faster, and more accessible financial services.

Thank you.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Chang Yong Rhee: Navigating political uncertainty while maintaining independence

Source: Bank for International Settlements

Thank you, Mr. Fernandez, for that generous introduction. And good evening to the distinguished guests who joined the dinner tonight, including President Lateef and Mr. Euywhan Kim, Korean Consul General in New York. Your warm welcome means more than I can express.

For over a century, the Foreign Policy Association has been a leader in promoting international collaboration through public dialogue and education. Its role as a nonpartisan forum for intellectual discourse is more important than ever today, as the world experiences a rising political divide, geopolitical tensions, and global fragmentation.

I’m deeply humbled and honored to receive this award from the FPA, and especially feel undeserving when I consider past awardees like Chairman Volcker, President Trichet, Managing Director Georgieva, and many others. Also, sharing this award ceremony with the Secretary-General of the OECD, the Honorable Mathias Cormann, makes it even more special.

On a personal note, this medal holds a very special meaning within my family. When I got married, I made a joke to my wife, saying, “As I’ll devote my whole life to promoting world peace, you need to take care of everything else for our family.” I thank the FPA for vindicating my joke and justifying the many evenings I’ve spent away from my wife and children.

Acknowledging Global and Korean Headwinds

Currently, we are facing heightened uncertainties. Globally, despite some easing of post-pandemic inflation, trade tensions are intensifying and geopolitical risks persist, reshaping supply chains and deepening global fragmentation, or reglobalization. They have triggered the global financial market turbulence and slowed down global growth. My understanding is that the IMF is going to consider lowering its world economic outlook significantly tomorrow.

Korea is not an exception. As an export-driven economy, it is particularly vulnerable to these external headwinds. Tariffs directly reduce our exports. And, given our deep integration with key supply chain partners, our semiconductor production in Vietnam, electronics and automobile manufacturing in Mexico, and battery production in Canada will all likely be significantly affected. At the same time, weak demand from China-which accounts for over 19% of Korea’s exports-is expected to further weigh on our economy.

To make matters worse, current challenges have been especially difficult for Koreans. As you may know, political uncertainty intensified following the former president’s declaration of martial law late last year. After about five months of turbulence, we now hope that the Constitutional Court’s recent upholding of the impeachment, along with the upcoming presidential election in June, will help settle this uncertainty behind us.

Nevertheless, “Every cloud has a silver lining.” These political events also demonstrated the powerful resilience of Korean democracy.

There had been moments of unrest and deep confrontation among citizens with differing political views. However, the situation was resolved peacefully and constitutionally, and now we are advancing toward the presidential election.

Political Polarization and Central Bank Independence

One thing that I learned as a central banker during this period of political turmoil is the importance of central bank independence-but from a different angle.

We usually understand central bank independence to mean freedom from government interference or fiscal dominance. However, navigating through recent political challenges has made it clear to me that independence from politics is much more vital.

This is particularly true in deeply divided political environments such as Korea right now, where the presidency and parliamentary majority are decided by only a narrow margin of the popular vote.

Governments are appointed by an elected power. By this very nature, during times of heightened political tension, any policy decisions and announcements by governments are often filtered through a political lens and struggle to gain broad trust.

In contrast, a central bank, as Paul Tucker describes it, is an “Unelected Power”-more free from political preference and generally perceived as politically neutral. This allowed us to communicate balanced and apolitical assessments of economic conditions, such as the economic impact of political instability, along with policy recommendations when they were most needed.

Independence with Flexibility

Of course, as Paul Tucker rightly points out in his book, central banks must not exploit the privileges that come with their independence.¹ He argues that central banks should strictly confine themselves to a narrow interpretation of their mandate, which includes price stability and political neutrality in general.

I agree with the spirit of that argument. But I also believe that some degree of flexibility is necessary-particularly in unexpected extreme situations, such as the political instability that Korea just experienced or crises like the pandemic.

Let me recall a conversation I had with a central bank governor from emerging Asia when I served as the IMF’s Asia-Pacific Department Director. As many of you know, avoiding fiscal deficit monetization is generally considered one of the non-negotiable mandates of central banks.

However, in 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 crisis, that central bank took the unusual step of purchasing government bonds in the primary market under the spirit of shared burden with the government. As the governor explained to me, it was seen as inevitable to help those suffering from COVID-19, given the unusually large need for fiscal support, the limited financial market depth, and the importance of protecting sovereign credit rating.

Fortunately, the temporary deviation from text book central bank principles turned out to be a happy ending: the country navigated the COVID crisis without damaging its creditworthiness and returned to its pre-pandemic deficit target within two years as planned.

Fundamental concerns about deficit monetization remain valid. However, this case demonstrates how limited, temporary policy flexibility may be necessary depending on the specific nature of economic crisis and the maturity of capital markets.

Likewise, while leading the central bank through recent political turmoil, I often faced situations where my statements could be misinterpreted as political. For example, when both parties held opposing views on fiscal policy during the impeachment process and incoming election, discussing fiscal stimulus risked appearing partisan. Yet as central bank governor, I could not remain silent on its necessity, for two reasons.

First, after the martial law declaration, domestic demand was falling faster than expected. Some degree of fiscal stimulus was needed to alleviate a sharp decline in major market players’ economic forecasts early in the year. Second, a bipartisan fiscal package seemed to be the best tool to send the message to global investors that Korea’s economy operates independently of political divisions and to protect our credit rating.

While my public advocacy for fiscal stimulus created some controversy over political neutrality as expected, I believe that my decisions will stand the test of time. Yes, central bankers must be politically neutral, but as Keynes said of his mentor Marshall, economists need to be “sometimes as near the earth as a politician.”

U.S.-Korea Relationship & Closing

Before I close, I would like to take a moment to highlight the enduring importance of the U.S.-Korea relationship, especially in the presence of many distinguished American leaders here tonight.

Since Korea’s liberation in 1945, the U.S. and Korea have stood together as trusted allies, sharing common values, such as freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity.

I mentioned the resilience of Korean democracy earlier in my remarks, and indeed, the U.S. has always remained alongside us throughout our democratic journey. At a critical crossroads in history, it helped guide Korea away from communism and toward democracy. Especially for the Bank of Korea, it also provided instrumental support in shaping our legal foundations-most notably, the Bank of Korea Act.

Despite the leadership transition and the complex geo-economic landscape in Korea, I remain confident that the U.S.–Korea relationship will be taken to the next level. I believe the ongoing support of those in this room will be truly invaluable.

Once again, I offer my deepest thanks to the FPA for this honor, and I wish the FPA continued flourishing in the years to come.

Thank you.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council continues to grow Waverley Court Partnership Hub

Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

Exterior of Waverley Court in Edinburgh.

Creative Scotland and British Transport Police will move into the Waverley Court Partnership Hub.

They will join SEPA, Visit Scotland, Skills Development Scotland and Balfour Beatty, which are already based at the Council headquarters on East Market Street. Scottish Water is also due to move into the building later this year.

The decision by the Council’s Finance and Resources Committee to lease the space will grow the number of organisations based in Waverley Court to eight and annually raise £1.7m in total.

British Transport Police will move into the courtyard by the end of 2025, occupying about 40 desks, while Creative Scotland will move into the ground floor this autumn, occupying 60 desks.

The council will continue to retain at least 60% of the desk space within Waverley Court and discussions will continue to take place with other interested public sector partners.

Councillor Mandy Watt, Finance and Resources Convener, said:

We’re looking forward to welcoming Creative Scotland and the British Transport Police into Waverley Court, which is quickly becoming a true Partnership Hub, with organisations from all sides of the public sector joining forces to make greater use of the space and share expertise.

