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Category: Commerce

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: TRA recommends quota caps on steel imports

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    TRA recommends quota caps on steel imports

    The TRA has recommended that country-specific caps be imposed on certain categories of steel to help defend the UK’s steel-production industry.

    The TRA has recommended that country-specific caps be imposed on certain categories of steel imported to the UK to help defend the country’s steel-production industry.

    The caps will come into effect from 1 October 2025 to allow steel importers time to adjust. The TRA has also recommended that carry over quotas be scrapped from 1 July 2025.

    In March, the TRA expanded the matters being considered in its tariff rate quota review of the steel safeguard measure to ensure new concerns raised by the UK steel industry were fully considered.

    Having examined UK Steel’s data and submissions from a range of interested parties, the TRA has in its Statement of Intended Final Determination (SIFD) proposed that country-specific caps should be imposed on the residual quota in the following categories:

    • Category 4 (metallic coated sheet): 40%
    • Category 7 (non-alloy and other alloy quarto plates): 40%
    • Category 13 (rebar): 40%

    The TRA determined that there had been a change in demand for steel, both within the UK and globally, creating significant pressures on the UK steel industry, which warranted the TRQs being varied.

    The TRA cited the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Steel Committee, which said in November last year: “The overall trends discussed at the Steel Committee meeting suggest that global excess capacity will increase significantly in 2025 and 2026, which will add further pressure on oversupply conditions and deepen the economic challenges facing the steel industry.”

    TRA Chair Nick Baird said:

    The TRA has listened to the concerns of the UK’s steel industry and worked at pace to recommend changes to steel import quota allocations to help protect the UK steel industry from the destabilising impact of global overcapacity.

    Further variation to TRQ allocation

    The TRA has also proposed further changes to the allocation of the TRQs.

    Under the TRA’s proposals, the “carry-over” facility, where unused quotas are made available in the following quarter, should be removed; countries with a country-specific quota should no longer have access to the residual quota in the final quarter; country-specific quotas for developing countries excepted from the measure would not be redistributed.

    Interested parties can comment by 26 May 2025 via the TRA’s public file. Once the TRA has examined these comments, it will submit its final recommendation to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade.

    Background information:

    • The TRA is the UK’s independent body for investigating and recommending trade remedies.
    • UK industries concerned about imports have been able to submit applications for a new trade remedy measure since January 2021. These applications are considered by the TRA to see if there are grounds for an investigation.
    • Tariff rate quotas (TRQs) are part of the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework. They specify how much of a product can be imported from a country before its imports are subject to higher tariffs.
    • Under the TRA’s initial proposals published today, a 40% country cap would apply to the residual quotas in Categories 4, 7 and 13. This means that when imports from an individual country accessing the residual quota in these categories exceeds 40% of the residual quota allocation, those imports would become subject to the safeguard measure.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: VERB Publishes Management’s Prepared Remarks From Its First Quarter 2025 Earnings Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Verb Technology Company, Inc. (Nasdaq: VERB) (“VERB” or the “Company”), Transforming the Landscape of Social Commerce, Social Telehealth and Social Crowdfunding with MARKET.live; LyveCom; VANITYPrescribed; GoodGirlRx; and the GO FUND YOURSELF TV Show, today filed its Form 10-Q reporting financial and operating results for the quarter ending March 31, 2025 and held an earnings conference call at 1 p.m. ET to discuss these results. Prepared remarks during the conference call of Rory J. Cutaia, the Company’s Chairman & CEO, are provided below.

    Management Prepared Remarks

    VERB 2025 First Quarter Financial Results Conference Call

    Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 1 p.m. ET

    Company Participant
    Rory J. Cutaia, CEO

    Operator:

    Good afternoon and welcome to the first quarter 2025 Financial Results Conference Call for Verb Technology Company, Inc. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. Please be advised, the call is being recorded at the Company’s request.

    On our call today is Rory J. Cutaia, Verb’s Founder, Chairman and CEO.

    Before we begin, I’d like to remind everyone that statements made during this conference call will include forward-looking statements under the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve risks and uncertainties that can cause actual results to differ materially. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, except as required by law, as the underlying facts and circumstances may change. Verb Technology Company disclaims any obligations to update these forward-looking statements, as well as those contained in the Company’s current and subsequent filings with the SEC.

    I would now like to turn the call over to Rory J. Cutaia, CEO. Rory?

    Rory:

    Thank you moderator, and thanks to everyone for joining us today for our first quarter 2025 financial results and business update conference call.

    So for those of you who have reviewed our 10-Q filed this morning or the summarized results in the press release we issued this morning – well – you already know – right – you know the Company is firing on all cylinders – I’m talking about a 12 cylinder finely tuned exotic sports roadster – yeah – we had a crazy good quarter. This is the VERB we’ve envisioned – this is the VERB we’ve manifested and this is the VERB we have worked so hard to deliver. And the best part – the really best part – is this is just the beginning.

    I’ve got to hand it to my management team – they never stopped believing – through all the trials and tribulations – and we’ve had more than our share – they stuck it out with me – we drew strength from one another – and no matter what – we never gave up. I appreciate them all so very much – and our amazing Board of Directors – and now that we’ve begun to hit our stride – they’re all feeling it – they know where we’re taking this vehicle – and for those of you listening to this who have stuck it out with us and for those of you thinking about joining us – from here on out, it’s going to be a fun ride.

    We’re cashed-up, zero debt – insanely under-valued – and each VERB division is performing very, very well.

    I’m not going to take your time reading the 10-Q or reiterating everything we discussed about the Company just 6 weeks or so ago when we reported our 2024 results – but I will definitely enjoy sharing some of our team’s accomplishments in the first 3 months of this year.

    Let’s start with revenue – but first let me provide some context:

    In Q1 of 2024 we reported revenue of just $7,000; In Q4 of 2024 we reported revenue of $723,000 – definitely a great quarter and the first full quarter after we instituted a number of changes to our business model – and for the entirety of 2024 – we reported a total of $895,000.

    But in Q1 of 2025 we reported $1.3 Million – that’s 80% revenue growth over the prior quarter and approximately 46% growth over all 4 quarters of revenue of 2024 combined.

    And while we were busy signing and launching a plethora of new clients, we identified what we believe is the hottest AI social commerce technology company in the market and negotiated the terms of an $8.5 Million cash and stock acquisition, signed a comprehensive term sheet, and then rapidly drove the deal to a closing – all while actively integrating their AI technology into our own platform.

    We used about $4.2 Million in cash closing the acquisition – but I liked having a robust – zero debt – cashed-up balance sheet – so being an opportunist we identified a funding opportunity with extraordinary – shareholder friendly terms – negotiated it, documented it and closed it. A non-dilutive, non-convertible, non-voting, preferred stock deal with just a 9% annual dividend – and with that we added $5 Million back onto the balance sheet.

    This deal is with a trusted financial partner with whom we’ve now done several very successful deals. I do feel sorry for other companies doing terrible – horrible financings – steep discounts to market price, pre-funded warrants, triple warrant coverage – decimating cap tables and rendering many of these companies unfinanceable going forward who ultimately get shorted into oblivion. You see it every day. Tough times for a lot of companies and I’m very grateful that we’re in such a strong cash position and we’ve been able to maintain a super clean cap table – no warrant overhang and a very tight float and obviously not desperate to find a source of capital.

    In fact, with our cash on hand, no debt, and growing revenue across all business units, we expect to be able fund operations easily into 2028 and beyond.

    As to the growth behind MARKET.live, we’ve signed many very high profile clients and continue to do so. I’ve been asked why we aren’t announcing them – which we’d have to do multiple times a month – but the answer is most of these deals are where we’re white labeling our platform for these well-known brands and our contract prohibits us from announcing the names. I wish I could – if I could, I doubt our stock would still be trading for 50% of our net cash – with zero value given for all our business units – it’s crazy – just crazy.

    I’ve also been asked why we don’t see as many livestreams from MARKET.live as we used to and that’s because our new technology allows us to stream directly from our clients’ own websites and multicast their streams across multiple social media channels simultaneously. This is really the killer app, drawing so many more clients, because it allows these brands to own the customer relationship while still streaming over other social platforms. We’re also seeing strong, strong growth in shoppable ads, among many other areas of our MARKET.live and now Lyvecom business units.

    Our telehealth platforms, VanityPrescribed and GoodGirlRX continue to grow month over month adding recurring subscription-based revenue. And our Go Fund Yourself, crowd funding TV show is developing an almost cult-like following and more and more issuers are applying to be on the show, forcing us to become much more selective, and to accommodate the demand we’re now shooting multiple episodes twice a month. Issuers pay to be on the show. We’re about to launch Season 2 on Cheddar.

    In closing, I refer you to our Form 10-Q filed today for greater details concerning our Q1 2025 financial results as well as the press release distributed today summarizing those results for additional information I’ve not covered in my conference call today.

    So thank you for your interest in VERB and for taking the time to listen to our Q1 2025 financial results. I presume you can tell how excited we are about the business – really excited – and oh yes – I do indeed expect Q2 results to be even better than this Q1 – so stand by.

    Operator: This concludes the conference call. You may now disconnect.

    About VERB

    Verb Technology Company, Inc. (Nasdaq: VERB), is transforming the landscape of social commerce, social telehealth and social crowdfunding with MARKET.live, LyveCom, VANITYPrescribed, GoodGirlRx, and the GO FUND YOURSELF TV Show. The Company operates multiple business units, each of which leverages the Company’s social commerce technology and video marketing expertise.

    MARKET.live, together with recently acquired AI social commerce technology innovator LyveCom, is a multi-vendor, livestream social shopping platform that allows brands and merchants to deliver a true omnichannel livestream shopping experience across their own websites, apps, and social platforms. Advanced AI capabilities power real-time user-generated-content creation, automated video content repurposing for high conversion video ads, and AI-powered virtual live shopping hosts that are virtually indistinguishable from human hosts, capable of real-time audience engagement. Brands utilize the Company’s proprietary AI model trained on tens of thousands of video commerce interactions to automate content creation and intelligent tools designed to optimize merchandising strategies and increase conversion rates.

    GO FUND YOURSELF TV Show is a revolutionary interactive social crowd funding platform for public and private companies seeking broad-based exposure for their crowd-funded Regulation CF and Regulation A offerings. The platform combines a ground-breaking interactive national TV show with MARKET.live’s back-end capabilities allowing viewers to tap, scan or click on their screen to facilitate an investment, in real time, as they watch companies presenting before the show’s panel of “Titans”. Presenting companies that sell consumer products are able to offer their products directly to viewers during the show in real time through shoppable onscreen icons.

    VANITYPrescribed.com and GoodGirlRx.com are telehealth portals, intended to redefine telehealth by offering a seamless, digital-first experience that empowers individuals to take control of their healthcare needs. They were designed and developed to disrupt the traditional healthcare model by providing tailored healthcare solutions at affordable, fixed prices – without hidden fees, membership costs, or inflated pharmaceutical markups. GoodGirlRx.com, a partnership with Savannah Chrisley, a well-known lifestyle personality and advocate for health and wellness, offers customers access to convenient, no-hassle telehealth services and pharmaceuticals, including the new weight-loss drugs, with fixed pricing regardless of dosage, breaking away from the industry’s traditional model of excessive pricing and pharmaceutical gatekeeping.

    The Company is headquartered in Las Vegas, NV and operates full-service production and creator studios in the Los Angeles, California vicinity.

    For more information, please visit: www.verb.tech

    Follow VERB here:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VerbTechCo

    X: https://twitter.com/VerbTech_Co

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/verb-tech

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0eCb_fwQlwEG3ywHDJ4_KQ

    Sign up for E-mail Alerts here: https://ir.verb.tech/news-events/email-alerts

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
    Statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “designed,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “should” and other comparable terms. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding VERB’s intentions, beliefs, projections, outlook, analyses or current expectations and the other risk factors and other cautionary statements included in VERB’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and its subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including subsequent periodic reports on Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. All forward-looking statements made in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on management’s assumptions and estimates as of such date. Except as required by law, VERB undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events, changed conditions or otherwise after the date of this press release.

    Investor Relations Contact: investors@verb.tech
    Media Contact: info@verb.tech

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister announces new Ministry

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced the members of Canada’s new Ministry.

    Canadians elected this new government with a strong mandate to define a new economic and security relationship with the United States, to build a stronger economy, to reduce the cost of living, and to keep our communities safe. This focused team will act on this mandate for change with urgency and determination.

    The new government will act to catalyze investment and build a new Canadian economy – one that creates higher-paying careers, raises incomes, and can withstand future shocks. They will work in collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous Peoples to advance the nation-building investments that will support the government’s core mission of building one strong, united economy – the strongest economy in the G7.

    The new Cabinet is appointed as follows:

    • Shafqat Ali, President of the Treasury Board
    • Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
    • Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs
    • Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety
    • François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue
    • Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
    • Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
    • Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
    • Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade
    • Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages
    • Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services
    • Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
    • Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
    • Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
    • Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy
    • Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement
    • Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
    • Steven MacKinnon, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
    • David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
    • Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
    • Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
    • Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health
    • Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada
    • Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada
    • Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade
    • Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
    • Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries
    • Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)

    The Cabinet will be supported by 10 secretaries of State who will provide dedicated leadership on key issues and priorities within their minister’s portfolio.

    The new secretaries of State are appointed as follows:

    • Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development)
    • Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement)
    • Anna Gainey, Secretary of State (Children and Youth)
    • Wayne Long, Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions)
    • Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors)
    • Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature)
    • Ruby Sahota, Secretary of State (Combatting Crime)
    • Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development)
    • Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport)
    • John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour)

    Quote

    “Canada’s new Ministry is built to deliver the change Canadians want and deserve. Everyone is expected and empowered to show leadership – to bring new ideas, a clear focus, and decisive action to their work.”

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: President Trump Signs Rep. Clyde’s Bill to Overturn Burdensome Biden-Era Regulations Into Law

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Andrew S. Clyde (R-GA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, President Donald J. Trump signed Congressman Andrew Clyde’s (GA-09) Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval, H.J.Res. 42, into law. The measure rescinds burdensome Biden-era regulations on household appliances and consumer products.

     

    “I’m deeply thankful to President Trump for signing my commonsense legislation into law,” said Clyde. “By overturning these burdensome Biden-era regulations, we are protecting both consumer choice and industry innovation — marking an exciting legislative victory for the American people. I remain committed to working with the Trump Administration to continue removing red tape on manufacturers and lowering costs for hardworking Americans.”

     

    Background

     

    On October 9th, 2024, the Biden-Harris Department of Energy finalized certification, labeling, and enforcement provisions for various consumer products and commercial equipment. The rule, entitled “Energy Conservation Program for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment,” amended or created new requirements for 20 different products, including dishwashers, central AC and heat pumps, clothes washers, and more.

     

    On March 3rd, 2025, the Office of Management and Budget issued a Statement of Administration Policy in support of H.J.Res. 42.

     

    On May 9th, 2025, President Trump signed H.J. Res. 20, H.J. Res. 24, H.J. Res. 42, and H.J. Res.75 into law, rolling back harmful regulations that the Biden-Harris Administration placed on small businesses, manufacturers, and American families.

     

    H.J.Res. 42 marks Rep. Clyde’s first bill signed into law in the 119th Congress and his second piece of legislation to become law during his time in Congress.

    Text of H.J.Res. 42 is available HERE.

     

    Related

     

    Rep. Clyde’s CRA to Overturn Costly Biden-Era Energy Standards Passes Senate

     

    Rep. Clyde’s CRA to Overturn Costly Biden-Era Energy Standards Passes House

     

    Rep. Clyde Leads Fight to Overturn More Than a Dozen Biden-Era Rules, Saving +$100 Billion

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Markey, Luján Urge FCC to Operate Transparently with Paramount-SkyDance Merger

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Letter Text (PDF)
    Washington (May 13, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Senator Ben Ray Luján, Ranking Member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee, today wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr, urging the FCC to take a vote on the merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media. Given the reports that Paramount is considering settling a frivolous lawsuit brought by President Donald Trump against CBS, a Paramount subsidiary, the senators stated that the FCC should only approve the merger with an affirmative vote by the full Commission.
    In the letter the lawmakers write, “In late October, then-candidate Trump sued CBS for $10 billion — later raising this outrageous amount to $20 billion — for supposedly deceptively editing an interview of then-Vice President Kamala Harris on its programs 60 Minutes and Face the Nation. As the transcript of the interview showed, the excerpts that CBS aired were a quintessential example of editorial decision-making. Trump’s claim that such conduct constituted “voter interference” and violated Texas’s consumer protection law is both false and a clear attempt to intimidate the news media. CBS has rightfully moved to dismiss the case.”
    The lawmakers continue, “Despite the obviously frivolous nature of the lawsuit, Paramount is reportedly considering settling the case to ‘increase the odds that the Trump administration does not block or delay’ its merger with Skydance. In fact, Paramount executives and directors are reportedly concerned that such a settlement could open them up to accusations of bribery. Paramount would not be the first to settle a lawsuit brought by the President in the past few months. In the weeks following the inauguration, ABC ($16 million), Meta ($25 million), and X ($10 million) all settled cases brought by Trump. With Paramount on the hook to pay Skydance a $400 million breakup fee if the FCC blocks the deal, the company has strong financial incentives to facilitate FCC approval of the merger.”
    The lawmakers conclude, “For those reasons, this transaction has signs of a deal between a company eager for approval of a multi-billion dollar merger and a President willing to exploit his position to intimidate the media and secure a multi-million dollar payout. The unique position of this merger necessitates the utmost transparency at the FCC. A matter of this significance deserves the scrutiny of the entire Commission. We urge you to only approve this merger through a full Commission vote.”
    Senator Markey has aggressively pushed back on efforts by the Trump administration to attack news organizations and intimidate the media. In February 2025, Senators Markey and Luján, along with Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.) wrote to FCC Chairman Carr and Commissioner Nathan Simington regarding recent actions taken by the FCC under the Trump administration demonstrating that the FCC is weaponizing its authority over broadcasters and public media for political purposes. In March, Senators Markey and Luján, along with Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), introduced the Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act, legislation that would prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from revoking broadcast licenses or taking action against broadcasters based on the viewpoints they broadcast.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: FOUR-YEAR LOW: Prices for Essentials Fall as Workers See Relief in President Trump’s Economy

    Source: The White House

    Inflation has fallen to the lowest level in more than four years as April’s Consumer Price Index smashes expectations for the third straight month in President Donald J. Trump’s Golden Age.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • Grocery prices saw their largest decline in nearly five years.
    • Gas prices fell for the third month in a row.
    • Egg prices saw the largest one-month decline in more than four decades.
    • Workers’ real wages are up 1.9%, increasing each of the last three months.
    • Prices for airfare, energy, hotels, and used vehicles are all down compared to last year.

    Here’s what they’re saying:

    • Bloomberg’s Augusta Saraiva: “US inflation rose by less than forecast in April amid tame prices for clothing and new cars, suggesting little urgency so far by companies to pass along the cost of higher tariffs to consumers.”
    • Investopedia Editor-in-Chief Caleb Silver: “The smoke was much worse than the fire … A big part of that was the drop in gasoline prices. This is very significant for households … That drop in gasoline and energy prices — a big deal.”
    • Fox Business Network’s Maria Bartiromo: “Oil is down, eggs are down, food is down. We’re seeing that reflected, so all that hysteria over tariffs is not showing up in these numbers.”
    • USA TODAY: Inflation eased to 4-year low in April as Trump’s tariffs took effect, CPI report shows
      • “Prices for groceries, including eggs, used cars and airfares all fell sharply.”
    • Bloomberg: US Consumer Prices Rose Less Than Expected in April
      • “The pace is the slowest since the sprinsg of 2021 when inflation broke out in earnest.”
      • “Grocery prices were down 0.4% on the month, and eggs fell 12.7%, the most since 1984, validating some of President Donald Trump’s messaging.”
    • NBC News: April consumer price index report shows inflation dropped to slowest pace since 2021

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amata Commends Entrepreneurs for Small Business Week

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is commending entrepreneurship for Small Business Week, and thanking small businesses for their important role in the community. 

