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  • MIL-OSI: Embassy Bancorp, Inc. Announces Results of Operations as of and for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BETHLEHEM, Pa., May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On May 14, 2025, Embassy Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX: EMYB) (the “Company”) filed its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2025, a copy of which can be found at https://investors.embassybank.com/sec-filings/documents/default.aspx.

    Highlights of the filing, which includes consolidated financial information of the Company and Embassy Bank For the Lehigh Valley (the “Bank”), the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, include:

    • Cash and cash equivalents on hand of $97.9 million at March 31, 2025, or 5.6% of total assets.
    • Deposits of $1.61 billion at March 31, 2025, an increase of $59.0 million from $1.55 billion at December 31, 2024. The Company does not have any brokered deposits.
    • Short term borrowings of $15.6 million at December 31, 2024 were repaid in full on January 2, 2025 and there were no new borrowings required during the quarter ended March 31, 2025.
    • Bank net interest margin (FTE) increased to 2.34% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, up from 2.28% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 and up from 2.20% for the prior year quarter ended March 31, 2024
    • Bank cost of funds of 1.80% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, down from 1.91% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. This is compared to a Pennsylvania peer group (stock banks headquartered in Pennsylvania with assets between $100 million and $5 billion) cost of funds of 2.11% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.
    • Bank assets per employee of $15.4 million at March 31, 2025, compared to the Pennsylvania peer group assets per employee of $8.0 million.
    • Bank noncurrent loans to total loans of only 0.04% as of March 31, 2025, compared to the Pennsylvania peer group total of 0.46%.
    • Net income of $2.9 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2025, up from $2.5 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, for the prior year three months ended March 31, 2024.

    About Embassy Bancorp, Inc.

    With over $1.7 billion in assets, Embassy Bancorp, Inc. is the parent company of Embassy Bank for the Lehigh Valley, a full-service community bank operating ten branch locations throughout Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley.

    Embassy Bank was recently named “Best Bank & Mortgage Company” in the 2025 Who’s Who in Business survey, as featured in Lehigh Valley Style magazine—marking the fourth consecutive year it has earned this distinguished honor. The Bank was also voted the 2024 Morning Call Readers’ Choice “Best Bank,” underscoring its ongoing commitment to exceptional customer service and community-focused banking.

    According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (FDIC) Summary of Deposits as of June 30, 2024, Embassy Bank ranks fourth in total deposit market share across Lehigh and Northampton Counties combined—further solidifying its role as a leading financial institution in the region.

    For more information, visit www.embassybank.com.

    Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements

    This document may contain forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results and trends could differ materially from those set forth in such statements due to various risks, uncertainties and other factors. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results and experience to differ from those projected include, but are not limited to, the following: ineffectiveness of the company’s business strategy due to changes in current or future market conditions; the effects of competition, and of changes in laws and regulations, including industry consolidation and development of competing financial products and services; interest rate movements; changes in credit quality; difficulties in integrating distinct business operations, including information technology difficulties; volatilities in the securities markets; and deteriorating economic conditions, and other risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in Embassy Bancorp, Inc.’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The statements are valid only as of the date hereof and Embassy Bancorp, Inc. disclaims any obligation to update this information.

    Contact:
    David M. Lobach, Jr.
    Chairman, President and CEO
    (610) 882-8800

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA to Host Inaugural, Independent, Scientific Expert Panel Open to Public

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:
    May 16, 2025

    As part of the Trump Administration’s commitment to transform American health care and rebuild trust in public health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Commissioner Martin A. Makary, M.D., M.P.H., will lead a roundtable discussion of an independent panel of scientific experts to discuss the safety and necessity of talc as an additive in food, drug, and cosmetic products. This public roundtable, taking place on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 10 a.m. ET, will follow a transparent process grounded in gold standard science, setting precedents for future discussions.
    The group, comprised of world-renowned experts in their respective fields, will review the latest scientific evidence, evaluate potential health risks, explore safer alternatives, and individual experts may offer their recommendations for regulatory action. Unlike under the previous administration, members of the media and public are welcome and encouraged to attend and listen to the discussion.  
    Talc, a naturally occurring mineral used in a variety of consumer products, has come under increased scrutiny due to concerns about potential health effects, especially when contaminated with asbestos or consumed over prolonged periods. The panel will review data related to talc exposure and evaluate its continued use within the context of public health needs and available alternatives.
    “Despite the potential carcinogenic harm with topical talc, it continues to be ingested by children and adults through food and some medications. We are bringing together a group of leading independent experts to assess the available evidence around talc and consider whether its continued use is necessary given modern alternatives,” said FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “This is a critical step toward ensuring that ingredients in products used every day by Americans meet the highest standards for safety.”
    The decision to convene this panel follows a growing call from public health leaders for a systematic reevaluation of talc’s use in consumer products. In July 2024, the International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded that talc is “probably carcinogenic” with the second highest level of scientific certainty leading to European authorities announcing a ban of talc from cosmetics by 2027. A recent commentary, “Reviewing the Safety of Our Foods and Drugs: An Urgent Need For A Comprehensive Reevaluation by FDA of Talc in the American Food and Drug Supply”, collating the works of many of the global talc experts joining the panel, underscored this need specifically.
    The expert panel discussion will take place at the FDA’s White Oak Campus in Silver Spring, Maryland. The public and members of the media may attend the roundtable. Registration is required as seating is limited. The session will be livestreamed. Meeting and registration information can be found here: FDA Expert Panel on Talc.  
    This initiative is part of the FDA’s broader efforts to apply rigorous, evidence-based standards to ingredient safety and modernize regulatory oversight, thoroughly considering evolving science and consumer health. In the coming weeks, the agency will announce additional FDA Expert Panel roundtables on a variety of topics.

    Consumer:888-INFO-FDA

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    Boilerplate

    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

    Content current as of:
    05/16/2025

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Clears First Blood Test Used in Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:
    May 16, 2025

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today cleared for marketing the first in vitro diagnostic device that tests blood to aid in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease. The Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio is for the early detection of amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease in adult patients, aged 55 years and older, exhibiting signs and symptoms of the disease.
    “Alzheimer’s disease impacts too many people, more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined,” said FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “Knowing that 10% of people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s, and that by 2050 that number is expected to double, I am hopeful that new medical products such as this one will help patients.”
    Alzheimer’s disease, a brain disorder known to slowly destroy memory and thinking skills, and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks, is progressive, meaning that the disease gets worse over time. In most people with Alzheimer’s disease, clinical symptoms first appear later in life. Amyloid plaques in a patient’s brain are a hallmark sign of Alzheimer’s disease. While amyloid plaques can occur in other diseases, being able to detect the presence of plaque, along with other evaluations, helps the doctor determine the probable cause of the patient’s symptoms and findings. These plaques can be detected and visualized using amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) brain scans, often years before clinical symptom onset, to aid in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease. PET scans, however, are a costly and time-consuming option and expose patients to radiation.
    The Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio measures two proteins, pTau217 and β-amyloid 1-42, found in human plasma, a component of blood, and calculates the numerical ratio of the levels of the two proteins. This ratio is correlated to the presence or absence of amyloid plaques in the patient’s brain, reducing the need for a PET scan. Similar FDA-authorized/cleared tests, one from the same company as this new test, are used with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples, which are collected through an invasive lumbar puncture, also called a spinal tap. This new Lumipulse test only requires a simple blood draw, making it less invasive and much easier for patients to access.  
    “Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million,” said Center for Devices and Radiological Health Director Michelle Tarver, M.D., Ph.D. “Today’s clearance is an important step for Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, making it easier and potentially more accessible for U.S. patients earlier in the disease.”
    During review of the Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio, the FDA evaluated data from a multi-center clinical study of 499 individual plasma samples from adults who were cognitively impaired. The samples were tested by the Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio and compared with amyloid PET scan or CSF test results.
    In this clinical study, 91.7% of individuals with Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio positive results had the presence of amyloid plaques by PET scan or CSF test result, and 97.3 % of individuals with negative results had a negative amyloid PET scan or CSF test result. Less than 20% of the 499 patients tested received an indeterminate Lumipulse G pTau217/β-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio result.
    These findings indicate that the new blood test can reliably predict the presence or absence of amyloid pathology associated with Alzheimer’s disease at the time of the test in patients who are cognitively impaired. The test is intended for patients presenting at a specialized care setting with signs and symptoms of cognitive decline. The results must be interpreted in conjunction with other patient clinical information.
    The risks associated with the Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio are mainly the possibility of false positive and false negative test results.
    False positive results, in conjunction with other clinical information, could lead to an inappropriate diagnosis of, and unnecessary treatment for, Alzheimer’s disease. This could lead to psychological distress, delay in receiving a correct diagnosis as well as expense and the risk for side effects from unnecessary treatment.
    False negative results could result in additional unnecessary diagnostic tests and potential delay in effective treatment. Importantly, the Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio is not intended as a screening or stand-alone diagnostic test and other clinical evaluations or additional tests should be used for determining treatment options.
    The FDA reviewed the Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio through the 510(k) premarket notification pathway. A 510(k) notification is a premarket submission made to the FDA to demonstrate that a new device is substantially equivalent to a legally marketed predicate device. The FDA found that the Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio is substantially equivalent to the Lumipulse G β-amyloid Ratio (1-42/1-40), which is the previously authorized test that uses CSF samples.
    The Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio was granted Breakthrough Device designation, a process designed to expedite the development and review of devices that provide for more effective treatment or diagnosis of life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating diseases or conditions.
    The FDA issued clearance of the Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio to Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc.

    Consumer:888-INFO-FDA

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    Boilerplate

    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp Announces 39 Appointments to Boards, Authorities and Commissions

    Source: US State of Georgia

    Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced 39 appointments and reappointments to various state boards, authorities and commissions.

    Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission

    Donald Dowless currently serves as President of Shorter University in Rome, Georgia, a role he has held for over a decade. He holds a Ph.D. in religion from Baylor University, a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition to his presidency, Dowless teaches Christian studies and has instructed more than 10 different courses. His academic experience includes teaching at North Carolina State University, Campbell University, Southeastern Seminary, and Emmanuel University of Oradea. He has also completed missionary work in Romania and West Virginia. Dowless and his wife are active members of Pleasant Valley South Baptist Church in Silver Creek, Georgia.

    Georgia Board of Athletic Trainers

    Yusuf Jamal Ali was reappointed.

    Jeffrey Hopp serves as Director of Sports Medicine at Marietta City Schools and has led the Blue Devils’ athletic training program for over 20 years. He oversees student athletic trainers and has organized international trips for them to countries including Costa Rica, Ireland, and France. Prior to this, Hopp provided athletic training to Cobb and Cherokee County schools through Resurgens Orthopedics and was head athletic trainer for the Barcelona Dragons of NFL Europe. He has worked with the Minnesota Vikings, the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, and the 2007 U.S. National Paralympic Track and Field Championships. He was a founding member and chairman of the Georgia Concussion Coalition, contributing to the passage of the GA Return to Play Act. Hopp holds a B.S. in athletic training from Minnesota State University and resides in Dallas, Georgia, with his wife, Julie.

    Georgia Board of Landscape Architects

    Chad Baker, Jon Calabria, and Rebecca Kirk were reappointed.

    Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council

    Stan Stalnaker is a member of the Tift County Board of Commissioners, currently serving his third term.  He is a certified county commissioner through the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government and holds a specialty track certification in public safety. Stalnaker is a 29-year veteran of the Georgia State Patrol, holds the rank of Captain, and currently serves as the Director of GSP’s Aviation Division.  He holds a master’s in public administration from Columbus State University, is a graduate of the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College, and a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Session #261, in Quantico, Virginia. Stalnaker and his wife Keisha reside in Tifton, where they attend Liberty Baptist Church. They have one son who attends Georgia Southern University.

    Georgia State Board of Architects and Interior Designers

    Melissa Cantrell and Anne K. Smith were reappointed.

    Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council

    Mary McCartin Wearn is the President of Georgia Humanities. She formerly served as founding dean of the School of Arts and Letters at Middle Georgia State University, where she led regional partnerships and public-facing arts and culture programs. She holds a Ph.D. in english from UGA, a B.A. in english from the University of Maryland Global Campus, and a B.S. in biomedical engineering from Case Western Reserve University.

    Georgia Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

    Ibrahim Dabo, Paula Harmon, Anne McQuade, and Allison Morrison were reappointed.

    State Board of Workers Compensation

    Benjamin Vinson was reappointed as Chairman.

    Frank McKay was reappointed.

    State Charter School Commission

    Scott Sweeney is a Senior Business Advisor at InPrime Legal, a business law firm recognized as a 2019 Small Business ROCK STAR by the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Economic Developers Association. He has served on numerous national, state, and local boards, including as past president of the Georgia Education Committee, a legislative affairs committee member for the Georgia School Boards Association, and a member of both the CTAE Business & Advisory Committee and the Cobb Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee. Sweeney spent eight years on the Cobb County Board of Education, holding leadership roles including chair, vice-chair, budget liaison, and Facilities and Technology Committee liaison. He later served on the Georgia State Board of Education from 2019 to 2025, representing the 6th and later the 11th Congressional Districts. During his tenure, he served as chairman and chaired the District Flexibility and Charter Schools Committee. Sweeney holds a B.A. in economics from UCLA and resides in East Cobb with his wife, Sandy, and their two sons.

    State Board of Certification of Librarians

    Kathryn R. Epps was reappointed.

    Catherine M. Lewis serves as Associate Vice Provost of Museums, Archives, and Rare Books at the University Libraries and as Professor of History at Kennesaw State University. She manages a multimillion-dollar budget and leads a staff of nearly 100 professionals. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Arts in english and history from Emory University, as well as a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in american studies from the University of Iowa. She has curated more than 40 exhibits for institutions across the country, including the Atlanta History Center, the Brennan Museum, Delta Airlines, Augusta National Golf Club, and United Way. She has co-authored and co-edited over 15 books, regularly presents at national and international conferences, and has helped secure major grants for Kennesaw State from organizations such as the U.S. State Department, the American Association of Museums, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

    Bona Fide Coin Operated Amusement Machine Operator Advisory Board

    Shawn Fellows, Mills Flemming, Natalie Jones and Chandra B. Yadav were reappointed.

    Georgia Child Support Commission

    Chuck Efstration, Houston Gaines, Emanuel Jones and Brian Strickland were reappointed.

    Georgia Real Estate Appraisers Board

    Marlon L. Day is a Senior Director at Quest Valuation & Advisors, where he performs appraisals across a wide range of property types and markets. He is an accomplished research and financial analyst and a certified general appraiser with more than 22 years of experience in preparing and presenting valuation analyses. His project experience includes multi-family residential, office, retail, warehouse, industrial, mixed-use, infrastructure, special-use properties, expert witness testimony, and diminution in value. His practical business expertise is supported by a Master of Business Administration in finance. Day and his wife have three children.

    Board of Natural Resources

    Steven Hufstetler and Brent Layton were reappointed.

    State Board of Registration for Foresters

    James Harley Langdale was reappointed.

    Georgia Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Advisory Board

    Robert Balkcom serves as the South Adjutant of the Georgia State Patrol, overseeing the operations of Troops F, G, H, I, J, and K, as well as the South Nighthawks DUI Task Force, the Recruiting Unit, the Implied Consent Unit (ICU), the Criminal Interdiction Unit (CIU), the Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team (SCRT), the State of Georgia SWAT Team, and four Communication Centers. Prior to assuming this role in 2020, Balkcom served as Troop F Commander. He began his law enforcement career as a police officer with the Savannah Police Department in 1992 and joined the Georgia State Patrol as a Trooper Cadet at Post 42 – Savannah in 1994. After graduating from the 71st Georgia State Patrol Trooper School in 1995, he was assigned to Post 42 – Savannah. Balkcom was promoted to Corporal at Post 45 – Statesboro in 2006. In 2009, he was selected as Commander of the newly formed Nighthawks South DUI Task Force and promoted to Sergeant in 2011. He advanced to Sergeant First Class at Post 11 – Hinesville in 2013, Lieutenant in Troop I in 2018, and Captain in Troop F in March 2020. Balkcom graduated from Reidsville High School in 1987 and earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Georgia Southern University in 1991. He is also a graduate of the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College and holds a master’s degree in public safety administration from Columbus State University. He and his wife, Nicole, have lived in Reidsville for the past 40 years.

    North Georgia Mountains Authority

    Jeff Andrews currently serves as the Fourth Congressional District Representative on the Board of Natural Resources. He began his career in the long-term care industry in 1981 as marketing director for a continuing care retirement community in Birmingham, Alabama. He was later promoted to executive director and then southeast regional vice president. In 1988, Andrews became senior vice president of corporate development, where he led the addition of 17 properties to the management portfolio, helping establish the company as the largest for-profit, third-party manager of retirement housing in the United States. By 1990, Andrews co-founded Retirement Management Corporation and served as its president until its acquisition by Sun Healthcare in 1998. In 1999, he founded Wellington HealthCare Services, LLC, which grew to 11 owned facilities before being sold in 2007. He retained a significant ownership stake and helped the company meet key operational goals. He continues to lead Wellington, which currently manages 17 facilities.

    North Georgia Mountains Authority- Chair

    Patrick Denney is a graduate of West Georgia College with a BBA in marketing and a lifelong resident of Carroll County. He owns and operates SLM Recycling, SLM Steel and Fabrication, and Heavy Equipment Repair. An avid outdoorsman, Denney manages farm, timber, and hunting land in both Carroll and Heard Counties. He was appointed to the Board of Natural Resources in 2020 and has served on the North Georgia Mountains Authority since 2021. He and his wife, Lynne, have four children and reside in Bowdon.

    State Properties Commission

    Yi Jeng “Jay” Lin was reappointed.

    Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists

    Gregory Keith Moffatt was reappointed.

    State Board of Registration for Professional Geologists

    Jack L. Kittle, Jr. is a retired water and environmental resource manager with Aqua Terra Consultants. With over 40 years of experience, Kittle worked with major clients such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Geological Survey. He earned a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1975. An active member of the Decatur community, Kittle helped charter and establish the Decatur Parks and Recreation Pedestrian Committee in 2013 and served on the committee for over 10 years.

    Veterans Service Board

    Darius “Pete” Peterson was reappointed.

    Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies  

    Timothy Williams was reappointed.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Griffith Announces $500,000 EPA Brownfields Grant to Pulaski

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, a $500,000 Brownfield Assessment grant. The funding supports a community-wide assessment of local brownfields. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

    “The EPA’s Brownfields Program has the power to transform and revitalize communities, including those in Southwest Virginia.

    “This EPA Brownfield Assessment grant for $500,000 helps the Town of Pulaski conduct an assessment of hazardous or polluted sites that can be potentially redeveloped for economic and social gain in Southwest Virginia.” 

    BACKGROUND

    Congressman Griffith is chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment.

    In March of 2025, Congressman Griffith chaired a hearing on the EPA’s Brownfields Program. Scott County Native and LENOWISCO Executive Director Duane Miller testified to the panel and discussed the Program’s importance to Southwest Virginia communities.

    The Brownfields Program empowers states, communities and other stakeholders to work together to prevent, assess, safely clean up and sustainably reuse brownfields.

    A brownfield site is real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant.

    Brownfield Assessment grants provide funding for brownfield inventories, planning, environmental assessments and community outreach.

    Congressman Griffith’s e-newsletter on the Program can be found here.

    Chairman Griffith will hold a hearing next week with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to discuss the agency’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Griffith Announces $1.2 Million EPA Brownfields Grant to LENOWISCO Planning District Commission, $276,563 Grant to Pennington Gap

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Brownfields grants to LENOWISCO Planning District Commission and the Town of Pennington Gap.

    LENOWISCO Planning District Commission received a $1,200,000 Brownfield Assessment grant. The funding supports a community-wide assessment of local brownfields.

    Further, the Town of Pennington Gap received a $276,563 Brownfield Cleanup grant. This funding supports brownfields cleanup activities.

    U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

    “The EPA’s Brownfields Program has the power to transform and revitalize communities, including those in Southwest Virginia.

    “This EPA Brownfield Assessment grant for $1.2 million helps LENOWISCO Planning District Commission conduct an assessment of hazardous or polluted sites that can be potentially redeveloped for economic and social gain in deep Southwest Virginia.

    “Moreover, this EPA Brownfield Cleanup grant for $276,563 supports Pennington Gap in its activities cleaning local brownfield sites.”

    BACKGROUND

    Congressman Griffith is chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment.

    In March of 2025, Congressman Griffith chaired a hearing on the EPA’s Brownfields Program. Scott County Native and LENOWISCO Planning District Commission Executive Director Duane Miller testified to the panel and discussed the Program’s importance to Southwest Virginia communities.

    LENOWISCO Planning District Commission serves the Counties of Lee, Wise and Scott and the City of Norton.

    The Brownfields Program empowers states, communities and other stakeholders to work together to prevent, assess, safely clean up and sustainably reuse brownfields.

    A brownfield site is real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant.

    Brownfield Assessment grants provide funding for brownfield inventories, planning, environmental assessments and community outreach.

    Congressman Griffith’s e-newsletter on the Program can be found here.

    Chairman Griffith will hold a hearing next week with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to discuss the agency’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 05/16/2025 Blackburn, Hickenlooper Music Tourism Bill Passes Senate Unanimously

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) released the following statements after the Senate passed their American Music Tourism Act to support and increase music tourism for both domestic and international visitors: 

    “The Volunteer State is home to so many iconic musical landmarks for tourists to experience – from Graceland in Memphis to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge,” said Senator Blackburn. “Music tourism has such a positive impact on Tennessee’s economy, and we need to ensure that fans from all over the world can continue to celebrate our state’s rich history of music for generations to come. The Senate’s passage of the American Music Tourism Act gets us closer to that by promoting and supporting the fast-growing music tourism industry.”

    “Colorado’s vibrant music scene attracts artists and fans from around the world,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “Our bipartisan bill will help our local music venues thrive and expand.”

    BACKGROUND

    • Music tourism – both the act of visiting sites important to the history of American music culture and the act of traveling for current concerts and music festivals – is a vital industry for American culture and an economic driver for our communities.
    • Music tourism has emerged as a top travel trend, with the market forecasted to reach $11.3 billion in revenue by 2032.
    • The United States, which boasts one of world’s largest music industries that generates over $43 billion in revenue each year, is one of the main beneficiaries of this international interest in music tourism.
    • The Commerce Department’s Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism is uniquely positioned to identify and promote sites of musical significance.

    THE AMERICAN MUSIC TOURISM ACT

    • The American Music Tourism Act would leverage the existing framework within the Department of Commerce to highlight and promote music tourism in the United States. 
    • Specifically, this bill would require:
      • The Assistant Secretary to implement a plan to support and increase music tourism for both domestic and international visitors; and
      • A report to Congress on the successes and vulnerabilities of the Assistant Secretary’s goals to increase travel and tourism. 

    ENDORSEMENTS

    • The American Music Tourism Act is endorsed by the Recording Academy, Recording Industry Association of America, Nashville Songwriters Association International, American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, National Music Publishers Association, Society of Composers and Lyricists, Live Nation Entertainment, National Independent Venue Association, Broadcast Music Inc., American Alliance of Museums, Airbnb, Overton Park Shell, Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, Tennessee Entertainment Commission, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Memphis Tourism, Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, and Memphis Music Hall of Fame.

    CO-SPONORS

    • The American Music Tourism Act is co-sponsored by Senators Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn,), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), and Ted Budd (R-N.C.).