By welcoming these organisations in, we are generating significant income for the Council and making sure our Headquarters are operated in the most sustainable, efficient, and collaborative way.

Published: April 29th 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Going up! Leeds United promotion parade confirmed for Bank Holiday Monday

Source: City of Leeds

Leeds United fans will have the chance to salute the club’s promotion-winning heroes during an open-top bus parade, it can be confirmed today.

Fresh from clinching a return to the Premier League, Daniel Farke and his squad will be riding high once again as they make their way around a loop of Leeds city centre next Monday, May 5.

Large crowds are expected to turn out to show their appreciation for Leeds’s manager and players on a Bank Holiday afternoon that promises to live long in the memory.

The parade will follow a mile-long route that will take in the full length of the Headrow as well as City Square, Boar Lane, New Market Street and parts of Wellington Street and Vicar Lane.

The Whites are scheduled to arrive in the city centre at around 1pm, with the parade set to last between an hour and an hour-and-a-half.

Due to the high number of fans expected to attend, there will be no single focal point for the event. Instead, supporters are being encouraged to line as much of the route as possible and give the team the welcome they deserve.

Farke and his players will be ‘on the mic’ and interacting with fans throughout the parade, meaning everyone – no matter where they are along the route – will get the same special experience and enjoy what is sure to be a city centre-wide carnival atmosphere.

People who cannot make it to the event will be able to follow proceedings via a live stream on the club’s LUTV channel.

The parade has been organised by Leeds City Council in conjunction with the club, and with support from agencies including West Yorkshire Police.

Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said:

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to work with Leeds United to give players and fans the chance to celebrate promotion together.

“As a season ticket holder at Elland Road, I know how much this football club means to its supporters and indeed Leeds as a whole.

“The name of Leeds United is already known all around the world, but being in the Premier League raises the profile of the club still further and will also bring wider economic benefits to the city.

“I’m looking forward to seeing fans out enjoying themselves, it should be a wonderful spectacle. By lining the entirety of the route, they’ll be able to secure a great view of the parade and help create a party atmosphere right across the city centre.”

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, said:

“Winning promotion is a marvellous achievement by Daniel Farke and his players, they really have done the whole of Leeds proud over the course of the season.

“Leeds United’s ups and downs are woven into the fabric of life here and, as the city’s Lord Mayor, it’s my absolute pleasure to see them back where they belong.

“I know the club’s fans have been in party mood since promotion was secured and I’m sure they will relish the opportunity to continue their celebrations at next week’s parade.”

Morrie Eisenberg, chief operating officer at Leeds United, said:

“We are thrilled to be able to celebrate our promotion to the Premier League with a parade across Leeds city centre.

“Sadly, due to restrictions when we were last promoted to the top flight in 2020, it wasn’t possible for a bus parade to take place, so we’re now delighted to be able to celebrate this promotion properly with our supporters.

“On behalf of the club I would like to thank everybody who has helped pull the parade together behind the scenes and at local authority level, I’m sure next Monday will be a great occasion for the whole city.”

A programme of road closures and other traffic restrictions is due to be in place across much of the city centre from 8am to 5pm on Monday. Emergency service access will be maintained throughout this time.

The size of the expected turnout means people coming into the city centre – for the parade or other reasons – are being asked to carefully plan their journeys in advance.

The park and ride sites at Temple Green and Stourton will be operating on the day, with First running inbound buses from there to the city centre between 10am and 1pm and return services between 2.30pm and 5.30pm.

ENDS

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Outbrain to Release First Quarter 2025 Financial Results on May 9, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Outbrain Inc. (NASDAQ: OB), which is operating under the new Teads brand, announced today that the company will release its first quarter 2025 results before the market opens on Friday, May 9, 2025, followed by a conference call at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) that same day to discuss the company’s results and business outlook.

The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 1-877-497-9071 or for international callers, 1-201-689-8727. A replay will be available two hours after the call and can be accessed by dialing 1-877-660-6853, or for international callers, 1-201-612-7415. The passcode for the live call and replay is 13753068. The replay will be available until May 23, 2025.

Interested investors and other parties may also listen to a simultaneous webcast of the conference call by logging onto the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at https://investors.outbrain.com/. The online replay will be available for a limited time shortly following the call.

About The Combined Company

Outbrain Inc. (Nasdaq: OB) and Teads combined on February 3, 2025 and are operating under the new Teads brand. The new Teads is the omnichannel outcomes platform for the open internet, driving full-funnel results for marketers across premium media. With a focus on meaningful business outcomes, the combined company ensures value is driven with every media dollar by leveraging predictive AI technology to connect quality media, beautiful brand creative, and context-driven addressability and measurement. One of the most scaled advertising platforms on the open internet, the new Teads is directly partnered with more than 10,000 publishers and 20,000 advertisers globally. The company is headquartered in New York, with a global team of nearly 1,800 people in 36 countries.

Media Contact

press@outbrain.com

Investor Relations Contact

IR@outbrain.com

(332) 205-8999

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Primech AI Secures Foothold in Europe’s Rapidly Growing €10+ Billion Service Robotics Market Through Strategic Partnership with TCOrobotics GmbH

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SINGAPORE, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Primech AI Pte. Ltd. (“Primech AI” or the “Company”), a subsidiary of Primech Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: PMEC), today announced its strategic entry into the European market through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with TCOrobotics GmbH, establishing a distribution framework for its innovative HYTRON, AI-powered autonomous bathroom cleaning robots across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (DACH region).

The two-year agreement positions Primech AI to capitalize on Europe’s booming service robotics market, currently valued at over €10 billion annually and projected to reach €20-30 billion by 2030. With European service robot suppliers representing approximately 44% of global providers, this partnership gives Primech AI access to one of the world’s most sophisticated robotics ecosystems.

“Europe represents an exceptional growth opportunity for Primech AI, with the EU service robotics market experiencing double-digit annual growth driven by labor shortages, technological advances, and increasing acceptance of automation solutions,” said Charles Ng, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Primech AI. “Our partnership with TCOrobotics gives us an immediate market presence in the DACH region, which is at the forefront of adopting innovative cleaning technologies and boasts some of the world’s leading robotics companies.”

The European market is particularly receptive to autonomous cleaning solutions, with specialized cleaning robots seeing increased deployment following the COVID-19 pandemic. The region’s high labor costs, aging workforce, and strict hygiene standards in commercial facilities create ideal conditions for Primech AI’s HYTRON robots, which offer cost-effective, consistent cleaning performance.

Under the terms of the MOU, TCOrobotics, based in Vaihingen an der Enz, Germany, will oversee all aspects of regional distribution, including installation processes, maintenance, technical support, and customer training. The Company will work closely with Primech AI to ensure consistent quality standards and effective implementation of HYTRON robots at customer facilities.

“We’re seeing tremendous demand for advanced cleaning automation across the DACH region,” said Aleksandar Birmanac, CEO of TCOrobotics GmbH. “Primech AI’s HYTRON robots represent a perfect solution for facilities managers looking to address labor shortages while improving cleaning consistency and operational efficiency. We anticipate strong adoption across a variety of commercial settings.”
This European expansion represents a significant milestone in Primech AI’s global growth strategy and offers substantial potential for revenue growth in a market expected to double in value by 2030. The Company’s entry into Europe also benefits from the EU’s supportive policy environment for robotics innovation while meeting the region’s stringent regulatory requirements.