    “Small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy. You mean so much to our community. May your diligent planning lead to well-earned thriving for your small business! (Proverbs 21:5)

    “Thank you to the small businesses all over our islands. We depend on you for what we need, just as you depend on your customers, and in that exchange of goods and services we uplift one another. 

    “Most of our businesses qualify as small businesses including our shopping, restaurants, and other services. Thank you for investing and building right here. Building a small business always involves risk and hard work, but that entrepreneurial vision can build something special over time.

    “Finally, thank you to the many influencing or involved in our business community, including American Samoa Small Business Development Center, ASCC, the American Samoa Chamber of Commerce, and other local leadership efforts, clubs, groups or associations that support small business growth, and educators who teach the skills needed for employers.

    “I support a helpful limited government role that encourages growth by keeping taxes down and regulations sensible, while putting the focus on improving the infrastructure priorities we need and share.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Begins Action To Remove Ingestible Fluoride Prescription Drug Products for Children from the Market

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:
    May 13, 2025

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced that it is initiating action to remove concentrated ingestible fluoride prescription drug products for children from the market. Unlike toothpaste with fluoride or fluoride rinses, these products are swallowed and ingested by infants and toddlers. They have also never been approved by the FDA. Ingested fluoride has been shown to alter the gut microbiome, which is of magnified concern given the early development of the gut microbiome in childhood. Other studies have suggested and association between fluoride and thyroid disorders, weight gain and possibly decreased IQ.
    “The best way to prevent cavities in children is by avoiding excessive sugar intake and good dental hygiene, not by altering a child’s microbiome. For the same reason that fluoride may kill bacteria on teeth, it may also kill intestinal bacteria important for a child’s health,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “I am instructing our Center for Drug Evaluation and Research to evaluate the evidence regarding the risks of systemic fluoride exposure from FDA-regulated pediatric ingestible fluoride prescription drug products to better inform parents and the medical community on this emerging area. When it comes to children, we should err on the side of safety.”
    The agency has set a goal date of October 31 for completing a safety review and public comment period and for taking appropriate action regarding removal of these products from the market. In conjunction with this evaluation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services plans to disseminate best practices for dental hygiene in children that are feasible, effective and do not alter gut health.
    “Ending the use of ingestible fluoride is long overdue,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “I’m grateful to Commissioner Makary for his leadership on this vital issue — one that directly safeguards the health and development of our children. This decision brings us one step closer to delivering on President Trump’s promise to Make America Healthy Again.”
    Several states have taken action to stop fluoridation of drinking water, and fluoride is not added to drinking water in most of Europe or other countries of the world. This action by the FDA is consistent with Secretary Kennedy’s Make American Healthy Again effort to ensure children grow up in a healthy environment.
    Related Information

    Related Information

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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.

    Inquiries

    Consumer:
    888-INFO-FDA

    Content current as of:
    05/13/2025

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Best AI Voiceover Tool (2025): Voices, by Epidemic Sound, Named Top AI Voiceover Tool by Software Experts

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK CITY, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Voices, by Epidemic Sound, has been named the top AI-powered voiceover tool for 2025 by Software Experts, following a detailed evaluation of AI voiceover tools and their applications in digital media production. The designation highlights the growing relevance of high-quality, automated voice solutions amid increasing global demand for scalable content creation.

    Best AI Voiceover Tool:

    • Voices, by Epidemic Sound – takes AI-generated audio beyond robotic tones and into the realm of expressive, real voices crafted by professional voice artists.

    The recognition comes at a time when businesses, educators, marketers, and content producers are seeking reliable and professional voiceover tools that can match the cadence and emotional depth of human narration. Voices, by Epidemic Sound has gained traction for addressing that need through a balance of voice quality, usability, and licensing clarity.

    The full review, published on SoftwareExperts.org, analyzes the platform’s architecture, pricing models, and voice library capabilities in relation to modern creative workflows and production needs. Based on these findings, the site recognized Voices, by Epidemic Sound, as a leader in text-to-speech solutions for audio production in 2025.

    Acknowledging the Rise of AI Voiceover Technology

    The adoption of AI voiceover technology is expanding across industries such as digital education, podcasting, online advertising, social media, and product marketing. Businesses are increasingly investing in automated voice tools to scale voiceover production.

    In this evolving environment, the need for AI voiceovers that sound natural, are easy to deploy, and come with reliable licensing terms has become critical. Software Experts notes that Epidemic Sound’s voiceover tool has met this demand through its streamlined interface and extensive voice options, aligning with broader shifts toward automation and remote-first content production.

    The tool’s growing user base includes digital creators, communication teams, instructional designers, and advertising agencies who prioritize speed, consistency, and authentic human voices in their projects.

    Overview of Voices, by Epidemic Sound

    Epidemic Sound, a Swedish company globally known for its expansive catalog of authentic, world-class music and sound effects, expanded its offering in 2025 to include human voiceovers enhanced by AI. The company’s sound expertise, built over more than a decade, provides a foundation of human voices with the tonal quality and emotional range expected in professional narration, enabling instant voiceovers enhanced by AI.

    Voices enables creators to transform written scripts into speech using a web-based tool or directly in video editing software through plugins for Adobe and DaVinci Resolve Studio. The tool’s functionality supports instant creation of voiceovers in multiple languages, speed adjustment, and real-time previews.

    Software Experts emphasized that, unlike general-purpose voice generator tools built solely on synthetic models, Voices, by Epidemic Sound is built upon the foundation of real human performances by professional voice artists, transformed into AI-powered replicas. The result is natural-sounding voiceovers suited for a wide range of commercial and creative applications. At the same time, the collaboration provides new opportunities for voice artists through a fair and equitable partnership, transparency, and choice, as well as discovery and security.

    Key Use Cases and Industry Applications

    According to the Software Experts’ evaluation, Voices, by Epidemic Sound aligns well with current industry requirements for high-quality narration. The AI voiceover tool supports a variety of use cases, including:

    • Video tutorials and explainers
    • Social media marketing content
    • Brand promotional materials
    • E-learning courses and modules
    • Corporate communications
    • Podcasts and video intros

    Each voice was recorded with careful attention to nuance, intonation, and expression — the elements that make human speech truly compelling. This ensures that any voiceovers created with Epidemic Sound’s tool retain the natural tone and emotional depth of a human performance, making it the perfect vocal match for a variety of content types — from storytelling and instructional videos to persuasive marketing materials.

    Voices also enables consistency across serialized projects, supporting uniform audio branding without fluctuations in quality or delivery. This is particularly beneficial for organizations managing multiple campaigns or regional adaptations that require reliable voice replication over time.

    Technology and Workflow Features

    Software Experts highlighted the usability and technical features of Voices as core strengths. The voiceover tool is web-based, and for an even more streamlined workflow, it is also available directly within video editing software through Epidemic Sound’s plugins for Adobe and DaVinci Resolve Studio. Users can input scripts, select a voice, and customize the output, all within minutes.

    By working with voiceovers directly within video editors, users can seamlessly fine-tune them alongside their video and music in real time, streamlining the production process and reducing the need for additional post-production editing.

    Voiceover files are downloadable in high-quality audio formats, and licensing is automatically aligned with Epidemic Sound’s content usage guidelines. This simplifies the compliance process for professional users who need to deploy content across multiple channels, including commercial broadcast, corporate training portals, and subscription-based platforms.

    Subscription Tiers and Licensing Structure

    Voices, by Epidemic Sound is available through two subscription models, providing scalable access depending on content production volume and usage rights.

    • Pro Plan: Intended for freelancers, agencies, and businesses using voiceovers in monetized or client-facing content. Offers expanded usage rights and premium voice options.
    • Enterprise Plan: Developed for large-scale production teams and media organizations. Includes advanced features such as API access, team collaboration tools, and enhanced licensing flexibility.

    This tiered structure supports both individual users and larger operations, making it possible for content teams to integrate Voices, by Epidemic Sound into existing production workflows without significant friction.

    Addressing Trends in Content Automation

    Software Experts’ report places the emergence of tools like Voices within a larger context of AI adoption in digital content creation. As video and audio production become more decentralized, cloud-based tools that simplify narration and reduce dependency on traditional studio setups are becoming integral to creative operations.

    With a growing emphasis on rapid content deployment and global reach, businesses are turning to voice automation not only for speed but also for consistency in tone and messaging. Voices, by Epidemic Sound, addresses both of these trends, offering a tool that balances the quality of human voiceovers with the accessibility of AI.

    Market Outlook and Platform Developments

    Epidemic Sound continues to invest in expanding its catalog with new voices, styles, and soundtracking tools, with plans for additional language support, emotion-driven voice modulation, and even more streamlined workflows.

    As AI-generated media becomes more prevalent, platforms that emphasize creative control, licensing transparency, and production efficiency are expected to lead market growth. Voices, by Epidemic Sound, by leveraging its existing position in the audio licensing space, is strategically positioned to contribute to this evolution.

    The tool’s consistent updates, responsive user interface, and strong licensing framework are contributing to wider adoption across industry verticals, particularly in education, branded content, and media publishing.

    Recognition by Software Experts

    Software Experts’ review concluded that Voices, by Epidemic Sound addresses the main pain points found in other AI voice tools, particularly in the areas of usability, consistency, and creative flexibility, while staying true to authentic human performances. The recognition of the platform as the top AI voiceover tool in 2025 underscores its relevance to professionals seeking scalable solutions in the fast-changing digital media environment.

    The evaluation criteria included clarity of voice, editing functionality, licensing terms, and user experience. Voices, by Epidemic Sound, scored highly across all categories.

    For readers interested in a detailed breakdown of the platform’s features, pricing, and supported use cases, the full review is available at the Software Experts website.

    About Software Experts: Software Experts provides news and reviews of consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Software Experts may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Tuberville on Kudlow: “We’re so fortunate to have President Trump”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined Larry Kudlow on Fox Business to discuss how President Trump is delivering wins for the American people left and right.
    Read excerpts from the interview below or watch on YouTube or Rumble.

    KUDLOW: “The great Alabama Senator, Mr. Tommy Tuberville. Senator Tuberville, welcome, sir, as always. You know, Charles Payne was on in the first segment of the show, and he was talking about ‘Pax Americana’ and, you know, listing things that Mr. Trump is getting done. India, Pakistan, perhaps a ceasefire deal, the last American hostage being released by Hamas, the potential for, you know, Zelensky-Putin meeting, Trump himself might broker it. President Trump will be in the Middle East and maybe something is cooking with Iran. Is there a ‘Pax Americana’ back on? Is Mr. Trump reordering the chaos of the world under Biden into something resembling, you know, peace and prosperity and America first?”
    TUBERVILLE: “Yeah, Larry. Don’t forget about the Abraham Accords. I think that might be one of the reasons he’s going to see the Saudis and bounce around the Middle East, but I don’t know how he keeps up with it. It’s hard for us here in the States to keep up with what’s going on. From the tariffs to the wars to the, you know, great big beautiful bill—it is mind boggling. But I’m enjoying every bit of bit of it. The Democrats are running for cover. We dealt for four years with somebody that had no negotiation skills. Now we got somebody that just loves to do it. He eats and breathes it, and we’re so fortunate to have President Trump as President.”
    KUDLOW: “So, think about this, on the home front, I guess, but it’s also international affairs. Basically, in the same four- or five-day period, we got a very good trade deal with the United Kingdom, and we have a 90-day pause and a significant easing of tariffs with China and the US. What do you make of that?”
    TUBERVILLE: “Well, and there’s about 30 to 35 [countries] Larry. I know for a fact they’re lined up ready to make deals with the United States. We’re controlling it, and we should, you know—[…] we’re the grocery store of the world. You know, we make everything in terms of being able to make it available to other people. Now, we’ve got to get in the manufacturing business again—that’s what President Trump’s doing all this for. But we’ve got to be choosy with it. But in my state of Alabama, I have people coming every day about new manufacturing ideas [saying] ‘We wanna move it here from either Ireland or Germany.’ It is amazing how much busier we are here in the Senate as Republicans [who are] wanting to bring [manufacturing] back and on the contrary of what the Democrats just tried to say, ‘No, we don’t want you here. We wanna raise all of our food out of the country, put our farmers out of business.’ It is totally different than what it was six months ago.”
    KUDLOW: “So, nobody really talks much about it, but President Trump has raised $4 or $5 trillion dollars for American investment. He’s gone to the Middle East and so forth. He’ll probably raise, I don’t know, a couple trillion dollars more. I’m just guessing, but that’s part of the deal. The tax changes, the tax policy coming out of the Ways and Means Committee will provide incentives for those people who invest in the United States. So, there’s a tide of onshoring that seems to be coming not only from foreign relations and trade relations, but also just tax incentive relations. Where, you know, this is unheard of. This is unseen. It all goes hand in glove. Trump is taking advantage of this. What do you make of it? Can it all pass the Senate? I guess that’s my final thought. Is it gonna get through the Senate?”
    TUBERVILLE: “Well, all the tax incentives normally come from the states, in which they still do. President Trump’s doing it on a national level. You know, the Opportunity Zones, all those things that he’s put into place. But right now, they’re negotiating [potential reforms to] Medicare, Medicaid, all the things that everybody are a little bit worried about. But always remember this—there’s really, as we’ve looked at all this, it’s all about reform. We have algorithms now that can go into the Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid that can be hooked up to these machines that can make sure that we can cut out all this fraud and all this nonsense with people getting on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, that shouldn’t be on it. We’re not in the 20th century. This is the 21st century, and all those things will kick in this year. You don’t hear much talk about AI in that area, but Larry, we will get it passed. It’s gonna be tough. We have to get cuts. We cannot pass a bill that does not have cuts in it. We’ve got to cut back somewhere close to the 2019 budget [spending levels]. And if we don’t do that, I don’t know how we can save the country, but President Trump is all for that, but he wants to do it in the right spot.”
    KUDLOW: “But, Senator Tuberville, you know, able-bodied young men should not be on Medicaid. They should not be on Medicaid and the expansion of eligibility. So that’s not a cut really, sir. That’s enforcing the eligibility mandate, which Barack Obama tried to break. Now you all have a chance to put it back together again. And Medicaid is still gonna grow significantly. It’s just gonna grow by slightly less. It’s not really a cut. It’s just a slowdown in the phenomenal, bankrupting growth.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Well, illegals are on Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Everything that goes along with people that, as you said, are sitting around at home, watching The View on television, getting [EBT] cards, food stamps, and on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid—that’s got to be over with. Our country is not gonna make it. We cannot afford [for] that to happen, and President Trump is all about that. That’s what the House is pushing very hard. All the reforms that you just talked about have to be in there, but we cannot afford to take care of the world. Let’s take care of the people in this country first and then we might be able to help outside our borders.”
    KUDLOW: “Actually, [if] we cut taxes and spending and have an investment-led boom and onshoring, the rest of the world might copy us. That’s what happened under Reagan. Anyway, Senator Tommy Tommy Tuberville. Thank you, sir, as always. We appreciate your wisdom.”
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Announcement: Death of L-667 Brother Steve Chambers

    Source: US International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

    Every single person deserves to work in a safe environment where they know they can go home at the end of the day to their loved ones. Every single person deserves for their father, mother, son, daughter, husband, wife, friends, brothers and sisters to come home to them at the end of their shift.

    International President Timothy Simmons

    It is with deep sorrow that the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers must inform members of the death of Brother Steve E. Chambers, Local 667, of Cameron, West Virginia.

    Brother Chambers was working on a Simakas project at Westlake Chemical Plant in Proctor, West Virginia, when he was tragically killed on the jobsite Sunday, May 11. Due to ongoing investigation, no further details on the incident can be shared at this time.

    “We offer our deepest sympathy and support to Brother Chambers’ family and our Local 667 brothers and sisters. We are thinking especially of his father, who is also a L-667 Boilermaker,” said International President Timothy Simmons. “And as we share this profound grief in the loss of our Boilermaker brother, we also come together to raise the critical importance of safety on jobsites.

    “Every single person deserves to work in a safe environment where they know they can go home at the end of the day to their loved ones. Every single person deserves for their father, mother, son, daughter, husband, wife, friends, brothers and sisters to come home to them at the end of their shift.

    “Each and every safety protocol matters. We know all too well that the smallest details that might seem insignificant or trivial can mean the difference between life and death. Protocols simply cannot be ignored. Ever.”

    L-667 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Bruce Forshee said memorial arrangements have not yet been made by Brother Chambers’ family. The local has collected funds to pay tribute and will present a customized Boilermaker Bible to his family.

    “Brother Chambers’ death is such a tragic, senseless and tremendous loss,” Forshee said. “Tomorrow is never guaranteed, and we are reminded: Safety must always be top priority on every jobsite. Lockout/tagout is not an option. It is necessary every time.

    “Our hearts are especially with our brother’s father, son and girlfriend.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Announces Genentech Will Build New Manufacturing Plant in Wake County Creating 400 Jobs

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Announces Genentech Will Build New Manufacturing Plant in Wake County Creating 400 Jobs

    Governor Stein Announces Genentech Will Build New Manufacturing Plant in Wake County Creating 400 Jobs
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Governor Josh Stein announced today that Genentech, one of the world’s premiere biotechnology companies, will invest $700 million to build a new manufacturing plant in Holly Springs, creating 400 jobs.

    “World-class companies like Genentech recognize that North Carolina is a leading state for biotechnology,” said Governor Josh Stein. “These companies know that our life science workforce is ready to help them deliver their cutting-edge medicines to the world. We are proud to welcome Genetech to North Carolina.”

    Genentech, with headquarters in South San Francisco, California, is a member of Switzerland’s Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) and is considered the original biotechnology pioneer. For more than 40 years the company has pursued groundbreaking science to discover and develop medicines for people with serious or life-threatening diseases. Genentech’s project in Holly Springs will establish a new 700,000 sq. ft. high-volume fill-finish operation to support its existing product portfolio as well as its future pipeline, allowing the company to meet growing demand for its medicines.

    “Genentech would like to thank Governor Stein and Commerce Secretary Lilley for their support and for welcoming us to North Carolina. We are thrilled to establish this relationship with the city of Holly Springs, where we will create new manufacturing and construction jobs while making a broader positive impact on the local economy and community for many years to come,” said Genentech CEO Ashley Magargee. “Our new facility will serve as an important new setting within our manufacturing network to help deliver on the promise of our company’s life-changing science and industry-leading pipeline.”

    “Genentech siting its first East Coast production facility in North Carolina is a gamechanger for our already strong biotechnology sector,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Thanks to amazing state leadership from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center and continued investments in workforce and infrastructure, these kinds of successes breed great jobs and great therapies that make the world a healthier place.”

    Although wages will vary depending on the position, the average salary for the new positions will be $119,833, compared with an average wage in Wake County of $76,643. The new positions will bring an annual payroll impact to the community of more than $50 million per year.

    The company’s project in North Carolina will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee earlier today. Over the course of the 12-year term of this grant, the project is estimated to grow the state’s economy by more than $3 billion. Using a formula that takes into account the new tax revenues generated by the new jobs and the capital investment, the JDIG agreement authorizes the potential reimbursement to the company of up to $9,846,750, spread over 12 years and based on the creation of 420 jobs. State payments only occur following performance verification by the departments of Commerce and Revenue that the company has met its incremental job creation and investment targets.