    RELATED

    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito, Rosen, Justice Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Maintain Centralized, Online Hub for Small Business Startups

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) introduced a bill to protect a centralized, online hub for small businesses. Their bipartisan One Stop Shop for Small Business Licensing Act would require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to maintain its website that contains centralized information for licensing and business permit information and materials for small businesses.
    “West Virginia’s small businesses are the backbone of our communities and local economies, making up more than 98% of businesses in our state, but too often, entrepreneurs face unnecessary red tape when trying to get off the ground,” Senator Capito said. “The One Stop Shop for Small Business Licensing Act cuts through that bureaucracy by streamlining the federal licensing process, making it easier for small businesses to thrive from day one.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Louisiana Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Residents Affected by March Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses, nonprofits, and residents in Louisiana of the June 16 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by severe storms and flooding occurring March 29–April 2.

    The disaster declaration covers the Louisiana parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, St. Landry and Vermilion.

    Small businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s physical damage loans.”

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    Interest rates can be as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.62% for nonprofits, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms, based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is June 16.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Honors Fallen New Mexico Officers and Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story During National Police Week

    Source: US Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – During National Police Week, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02)delivered remarks on the House floor honoring three New Mexico law enforcement officers who are being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial wall and recognizing the leadership of Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story.

     

    WATCH: VASQUEZ FLOOR REMARKS

     

    “Every day, across our country and in my home state, law enforcement officers wake up, put on the badge, and commit themselves to protecting our neighbors,” said Vasquez. “It is a calling that demands bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication. This week, we remember those who answered that call and never returned home.”

    This year, three fallen New Mexico officers are being recognized on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington:

    • Corrections Officer Roberto Rodriguez, Doña Ana County
    • Patrol Officer Jonah Hernandez, Las Cruces Police Department
    • Patrolman Justin C. Hare, New Mexico State Police

    Vasquez also recognized the following fallen officers: 

    • Police officer J.R. Stewart, Las Cruces Police Department
    • Police Officer Bianca Quintana, Albuquerque Police Department
    • Police officer Anthony “Tony” Ferguson, Alamogordo Police Department
    • Patrolman James M Sides, Alamogordo Police Department
    • State Police Officer Darian Jarrott, New Mexico State Police Department
    • Sheriff Michael Reeves, Curry County 

    Rep. Vasquez also called for stronger federal support for active law enforcement officers, emphasizing the need to invest in officer safety, mental health, and family well-being.

    In addition, Vasquez recognized Chief Jeremy Story of the Las Cruces Police Department for his exemplary leadership in times of crisis and ongoing dedication to public service.

    “Earlier this year, our community faced a horrific mass shooting—an act of senseless violence that shook Las Cruces to its core,” said Vasquez. “Chief Story responded swiftly and with compassion. His leadership was grounded in facts and empathy. He showed up—not just to lead, but to help us begin to heal.”

    Chief Story, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and New Mexico State University graduate, was named Citizen of the Year by the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce this May.

    “On behalf of all New Mexicans, I thank Chief Jeremy Story for his continued leadership and unwavering commitment to the people of Las Cruces,” said Vasquez.

    National Police Week honors law enforcement officers nationwide who have died in the line of duty and recognizes those who continue to serve their communities with bravery and professionalism.

     

    ###

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Republicans Advance Partisan Legislation to Rip Health Care from Millions of Americans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee Co-Chair Lori Trahan (MA-03) issued the following statement after Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced their partisan reconciliation package, which will cut Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act and result in at least 13.7 million Americans losing health coverage, to the House floor:
    “Over the past 26 hours, House Republicans have rejected every single Democratic amendment – amendments that would have protected Americans’ health care, lowered out-of-pocket costs for working families, kept pollution out of our children’s schools, and so much more. Instead, every Republican member of this Committee voted to preserve a cruel and reckless bill that will rip health coverage away from millions of Americans.”
    “Republican members like Nick Begich (AK-AL) and Rob Bresnahan (PA-08) now face a clear choice. One in three Alaskans rely on Medicaid. One in four people in Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District depend on it too. Will they stand with their constituents and reject a proposal that threatens their health care and makes their bills more expensive? Or will they fall in line behind Donald Trump’s promise to slash taxes for the billionaires like Elon Musk who bankrolled his campaign?”
    “This bill isn’t just bad policy – it’s a betrayal of the people we were sent here to represent. I’ll keep fighting alongside my Democratic colleagues to stop it and to protect every American’s right to access affordable, quality health care.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Premier Invest Deal Room Unveils $10B in African Energy Opportunities at Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025

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

    PARIS, France, May 16, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris featured a standout session this year with the Premier Invest Deal Room, a platform that spotlighted over $10 billion worth of oil, gas and renewable energy projects seeking investment across Africa and the broader energy frontier.

    “This is a platform to showcase interesting opportunities across Africa that we are advising on,” said Marcel Awasum, Head of Business Development for Premier Invest. “All of the deals we are advising on, we are also mobilizing capital for – from family offices to private equity in oil and gas – mostly from the Middle East, and some from Europe.”

    The session featured 17 active deals spanning upstream, midstream, trading and renewable segments, underscoring the breadth of investment potential across the African continent and beyond. One of the flagship opportunities was the development of a 200,000-barrel-per-day crude oil refinery, seeking $4.8 billion in combined equity and debt to meet growing regional demand for refined products. Another deal sought $50 million through a 360-day revolving letter of credit facility to support the import of refined petroleum products.

    Exploration and production prospects were also on the table, including a development project offering up to 40% participating interest to qualified investors, as well as an African oil and gas company seeking a $30 million capital injection, strategic partnership and offtake agreement to enhance its trade capacity and expand upstream.

    Refining featured prominently among the deals, with one project calling for €2-5 billion to expand national capacity – open to debt, equity and strategic partnerships. A separate opportunity involved a $25 million equity investment in a highly prospective offshore Guyanese block, offering first-mover advantage with an estimated 400 million barrels of recoverable reserves.

    Other ventures included the sale of a defunct Caribbean gas-to-liquids plant with a proven $50 million EBITDA when operational; an $18 million debt facility to drill additional wells in an active production field; and a fast-moving $360 million field development project already attracting soft commitments. The session also featured investment opportunities in the Republic of Congo, where a special purpose vehicle is seeking a co-investor for an M&A transaction involving producing assets; a $70 million fuel importation deal in Burundi; and a $200 million financing package to support the purchase of both crude and refined products in Ivory Coast.

    The session concluded with five renewable energy projects seeking over $725 million in investment. This included $362 million for a 70 MW geothermal project in Kenya, $92 million for a 71 MW hybrid solar PV and wind project in Zambia, $87 million for a 100 MW solar PV project in South Africa, and two clean-gas projects – one in Benin (43 MW) and another in South Africa (100 MW) – seeking $84 million and $100 million, respectively. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: One, Big, Beautiful Bill PROTECTS Medicaid by REMOVING Illegals from the Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    The One, Big, Beautiful Bill is a generational chance to protect Medicaid for Americans by removing at least 1.4 million illegal immigrants from the program.
    Read more in Breitbart:
    “House Republicans are moving to block an estimated 1.4 million illegal aliens from receiving American taxpayer-funded Medicaid as Democrats struggle to message their support for the unpopular position.
    The House Energy and Commerce Committee completed its markup of its portion of the budget reconciliation bill Wednesday morning after an all-night session which included a provision blocking anyone unable to verify citizenship, nationality, or satisfactory immigration status from coverage.
    The committee projects 1.4 million illegal aliens will be removed from the program due to those requirements.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China calls on US to stop crackdown on Chinese tech companies, AI industry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 16 (Xinhua) — China calls on the United States to immediately stop its protectionist and unilateral actions and stop its unbridled crackdown on Chinese technology companies and the artificial intelligence (AI) industry, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Friday.

    The US Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security recently announced that the use of Huawei’s Ascend chips is considered a violation of US export control regulations, and warned of potential consequences for allowing US AI chips to be used to train Chinese AI models.

    In response to a question at a daily press conference, Lin Jian said that the US side has taken the concept of national security too broadly, abused export controls and “long-arm jurisdiction” to maliciously block and unreasonably exert pressure on China’s chip and AI industry. Such actions seriously violate market rules, undermine the stability of global production and supply chains, and seriously infringe on the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.

    “China is firmly against this and will never take such actions,” he stressed.

    Lin Jian added that China will take resolute measures to protect its right to development and the legitimate rights and interests of domestic enterprises. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Moody, Baldwin Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Give Tax Relief to Victims of Fraud, Scams, Theft, and Disasters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) this week introduced the Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act, bipartisan legislation to give relief to those who have been victims of fraud, scams, thefts, accidents, and other personal casualty losses. The Senators’ bill would reinstate the tax deduction for personal casualty and theft losses and ensure victims of scams, robberies, storms, and fires do not have to pay taxes on stolen assets and further wipe out their hard-earned savings and financial security.  
    “It’s outrageous that folks scammed out of their life’s savings are hit with large tax bills.  I’m proud to introduce this bill to reinstate this important tax deduction to provide crucial financial relief to those victimized by scams and theft,” said Senator Welch. “Vermont experienced catastrophic floods in July of 2023 and 2024. We know firsthand that victims of floods, storms, and fires go through so much—the last thing they should worry about is being penalized for a natural disaster.”  
    “As hurricane season is around the corner, I will continue supporting policies that protect Floridians from scammers and fraudsters,” said Senator Moody. “My Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams and Disasters Act will provide commonsense tax relief for victims, often seniors, who have been financially devastated by scams, crimes or destruction from disasters. This legislation will help folks get back on their feet when they experience hardship. When I was Attorney General of Florida, I made sure to fight for Floridians who fell victim to scams, and I will continue bringing this fight to D.C. so that folks have the protections they need.” 
    “When Wisconsinites fall victim to a fraud or scam, the last thing they should have to worry about is being slapped with an unexpected tax bill once tax season rolls around,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to work with my Republican and Democratic colleagues to introduce this commonsense bill to help make sure if someone is down and out, they have one less thing to worry about than being hit with a tax bill.” 
    “The Elder Justice Coalition commends Senators Baldwin, Moody and Welch for introducing the Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act,” said Bob Blancato, National Coordinator of the Elder Justice Coalition. “It is unconscionable that older scam victims who lose hundreds of thousands of dollars face the compounded misery of having to pay taxes on the money lost.  Scams are rampant in this nation and serve to exploit the most vulnerable older adults. We hope Senator Baldwin’s bill can be made part of a future tax package. Tax relief for scam victims is tax fairness.”  
    “The Financial Services Institute (FSI) is proud to support the Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams and Disasters Act,” said Dale Brown, President & CEO of Financial Services Institute. “Owing taxes on stolen retirement funds makes an already painful situation worse. Main Street Americans cannot afford to lose their life savings, which they rely upon for a financially secure retirement. This bill will provide some relief to victims and mitigate damages as they work with their trusted financial advisor to recover losses and regain their financial footing.” 
    “With widespread financial fraud and scams impacting many Americans’ retirement security and financial livelihoods, CFP Board enthusiastically supports this critical piece of legislation that would lessen the impact of financial loss. We look forward to seeing this bill get to the finish line,” said Erin Koeppel, Managing Director of Government Relations and Public Policy Counsel at CFP Board.  
    Until 2018, the federal government allowed victims of crimes and unexpected, uninsurable disasters to deduct these losses from their taxes with a provision called the Casualty and Theft Loss Deduction. Today, scam victims and homeowners are on the hook for tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal taxes unless their misfortunes meet a narrow set of criteria.  
    The growing sophistication of cybercriminal networks has led to a rapid proliferation in fraud for the past five years. In 2024 alone, American taxpayers reported $16.6 billion in cyber fraud to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The average victim of elder fraud lost $83,000. Natural disasters are also on the rise during a period of increasing insurance premiums and unexpected claim denials.  
    Without a reinstatement of the casualty and theft loss deduction, Americans who are victims of theft and non-federally declared disasters will continue to face hefty federal tax bills that the IRS is obligated to enforce. 
    The Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act:  
    Reinstates the tax deduction for personal casualty loss and provides retroactive coverage to taxpayers who suffered losses in the years that followed.  
    Ensures that victims who suffered losses since 2017 are able to file an amended tax return accounting for their personal casualty loss.  
    Companion legislation will be introduced in the U.S. House by Representatives Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08) and Greg Steube (R-FL-17). 
    The legislation is endorsed by the AARP, The Elder Justice Coalition, the National Association of Consumer Advocates, AICPA-CIMA, National Association of Enrolled Agents, National Association of Realtors, American Land Title Association, CFP Board, Investment Advisers Association, Financial Services Institute, Aspen Institute Financial Security Program, Association of Mature American Citizens, National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators, Operation Shamrock, and SPARK Institute. 
    As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Senator Welch voted against the 2017Republican tax bill, which repealed a tax deduction previously available to victims of scams, thefts, accidents, and other property casualty losses. In turn, reporting has revealed a pattern of Americans ending up with a tax bill after losing money through scams, thefts, and other similar events.   
    Learn more about the Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act. 
    Read and download the full text of the bill.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Governor Stein Announces More Than 700 New Jobs Coming to North Carolina

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: ICYMI: Governor Stein Announces More Than 700 New Jobs Coming to North Carolina

    ICYMI: Governor Stein Announces More Than 700 New Jobs Coming to North Carolina
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    This week Governor Josh Stein and the North Carolina Department of Commerce announced two new economic development projects, bringing more than 700 jobs to North Carolina. Genentech and Prolec GE build on North Carolina’s strong reputation in the life sciences and advanced manufacturing industries. Governor Stein and Secretary Lee Lilley also attended the Select USA Investment Summit in Maryland to highlight North Carolina’s attractive business environment and encourage companies to expand their operations in the state.