According to the International Federation of Robotics, Primech AI’s expansion comes at a time when specialized professional service robots for cleaning saw 12% year-over-year growth globally in 2022. The DACH region specifically has seen accelerated adoption of cleaning robots in commercial settings following the pandemic, with businesses increasingly viewing robot deployment as both a practical necessity and a marketing advantage that signals cleanliness and technological sophistication to customers.

About Primech AI
Primech AI is a leading robotics company dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation in technology. With a team of passionate individuals and a commitment to collaboration, Primech AI is poised to revolutionize the robotics industry with groundbreaking solutions that make a meaningful impact on society. For more information, visit www.primech.ai.

About Primech Holdings Limited
Headquartered in Singapore, Primech Holdings Limited is a leading provider of comprehensive technology-driven facilities services, predominantly serving both public and private sectors throughout Singapore. Primech Holdings offers an extensive range of services tailored to meet the complex demands of its diverse clientele. Services include advanced general facility maintenance services, specialized cleaning solutions such as marble polishing and facade cleaning, meticulous stewarding services, and targeted cleaning services for offices and homes. Known for its commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology, Primech Holdings integrates eco-friendly practices and smart technology solutions to enhance operational efficiency and client satisfaction. This strategic approach positions Primech Holdings as a leader in the industry and a proactive contributor to advancing industry standards and practices in Singapore and beyond. For more information, visit www.primechholdings.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, for example, statements about completing the acquisition, anticipated revenues, growth, and expansion. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are also based on assumptions regarding the Company’s present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure that such expectations will be correct. The Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

Company Contact:
Email: ir@primech.com.sg

Investor Relations Contact:
Matthew Abenante, IRC
President
Strategic Investor Relations, LLC
Tel: 347-947-2093
Email: matthew@strategic-ir.com

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Locus Technologies Releases the First Fully Integrated Software Suite for Water Quality, Water Compliance, and Water Sustainability Programs

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Locus Technologies, the sustainability and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) compliance software leader, announced the release of Locus Water, the first end-to-end, AI-ready software that has been future-proofed for the water utility industry. The suite is uniquely built upon state-of-the-art multitenant cloud, metadata-driven software-as-a-service (SaaS) architecture, empowering water and wastewater utilities to adapt to shifting priorities and address current demands without redundant data entry, compatibility issues, or technical gaps.

“Utilities have struggled with fragmented, outdated, or single-purpose systems for too long,” said Neno Duplan, founder and CEO of Locus Technologies. “That’s why Locus Water is a game-changer for water pros trying to keep up with everything from DMRs, CCRs, PFAS and compliance to cyber security and customer outreach. We’re unifying the entire water lifecycle – from source to discharge and from metrics to quality.”

Locus Water is comprised of eight optional and unified software apps: Drinking Water Compliance, Backflow Prevention, Industrial Pretreatment, Water Metrics, Stormwater Inspections, Test Equipment Management, Watershed Maintenance, and Customer Complaints to help water professionals efficiently leverage the data generated by diverse water initiatives for tracking, tasking, and reporting. Additional purpose-built apps are slated for release after the completion of ongoing beta tests with several water districts. As part of the software release, Locus also announced an incentive program to help water utilities quickly migrate to the new technology.

“Water is the world’s most precious resource, and it warrants technology that rises to that level of significance,” said Duplan. “Locus Water enables true digital transformation and raises the bar for the entire industry.”

All applications in the Locus Water collection support data capture from mobile, IoT devices, and API connectors, and they share a common user interface, a workflow engine, a reporting dashboard, GIS, Single Sign-On (SSO) and enterprise-grade security, and configuration tools for power users to adjust the software. The configurable nature of the metadata-driven architecture positions Locus clients to quickly respond to regulatory changes, emerging contaminants, and EHS compliance and ESG/CSRD requirements from the same interface.

To learn more about Locus Water and its water quality and analytical software that has been used by municipal water districts across the U.S. for more than a decade, please visit http://www.locustec.com.

About Locus Technologies
Locus Technologies, the global environmental, social, governance (ESG), sustainability, and EHS compliance software leader, empowers companies of every size and industry to be credible with ESG reporting. From 1997, Locus pioneered enterprise software-as-a-service (SaaS) for EHS compliance, water management, and ESG credible reporting. Locus apps and software solutions improve business performance by strengthening risk management and EHS for organizations across industries and government agencies. Organizations ranging from medium-sized businesses to Fortune 500 enterprises, such as Sempra, Corteva, Chevron, DuPont, Chemours, San Jose Water Company, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Port of Seattle, and Los Alamos National Laboratory, have selected Locus. Locus is headquartered in Mountain View, California. For further information regarding Locus and its commitment to excellence in SaaS solutions, please visit http://www.locustec.com or email info@locustec.com.

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Willis Lease Finance Corporation Closes Three Additional JOLCO Deals, Bringing Total JOLCO Financings to Nearly $120M

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

COCONUT CREEK, Fla., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (“WLFC” or the “Company”), the leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and global provider of aviation services, today announced the closing of three Japanese operating lease with call option (“JOLCO”) transactions, totaling US$64.8 million in financing. Two of the loans closed in the first quarter of 2025 for a PW1127GA-JM engine and a PW1133G-JM engine, respectively, and mature in 2033. The third loan closed in April of 2025 for a LEAP-1A engine and matures in 2034. These transactions bring WLFC’s total JOLCO financings to approximately US$119.8 million.

“The JOLCO market remains an attractive way to diversify financing options and we’re proud to deepen our relationship with Japanese counterparties,” said Scott B. Flaherty, WLFC EVP and Chief Financial Officer. “Through global capital sources like this, WLFC is able to offer our airline customers compelling lease and financing solutions.”

WLFC closed its first JOLCO engine transaction in August of 2023.

Willis Lease Finance Corporation
Willis Lease Finance Corporation (“WLFC”) leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines, auxiliary power units and aircraft to airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers worldwide. These leasing activities are integrated with engine and aircraft trading, engine lease pools and asset management services through Willis Asset Management Limited, as well as various end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials provided through Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc. Through Willis Engine Repair Center®, Jet Centre by Willis, and Willis Aviation Services Limited, the Company’s service offerings include Part 145 engine maintenance, aircraft line and base maintenance, aircraft disassembly, parking and storage, airport FBO and ground and cargo handling services.

Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Do not unduly rely on forward-looking statements, which give only expectations about the future and are not guarantees. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which the forward-looking statement is based, except as required by law. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: the effects on the airline industry and the global economy of events such as war, terrorist activity and the COVID-19 pandemic; changes in oil prices, rising inflation and other disruptions to world markets; trends in the airline industry and our ability to capitalize on those trends, including growth rates of markets and other economic factors; risks associated with owning and leasing jet engines and aircraft; our ability to successfully negotiate equipment purchases, sales and leases, to collect outstanding amounts due and to control costs and expenses; changes in interest rates and availability of capital, both to us and our customers; our ability to continue to meet changing customer demands; regulatory changes affecting airline operations, aircraft maintenance, accounting standards and taxes; the market value of engines and other assets in our portfolio; and risks detailed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other continuing and current reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is advisable, however, to consult any further disclosures the Company makes on related subjects in such filings. These statements constitute the Company’s cautionary statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Hanmi Releases 2024 Annual Shareholder Letter

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LOS ANGELES, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hanmi Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: HAFC, or “Hanmi”), the parent company of Hanmi Bank (the “Bank”), today announced the release of its 2024 annual letter to shareholders entitled “Successfully Navigating a Dynamic Market Environment” authored by President and Chief Executive Office Bonnie Lee. To view the letter please visit Hanmi Financial Corporation (HAFC).