    The project’s projected return on investment of public dollars is 230 per cent, meaning for every dollar of potential cost, the state receives $3.30 in state revenue. JDIG projects result in positive net tax revenue to the state treasury, even after taking into consideration the grant’s reimbursement payments to a given company. 

    Because Genentech chose to expand in Wake County, classified by the state’s economic tier system as Tier 3, the company’s JDIG agreement also calls for moving $3,282,250 into the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account. The Utility Account helps rural communities finance necessary infrastructure upgrades to attract future business. Even when new jobs are created in a Tier 3 county such as Wake, the new tax revenue generated through JDIG grants helps more economically challenged communities elsewhere in the state.

    “Our momentum in biotech is off the charts as these new jobs and new investment come to Holly Springs,” said N.C. Senator Lisa Grafstein. “Genentech is a renowned brand in the industry, and we welcome the company to our growing family of life science partners.”

    “Economic development success takes teamwork, and I’m proud of the many local, regional, and state organizations that worked hard to bring Genentech to our community,” said N.C. Representative Ya Liu. “We look forward to seeing this innovative company put down roots and grow in Holly Springs, Wake County, and North Carolina.”

    Partnering with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. on this project were the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, N.C. Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, N.C. State University, Duke Energy, Enbridge Gas North Carolina, Capital Area Workforce Development, Wake Tech, the Town of Holly Springs, Wake County, and Wake County Economic Development, a program of the Greater Raleigh Chamber.  

    May 12, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: HHS, FDA Initiate Comprehensive Review of Nutrients in Infant Formula

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:
    May 13, 2025

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced the next steps in Operation Stork Speed–a groundbreaking initiative to ensure the safety, reliability, and nutritional adequacy of infant formula for American families. The FDA issued a Request for Information (RFI) to begin the nutrient review process required by law for infant formula. Currently, infant formula must meet minimum and maximum levels of certain nutrients. While the FDA regularly reviews individual nutrient requirements for infant formula, this will be the first comprehensive review since 1998.
    “Operation Stork Speed brings radical transparency to ingredients in infant formula and puts science front and center,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “Every child has a fundamental right to a healthy start. We’re giving parents the truth and the tools to make that happen. You can’t Make America Healthy Again if we don’t fix what nourishes our youngest and most vulnerable Americans.”
    Through the RFI, the FDA is seeking public input to help determine whether existing nutrient requirements should be revised based on the latest scientific data, including international. The agency also welcomes data on potential adjustments to existing minimum or maximum levels, recommendations for additional nutrients to consider, and how such changes may improve health outcomes.  
    Commenters will have 90 days to submit responses. Further information on how to submit a comment can be found here, links to an external website.
    The FDA, under HHS leadership, launched Operation Stork Speed in March 2025, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to infant formula safety and nutritional quality. In addition to today’s RFI, the FDA is increasing testing for heavy metals and other contaminants in infant formula and other food consumed by children. The agency is also encouraging companies to work with the FDA on enhancing transparency and improving labeling clarity.
    “Protecting our most vulnerable is not just a moral duty—it is our responsibility,” said FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “For many children, infant formula is their only source of nutrition. That’s why it’s absolutely crucial to continually assess the nutrition standards and incorporate gold standard science to ensure we are providing the safest, most effective nutrition possible.”
    As part of the initiative, the FDA will convene a publicly accessible expert panel in June.
    ###

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    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.

    Inquiries

    Consumer:
    888-INFO-FDA

    Content current as of:
    05/13/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Pythian’s Vanessa Simmons and Donna Williston Again Named to CRN’s 2025 Women of the Channel List

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OTTAWA, Ontario, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pythian Services Inc. (“Pythian”), a leading global services company specializing in data, analytics, and AI solutions, is proud to announce today that CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, has recognized Vanessa Simmons, Senior Vice President of Business Development, and Donna Williston, Director of Alliances, on the Women of the Channel list for 2025. Simmons and Williston were similarly recognized last year by CRN. Simmons has been recognized on the Women of the Channel list for seven consecutive years, and also was named on the CRN Women of the Channel Power 80 Solution Provider list for 2025—a prestigious list that celebrates industry leaders who contribute to impactful business outcomes through innovation.

    CRN’s annual Women of the Channel list recognizes women whose leadership, vision, and advocacy within the IT channel significantly contribute to business growth and innovation. The honorees are chosen for their inventive strategies and leadership, showing a steadfast commitment to the channel’s advancement.

    “Both Vanessa and Donna are highly deserving of this prestigious recognition from CRN,” said Brooks Borcherding, CEO of Pythian. “Their unwavering commitment to excellence and forward-thinking approaches have been instrumental in Pythian’s growth, propelling our organization toward the accomplishment of great achievements—such as being named Google Cloud Databases Partner of the Year for North America.”

    The strong state of Pythian’s partnership ecosystem is due to Vanessa Simmons’ ambitiously innovative leadership and steadfast focus on making Pythian a premier service provider that stays on the cutting edge of advantage-driving platform solutions. Donna Williston’s innate ability to foster cross-collaboration and inspire the best in others as they work together toward a common goal has allowed her to continually enhance key strategic partnerships that enrich Pythian’s capabilities and benefit its customers.

    The Women of the Channel list will be featured in CRN Magazine in June, which will be published in print and online at www.crn.com/magazine. To learn more about the impactful solutions Simmons, Williston and the entire Pythian team guide their customers toward, register for one of our Google Cloud Workshops to determine the business value you could uncover for your organization.

    About The Channel Company

    The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers, and end-users. Backed by over 40 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. For more information, visit www.thechannelcompany.com or follow The Channel Company on X and LinkedIn.

    About Pythian

    Founded in 1997, Pythian is a leading data and AI services provider specializing in digital transformation and operational excellence for enterprise customers. We help organizations optimize their data estates, helping them to drive AI enablement, innovation, and growth. Through strategic consulting, managed services and cloud migrations, we enable cost savings, risk reduction and seamless operations while preparing businesses to adopt AI and for the future of data management. A Google Cloud Premier Partner with multiple Specializations, including Data Analytics, Marketing Analytics, Machine Learning and a certified Google Cloud MSP, we’ve delivered thousands of professional and managed services projects for leading enterprises. For more information, visit www.pythian.com or follow us on X, LinkedIn, and our Blog.

    Pythian Media Contacts

    Matt Malanga
    Senior Vice President, Marketing
    mmalanga@pythian.com    		 Elisabeth Grant
    Branch Out Public Relations
    egrant@branchoutpr.com
    +1 612-599-7797

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: AMD Unveils EPYC 4005 Series Processors, Delivering Workload-Optimized Solutions for Entry-Level Enterprise

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) today announced the launch of AMD EPYC™ 4005 Series processors. These purpose-built processors enable right-sized solutions with enterprise-class features and leadership performance for small and medium businesses and hosted IT service providers.

    AMD EPYC 4005 Series CPUs deliver the performance, features and efficiency growing businesses need to power everything from enterprise applications and virtualized environments to dedicated, all-day hosted services in the cloud. Utilizing the same proven and widely deployed AM5 socket used for the AMD EPYC 4004 Series CPUs, the EPYC 4005 Series delivers an innovative compute solution for a broad set of enterprise-class form factors like servers, blades and towers. In testing on the Phoronix test suite, the EPYC 4565P 16-core bests the top-of-stack 6th generation Intel Xeon 6300P by 1.83x1.

    “Growing businesses and dedicated hosters often face significant constraints around budget, complexity, and deployment timelines,” said Derek Dicker, corporate vice president, Enterprise and HPC Business Group, AMD. “With the latest AMD EPYC 4005 Series CPUs, we are delivering the right balance of performance, simplicity, and affordability, giving our customers and system partners the ability to deploy enterprise-class solutions that solve everyday business challenges.”

    Exceptional Performance and Cost-Efficient Operation

    AMD EPYC 4005 Series processors enable a wide array of broadly deployed enterprise solutions and are supported by leading partners and customers including Altos, ASRock Rack, Gigabyte, Lenovo, MiTAC, MSI, New Egg, OVHcloud, Supermicro and Vultr.

    “With AMD EPYC 4005 Series processors, Lenovo is providing tailored solutions that prepare small businesses for the AI era,” said Senthil Reddy, Executive Director of Product Management for Infrastructure Solutions Group, Lenovo. “Together, we’re enabling cost-effective, reliable systems that provide enterprise-class features for growing businesses.”

    “The AMD EPYC 4005 Series CPUs deliver the compute performance and energy efficiency that our customers have come to expect, in a streamlined platform that supports cost-effective, always-on services,” said Yaniv Fdida, Chief Product and Technology Officer, OVHcloud. “Coupled with OVHcloud’s Open and Trusted Cloud infrastructure, these solutions provide outstanding performance price ratio and scalability for innovative and demanding workloads.”

    “We’re excited to expand our portfolio with systems powered by AMD EPYC 4005 Series processors, bringing new levels of value to customers seeking efficient, cost-optimized performance,” said Vik Malyala, President & Managing Director EMEA, SVP, Technology & AI, Supermicro. “From our 3U MicroCloud multi-node platforms to our 1U and 2U mainstream server families, these solutions offer a compelling mix of performance, power efficiency, and deployment flexibility. With support for technologies like PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory, we’re enabling IT administrators to deliver more services at lower latency.”

    “Vultr is pleased to announce the immediate availability of Bare Metal and Cloud Compute instances featuring AMD EPYC 4005 Series processors,” said J.J. Kardwell, CEO of Vultr. “The AMD EPYC 4005 Series provides straightforward deployment, scalability, high clock speed, energy efficiency, and best-in-class performance. Whether you are a business striving to scale reliably or a developer crafting the next groundbreaking innovation, these solutions are designed to deliver exceptional value and meet demanding requirements now and in the future.”

    Model  “Zen 5”
    Cores /
    Threads    		 L3
    Cache
    (MB)         		 Default
    TDP (W)         		 FBase
    (GHz)    		 FMax Boost
    (GHz)2    		 Price (1KU,
    USD)
    4565P  16 / 32 64  170  4.3 5.7 $589
    4545P  16 / 32 64  65  3.0 5.4 $549
    4465P  12 / 24 64  65  3.4 5.4 $399
    4345P  8 / 16 32  65  3.8 5.5 $329
    4245P  6 / 12 32  65  3.9 5.4 $239
    4585PX  16 / 32 128  170  4.3 5.7 $699

    Supporting Resources:

    About AMD
    For more than 50 years AMD has driven innovation in high-performance computing, graphics and visualization technologies. Billions of people, leading Fortune 500 businesses and cutting-edge scientific research institutions around the world rely on AMD technology daily to improve how they live, work and play. AMD employees are focused on building leadership high-performance and adaptive products that push the boundaries of what is possible. For more information about how AMD is enabling today and inspiring tomorrow, visit the AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) website, blog, LinkedIn and X pages.

    AMD, the AMD logo, EPYC, and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. PCIe is a registered trademark of PCI-SIG Corporation. Other product names used may be trademarks of their respective owners.

    1E4K-021: Geometric Mean of 416 results based on Phoronix Test Suite paid testing as of 04/01/2025.
    1P 16C AMD EPYC 4565P-powered server (170W TDP, $589 CPU $, 2 x 32GB DRAM-5600MT/s Kingston, 3201GB Micron_7450_MTFDKCC3T2TFS + 960GB SAMSUNG MZ1L2960HCJR-00A07)
    1P 8C Intel Xeon 6369P-powered server (95W TDP, $606 CPU $, 2 x 32GB DRAM-4800MT/s Kingston, 3201GB Micron_7450_MTFDKCC3T2TFS)
    Model Geomean Rel2488 Rel6369P
    6369P 233.101 1.036 1.000
    4565P 426.123 1.894 1.828
    AMD 1Ku pricing and Intel ARK.intel.com specifications and pricing as of 4/01/2025. Testing not independently verified by AMD.

    2EPYC-018: Max boost for AMD EPYC processors is the maximum frequency achievable by any single core on the processor under normal operating conditions for server systems.

    Contact:
    Aaron Grabein
    AMD Communications
    +1 512-602-8950 
    aaron.grabein@amd.com

    Liz Stine
    AMD Investor Relations
    (720) 652-3965
    liz.stine@amd.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Appointment of new Non-Executive Director

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    13 May 2025

    Appointment of new Non-Executive Director

    Admiral Group plc (“Admiral”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Paola Bonomo as an Independent Non-Executive Director with effect from 12 May 2025.

    Paola brings with her a wealth of international leadership experience in strategy, digital technology, and transformation. She spent 14 years in strategy consulting with McKinsey, specialising in technology and telecommunications. Paola spent 10 years in operational leadership roles in digital, including senior positions at eBay, Vodafone, and, latterly, Facebook where Paola was the Global Marketing Solutions Regional Director for Southern Europe.

    Paola was a Non-Executive Director of AXA Assicurazioni S.p.A., the Italian operating entity of the AXA Group, from 2014 until April 2025 and had been a member of its Audit, Internal Control and Risk, and Remuneration Committees.

    Paola is currently a Non-Executive Director of FAAC S.p.A., an international group providing access automation, parking and access control solutions. Further, Paola is a Non-Executive Director of Infrastrutture Wireless Italiane S.p.A. (INWIT), the leading Italian telecommunications tower operator. Further, Paola serves as Vice Chair of Italian Angels for Growth, where she is an angel investor and advisor to digital startups.

    Paola has extensive board experience in both public and private companies, holding recent Non-Executive Director roles in a number of digital, telecoms, and retail companies. Paola has recently been a Non-Executive Director of Telecom Italia, listed on the Italian Stock Exchange, where she chaired the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, stepping down in 2024. She was a Non-Executive Director and member of the Audit Committee at Crystal Peak Acquisition, a special purpose acquisition company listed on Euronext Amsterdam, leaving this position in 2023. Paola was also a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration and Nomination Committees at Piquadro S.p.A., a fashion group operating a portfolio with brands Piquadro, The Bridge and Lancel, listed on the Italian Stock Exchange, leaving in 2022.

    Paola holds an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a degree in business administration from Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi, Italy.

    Mike Rogers, Chair of the Admiral Board, said:
    “I am pleased to appoint Paola to the Board. She has significant knowledge of the international financial services sector and extensive experience in digital transformation, gained whilst working for several well-known consumer-facing brands. Paola has achieved a lot of success in her executive and non-executive roles, and I believe that her insights will prove valuable as the Group continues to deliver against its strategy.”

    Paola Bonomo, incoming Non-Executive Director, said: 
    “I am honoured to be joining Admiral’s Board. Admiral has established itself as a leading personal lines insurer in the UK by focusing on data to better understand and anticipate customers’ needs. I am looking forward to working with the rest of the Board and the management team to support the Group’s ambition to deliver long-term sustainable growth in its businesses in the UK and Mainland Europe.”

    Milena Mondini de Focatiis, CEO of Admiral Group, said
    “On behalf of all my colleagues I would like to welcome Paola to Admiral. The Group continues to evolve, and I look forward to working with Paola and the rest of the Board to ensure that we continue to meet the needs of our growing customer base.”

    Effective on 12 May 2025, Paola will be appointed to the Admiral Group Remuneration Committee. From 12 May 2025 the members of the Remuneration Committee will be Karen Green (Chair), Justine Roberts, Mike Brierley and Paola Bonomo.

    This announcement is made pursuant to Listing Rule 6.4.6R. In accordance with LR 6.4.8R, the Company confirms that there is no further information to be disclosed in terms of LR 6.4.8R (1) to LR 6.4.8R (6) inclusive in respect to Paola Bonomo.

    Notes to Editors

    About Admiral Group
    Admiral Group plc is a leading FTSE 100 financial services company offering motor, household, travel and pet insurance as well as personal lending products. Established in 1993 in the UK, the Group now has offices in Canada, France, Gibraltar, India, Italy, Spain, and the US.

    For further information please contact:

    Media:        
    Addy Frederick                                Addy.Frederick@admiralgroup.co.uk         

    Investors/ Analysts:        
    Diane Michelberger                         InvestorRelationsTeam@admiralgroup.co.uk

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Global AI In Cybersecurity Market Expected to Reach $219 Billion By 2034 as Frequency of Cyber Threats Increase

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity refers to the use of artificial intelligence technologies to improve the detection, prevention, and response to cyber threats. The AI in cybersecurity market revenue is witnessing rapid growth as organizations increasingly adopt AI-code tools to strengthen their defense mechanisms against evolving cyberattacks. A report from POLARIS MARKET RESEARCH said that: “The global AI in cybersecurity market was valued at USD 25.40 billion in 2024. It is expected to grow from USD 31.38 billion in 2025 to USD 219.53 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 24.1% during the forecast period.” It continued: “One of the key drivers of this market is the rising complexity and frequency of cyber threats, which traditional methods struggle to address. A 2024 report by the International Telecommunication Sector revealed that 8 billion records were breached in 2023, with over 2,800 incidents reported. The average cost of a data breach has increased by 15% in the past three years, totaling approximately USD 3.3 million for small businesses in North America, further boosting the AI in cybersecurity market expansion. Additionally, AI-powered solutions analyze vast volumes of data in real time, identifying irregularities and patterns indicative of potential breaches, thus providing proactive protection. The IoT and the expansion of connected devices generate vast amounts of data and often lack robust security measures, making them vulnerable to exploitation and creating a larger attack surface for cyber threats. A November 2024 CSIS report revealed that the UK’s National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) identified a three-fold increase in cyberattacks compared to 2023. The NCSC supported 430 incidents, with 89 deemed nationally significant, and recognized China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea as key threats. Additionally, AI-powered cybersecurity solutions are crucial in this context as they enable real-time monitoring and threat detection across multiple endpoints.” Active companies in cybersecurity news today include Cycurion Inc. (NASDAQ: CYCU), Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG), Zscaler, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZS), F5, Inc. (NASDAQ: FFIV), CyberArk (NASDAQ: CYBR).

    POLARIS MARKET continued: “These solutions can identify and mitigate potential risks, ensuring the integrity and security of interconnected systems by leveraging machine learning algorithms. The growing reliance on IoT devices is driving the AI in cybersecurity market demand to safeguard critical infrastructures and sensitive data. Data breaches and unauthorized access lead to substantial financial and reputational damage, making robust cybersecurity measures essential. Thereby encouraging companies to invest in AI tools for cybersecurity. For instance, in August 2024, IBM launched a generative AI cybersecurity assistant to improve threat detection and response, enabling consultants to advance alert investigations. Additionally, AI enhances data protection by using advanced analytics and predictive capabilities to detect vulnerabilities and prevent unauthorized access, with the increasing volume of sensitive information being exchanged and stored digitally. Its ability to adapt to emerging threats and provide automated responses ensures comprehensive security for sensitive information, addressing the critical need for data protection.”

    Cycurion Inc. (NASDAQ:CYCU) Secures $33 Million Contract Renewal to Enhance Cybersecurity for State- Level Public Higher Education Institutions –  Cycurion (“Cycurion” or the “Company”), a trusted leader in IT cybersecurity solutions and AI, announces that it has been awarded a significant contract renewal by a major state-level public higher education group. Under this renewed agreement, Cycurion will deliver comprehensive cybersecurity services to member universities and colleges within the group, ensuring they are equipped to defend their education-focused operations and digital assets against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. The renewal, valued at $33 million over the five-year term, extends Cycurion’s partnership through November 2030.