    “I am excited to see that more than 700 new jobs are coming to North Carolina,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Companies recognize that our strong economy and talented workforce are an asset to their operations, and that is why they are eager to invest here.”

    “Genentech and Prolec GE’s investments in North Carolina demonstrate our state’s high-powered business climate,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Our state’s investments in our workforce and infrastructure are paying off, and companies see the value in calling North Carolina home.” 

    Governor Stein announced this week that Genentech, one of the world’s premier biotechnology companies, will invest $700 million to build a new manufacturing plant in Holly Springs, creating 420 jobs. The average salary for new positions will be $119,833 as compared to the average wage in Wake County of $76,643, although wages vary depending on the position. This project is expected to grow North Carolina’s economy by more than $3 billion. For every dollar the state invests it is projected to receive $3.30 in state revenue. 

    The Governor also announced that Prolec-GE Waukesha, Inc., one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of power transformers, will add 330 new jobs as it invests $140 million to build a second manufacturing facility in Goldsboro. This project will build a new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant at the company’s existing site to support a growing demand for power grid capacity across the country. Although wages vary by position, the average salary for new positions will be $71,912. This project is expected to grow North Carolina’s economy by more than $1.05 billion. For every dollar the state invests it is projected to receive $2.06 in state revenue.

    Governor Stein is committed to creating a North Carolina that is safer and stronger with opportunity for everyone. North Carolina was recently ranked in the top 10 states for economy and growth by U.S. News and World Report, with the 7th best economy and the 5th best growth in the nation. The Governor’s budget proposal seeks to continue that progress by investing $256 million in workforce development and including free community college for students pursuing credentials in high-demand fields. In 2025, the State of North Carolina has announced more than 2,600 new jobs facilitated by grants and incentives. 

    May 16, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Coinbase’s S&P 500 inclusion sparks optimism among influencers about cryptocurrency future, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Coinbase’s S&P 500 inclusion sparks optimism among influencers about cryptocurrency future, reveals GlobalData

    Posted in Business Fundamentals

    Coinbase Global Inc. has garnered significant attention among social media influencers in the middle of May 2025, following the announcement of its upcoming inclusion in the S&P 500 index, marking the first instance of a cryptocurrency company being represented in this widely followed market benchmark. The shift from niche status to institutional recognition reflects a broader trend of digital assets gaining traction within established financial frameworks. Influencers widely regard this development as a pivotal endorsement of the cryptocurrency sector’s legitimacy and its progressive integration into mainstream financial markets, reveals the Social Media Analytics Platform of GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Shreyasee Majumder, Social Media Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The overall sentiment remains notably optimistic, with influencers expressing strong confidence in Coinbase’s strategic positioning and long-term potential. Several influencers interpret Coinbase’s milestone as indicative of the broader technological disruption reshaping traditional finance.”

    Below are a few popular influencer opinions captured by GlobalData’s Social Media Analytics Platform:

    1. Jason Yanowitz, Co-Founder at Blockworks:

    “Coinbase is now the first crypto company in the S&P. My favorite line: “Since going public… Coinbase has become a bigger part of the U.S. financial system” It makes me happy knowing that starting Monday, even people who despise crypto will now own a piece of the industry.”

    1. Nick Tomaino, Founder at 1confirmation:

    “Coinbase now in the S&P 500 stacking ETH with its L2. Robinhood acquired an L2 that hasn’t launched yet. Every serious dev and company thinking about app chains. Now watch the VC chains all pivot to an L2 strategy.”

    1. Simon Taylor, Head of Strategy & Content at Sardine:

    “Let’s unpack what this actually means:1. Institutional adoption just hit warp speed Every S&P 500 index fund must now buy Coinbase shares. Vanguard, BlackRock, Fidelity all buy crypto exposure through the index.”

    1. Aftab Hossain, Private Cryptocurrency Investor:

    “Coinbase joining the S&P 500 will spur a new wave of interest in crypto and they’re all going to see that Coinbase is building the future of their business on Ethereum, and hold ETH as a substantial treasury asset but it’s probably nothing…”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • India’s forex reserves surge by $4.5 billion to cross $690.6 billion mark

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s foreign exchange reserves jumped by $4.5 billion to reach $690.62 billion for the week ended May 9, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday.
     
    Foreign currency assets, the largest component of the reserves, rose by $196 million to $581.37 billion. These assets, expressed in US dollar terms, reflect the impact of appreciation or depreciation in other currencies such as the euro, pound, and yen that are part of the reserves.
     
    Gold reserves also saw a modest increase, rising by $4.5 million to $86.33 billion during the reporting week.
     
    However, special drawing rights (SDRs) declined by $26 million to $18.53 billion, while India’s reserve position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) fell by $134 million to $4.37 billion, the RBI data showed.
     
    A strengthening foreign exchange reserve position bolsters the rupee against the US dollar and reflects the strong fundamentals of the Indian economy. It also provides the RBI with greater flexibility to manage volatility in the currency markets.
     
    A robust forex kitty allows the central bank to intervene in the spot and forward markets by releasing dollars to curb excessive depreciation of the rupee. On the other hand, a declining reserve base limits the RBI’s ability to defend the currency during turbulent periods.
     
    Meanwhile, India’s external sector continues to gain momentum, with total exports of goods and services registering a strong 12.7% growth in April, reaching $73.80 billion, compared to $65.48 billion in the same month last year. This growth comes despite global economic uncertainties triggered by US tariff hikes, according to data released by the Commerce Ministry on Thursday.
     
    Merchandise exports alone grew by 9.03% to $38.49 billion, driven largely by high-value electronics and engineering goods, underscoring the expansion of India’s manufacturing sector.
     
    Electronic goods exports rose sharply by 39.51% to $3.69 billion in April, up from $2.65 billion a year ago. Engineering goods exports climbed by 11.28% to $9.51 billion, compared to $8.55 billion last April. Exports of gems and jewellery also increased by 10.74% to $2.5 billion, up from $2.26 billion in the corresponding period last year.
     
    — IANS

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two California Businesses and Their Owners Resolve Allegations They Misrepresented Businesses’ Size to Obtain Paycheck Protection Program Loans

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    JEV&B Services LLC and D4 Inc., two entities with their principal places of business in California, and their owners — William Nelson and Vicki Rollins — have agreed to pay $153,598.90 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting false statements and certifications to obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for which the entities were not eligible.

    The PPP, an emergency loan program established by Congress in March 2020 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), was intended to support small businesses struggling to pay employees and other businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the PPP, eligible businesses could receive forgivable loans guaranteed by the SBA. In addition to the SBA’s guarantee, the PPP protected and supported financial institutions by reimbursing the lender’s costs of processing PPP applications. Regulations and legislation passed by Congress set various eligibility requirements for the PPP, including limitations on the size of eligible businesses, so that the limited PPP funds would reach small businesses. In 2021, when Congress authorized a second round of PPP loans, it imposed even stricter size limits. The second-draw PPP loans were limited to businesses with 300 employees or less, including the employees of the applicant’s affiliated businesses.

    On their PPP loan applications, borrowers were required to disclose their affiliated companies and to state the combined number of employees. Borrowers also certified that they were eligible for the PPP loan and that the information provided was accurate.

    The United States alleged that JEV&B Services and D4 are companies that, through Nelson and Rollins, have common ownership and management with numerous other companies. Like several of Nelson’s and Rollins’ other businesses, JEV&B Services and D4 obtained first-draw PPP loans, which the SBA later forgave in full. JEV&B Services and D4 also obtained second-draw PPP loans. The United States alleged that JEV&B Services and D4 were not eligible for any second-draw PPP loans because they far exceeded the size limits that Congress placed on second-draw PPP loans. The United States further contended that JEV&B Services and D4 knowingly misled their lender to get the second-draw loans, including by under-reporting the total number of employees, not disclosing their affiliated companies to the lender, falsely certifying that they were eligible for the second-draw PPP funds, and certifying that the information on their applications was accurate when, in fact, it was not.

    JEV&B Services, D4, Nelson, and Rollins will pay $153,598.90 to redress these allegations, including paying the SBA for the processing fees that the lender incurred and that were reimbursed by the SBA. The companies have also agreed to repay the loans in full, relieving the SBA of liability to the lender for the federal guaranty of the improper loans.  

    The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Ashwani Chawla. Under those provisions, private parties may initiate an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The lawsuit is captioned U.S. ex rel. Ashwani Chawla v. Agathos Support Service, Inc., et al., Civil No. LACV 22-2798 KK (JCx) (C.D. Cal.). Chawla will receive $11,519.92 in connection with this settlement.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the SBA Office of the Inspector General, with assistance from the SBA’s Office of Capital Access.

    Trial Attorney Christopher Belen of the Justice Department’s Civil Division handled the matter.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Cultivating obedience: Using the Justice Department to attack former officials consolidates power and deters dissent

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Joe Wright, Professor of Political Science, Penn State

    Miles Taylor, center, a Homeland Security official during the first Trump administration, wrote an op-ed in September 2018 that criticized Trump. AP Photo/Alex Brandon

    During President Donald Trump’s first three months in office, his administration has targeted dozens of former officials who criticized him or opposed his agenda.

    In April 2025, Trump directed the Department of Justice to investigate two men who served in his first administration, Miles Taylor and Chris Krebs, because they spoke out against his policies and corrected his false claims about the 2020 election that he lost.

    Further, Trump revoked the security clearances for advisers and retired generals who publicly criticized him during the 2024 election campaign.

    On their face, such moves appear to be a coordinated campaign of personal retribution. But as political science scholars who study the origins of elected strongmen, we believe Trump’s use of the Justice Department to attack former officials who stood up to him isn’t just about revenge. It also deters current officials from defying Trump.

    More than revenge

    Like all presidents, Trump needs allies who will faithfully implement his policy agenda. For most presidents, this means surrounding themselves with longtime friends.

    For example, Don Evans, George W. Bush’s commerce secretary and close confidant, worked with Bush for decades before becoming a fixture in his White House.

    But to carry out a power grab, incumbent leaders also need allies who will stay silent or, better yet, endorse their attempts to consolidate control.

    In El Salvador, for example, President Nayib Bukele’s legislative allies gave him free rein in 2023 to run for president a second time despite constitutional provisions banning reelection.

    Recall that Trump only left office in January 2021 because key Republican officials defied his attempts to overturn an election he lost.