About Hanmi Financial Corporation

Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Hanmi Financial Corporation owns Hanmi Bank, which serves multi-ethnic communities through its network of 32 full-service branches, five loan production offices and three loan centers in California, Texas, Illinois, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Colorado, Washington and Georgia. Hanmi Bank specializes in real estate, commercial, SBA and trade finance lending to small and middle market businesses. Additional information is available at www.hanmi.com.

Investor Contacts:
Romolo (Ron) Santarosa
Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
213-427-5636

Lisa Fortuna
Investor Relations
Financial Profiles, Inc.
lfortuna@finprofiles.com
310-622-8251

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: SEON Powers Fraud Prevention for Tecovas Across the Brand’s Rapidly-Growing Retail and E-Commerce Operations

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

AUSTIN, Texas, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SEON, a leader in digital fraud prevention and compliance, today announced Tecovas, the world’s fastest-growing Western brand, has adopted SEON’s technology to strengthen security and streamline fraud detection across its retail and e-commerce operations.

Recognizing the increasing importance of protecting both online and in-store transactions, Tecovas took a proactive approach to preventing fraudulent charges, particularly chargebacks. To maintain a seamless shopping experience and improve operational efficiency, the company sought a smarter, more automated approach to fraud prevention.

Tecovas implemented SEON alongside Shopify’s built-in fraud detection to strengthen fraud prevention without disrupting operations. SEON’s AI-driven technology enables Tecovas to reduce manual review times and improve detection accuracy while decreasing false positives and negatives, creating a smoother and more secure shopping experience.

“We’re excited to partner with SEON and leverage their expertise to take our fraud prevention efforts to the next level,” said Michael Draper, Vice President, Engineering, Tecovas. “SEON’s proactive approach aligns with our goal of ensuring a seamless and secure experience for our customers, whether they’re shopping online or in-store.”

“Innovative retailers like Tecovas choose SEON because of our expertise, cutting-edge technology and commitment to delivering industry-leading service,” said Matt DeLauro, President, GTM, SEON. “We work closely with our customers to ensure they not only stop fraud more effectively, but also maintain an optimal customer experience. We’re excited to support Tecovas as they continue to grow and redefine modern Western retail.”

About SEON
SEON helps risk teams detect and stop fraud and money laundering while ensuring regulatory compliance. By combining real-time digital footprint analysis, device intelligence and AI-driven rules, SEON empowers over 5,000 businesses globally to prevent threats before they occur. With integrated fraud prevention and AML capabilities, SEON operates from Austin, London, Budapest and Singapore. Learn more at seon.io.

Media
Press@seon.io

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Sky Quarry Taps TAR360 to Drive Production Growth and Operational Excellence at Foreland Refinery

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

WOODS CROSS, Utah, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sky Quarry Inc. (NASDAQ: SKYQ) (“Sky Quarry” or the “Company”), an integrated energy solutions company committed to revolutionizing the waste asphalt shingle recycling industry, today announced it has engaged Kevin Arrington of TAR360 as a strategic consultant. Arrington will work closely with the Sky Quarry team to accelerate the company’s growth trajectory, optimize internal processes, and support execution across key operational initiatives.

The consulting engagement will focus on a production scale-up strategy at the Company’s Foreland Refinery, Nevada’s only operational crude oil refinery. The initiative includes optimizing existing infrastructure and implementing a clear roadmap to initially increase output by up to 125%, from 20,000 to 45,000 barrels per month, and ultimately by up to 300% to 80,000 barrels per month.

By improving distillation and refracturing processes at the Foreland Refinery, Sky Quarry is driving greater refining efficiency and accelerating the conversion of recycled liquid asphalt from waste shingles into blended, sustainably produced fuels and other high-value materials. The Company believes that this initiative will reinforce its position as a next-generation energy provider and will enhance its ability to meet rising regional demand, particularly as California faces ongoing fuel supply constraints driven by refinery closures and tightening environmental regulations.

“As we scale Sky Quarry into a fully integrated waste-to-energy platform, it’s critical that our internal systems evolve with our growth,” said David Sealock, CEO of Sky Quarry. “Kevin Arrington and TAR360 bring a proven track record of transforming complex operations into high-performance systems, delivering measurable results for companies like BP, Shell, and Boeing. By leveraging that expertise, we’re strengthening our foundation for disciplined growth, operational excellence, and long-term shareholder value.”

Arrington and TAR360 will also help design and implement a practical operating framework that connects day-to-day activities with Sky Quarry’s broader business goals, ensuring teams are aligned, performance is measurable, and resources are focused where they will have the greatest impact on the Company’s operating results. At the same time, he will evaluate and upgrade the Company’s internal reporting systems, giving the Board and executive leadership better access to timely, decision-ready information to support strategic oversight and improve transparency.

About Kevin Arrington and TAR360

Kevin Arrington is the founder of TAR360, a performance consulting firm with over 15 years of experience driving operational improvements across the energy, aviation, and manufacturing sectors. Known for delivering measurable results, including nearly $1 billion in added revenue at BP’s Whiting Refinery and significant efficiency gains at Shell, Boeing, and American Airlines, Arrington applies a proprietary 16 Dimensions Framework to identify performance gaps and streamline complex systems. His engagement with Sky Quarry will focus on scaling production at the Foreland Refinery, aligning internal operations, and strengthening governance systems to support the Company’s next phase of sustainable growth.

About Sky Quarry Inc.

Sky Quarry Inc. (NASDAQ:SKYQ) and its subsidiaries are, collectively, an oil production, refining, and a development-stage environmental remediation company formed to deploy technologies to facilitate the recycling of waste asphalt shingles and remediation of oil-saturated sands and soils. Our waste-to-energy mission is to repurpose and upcycle millions of tons of asphalt shingle waste, diverting them from landfills. By doing so, we can contribute to improved waste management, promote resource efficiency, conserve natural resources, and reduce environmental impact. For more information, please visit skyquarry.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include “forward-looking statements.” All statements pertaining to our future financial and/or operating results, future events, or future developments may constitute forward-looking statements. The statements may be identified by words such as “expect,” “look forward to,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” “will,” “project,” or words of similar meaning. Such statements are based on the current expectations and certain assumptions of our management, of which many are beyond our control. These are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and factors, including but not limited to those described in our disclosures. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying expectations not occur or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results, performance, or our achievements may (negatively or positively) vary materially from those described explicitly or implicitly in the relevant forward-looking statement. We neither intend, nor assume any obligation, to update or revise these forward-looking statements in light of developments which differ from those anticipated. You are urged to carefully review and consider any cautionary statements and the Company’s other disclosures, including the statements made under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the Company’s Form 10-K as filed with the SEC on March 31, 2025. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the document in which they are contained.

Investor Relations
Jennifer Standley
Director of Investor Relations
Ir@skyquarry.com

Company Website
www.skyquarry.com

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Helport AI Congratulates Brand Ambassador Ben Griffin on First PGA TOUR Victory at Zurich Classic

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Former Mortgage Loan Officer Turned PGA TOUR Champion Embodies Helport AI’s Mission to Empower Excellence

SINGAPORE and SAN DIEGO, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Helport AI Limited (NASDAQ: HPAI) (“Helport AI” or the “Company”), an AI technology company serving enterprise clients with intelligent customer communication software and services, today congratulated brand ambassador Ben Griffin on capturing his first PGA TOUR title at the 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans alongside his friend and tournament partner, Andrew Novak, at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, Louisiana. Griffin sank a 35-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole to help seal the victory in the rotating format of four-ball and foursomes tournament, and is now ranked No. 21 in the FedExCup standings.