    Comprehensive Cybersecurity Services – As part of this renewed contract, Cycurion will provide an extensive suite of cybersecurity and governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) 24x7x365 managed support services, which include:

    •        Enterprise Security Strategy: Developing a holistic approach to security that aligns with institutional goals and protects valuable digital assets

    •        Risk & Vulnerability Assessment & Testing: Continuous evaluation and testing of security measures to identify vulnerabilities and enhance defenses

    •        Disaster Recovery: Strategies and solutions to restore systems and data after disruptive events

    •        Business Continuity Planning: Ensuring ongoing operations during and after a security incident

    •        Forensics and Recovery Services: Comprehensive support for incident investigation and data recovery

    •        Regulatory Compliance Analysis: Assisting institutions in meeting federal and state compliance requirements

    “We are honored to continue serving this key state-level public higher education group customer,” said L. Kevin Kelly, CEO of Cycurion. “The contract underscores the capabilities and value proposition of Cycurion’s suite of managed information technology support services and our commitment to minimizing cybersecurity risk for our education vertical clients.”

    Opportunity for Broader Access – In addition to the member institutions of this State- Level Public Higher Education Group, any university or governmental entity across the United States can leverage this contract vehicle to access our cybersecurity services. The contract provides a streamlined pathway for educational and governmental organizations to enhance their cybersecurity posture without the need for an extensive procurement process.   CONTINUED…   Read this entire press release and more news for CYCU at: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-cycu/

    In other developments in the markets of note:

    Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) – Google LLC recently announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Wiz, Inc., a leading cloud security platform headquartered in New York, for $32 billion, subject to closing adjustments, in an all-cash transaction. Once closed, Wiz will join Google Cloud.

    This acquisition represents an investment by Google Cloud to accelerate two large and growing trends in the AI era: improved cloud security and the ability to use multiple clouds (multicloud).

    Both cybersecurity and cloud computing are rapidly growing industries with a vast range of solutions. The increased role of AI, and adoption of cloud services, have dramatically changed the security landscape for customers, making cybersecurity increasingly important in defending against emergent risks and protecting national security.

    Zscaler, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZS), the leader in cloud security, recently published its Zscaler ThreatLabz 2025 Phishing Report, analyzing over two billion blocked phishing attempts between January and December 2024 captured by the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange™, the world’s largest cloud security platform. The annual report exposes how cybercriminals are using Generative AI to launch surgical, targeted attacks against high-impact business functions – and why a Zero Trust + AI defense strategy is mission critical. The report uncovers a shift from high-volume email blasts to targeted, AI-fueled attacks designed to evade defenses and exploit human behavior. It also offers actionable insight to help organizations defend against this evolving threat landscape.

    “The phishing game has changed. Attackers are using GenAI to create near-flawless lures and even outsmart AI-based defenses,” said Deepen Desai, CSO and Head of Security Research, Zscaler. “Cybercriminals are weaponizing AI to evade detection and manipulate victims, which means organizations must leverage equally advanced AI-powered defenses to outpace these emerging threats. Our research reinforces the importance of adopting a proactive, multi-layered approach—combining robust zero trust architecture with advanced AI-driven phishing prevention—to effectively combat the rapidly evolving threat landscape.”

    F5 (NASDAQ: FFIV) recently unveiled broad cybersecurity enhancements to the F5 Application Delivery and Security Platform (ADSP) that significantly improve organizations’ ability to identify and remediate vulnerabilities and threats to AI and other modern applications. These new enhancements enable enterprises to strengthen security for business-critical applications in an increasingly risky threat landscape. The F5 ADSP is the industry’s only platform that fully converges high-performance load balancing and traffic management with advanced app and API security capabilities.

    The F5 ADSP is the most complete application security offering for enterprises looking to address the increasingly complex cybersecurity challenges inherent in today’s AI-driven hybrid multicloud world. Similar to Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP) built to secure endpoints and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platforms built to secure network access, F5’s ADSP is built to consolidate disparate tools for securing apps and APIs into a single comprehensive platform, enabling organizations to simplify their security footprint while offering broader protection against enhanced threats.

    CyberArk (NASDAQ: CYBR), the global leader in identity security, recently announced its 2024 Partner of the Year Award winners. The awards honor top-performing CyberArk partners who have consistently delivered exceptional customer value, spearheading new identity security transformation and adoption to help customers defend against the rapidly expanding attack surface.

    CyberArk partners play a critical role in helping organizations strengthen their identity security programs. By driving value and modernizing customers’ identity security strategies, they position organizations to keep pace with evolving threats—all powered by a unified platform built to secure every identity, across humans, AI and machines. The CyberArk Partner Network is one of the industry’s largest global networks of security-focused partners, with more than 1,800 global systems integrators (GSIs), managed service providers (MSPs), solution providers, strategic outsourcers, advisories and distributors, as well as global and regional marketplaces.

    About FN Media Group:

    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

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    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates Financialnewsmedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM was compensated fifty two hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by Cycurion Inc. by a non-affiliated third party.  FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

    Contact Information:

    Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757 

    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: New Survey Reveals Americans are Turning to Side Hustles and Extra Jobs to Pay Off Debt

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COSTA MESA, Calif., May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — While some Americans are struggling with unmanageable debt, they are finding many ways to cope, including limiting their use of credit cards and sticking to a rigid budget. A survey from Experian found that U.S. adults describe unmanageable debt as constant stress and a choice between paying off debt and covering basic necessities.

    The good news is that many U.S. adults report conquering debt they once thought was unmanageable, including credit card and medical debt, as well as personal and student loans. Approximately 36% of U.S. adults who have overcome such debt took on an additional job or side hustle, about 26% utilized the snowball method (prioritizing smaller debts first) and 23% relied on budgeting apps to monitor cash flow. The survey also found that U.S. adults currently facing unmanageable debt are considering using these same methods.

    A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available in this link.

    “Unmanageable debt can negatively impact many facets of a consumer’s life. While credit is a useful tool for achieving certain financial goals, it must be used wisely,” said Rod Griffin, senior director of Consumer Education and Advocacy at Experian.

    To help Americans with their financial health, Experian announced a $5 million debt relief initiative among 5,000 families in Louisiana, partnering with Louisiana State University basketball player Flau’jae Johnson. The company also offers a free membership with financial tools for managing debt and money.

    For those Americans making a game plan for future success, more than 2 in 3 (70%) are avoiding taking on additional or unmanageable debt by steering clear of buy-now-pay-later payment options or limiting their use of credit cards. Meanwhile, 60 percent of respondents say they have a support system that could help them if they face a challenging debt payoff journey.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Growing Prevalence of Cyber Threats Causing Tech Companies to Invest Heavily in AI-Powered Cybersecurity Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The Artificial Intelligence (Al) in cybersecurity market is rapidly expanding as organizations increasingly adopt Al-driven solutions to improve threat detection, prevention, and response to evolving cyber risks. The network security segment dominated the Al in cybersecurity market expansion in 2024 due to the critical need to safeguard organizational networks from evolving cyber threats. A report from an industry insider said that: “The global AI in cybersecurity market assessment, based on type, includes network security, endpoint security, application security, and cloud security. The network security segment dominated the AI in cybersecurity market expansion in 2024 due to the critical need to safeguard organizational networks from evolving cyber threats. Securing networks against malware, phishing, and ransomware attacks has become a top priority as enterprises increasingly adopt digital transformation initiatives and cloud-based infrastructures. AI-powered network security solutions excel in real-time traffic analysis, abnormality detection, and proactive threat mitigation, ensuring robust protection of sensitive data and operational continuity. This essential role in securing core systems and communications highlights the network security segment’s dominance. The global AI in cybersecurity market evaluation, based on application, includes identity & access management, risk & compliance management, data loss prevention, unified threat management, fraud detection/ anti-fraud, threat intelligence, others. The data loss prevention segment is expected to witness the fastest AI in cybersecurity market growth during the forecast period due to the rising emphasis on safeguarding sensitive and confidential information.”   Active companies in cybersecurity news today include Cycurion Inc. (NASDAQ: CYCU), Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE: NET), Palo Alto Networks® (NASDAQ: PANW), Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ: AVGO), CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD).

    The report continued: “Organizations face heightened risks of accidental leaks or intentional data breaches with increasing volumes of data being generated and exchanged. AI-driven DLP solutions offer advanced capabilities to monitor, identify, and prevent unauthorized data transfers or exposure, ensuring compliance with strict data protection regulations such as Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and others. This growing need for robust data security across industries positions the DLP segment for accelerated adoption during the forecast period.   North America dominated the AI in cybersecurity market revenue in 2024 due to the region’s advanced technological infrastructure and high adoption of innovative security solutions. The presence of major cybersecurity companies such as IBM and AWS and early adopters of AI-driven technologies across industries such as finance, healthcare, and government especially contributed to market dominance.”

    Cycurion Inc. (NASDAQ:CYCU) Secures $33 Million Contract Renewal to Enhance Cybersecurity for State- Level Public Higher Education Institutions – Cycurion (“Cycurion” or the “Company”), a trusted leader in IT cybersecurity solutions and AI, announces that it has been awarded a significant contract renewal by a major state-level public higher education group. Under this renewed agreement, Cycurion will deliver comprehensive cybersecurity services to member universities and colleges within the group, ensuring they are equipped to defend their education-focused operations and digital assets against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. The renewal, valued at $33 million over the five-year term, extends Cycurion’s partnership through November 2030.

    Comprehensive Cybersecurity Services – As part of this renewed contract, Cycurion will provide an extensive suite of cybersecurity and governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) 24x7x365 managed support services, which include:

    •        Enterprise Security Strategy: Developing a holistic approach to security that aligns with institutional goals and protects valuable digital assets

    •        Risk & Vulnerability Assessment & Testing: Continuous evaluation and testing of security measures to identify vulnerabilities and enhance defenses

    •        Disaster Recovery: Strategies and solutions to restore systems and data after disruptive events

    •        Business Continuity Planning: Ensuring ongoing operations during and after a security incident

    •        Forensics and Recovery Services: Comprehensive support for incident investigation and data recovery

    •        Regulatory Compliance Analysis: Assisting institutions in meeting federal and state compliance requirements

    “We are honored to continue serving this key state-level public higher education group customer,” said L. Kevin Kelly, CEO of Cycurion. “The contract underscores the capabilities and value proposition of Cycurion’s suite of managed information technology support services and our commitment to minimizing cybersecurity risk for our education vertical clients.”

    Opportunity for Broader Access – In addition to the member institutions of this State- Level Public Higher Education Group, any university or governmental entity across the United States can leverage this contract vehicle to access our cybersecurity services. The contract provides a streamlined pathway for educational and governmental organizations to enhance their cybersecurity posture without the need for an extensive procurement process.   CONTINUED…   Read this entire press release and more news for CYCU at: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-cycu/

    In other developments in the markets of note:

    Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE: NET), the leading connectivity cloud company, recently announced a wave of global technology companies, including Asana, Atlassian, Block, PayPal, Sentry, Stripe, and more, are working with Cloudflare to create powerful AI experiences through Anthropic’s AI assistant, Claude. These software companies are enabling Claude and other AI assistants to securely interact with their services on behalf of users, through connections built on Cloudflare Workers. Now users can complete tasks and interact with their favorite business tools through natural conversations with Claude, rather than working directly in the application.

    AI is already transforming the way we work by helping to edit emails, generate code, and analyze data. However, it still often requires the user to switch between multiple applications, tabs, and tools to implement the actions it recommends. For truly autonomous, agentic AI experiences, AI tools should be able to act on the user’s behalf. That can only happen if AI tools can directly interact with business software tools. MCP servers allow AI platforms to connect directly to the popular tools where data resides so the user can send an email, answer a question about a marketing campaign, or create invoices–all without leaving the AI assistant. But delivering reliable, low-latency, and secure access to external tools and data is a significant technical challenge, especially at global scale.

    Palo Alto Networks® (NASDAQ: PANW), the global cybersecurity leader, and the National Hockey League (NHL®) recently unveiled Cortex XSIAM® 3.0, the next evolution of its industry-leading SecOps platform, bolstered with proactive exposure management and advanced email security, enabling customers to further consolidate on Cortex for significantly better, faster and more cost-effective security operations.

    Three years ago, Palo Alto Networks anticipated the future of security operations by introducing Cortex XSIAM, which consolidates and normalizes all cybersecurity data to fuel advanced, real-time analytics and automation, making disjointed point products obsolete. The best-selling platform surged past $1 billion cumulative bookings in FY25 Q2, making it our fastest offering to reach this milestone. Earlier this year, Palo Alto Networks doubled down on cloud security with the introduction of Cortex Cloud, converging its industry-leading CNAPP and CDR capabilities on the unified Cortex platform.

    Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ: AVGO) recently announced Incident Prediction, an industry-first security capability that extends Adaptive Protection, a unique feature of Symantec Endpoint Security Complete (SES-C), by leveraging AI to identify and disrupt living-off-the land (LOTL) attacks and other cyberthreats.

    Trained on a catalog of over 500,000 real-world attack chains built by the world-class Symantec Threat Hunter Team, Incident Prediction puts the advantage back in defenders’ hands by: predicting attackers’ behaviors, preventing their next move in the attack chain even when they’re using legitimate software, and then quickly returning the enterprise to its normal state. With Incident Prediction, SES-C delivers exceptional cyber resilience against motivated adversaries.

    CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD) recently released its 2025 State of SMB Cybersecurity Report, uncovering a widening gap between cybersecurity awareness and readiness among small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). While 93% of SMBs consider themselves knowledgeable about cybersecurity risks and 83% report having a plan in place, just 36% are investing in new tools – and only 11% have adopted AI-powered defenses.

    Based on insights from SMB decision-makers across industries and company sizes, the research reveals that despite rising awareness, most SMBs still lack the budget, tools and in-house expertise to stop modern threats. With attacks becoming more advanced and frequent, SMBs need protection that’s easy to use, affordable to deploy and built to scale with their business.

    About FN Media Group:

    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

    Follow us on Facebook to receive the latest news updates: https://www.facebook.com/financialnewsmedia

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    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates Financialnewsmedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM was compensated fifty two hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by Cycurion Inc. by a non-affiliated third party.  FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

    Contact Information:

    Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757 

    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Westminster Council launches scheme to cut cooking emissions in restaurants to improve air quality | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    Westminster City Council has launched a new pilot scheme aimed at tackling harmful air pollution caused by cooking emissions in restaurants.  

    Commercial cooking is the third-largest single source of Particulate Matter (also known as PM2.5 emissions) in London, which is estimated to account for 59% of total emissions. These emissions originate from cooking fuels such as charcoal, wood and gas, as well as food preparation methods like frying and grilling.  

    PM2.5 are tiny particles in the air that are small enough to travel deep inside the lungs, heart and brain. Long-term exposure has been linked to serious health conditions such as heart disease, respiratory illnesses, and even cognitive decline. 

    To address this, Westminster City Council is trialling a new air purification system in five local restaurants to assess its effectiveness in reducing PM2.5 emissions and improving indoor and outdoor air quality. The trial will also provide valuable data on how restaurant emissions contribute to pollution across the city, which will be shared with the businesses.  

    Mayfair restaurant, Apricity, is one of four restaurants in Westminster piloting this new technology to improve the air quality for its staff and diners.  

    Eve Seemann, head chef at Apricity restaurant in Mayfair, said:  

    “It’s important research in terms of health for myself and the staff, as well as anyone visiting Mayfair and central London.   

    “Although our style of cooking may not be as polluting as others, it’s important to see what areas we could improve in. This data will allow us to see when there’s a peak, what caused that peak and what we can do to try and remedy it. I’m glad we are part of finding a solution to reduce air pollution.”  

    Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, said: 

    “These emissions from commercial cooking present a significant air quality and public health challenge in Westminster. What we learn from this pilot could help us shape future policies and ensure cleaner air for all those who live, work and visit the city. 

    “We want this pilot to raise awareness of air quality issues within the industry, and I hope it encourages other businesses to sign up to participate in the trial. I’m proud that we’re leading the way testing innovative solutions to make sure our communities can live in a greener, more sustainable Fairer Environment.” 

    Dr Philip Webb, Chief Executive Officer at Health and Wellbeing 360 Ltd, said: 

    “Not only will monitoring indoor environmental quality and outdoor air quality provide important data on pollutants and toxins in a real world setting such as kitchens in local restaurants based in community settings, it will give us insights into the health and wellbeing impacts of these types of emissions indoors and outdoors and, importantly, we will be able to assess the effectiveness of interventions such as ventilation, filtration and purification. 

    “It also demonstrates Westminster Council leading the way on innovation in this sector and highlights the role of appropriate technology in identifying risks and mitigation strategies to help protect the health and wellbeing of local communities now and for future generations.” 

    Businesses can still be a part of the scheme and can sign up to the council’s commercial cooking pilot.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: HHS, FDA Issue RFI on Deregulatory Plan to Lower Costs and Empower Providers

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:
    May 13, 2025

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced the launch of a public Request for Information (RFI) to identify and eliminate outdated or unnecessary regulations. The initiative is part of a broader federal effort to reduce regulatory burdens and increase transparency, in alignment with President Trump’s Executive Order 14192, “Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation.”
    Under the directive, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has committed the Department to a “10-to-1” deregulatory policy: for every new regulation proposed, at least ten existing regulatory actions will be rescinded. The effort is designed to lower the cost of living, remove bureaucratic barriers, and allow health care providers to devote more time and resources to patient care.
    “To Make America Healthy Again, we must free our doctors and caregivers to do what they do best—prevent and treat chronic disease,” said Secretary Kennedy.  “We cannot allow their time and talent to be wasted on bureaucratic red tape and paperwork.”
    Under the Executive Order, HHS will implement the following measures:

    The 10-to-1 rule: For every new regulation introduced, at least ten existing regulations must be eliminated.
    Regulatory cost cap: The total cost of all new regulations in fiscal year 2025 must be significantly less than zero.
    Expanded scope: The order applies not only to formal regulations but also to guidance documents, memoranda, policy statements, and similar directives.
    Radical transparency: HHS will publish annual reports detailing estimated regulatory costs and the specific rules being offset, promoting greater transparency and accountability.

    “This initiative is about restoring common sense to health care regulation,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “By cutting outdated red tape, we can lower costs, increase access to innovation, and let clinicians spend more time with patients—not paperwork. We welcome public input to help identify reforms that truly make a difference.”
    The 60-day public comment period opens today. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their ideas for deregulatory actions through the Regulations.gov docket (AHRQ-2025-0001) or the newly launched online portal at Regulations.gov/Deregulation. The portal includes tools to assist users in drafting proposals that HHS may formally consider.
    ###

    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.

    Inquiries

    Consumer:
    888-INFO-FDA

    Content current as of:
    05/13/2025

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IPAA Supports “Tax Trifecta” Inclusion in Reconciliation Bill

    Source: Independent Petroleum Association of America

    Headline: IPAA Supports “Tax Trifecta” Inclusion in Reconciliation Bill

    May 12, 2025 IPAA Supports “Tax Trifecta” Inclusion in Reconciliation Bill

    Dear Speaker Johnson, Majority Leader Thune, Leader Jeffries, and Leader Schumer:

    We, the undersigned organizations, representing thousands of businesses who collectively employ millions of Americans in all sectors of the U.S. economy, urge Congress to immediately enact three specific pro-growth tax relief proposals in the upcoming reconciliation bill authorized by H.Con.Res.14, the fiscal year 2025 budget resolution. …

    We strongly urge Congress to bolster our economy and support American workers and families. Congress should restore immediate R&D expensing, a pro-growth interest deductibility standard, and full expensing for capital investments.

    Continue Reading

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: VERB Beats All Analysts Q1 2025 Financial Performance Estimates

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Management Delivers Impressive 80% Revenue Growth Quarter-Over-Quarter

    Beats All Revenue and EPS Estimates By A Wide Margin

    Q1 2025 Revenue Exceeds Entire 2024 Annual Revenue

    Closed $8.5 Million Acquisition Of AI Social Commerce Technology Platform Lyvecom

    $5 Million Cash Added To Balance Sheet In Non-Dilutive, Non-Convertible, Preferred Stock Deal

    Zero Debt – Strong Cash Position – Expected To Fund Operations Into 2028 And Beyond

    Increased Growth Projected For Q2 2025

    LAS VEGAS, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Verb Technology Company, Inc. (Nasdaq: VERB) (“VERB” or the “Company”), Transforming the Landscape of Social Commerce, Social Telehealth and Social Crowdfunding with MARKET.live; VANITYPrescribed; GoodGirlRx; and the GO FUND YOURSELF TV Show, today filed its Form 10-Q reporting financial and operating results for the quarter ending March 31, 2025.