    Former Vice President Mike Pence, facing violent threats from a Trump-fueled mob, refused Trump’s request to overturn the election he lost. And Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger refused Trump’s entreaties to stuff the ballot boxes in Georgia with another 11,000 votes for Trump.

    An audio recording of President Donald Trump talking to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is played in Washington, D.C., on Oct, 13, 2022.
    Alex Wong/Getty Images

    Notably, both men first won political office on their own, without an endorsement from Trump. This means they were less reliant on Trump for access to political power. Therefore, they were more likely to prioritize their loyalty to the Constitution over their loyalty to Trump.

    Attacks enforce loyalty

    In authoritarian contexts, loyalty is not an intrinsic quality. Authoritarian leaders do not necessarily select those with whom they have long work experience that leads to mutual trust.

    For instance, during Rafael Trujillo’s dictatorship in the Dominican Republic from 1930 to 1961, the head of intelligence, Johnny Abbes, was plucked from obscurity in Mexico and in 1958 began to lead the dictator’s repression machine.

    Instead, the challenge for authoritarian leaders is finding people to do their bidding. And the best people for this job are those who never would have earned their position in politics without the leader’s influence.

    Unqualified appointees who can’t ascend to political power based on their merits have little choice but to stick with the leader. These people appear loyal, but only because their careers are tied to the leader staying in power.

    A litany of failed politicians

    This logic, where people with few career prospects outside of the leader express the most loyalty, explains why Trump has appointed a number of political candidates who have lost elections.

    The head of the Small Business Administration, Kelly Loeffler, though briefly appointed as a U.S. senator from Georgia, lost her first Senate election to Raphael Warnock in 2021.

    Doug Collins, Trump’s secretary of Veterans Affairs, lost to Loeffler in a Georgia Senate primary during the same election cycle.

    Dan Bongino, the deputy director of the FBI, lost a 2016 primary contest for a congressional seat in a heavily Republican district in Florida.

    And don’t forget Jeanine Pirro, Trump’s nominee to head a politically crucial federal judicial office. Her political career derailed 20 years ago when she came under federal investigation for “scheming to catch a cheating spouse in the act.” She lost an attorney general race in New York in 2006 to Andrew Cuomo.

    Jeanine Pirro lost the 2006 New York attorney general race.
    AP Photo/Dima Gavrysh

    Trump also picked two politicians who had failed presidential runs as Democrats – Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – to act as director of national intelligence and secretary of Health and Human Services.

    For appointees who can’t win elections, the only shot at power is steadfast alignment with the leader. This dynamic, in turn, provides a strong incentive for these officials to remain loyal, even when the leader breaks the law or orders them to do the same.

    When leaders place loyalists in charge of federal law enforcement, attempts to conjure votes for the president out of thin air or to seize ballot boxes in opposition districts are more likely to succeed.

    The Trump administration’s attacks on former Republican officials who criticized him, such as Taylor and Krebs, reinforces this dynamic. It sends a signal of future punishment to current Justice Department officials should they speak out against Trump or refuse to carry out illegal orders.

    Attacks also target opposition power

    Of course, the Trump administration’s political attacks haven’t stopped with officials in his previous administration who have fallen out of favor.

    They have expanded to include independent institutions such as universities, not-for-profit media and law firms.

    As research on authoritarian regimes shows, the goal of attacking independent institutions this way is to sap their capacity to resist the incumbent government’s attempts to cheat in future elections.

    After Hungary’s leader, Viktor Orban, had rewritten his country’s Constitution and reined in the courts, he changed the electoral rules to ensure he won reelection in 2022. Along the way, Orban forced an entire university into exile after failing to subdue it.

    In these ways, incumbents’ acts of retribution toward people and organizations that oppose their agenda reinforce loyalty among their allies. They also undermine and weaken their opponents and ultimately facilitate incumbents’ efforts to consolidate power.

    Joe Wright has received funding from the National Science Foundation, the Office of Naval Research, and private foundations.

    Erica Frantz has received funding from the US Agency for International Development and private foundations.

    – ref. Cultivating obedience: Using the Justice Department to attack former officials consolidates power and deters dissent – https://theconversation.com/cultivating-obedience-using-the-justice-department-to-attack-former-officials-consolidates-power-and-deters-dissent-256397

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Two California Businesses and Their Owners Resolve Allegations They Misrepresented Businesses’ Size to Obtain Paycheck Protection Program Loans

    Source: US State of Vermont

    JEV&B Services LLC and D4 Inc., two entities with their principal places of business in California, and their owners — William Nelson and Vicki Rollins — have agreed to pay $153,598.90 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting false statements and certifications to obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for which the entities were not eligible.

    The PPP, an emergency loan program established by Congress in March 2020 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), was intended to support small businesses struggling to pay employees and other businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the PPP, eligible businesses could receive forgivable loans guaranteed by the SBA. In addition to the SBA’s guarantee, the PPP protected and supported financial institutions by reimbursing the lender’s costs of processing PPP applications. Regulations and legislation passed by Congress set various eligibility requirements for the PPP, including limitations on the size of eligible businesses, so that the limited PPP funds would reach small businesses. In 2021, when Congress authorized a second round of PPP loans, it imposed even stricter size limits. The second-draw PPP loans were limited to businesses with 300 employees or less, including the employees of the applicant’s affiliated businesses.

    On their PPP loan applications, borrowers were required to disclose their affiliated companies and to state the combined number of employees. Borrowers also certified that they were eligible for the PPP loan and that the information provided was accurate.

    The United States alleged that JEV&B Services and D4 are companies that, through Nelson and Rollins, have common ownership and management with numerous other companies. Like several of Nelson’s and Rollins’ other businesses, JEV&B Services and D4 obtained first-draw PPP loans, which the SBA later forgave in full. JEV&B Services and D4 also obtained second-draw PPP loans. The United States alleged that JEV&B Services and D4 were not eligible for any second-draw PPP loans because they far exceeded the size limits that Congress placed on second-draw PPP loans. The United States further contended that JEV&B Services and D4 knowingly misled their lender to get the second-draw loans, including by under-reporting the total number of employees, not disclosing their affiliated companies to the lender, falsely certifying that they were eligible for the second-draw PPP funds, and certifying that the information on their applications was accurate when, in fact, it was not.

    JEV&B Services, D4, Nelson, and Rollins will pay $153,598.90 to redress these allegations, including paying the SBA for the processing fees that the lender incurred and that were reimbursed by the SBA. The companies have also agreed to repay the loans in full, relieving the SBA of liability to the lender for the federal guaranty of the improper loans.  

    The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Ashwani Chawla. Under those provisions, private parties may initiate an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The lawsuit is captioned U.S. ex rel. Ashwani Chawla v. Agathos Support Service, Inc., et al., Civil No. LACV 22-2798 KK (JCx) (C.D. Cal.). Chawla will receive $11,519.92 in connection with this settlement.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the SBA Office of the Inspector General, with assistance from the SBA’s Office of Capital Access.

    Trial Attorney Christopher Belen of the Justice Department’s Civil Division handled the matter.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Eightco Announces First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Quarter Driven by Focus on Deploying Capital into the Refurbished Apple Products Business and Prioritizing Financial Stability for Long-Term Growth

    • First quarter 2025 revenue growth of 25% to $9.9mn compared to $8.0mn for the prior year quarter, due to focus on refurbished apple products sales
    • First quarter 2025 operating loss of $1.4mn, a reduction of 55% compared to an operating loss of $3.2mn for the prior year quarter, due to lower SG&A and absence of restructuring and severance expenses in the first quarter of 2025

    Easton, PA, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Eightco Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: OCTO) (the “Company” or “Eightco”) today announced financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

    Paul Vassilakos, CEO of Eightco and President of Forever 8 Fund, LLC, the Company’s primary operating subsidiary (“Forever 8”), stated “In order to improve our cost structure to deliver long-term value to shareholders, we continue to reduce operating costs and address selling and administrative expenses. Our goal is to remain on this path to further support the Company’s growth as it continues to explore funding options.”

    Mr. Vassilakos continued, “Our current operations provide the infrastructure to significantly scale revenues with a relatively modest increase in expenses. I continue to witness substantial progress within Eightco and believe our accomplishments provide a strong foundation to scale revenues rapidly. The demand for our inventory capital, especially in the refurbished apple products business, continues to underscore the value we believe we can bring to clients. We have now emerged from a transformative period, where I am confident in our ability to accelerate growth and drive sustained success for Eightco and our stakeholders.”

    Financial Highlights and Commentary

    Reallocation of capital back into the refurbished apple products business resulted in revenue growth. This also resulted in a reduction in gross margins from 8.2% for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 17.5% in the first quarter of 2024. The Company also saw a 28% decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses this quarter compared to the prior year quarter, which helped in improving operating losses of $1.4mn compared to a $3.2mn loss in the first quarter of 2024.

    • First quarter 2025 revenues of $9.9mn representing a 25% improvement on the first quarter 2024 revenue of $8.0mn
    • First quarter 2025 gross profit of $0.8mn compared to a gross profit $1.4mn in the first quarter of 2024
    • First quarter 2025 gross profit margin of 8.2%, compared to 17.5% in the first quarter of 2024, due to shift in product mix back into cell phones
    • A 55% improvement in operating losses, down to a $1.4mn loss in the first quarter of 2025, compared to a $3.2mn loss in the first quarter of 2024
    • First quarter 2025 SG&A of $2.2mn, down 29% from $3.1mn in the first quarter of 2024, as a result of continued streamlining and operating costs reduction across all areas of the business
    • First quarter 2025 net loss of $2.5mn compared to a net income of $1.9mn in the first quarter of 2024
    • First quarter 2025 Adjusted EBITDA loss from continuing operations of $0.8mn, compared to Adjusted EBITDA loss from continuing operations of $1.2mn for the first quarter of 2024
        For the Three Months Ended
        March 31,
        2025     2024  
    Revenues, net   9,913,987     7,958,697  
    Cost of revenues   9,100,728     6,569,687  
    Gross profit   813,259     1,389,010  
             
    Operating expenses:        
    Selling, general and administrative expenses   2,229,425     3,127,943  
    Restructuring and severance   –     1,414,838  
    Total operating expenses   2,229,425     4,542,781  
    Operating loss   -1,416,166     -3,153,771  
             
    Non-operating income (expense):        
    Interest income (expense), net   -1,288,804     -1,198,771  
    Gain on forgiveness of earnout   –     6,100,000  
    Other income   21,898     26,677  
    Total non-operating income (expense)   -1,266,906     4,927,906  
             
    Net income (loss) before income tax expense   -2,683,072     1,774,135  
             
    Income tax expense (benefit)   -28,793     –  
             
    Net income (loss) from continuing operations   -2,654,279     1,774,135  
    Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax   105,553     166,828  
    Net income (loss)   -2,548,725     1,940,963  
    Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest   –     -12  
    Net income (loss) attributable to Eightco Holdings Inc.   -2,548,725     1,940,975  
             
             
        For the Three Months Ended
        March 31,
        2025     2024  
    Net income (loss)   (2,654,279 )   1,774,135  
    Interest (income) expense, net   1,288,804     1,198,771  
    Gain on forgiveness of interest   –     –  
    Income tax expense   -28,793     –  
    Depreciation and amortization   574,642     556,299  
    EBITDA   (819,626 )   3,529,205  
    Stock-based compensation   0     0  
    Loss on issuance of warrants   –     –  
    Restructuring       1,414,838  
    Gain on extinguishment of liabilities   –     -6,100,000  
    Adjusted EBITDA   (819,626 )   (1,155,957 )


    Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

    EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP performance measures. Management believes EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, in addition to operating profit, net (loss) income and other GAAP measures, are useful to investors to evaluate the Company’s results because they exclude certain items that are not directly related to the Company’s core operating performance. Investors should recognize that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA might not be comparable to similarly-titled measures of other companies. These measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or superior to, any measure of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    Reconciliations of the non-GAAP measures used in this press release are included in the table below. Because GAAP financial measures on a forward-looking basis are not accessible, and reconciling information is not available without unreasonable effort, we have not provided reconciliations for forward-looking non-GAAP measures. Items excluded to arrive at forward-looking non-GAAP measures may have a significant, and potentially unpredictable, impact on our future GAAP results.