Griffin’s remarkable journey—stepping away from professional golf to work as a mortgage loan officer before returning to the PGA TOUR—mirrors the spirit of resilience, performance, and empowerment that Helport AI strives to bring to customer-focused industries like mortgage lending. After reaching a career-high world ranking of No. 48, Griffin’s breakthrough win highlights the rewards of perseverance, preparation, and precision under pressure.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate Ben’s victory at the Zurich Classic,” said Guanghai Li, Chief Executive Officer of Helport AI. “Ben exemplifies the values we champion at Helport AI: a relentless pursuit of excellence, an unwavering commitment to growth, and the belief that the right tools and mindset can help individuals perform at their highest potential.”

Helport AI’s flagship platform, AI Assist, acts as a real-time co-pilot for mortgage loan officers and other customer contact teams across financial services, including insurance and consumer financing. The technology provides intelligent conversation guidance, dynamic compliance support, and actionable insights—helping users achieve better customer outcomes, lower operational costs, and drive business growth.

As a former loan officer himself, Griffin’s story resonates deeply with Helport AI’s mission of enhancing human performance through cutting-edge technology.

“I know firsthand how demanding and high-pressure customer-facing roles can be,” said Ben Griffin. “That’s why I’m proud to partner with Helport AI, a company committed to giving professionals the tools they need to perform at their best. Winning the Zurich Classic is a dream come true, and I’m excited to continue growing both on and off the course with Helport by my side.”

Griffin’s victory at the Zurich Classic marks a milestone not only in his professional golf career but also in the evolution of Helport AI’s growing partnerships with champions across industries who embody the pursuit of excellence.

About Helport AI

Helport AI (NASDAQ: HPAI) is a global technology company serving enterprise clients with intelligent customer communication software and services. Its flagship product, AI Assist, acts as a real-time co-pilot for customer contact teams, delivering smart guidance and tools designed to drive sales, improve customer engagement, and lower costs. The Company’s mission is to empower everyone to work as an expert—using AI to elevate, not replace, human capability. Learn more at www.helport.ai.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking, including, but not limited to, Helport AI’s business strategies, expansion plans, and anticipated results. These statements involve risks and uncertainties based on current expectations and projections. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Helport AI undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although Helport AI believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and Helport AI cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in Helport AI’s registration statement and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Media Contact
Helport AI Investor Relations
Email: ir@helport.ai
Website: https://ir.helport.ai/

External Investor Relations Contact
Chris Tyson
Executive Vice President, MZ North America
Direct: +1 949-491-8235
Email: HPAI@mzgroup.us
Website: www.mzgroup.us

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/88ab4713-9616-4e80-94ef-ef16ae696bc4

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: MEMO: First 100 Days Economy
Source: The White House
TO: White House Communications Staff
FROM: Council of Economic Advisers Staff
SUBJECT: First 100 Days Economy Memo

Jobs Statistics:
- President Trump has created 345,000 jobs since taking office in January.
  
  188,000 (54%) of these were in non-government and government-adjacent sectors. This is a dramatic improvement from the last two years of the Biden Administration, when three-fourths of all new jobs were in government or government-adjacent sectors.
  
  2,000 of which were mining and logging jobs.
  
  27,000 of which were construction jobs.
  
  9,000 manufacturing jobs were created (compared to the 6,000 manufacturing jobs lost per month from Jan 2023 to Dec 2024).
  
  At the same time that there were large private sector job gains, 15,000 federal government jobs were cut.
- The labor force participation rate for those without a high school diploma is up by 0.7% since President Trump took office.
- The veteran unemployment rate is down from 4.2% in January to 3.8% in March.
- 228,000 jobs were created in March alone, well above expectations.
  
  This was the fourth best month in the last two years for private payroll growth.
- Remote work among federal employees has fallen over 16 percentage points from March last year to March this year, showcasing the success of President Trump’s initiative to bring federal workers back to the office.
  
  Federal telework numbers are now in-line with the private sector.
Inflation Statistics:
- Prescription drug prices are down over 2% since President Trump took office.
- Last month’s drop in the price of prescription drugs was the largest ever recorded.
- Gasoline prices, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), are down 7% since President Trump took office.
- Energy prices are down 2% since President Trump took office.
- Wholesale egg prices down are about 50% since President Trump took office. Most consumers have seen relief in prices on the shelf, but all consumers should see it within the next month or two.
- February inflation (the month prior to the most recent data) showed the smallest annual increase in core inflation in over four years (since March 2021).
- Both of the last two CPI inflation prints came in below expectations.
- Last month’s (March) decline was only the second monthly decline in inflation (CPI) in the last two-and-a-half years.
- These price declines are in contrast to the persistently high inflation under President Biden, which reached the highest annual rate in the past 40 years. After suffering for years under Biden Administration inflation, consumers are now getting welcome relief. On Biden’s watch, grocery prices rose 23%, and energy prices rose 34%.
- As a result of biting inflation, real wages in President Biden’s term were down about 2.4%.
- Moreover, in the most recent inflation print from March, airfare, used motor vehicles, and motor insurance all saw price decreases.
- Prices for wholesale goods fell nearly 1% last month and prices for wholesale services fell 0.2% last month, which will eventually lead to lower consumer prices.
- Last month, retail egg price inflation continued to slow.
Misc. Economic Statistics:
- Real average hourly earnings for middle- and low-income workers are up 0.4% and up 1% for workers in the manufacturing sector since President Trump took office.
- The automotive sector is growing: under President Trump, we already had the biggest one-month increase in auto sales in March in more than a year.
- Mortgage rates have declined roughly four-tenths of a percentage point since President Trump took office.
  
  Assuming the most recent median home price in the U.S., a new homebuyer making a 20% down payment on a 30-year mortgage would save roughly $32,400 over the course of the loan, or about $1,080 per year.
- Industrial production was at the seventh-highest monthly level ever recorded in March. The only higher monthly levels occurred during the first Trump Administration in 2018 and in February of this year.
- Since the beginning of the Trump Administration, at least $5 trillion in new investment in the U.S. has been pledged from both foreign governments and private companies.
Economic Policy Wins:
- Upon taking office, President Trump immediately blocked all unfinalized Biden-era rules, saving Americans over $180 billion — $2,100 per family of four over the next decade — and launched a bold, multi-agency effort to roll back existing federal regulations that drive up the cost of living. This effort is projected to yield significant cost savings in the coming months, including the EPA’s rollback of tailpipe emission rules for light-duty and medium-duty vehicles ($667 billion in total savings) and the Department of Transportation’s latest Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards ($88 billion in savings). These two efforts alone yield $755 billion in total savings or over $8,800 per family of four over the next decade. The combined savings from all of these actions equal just over $935 billion or nearly $11,000 per family of four over the coming decade.
- The Trump Administration has implemented an aggressive 10-to-1 deregulatory initiative, which requires that whenever an agency proposes a new rule or guidance document, it must eliminate 10 existing rules or guidance documents. This effort builds on the successful deregulatory initiative introduced in President Trump’s first term, which required the repeal of at least two existing regulations for each new rule, and in practice eliminated 5.5 rules for each new significant rule.
- To date, President Trump has issued over 20 significant deregulatory presidential actions (i.e., executive orders, presidential memoranda, and presidential proclamations).
Charts:
MIL OSI USA News –
April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: XRP News: XenDex Presale To Hit Soft Cap In Few Hours, $XDX Price Rises After Soft Cap Sell Out, Secure Your XDX Now!

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SYDNEY, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — XenDex, the revolutionary all-in-one decentralized exchange built on the XRP Ledger, is on the brink of selling out its presale and early buyers may never see these current prices again, In just the first week of its presale launch, over 30% of the token presale has already been sold, setting the stage for what many now predict could be a complete sellout within 2 weeks.

Currently, excitement grows across the crypto industry amid US SEC dropping the XRP Ripple Lawsuit and clearing ProShares to launch XRP Futures ETFs. A new decentralized finance project, XenDex is seizing the moment to reshape the XRP Ledger ecosystem.

Buy $XDX Token Now

XDX Price Set to Increase After Today

Currently, 1 XRP = 10 XDX, But once the soft cap is filled, 1.25 XRP will be required to purchase 10 XDX.

That’s a 25% increase after the soft cap is raised, and with demand surging, this is the final opportunity to buy $XDX at its lowest possible rate.

The new Ripple based DeFi is already offering its native token for sale at a very cheap price, ready to raise major funds in record time for advancement and further development of the project. The new XRP project has become the talk of the XRP community and investors are already jumping onboard, convinced XDX will deliver massive returns and position itself as XRP’s breakout altcoin by 2025.

XenDex promotes itself as a transformative platform combining the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with an ultra-fast and low-fee XRP Ledger (XRP).

Join XenDex Presale

Smart contracts are currently undergoing comprehensive audits, and the platform will be fully non-custodial with transparent DAO-based governance. Early adopters participating in the presale will benefit from staking rewards, airdrops, and priority access to upcoming product launches.

As the market looks toward a possible XRP ETF launch, projects like XenDex are building the infrastructure needed to support this wave of adoption. With its blend of automation, community empowerment, and high-speed execution, XenDex is positioning itself as the primary DeFi gateway for XRP-based assets.

Join the Movement Now!

Website: https://xendex.net
XenDex Presale: https://xendex.net/presale
Telegram: https://t.me/xendexcommunity
Twitter/X: https://x.com/xendex_xrp
Gitbook Docs: https://xdxdocs.gitbook.io

Contact:
Frank Richards
Frank@xendex.net

Disclaimer: This is a paid post provided by XenDex. 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.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/85f7e1e8-5eee-4a30-9a74-b94f17b1a6ce

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: JOYY Inc. Filed 2024 Annual Report on Form 20-F

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SINGAPORE, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — JOYY Inc. (NASDAQ: JOYY) (“JOYY” or the “Company”), a global technology company, today announced that it filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2025, Eastern Time. The annual report can be accessed on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.joyy.com.

The Company will provide a hard copy of its annual report containing the audited consolidated financial statements, free of charge, to its shareholders and ADS holders upon request. Requests should be directed to the Company’s Investor Relations Department at joyy-ir@joyy.com.

About JOYY Inc.

JOYY is a leading global technology company with a mission to enrich lives through technology. With a diversified product portfolio spanning live streaming, short-form videos, casual games, instant messaging, and emerging initiatives like advertising, JOYY has evolved beyond social entertainment into a multifaceted ecosystem powered by AI and data-driven technologies. Headquartered in Singapore and operating across the globe, JOYY has fostered a vibrant user community through its localized strategies. JOYY’s ADSs have been listed on the NASDAQ since November 2012.

Investor Relations Contact

JOYY Inc.
Jane Xie/Maggie Yan
Email: joyy-ir@joyy.com

ICR, LLC.
Robin Yang
Email: joyy@icrinc.com

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: More than 250 people wrote the “Victory Dictation” at SPbGASU

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Dictation participants

On April 25, the annual international historical dictation on the events of the Great Patriotic War, “Victory Dictation”, was held within the walls of SPbGASU. According to the organizers, more than 250 students and employees of the university took part in it. More than two million people wrote it in all regions of our country and in 84 countries of the world.

“Victory Dictation” was held simultaneously at three SPbGASU sites. Within 45 minutes, participants completed 25 tasks developed by leading historians of the country.

Volunteer assistance in conducting the dictation was provided by activists of the all-Russian student project of Rosmolodezh “Your Move”, second-year bachelor’s students of the Faculty of Engineering Ecology and Urban Economy Victoria Marusey and Danil Ivanov. We asked them to share their opinions about the dictation, as well as to tell about their projects.

“The dictation is our memory of the events of the war years. We must remember the feat of our ancestors,” Danil is sure.

“Thanks to such events, young people learn more about history,” Victoria believes.

Together with second-year undergraduate students of the Institute of Economics and Geophysics Alina Prikhodko and Anna Kozhina, Victoria is working on an environmental project within the framework of the “I Do” track, “Analysis of the state of soil and ground in St. Petersburg to assess the possibility of planting green spaces.” The result of the project will be an electronic map that visually displays the environmental state of various areas, as well as recommendations for planting plants. Information can be entered into the map by all interested city residents, and not only. “I have a special interest in ecology and strive to contribute to improving the environmental situation both in the city and in the country,” said the student, who is also the group leader.

Danil Ivanov not only studies, but also works as a technologist in the company. As part of the “I Do” track, he is implementing the WaterTechnologies project, aimed at making the process of developing treatment facilities easier.

“Any treatment facilities are very expensive and complicated. A lot of documents are created when implementing even simple water treatment plants for both drinking and technical purposes. The presence of such water treatment plants is the key to the development of any modern city. There are very few people who can and want to do such a complex task. They have a huge amount of work, and this overload causes burnout, inattention, which leads to errors. My project will help reduce the workload of each person, speed up the process of document development, reduce the influence of the human factor and make the water in our country a little cleaner,” the student said.

One of the participants of the “Victory Dictation” was a fourth-year bachelor’s student of the construction faculty Zlata Zolotykh, who heads the “EcoTusa” project. The children collect waste paper and plastic caps, participate in city and all-Russian clean-up days.

“This dictation is a very important event, and I am glad that so many of our students are here. The questions were interesting. I learned some things for the first time,” Zlata shared.

“Victory Dictation”, aimed at increasing historical literacy and patriotic education of youth, is of particular importance in the year of the eightieth anniversary of the Great Victory and in the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland. At SPbGASU they do everything to instill in young people respect for the feat of our people during the Great Patriotic War.

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: Best No KYC Casinos: JACKBIT Is Ranked Top No Verification Casino With Exclusive Bonuses
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LARNACA, Cyprus, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — No KYC casinos are ruling the gambling landscape recently. With numerous available options, it might be overwhelming for players to choose the best No KYC casino for better and safer iGaming. After reviewing multiple No KYC casino platforms, our experts found that JACKBIT is one of the best No KYC casinos of 2025.

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However, what helps JACKBIT stand out from the rest of the casinos? Is it the wide array of 7000+ games, multiple payment options, beneficial bonuses, or a safe gaming experience? Let’s have a detailed breakdown of what makes JACKBIT the best No KYC option for both seasoned gamblers and beginners exploring the new landscape. So, here is what JACKBIT has in store for you.

JACKBIT Casino: The Best No KYC Casino In 2025

JACKBIT is one of the most popular and widely accepted no KYC casinos in 2025. With a sleek design, easy navigation, and user-friendly interface, JACKBIT has offered an unmatched iGaming experience since its launch in 2022. This no KYC casino platform has a noteworthy game library that offers over 7000+ different casino games, and one of the best sportsbooks, making JACKBIT the hub for most casino and gambling lovers.

Along with diverse and engaging games, JACKBIT, the no KYC crypto casino, has the best crypto sportsbook that has 82,000+ live events monthly, 75,000+ pre-match events monthly, 4500+ betting free spins, and 140+ sports types. Talking about the bonuses and promotions, JACKBIT offers the best welcome bonus with no wagering free spins, tournaments, rakeback, VIP club offers, and many more.

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Moreover, JACKBIT no verification casino is a multiple-currency casino that provides fiat as well as cryptocurrencies. The registration and account creation of this no ID verification casino are simple, with no KYC verification procedures. Furthermore, the license from the Curacao Gaming Control Board ensures that JACKBIT, the no KYC crypto casino, is a reliable casino platform with transparent and safe services.

Pros And Cons Of JACKBIT

Before you enter the world of casinos, it is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages the platform holds. Similar to any form of entertainment casino also comes with its own set of pros and cons. Although you have analyzed the key features and attractions of JACKBIT in the earlier section, let’s have a closer look at its pros and cons.
Pros
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- Offers an attractive welcome bonus with no wagering requirements.
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- Has a wide range of bonuses, including a rakeback VIP Club.
Cons
- Not all games offered by JACKBIT, the no KYC crypto casino, are available in every region.
- Beginners might feel slight confusion and technical challenges, especially during crypto transactions.
How To Join JACKBIT No KYC Casino

As mentioned in the earlier section, the registration procedures of JACKBIT, the best no KYC casino, are easy, fast, and hassle-free. As the platform is free of KYC verifications, players can enter the casino straight away without providing sensitive and personal information. The complete guide to joining JACKBIT is as follows:

1.   Visit the official website of JACKBIT

As the first step, you have to visit the official website of JACKBIT. Go through the terms and conditions and rules provided by the casino and ensure that they suit your needs. Once you have finalized the platform, click on the “Log In” or “Register” option located in the top right corner of the screen.

2.   Create your account

Once you click the Register icon, you will be asked to provide certain details, including your email address, a secure password, the country you reside in, and your preferred currency. After providing these details, agree to the terms and conditions and proceed with account creation.

3.   Make your first deposit

After activating your account, you must make the first deposit to continue with the games. To do this, head to the “wallet” section and select the deposit method of your choice. JACKBIT offers multiple payment options, including cryptocurrencies, Mastercard, Visa, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more.

4.   Enjoy your games and win big

Once the first deposit is completed, you can navigate to the casino or sportsbook section and choose the game of your choice. Start playing and earn big wins through safe and responsible gambling.

Best No KYC Casino: Games Offered By JACKBIT

JACKBIT offers a wide range of casino games and a crypto sportsbook for its players. With over 7000+ casino games, JACKBIT no verification casino ensures that all its players, whether beginners or experts, gain a premium gaming experience with safety and transparency. This platform makes iGaming engaging with a diverse category of games. Some of the popular ones include:

Casino Slots
Casino slots are one of the most engaging and exciting categories of games available at JACKBIT. In the 6,000+ casino games offered by this platform, diverse slots will be the most popular ones. Moreover, you will find different types of slot games including Gates of Olympus, Candy Rush, Sweet Bonanza, Fat Banker, and Wanted Dead or a Wild. So, with multiple options, the no KYC casino slots at JACKBIT make your gaming experience engaging and exciting.

Live Casino Games
A wide variety of live casino games is a standout feature of JACKBIT, making it an engaging platform. This best no KYC casino has an excellent collection of 248 live dealer games. With card and table games, the live dealers at JACKBIT offer a gaming experience that just makes the players feel like a real casino.

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Poker
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Along with table games, blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and more, JACKBIT also offers a wide range of mini games. Most of these mini-games are fast, funny, and engaging crash games that offer instant results. The popular mini games offered by JACKBIT include Dino, Aero, SpeedX, Chicken, and so on.

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JACKBIT Bonuses And Promotions
Gambling is gaining more and more importance these days. More than just entertainment, casino gambling has become a part of the everyday life of most gamblers. So, most of them search for the best benefits for the deposits they make. One of the leading and renowned no KYC casinos of 2025, JACKBIT has a diverse store of bonuses and promotions, elevating the gaming experience and winning possibilities of every player.
- Welcome Casino Bonus
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- Other Casino Bonuses
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- JACKBIT Sports Bonuses
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Payouts And Transactions At JACKBIT No KYC Casino

JACKBIT ensures that all the transaction needs of its players are addressed without fail. So, this platform provides a multiple-currency system. Whether you are a crypto enthusiast who chooses fast flashing transactions or someone who seeks fiat options, JACKBIT has both options tailored for you.

As JACKBIT accepts 17 cryptocurrencies, most players choose to deposit and withdraw money through this method. Almost all the major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Binance, Tether, Solana, Shiba, and others are accepted on this platform.

As mentioned, JACKBIT has fiat payment options for those who do not opt for cryptocurrencies. This no KYC casino offers 24 different fiat deposit methods, including Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa, Skrill, Neteller, Pix, bank transfer, and so on. However, remember, while crypto transactions offer a no KYC option, fiat payments ight need KYC verification. Moreover, fiat options cannot be used for withdrawals, as to take out the winnings, players have to choose between any cryptocurrencies.

Self-Exclusion Tools Offered By JACKBIT
A reputable no KYC casino, JACKBIT, values the safety of its players. So, the best no KYC casino offers multiple options that allow players to play safely and responsibly. Some of the self-exclusion methods offered by JACKBIT are:
- Account limits: This is a method that helps players set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits for their accounts.
- Time-out periods: JACKBIT allows players to take short breaks from gambling for 24 hours, 72 hours, or a couple of days to avoid addictions.
- Self-Exclusion: If a player has more serious issues or addiction, JACKBIT helps those players exclude themselves from gambling for an extended period from 6 months to 5 years.
Is JACKBIT A Trustworthy No KYC Casino In 2025?

Wondering whether JACKBIT is a trustworthy platform or not? You are not alone. Although JACKBIT is a popular no KYC casino and one of the best casino platforms available in 2025, it is normal to have doubts about the reputation of the platform. Even though casinos come with certain inherent risks, JACKBIT casino without KYC, reduces them to a certain extent with its reputation, license, and fairness. In this section, let’s have a detailed look at how safe and reliable this no KYC casino is.

License and reputation

The first and foremost thing that ensures the reliability of JACKBIT, the best no KYC casino, is the license and certification it holds. According to official data, this casino without KYC is licensed by the Curacao Gaming Control Board. This anonymous casino is one of the most reputable and recognized organizations in the gambling landscape. So, as licensed by this organization, JACKBIT functions under a set of rules and laws recognized by it. So, we can ensure that JACKBIT is a reliable and trustworthy casino platform.

Provably Fair Gameplay

JACKBIT is a no KYC casino that includes over 2000+ renowned game providers. Some of the most popular ones include BGaming, AvatorUX, Apollo Play, Backseat Gaming, Booming Gaming, and more. Moreover, this anonymous casino platform follows the provably fair gameplay and works on a certified Random Number Generator (RNG) system, making things more transparent and fair.

Transparent payment facilities

The diverse cryptocurrency transaction facilities ensure that JACKBIT anonymous casino follows a transparent payment facility. Despite the instant deposits and withdrawals, the transaction speed and blockchain-based payment confirm that the transactions will be conducted within seconds or minutes without any unnecessary distractions.

Players’ experience

At JACKBIT, the experience of the players is the most valued. In order to ensure that all its players enjoy their gaming, the platform offers a minimal and easy-to-navigate interface with a clutter-free website. Moreover, JACKBIT no verification casino has a well-optimized website that works well on both desktop as well as mobile devices. Furthermore, this no KYC casino has a 24/7 live chat facility that works to address and rectify all the issues and concerns of its players.

JACKBIT Casino Conclusion: The Best No KYC Casino In 2025

As we reach the conclusion of this review about JACKBIT, it is clear that this no KYC casino is one of the best casinos available in 2025. This platform opens a wide array of exciting, fun, and engaging games along with noteworthy bonuses for its users. One of the best crypto sportsbooks is also available on JACKBIT.

The total casino games, sports, and others offered by this platform exceeds 7000 in number. Among these, over 6000+ are casino games from different categories such as poker, table games, instant wins, slots, and so on. You have also come across the diverse and beneficial bonuses and promotions, ranging from welcome bonuses to tournaments and cashbacks.

The safety and transparency maintained by JACKBIT also make it the best no KYC casino in 2025. With 17+ cryptocurrencies and other transaction methods, JACKBIT offers no KYC registration and payment facilities.

So, the personal data collected by this platform is less compared to traditional casinos. Moreover, the games included in this casino are RNG-certified and follow provably fair gameplay. The Curacao license that JACKBIT owns also confirms that the casino is reliable and follows officially recognized laws and frameworks.

So, altogether, JACKBIT had succeeded in proving its safety and reliability, making it one of the best and most trusted no KYC casinos of 2025. Now, the ball is in your court. It’s you, the players, who have to identify the potential benefits and bonuses of the platform and play ideally to earn significant rewards. So, responsibly and safely. Sometimes you might be a spin away from your jackpot.

ACTIVATE YOUR 30% RAKEBACK + 100 FREE SPINS—START WINNING!

FAQ’s About Best No KYC Casino 7Bit

Does JACKBIT require KYC verification?

JACKBIT allows players to engage in the diverse games offered on this platform without a KYC verification. However, the platform may ask for KYC verification while using fiat transactions.

Is JACKBIT a legal no KYC casino?
Yes. JACKBIT is a legal no KYC casino with a license from the Curacao Gaming Control Board. However, the legality and regulations of the casino differ depending on the region from which you access it.

Does JACKBIT offer a mobile app?

As JACKBIT has a well-optimized website that suits all devices, the casino does not need a separate mobile application.

Is a VPN needed to use JACKBIT?

A VPN is not mandatory to use JACKBIT. However, this casino is a VPN-friendly platform.

How does JACKBIT handle players’ personal data?

JACKBIT has advanced encryption methods and no KYC registration facilities, which help safeguard the user data easily and effectively.

Email: support@jackbit.com

Legal Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial, or gambling advice. Ensure compliance with local gambling laws. No warranties are made regarding accuracy. Readers are responsible for verifying information and ensuring legal compliance. Gambling may be restricted in some regions.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links may be affiliate links, earning a commission at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on objective evaluation, and partnerships do not influence conclusions.

Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the Jackbit. 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.

Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/39a4bb9e-6ef6-487b-93b8-2fedae326e5e

The MIL Network –
April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: APR Energy Delivers 150MW Fast Power to Support Mexico’s Grid

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — New APR Energy LLC (“APR Energy”), a global leader in fast-track power generation, has secured a contract to deliver 150 megawatts (MW) of power generation to support Mexico’s national utility ahead of the summer peak in Baja California. The project will mobilize six high-output mobile gas turbines, with full operational readiness targeted within 90 days—demonstrating APR Energy’s continued ability to deploy flexible, utility-scale solutions under accelerated timelines.

This project highlights the strength of APR Energy’s seasoned leadership team, which has successfully delivered mobile power generation in over 35 countries—often in mission-critical environments requiring speed, reliability, and precision. Their operational expertise ensures disciplined execution at every stage, from mobilization to grid integration.

Aligned with APR Energy’s broader strategy, the initiative reflects the company’s focus on meeting both immediate grid challenges and long-term power needs through flexible, scalable generation solutions. With a versatile fleet and a proven execution model, APR is positioned to meet rising demand across a wide range of industries and operational requirements.

“This deployment reflects the unprecedented demand for reliable power across multiple sectors,” said Chuck Ferry, Chairman and CEO of APR Energy. “We see continued opportunities to deploy additional capacity from APR’s fleet in the near term. With world-class power assets and an experienced, high-performing team, APR is once again delivering fast, dependable power where it’s needed most.”

APR Energy continues to leverage its asset management agreement with Duos Technologies Group, Inc., which provides value-added services that support the company’s operations.

To learn more about APR Energy, please visit www.aprenergy.com.
To learn more about Duos Technologies Group (Nasdaq: DUOT), please visit www.duostech.com

About APR Energy
APR Energy, based in Jacksonville, Florida, provides rapidly deployable mobile power solutions to utility and data center operators, offering emergency, temporary, bridging, and permanent energy options. For more than 20 years, APR Energy has partnered with customers around the world to deliver fast, reliable power using mobile gas turbines. The company creates unique value by executing large-scale projects in weeks or months—far faster than the 2–5 years typically required to construct permanent infrastructure. For more information, please visit www.aprenergy.com.

This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Synchronoss Technologies Announces the Successful Completion of Debt Refinancing

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Synchronoss Technologies Inc. (“Synchronoss” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: SNCR), a global leader and innovator in Personal Cloud platforms, announced that it has entered into an agreement with TP Birch Grove to refinance its existing senior notes and term loan facilities with a new $200 million, four-year term loan, extending the maturity of its debt and further enhancing the Company’s financial flexibility.

Proceeds from the Term Loan will be used to repay the remaining $73.6 million principal of the original $75 million term loan facility and the $121 million remainder of the senior notes. The company will use approximately $8 million in funds off its balance sheet to complete the transaction, including fees, call protection payments, and accrued interest.

The Term Loan carries a maturity date of April 24, 2029, and is priced at SOFR plus 700 basis points, with one 50bps leverage-based stepdown. TD Cowen served as Exclusive Financial Advisor for the term loan refinancing.

“We’re pleased to announce the successful completion of our new term loan facility, which allows us to retire our senior notes and extend the maturity of our debt obligation until 2029. This eliminates the near-term overhang associated with the now-retired senior notes and adds to the financial stability of the Company,” said Lou Ferraro, Chief Financial Officer of Synchronoss. “This refinancing significantly improves our capital structure, which in turn provides Synchronoss with the ability to further invest in our Personal Cloud solution as well as provide greater operational flexibility moving forward. Considering the volatility surrounding the financial markets at this time, we’re pleased to provide shareholders with an additional level of certainty in our operations. We’re also once again grateful to TP Birch Grove, who also led our $75 million term loan refinancing in 2024, and TD Cowen for their outstanding partnership and support throughout the process.”

TD Cowen acted as Exclusive Financial Advisor to Synchronoss. Kirkland & Ellis, LLP served as legal counsel to Synchronoss. Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP served as legal counsel to TP Birch Grove.

About Synchronoss
Synchronoss Technologies (Nasdaq: SNCR), a global leader in personal Cloud solutions, empowers service providers to establish secure and meaningful connections with their subscribers. Our SaaS Cloud platform simplifies onboarding processes and fosters subscriber engagement, resulting in enhanced revenue streams, reduced expenses, and faster time-to-market. Millions of subscribers trust Synchronoss to safeguard their most cherished memories and important digital content. Explore how our Cloud-focused solutions redefine the way you connect with your digital world at www.synchronoss.com.

Media Relations Contact:
Domenick Cilea
Springboard
dcilea@springboardpr.com

Investor Relations Contact:
Ryan Gardella
ICR for Synchronoss
SNCRIR@icrinc.com

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025

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