    Q1 Highlights

    For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2025

    • Total Q1 revenue – $1.305 million, an increase of $582 thousand, or 80% over Q4 2024; and an increase of $1.298 million, or 18,543%, over the prior year comparable quarter. Represents the greatest amount of revenue generated since the strategic sale of the Company’s direct sales SaaS business unit in June 2023
    • Q1 2025 Revenue Exceeds Entire 2024 Annual Revenue
    • Net loss reduced by $1.0 million, represents an improvement of 29% over the prior year comparable quarter
    • Operating loss reduced by $558 thousand, represents an improvement of 17% over the prior year comparable quarter
    • General and Administrative expenses slight increase of $0.4 million, represents an increase of 12% over prior year; indicates that the Company’s current enhanced financial performance is attributable to increases in revenue – not excessive cost cutting measures
    • ZERO DEBT – All Remaining Debt retired in Q1
    • Closed Acquisition of AI Social Commerce Technology Platform Lyvecom in deal valued at $8.5 Million
    • Opportunistically Added $5 Million in Cash to the Company’s balance sheet through non-dilutive, non-convertible, non-voting, preferred stock deal – replenished all the cash used in Lyvecom acquisition and more
    • Strong Cash Position – expected to fund operations into 2028 and beyond

    Results of Operations

    Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2024

    The following is a comparison of the results of our operations for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands):

        Three Months Ended March 31,  
        2025     2024     Change  
                   
    Revenue   $ 1,305     $ 7     $ 1,298  
                         
    Costs and expenses                    
    Cost of revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below     347       5       342  
    Depreciation and amortization     286       256       30  
    General and administrative     3,331       2,963       368  
    Total costs and expenses     3,964       3,224       740  
                         
    Operating loss from continuing operations     (2,659 )     (3,217 )     558  
                         
    Other income (expense)                    
    Interest income     121       –       121  
    Unrealized gain on short-term investments     83       –       83  
    Interest expense     (1 )     (225 )     224  
    Other income (expense), net     18       (3 )     21  
    Total other income (expense), net     221       (228 )     449  
                         
    Net loss   $ (2,438 )   $ (3,445 )   $ 1,007  


    Revenue

    Revenue was $1,305 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to $7 for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The revenue increase of $1,298, representing an increase of 18,543%, is primarily attributable to revenue received from our MARKET.live business unit services packages and from our Go Fund Yourself business unit which began its operations in July 2024. 

    The table below sets forth our quarterly revenues beginning with the quarter ended September 30, 2023 (the first quarter following the sale of our SaaS business unit) through the quarter ended March 31, 2025, which reflects the trend of revenue over the past seven fiscal quarters:

      Q3
    2023    		 Q4
    2023    		 Q1
    2024    		 Q2
    2024    		 Q3
    2024    		 Q4
    2024    		 Q1
    2025
    MARKET.live $       29 29 7 37 103 490 561
    GO FUND YOURSELF $  –  –  –  – 25 233 744
    CONSOLIDATED $          29 29 7 37 128 723 1,305

    Operating Expenses

    Depreciation and amortization expenses were $286 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to $256 for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

    General and administrative expenses including stock compensation expense were $3,331 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to $2,963 for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

    Other Income (Expense), net

    Other income, net, for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $221, which was primarily attributable to interest income attributable to our short-term highly liquid investments.

    Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 Compared to Three Months Ended December 31, 2024

    The following is a comparison of the results of our operations for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 (in thousands):

         March 31,
    2025    		     December 31,
    2024    		     Change  
                       
    Revenue   $ 1,305       $ 723       $ 582    
                             
    Costs and expenses                        
    Cost of revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below     347         134         213    
    Depreciation and amortization     286         279         7    
    General and administrative     3,331         4,020         (689 )  
    Total costs and expenses     3,964         4,433         (469 )  
                             
    Operating loss from continuing operations     (2,659 )       (3,710 )       1,051    
                             
    Other income (expense)                        
    Interest income     121         331         (210 )  
    Unrealized gain (loss) on short-term investments     83         (153 )       236    
    Interest expense     (1 )       (1 )       –    
    Other income (expense), net     18         164         (146 )  
    Total other income (expense), net     221         341         (120 )  
                             
    Net loss   $ (2,438 )     $ (3,369 )     $ 931    


    Revenue

    Revenue was $1,305 for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, as compared to $723 for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. The revenue increase of $582, representing an increase of 80%, is primarily attributable to growth from our MARKET.live business unit services packages and from tremendous growth in our Go Fund Yourself business unit.  

    Operating Expenses

    Depreciation and amortization expenses were $286 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to $279 for the three months ended December 31, 2024.

    General and administrative expenses including stock compensation expense were $3,331 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to $4,020 for the three months ended December 31, 2024.

    Use of Non-GAAP Measures – Modified EBITDA

    In addition to our results under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), we present Modified EBITDA as a supplemental measure of our performance. However, Modified EBITDA is not a recognized measurement under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income, income from operations or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. We define Modified EBITDA as net income (loss), plus depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation, unrealized (gain) loss on short-term investments, interest expense, financing costs, and other (income) expense, and other non-recurring charges.

    Management considers our core operating performance to be that which our managers can affect in any particular period through their management of the resources that affect our underlying revenue and profit generating operations that period. Non-GAAP adjustments to our results prepared in accordance with GAAP are itemized below. You are encouraged to evaluate these adjustments and the reasons we consider them appropriate for supplemental analysis. In evaluating Modified EBITDA, you should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses that are the same as or similar to some of the adjustments in this presentation. Our presentation of Modified EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items.

       
      Three Months Ended March 31,
    (in thousands)   2025       2024  
                   
    Net loss $ (2,438 )   $ (3,445 )
         
    Adjustments    
    Depreciation and amortization   286       256  
    Share-based compensation   958       378  
    Unrealized gain on short-term investments   (83 )     –  
    Interest expense   1       225  
    Other (income) expense, net   (18 )     3  
    Other costs (a)   256       84  
         
    Total EBITDA adjustments   1,400       946  
    Modified EBITDA $ (1,038 )   $ (2,499 )
                   

    (a) Represents a litigation accrual in 2024. Represents severance costs in addition to acquisition costs incurred for Lyvecom acquisition in 2025.

    We present Modified EBITDA because we believe it assists investors and analysts in comparing our performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that we do not believe are indicative of our core operating performance. In addition, we use Modified EBITDA in developing our internal budgets, forecasts and strategic plan; in analyzing the effectiveness of our business strategies in evaluating potential acquisitions; and in making compensation decisions and in communications with our board of directors concerning our financial performance. Modified EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, which includes, among others, the following:

    • Modified EBITDA does not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements, for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;
    • Modified EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;
    • Modified EBITDA does not reflect future interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our debts; and
    • Although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and Modified EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements.

    Liquidity and Capital Resources

    Overview

    As of March 31, 2025 and 2024, we had the following balances of cash, restricted cash, and highly liquid investments. 

        March 31,
    2025    		     December 31,
    2024    		  
                 
    Cash   $ 6,275     $ 7,617  
    Restricted Cash     880       878  
    Investments: Government-Backed Securities     3,884       3,731  
    Investments: Corporate Bonds     1,197       1,182  
    Total    $ 12,236     $ 13,408  


    Conference Call Information

    VERB CEO, Rory J. Cutaia will hold a conference call today, May 13, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time to discuss the first quarter 2025 results and strategic plans for the remainder of 2025 and beyond. A telephonic replay of the conference call is available from 4:00 p.m. Eastern time today through May 27, 2025.

    VERB Q1 2025 Earnings Call
    Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
    Time: 1:00 p.m. Eastern time (10:00 a.m. Pacific time)

    To access by phone: Please call the conference telephone number 10-15 minutes prior to the start time. An operator will register your name and organization.

    Meeting Link: CLICK HERE
    Toll Free: 1-877-407-4018
    Toll/International: 1-201-689-8471
    Telephonic Replay: Available after 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on the same day through May 27, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET

    Toll-free replay number: 1-844-512-2921
    International replay number: 1-412-317-6671
    Replay ID: 13753877

    About VERB
    Verb Technology Company, Inc. (Nasdaq: VERB), is Transforming the Landscape of Social Commerce, Social Telehealth and Social Crowdfunding with MARKET.live; VANITYPrescribed; GoodGirlRx; and the GO FUND YOURSELF TV Show. The Company operates several business units, each of which leverages its social commerce technology and video marketing expertise. MARKET.live, together with recently acquired AI social commerce technology innovator Lyvecom, is a multi-vendor, livestream social shopping platform that allows brands and merchants to deliver a true omnichannel livestream shopping experience across their own websites, apps, and social platforms. Advanced AI capabilities power real-time user-generated-content creation, automated video content repurposing, and AI-powered virtual live shopping hosts that are virtually indistinguishable from human hosts, capable of real-time audience engagement. Brands utilize our proprietary AI model trained on tens of thousands of video commerce interactions to automate content creation and our intelligent tools designed to optimize merchandising strategies and increase conversion rates. GO FUND YOURSELF is a revolutionary interactive social crowd funding platform and TV show for public and private companies seeking broad-based exposure across social media channels for their crowd-funded Regulation CF and Regulation A offerings. The platform combines a ground-breaking interactive TV show with MARKET.live’s back-end capabilities allowing viewers to tap, scan or click on their screen to facilitate an investment, in real time, as they watch companies presenting before the show’s panel of “Titans”. Presenting companies that sell consumer products are able to offer their products directly to viewers during the show in real time through shoppable onscreen icons. VANITYPrescribed.com and GoodGirlRx.com are telehealth portals, intended to redefine telehealth by offering a seamless, digital-first experience that empowers individuals to take control of their healthcare needs. They were designed and developed to disrupt the traditional healthcare model by providing tailored healthcare solutions at affordable, fixed prices – without hidden fees, membership costs, or inflated pharmaceutical markups. GoodGirlRx.com, a partnership with Savannah Chrisley, a well-known lifestyle personality and advocate for health and wellness, offers customers access to convenient, no-hassle telehealth services and pharmaceuticals, including the new weight-loss drugs, with fixed pricing regardless of dosage, breaking away from the industry’s traditional model of excessive pricing and pharmaceutical gatekeeping.

    The Company is headquartered in Las Vegas, NV and operates full-service production and creator studios in Los Alamitos, California.

    For more information, please visit: www.verb.tech

    Follow VERB and MARKET.live here:
    VERB on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VerbTechCo
    VERB on Twitter: https://twitter.com/VerbTech_Co
    VERB on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/verb-tech
    VERB on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0eCb_fwQlwEG3ywHDJ4_KQ

    Sign up for E-mail Alerts here: https://ir.verb.tech/news-events/email-alerts

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
    This communication contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance, or achievements. 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, those identified in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including our annual, quarterly and current reports filed with the SEC and the risk factors included in our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC today. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein 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 as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

    Investor Relations Contact: investors@verb.tech

    Media Contact: info@verb.tech

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2dafa316-c785-42b3-9d3c-7e43a0b4ce58

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Rocket Software Unveils Innovations to Scale IT Impact Through Resilience, Automation, and AI-Powered Agility

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WALTHAM, Mass., May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rocket Software, a global technology leader in modernization software, today announced powerful new innovations to its Skills and Efficiency solutions, designed to help enterprises scale IT operations, close the IT skills gap and improve developer experience with intelligence and precision. New product features include automation, productivity-focused tools, and optional AI-driven capabilities, supporting faster development, stronger system performance, and greater IT resilience without adding layers of complexity and risk. By making it easier for developers and infrastructure teams to work more efficiently, the company continues to support businesses in their IT modernization initiatives and transformation journeys.

    These latest innovations from Rocket Software empower customers to:

    • Boost developer efficiency by cutting task time from hours to minutes and accelerating new developer ramp-up from months to weeks.
    • Improve system performance through AI-driven monitoring and anomaly detection for greater reliability across mainframe environments.
    • Reduce IT workload with self-service automation to decrease ticket volume by up to 16%, all while maintaining compliance and security.
    • Strengthen resilience with advanced, point-in-time data recovery that minimizes downtime and protects mission-critical systems.

    Today’s organizations face shifting customer expectations, ongoing talent shortages, and complex hybrid IT environments. That’s why boosting resiliency and agility, especially in mission-critical systems, is a strategic imperative. To meet these challenges, many are turning to AI, automation, and other emerging technologies. According to McKinsey, companies that successfully adopt agile practices can achieve up to 30% gains in efficiency, customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and overall performance. And with IT downtime costing more than $5 million per hour in high-risk industries, strengthening infrastructure resilience is now a critical need.

    “IT teams are facing unprecedented demands to deliver more while balancing innovation with operational resilience,” said Phil Buckellew, President, Infrastructure Modernization Business Unit at Rocket Software. “These advancements directly address today’s critical needs – closing the IT skills gap, improving operational efficiency, and enabling modernization without disruption. By aligning cutting-edge technology with business goals, we empower IT leaders to simplify their operations, accelerate business outcomes, and future-proof their organizations, without additional risk.”

    “One of the most pressing challenges facing enterprise IT teams today is the ability to address the IT skills gap while modernizing core systems and scaling operations,” said Stephen Elliot, Group Vice President, I&O, Cloud Operations, and DevOps, IDC. “AI is a powerful tool that allows IT to effectively align itself to the business by delivering greater insights and efficiency.”

    Rocket Software’s approach to enabling IT modernization while reducing the risk of disruption is at the heart of its product development strategy. These advancements reflect the company’s commitment to delivering customer value through innovation, evidenced by the introduction of new optional capabilities for both developers and infrastructure teams, including:

    • Rocket® TMON™: Proactively identifies mainframe performance issues and anomalies before they impact operations using AI-powered analytics, machine learning, and KPI measurement to proactively identify performance issues and anomalies before they impact operations.
    • Rocket® Zena™: Empowers non-technical users to automate processes independently, resulting in reduced reliance on IT intervention.
    • Rocket® EDX: Makes document management and search faster and easier with natural language input, done via voice or text.
    • Rocket® Rapid Data Recovery: Reduces downtime through single point in time data recovery.
    • Rocket® MultiValue Developer Assistant: Streamlines the generation, autocompletion, and explanation of MV BASIC code, speeding up time to productivity for new developers from months to weeks.
    • Rocket® Uniface® Developer Assistant : Helps users navigate Uniface documentation, learn the platform faster, generate and explain ProcScript code, and enhance code clarity with comments and plain-language explanations.

    For more information on these product updates, click here.

    To explore the full list of innovations and access additional product-specific information, visit the company’s website here.

    About Rocket Software
    Rocket Software is a global technology leader in modernization and a partner of choice that empowers the world’s leading businesses on their modernization journeys, spanning core systems to the cloud. Trusted by over 12,500 customers and 750 partners, and with more than 3,200 global employees, Rocket Software enables customers to maximize their data, applications, and infrastructure to deliver critical services that power our modern world. Rocket Software is a privately held U.S. corporation headquartered in the Boston area with centers of excellence strategically located throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Rocket Software is a portfolio company of Bain Capital Private Equity. Follow Rocket Software on LinkedIn and X or visit www.RocketSoftware.com.

    Media Contact
    Lacey Darrow
    ldarrow@rocketsoftware.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Go High Level Review: ‘Exposed!’ Is It Really Worth It? Pros, Cons & Benefits Uncovered!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Dallas, TX, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Welcome to our detailed review of Go High Level CRM, the ultimate all-in-one solution designed to simplify and supercharge your business operations. If you’ve been searching for a comprehensive platform to manage your leads, streamline communications, and scale your marketing efforts, this tool promises to deliver everything you need in one place.

    In this article, we’ll share an honest and detailed walkthrough of Go High Level CRM, covering its standout features, ease of use, benefits, and why it’s considered a powerful system for businesses of all sizes. We’ll also explore how it boosts productivity, improves customer engagement, and consolidates multiple tools into one intuitive platform. Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a larger organization, we’ll help you determine if Go High Level CRM is the right fit for you. Stay with us to uncover everything you need to know!

    >> Begin your 14-day Go High Level trial with zero risk and see real benefits in action! 

    Introduction to Go High Level

    Go High Level CRM is an all-in-one customer relationship management system designed to streamline operations and enhance efficiency for businesses in various industries. The platform combines a wide range of features, including lead generation, pipeline management, appointment scheduling, and marketing automation, all within a single interface. Its user-friendly design ensures accessibility for entrepreneurs with varying levels of technical expertise, making it a versatile option for both beginners and seasoned professionals.

    Who Should Use it?

    The primary purpose of Go High Level CRM is to provide businesses with a centralized tool to manage and optimize their customer relationships. By consolidating multiple tools and processes into one platform, it helps save time, reduce costs, and eliminate the need for juggling multiple software solutions.

    This platform is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, marketing agencies, and solopreneurs looking to scale their operations and improve customer engagement. Whether you’re managing client campaigns, tracking sales funnels, or nurturing leads, Go High Level CRM is tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses aiming for growth and efficiency. 

    >> Claim your 14-day risk-free Go High Level trial today and see real benefits in action!

    Key Features

    Go High Level CRM is a game-changer for businesses, offering a comprehensive solution that combines a wide array of essential tools into one powerful platform. This all-in-one approach eliminates the need to manage multiple tools, empowering businesses to streamline operations, build stronger customer relationships, and drive significant growth with ease. Let’s explore the standout features that make Go High Level an indispensable platform for modern businesses.

    >> Begin your 14-day Go High Level trial with zero risk and see real benefits in action! 

    1.CRM (Customer Relationship Management)

    GoHighLevel’s CRM is designed to help businesses organize and streamline how they manage leads and customers. It provides tools to track every interaction, keep growing contact lists in order, and automate follow-ups so businesses never miss a chance to connect.

    With advanced pipelines to visualize sales processes, task-setting options to keep teams on track, and detailed client profiles to personalize interactions, GoHighLevel ensures seamless communication and stronger engagement across every touchpoint. Whether you’re nurturing a lead or maintaining existing client relationships, this CRM helps you stay efficient and effective.

    2.Email and SMS Marketing

    GoHighLevel enables businesses to create and manage personalized email and SMS campaigns that foster deeper client connections. Its automation workflows allow businesses to maintain consistent communication, from follow-ups to appointment reminders, with minimal effort. Dynamic templates make it easy to craft professional messages, while real-time analytics help refine campaigns for better performance. With the ability to target specific audiences and track conversions, businesses can optimize their marketing strategies to achieve higher engagement and stronger results.

    3.Sales Funnels

    Simplifying the process of building effective sales funnels, GoHighLevel offers a range of tools to guide potential customers seamlessly through every stage of the sales journey. Businesses can use customizable templates to create funnels tailored to their goals, while split-testing features allow them to experiment with different approaches to maximize success.

    Conversion tracking provides clear insights into how well each funnel performs, helping users fine-tune their strategy for better customer acquisition and retention. Whether you’re selling a product, generating leads, or promoting services, GoHighLevel’s sales funnel builder ensures every step is optimized for success.

    4.Website and Landing Page Builder

    GoHighLevel’s drag-and-drop website and landing page builder makes creating professional, high-performing pages simple—even for those without technical or coding skills. The platform offers mobile-friendly and SEO-optimized designs that help businesses stand out online while capturing leads more effectively.