    A reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP measure in accordance with SEC Regulation G as above.

    About Eightco

    Eightco (NASDAQ: OCTO) is committed to growth of its subsidiaries, made up of Forever 8, an inventory capital and management platform for e-commerce sellers, and Ferguson Containers, Inc., a provider of complete manufacturing and logistical solutions for product and packaging needs, through strategic management and investment. In addition, the Company is actively seeking new opportunities to add to its portfolio of technology solutions focused on the e-commerce ecosystem through strategic acquisitions. Through a combination of innovative strategies and focused execution, Eightco aims to create significant value and growth for its portfolio companies and stockholders.

    For additional information, please visit www.8co.holdings

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact could be deemed forward looking. Words such as “plans,” “expects,” “will,” “anticipates,” “continue,” “expand,” “advance,” “develop” “believes,” “guidance,” “target,” “may,” “remain,” “project,” “outlook,” “intend,” “estimate,” “could,” “should,” and other words and terms of similar meaning and expression are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such terms. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: Eightco’s ability to maintain compliance with the Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements; unexpected costs, charges or expenses that reduce Eightco’s capital resources; Eightco’s inability to raise adequate capital to fund its business; Eightco’s inability to innovate and attract users for Eightco’s products; future legislation and rulemaking negatively impacting digital assets; and shifting public and governmental positions on digital asset mining activity. Given these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. For a discussion of other risks and uncertainties, and other important factors, any of which could cause Eightco’s actual results to differ from those contained in forward-looking statements, see Eightco’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 15, 2025. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release, and Eightco undertakes no duty to update this information or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of such statements to reflect future events or developments, except as required by law.

    For further information, please contact:
    Investor Relations
    investors@8co.holdings

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Mercurity Fintech’s Subsidiary Grows Cross-Border Business Advisory Services with New Asia-Pacific Healthcare Client Engagement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mercurity Fintech Holding Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our company,” or “MFH”) (NASDAQ: MFH), a digital fintech group, today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Chaince Securities, Inc. (“Chaince Securities”), has secured a new engagement to serve as corporate advisor for a prominent Asia-Pacific healthcare company seeking strategic access to U.S. capital markets.

    Growing Cross-Border Advisory Practice

    Chaince Securities leverages its expertise in executing complex cross-border transactions for international companies seeking to access the U.S. capital market. This corporate advisory engagement reflects Chaince Securities’ commitment to cross-border advisory mandates.

    Cross-Border Business Advisory Service Capabilities

    Chaince Securities offers comprehensive cross-border business advisory services, such as:

    • Strategic planning and execution support for the listing process
    • U.S. regulatory and exchange compliance coordination
    • Capital market positioning and investor outreach
    • Coordination with legal, auditing, and underwriting teams to support a seamless listing process

    “We are honored to serve as a trusted cross-border advisor in this important transaction,” said Shi Qiu, CEO of Mercurity Fintech Holding. “This mandate demonstrates the strength of our advisory platform and validates our commitment to supporting innovative companies as they expand their footprint into U.S. capital markets. Our growing track record establishes Chaince Securities as the go-to partner for Asian companies seeking strategic access to U.S. investors and capital.”

    About Mercurity Fintech Holding Inc.

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

    Forward-Looking Statements

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

    Contacts:

    International Elite Capital Inc.
    Vicky Chueng
    Tel: +1(646) 866-7928
    Email: mfhfintech@iecapitalusa.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Young India Rises to Solve for Tomorrow: Samsung’s Innovation Drive Takes Flight

    Source: Samsung

     
    Solve for Tomorrow 2025: Nudging young minds to see problems as opportunities and innovation as a way of life
     
    A quiet revolution is underway. With Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Season 4 in full swing, India’s youth is rising to the challenge with ideas that aim to transform lives, communities, and the country.
     
    After a successful launch earlier this year, the programme has now entered a dynamic phase: Design Thinking Workshops for school students and Open House sessions for college innovators. These events are not just about learning, they are about sparking a mindset shift, nudging young minds to see problems as opportunities and innovation as a way of life.
     
    With roadshows already underway in nine cities – New Delhi, Gurugram, Jaipur, Patiala, Ludhiana, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ranchi and Sonepat, the excitement is palpable. Thousands of students from 20 schools and colleges have participated so far. And this is just the beginning. Samsung plans to take this initiative to every corner of India, including the North East.
     
    “Solve for Tomorrow is important because it gives students the tools and mindset to identify real problems around them and create practical, innovative solutions, something traditional classrooms often miss,” said Dr. Ashish Dwivedi, a faculty member at O.P. Jindal Global University, which recently hosted a Design Thinking Open House.
     
    At the university, curious students spent the day immersed in the design thinking process. The energy in the room was electric. Ideas were born, problems dissected, and visions shared. The students emerged inspired, transformed, and ready to take on the world.
     
    “It helped turn a vague idea into a clearer, actionable solution,” said Aditya Naresh, a student at O.P. Jindal Global University.
     
    Similarly, another student, Riddhima Sharma said that she learnt how to work in a team and listen to different perspectives while solving a problem.
     
    In schools, the Design Thinking Workshops from Samsung left an equally indelible mark.
     
    Young minds at work during a Design Thinking Workshop at a school
     
    “The workshop conducted by Samsung and FITT-IIT Delhi has been really insightful,” said Surbhi, a teacher at ITL Public School, Delhi. “Many students from the first batch have already approached me for help with the application process.”
     
    At Mother’s Mary School in Delhi, the girls of Classes 9 and 10 are dreaming big.
     
    Aanya, for instance, wants to build an AI-powered app to help design sustainable homes, while Kritika is working on an eco-friendly Kindle to replace school textbooks. Interestingly, Kriti, a Class 12 student, is exploring safer menstrual products to prevent cervical cancer, all under Solve for Tomorrow’s key themes.
     
    The passion to solve and lead, is just about as fierce among college students.
     
    “There are many problems in the world but very few solvers,” said R. Deepika, a Business Analytics student at University of Hyderabad. “This workshop made me want to be one of them.”
     
    “It’s helped me figure out how to build a startup and chalk out my ideas better,” said Sawan Kesari from the BA programme at University of Hyderabad. “I want to improve diagnostic services in rural India through telemedicine.”
     
    With roadshows already underway in nine cities, the excitement is palpable as students queue up to apply for Solve for Tomorrow 2025
     
    The clarity and purpose with which these students are identifying community problems is nothing short of inspiring. Whether it’s Aditya’s mission to make clean drinking water accessible in rural areas, Riddhima’s drive to tackle plastic waste, Prerna’s dream of assistive devices for visually impaired students, every idea echoes the larger purpose of Solve for Tomorrow, to empower the next generation of changemakers.
     
    “Our students are eager to connect with mentors and experts through Solve for Tomorrow to bring their ideas to life.” said Poonam Verma, Principal of Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies.
     
    The application window for the initiative will be open till June 30, 2025.
     
    After the initial application phase, the top 100 teams will be chosen, with 25 teams selected from each of the themes. At this stage, participants will undergo online training led by thematic experts, followed by a video pitch round where 40 teams will be shortlisted – 10 teams from each theme.
     
    With thousands of students now engaged and more joining each week, Solve for Tomorrow is no longer just a competition, it’s a national innovation movement.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Landing on the Moon is an incredibly difficult feat − 2025 has brought successes and shortfalls for companies and space agencies

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Zhenbo Wang, Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Tennessee

    Several missions have already attempted to land on the lunar surface in 2025, with more to come. AP Photo

    Half a century after the Apollo astronauts left the last bootprints in lunar dust, the Moon has once again become a destination of fierce ambition and delicate engineering.

    This time, it’s not just superpowers racing to plant flags, but also private companies, multinational partnerships and robotic scouts aiming to unlock the Moon’s secrets and lay the groundwork for future human return.

    So far in 2025, lunar exploration has surged forward. Several notable missions have launched toward or landed on the Moon. Each has navigated the long journey through space and the even trickier descent to the Moon’s surface or into orbit with varying degrees of success. Together, these missions reflect both the promise and difficulty of returning to the Moon in this new space race defined by innovation, competition and collaboration.

    As an aerospace engineer specializing in guidance, navigation and control technologies, I’m deeply interested in how each mission – whether successful or not – adds to scientists’ collective understanding. These missions can help engineers learn to navigate the complexities of space, operate in hostile lunar environments and steadily advance toward a sustainable human presence on the Moon.

    Why is landing on the Moon so hard?

    Lunar exploration remains one of the most technically demanding frontiers in modern spaceflight. Choosing a landing site involves complex trade-offs between scientific interest, terrain safety and Sun exposure.

    The lunar south pole is an especially attractive area, as it could contain water in the form of ice in shadowed craters, a critical resource for future missions. Other sites may hold clues about volcanic activity on the Moon or the solar system’s early history.

    Each mission trajectory must be calculated with precision to make sure the craft arrives and descends at the right time and place. Engineers must account for the Moon’s constantly changing position in its orbit around Earth, the timing of launch windows and the gravitational forces acting on the spacecraft throughout its journey.

    They also need to carefully plan the spacecraft’s path so that it arrives at the right angle and speed for a safe approach. Even small miscalculations early on can lead to major errors in landing location – or a missed opportunity entirely.

    Once on the surface, the landers need to survive extreme swings in temperature – from highs over 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degrees Celsius) in daylight down to lows of -208 F (-133 C) at night – as well as dust, radiation and delayed communication with Earth. The spacecraft’s power systems, heat control, landing legs and communication links must all function perfectly. Meanwhile, these landers must avoid hazardous terrain and rely on sunlight to power their instruments and recharge their batteries.

    These challenges help explain why many landers have crashed or experienced partial failures, even though the technology has come a long way since the Apollo era.

    Commercial companies face the same technical hurdles as government agencies but often with tighter budgets, smaller teams and less heritage hardware. Unlike government missions, which can draw on decades of institutional experience and infrastructure, many commercial lunar efforts are navigating these challenges for the first time.

    Successful landings and hard lessons for CLPS

    Several lunar missions launched this year belong to NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program. CLPS is an initiative that contracts private companies to deliver science and technology payloads to the Moon. Its aim is to accelerate exploration while lowering costs and encouraging commercial innovation.

    An artist’s rendering of Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander, which navigated and avoided hazards during its final descent to the surface.
    NASA/GSFC/Rani Gran/Wikimedia Commons

    The first Moon mission of 2025, Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1, launched in January and successfully landed in early March.

    The lander survived the harsh lunar day and transmitted data for nearly two weeks before losing power during the freezing lunar night – a typical operational limit for most unheated lunar landers.

    Blue Ghost demonstrated how commercial landers can shoulder critical parts of NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon later this decade.

    The second CLPS launch of the year, Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 mission, launched in late February. It targeted a scientifically intriguing site near the Moon’s south pole region.

    An artist’s rendering of Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 mission, which is scheduled to land near the lunar south pole for in-situ resource utilization demonstration on the Moon.
    NASA/Intuitive Machines

    The Nova-C lander, named Athena, touched down on March 6 close to the south pole. However, during the landing process, Athena tipped over. Since it landed on its side in a crater with uneven terrain, it couldn’t deploy its solar panels to generate power, which ended the mission early.

    While Athena’s tipped-over landing meant it couldn’t do all the scientific explorations it had planned, the data it returned is still valuable for understanding how future landers can avoid similar fates on the rugged polar terrain.

    Not all lunar missions need to land. NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer, a small lunar orbiter launched in February alongside IM-2, was intended to orbit the Moon and map the form, abundance and distribution of water in the form of ice, especially in shadowed craters near the poles.

    Shortly after launch, however, NASA lost contact with the spacecraft. Engineers suspect the spacecraft may have experienced a power issue, potentially leaving its batteries depleted.

    NASA is continuing recovery efforts, hoping that the spacecraft’s solar panels may recharge in May and June.

    An artist’s rendering of NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer spacecraft. If recovered, it will orbit the Moon to measure the form and distribution of water on the lunar surface.
    Lockheed Martin Space

    Ongoing and future missions

    Launched on the same day as the Blue Ghost mission in January, Japanese company ispace’s Hakuto-R Mission 2 (Resilience) is on its way to the Moon and has successfully entered lunar orbit.

    The lander carried out a successful flyby of the Moon on Feb. 15, with an expected landing in early June. Although launched at the same time, Resilience took a longer trajectory than Blue Ghost to save energy. This maneuver also allowed the spacecraft to collect bonus science observations while looping around the Moon.

    The mission, if successful, will advance Japan’s commercial space sector and prove an important comeback for ispace after its first lunar lander crashed during its final descent in 2023.

    The Resilience lunar lander days before its launch in the payload processing facility at the U.S. Space Force station. The Resilience lander has completed its Earth orbit and a lunar flyby. It is now completing a low-energy transfer orbit and entering an orbit around the Moon.
    Business Wire

    The rest of 2025 promises a busy lunar calendar. Intuitive Machines plans to launch IM-3 in late 2025 to test more advanced instruments and potentially deliver NASA scientific experiments to the Moon.

    The European Space Agency’s Lunar Pathfinder will establish a dedicated lunar communications satellite, making it easier for future missions, especially those operating on the far side or poles, to stay in touch with Earth.

    Meanwhile, Astrobotic’s Griffin Mission-1 is scheduled to deliver NASA’s VIPER rover to the Moon’s south pole, where it will directly search for ice beneath the surface.

    Together, these missions represent an increasingly international and commercial approach to lunar science and exploration.

    As the world turns its attention to the Moon, every mission – whether triumph or setback – brings humanity closer to a permanent return to our closest celestial neighbor.

    Zhenbo Wang receives funding from NASA.

    – ref. Landing on the Moon is an incredibly difficult feat − 2025 has brought successes and shortfalls for companies and space agencies – https://theconversation.com/landing-on-the-moon-is-an-incredibly-difficult-feat-2025-has-brought-successes-and-shortfalls-for-companies-and-space-agencies-256046

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Nutanix Announces Updates to its Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New Board Member Eric K. Brandt Brings Extensive Leadership and Finance Experience to Nutanix Board

    David Humphrey Resigns from Nutanix Board

    SAN JOSE, Calif., May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nutanix (NASDAQ: NTNX), a leader in hybrid multicloud computing, announced today that it has added Eric K. Brandt to its board of directors, effective May 15, 2025.

    “Eric brings deep expertise in both CEO and CFO roles across a variety of industries. His long-term service on boards of public companies also gives him a richness of experience from which Nutanix is sure to benefit,” said Virginia Gambale, Chair of the Board at Nutanix. “I look forward to serving with him together on the Nutanix board as the company continues to focus on driving sustainable, profitable growth while providing customers with a single platform for running applications and managing data, anywhere.”

    Brandt is a seasoned executive and board director with more than 30 years of global experience spanning finance, operations, and corporate governance. He served as Chief Financial Officer of Broadcom Corporation from 2007 until it was acquired by Avago Technologies Limited in 2016, where he played a pivotal role in the company’s growth into one of the world’s largest semiconductor firms. Prior to that, he held senior executive positions, including President and CEO of Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Chief Financial Officer of Allergan, Inc. Brandt currently serves on the boards of Gen Digital Inc., Lam Research Corporation, The Macerich Company, and Option Care Health, Inc. He previously served on the boards of Altaba Inc. and DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc., among others. He holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.

    Additionally, David Humphrey resigned from Nutanix’s board of directors, effective May 15, 2025. Humphrey, a Partner at Bain Capital, joined the Nutanix Board as part of Bain Capital’s $750 million investment in September 2020. Following Humphrey’s resignation, Max de Groen, another Partner at Bain Capital, will continue to serve as a member of Nutanix’s board of directors.

    “We thank David for the constructive engagement, guidance and expertise that he brought to the board during a period of significant transformation and growth for Nutanix,” said Gambale. “We are grateful for his valuable contributions and the investment of service he has made over the past four years.”

    “Since Bain Capital’s investment in September 2020, Nutanix has grown substantially, evolved into a hybrid multicloud leader, and scaled its profits and cash flows significantly. We are impressed by the company’s performance and believe it has significant opportunity ahead as well,” said Humphrey. “Bain Capital remains a significant stockholder of Nutanix and continues to value its partnership with Nutanix,” added de Groen. “I look forward to my continued service on the Nutanix Board.”

    About Nutanix

    Nutanix is a global leader in cloud software, offering organizations a single platform for running applications and managing data, anywhere. With Nutanix, companies can reduce complexity and simplify operations, freeing them to focus on their business outcomes. Building on its legacy as the pioneer of hyperconverged infrastructure, Nutanix is trusted by companies worldwide to power hybrid multicloud environments consistently, simply, and cost-effectively. Learn more at www.nutanix.com or follow us on social media @nutanix.

    © 2025 Nutanix, Inc. All rights reserved. Nutanix, the Nutanix logo, and all Nutanix product and service names mentioned herein are registered trademarks or unregistered trademarks of Nutanix, Inc. (“Nutanix”) in the United States and other countries. All other brand names or marks mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and may be the trademarks of their respective holder(s). This press release is for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes a warranty or other binding commitment by Nutanix. This release contains express and implied forward-looking statements. Such statements are not historical facts and are instead based on Nutanix’s current expectations, estimates and beliefs. The accuracy of such statements involves risks and uncertainties and depends upon future events, including those that may be beyond Nutanix’s control, and actual results may differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied by such statements. Any forward-looking statements included herein speak only as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, Nutanix assumes no obligation to update or otherwise revise any of such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

    Investor Contact:

    Richard Valera
    ir@nutanix.com

    Media Contact: Jennifer Massaro
    pr@nutanix.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6fcb69a5-92eb-43fd-b900-5322ebf501cc

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Onfolio Holdings Inc. Announces First Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WILMINGTON, Del., May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Onfolio Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONFO, ONFOW) (OTC: ONFOP) (“Onfolio” or the “Company”), a company that primarily acquires and manages a portfolio of digital marketing and online education businesses, announces financial results for the first quarter ended March 31st 2025.

    Financial Highlights

    • First quarter revenue increased 77% to $2.81M vs. $1.58M in the prior year period and increased 12.8% from $2.49M in Q4 of 2024
    • First quarter gross profit increased 70% to $1.7M vs. $1M in the prior year period and increased 28% from $1.32M in Q4 of 2024
    • First quarter total operating expenses increased 71% to $2.49M vs. $1.45M in the prior year period and increased 23% from $2.01M in Q4 of 2024
    • First quarter net loss increased 72% to $0.80M vs. $0.47M in the prior year period and vs. a $0.14M gain in Q4 of 2024
    • Cash at 3/31/25 was $0.67M vs. $0.48M at 12/31/24

    “We substantially increased our revenue and gross profit during the first quarter of 2025. Our cash used in operations decreased to $0.14M, reflecting improvements in both operational discipline and revenue contribution,” said Onfolio Holdings CEO Dominic Wells.

    “While our net loss increased from $0.47M in Q1 2024, to $0.80M in Q1 2025, $0.27M of this was stock-based-compensation, most of which was a one-time expense, as well as $0.17M in higher amortization expense compared to the prior year. Taking these non-cash increases into account, our net loss improved year-on-year. During the first quarter of 2025, we continued our effort to improve operations within our portfolio companies, which has resulted in reduced cost, better efficiency, a renewed focus on organic growth and the development of new services.

    “During the first quarter of 2025, we also raised non-dilutive capital through the sale of our Series A Preferred Shares, which have consistently paid a 12% annual dividend for over four years. The additional capital was primarily used to strengthen our balance sheet and prepare for our next acquisition.

    “We remain highly focused on continued organic growth within our core digital marketing and online education business units and are pursuing strategic acquisitions to strengthen those businesses.

    “If we continue to execute well on our organic and strategic growth initiatives, we could achieve profitability during the second half of 2025,” concluded Dominic Wells.

    About Onfolio Holdings

    Onfolio Holdings acquires controlling interests in and actively manage small online businesses that we believe (i) operate in sectors with long-term growth opportunities, (ii) have positive and stable cash flows, (iii) face minimal threats of technological or competitive obsolescence and (iv) can be managed by our existing team or have strong management teams largely in place. Through the acquisition and growth of a diversified group of online businesses with these characteristics, we believe we offer investors in our shares an opportunity to diversify their own portfolio risk. Visit www.onfolio.com for more information.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    The information posted in this release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by use of the words “may” “will,” “should,” “plans,” “explores,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “continues,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” and similar expressions. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding expected operating results, such as revenue growth and earnings, and strategy for growth and financial results.

    Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing new customer offerings, changes in customer order patterns, changes in customer offering mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, delays due to issues with outsourced service providers, those events and factors described by us in Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our most recent Form 10-K and 10Q; other risks to which our Company is subject; other factors beyond the Company’s control. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

    Onfolio Holdings, Inc.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
     
          March 31       December 31  
          2025       2024  
                     
    Assets                
    Current Assets:                
    Cash   $ 666,115     $ 476,874  
    Accounts receivable, net     688,763       755,804  
    Inventory     47,027       65,876  
    Prepaids and other current assets     200,763       138,007  
    Total Current Assets     1,602,668       1,436,561  
                     
    Intangible assets     3,022,099       3,323,211  
    Goodwill     4,203,145       4,210,557  
    Fixed Assets     4,707       5,135  
    Due from related party     128,385       126,530  
    Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures, cost method     213,007       213,007  
    Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures, equity method     269,140       268,231  
    Other assets     3,495       9,465  
                     
    Total Assets   $ 9,446,646     $ 9,592,697  
    Liabilities and Stockholders Equity                
                     
    Current Liabilities:                
    Accounts payable and other current liabilities   $ 1,018,752     $ 969,068  
    Dividends payable     105,468       100,797  
    Notes payable, current     526,010       702,634  
    Notes Payable – Related Party, current     –       400,000  
    Contingent consideration     308,943       981,591  
    Deferred revenue     654,971       589,913  
    Total Current Liabilities     2,614,144       3,744,003  
                     
    Notes payable     790,000       450,000  
    Notes payable – related parties     1,049,000       1,049,000  
    Due to joint ventures – long term     –       –  
    Total Liabilities     4,453,144       5,243,003  
                     
    Commitments and Contingencies                
                     
    Stockholders’ Equity:                
    Preferred stock, $0.001 per value, 5,000,000 shares authorized                
    Series A Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, 165,260 and 134,460 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024     165       134  
    Common stock, $0.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 5,127,395 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2025 December 31, 2024     5,128       5,128  
    Additional paid-in capital     23,459,650       22,316,751  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income     97,152       68,105  
    Accumulated deficit     (19,976,595 )     (19,078,287 )
    Total Onfolio Inc. stockholders equity     3,585,500       3,311,831  
    Non-Controlling Interests     1,408,002       1,037,863  
    Total Stockholders’ Equity     4,993,502       4,349,694  
                     
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity   $ 9,446,646     $ 9,592,697  
                     
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements  
       
    Onfolio Holdings, Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Operations
     
             
        For the Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025   2024
             
             
    Revenue, services   $ 1,796,595     $ 723,551  
    Revenue, product sales     1,015,348       863,351  
    Total Revenue     2,811,943       1,586,902  
                     
    Cost of revenue, services     1,016,860       366,706  
    Cost of revenue, product sales     87,963       215,860  
    Total cost of revenue     1,104,823       582,566  
                     
    Gross profit     1,707,120       1,004,336  
                     
    Operating expenses                
    Selling, general and administrative     2,221,346       1,185,184  
    Professional fees     237,905       180,190  
    Acquisition costs     33,410       94,341  
    Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets     –       –  
    Total operating expenses     2,492,661       1,459,715  
                     