    Whether it’s designing a brand-new website or creating targeted landing pages for specific campaigns, users can build visually appealing pages that drive traffic and generate results. With endless customization options, businesses can easily align their online presence with their brand identity.

    >> Claim your 14-day risk-free Go High Level trial today and see real benefits in action!

    5.Automation

    Time-consuming tasks like follow-ups, reminders, and appointment scheduling can now be handled automatically with GoHighLevel’s advanced automation tools. By automating repetitive processes, businesses can reduce manual workloads, eliminate errors, and free up their teams to focus on higher-value activities such as building relationships and developing long-term strategies. From email drip campaigns to task assignments, automation ensures consistency and accuracy, making operations smoother and more efficient.

    6.Appointment Scheduling

    Gone are the days of juggling appointment logistics—GoHighLevel’s integrated scheduling system simplifies the process for both businesses and customers. Clients can easily view and book available time slots, while built-in reminders help reduce no-shows and missed appointments.

    The calendar sync feature ensures all bookings are organized and accessible, making appointment management seamless. Whether you’re running a small team or a large operation, this scheduling system helps you stay organized and deliver a smoother experience for your clients.

    7.Reporting and Analytics

    GoHighLevel’s powerful reporting and analytics tools provide businesses with actionable insights to track performance across campaigns, sales funnels, and customer interactions. From identifying trends and measuring ROI to evaluating the effectiveness of marketing efforts, the platform gives users the data they need to make informed, data-driven decisions. Detailed, easy-to-understand reports allow businesses to fine-tune their strategies and focus on what works, ensuring long-term growth and success.

    8.Mobile App and Desktop App

    Managing your business on the go is easier than ever with GoHighLevel’s mobile and desktop apps. These branded apps give users the flexibility to monitor campaigns, communicate with clients, and manage essential tasks from anywhere, at any time. Whether you’re in the office or on the move, the apps provide full access to the platform’s features, ensuring you’re always connected and in control of your operations.

    9.SaaS Mode

    One of GoHighLevel’s most unique features is SaaS mode, which allows businesses to white-label the platform and resell it as their own SaaS solution. This creates an additional revenue stream, enabling users to offer the platform to their clients under their own branding. With SaaS mode, businesses can scale their operations while building a profitable service offering to complement their existing business model. It’s a powerful way to grow revenue and expand into new opportunities.

    Go High Level CRM is more than just a platform—it’s a complete toolkit for businesses looking to operate smarter, simplify processes, and achieve sustainable growth. Whether you’re managing leads, automating tasks, or building an engaging online presence, GoHighLevel equips you with everything you need to succeed in today’s competitive landscape.

    Go High Level Pricing and Plans

    Go High Level offers three main pricing plans to fit businesses of all sizes — from solo entrepreneurs to agencies scaling with SaaS. Here’s a breakdown of what you get with each plan:

    1.Starter — $97/month

    Perfect for businesses just getting started and wanting essential tools to grow.

    • All the tools to capture more leads
    • Nurture and close leads into customers
    • Online booking, pipelines, social media calendar, website builder, and more
    • Unlimited contacts and users — no extra cost
    • Set up to three sub-accounts

    2. Unlimited — $297/month

    Designed for agencies and businesses ready to scale without limits.

    • Everything included in the Starter plan
    • API access — connect and integrate with anything
    • Unlimited sub-accounts — manage as many client accounts as you need
    • Branded desktop app — add your own domains and fully customize the platform

    3.SaaS Pro — $497/month

    For those ready to launch and manage a SaaS business with Go High Level.

    • Everything included in the Unlimited plan
    • SaaS mode — automatic sub-account creation
    • Rebilling — set your own pricing and profit margins
    • Rebilling available on Conversation AI

    >> Click Here to Start with the 14-day free trial to explore the platform before committing to a plan.  Whether you’re a small business or a growing agency, Go High Level has a flexible solution for you.

    User Experience and Interface

    Go High Level is designed with usability in mind, providing an intuitive interface that simplifies the onboarding process for new users. The platform offers detailed tutorials, guided setups, and a supportive community to help users quickly familiarize themselves with its features. Whether you’re a tech-savvy professional or a newcomer to SaaS tools, the learning curve is minimal, ensuring you can start using the platform effectively in no time.

    Mobile and Desktop Compatibility

    With full compatibility across both mobile and desktop devices, Go High Level ensures seamless access to your tools wherever you are. The platform’s responsive design adapts effortlessly to various screen sizes, allowing you to manage accounts, communicate with clients, and monitor performance on the go. A dedicated mobile app further enhances accessibility, making it easy to stay connected and responsive, regardless of your location.

    How Go High Level Stands Out in the Market?

    What sets Go High Level apart in the crowded CRM market is its all-in-one approach, providing a centralized platform that integrates marketing, sales, and customer management tools. Unlike many traditional CRMs that focus primarily on data organization, Go High Level empowers users with features like automated marketing campaigns, funnel building, and appointment scheduling, making it a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to streamline their operations.

    Its affordability, combined with its robust functionality, makes it especially appealing to small and medium-sized businesses that want enterprise-grade tools without the hefty price tag.

    >> Click here to claim your FREE 14-day trial of Go High Level and watch it transform your business to the next level!

    Key Competitors and Differences

    When compared to other major players such as Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zoho CRM, Go High Level shines in its niche targeting of marketers, agencies, and small business clients. While Salesforce offers extensive customization and enterprise-level capabilities, its complexity and high pricing can be barriers for smaller teams.

    HubSpot, known for its user-friendly interface and inbound marketing focus, often requires add-ons to achieve a similar level of functionality that Go High Level offers out of the box. Similarly, Zoho CRM, while budget-friendly, lacks the depth of marketing automation and integrations that Go High Level provides. By combining marketing, email, SMS, and client management into a single platform, Go High Level eliminates the need for multiple third-party tools, saving businesses both time and money. 

    >> Click here to claim your FREE Go High Level 14-day trial and watch it transform your business to the next level!

    Pros and Cons of Go High Level CRM

    Like any platform, Go High Level comes with its own set of strengths and a few considerations. Fortunately, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, especially for businesses seeking an all-in-one marketing and CRM solution.

    Pros

    • All-in-One Platform: Eliminates the need for multiple tools—CRM, email marketing, funnels, website builder, automation, appointment scheduling, and more are all in one place.
    • Unlimited Features: No caps on contacts, emails, funnels, or users—even with the Starter plan. This allows for unlimited growth without surprise costs.
    • Powerful Automation: Automate tasks like follow-ups, reminders, and campaigns to save time and reduce manual errors.
    • SaaS Mode for Agencies: Unique white-labeling and rebilling features help agencies launch their own SaaS offerings and create new revenue streams.
    • Mobile and Desktop Apps: Fully functional mobile and desktop applications let you manage your business on the go with ease.
    • High Customizability: Customize branding, workflows, funnels, dashboards, and more to suit your business and client needs.
    • Robust Funnel and Website Builder: Build landing pages and websites with a drag-and-drop editor that’s intuitive, even for non-tech-savvy users.
    • Excellent Value for the Price: Offers enterprise-grade functionality at a much lower cost than competitors like Salesforce or HubSpot.
    • Responsive Support and Active Community: While the learning curve exists, support reps and a thriving user community help users get up to speed quickly.

    >> Click here to claim your FREE Go High Level 14-day trial and watch it transform your business to the next level!

    Cons

    • Learning Curve for Beginners: Due to its robust feature set, new users may feel overwhelmed at first. However, this is manageable with tutorials and community support.
    • Interface Can Feel Cluttered: With so many tools in one place, the dashboard may feel busy until you get accustomed to it.
    • Occasional Glitches: Like any evolving platform, minor bugs can occur, but the development team is quick to release updates and improvements.
    • Support Wait Times (During Peak Hours): Some users report delays during peak times. That said, off-hour support is often faster and more attentive.

    User Feedback and Reviews

    Go High Level CRM has built a reputation not just for its robust all-in-one functionality but also for its exceptional customer support—a recurring theme across hundreds of user reviews on platforms like Trustpilot.

    Here’s what real users had to say:

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This Review Is for Hershey – Not Just GHL”

    Mms Zaman – Canada

    “I went back and forth with multiple agents regarding one issue but did not get the exact solution I needed. Then luckily I got connected with Hershey on my next Zoom call—and she nailed it! I was literally surprised by her depth of knowledge and logical understanding. This review is less for GHL and more for Hershey. Keep shining. The industry needs resources like you.”

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Off-Hour Support = Hidden Gem”

    Francisco – Team Mortgage, USA
    (Trustpilot)

    “If you try to log in and get help during regular mid-day hours, be prepared to wait. BUT if you log in later in the day—boom, help arrives fast. The rep I spoke with (forgot the name, my brain was processing info!) was awesome and got my issue resolved. GHL (Go High Level) is amazingly robust, but yeah—it’s like getting a degree to learn it all. Hang in there. It’s worth it!”

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Fantastic Onboarding with Saloni”

    Barbara – Canada
    (Trustpilot)

    “I just finished a great onboarding call with Saloni Singh. She was super helpful and patient while setting up the basics and answering all my questions. She explained the platform in a way that aligned with my business goals. I now feel confident taking the next step inside GHL (Go High Level).”

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Raymond Was a Game-Changer!”

    Tuan Luu
    (Trustpilot)

    “Great CRM and world-class support. I spoke with Raymond Sylvester today—he was incredibly helpful in solving my GHL issues and even assisted with some complex business number questions. Can’t say enough good things!”

    >> Try Go High Level risk-free for 14 days and watch it transform your business to the next level!

    My Personal Experience

    I’ve used Go High Level for over a year now, and I can confidently say it’s been one of the best investments I’ve made in my business. Before Go High Level, I was constantly juggling multiple tools to keep things running:

    • An email marketing tool to manage campaigns and nurture leads
    • A CRM to track client interactions and manage customer relationships
    • A funnel builder for creating landing pages and sales funnels
    • A booking tool to schedule calls and appointments
    • A reporting platform to analyze data and measure performance

    It was overwhelming, time-consuming, and costly. Not only was I spending hundreds of dollars each month on these separate tools, but switching between platforms made my processes inefficient and frustrating. It felt like I was always playing catch-up, trying to keep things organized while focusing on growing my business.

    After switching to Go High Level, everything changed. I consolidated all these tools into one intuitive dashboard, which allowed me to simplify my operations and save time. Instead of wasting hours managing disconnected platforms, I could focus on what really matters—delivering value to my clients. On top of that, I saved hundreds of dollars every month by cutting out all the extra subscriptions. 

    The best part? My business results improved across the board. Client engagement skyrocketed, my lead conversions increased, and my overall revenue grew significantly. By streamlining my tools with Go High Level, I was able to work smarter, not harder, and the difference has been incredible. 

    >> Try Go High Level risk-free for 14 days and watch it transform your business to the next level!

    If you’re tired of feeling stuck in a cycle of inefficiency, or if you’re ready to scale your business without the headaches, Go High Level is the solution you’ve been looking for. It’s a game-changer.

    Success Tips for Getting Started

    Here’s how to make the most of your Go High Level experience:

    Start with the Free Trial

    Begin with the free trial to familiarize yourself with the platform’s offerings. >> Click here to claim your FREE Go High Level 14-day trial and watch it transform your business to the next level!. Take your time exploring the features it provides and how they align with your business needs. This trial period is a chance to test out its flexibility and understand which tools will make the biggest impact. Don’t forget to jot down questions or areas where you might need clarification so you can make informed decisions as you move forward.

    Use Tutorials and Templates

    Leverage the extensive library of tutorials and pre-built templates that Go High Level provides. These resources are designed to help you maximize efficiency without a steep learning curve. Templates allow you to create professional, polished campaigns or workflows in no time. Tutorials, on the other hand, offer guidance on advanced functionalities that can help scale your business even faster.

    Automate Your Time-Consuming Tasks

    Focus on automating the tasks that consume the most of your time, such as client follow-ups, email sequences, or appointment scheduling. Automation not only saves you effort but also ensures consistency and reliability in your day-to-day operations. With Go High Level’s automation tools, you can stay focused on strategic priorities rather than manual, repetitive work.

    Customize Funnels and Emails

    Ensure your brand is front and center by customizing your funnels and email campaigns. Add your brand logos, colors, and tone of voice to create a seamless experience for your clients. Personalization within your communication can significantly enhance both engagement and overall results. The platform allows you to easily adjust these elements to align perfectly with your business vision.

    Track and Adjust with Analytics

    The analytics dashboard is one of the most powerful features in Go High Level. Use it to track your campaigns, client interactions, and overall performance. Regularly review this data to identify areas that need improvement or strategies that are working well. By adjusting based on insights, you can continuously optimize your efforts and drive business growth.

    Ready to Transform Your Business?

    Sign up for your FREE 14-day Go High Level trial today and experience the ultimate all-in-one CRM platform. With Go High Level, you can automate your business processes, nurture client relationships, and streamline operations all in one place.

    Take advantage of advanced features like pipeline management, email marketing automation, and a highly customizable dashboard tailored to your needs. Automate your business, close more leads, and watch your revenue grow! Whether you’re a small business owner or managing a team, Go High Level empowers you to work smarter, not harder. Don’t wait — start your free trial today!

    Final Verdict

    Go High Level stands out as a powerful tool designed to simplify and enhance your business processes. Its intuitive platform combines essential features such as automation, customization, and scalability, making it an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes. By leveraging its versatile functionalities, you can maximize efficiency, improve client engagement, and ultimately drive growth.

    If you’re looking for a solution that helps you stay ahead in a competitive market while saving time and effort, Go High Level is the answer. Take the first step towards transforming your business operations — start your free trial today and see the results!

    >> Click here to claim your FREE Go High Level 14-day trial and watch it transform your business to the next level!

    FAQ Section

    1. What is Go High Level, and how can it benefit my business?

    Go High Level is an all-in-one sales and marketing platform designed for agency owners and digital agencies. It offers a wide range of tools, including reputation management, lead generation, and two-way communication features like Facebook Messenger and voicemail drops. By integrating directly with various channels and offering awesome product configurations, Go High Level helps you streamline operations, achieve your goals, and stay ahead of your competition.

    2. Can Go High Level support unlimited users?

    Yes! Go High Level is built to scale with your business, which means it supports unlimited users. Whether you’re a small agency or manage a large team, the platform’s core settings are tailored to help everyone accomplish tasks efficiently and effectively, making it an exceptional solution.

    3. How does Go High Level handle payment processing and scheduling?

    Go High Level makes it easy to integrate payment processing directly into your workflows and handle scheduling appointments seamlessly. With its intuitive interface, you can save time by managing everything from a single platform, giving you and your clients a hassle-free experience from opposite sides of the transaction.

    4. Are there alternatives to Go High Level, and how does it stand out?

    While there are other platforms, Go High Level is unique in its combination of features and unparalleled support team. With tools like FB Messenger integration, voicemail drops, reputation management, and custom file configurations, it provides an overview of everything you need to manage your business successfully. Plus, any issues you encounter are resolved quickly, ensuring you are always heard and supported.

    5. Why should you choose GoHighLevel over alternatives?

    When considering GoHighLevel alternatives, it makes sense to evaluate the features, usability, and technology that each platform provides. What truly sets GoHighLevel apart is its ability to seamlessly log all client interactions, giving you a comprehensive view of your business activities. Unlike other platforms, GoHighLevel leverages advanced technology to simplify complex tasks, ensuring you save time and effort. If you’re looking for a system that won’t break your workflow, GoHighLevel delivers a streamlined solution. Its intuitive design and clear explanation of tools empower users to operate efficiently, making it the ultimate choice for modern businesses.

    6. What is GoHighLevel used for?

    GoHighLevel is an all-in-one platform for marketing, sales, and customer management. It’s used by businesses (especially agencies and marketers) to consolidate tools like CRM, email marketing, SMS campaigns, appointment scheduling, and even building websites or sales funnels in one place. This helps streamline workflows by managing lead generation, customer follow-ups, and sales processes within a single system.

    7. Is GoHighLevel a good CRM?

    Yes – GoHighLevel includes a robust CRM and is generally considered a good CRM solution, particularly for those who also need marketing automation. Its CRM capabilities (for tracking leads, conversations, and deals) hold up well and have been compared to established platforms like HubSpot or Pipedrive. Keep in mind that because it offers so many features in one, new users might face a learning curve before they can fully leverage its CRM and marketing tools.

    8. Can you actually make money with GoHighLevel?

    Yes, many agencies and marketers generate revenue with GoHighLevel by using it as the backbone for services they offer. GoHighLevel can be rebranded and resold to clients (allowing you to offer your own branded marketing/CRM platform), and its automation tools let you deliver valuable marketing services – for example, running lead campaigns and follow-ups – that clients are willing to pay for. In short, the software itself is a tool; you make money by applying it effectively (such as managing client marketing funnels or providing CRM as a service).

    9. Is GHL (GoHighLevel) better than HubSpot?

    It depends on your needs. HubSpot is a well-known, user-friendly CRM and marketing platform that excels for mid-to-large businesses, but it can be expensive with its tiered pricing. GoHighLevel, on the other hand, is an affordable all-in-one solution designed for agencies and small businesses, offering features like funnel building, SMS marketing, and even the ability to white-label the platform. If you need a highly polished enterprise CRM, HubSpot might be better, but if you want a cost-effective platform that combines many tools (CRM, marketing automation, scheduling, etc.) in one place, GoHighLevel can be a better fit.

    10. Can you send invoices with GoHighLevel?

    Yes, you can send invoices with GoHighLevel. The platform has built-in invoicing capabilities – you can create an invoice inside GoHighLevel and send it to your client, and if you integrate GoHighLevel with QuickBooks, the system will even create a matching invoice in QuickBooks once you mark it as sent in GoHighLevel. This means you’re able to bill clients and track payments directly through GoHighLevel without needing a separate invoicing tool.

    11. Can I build a website in GoHighLevel?

    Yes. GoHighLevel includes a drag-and-drop page builder that lets you create complete websites, not just single landing pages. You can design multi-page websites with menus and custom pages within the platform, which is handy for keeping your main website, landing pages, and marketing funnels all in one system.

    12. Is GoHighLevel good for e-commerce?

    GoHighLevel can handle basic e-commerce needs, but it’s not primarily an e-commerce platform like Shopify. It allows you to sell products or services through order forms and funnels and supports integrations with payment processors (like Stripe) and even Shopify for syncing store data. This is sufficient if you’re doing things like single-product sales, digital products, or service bookings, but for a large online store with a wide product catalog and advanced shopping features, a dedicated e-commerce solution would likely be more suitable (you could still use GoHighLevel alongside it for marketing and CRM).

    13. Does GoHighLevel have an affiliate program?

    Yes. GoHighLevel runs a tiered affiliate program that awards a 40% monthly recurring commission on every referred agency subscription (Tier 1) and an extra 5% on subscriptions from agencies signed up by your own referrals (Tier 2). >> Click Here to Join GoHighLevel Affiliate Program

    14. Is ClickFunnels better than GoHighLevel?

    ClickFunnels is a popular tool specifically for building sales funnels, and it’s very effective if your main goal is to create streamlined, high-converting funnel pages quickly. GoHighLevel, by contrast, also lets you build funnels but offers a much broader suite of features (integrated CRM, email/SMS marketing, appointment scheduling, etc.) in one platform. If you only need a simple funnel builder, ClickFunnels might be easier for that single purpose, but for most businesses that want an all-in-one solution to manage funnels and customer follow-up, GoHighLevel provides more value in a single package.

    GoHighLevel Contact Information
    Company: HighLevel, Inc
    Website: gohighlevel.com
    Phone: +1 (888) 732-4197
    Address: 400 North St. Paul Street Suite 920Dallas, TX 75201, USA
    Email: certifications@gohighlevel.com

    Disclaimer

    The information provided here is for general informational purposes and should not be used to make decisions regarding purchasing or participation in any offers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content, there may be typographical errors, outdated references, or inaccuracies. The publisher disclaims any responsibility for errors, omissions, or inaccuracies, and the use of this information is at your own risk.

    This content does not guarantee specific results. Outcomes may differ based on individual circumstances, participation, or external factors. The information presented is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be interpreted as endorsement of any product or service.

    Affiliate Disclosure

    This article may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, the publisher may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help maintain the content and support the review process.

    All reviews and descriptions reflect the author’s honest opinion, based on available public data, user feedback, and research at the time of writing. The inclusion of affiliate links does not impact the objectivity or integrity of the content. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently and review the full terms and conditions of the offers before participating.

    No warranties, either expressed or implied, are made regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the content. The publisher and affiliated parties expressly disclaim any liability for any consequences arising from the use of the information provided herein.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Apple unveils powerful accessibility features coming later this year

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple unveils powerful accessibility features coming later this year

    May 13, 2025

    PRESS RELEASE

    Apple unveils powerful accessibility features coming later this year

    New features include Accessibility Nutrition Labels on the App Store, Magnifier for Mac, Braille Access, and Accessibility Reader; plus innovative updates to Live Listen, visionOS, Personal Voice, and more

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced new accessibility features coming later this year, including Accessibility Nutrition Labels, which will provide more detailed information for apps and games on the App Store. Users who are blind or have low vision can explore, learn, and interact using the new Magnifier app for Mac; take notes and perform calculations with the new Braille Access feature; and leverage the powerful camera system of Apple Vision Pro with new updates to visionOS. Additional announcements include Accessibility Reader, a new systemwide reading mode designed with accessibility in mind, along with updates to Live Listen, Background Sounds, Personal Voice, Vehicle Motion Cues, and more. Leveraging the power of Apple silicon — along with advances in on-device machine learning and artificial intelligence — users will experience a new level of accessibility across the Apple ecosystem.

    “At Apple, accessibility is part of our DNA,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Making technology for everyone is a priority for all of us, and we’re proud of the innovations we’re sharing this year. That includes tools to help people access crucial information, explore the world around them, and do what they love.”

    “Building on 40 years of accessibility innovation at Apple, we are dedicated to pushing forward with new accessibility features for all of our products,” said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives. “Powered by the Apple ecosystem, these features work seamlessly together to bring users new ways to engage with the things they care about most.”

    Accessibility Nutrition Labels Come to the App Store

    Accessibility Nutrition Labels bring a new section to App Store product pages that will highlight accessibility features within apps and games. These labels give users a new way to learn if an app will be accessible to them before they download it, and give developers the opportunity to better inform and educate their users on features their app supports. This includes VoiceOver, Voice Control, Larger Text, Sufficient Contrast, Reduced Motion, captions, and more. Accessibility Nutrition Labels will be available on the App Store worldwide, and developers can access more guidance on the criteria apps should meet before displaying accessibility information on their product pages.

    “Accessibility Nutrition Labels are a huge step forward for accessibility,” said Eric Bridges, the American Foundation for the Blind’s president and CEO. “Consumers deserve to know if a product or service will be accessible to them from the very start, and Apple has a long-standing history of delivering tools and technologies that allow developers to build experiences for everyone. These labels will give people with disabilities a new way to easily make more informed decisions and make purchases with a new level of confidence.”

    An All-New Magnifier for Mac

    Since 2016, Magnifier on iPhone and iPad has given users who are blind or have low vision tools to zoom in, read text, and detect objects around them. This year, Magnifier is coming to Mac to make the physical world more accessible for users with low vision. The Magnifier app for Mac connects to a user’s camera so they can zoom in on their surroundings, such as a screen or whiteboard. Magnifier works with Continuity Camera on iPhone as well as attached USB cameras, and supports reading documents using Desk View.

    With multiple live session windows, users can multitask by viewing a presentation with a webcam while simultaneously following along in a book using Desk View. With customized views, users can adjust brightness, contrast, color filters, and even perspective to make text and images easier to see. Views can also be captured, grouped, and saved to add to later on. Additionally, Magnifier for Mac is integrated with another new accessibility feature, Accessibility Reader, which transforms text from the physical world into a custom legible format.

    A New Braille Experience

    Braille Access is an all-new experience that turns iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro into a full-featured braille note taker that’s deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem. With a built-in app launcher, users can easily open any app by typing with Braille Screen Input or a connected braille device. With Braille Access, users can quickly take notes in braille format and perform calculations using Nemeth Braille, a braille code often used in classrooms for math and science. Users can open Braille Ready Format (BRF) files directly from Braille Access, unlocking a wide range of books and files previously created on a braille note taking device. And an integrated form of Live Captions allows users to transcribe conversations in real time directly on braille displays.

    Introducing Accessibility Reader

    Accessibility Reader is a new systemwide reading mode designed to make text easier to read for users with a wide range of disabilities, such as dyslexia or low vision. Available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro, Accessibility Reader gives users new ways to customize text and focus on content they want to read, with extensive options for font, color, and spacing, as well as support for Spoken Content. Accessibility Reader can be launched from any app, and is built into the Magnifier app for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, so users can interact with text in the real world, like in books or on dining menus.

    Live Captions Arrive on Apple Watch

    For users who are deaf or hard of hearing, Live Listen controls come to Apple Watch with a new set of features, including real-time Live Captions. Live Listen turns iPhone into a remote microphone to stream content directly to AirPods, Made for iPhone hearing aids, or Beats headphones. When a session is active on iPhone, users can view Live Captions of what their iPhone hears on a paired Apple Watch while listening along to the audio. Apple Watch serves as a remote control to start or stop Live Listen sessions, or jump back in a session to capture something that may have been missed. With Apple Watch, Live Listen sessions can be controlled from across the room, so there’s no need to get up in the middle of a meeting or during class. Live Listen can be used along with hearing health features available on AirPods Pro 2, including the first-of-its-kind clinical-grade Hearing Aid feature.

    An Enhanced View with Apple Vision Pro

    For users who are blind or have low vision, visionOS will expand vision accessibility features using the advanced camera system on Apple Vision Pro. With powerful updates to Zoom, users can magnify everything in view — including their surroundings — using the main camera. For VoiceOver users, Live Recognition in visionOS uses on-device machine learning to describe surroundings, find objects, read documents, and more.1 For accessibility developers, a new API will enable approved apps to access the main camera to provide live, person-to-person assistance for visual interpretation in apps like Be My Eyes, giving users more ways to understand their surroundings hands-free.

    Additional Updates

    • Background Sounds becomes easier to personalize with new EQ settings, the option to stop automatically after a period of time, and new actions for automations in Shortcuts. Background Sounds can help minimize distractions to increase a sense of focus and relaxation, which some users find can help with symptoms of tinnitus.
    • For users at risk of losing their ability to speak, Personal Voice becomes faster, easier, and more powerful than ever, leveraging advances in on-device machine learning and artificial intelligence to create a smoother, more natural-sounding voice in less than a minute, using only 10 recorded phrases. Personal Voice will also add support for Spanish (Mexico).2
    • Vehicle Motion Cues, which can help reduce motion sickness when riding in a moving vehicle, comes to Mac, along with new ways to customize the animated onscreen dots on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
    • Eye Tracking users on iPhone and iPad will now have the option to use a switch or dwell to make selections. Keyboard typing when using Eye Tracking or Switch Control is now easier on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro with improvements including a new keyboard dwell timer, reduced steps when typing with switches, and enabling QuickPath for iPhone and Vision Pro.
    • With Head Tracking, users will be able to more easily control iPhone and iPad with head movements, similar to Eye Tracking.
    • For users with severe mobility disabilities, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS will add a new protocol to support Switch Control for Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs), an emerging technology that allows users to control their device without physical movement.
    • Assistive Access adds a new custom Apple TV app with a simplified media player. Developers will also get support in creating tailored experiences for users with intellectual and developmental disabilities using the Assistive Access API.
    • Music Haptics on iPhone becomes more customizable with the option to experience haptics for a whole song or for vocals only, as well as the option to adjust the overall intensity of taps, textures, and vibrations.
    • Sound Recognition adds Name Recognition, a new way for users who are deaf or hard of hearing to know when their name is being called.
    • Voice Control introduces a new programming mode in Xcode for software developers with limited mobility. Voice Control also adds vocabulary syncing across devices, and will expand language support to include Korean, Arabic (Saudi Arabia), Turkish, Italian, Spanish (Latin America), Mandarin Chinese (Taiwan), English (Singapore), and Russian.
    • Live Captions adds support to include English (India, Australia, UK, Singapore), Mandarin Chinese (Mainland China), Cantonese (Mainland China, Hong Kong), Spanish (Latin America, Spain), French (France, Canada), Japanese, German (Germany), and Korean.
    • Updates to CarPlay include support for Large Text. With updates to Sound Recognition in CarPlay, drivers or passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing can now be notified of the sound of a crying baby, in addition to sounds outside the car such as horns and sirens.
    • Share Accessibility Settings is a new way for users to quickly and temporarily share their accessibility settings with another iPhone or iPad. This is great for borrowing a friend’s device or using a public kiosk in a setting like a cafe.

    Celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day with Apple

    Apple Retail is introducing dedicated tables spotlighting accessibility features on a variety of devices in select store locations throughout the month of May. Additionally, Apple offers accessibility sessions year-round through Today at Apple for deeper learning, tips, and feature customization. Sessions can be scheduled at all Apple Store locations worldwide through Group Booking or by visiting a nearby store.

    Apple Music shares the story of artist Kiddo K and the power of music haptics for users who are deaf or hard of hearing, unveils updates to its Haptics playlists, and launches a brand-new playlist featuring ASL interpretations of music videos alongside Saylists playlists.

    Apple Fitness+ welcomes Chelsie Hill as a guest in a Dance workout with Fitness+ trainer Ben Allen. Hill is a professional dancer and founder of Rolettes, an L.A.-based wheelchair dance team that advocates for disability representation and women’s empowerment. The workout is available now in the Fitness+ app.

    Apple TV+ shares a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the new Apple Original film Deaf President Now!, which premieres on Apple TV+ on May 16. The documentary tells the story of the greatest civil rights movement most people have never heard about, which unfolded across eight tumultuous days in 1988. At the world’s only Deaf university, four students must find a way to lead an angry mob — and change the course of history.

    Apple Books, Apple Podcasts, Apple TV, and Apple News will spotlight stories of people with disabilities and those who are working to make the world more accessible for everyone.

    The App Store is sharing a collection of apps and games designed to be accessible to everyone, in addition to featuring the story of Klemens Strasser, a developer guided by a philosophy of making accessible apps and games like The Art of Fauna.

    The Shortcuts app adds Hold That Thought, a shortcut that prompts users to capture and recall information in a note so interruptions don’t derail their flow. The Accessibility Assistant shortcut has been added to Shortcuts on Apple Vision Pro to help recommend accessibility features based on user preferences.

    New videos on the Apple Support accessibility playlist include features like Eye Tracking, Vocal Shortcuts, and Vehicle Motion Cues, as well as a library of videos to help everyone personalize their iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro to work best for them.

    About Apple Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.

    1. Live Recognition should not be relied on in high-risk or emergency situations, in circumstances where the user may be harmed or injured, or for navigation.
    2. Personal Voice can only be used to create a voice that sounds like the user on device, using their own voice, and for their own personal, noncommercial use.

    Press Contacts

    Will Butler

    Apple

    willbutler@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Apple unveils powerful accessibility features coming later this year

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple unveils powerful accessibility features coming later this year

    May 13, 2025

    PRESS RELEASE

    Apple unveils powerful accessibility features coming later this year

    New features include Accessibility Nutrition Labels on the App Store, Magnifier for Mac, Braille Access, and Accessibility Reader; plus innovative updates to Live Listen, visionOS, Personal Voice, and more

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced new accessibility features coming later this year, including Accessibility Nutrition Labels, which will provide more detailed information for apps and games on the App Store. Users who are blind or have low vision can explore, learn, and interact using the new Magnifier app for Mac; take notes and perform calculations with the new Braille Access feature; and leverage the powerful camera system of Apple Vision Pro with new updates to visionOS. Additional announcements include Accessibility Reader, a new systemwide reading mode designed with accessibility in mind, along with updates to Live Listen, Background Sounds, Personal Voice, Vehicle Motion Cues, and more. Leveraging the power of Apple silicon — along with advances in on-device machine learning and artificial intelligence — users will experience a new level of accessibility across the Apple ecosystem.

    “At Apple, accessibility is part of our DNA,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Making technology for everyone is a priority for all of us, and we’re proud of the innovations we’re sharing this year. That includes tools to help people access crucial information, explore the world around them, and do what they love.”

    “Building on 40 years of accessibility innovation at Apple, we are dedicated to pushing forward with new accessibility features for all of our products,” said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives. “Powered by the Apple ecosystem, these features work seamlessly together to bring users new ways to engage with the things they care about most.”

    Accessibility Nutrition Labels Come to the App Store

    Accessibility Nutrition Labels bring a new section to App Store product pages that will highlight accessibility features within apps and games. These labels give users a new way to learn if an app will be accessible to them before they download it, and give developers the opportunity to better inform and educate their users on features their app supports. This includes VoiceOver, Voice Control, Larger Text, Sufficient Contrast, Reduced Motion, captions, and more. Accessibility Nutrition Labels will be available on the App Store worldwide, and developers can access more guidance on the criteria apps should meet before displaying accessibility information on their product pages.

    “Accessibility Nutrition Labels are a huge step forward for accessibility,” said Eric Bridges, the American Foundation for the Blind’s president and CEO. “Consumers deserve to know if a product or service will be accessible to them from the very start, and Apple has a long-standing history of delivering tools and technologies that allow developers to build experiences for everyone. These labels will give people with disabilities a new way to easily make more informed decisions and make purchases with a new level of confidence.”

    An All-New Magnifier for Mac

    Since 2016, Magnifier on iPhone and iPad has given users who are blind or have low vision tools to zoom in, read text, and detect objects around them. This year, Magnifier is coming to Mac to make the physical world more accessible for users with low vision. The Magnifier app for Mac connects to a user’s camera so they can zoom in on their surroundings, such as a screen or whiteboard. Magnifier works with Continuity Camera on iPhone as well as attached USB cameras, and supports reading documents using Desk View.

    With multiple live session windows, users can multitask by viewing a presentation with a webcam while simultaneously following along in a book using Desk View. With customized views, users can adjust brightness, contrast, color filters, and even perspective to make text and images easier to see. Views can also be captured, grouped, and saved to add to later on. Additionally, Magnifier for Mac is integrated with another new accessibility feature, Accessibility Reader, which transforms text from the physical world into a custom legible format.

    A New Braille Experience

    Braille Access is an all-new experience that turns iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro into a full-featured braille note taker that’s deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem. With a built-in app launcher, users can easily open any app by typing with Braille Screen Input or a connected braille device. With Braille Access, users can quickly take notes in braille format and perform calculations using Nemeth Braille, a braille code often used in classrooms for math and science. Users can open Braille Ready Format (BRF) files directly from Braille Access, unlocking a wide range of books and files previously created on a braille note taking device. And an integrated form of Live Captions allows users to transcribe conversations in real time directly on braille displays.

    Introducing Accessibility Reader

    Accessibility Reader is a new systemwide reading mode designed to make text easier to read for users with a wide range of disabilities, such as dyslexia or low vision. Available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro, Accessibility Reader gives users new ways to customize text and focus on content they want to read, with extensive options for font, color, and spacing, as well as support for Spoken Content. Accessibility Reader can be launched from any app, and is built into the Magnifier app for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, so users can interact with text in the real world, like in books or on dining menus.

    Live Captions Arrive on Apple Watch

    For users who are deaf or hard of hearing, Live Listen controls come to Apple Watch with a new set of features, including real-time Live Captions. Live Listen turns iPhone into a remote microphone to stream content directly to AirPods, Made for iPhone hearing aids, or Beats headphones. When a session is active on iPhone, users can view Live Captions of what their iPhone hears on a paired Apple Watch while listening along to the audio. Apple Watch serves as a remote control to start or stop Live Listen sessions, or jump back in a session to capture something that may have been missed. With Apple Watch, Live Listen sessions can be controlled from across the room, so there’s no need to get up in the middle of a meeting or during class. Live Listen can be used along with hearing health features available on AirPods Pro 2, including the first-of-its-kind clinical-grade Hearing Aid feature.

    An Enhanced View with Apple Vision Pro

    For users who are blind or have low vision, visionOS will expand vision accessibility features using the advanced camera system on Apple Vision Pro. With powerful updates to Zoom, users can magnify everything in view — including their surroundings — using the main camera. For VoiceOver users, Live Recognition in visionOS uses on-device machine learning to describe surroundings, find objects, read documents, and more.1 For accessibility developers, a new API will enable approved apps to access the main camera to provide live, person-to-person assistance for visual interpretation in apps like Be My Eyes, giving users more ways to understand their surroundings hands-free.

    Additional Updates

    • Background Sounds becomes easier to personalize with new EQ settings, the option to stop automatically after a period of time, and new actions for automations in Shortcuts. Background Sounds can help minimize distractions to increase a sense of focus and relaxation, which some users find can help with symptoms of tinnitus.
    • For users at risk of losing their ability to speak, Personal Voice becomes faster, easier, and more powerful than ever, leveraging advances in on-device machine learning and artificial intelligence to create a smoother, more natural-sounding voice in less than a minute, using only 10 recorded phrases. Personal Voice will also add support for Spanish (Mexico).2
    • Vehicle Motion Cues, which can help reduce motion sickness when riding in a moving vehicle, comes to Mac, along with new ways to customize the animated onscreen dots on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
    • Eye Tracking users on iPhone and iPad will now have the option to use a switch or dwell to make selections. Keyboard typing when using Eye Tracking or Switch Control is now easier on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro with improvements including a new keyboard dwell timer, reduced steps when typing with switches, and enabling QuickPath for iPhone and Vision Pro.
    • With Head Tracking, users will be able to more easily control iPhone and iPad with head movements, similar to Eye Tracking.
    • For users with severe mobility disabilities, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS will add a new protocol to support Switch Control for Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs), an emerging technology that allows users to control their device without physical movement.
    • Assistive Access adds a new custom Apple TV app with a simplified media player. Developers will also get support in creating tailored experiences for users with intellectual and developmental disabilities using the Assistive Access API.
    • Music Haptics on iPhone becomes more customizable with the option to experience haptics for a whole song or for vocals only, as well as the option to adjust the overall intensity of taps, textures, and vibrations.
    • Sound Recognition adds Name Recognition, a new way for users who are deaf or hard of hearing to know when their name is being called.
    • Voice Control introduces a new programming mode in Xcode for software developers with limited mobility. Voice Control also adds vocabulary syncing across devices, and will expand language support to include Korean, Arabic (Saudi Arabia), Turkish, Italian, Spanish (Latin America), Mandarin Chinese (Taiwan), English (Singapore), and Russian.
    • Live Captions adds support to include English (India, Australia, UK, Singapore), Mandarin Chinese (Mainland China), Cantonese (Mainland China, Hong Kong), Spanish (Latin America, Spain), French (France, Canada), Japanese, German (Germany), and Korean.
    • Updates to CarPlay include support for Large Text. With updates to Sound Recognition in CarPlay, drivers or passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing can now be notified of the sound of a crying baby, in addition to sounds outside the car such as horns and sirens.
    • Share Accessibility Settings is a new way for users to quickly and temporarily share their accessibility settings with another iPhone or iPad. This is great for borrowing a friend’s device or using a public kiosk in a setting like a cafe.

    Celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day with Apple

    Apple Retail is introducing dedicated tables spotlighting accessibility features on a variety of devices in select store locations throughout the month of May. Additionally, Apple offers accessibility sessions year-round through Today at Apple for deeper learning, tips, and feature customization. Sessions can be scheduled at all Apple Store locations worldwide through Group Booking or by visiting a nearby store.

    Apple Music shares the story of artist Kiddo K and the power of music haptics for users who are deaf or hard of hearing, unveils updates to its Haptics playlists, and launches a brand-new playlist featuring ASL interpretations of music videos alongside Saylists playlists.

    Apple Fitness+ welcomes Chelsie Hill as a guest in a Dance workout with Fitness+ trainer Ben Allen. Hill is a professional dancer and founder of Rolettes, an L.A.-based wheelchair dance team that advocates for disability representation and women’s empowerment. The workout is available now in the Fitness+ app.

    Apple TV+ shares a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the new Apple Original film Deaf President Now!, which premieres on Apple TV+ on May 16. The documentary tells the story of the greatest civil rights movement most people have never heard about, which unfolded across eight tumultuous days in 1988. At the world’s only Deaf university, four students must find a way to lead an angry mob — and change the course of history.

    Apple Books, Apple Podcasts, Apple TV, and Apple News will spotlight stories of people with disabilities and those who are working to make the world more accessible for everyone.

    The App Store is sharing a collection of apps and games designed to be accessible to everyone, in addition to featuring the story of Klemens Strasser, a developer guided by a philosophy of making accessible apps and games like The Art of Fauna.

    The Shortcuts app adds Hold That Thought, a shortcut that prompts users to capture and recall information in a note so interruptions don’t derail their flow. The Accessibility Assistant shortcut has been added to Shortcuts on Apple Vision Pro to help recommend accessibility features based on user preferences.

    New videos on the Apple Support accessibility playlist include features like Eye Tracking, Vocal Shortcuts, and Vehicle Motion Cues, as well as a library of videos to help everyone personalize their iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro to work best for them.

    About Apple Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.

    1. Live Recognition should not be relied on in high-risk or emergency situations, in circumstances where the user may be harmed or injured, or for navigation.
    2. Personal Voice can only be used to create a voice that sounds like the user on device, using their own voice, and for their own personal, noncommercial use.

    Press Contacts

    Will Butler

    Apple

    willbutler@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pension schemes back British growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Pension schemes back British growth

    Mansion House Accord unlocks up to £50 billion investment for the economy, with first commitments to invest in the UK.

    • More ambitious targets than 2023 Mansion House Compact will unlock investment into UK businesses and major infrastructure projects, including clean energy developments. 

    • Comes ahead of Pensions Investment Review final report, which will create megafunds to drive more investment, boost pension pots and grow the economy through the Plan for Change.

    Up to £50 billion of investment for UK businesses and major infrastructure projects is set to be unlocked through a new agreement with Britain’s biggest pension funds, as the Government goes further and faster to drive growth through the Plan for Change.

    Seventeen workplace pension providers managing around 90 percent of active savers’ defined contribution pensions will sign the Mansion House Accord at a roundtable with the Chancellor and Minister for Pensions in the City of London today (Tuesday 13 May). 

    Signatories to the Accord will pledge to invest 10 percent of their workplace portfolios in assets that boost the economy such as infrastructure, property and private equity by 2030. At least 5 percent of these portfolios will be ringfenced for the UK, expected to release £25 billion directly into the UK economy by 2030.  

    This investment could support clean energy developments across the country, delivering greater energy security and helping to lower household bills, as well as delivering growth finance to Britain’s world-leading science and technology businesses – creating jobs, boosting businesses and putting more money into people’s pockets.

    Pension savers will also benefit from the commitment to invest in private markets. Comparable Australian schemes invest significantly more in private markets and domestic companies than UK schemes, and research suggests greater investment in private markets can deliver security through diversified asset holdings and potentially drive higher returns. 

    The pledge follows hot on the heels of securing trade agreements with India and the US, which will add billions of pounds to the UK economy and protect thousands of steel and car manufacturing jobs, as well as a fourth interest rate cut since last Summer. This demonstrates the UK’s strength in navigating a changing world, going further and faster through our Plan for Change to drive growth and put more money into people’s pockets.

    Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said:

    Through our Plan for Change, we are choosing to back British businesses and British workers. I welcome this bold step by some of our biggest pension funds, which will unlock billions for major infrastructure, clean energy, and exciting startups — delivering growth, boosting pension pots, and giving working people greater security in retirement.

    Torsten Bell, Minister for Pensions, said:

    Pensions matter hugely, they underpin not just the retirements we all look forward to, but the investment our future prosperity depends on. I hugely welcome the pensions industry decision to invest in more productive assets, from growing companies to infrastructure. This supports better outcomes for savers and faster growth for Britain.

    Today’s announcement is more ambitious than the 2023 Mansion House Compact, where eleven funds committed to the aim of investing 5 percent of their workplace defined contribution default funds – the off-the-shelf funds providers offer to the vast majority of savers – in unlisted companies by 2030. The new commitment involves the vast majority of the industry and brings more assets into scope, doubles the target from 5 percent to 10 percent, and includes a specific commitment to investing 5 percent in the UK. 

    Progress against the commitment will be monitored and the initiative will be reinforced by measures to be announced in the upcoming final report of the Pensions Investment Review. The final report will tackle fragmentation in the UK pension system, creating pension megafunds that take advantage of scale and consolidation like Australian and Canadian funds do, to invest in productive assets like private markets and big infrastructure projects.  

    Some pension funds have already indicated privately that they will go beyond the targets agreed through the Mansion House Accord, which could lead to even more direct investment in the UK economy – and is particularly welcomed by the government. 

    Today’s commitment comes alongside progress in the government’s efforts to help pension savers benefit from the opportunities of investing in UK growth. The British Business Bank has now received regulatory approval from the Financial Conduct Authority to deliver the British Growth Partnership – which will provide UK pension funds and other institutional investors with access to the Bank’s extensive pipeline of UK venture capital opportunities. 

    The government will continue working with the industry to make sure pension schemes deliver the best possible value for savers — while driving the investment needed to deliver growth and put more money into people’s pockets.

    Yvonne Braun, Director of Policy, Long-Term Savings, Health and Protection at the ABI, said:

    As major investors, the pensions industry already plays a vital role in driving growth in the UK and globally. The Accord formalises the industry’s ambition to invest more in private markets to diversify investments, support innovation and infrastructure, and ensure prosperity.  Investments under the Accord will always be made in savers’ best interests. It is now critical that Government supports the industry’s ambition, by facilitating a pipeline of suitable investment opportunities, tackling barriers to investments, and delivering wider pension reforms effectively.

    Alastair King, Lord Mayor of London, said:

    The Mansion House Accord builds on the strong foundations of the Compact and signals a step change in ambition: more signatories, deeper allocations to private markets, and a clearer commitment to backing UK assets. That includes a renewed focus on revitalising the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange as well as the Aquis Exchange, which play a critical role in supporting high-growth companies that drive innovation, jobs and productivity. If we want those firms to scale in the UK, we must ensure they have the capital to do so. This is not just about better pension outcomes, it is about building a more dynamic, competitive investment ecosystem. Delivering long-term, sustainable growth is crucial and the City of London Corporation is delighted to have partnered with industry and Government to bring this ambition to life.

    Zoe Alexander, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the PLSA, said:

    UK pension schemes already invest billions in UK growth assets. This accord demonstrates the collective ambition of the DC sector to do even more, as well as its confidence that the UK will provide the right opportunities to invest, consistent with schemes’ fiduciary duty to members. The Government, in its turn, has committed to take action to ensure there is a strong pipeline of investable assets for pension schemes. With everyone playing their part, there is great potential to boost returns for savers while providing vital funding to productive growth areas.

    More information

    • This is a voluntary expression of intent by seventeen signatories. The Mansion House Accord has been jointly led by the ABI, City of London Corporation and the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association. 

    • Signatories to the new commitment include: Aegon, Aon, Aviva, Legal & General, LifeSight, M&G, Mercer, Natwest Cushon, Nest, NOW: Pensions, Phoenix Group, Royal London, Smart Pension, the People’s Pension, SEI, TPT Retirement Solutions and the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS). 

    • The signatories to the Accord have stated that £252 billion of assets are subject to the pledge. Based on historical growth rates (which have been halved to reflect a maturing market (17% per annum)) and reflecting further consolidation in the pensions market, this could rise to around £740 billion by 2030.  

    • The £50 billion and £25 billion cash estimates for investment unlocked are indicative and assume current private market investment levels are at 3.5%, of which 40% is UK-based. These are increased to 10% and 50% respectively by 2030 in line with the Accord.   

    • Some providers have indicated they may exceed the private markets investment targets in the Accord, which could lead to additional investment.  

    • Investments will support UK growth sectors, including clean energy infrastructure and innovative small businesses. 

    • Government Actuary Department Analysis from 2024 found that a portfolio with greater exposure to private markets – including infrastructure and private equity – delivered stronger returns than a baseline portfolio comprised largely of overseas equities.   

    • The Pensions Investment Review interim report was published at Mansion House 2024, with the final report due Spring 2025. 
    • Pictures will be published on HMT’s Flickr following the signing event.

    Stakeholder commentary:

    Andy Briggs, Phoenix Group CEO, said:

    This Mansion House Accord will unlock investment in UK private markets while helping deliver better long-term returns and retirements for millions of pension savers. The new commitments have the potential to strengthen the economy by fuelling the growth of British businesses and boosting investment in critical infrastructure.  

    Phoenix Group has already taken a lead by launching Future Growth Capital — the first private market investment manager formed to deliver the commitments made in the initial Mansion House Compact — committing £2.5bn over three years to the UK’s most exciting, innovative and fastest growing companies. The Accord is the natural next step, and we’re proud to play our part in delivering better outcomes for our customers and for the wider society.

    Patrick Heath-Lay, Chief Executive Officer of People’s Partnership, provider of People’s Pension, said:

    People’s Pension has a vital role to play in the exciting, shared vision for the future of the pensions’ industry, which will see bigger, stronger, value-driven schemes that will deliver better value to their members. By signing this Accord, we are reaffirming how seriously we take our commitment to delivering better outcomes, as well as helping to drive UK economic growth.

    David Lane, Chief Executive of TPT Retirement Solutions, said:

    By reaching an agreement with pension providers to invest in UK productive finance in a mutually beneficial way, the Government can achieve its objective and support better outcomes for scheme members. Many pension schemes already invest in productive finance, and most are open to investing more in the UK. Investment in assets such as infrastructure, transportation, housing, venture capital and private markets can play an important role in improving risk-adjusted returns for members while also contributing to economic growth. 

    Meeting the Government’s objectives while also maintaining fiduciary duty and ensuring strong returns for members are not mutually exclusive ambitions. However, hurdles remain around value for money considerations and the availability of suitable investment opportunities. These should be a focus for Government policy to spur more investment. The most pressing issue to deal with is that provider pricing practices leave very little room in the annual management charge for investment fees. There needs to be a shift to a value for money approach that considers the returns from an investment and not just its fees.

    Jelena Croad, Head of LifeSight GB, said:

    Signing up to the Mansion House Accord is a significant step for LifeSight. We believe that private market investments can increase overall returns as part of a diversified portfolio and have already begun investing in this way.  

    Our ability to invest in private markets, without increasing existing fee agreements, showcases our dedication to providing the best possible outcomes for our members. We are excited to be part of this initiative and look forward to contributing to the growth of the economy in which our members live.  

    We are pleased that the government acknowledges the need to increase the pipeline for UK private market investment opportunities. This recognition aligns with our mission to support the growth of innovative firms and sustainable infrastructure within the UK, ultimately enhancing the retirement incomes of millions of UK pension savers.  

    For LifeSight members, these investments are being made as part of our main default funds, ensuring that our members benefit from high-quality investment opportunities.

    Steve Charlton, a member of SPP’s DC Committee and DC Managing Director at SEI, said:

    Due to ongoing collaboration and open dialogue between the industry and the UK government, we have become comfortable with the proposed changes to the Mansion House reforms. This accord demonstrates our collective ambition to have a consolidated workplace pension environment that provides flexibility and choice for pension funds to invest where they see opportunity, whilst balancing their responsibility to members. 

    We welcome the government’s commitment to ensure a good flow of investable opportunities for pension schemes. This mitigates our previous concerns about the risks of high-priced, poor-quality investments in an environment where the originally proposed investable opportunities are scarce. It enables everyone to play their part in helping to deliver better member outcomes and drive economic growth.

    Lorna Blyth, Managing Director – Investment Proposition at Aegon UK, said: 

    Aegon UK is proud to be a signatory of the Mansion House Accord, which aligns with our aim to deliver better long-term outcomes for our pension scheme members. 

    We are committed to ensuring our customers can access and share in the potential growth and success of new, innovative companies as part of diversified portfolios. Leveraging our partnership with the British Business Bank, along with our scale and expertise, we are dedicated to developing investment solutions that improve the retirement outcomes of the millions of members of the defined contribution pension schemes we support. We’ve made significant progress in becoming a DC provider fit for the future – but our journey doesn’t end here. 

    The Accord is a key element of the Government’s growth agenda, alongside other initiatives likely to transform the UK’s DC pensions market. It comes as the conclusions of the Pensions Investment Review are expected imminently and further fundamental changes are expected in the Pension Schemes Bill later this spring. This makes it essential that the Government adopts a pragmatic approach to implementation. Realistic timeframes and a steady supply of high-quality UK investment opportunities across all private asset classes are crucial for ensuring success. This includes collaborating with more organisations such as the British Business Bank to provide access to diverse types of private assets – from private equity to infrastructure, which are all vital for optimising member benefits and developing investment portfolios designed for long term growth.

    Amanda Blanc DBE, Aviva Group Chief Executive Officer, said:

    This is a major opportunity for the pension and investment industry to support UK growth while delivering improved outcomes for pension savers. As a significant investor in private markets, Aviva has recently launched a number of funds to give over four million workplace pension customers even greater opportunity to invest in UK assets, including innovative, early-stage businesses, and we want to do much more.

    Jo Sharples,  CIO, DC Solutions at Aon, said:

    We believe that investing in private assets will benefit pension scheme members by delivering better expected returns over the long-term, ultimately resulting in higher retirement outcomes. The new Mansion House Accord is a great step forward in achieving this and is a fantastic example of how the UK pensions industry can work together to break down barriers to enable greater investment in private assets.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Chan Kwok-ki meets Hunan Governor

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Acting Chief Executive Chan Kwok-ki met Hunan Governor Mao Weiming today to exchange views on deepening Hong Kong’s co-operation with the province.

    Acting Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Clement Woo and Acting Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Bernard Chan also attended the meeting.

    Mr Chan welcomed Mr Mao and his delegation to Hong Kong to organise an exchange conference promoting economic and trade co-operation between Hunan and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

    Hong Kong and Hunan have been maintaining close economic and trade relations, and Hong Kong has been a significant source of external investment and an important trading partner for Hunan, Mr Chan noted.

    The Acting Chief Executive also pointed out that under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong has the distinctive advantages of enjoying the motherland’s strong support and being closely connected to the world. Hong Kong will fully leverage its strengths as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” to assist Hunan in expanding into international markets.

    He believes that the two places can complement each other’s strengths and achieve mutual success through collaboration.

    Mr Chan highlighted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is determined to develop the low-altitude economy and has set up a working group to formulate the development strategy.

    Noting that Hunan is the first province in the country to pilot the opening of an entire low-altitude area, and possesses policy and industrial strengths, he said the two places can strengthen exchanges and co-operation in the field of low-altitude economy.

    The Acting Chief Executive also mentioned that after the commissioning of Express Rail Link service between Hong Kong and Changsha, the shortest travelling time between the two places was reduced to within three hours. With profound historical and cultural value, Hunan Province has become a popular travel destination for Hong Kong citizens.

    He hoped citizens of Hunan would visit Hong Kong more often to experience its charm as an events capital, further promoting cultural exchanges between the two places.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Auto and Property Insurance Shopping in First Quarter 2025 Elevated Compared to One Year Ago

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Auto insurance shopping in Q1 2025 increased 10% compared to the same period in 2024. Home insurance shopping was up 5% year over year, according to TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) research.

    While the trend of elevated shopping levels has been consistent for some time, a key difference emerged over the last quarter for auto insurance. Higher-risk consumers are once again the most active shoppers for the first time since Q4 2021. Insurers may have returned to traditional practices of focusing rate increases on higher risk segments, rather than across the board.

    As a result, higher-risk customers are still shopping for lower rates, while mid- and low-risk customers may have seen their rates stabilize. These findings and more are included in TransUnion’s latest quarterly Insurance Personal Lines Trends and Perspectives Report.

    “As rates have settled for the majority of auto insurance customers, we are experiencing a return to historical insurance shopping patterns, which correlate price sensitivity closely to relative insurance risk,” said Patrick Foy, senior director of strategic planning for TransUnion’s Insurance business. “However, uncertainty in the cost and availability of parts for vehicle and home repairs, could eventually lead to a return of broad-based price increases, and weather-related catastrophes—while still unpredictable—have also become a far more common and costly phenomenon.”

    The report notes that natural disasters have increased substantially, with 27 observed $1 billion dollar-plus disasters in 2024. This is more than double the 2010-2019 average of 13 disasters per year. The overall 2024 total cost was around $183 billion—also more than double the average annual cost in the 2010s.1 

    Generational shifts in homeownership
    The home insurance landscape is facing other changes as well. In 2009 more than half of Gen X consumers owned homes. However, in 2024, only 41% of Millennials at a similar age were homeowners. This is primarily due to the increasing size and cost of housing inventories that led to delays in homeownership or have priced many young adults out of the housing market entirely.

    As a result, there is a shift in home composition, with two- and even three-generation households becoming more common. Only 38% of credit-active occupants were living alone as of 2024, compared to 45% in 2009. Consumers seem to expect this trend to continue. According to a recent TransUnion consumer survey,18% of Gen X, 26% of Millennials and 35% of Gen Z plan to provide financial support to parents and grandparents in the next five years.2

    “As consumers are readjusting their lifestyles in the face of new economic realities, insurers must also become flexible with their policy offerings,” said Foy. “Multi-generational households represent a different risk profile as well as a different audience segment for their marketing.”

    By acknowledging this emerging trend in household composition, insurers can design products that more effectively price the inherent risks. They can also design advertising campaigns that better reach and resonate with their desired customers.

    Insurers can achieve more effective marketing with TransUnion’s TruAudience® suite of marketing solutions that help with identity resolution, audience building and measurement.

    Read the latest Insurance Personal Lines Trends and Perspectives Report.

    1. Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters | Time Series | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)
    2. 2025 TransUnion Insurance Summit Consumer Survey

    About TransUnion’s Insurance Personal Lines Trends and Perspectives Report
    This quarterly publication examines trends in the personal lines insurance industry, including shopping, migration, violation, credit-based insurance stability and more. The Trends and Perspectives Report research is based almost entirely on TransUnion’s extensive internal data and analyses. It includes information on insurance shopping transactions from October 2023 to March 2025. However, the report excludes shopping data from insurance customers in California, Hawaii (auto), Massachusetts (auto), and Maryland (property), where credit-based insurance scoring information is not used for insurance rating or underwriting.

    About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU)
    TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries. We make trust possible by ensuring each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this with a Tru™ picture of each person: an actionable view of consumers, stewarded with care. Through our acquisitions and technology investments we have developed innovative solutions that extend beyond our strong foundation in core credit into areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world. http://www.transunion.com/business

     

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