    Loss from operations     (785,541 )     (455,379 )
                     
    Other income (expense)                
    Equity method income (loss)     909       (5,154 )
    Dividend income     2,250       –  
    Interest income (expense), net     (100,720 )     (17,720 )
    Other income     4,983       427  
    Gain on change in fair value of contingent consideration     54,173       –  
    Impairment of investments     –       –  
    Gain on sale of business     –       –  
    Total other income     (38,405 )     (22,447 )
                     
    Loss before income taxes     (823,946 )     (477,826 )
                     
    Income tax (provision) benefit     17,518       –  
                     
    Net loss     (806,428 )     (477,826 )
                     
    Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest     12,041       664  
    Net loss attributable to Onfolio Holdings Inc.     (794,387 )     (477,162 )
                     
    Preferred Dividends     (103,921 )     (81,645 )
    Net loss to common shareholders   $ (898,308 )   $ (558,807 )
                     
    Net loss per common shareholder                
    Basic and diluted   $ (0.18 )   $ (0.11 )
                     
    Weighted average shares outstanding                
    Basic and diluted     5,127,395       5,107,395  
                     
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements  
       
    Onfolio Holdings, Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
    For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 and 2024
     
        Preferred Stock,
    $0.001 Par value    		   Common Stock,
    $0.001 Par Value    		    Additional    Accumulated   Accumulated
    Other    		    Non    Stockholders’ 
        Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Paid-In Capital   Deficit   Comprehensive
    Income    		   Controlling
    Interest    		   Equity
                                         
    Balance, December 31, 2024     134,460     $ 134       5,127,395     $ 5,128     $ 22,316,751     $ (19,078,287 )   $ 68,105     $ 1,037,863     $ 4,349,694  
                          –       –               –       –       –       –  
    Sale of preferred stock for cash     28,000       28       –       –       699,972       –       –       –       700,000  
    Preferred stock and common stock options issued for payment of contingent consideration     2,800       3       –       –       169,997       –       –       –       170,000  
    Stock-based compensation     –       –       –       –       272,930       –       –       –       272,930  
    Payment of note payble by NCI                                                             400,000       400,000  
    Preferred dividends     –       –       –       –       –       (103,921 )     –       –       (103,921 )
    Foreign currency translation     –       –       –       –       –       –       29,047       –       29,047  
    Distribution to non-controlling interest                                                             (17,820 )     (17,820 )
    Net loss     –       –       –       –       –       (794,387 )     –       (12,041 )     (806,428 )
                                                                             
    Balance, March 31, 2025     165,260       165       5,127,395       5,128       23,459,650       (19,976,595 )     97,152       1,408,002       4,993,502  
                                                                             
    Balance, December 31, 2023     92,260       93       5,107,395       5,108       21,107,311       (16,957,854 )     182,465       –       4,337,123  
                                                                             
    Acquisition of Business     17,000       17       –       –       484,983       –       –       126,000       611,000  
    Sale of preferred stock for cash     400       –       –       –       10,000       –       –       –       10,000  
    Stock-based compensation     –       –       –       –       17,887       –       –       –       17,887  
    Preferred dividends     –       –       –       –       –       (81,645 )     –       –       (81,645 )
    Foreign currency translation     –       –       –       –       –       –       (39,134 )             (39,134 )
    Distribution to non-controlling interest     –       –       –       –       –       –       –       –       –  
    Net loss     –       –       –       –       –       (477,826 )     –       (664 )     (478,490 )
                                                                             
    Balance, March 31, 2024     109,660     $ 110       5,107,395     $ 5,108     $ 21,620,181     $ (17,517,325 )   $ 143,331     $ 125,336     $ 4,376,741  
                                                                             
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
     
    Onfolio Holdings, Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 and 2024
     
             
          2025       2024  
                     
    Cash Flows from Operating Activities                
    Net loss   $ (806,428 )   $ (477,826 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:                
    Stock-based compensation expense     272,930       17,887  
    Equity method loss (income)     (909 )     5,154  
    Dividends received from equity method investment     –       –  
    Amortization of intangible assets     301,112       125,219  
    Depreciation expense     428          
    Impairment of intangible assets     –       –  
    Change in FV of contingent consideration     (54,173 )     –  
    Net change in:                
    Accounts receivable     67,041       (33,681 )
    Inventory     18,849       117  
    Prepaids and other current assets     (56,786 )     (81,328 )
    Accounts payable and other current liabilities     49,684       (33,390 )
    Due to joint ventures     (1,855 )     3,557  
    Deferred revenue     65,058       34,284  
    Due to related parties     –       9,000  
                     
    Net cash used in operating activities     (145,049 )     (431,007 )
                     
    Cash Flows from Investing Activities                
    Cash paid to acquire businesses     –       (240,000 )
    Investments in unconsolidated entities     –       (10,000 )
    Investment in cryptocurrency     –       –  
    Net cash used in investing activities     –       (250,000 )
                     
    Cash Flows from Financing Activities                
    Proceeds from sale of Series A preferred stock     700,000       10,000  
    Proceeds from exercise of stock options     –       –  
    Payments of preferred dividends     (99,250 )     (70,122 )
    Distributions to non-controlling interest holders     (17,820 )     –  
    Proceeds from notes payable     –       350,000  
    Payments on note payables     (176,624 )     (25,743 )
    Payments on acquisition note payables     –       –  
    Proceeds from notes payable – related parties     –       –  
    Payments on note payables – related parties     –       –  
    Payments on contingent consideration     (108,475 )     –  
                     
    Net cash provided by financing activities     297,831       264,135  
                     
    Effect of foreign currency translation     36,459       (35,612 )
                     
    Net Change in Cash     189,241       (452,484 )
    Cash, Beginning of  Period     476,874       982,261  
                     
    Cash, End of Period     666,115     $ 529,777  
                     
    Cash Paid For:                
    Income Taxes   $ –     $ –  
    Interest   $ 100,720     $ 18,360  
                     
    Non-cash transactions:                
    Preferred dividends accrued   $ 103,921     $ 81,645  
    Notes payable issued for asset acquisitions   $ –     $ 440,000  
    Preferred stock issued for acquisitions   $ –     $ 425,000  
    Settlement of contingent consideration   $ 510,000     $ –  
    Non-controlling interest issued for settlement of note payable   $ 400,000     $ –  
                     
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements         

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: International logistics operator Tablogix shared its experience of digital product labeling with students of the State University of Management

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    The State University of Management hosted a lecture by the industrial partner of the State University of Management – the international logistics operator Tablogix. The lesson was held as part of the course “Cargo Science” for students of the educational program “Logistics and Supply Chain Management”. The lesson was devoted to digital marking of goods in the “Honest Sign” system.

    The speaker was Anna Shchukina, Head of Project Management and Business Analysis at Tablogix. The specialist analyzed real cases, mistakes to avoid, and shared life hacks that will save budgets. The session was practice-oriented.

    During the lesson, students learned: – Why the “Honest Sign” is needed by businesses, and not just the regulator; – How to properly implement labeling in logistics and warehouses; – Why you can’t do without adapting WMS and ERP; – How Tablogix reduces risks and improves the accuracy of product accounting; – How to properly prepare for an interview with an employer and what qualities a logistician needs today.

    Of particular value to the students were the expert’s advice in the field of team management, the use of project management tools, which can be used in the implementation of their own projects in the field of logistics.

    The Department of Transport Complex Management thanks the Tablogix company and the speaker Anna Shchukina for the lecture.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 05/16/2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fun for all the family at Godiva Festival – and it’s included with your ticket!

    Source: City of Coventry

    Open on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July, the Family Field – sponsored by Coventry College – will be bigger and better than ever. This year, it’s been transformed into four themed zones designed to bring adventure, fun and discovery.

    From magic and circus tricks to a caving experience, comedy shows and even a seaside escape, there’s something for every family to enjoy.

    Plus, a very special guest will be joining the fun: Bluey, one of CBeebies’ biggest stars, will be meeting and greeting on the Family Field at intervals throughout the day on Sunday 6 July to meet her young fans.

    And here’s the best bit – all Family Field activities except funfair rides are included in the price of your ticket!

    Here’s a taste of what you’ll find in each of the four zones:

    • Country Zone – enjoy Farm Circus magic, juggling and acrobatics plus other creative activities with leaf printing and bark rubbing. Those bold enough can take on Shaun the Sheep’s Farmathlon challenge!
    • City Zone – get moving at a family bhangra workshop with award-winning entertainer Sohan Kailey. Don’t forget – Bluey will be in the City Zone too!
    • Beach Zone – build sandcastles, play games on the pop-up beach and enjoy a comedy pirate show with a side of sunshine. There’ll be music from the Phase One Steel Pan Orchestra too.
    • Adventure Zone – thrill-seekers will love the caving experience, fast-paced sports activities and mini roller coaster!

    Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council and Cabinet Member for Events, said: “Godiva is a fantastic music festival, but there’s so much more as well, with lots of first-class entertainment and experiences for all ages.

    “Our Family Field is always a top attraction for many and this year it has a great offer that will help families to play, learn and have fun together in a brilliant environment.

    “Godiva really is an incredible weekend that has something there for people of all ages and I’d encourage everyone to book their tickets early and make sure they don’t miss out.”

    Gemma Knott, Vice Principal Business Growth at Coventry College, added: “I am delighted that Coventry College is sponsoring Godiva’s Family Field. This is a flagship event for Coventry.

    “We are excited about showcasing our brilliant College and reaching out to the heart of the community with our activities which include tasters from our very talented hair and beauty, performing arts and music staff and learners plus lots more planned!

    “Please drop by to say hello to our friendly team if you have any questions about joining Coventry College this summer; we will be on the Family Field all day on Saturday and Sunday.”

    Tickets are on sale now, with prices frozen at last year’s rates. Family ticket prices will allow for any combination of teens and children, and a new single parent family ticket has also been introduced. Family ticket prices for Sunday 6 July start at £27.

    This year’s Festival features headliners Marc Almond on the Friday, Clean Bandit on Saturday and the festival will be closed by Ocean Colour Scene on the final day.

    Other acts include Nathan Dawe, Heather Small, Heaven 17, Rose Gray, Young T & Bugsey, Diversity, Parfitt Jr & The RPJ Band, Panjabi Hit Squad and lots more. There will also be a diverse line-up of other acts and attractions, with food stalls, exhibitions and family-friendly activities, making it the perfect summer outing for the whole family.

    For ticket price information and to keep up to date with all the latest news and announcements, head to the Godiva Festival website, sign up for the Godiva Festival newsletter or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

    Godiva Festival is brought to you by Coventry City Council Godiva. The Godiva Festival Family Field is sponsored by Coventry College.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China-SCO E-Commerce Business Meeting Held in Qingdao

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 16 (Xinhua) — The China-SCO E-Commerce Business Meeting was held in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province, on Thursday, the Gongren Ribao (Workers’ Daily) newspaper reported.

    The event, held at the China-SCO Regional Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Zone, attracted representatives from 40 e-commerce enterprises from Iran, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan and Belarus. Domestic e-commerce giants JD, Alibaba and 120 other companies also took part. The participants discussed issues related to agricultural products, manufacturing industry and digital platforms.

    E-commerce is considered one of the most promising areas of trade and economic cooperation between the SCO states. The purpose of the business meeting is to promote the establishment of multi-level, large-scale and institutionalized cooperation relations between enterprises of China and other countries of the said organization in the field of cross-border e-commerce.

    According to data released during the business meeting, by the end of 2024, the volume of online retail sales in the SCO member states reached USD 3.2 trillion. Its share in the world exceeded 50%.

    In particular, imports to China from other SCO member states through cross-border e-commerce last year amounted to US$53 million, up 34 percent year-on-year.

    The event was organized by the China International E-Commerce Center and the Shandong Provincial Commerce Department, with the support of the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and the SCO Secretariat. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –