Category: Commerce

MIL-OSI Video: WEO Chapter 2: The Rise of the Silver Economy: Global Implications of Population Aging

Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)

On Wednesday, April 16 at 6:00 a.m. ET, we will release new research on global demographic shifts, highlighting the rapid population aging worldwide, the rise of the ‘silver economy,’ and the impact on economic growth.

Join Bertrand Gruss, Deputy Division Chief in the IMF’s Research Department, Andrew J. Scott, Professor of Economics at the London Business School and Michelle Fleury, Correspondent at BBC News, for a discussion on key findings and policy implications.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=musZoIF-1Uc

MIL OSI Video –

April 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why weakening U.S. bank regulators could repeat the mistakes of the 2008 financial crisis

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By William D. O’Connell, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Center for Political Economy, Columbia University

As United States President Donald Trump’s tariff announcements wreak havoc on stock markets, concerns are mounting over the possibility of a global financial crisis.

These concerns have intensified amid reports that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Tesla founder Elon Musk, has set its sights on the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) — the U.S. agency responsible for protecting deposits and administering bank insolvencies.

The targeting of the FDIC appears to mark an escalation in the Trump administration’s efforts to rein in regulatory agencies. In February, an executive order issued issued by Trump expanded his control over independent regulators, including the FDIC.

What sets the FDIC apart from other agencies targeted by DOGE is that it’s not under direct executive authority and it isn’t funded by the U.S. government. Instead, the FDIC is funded through levies on the banks it monitors — a structure designed to insulate it from political pressure.

An escalating campaign over regulation

In February, the FDIC cut 1,000 new and temporary staff as part of DOGE’s broader cuts to the federal bureaucracy. According to a regulatory official, DOGE has reportedly been reviewing the agency’s contracts and staffing.

In December, Trump administration officials reportedly floated abolishing the FDIC with prospective nominees for various bank regulatory appointments.

More recently, in February, DOGE and U.S. administration officials attempted to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a separate regulator that was established after the 2008 financial crisis. A judge moved to block this process in late March after finding the administration had acted “completely in violation of law.”

There are also reports suggesting the FDIC’s regulatory and intervention functions could be transferred to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). Unlike the FDIC, the OCC is under the authority of the Treasury Department, therefore lacking the same degree of operational independence. This risks further politicizing decisions on bank regulation or intervention.

Any of these reforms would be a disaster for the stability of the global financial system.

What the FDIC does and why it matters

Deposit insurers like the FDIC cover losses for deposits in the event of a bank failure. In theory, this coverage is capped at $250,000 in the U.S. and $100,000 in Canada. In practice, as the failure of Silicon Valley Bank in 2023 made clear, there is no upper limit to this insurance.

This insurance serves two main purposes. First, it protects everyday people and small businesses from risks taken by their banks. Two, it prevents panic, as it means depositors have no reason to rush to withdraw their money before a bank collapses.

The FDIC and its Canadian equivalent, the Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation, have the authority to intervene when banks fail, ensuring they are wound down in an orderly fashion without a bailout or broader economic disruption.

During the 2008 financial crisis, few mechanisms other than taxpayer-funded bailouts existed to rescue the financial system. Post-crisis reforms, like the Dodd–Frank Act, granted the FDIC more power help address systemically important bank failures with a broader set of tools. Many of these reforms were negotiated at the international level.

Project 2025, a Heritage Foundation plan that has supported many of DOGE’s interventions, has called to repeal these reforms. Dismantling or undermining the FDIC would strip the U.S. of one of its most effective ways to respond to a financial crisis.

The FDIC also plays a role in monitoring large banks, alongside the Federal Reserve and the OCC. At the international level, the FDIC works with foreign regulators to plan for the possibility of a crisis, and to implement solutions if one occurs.

Global financial system at risk

In 2023, the FDIC failed to prevent the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank largely due to two key reasons: deregulation enacted during the first Trump administration and staffing shortages that existed even before the February cuts.

However, once the FDIC did intervene, it was able to contain the crisis and prevent wider fallout. Weakening the FDIC, as has occurred with other U.S. federal agencies, would greatly reduce its ability to perform this function in the future. Fewer regulators means less oversight and more risk-taking behaviour by financial institutions.

Read more:
What Canada can learn from the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank

Limiting the FDIC’s capacity to intervene would effectively return the U.S. to a pre-2008 world in which large banks operated with the expectation of public bailouts. This is a hazard made more dangerous by the fact that many of those banks are much larger and more interconnected than they were back then.

Foreign regulators also rely heavily on the FDIC for information on the health of U.S. banks and U.S.-based subsidiaries of foreign banks. This co-operation was crucial to ensuring a smooth resolution when global bank Credit Suisse failed in 2023. Without a reliable, independent FDIC, these relationships may fall apart, leaving the world with few options to avoid another financial meltdown.

Global financial stability depends, in large part, on U.S. leadership. But recent developments indicate the current administration no longer believes this responsibility is in its best interests. If this view extends to the FDIC’s role in regulating and resolving too-big-to-fail banks, the world faces risks far greater than just volatility in the stock market.

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

– ref. Why weakening U.S. bank regulators could repeat the mistakes of the 2008 financial crisis – https://theconversation.com/why-weakening-u-s-bank-regulators-could-repeat-the-mistakes-of-the-2008-financial-crisis-254365

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Latta Votes to Support Budget Reconciliation, Enact Trump’s Agenda

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

On April 10, 2025, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) voted to continue the process of budget reconciliation to provide tax cuts to families and businesses, address the national debt, and secure the border, and safeguard our nation. Congressman Latta released the following statement:

“I’m pleased to have joined my colleagues in voting to move forward with budget reconciliation. Now that the budget resolution has been adopted, committees can work to prepare their respective parts of the reconciliation bill. It is important to note that the budget framework does not, will not, and cannot include any cuts to Social Security or Medicare. The House budget resolution instructs the Committee on Energy and Commerce, of which I am a member to save $880 billion across its vast jurisdiction, which includes energy, environment, telecommunications, and health care.

“In our Communications and Technology Subcommittee, I believe we will be able to raise a significant amount of money through our spectrum auctions. We have not held any in two years. We will also focus on routing out waste, fraud, and abuse that is in our jurisdiction. Further, we will look at rolling back pandemic rules that permitted persons ineligible for Medicaid to stay on the rolls and removing illegal immigrants from receiving benefits. We also want individuals to rejoin the workforce and relish in the dignity of work. I look forward to working with my colleagues and President Trump to use American taxpayer dollars effectively while making life easier, safer, and more affordable in Ohio and across the nation. The American people are counting on us, and we will deliver the results.”

NOTE: Reconciliation allows for expedited consideration of certain tax, spending, and debt limit legislation—nowhere in the resolution does it mention cuts to Social Security or Medicare, meaning such claims are misleading and misrepresent the actual intent of the process. In fact, according to the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, under the Byrd Rule, social security cannot be changed through reconciliation.

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MIL OSI USA News –

April 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: On World Quantum Day, Colorado Announces Nation-Leading Steps to Elevate K–12 Quantum Learning

Source: US State of Colorado

The Polis Administration is charting a path forward to prepare students for great careers in the state’s rapidly growing quantum technology economy

DENVER – Today, on World Quantum Day, the Polis Administration and Elevate Quantum announced the Blueprint for Advancing K–12 Quantum Information Technology, which puts forth a bold vision to prepare Colorado students for the technology careers of the future. The Blueprint outlines clear steps for lawmakers, educators, and district leaders to expand access to quantum education and provides a phased strategy to bring Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST) concepts into classrooms, support educators, and engage students across Colorado.

“Colorado is leading the way as the epicenter of quantum technology. As our state’s quantum economy continues to grow, we’re making sure educators and school leaders have the necessary tools to bring these concepts into the classroom so that every Colorado student can get the skills to thrive in the industries of tomorrow,” said Governor Polis.

A new webpage from the Colorado Department of Education offers ready-to-use quantum K–12 lesson plans and activities designed to spark curiosity, build skills, and connect classroom learning to real-world careers. This will serve as a centralized hub where educators, students, and district leaders can explore curated quantum activities, classroom resources, professional development opportunities, and guidance on how to bring quantum into STEM instruction.

“Colorado continues to be at the forefront of preparing students not just for today’s opportunities, but for the careers of tomorrow. This blueprint reflects our commitment to ensuring every student can explore, engage, and thrive in the evolving quantum economy,” said Commissioner of Education Susana Córdova.

In 2023, following a competitive national process, Colorado earned federal recognition as a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub by the U.S. Department of Commerce for the state’s leadership in quantum science. Today, about 3,000 Colorado workers are employed in the quantum workforce and support more than 30 quantum technology companies. The QIST industry is expected to grow 18% annually, offering high-paying jobs across quantum computing, networking, sensing, and applications.

“With the incredible ways the quantum industry is impacting Colorado’s economy, it’s critical for us to build the quantum talent pipeline now. By focusing on Colorado’s youth via this blueprint and our teacher externship program targeting the industry, more Colorado students will be exposed and energized about lucrative careers in quantum ultimately growing the homegrown talent pipeline for one of the state’s fastest growing industries,” said Joe Barela, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.

“Colorado leads the world in quantum research, quantum companies and quantum jobs, and we are committed to ensuring that Coloradans can develop the skills to be part of and contribute to this growing field. Introducing students of all ages to the exciting potential of quantum will help continue our leadership for the years and decades to come,” said Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.

“To continue to lead in quantum, we need to expose students earlier to the concepts and competencies of quantum information science and technology (QIST). This blueprint does that and ensures that all Colorado students are familiar with QIST and its significance in the broader economy. Our community colleges and four-year universities stand ready to educate and train students—whether they’re working toward an industry certificate or a Ph.D.— and our new quantum incubator, which launched in January, is another way the state is bringing quantum physics out of the lab and into the real world,” said Dr. Angie Paccione, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education.

“Colorado’s community colleges are proud to help lead the development of a quantum-ready workforce by building clear, direct pathways from K–12 into high-demand college programs. As a partner of Elevate Quantum—with Front Range Community College serving on its board—we’re not only preparing the next generation of technicians and innovators but also working to ensure students across the state are aware of and ready for these opportunities well before they reach college. The K–12 Quantum Blueprint is a critical step toward creating a seamless learning pipeline—from early exposure to robust career and technical education programs—that leads directly into college and career opportunities in this fast-growing field,” said Chancellor Joe Garcia of the Colorado Community College System.

“Core to Elevate Quantum’s mission to accelerate the commercialization of quantum technologies, is ensuring that we have the trained and credentialed workforce necessary to fill the new jobs that will be needed to make this mission a reality. Having a strong blueprint for K-12 quantum education will be an important catalyst for building accessible pathways into quantum careers, inspiring the next generation of innovators, and ensuring Colorado remains a national leader in the quantum economy,” said Jessi Olsen, Chief Financial and Operations Officer of Elevate Quantum.

To help meet the growing demand for quantum talent in the state and to ensure Colorado continues to lead in the quantum economy, the Polis Administration has invested $75 million in state dollars for statewide quantum workforce and infrastructure development, as well as $40 million in federal funding through the Elevate Quantum tech hub.

“Colorado’s economic future depends on our ability to nurture homegrown talent in cutting-edge fields. St. Vrain Valley Schools’ partnership with Elevate Quantum is creating an educational ecosystem where students develop quantum literacy from an early age, establishing our state as the premier destination for quantum industry growth,” said Don Haddad, Superintendent of St. Vrain Valley Schools.

“Quantum awareness isn’t a specialized skill for a select few but a fundamental literacy that will enhance opportunities for students across all postsecondary pathways. We’re cultivating both the knowledge and enthusiasm needed for students to recognize how quantum innovations will empower their future, whether they become electricians, nurses, entrepreneurs, welders, engineers, HVAC technicians, or educators,” said Joe McBreen, Assistant Superintendent of Innovation of St. Vrain Valley Schools.

Today’s announcement is part of the Polis Administration’s broader work to bridge the gap between education and workforce, ensuring all Coloradans can access the opportunities of the quantum future. To explore the Blueprint and classroom resources, visit cde.state.co.us/quantum.

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MIL OSI USA News –

April 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jimmy Gomez and 200+ House Democrats in File Amicus Brief Against Trump’s Unconstitutional Attack on Birthright Citizenship

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) and more than 200 House Democrats filed an amicus brief opposing Donald Trump’s unconstitutional executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship. The brief — filed in State of Washington, et al. v. Trump, et al. — defends the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of citizenship for anyone born on U.S. soil.

“Ending birthright citizenship is unconstitutional and goes against what America stands for,” said Rep. Gomez. “I joined this amicus brief to stand up for the rule of law and defend the 14th Amendment. If you’re born in the U.S., you’re a citizen—period. Trump’s executive order is a blatant attempt to rewrite the Constitution, and the Court must reject it.”

The filing was led by Litigation Task Force Co-Chairs Assistant Leader Joe Neguse and Ranking Member Jamie Raskin, along with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other key committee leaders. Leaders of the Congressional Tri-Caucus — Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette Clarke, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Adriano Espaillat, and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Grace Meng — as well as Congressional Jewish Caucus Co-Chairs Jerry Nadler and Brad Schneider, also played a central role.

The full amicus brief is available HERE.

House Democrats add this to the growing list of court cases filed against the Trump Administration in which they have become involved, including successfully urging a federal judge to block efforts to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

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MIL OSI USA News –

April 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Oregon Delegation Condemns Trump Administration’s Decision to Eliminate Key Manufacturing Program

Source: US Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06)

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06) led the Oregon delegation – including U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05) – in a letter to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, condemning the Trump Administration’s decision to eliminate the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program. The MEP program is a public-private partnership that helps small- and medium-sized manufacturers grow by streamlining operations and reducing their risk.

Ten MEP centers were recently notified that the Department of Commerce will not be renewing their cooperative agreements “due to a shift in departmental priorities.” In their letter, the lawmakers note that additional centers – including the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership (OMEP) – anticipate receiving the same notice as their agreements come up for renewal.

“Oregon manufacturers contribute nearly $40 billion to our state’s economy and support over 175,000 good paying jobs. Eliminating the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program directly undermines small and medium-sized manufacturers in Oregon, and threatens our local economic stability. We urge you to reverse course and sustain this vital program,” wrote the Members.

Over the past ten years, OMEP has strengthened Oregon’s manufacturing sector and delivered $3.9 billion in direct economic impact. OMEP supports over 530 businesses in Oregon with a significant presence in all six congressional districts. In 2024 alone, OMEP leveraged $2.2 million in funding to support $165.6 million in private investment – a 75:1 return on investment for U.S. taxpayers.

The lawmakers go on to emphasize how the MEP program saved Oregon manufacturers $24 million last year, allowing them to create or retain 1,400 jobs across the state.

They continued: “President Trump has made it a priority to support domestic manufacturing, and MEP is one of our most effective and cost-efficient programs to help these companies succeed. That’s why funding for this program has consistently received bipartisan support in Congress, including from our delegation. We respectfully urge you to reconsider any plans to reduce or eliminate funding for state MEP centers, and we stand ready to work together to strengthen Oregon manufacturing.”

To read the full letter, click here.

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MIL OSI USA News –

April 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Waller, A Tale of Two Outlooks

Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

Thank you, Jack and thank you to the CFA of St. Louis for the opportunity to speak to you today. It’s a pleasure to be back home here in the city where I worked for nearly 12 years before becoming a Governor at the Federal Reserve Board.
I am here to discuss my favorite topic, which is the outlook for the U.S. economy and the implications for monetary policy.1 I speak publicly on the outlook every few weeks or so, and usually the most exciting thing to happen in between these appearances is a monthly data release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics or the Commerce Department.
This time, of course, is different. The tariff increases announced April 2 were dramatically larger than I anticipated, adding on to other tariffs announced in March, along with retaliatory actions from some countries. Combining all of these actions to date, it is clear that tariffs this large and broadly applied could significantly affect the economy and the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) pursuit of our economic objectives. Given that there is still so much uncertainty about how trade policy will play out and how businesses and households will respond, I have struggled, like many others I have talked with, to fit these varying possibilities into a single coherent view of the outlook.
It is an understatement to say that financial markets did not respond well to the April 2 tariff announcement. Then last Wednesday, a substantial proportion of the newest tariffs were suspended for 90 days pending negotiations to lower them, reportedly in exchange for lower barriers to U.S. exporters. This left in place a 10 percent tariff on all imports, the pre-existing tariffs on some products and countries, and a sharp increase in import and export tariffs on China trade. More sector-specific tariffs are promised, and much uncertainty remains about whether tariff negotiations will lead to deals or whether the April 2 tariffs will be implemented in 90 days.
Uncertainty about trade or fiscal policy decisions is precisely why you won’t hear me talking about such actions very often. It is why I avoided speaking in detail about proposed tariffs earlier this year. I do not judge such policy actions. But I must base my policy decisions on the actions taken. Tariffs are the elephant in the room, so let’s talk about them.
As I said a moment ago, I struggled after April 2 to come up with a single coherent view of how the tariff increases would affect my outlook and views on monetary policy. That difficulty did not end after the 90-day tariff suspensions announced on April 9, which, if anything, may have widened the range of possible outcomes and effects and made the timing even less certain. Friday’s exemptions for some tariffs on some electronics imports from China only complicated the picture. Considering all this uncertainty, it is impossible to forecast how the economy will evolve very far into the future. In such circumstances, I tend to think in terms of scenarios and managing the associated risks. So, for the balance of my remarks, I will try to lay out some possible tariff scenarios and how they will affect my thinking about the appropriate path for monetary policy in the coming months.
But before I get to this exercise, it is essential to understand how the economy was faring leading up to this big change in trade policy. As I will detail, in my view, the economy was on a fairly solid footing in the first quarter of 2025. While the evidence suggests real gross domestic product (GDP) growth slowed from a 2.4 percent annual pace in the fourth quarter, I believe the economy did grow modestly in the first quarter and that growth would have been stronger except for some special factors that are unlikely to continue.
A variety of “soft” data—reports from business contacts and a range of consumer and business surveys—hinted at a substantial slowdown. The “hard” data, which includes actual measurement and estimates of aggregate economic conditions, have tended to show that the economy grew modestly. While monthly readings through February show consumer spending slowed from the fourth quarter, that may have reflected unusual seasonal factors that weighed on spending in the first two months of this year, including harsh winter weather. We will get March retail sales later this week, and that should provide some helpful evidence of the pace of consumer spending. Another factor counted against measured GDP growth in the first quarter was a surge in imports, likely an anticipatory effect caused by the prospect of the new tariffs, which probably won’t continue. In the labor market, employment grew 228,000 in March, exceeding expectations, and job openings through February indicated that the labor market remained roughly in balance. In light of the continuing strength of the labor market and factors that probably temporarily lowered GDP growth, I think the U.S. economy was in good shape in the first quarter.
Inflation has had a bumpy path down toward our 2 percent goal, and progress seemed to stall last year. But after some high inflation readings in January and February, we got some encouraging news last Thursday on consumer price index (CPI) inflation. Headline CPI prices fell 0.1 percent in March, bringing the 12-month measure of CPI inflation down to 2.4 percent. A drop in energy prices—which has continued so far this month—was a big reason for the step-down. Core CPI inflation, which excludes volatile energy and food prices and is a good guide to future inflation, rose just a tenth of a percent last month, which brought the 12-month change down to 2.8 percent, its lowest 12-month reading since March 2021.
When CPI data is supplemented with the producer price data that we received last week, we estimate that the price index for personal consumption expenditures (PCE), the FOMC’s preferred inflation gauge, was roughly unchanged in March bringing the 12-month change to 2.3 percent. Core PCE prices are estimated to have risen less than 0.1 percent for the month, leaving core PCE inflation at 2.7 percent over the previous 12 months. Both measures of total and core PCE inflation were above the FOMC’s 2 percent goal.
Looking across the first-quarter data, I see the economy growing modestly with a labor market that was still solid and inflation that was still too high but was making slow progress toward our goal of 2 percent.
Let me now return to tariffs and my scenarios. To level set the discussion of tariffs, as of December 2024, the effective average trade-weighted tariff for all imports into the United States was under 3 percent. Earlier this year, targeted tariffs brought the average to 10 percent. The April 2 tariffs would have pushed that to 25 percent or more. Even with the pause on implementing those tariffs, retaining the new 10 percent tariff on most imports and a tariff on Chinese imports of well over 100 percent, estimates are that the average effective tariff today is still around 25 percent. This estimate is rough, and we have seen that policy can change quickly, but the point is that even after the 90-day pause, the current tariff rate is a sharp increase to a level that the United States has not experienced for at least a century.
The primary challenge in analyzing the economic effects of the tariff increases is the considerable uncertainty that remains about their size and permanence. So I have decided to focus on two scenarios for tariff policy when thinking about the economic response. One possibility is that they will remain very high and be long-lasting, near the current average of 25 percent or more, as part of a committed effort by the Administration to engineer a fundamental shift in the U.S. economy toward producing more goods domestically and reducing trade deficits. The second scenario is that the suspensions are the beginning of a concerted effort to negotiate reductions in foreign barriers faced by U.S. exporters that will result in the removal of most of the announced import tariffs, which would reduce the average tariff rate to around 10 percent. This latter scenario had been my base case up until March 1. While there is a range of possibilities that could combine these objectives for tariff policy, these two approaches would yield significantly different outcomes for the economy and monetary policy, so I would like to discuss them today as two separate scenarios.
In doing so, I am not here to judge the objectives for the tariff increases. I am a central banker, and, as I said earlier, that means I take fiscal and other policy decisions made by others as a given when setting monetary policy.
Before I summarize my two scenarios, let me emphasize that neither of them are forecasts and that I am employing scenarios as a way to frame my thinking about managing the risks of decision making when the outlook is as uncertain as it is. The “large tariff” scenario assumes that average tariffs around 25 percent will remain in place for some time. Let’s assume they remain at that level until at least the end of 2027, which is the horizon for economic projections made by FOMC participants. In my view, keeping the large tariffs in place this long would be necessary if the primary goal is remaking the U.S. economy, which is now mostly services, into one that produces a larger share of the goods it consumes. Such a shift, if it is possible, would be a dramatic change for the United States and would surely take longer than three years.
In the second scenario, it is assumed that the primary goal would be to use the tariffs as leverage to negotiate reductions in trade barriers faced by U.S. exporters. In this case, while I would expect that the announced minimum 10 percent tariff on all goods from all countries would remain in place, I would also expect that substantially all other tariffs would be eliminated over time. I will call this the “smaller tariff” scenario.
Let me begin with the large tariff scenario and the implications for inflation. As I have noted in past speeches, the textbook view of tariffs is that they are a one-time increase in prices and would not be expected to be a persistent source of inflationary pressure.2 While the tariffs after April 9 were very large, I still believe they would have only a temporary effect on inflation.
Private sector forecasts expect tariff increases of this magnitude to increase inflation by 1-1/2 to 2 percentage points over the next year or so, which I think is a reasonable estimate. If underlying core PCE inflation were to continue at its estimated 12-month pace of 2.7 percent in March, that would mean inflation could reach a peak close to 5 percent on an annualized basis in coming months if businesses quickly and completely passed through the cost of the tariff. Even if the tariffs were only partially passed on to consumers, inflation could move up to around 4 percent. These outcomes would obviously be a reversal of the progress we have made on bringing inflation down over the past few years.
It will be important to watch inflation expectations and make sure they remain anchored during this process. Surveys of consumers have shown big increases in inflation expectations for this year. However, I tend to discount survey-based measures of inflation and prefer those based on the spread between nominal and inflation-indexed securities, since investors have more skin in the game than survey respondents. These market-based measures have not increased significantly, which implies market participants view tariffs as a one-time change to the price level. So I don’t think expectations have become unanchored.
There are other factors that may limit the increase in inflation. I continue to believe that monetary policy is meaningfully restricting economic activity and hope that underlying inflation may moderate over the course of the year, separate from the tariff effects. Also, competitive forces, including the desire to hold on to customers, may induce businesses to pass along only a fraction of higher costs from tariffs. Finally, if the economy slows substantially, then weaker demand will put downward pressure on inflation after tariffs take effect.
In terms of output growth, with large tariff increases, I would expect the U.S. economy to slow significantly later this year and this slower pace to continue into next year. Higher prices from tariffs would reduce spending, and uncertainty about the pace of spending would deter business investment. I have heard this repeatedly from business contacts around the country—tariff uncertainty is freezing capital spending. Productivity growth, an important source of GDP increases in recent years, would slow as investment is allocated according to trade policy and not towards its most productive and profitable uses. A fall in productivity would likely lower estimates of the neutral policy rate, making the current policy rate more restrictive than it is currently. Any trade retaliation from U.S. trading partners would reduce U.S. exports, which would be a drag on growth. There is a long list of factors that can lower growth in this scenario.
Along with slower economic growth would come higher unemployment. With large tariffs remaining in place, I expect the unemployment rate, which was 4.2 percent in March, would rise by several tenths of a percentage point this year and approach 5 percent next year. Even as the economy has moderated over the past year, the unemployment rate has stayed remarkably stable and close to estimates of its long-term rate—in other words, close to the FOMC’s goal. But a verifiable fact about the unemployment rate, based on history, is that when it starts to rise, as I expect it would under this scenario, it often rises significantly.
In summary, under the large tariff scenario, economic growth is likely to slow to a crawl and significantly raise the unemployment rate. I do expect inflation to rise significantly, but if inflation expectations remain well anchored, I also expect inflation to return to a more moderate level in 2026. Inflation could rise starting in a few months and then move back down toward our target possibly as early as by the end of this year.
Yes, I am saying that I expect that elevated inflation would be temporary, and “temporary” is another word for “transitory.” Despite the fact that the last surge of inflation beginning in 2021 lasted longer than I and other policymakers initially expected, my best judgment is that higher inflation from tariffs will be temporary. If this inflation is temporary, I can look through it and determine policy based on the underlying trend. I can hear the howls already that this must be a mistake given what happened in 2021 and 2022. But just because it didn’t work out once does not mean you should never think that way again. Let me use a football analogy to characterize my thoughts. You are the Philadelphia Eagles and it is fourth down and a few inches from the goal line. You call for the Tush Push but fail to convert by running the ball. Since it didn’t work out the way you expected, does that mean that you shouldn’t call for the Tush Push the next time you face a similar situation? I don’t think so. With the history of 2021 and 2022 still in my mind, I believe my analysis of the effect of tariffs is the right call, and I am going to stick with my best judgment.
While I expect the inflationary effects of higher tariffs to be temporary, their effects on output and employment could be longer-lasting and an important factor in determining the appropriate stance of monetary policy. If the slowdown is significant and even threatens a recession, then I would expect to favor cutting the FOMC’s policy rate sooner, and to a greater extent than I had previously thought. In my February speech, I referred to this as the world of “bad news” rate cuts. With a rapidly slowing economy, even if inflation is running well above 2 percent, I expect the risk of recession would outweigh the risk of escalating inflation, especially if the effects of tariffs in raising inflation are expected to be short lived.3
Let me now turn to the second scenario, in which tariffs are lower. In this case, I would expect the 10 percent across-the-board tariff to be the baseline for the average trade weighted tariff. Under this scenario the effect on inflation would be significantly smaller than if larger tariffs remained. Here, the peak effect on inflation could be around 3 percent on an annualized basis. Since it may take some time for tariff-related price increases to work their way through production chains, the peak may be lower but still dissipate slowly. As trade negotiations proceed, I would expect that expectations of future inflation would remain anchored and short-term measures could even fall over time, helping keep overall inflation in check.
At the same time, the fact that there is still an increase in tariffs means the smaller tariff scenario would surely have a negative effect on output and employment growth, but smaller than the larger tariff scenario. The new tariffs are hitting an economy in good standing, which leaves me encouraged that households and businesses would continue to spend and hire during trade negotiations that lead to substantially reduced import tariffs and possibly remove barriers to U.S. exporters over time.
As a result of these limited effects on inflation and economic activity from steadily diminishing tariffs, I would support a limited monetary policy response. Anchored or even lower inflation expectations as the economy slows, combined with the view that smaller tariff effects are temporary, gives the FOMC room to adjust policy as progress on the underlying trend in inflation is revealed in price data. With the threat of a sharp slowdown or recession diminished, pressure to reduce rates based on falling demand would diminish also. That is, the policy response in this scenario could allow for more patience. The preemptive policy cuts we did last fall can allow us some time to wait and see if the hard data catch up to the soft data or vice versa and how much of the tariff will be passed through to the consumer. In such a scenario, the outlook for monetary policy might not look much different than it did before March 1. With a fairly small tariff effect on inflation, I would expect inflation to continue on its path down towards our 2 percent target. In this case, “good news” rate cuts are very much on the table in the latter half of this year.
Let me conclude with two essential points. The first is that the new tariff policy is one of the biggest shocks to affect the U.S. economy in many decades. The second is that the future of that policy, as well as its possible effects, is still highly uncertain. This makes the outlook also highly uncertain and demands that policymakers remain flexible in considering the wide range of outcomes. In the end, the United States is a dynamic, resilient capitalist system that responds well to shocks and always has. I suspect that will continue to be the case now.

1. The views expressed here are my own and are not necessarily those of my colleagues on the Federal Open Market Committee. Return to text
2. See Christopher J. Waller (2025), “Disinflation Progress Uneven but Still on Track Rate Cuts on Track as Well,” speech delivered at the University of New South Wales Macroeconomic Workshop, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, February 17. Return to text
3. Recent research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis shows that this action is the optimal monetary policy response in a standard macroeconomic model. See Javier Bianchi and Louphou Coulibaly “The Optimal Monetary Policy Response to Tariffs” Working Paper 810, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, March 7, 2025. Return to text

MIL OSI USA News –

April 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Leads Letter to Commerce Secretary Lutnick Calling for Imminent Reform to Biden AI Diffusion Rule

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Friday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) led a group of colleagues in sending a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick regarding the Biden administration’s AI Diffusion Rule (AIDR). The letter calls on the Trump administration to withdraw Biden’s bad rule and propose an alternative that is effective in preventing Communist China from capturing the world market in a leading technology. The letter states:
“We applaud President Trump’s commitment to ensuring American dominance in the tech sector. Today, we are in an enviable position: American companies dominate in crucial areas that will define tomorrow’s economy including semiconductor design, compute infrastructure, and artificial intelligence (AI). This leadership position has been hard fought. Maintaining and growing our tech lead requires diligently advancing an American-led, global ecosystem around the world.”
“With the compliance deadline of May 15, 2025, rapidly approaching, immediate action is necessary to prevent irreversible damage to American innovation and competitiveness,” the letter continues. “Every day this rule remains in place, American companies face mounting uncertainty, stalled investments, and the risk of losing critical global partnerships that cannot be easily regained. Therefore, we urge you to withdraw this rule and propose an alternative that is effective in preventing Communist China from capturing the world market in a leading technology without compromising American advantages.”
The letter was also signed by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Ted Budd (R-NC), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL).
Read the full letter here or below:
Dear Secretary Lutnick:
We applaud President Trump’s commitment to ensuring American dominance in the tech sector. Today, we are in an enviable position: American companies dominate in crucial areas that will define tomorrow’s economy including semiconductor design, compute infrastructure, and artificial intelligence (AI). This leadership position has been hard fought. Maintaining and growing our tech lead requires diligently advancing an American-led, global ecosystem around the world.
Concerningly, President Biden’s recently issued Artificial Intelligence Diffusion Rule
(AIDR) threatens to undermine this leadership and advancement. Among other things, the rule categorizes countries into three tiers, imposing complex restrictions on the purchase of U.S. technology. Only Tier 1 countries—limited to just 18 nations—would have access to American technology. Even these 18 would only have access if they comply with a burdensome and ever-evolving set of federal regulations. The vast majority of nations fall into Tier 2. These countries face arbitrary purchase limits and a cumbersome licensing process to acquire U.S. computing technologies. Strikingly, key allies and partners like Israel have been inexplicably excluded from the top tier and placed into Tier 2. Tier 3 countries, including Communist China, are already rightly restricted.
While the AIDR claims to provide secure ecosystems for the responsible diffusion of AI, this rushed midnight rule’s impact and overly broad scope will result in consequences that divorce it from its intent. Fundamentally, the rule places burdensome constraints on U.S. companies that would be difficult to comply with and even harder for the Federal government to enforce. Buyers, particularly in Tier 2 countries that are constrained from purchasing U.S. technology, would be incentivized to turn to Communist China’s unregulated, cheap substitutes. Additionally, technology companies in Tier 2 countries could be motivated to create their own AI technology stack that is outside our export control regime. Neither outcome furthers our nation’s long-term economic and national security goals.
With the compliance deadline of May 15, 2025, rapidly approaching, immediate action is necessary to prevent irreversible damage to American innovation and competitiveness. Every day this rule remains in place, American companies face mounting uncertainty, stalled investments, and the risk of losing critical global partnerships that cannot be easily regained. Therefore, we urge you to withdraw this rule and propose an alternative that is effective in preventing Communist China from capturing the world market in a leading technology without compromising American advantages.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Fast-Growing Snack Brand Selects Rutherford County for New Manufacturing Hub

Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: Fast-Growing Snack Brand Selects Rutherford County for New Manufacturing Hub

Fast-Growing Snack Brand Selects Rutherford County for New Manufacturing Hub
lsaito
Mon, 04/14/2025 – 11:42

Raleigh, NC

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that Wow Bao, a fast-growing Asian street food company, will create 88 jobs in Rutherford County. The company will invest $6.45 million to establish its first company-operated manufacturing facility in Forest City.

“North Carolina welcomes Wow Bao to our state where businesses find a strong infrastructure and ready workforce,” said Governor Stein. “Wow Bao’s decision to expand here strengthens our state’s vibrant food industry and brings new opportunities and jobs to Rutherford County.”

Wow Bao was founded in 2003 as a fast-casual restaurant brand and became known for its unique Asian-inspired menu, including bao (steamed buns), potstickers, and soup dumplings. Since then, the brand has grown rapidly, offering fresh, flavorful, and high-quality snacks in restaurants, airport locations, hundreds of Delivery Only kitchens and thousands of grocery stores, nationwide. The company is set to meet growing demand by opening its first company-operated manufacturing facility in Forest City, which will increase production capacity, modernize operations, and expand its reach.

“Wow Bao is thrilled to bring our operations to Forest City,” said Matt Fallon, CFO of Wow Bao. “With a world-class workforce and vibrant food and beverage industry, it became clear that Forest City and the State of North Carolina were the perfect home for this exciting phase of Wow Bao’s expansion. We are excited to begin cooking up America’s Number One Bao in Forest City and shipping it out to the rest of the country. We’re grateful for the support of Governor Stein, and our many partners throughout North Carolina, and we look forward to joining the community and catapulting this great brand forward.”

“With the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast and the fourth largest food and beverage industry in the country, North Carolina is the ideal place for companies like Wow Bao to thrive,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Our economic development teams at the state, regional, and local level will continue to provide strong support as the company expands their cutting-edge business.”

Positions at Wow Bao’s new facility will include maintenance engineers, production supervisors, sanitation associates, and other personnel. While wages vary by position, annual salaries for the new positions will average $49,648, exceeding the Rutherford County average of $46,673. These new jobs could potentially create an annual payroll impact of more than $4.3 million for the region.

A performance-based grant of $180,000 from the One North Carolina Fund awarded to Wow Bao Service, Inc. will help facilitate the company’s location to North Carolina. The OneNC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All OneNC grants require a matching grant from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

“Congratulations to Wow Bao on choosing Rutherford County for its new manufacturing facility,” said N.C. Senator Timothy D. Moffitt. “We look forward to the continued success and impact of their presence in North Carolina.”

“This expansion is a tremendous win for Forest City, bringing more jobs and strengthening our position as a leader in food production,” said N.C. Representative Jake Johnson. “I’m excited to see Wow Bao expand and thrive here.”

In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in this project include the North Carolina General Assembly, Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions, North Carolina Community College System, Isothermal Community College, Rutherford County, and the Town of Forest City.

Apr 14, 2025

MIL OSI USA News –

April 15, 2025

MIL-OSI: Coface SA: Disclosure of trading in own shares (excluding the liquidity agreement) made on April 7 to April 11, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

COFACE SA: Disclosure of trading in own shares (excluding the liquidity agreement) made on April 7 to April 11, 2025

Paris, April 14, 2025 – 17.45

Pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of 16 April 2014 on market abuse¹

The main features of the 2024-2025 Share Buyback Program have been published on the Company’s website (http://www.coface.com/Investors/Disclosure-requirements, under “Own share transactions”) and are also described in the 2024 Universal Registration Document.

Trading session of (Date)	Number of shares	Weighted average price	Gross amount	MIC Code	Purpose of buyback
07/04/2025	15,000	15.5785 €	233,677 €	XPAR	LTIP
08/04/2025	11,000	16.1885 €	178,074 €	XPAR	LTIP
09/04/2025	11,000	15.7422 €	173,164 €	XPAR	LTIP
10/04/2025	11,000	16.5766 €	182,342 €	XPAR	LTIP
11/04/2025	11,022	16.1732 €	178,261 €	XPAR	LTIP
Total 07/04/2025 – 11/04/2025	59,022	16.0198 €	945,519 €		LTIP

CONTACTS

ANALYSTS / INVESTORS
Thomas JACQUET: +33 1 49 02 12 58 – thomas.jacquet@coface.com
Rina ANDRIAMIADANTSOA: +33 1 49 02 15 85 – rina.andriamiadantsoa@coface.com

FINANCIAL CALENDAR 2025
(subject to change)

Q1-2025 results: 5 May 2025 (after market close)
Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting: 14 May 2025
H1-2025 results: 31 July 2025 (after market close)
9M-2025 results: 3 November 2025 (after market close)

FINANCIAL INFORMATION
This press release, as well as COFACE SA’s integral regulatory information, can be found on the Group’s website: http://www.coface.com/Investors

For regulated information on Alternative Performance Measures (APM), please refer to our Interim Financial Report for H1-2024 and our 2024 Universal Registration Document (see part 3.7 “Key financial performance indicators”).

Regulated documents posted by COFACE SA have been secured and authenticated with the blockchain technology by Wiztrust.
You can check the authenticity on the website www.wiztrust.com.

COFACE: FOR TRADE
As a global leading player in trade credit risk management for more than 75 years, Coface helps companies grow and navigate in an uncertain and volatile environment.
Whatever their size, location or sector, Coface provides 100,000 clients across some 200 markets. with a full range of solutions: Trade Credit Insurance, Business Information, Debt Collection, Single Risk insurance, Surety Bonds, Factoring.
Every day, Coface leverages its unique expertise and cutting-edge technology to make trade happen, in both domestic and export markets.
In 2024, Coface employed ~5,236 people and registered a turnover of €1.84 billion.

www.coface.com

COFACE SA is listed in Compartment A of Euronext Paris
ISIN: FR0010667147 / Ticker: COFA

1 Also in pursuant to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016 (and updates); Article L.225-209 and seq. of the French Commercial Code; Article L.221-3, Article L.241-1 and seq. of the General Regulation of the French Market Authority (AMF); AMF Recommendation DOC-2017-04 Guide for issuers on their own shares transactions and for stabilization measures.

Attachment

2025 04 14 – Declaration – Own shares transaction

The MIL Network –

April 15, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Pfluger Fly-By: April 11, 2025

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

Pfluger Fly-By: April 11, 2025

Washington, April 11, 2025

April 11, 2025

Friend,

Welcome back to the weekly Pfluger Fly-By, a collection of events and happenings to keep you updated on everything I am doing week by week to represent you in Congress.

This week, I voted in favor of the budget resolution to continue advancing our America First agenda, blocked noncitizens from voting, reined in district judges, participated in two full committee markups, joined a Punchbowl News event discussion on investing in America, met with several groups of Texans visiting Washington, and much more.

I have included some photos and highlights from the week. You can also find information on how my office can help you with any federal problems you may be having. As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can ever be of assistance.

Best,

My Thoughts on the Budget Resolution

I voted in favor of the budget resolution that will allow Republicans to continue moving forward. While the measure was not perfect, it was a necessary step to implement President Trump’s agenda, and it gives us the ability to move legislation soon to cut government spending and prevent the largest tax hike in history for American families.

We have to look the American public in the eye and give them the confidence that we are committed to ensuring tax relief for working families and small businesses, reining in reckless federal spending, unleashing energy dominance, and making America safe again for this generation and the next – and continuing our momentum by passing the budget resolution does exactly that.

Blocking Noncitizens from Voting in U.S. Elections

This week, I voted in favor of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE)Act to ensure that only U.S. citizens can vote in U.S. elections by requiring proof of U.S. citizenship for individuals to vote in a federal election. Lax voter registration laws across the country in places such as New York, Washington, D.C., California, and others threaten the integrity of our election system.

Voting for the SAVE Act should have been a simple, bipartisan, ‘yes’ vote from all Members of Congress, but unfortunately, that was not the case. Over 200 Democrats voted against the SAVE Act, proving that they will never support commonsense election reforms such as requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to vote. If an individual can’t provide identification to prove they are an American citizen, they should not be able to vote, plain and simple.

I was proud to vote ‘yes’ on this legislation and will continue to be a strong advocate for election reform in Congress. Last year, my legislation to prevent noncitizens from voting in D.C. passed by a bipartisan vote. I reintroduced this bill this Congress as well as two other election security bills.

Read more about my election security bill package by clicking the link here.

Ending the District Judges’ War on Presidential Authority

I joined my colleague Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) in penning a joint op-ed in Fox News on the No Rouge Rulings Act, which passed out of the U.S. House of Representatives this week. If signed into law, this legislation would rein in district judges’ war on presidential authority and keep them in their constitutional lane.

In the op-ed, we outline the dangerous overreach by unelected district judges who have relentlessly tried to block President Trump’s executive orders and actions, and how judicial decisions have increasingly undermined the will of the voters.

You can read the full piece here or by clicking the link below.

TAKE IT DOWN Act Passes Out of Energy and Commerce Committee

During the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee’s legislative markup this week, I spoke in support of my legislation, the TAKE IT DOWN Act, which passed with overwhelmingly bipartisan support out of committee. This legislation would protect victims of deepfakes and would criminalize the publication of these harmful images.

We’ve heard time and again of the horrific stories of people ranging from celebrities to 14-year-old girls who have been victimized by this harmful content by strangers or even their peers. While AI has the potential to be harnessed for incredible things, there are far too many predators out there who abuse its power to exploit innocent people.

Watch my full remarks in support of the bill here or by clicking the image below.

Punchbowl News Event: Investing in America

This week, I also sat down with Punchbowl News founder Jake Sherman during a Punchbowl News event to discuss the news of the day and how private capital is investing in America. We focused on the success private investment has had in Texas.

I love Texas. I love being from there. It is pro-business and pro-family, and companies know that they succeed when they come to Texas to start or continue operations.

You can watch the full conversation here or by clicking the image below.

Countering the Chinese Communist Party

I am proud to announce that my legislation, the Countering Transnational Repression Act of 2025, and the DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes passed out of the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security this week and are now one step closer to becoming law.

Both of these bills will counter the Chinese Communist Party and their foothold on American soil. The CCP’s unacceptable acts of hostility are a direct challenge to our nation’s sovereignty, and Congress must respond appropriately to defend our national security. Watch my full remarks on the Countering Transnational Repression Act of 2025 here or at the link below.

ICYMI: Sunday Morning Features on FOX News

I also joined Sunday Morning Features to discuss unleashing American energy in the Permian Basin. You can watch the full interview here or at the link below.

Meeting with Texans in Washington

This week, I met with several community leaders and partners in Washington, which is always a pleasure. Thank you all for taking the time to discuss how we can implement smart, commonsense policies to strengthen Texas-11!

Deadline Approaching Soon: 2025 Congressional Art Competition

My office is accepting submissions for the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. This competition gives high school students from across Texas-11 the opportunity to have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building.

This year’s theme is ‘Texas to Me’ and students will have until April 21stto submit their artwork. Information on the Congressional Art Competition, including how to apply, can be found on the Congressman’s website by clicking here.

RULES

· Artwork must be two-dimensional and original in concept, design, and execution. Art must follow the theme of ‘Texas to Me.’

· The artwork’s dimensions can be no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. Accepted mediums for the two-dimensional artwork are as follows:

· Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.

· Drawings: colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal (It is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed.)

· Collages: must be two-dimensional

· Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints

· Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.

· Computer-generated art

· Photographs

Students are highly encouraged to review the competition’s complete rules and regulations on our congressional website or contact Carol Cunningham in the Llano District Office atCarol.Cunningham@mail.house.gov with any questions.

REMINDER: If you are in need of assistance with a federal agency, my office is here to help. For more information, please visit our website HERE.

Thank you for reading. It is the honor of my lifetime to serve you in Congress. Please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) for daily updates.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 15, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: TUESDAY: Rep. Pfluger to Host Press Conference Following EPA Regional Administrator Visit

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

MIDLAND, TX — On Tuesday, April 15th, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) will host U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Scott Mason, and Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (ND-At-large), a fellow member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, in the Permian Basin for an oil and gas site visit and roundtable with producers, local leaders, stakeholders, and EPA officials.

Following the site visit and producer roundtable, Rep. Pfluger will host a press conference to update the media on the efforts of the Trump Administration, Congress, and the EPA to cut the burdensome red tape previously imposed on the Permian Basin by the Biden Administration.

WHO: Congressman Pfluger, Congresswoman Fedorchak, EPA Regional Administrator Scott Mason, and other local leaders possible

WHAT: Press Conference discussing takeaways EPA Administrator visit

WHERE: 500 W Wall St, Midland, TX 79701 (North Side of Wall St.)

WHEN: Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 1:45 pm CT

NOTE: Credentialed media may arrive at the site at 1:30 pm. Media must RSVP to Bethany.Holden@mail.house.gov by Monday, April 14, 2025.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Maine PUC Observes National Safe Digging Month in April
Source: US State of Maine

April 14, 2025

Hallowell, Maine – The Maine Public Utilities Commission (Commission) is joining other utility regulators, public safety advocates, and industry professionals across the country in recognizing April as National Safe Digging Month. Governor Janet Mills has officially proclaimed April as Safe Digging Month in Maine, urging homeowners, contractors, and excavators to always call 811 before starting any outdoor digging projects.

Calling 811 before digging can prevent damage to underground utility lines, avoid costly repairs, and most importantly, help keep people safe.

“The Commission is committed to public safety and urges all residents and businesses to make the call to 811 before digging,” said Philip L. Bartlett II, Chair of the Maine Public Utilities Commission. Safe Digging Month is a reminder that protecting underground infrastructure is a shared responsibility. Taking just a few minutes to contact 811 before digging can prevent accidents and ensure a safer Maine.

Whether planting a tree, installing a fence, or undertaking major excavation work, calling 811 at least 72 hours in advance is a free and necessary step that helps locate and mark underground utility lines. Striking gas, electric, water, or communication lines can cause serious injuries, service outages, and expensive repairs.

To ensure a safe and smooth digging process, homeowners should follow these key steps:
1. Plan Ahead: Determine the scope and location of your project before calling 811.
2. Call 811 Before You Dig: Contact Dig Safe by dialing 811 at least 72 hours before digging to have underground utilities marked.
3. Wait for Utility Markings: Professional locators will visit your property to mark underground utility lines using paint or flags. Each color represents a different type of utility.
4. Respect the Marks: Avoid digging within 18 to 24 inches of marked utility lines to prevent accidental damage.
5. Dig with Care: Use hand tools when working near utility marks and proceed cautiously.
6. If You Hit a Utility Line, Stop Immediately: Leave the area and call 911 if there is a gas leak or other hazard.
Report any damage to the appropriate utility company. Calling 811 before digging is free, required by law, and helps protect both people and infrastructure. For more information about safe digging practices, visit www.DigSafe.com or www.maine.gov/mpuc.

About the Commission

The Maine Public Utilities Commission regulates electric, telephone, water and gas utilities to ensure that Maine citizens have access to safe and reliable utility service at rates that are just and reasonable for ratepayers and utilities, while also helping achieve reductions in state greenhouse gas emissions. Commission programs include Maine Enhanced 911 Service and safety programs. Philip L. Bartlett II serves as Chair, Patrick Scully and Carolyn Gilbert serve as Commissioners.

The Damage Prevention section of the Commission’s Consumer Assistance and Safety Division (CASD) is charged with enforcing Maines underground facilities damage prevention law, called the Dig Safe Law (23 M.R.S. 3360-A). This law is intended to prevent damage to underground utility facilities such as gas lines, water lines, or underground telecommunications and electric cables resulting from excavation.

Learn more about the Commission at www.maine.gov/mpuc

CONTACT: Susan Faloon, Media Liaison CELL: 207-557-3704 EMAIL: susan.faloon@maine.gov

MIL OSI USA News –
April 15, 2025
MIL-OSI: Say Hello to the New TaxRise: A Modern Brand for Smarter Tax Relief Solutions

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

IRVINE, Calif., April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Since 2017, TaxRise has resolved tax problems for thousands of clients nationwide, saving its clients millions of dollars.* Spearheaded by founder and CEO Essam Abdullah, the company has been modernizing and streamlining the IRS resolution process.

A New Enhanced Brand Identity

Modern times call for innovative thinking – a mentality TaxRise has embraced moving forward into 2025. The tax relief company is setting its gaze toward the future and tackling the whys, whats, and hows: why change now? What are taxpayers’ pain points? How do they better serve their clients?

“TaxRise is innovating because we see client pain points left unanswered in this unchanged industry. Our company is launching new tools and processes to ease the complicated IRS tax system while being a resourceful hub of information for taxpayers,” explains Abdullah.

Their new website features simple navigation and digestible information, promising and reassuring taxpayers that TaxRise is here to help no matter how complex their case is. TaxRise has built its entire approach around making tax resolution support accessible, transparent, and helpful.

With this new launch, TaxRise has also debuted a new brand logo to accompany its tagline, “Every client. Every time.” The lowercase and rounded wordmark artistically conveys approachability and trustworthiness – traits that any taxpayer in turmoil with the IRS would seek.

TaxRise’s Core Values

Millions of Americans with growing IRS tax debt are struggling to find solutions in an intimidating industry. TaxRise intends to innovate the tax resolution landscape by transforming a traditionally complex and stressful process into a compassionate, streamlined experience.

“For the past decade, TaxRise’s journey in the tax relief industry has been driven by a relentless commitment to enhancing the experience for our clients and our team,” recalls Abdullah. “By actively listening to those we serve and those who help us serve, we have reached a pivotal moment of growth and clarity.”

The tax relief company aims to empower individuals and businesses by providing personalized, cutting-edge solutions that alleviate tax debt burdens. Pushing boundaries in a rigid industry, the team has pioneered a client-centric approach, rebuking the deeply rooted and dishonest practices employed by others in the tax relief space.

“Through this evolution, we have refined five core pillars that characterize our success and the trust of thousands of taxpayers. As we embrace this new chapter, we are excited to share these principles with the world,” says Abdullah.

TaxRise’s first core pillar fosters a culture of Humanity. They believe that compassion for every client and employee is essential to what makes them who they are. It is foundational for the success of all valued clients and their cases.

The second is Transparency. Being consistent in TaxRise processes and prioritizing communication with their clients and team makes them a reliable organization for those involved.

Third is Leadership. Stepping forward into difficult choices and conversations is how TaxRise redeems the industry.

Fourth is Intentional Innovation. TaxRise doesn’t believe in innovation for the sake of innovating. The team constantly asks themselves: ‘How can we improve the process?’

The fifth and final pillar is Simplicity. The company aims for solutions that untangle complex processes, systems, and decisions.

“These five principles light a beacon in a complicated and confusing industry. With these promises, individuals and business owners can expect efficient service and responsive IRS representation from our team,” explains the CEO of TaxRise.

About TaxRise

TaxRise is a national full-service tax resolution company serving individuals, families, and business owners. The company specializes in resolving IRS back taxes and state tax issues, offering a free consultation to educate and help taxpayers explore their options. TaxRise is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), a recipient of the BBB Torch Award for Ethics, and is a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) and National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP).

Learn more at taxrise.com – Every client. Every time.

*Statements about service performance are based on historical results. Individual results will vary and are not guaranteed.

Tax Rise Inc. is a tax resolution firm independent from the IRS. We do not assume tax liability, make payments to taxing authorities or creditors, or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting, or legal advice.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/adabebf0-3791-4e9c-b73c-ca1a08aa9015

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1a62b672-856e-4352-b75b-bd00b2819d52

The MIL Network –

April 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Introduces Galaxy XCover7 Pro and Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro: Your Ultimate Rugged Work Companions

Source: Samsung

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the new Galaxy XCover7 Pro and Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro, enterprise-ready devices designed to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced, high-intensity work environments. Continuing the legacy of Samsung’s ruggedised devices, these latest Pro models are versatile, optimised and secure — delivering enhanced durability,[1] steady performance and optimised workflow to empower frontline workers, from the office to the field and beyond.

With 5G connectivity,[2] an upgraded processor and increased memory, the XCover7 Pro and Tab Active5 Pro offer enhanced mobility and reliability. The XCover7 Pro features a powerful new stereo speaker system with anti-feedback technology, which minimises unwanted audio loops for clearer communication. Both devices offer enhanced battery capacity, with the XCover7 Pro equipped with a 4,350mAh battery for longer usage, while the Tab Active5 Pro comes with a 10,100mAh battery set designed to support demanding workflows. The Tab Active5 Pro also supports Dual Hot-Swap battery functionality, allowing workers to replace batteries[3] without powering down their devices and ensuring seamless operation even when battery levels are low.

With the ruggedised smartphone market expected to reach 4.46 million units and the ruggedised tablet market projected to hit 1.89 million units by 2028,[4] these devices can be increasingly essential in industries such as retail, government, logistics, healthcare and manufacturing. Reliable, high-performing and durable, they can be critical for ensuring seamless operations in any work environment.

“At Samsung, we understand that frontline professionals need technology that adapts to their fast-paced and demanding work environments,” said Jerry Park, EVP and Head of Global Mobile B2B Team, MX Business at Samsung Electronics. “The Galaxy XCover7 Pro and Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro combine ruggedised durability, enterprise-grade security, seamless connectivity and intuitive AI-driven features to help businesses operate efficiently in harsh conditions while maximising productivity and minimising downtime.”

Ruggedised Durability: Built To Withstand Any Environment

The Galaxy XCover7 Pro and Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro are designed to thrive on the frontlines of all industries. Having undergone rigorous durability testing to ensure they withstand demanding environments, they are ideally built to offer reliable performance in the field. Both devices feature IP68-rated water and dust resistance,[5] helping to protect against dust ingress and exposure to water – making them a dependable choice for conditions where accidental splashes or occasional submersion may occur.

The Tab Active5 Pro’s S Pen — an essential tool for field professionals who annotate documents, sign forms or input data on the go — further extends usability by functioning even in certain wet conditions. Additionally, both devices have been tested for use with common workplace sanitisers, ensuring durability in environments requiring frequent cleaning.

Their MIL-STD-810H[6] certified designs help ensure resistance to drops, extreme temperatures and vibrations, while the Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®+ display on the Tab Active5 Pro helps provide enhanced scratch and impact protection. Those in retail, government and manufacturing settings can also depend on enhanced touch sensitivity in both devices, allowing seamless use with compatible gloves.[7]

Work Continuity: Staying Connected and Powered Throughout the Day

Clear communication is crucial in fast-paced work environments, especially for teams relying on walkie-talkie functionality in industries like construction and emergency response. The Galaxy XCover7 Pro and Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro enhanced speaker technology with anti-feedback noise reduction, minimising disruptive sounds that can occur when multiple devices that share the same channel are in close range. With higher volume and improved clarity,[8] these upgraded stereo speakers help frontline workers stay connected and relay critical information without disruption.[9] The Tab Active5 Pro further strengthens communication with optimised audio tuning, boosting volume levels and incorporating intelligent sound processing to filter out background noise, making collaboration even more effective.

Both devices also offer Vision Booster, which enhances outdoor visibility by improving screen readability in bright environments. The Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro further builds on this with an upgraded display brightness of up to 600 nits — a notable increase from 480 nits in the previous model — ensuring clearer visuals even in challenging lighting conditions. Whether reviewing critical information on-site or navigating workflows outdoors, these upgrades provide better contrast, improved tone mapping, and enhanced visibility against strong illumination, allowing users to stay focused wherever the job takes them.

With extended battery life[10] and seamless power solutions, the Galaxy XCover7 Pro and Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro support uninterrupted workflow. Both devices feature POGO charging interfaces, making it easy for workplaces with POGO docks[11] to charge multiple devices at once. For environments in which devices remain plugged in, the Tab Active5 Pro supports No Battery Mode,[12] allowing it to function when connected to a dedicated power source — ideal for in-vehicle setups, kiosks and workstations.

Seamless connectivity is also key to maintaining work continuity. The XCover7 Pro and Tab Active5 Pro both support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E and network slicing to prioritise device communication even in dense network environments and ensure fast and stable network access. With dual SIM support (pSIM + eSIM) on the Tab Active5 Pro, workers can effortlessly switch between networks, keeping them connected in any environment.

The Tab Active5 Pro introduces front-facing NFC Tagging, enhancing usability in retail, hospitality and logistics environments where fast, secure interactions are essential. Enabling seamless authentication, asset tracking and mobile payments, the tablet can effectively be used as a mobile point-of-sale (mPOS) system[13] in retail stores and restaurants alike. Employees can quickly validate credentials, process transactions and manage assets without any additional hardware, enhancing efficiency in industries where speed and security are critical.

Maximised Productivity: Smarter Tools for the Frontline

Samsung’s latest ruggedised devices also introduce AI-driven enhancements, reinforcing Samsung’s commitment to expanding AI capabilities across its entire ecosystem. These intelligent features make everyday tasks more intuitive and efficient, helping frontline professionals work smarter and faster in dynamic environments while making advanced AI more accessible across a broader range of devices.

Equipped with high-performance chipsets, enhanced usability features and intuitive AI-powered tools, both devices enable workers to multitask with ease. Features like Circle to Search with Google,[14] Object Eraser, AI Select and Read Aloud allow users to complete tasks more efficiently, reducing manual effort and improving accuracy.[15] The Galaxy XCover7 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon® 7s Gen 3 Mobile Platform (4nm Octa-Core) chipset which optimises power efficiency and processing speed, while the Tab Active5 Pro, featuring the same chipset, delivers increased RAM and expanded storage options to handle demanding workloads.

Designed for professionals who need flexibility, both devices support Samsung DeX, allowing them to connect to a monitor or PC for a desktop-like experience. Whether managing field reports, performing administrative tasks or presenting data, users can transition seamlessly between mobile and desktop environments.

Additionally, programmable keys allow users to assign shortcuts to frequently used applications, such as barcode scanning, push-to-talk, integrated with Microsoft Teams[16], or emergency alerts. This customisation enhances workflow efficiency, reducing time spent navigating menus and improving responsiveness in critical situations.

Security remains a cornerstone of Samsung’s ruggedised devices, with Samsung Knox Vault[17] safeguarding sensitive data through advanced encryption and authentication to ensure compliance with enterprise security standards. Beyond that, Samsung offers a comprehensive suite of security innovations designed to provide strong protection, transparency and user control. Real-time Kernel Protection and DEFEX deliver runtime protection at both the app and kernel layers, while Samsung’s Warranty Bit detects tampering and restricts access to sensitive applications, such as Work Profile, helping to maintain a trusted device environment.

Availability

The new Galaxy XCover7 Pro (RRP £559) and Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro (RRP £769) will be available starting April 2025.[18]
For more information about Samsung’s latest Galaxy devices, please visit news.samsung.com/uk/galaxy or www.samsungmobilepress.com.

Galaxy XCover7 Pro & Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro Product Specifications

Galaxy XCover7 Pro
Display
6.6-inch*, 20:9, FHD+ TFT LCD, up to 120Hz**, Touch Sensitivity***, Vision Booster
* Measured diagonally as a full rectangle without accounting for the rounded corners. Actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole.
** Screen refresh rate varies depending on the app used, and certain apps may not support up to 120Hz. Adaptive refresh rate supports up to 120Hz, which adjusts motion smoothness automatically as needed, while Standard refresh rate supports a 120Hz screen refresh rate.
*** Touch sensitivity increases responsiveness for leather gloves 2mm or less in thickness, based on internal laboratory test results. Devices can be used in wet environments, but not fully submerged under water. Underwater touch is not available. Touch-responsiveness may vary depending on the material and thickness of gloves as well as other environmental conditions.
OS
Android 15
Dimensions
168.6 x 79.9 x 10.2mm (240g*)
* Weight may vary by market.
Camera
Rear
50MP (F1.8) Wide, 8MP (F2.2) Ultra-Wide, Flash
Front
13MP (F2.2)
Memory & Storage*
6 + 128GB, microSD up to 2TB**
* Actual storage space availability may vary depending on pre-installed software and by market, file size and format.
** MicroSD card sold separately.
Processor
Snapdragon® 7s Gen 3 Mobile Platform (4nm Octa-Core)
* Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.
Battery***
4,350mAh (typical)*, User Replaceable**
* Typical value tested under third-party laboratory conditions. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standards. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.
** Extra replaceable battery and POGO charging dock sold separately. In the case of extra replacea6ble batteries, only Samsung certified products are compatible for use.
*** Charger sold separately.
Connectivity**
5G (Sub6)*, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth® v5.4, NFC
* 5G services are only supported in 5G network enabled locations. Requires optimal 5G connection.
** Actual speed may vary depending on market, carrier, content provider, and user environment.
SIM
Dual SIM (pSIM + eSIM*)
* Embedded SIM availability varies by market.
Interface
USB 3.2 Type-C, POGO Pin (charging only)
Sensors
Accelerometer, Gyro, Geomagnetic, Light, Proximity, Fingerprint
GPS*
GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS
* GNSS availability type may vary by market. Galileo and BeiDou coverage may be limited. BeiDou may not be available for certain markets.
Ruggedised Durability
IP68*, MIL-STD-810H**, Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®+, Tested for Sanitisers***
* IP6X: Dust penetration test (less than 50umx70um size) in dustproof chamber
* IPX8: Submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes

** MIL-STD-810H: Testing against specific environmental conditions including altitude, humidity, immersion, salt fog, dust, vibration, drop, etc. MIL-STD-810H is a standardised form of testing designed by the US military to accurately assess device limitations. Real-world usage may vary by specific environmental conditions used in the testing. Extreme conditions not guaranteed. Test specifications vary by device.

*** Tested Sanitiser: Liquid Ethanol, Ethanol Cotton, Clorox(Chlorine bleach), Medilox HCIO
Sound
Dolby Atmos®, Stereo (2 Speakers)
Security
Samsung Knox with Samsung Knox Vault, eSE
Biometric Authentication
Face Recognition, Fingerprint
Programmable Key
Customisation via Top Key and XCover Key*
* Key mapping support may vary by app. Programmable keys limited to select functions.

Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro

Display
10.1-inch*, 16:10, WUXGA, TFT LCD, up to 120Hz**, Touch Sensitivity***
* Measured diagonally as a full rectangle without accounting for the rounded corners. Actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners.
** Screen refresh rate varies depending on the app used, and certain apps may not support up to 120Hz. Adaptive refresh rate supports up to 120Hz, which adjusts motion smoothness automatically as needed, while Standard refresh rate supports a 120Hz screen refresh rate.
*** Touch sensitivity increases responsiveness for leather gloves 2mm or less in thickness, based on internal laboratory test results. Devices can be used in wet environments, but not fully submerged under water. Underwater touch is not available. Touch-responsiveness may vary depending on the material and thickness of gloves as well as other environmental conditions.
OS
Android 15
Dimensions
170.2 x 242.9 x 10.2mm (680g (Wi-Fi), 683g (5G)*)
* Weight may vary by market.
Camera
Rear
12MP (F1.8) Wide, Flash
Front
8MP (F2.0)
Memory & Storage*
6+128GB/8+256GB, microSD up to 2TB**
* Actual storage space availability may vary depending on pre-installed software and by market, file size and format.
** MicroSD card sold separately.
Processor
Snapdragon® 7s Gen 3 Mobile Platform* (4nm Octa-Core)
* Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.
Battery****
10,100mAh (typical)*, User Replaceable**, Dual Hot-Swap***
* Typical value tested under third-party laboratory conditions. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standards. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.
** Extra replaceable battery and POGO charging dock sold separately. In the case of extra replaceable batteries, only Samsung certified products are compatible for use.
*** Battery replacements are limited to one battery at a time. If a battery is removed while the device is turned on, the screen will be turned off, and certain features may be limited. After the battery is replaced, the screen will turn back on and all features will be reactivated.
**** Charger sold separately. Charger is included in select regions only, including North America, Europe and Latin America.
Connectivity**
5G (Sub6)*, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth® v5.4, NFC (Front Tagging)
* 5G services are only supported in 5G network enabled locations. Requires optimal 5G connection.
** Actual speed may vary depending on market, carrier, content provider, and user environment.
SIM
Dual SIM (pSIM + eSIM*)
* Embedded SIM availability varies by market.
Interface
USB 3.2 Type-C, POGO Pin, 3.5mm Audio Jack
Sensors
Accelerometer, Gyro, Geomagnetic, Hall, RGB Light, Proximity, Fingerprint
GPS*
GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS
* GNSS availability type may vary by market. Galileo and BeiDou coverage may be limited. BeiDou and QZSS may not be available for certain markets.
Ruggedised Durability
IP68*, MIL-STD-810H**, Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®+, Tested for Sanitisers***
* IP6X: Dust penetration test (less than 50umx70um size) in dustproof chamber
* IPX8: submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes** MIL-STD-810H: Testing against specific environmental conditions including altitude, humidity, immersion, salt fog, dust, vibration, drop, etc. MIL-STD-810H is a standardised form of testing designed by the US military to accurately assess device limitations. Real-world usage may vary by specific environmental conditions used in the testing. Extreme conditions not guaranteed. Test specifications vary by device.
*** Tested Sanitiser: Liquid Ethanol, Ethanol Cotton, Clorox(Chlorine bleach), Medilox HCIO
Sound
Dolby Atmos®, Stereo (2 Speakers)
Pen
S Pen (IP68*, Inbox)
* IP68 rating: Water and dust resistant based on lab test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Rinse residue/dry after wet. Not advised for beach or pool use. Water and dust resistance of the S Pen is not permanent and may diminish over time because of normal wear and tear. Remove any excess water from the S Pen with a dry cloth or towel before using or attaching it to tablet.
Security
Samsung Knox with Samsung Knox Vault, eSE
Biometric Authentication
Face Recognition, Fingerprint
Programmable Key
Customisation via Active Key*
* Key mapping support may vary by app. Programmable keys limited to select functions.
*Specifications may vary by market.
*Functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice.

.
[1]Durability improvements are based on comparison with previous models (Galaxy XCover6 Pro and Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro), with added testing for resistance to workplace sanitisers. Actual performance may vary depending on usage conditions and environmental factors.
[2]5G services are only supported in 5G network enabled locations. Requires optimal 5G connection. Actual speed may vary depending on market, carrier, content provider, and user environment.
[3]Extra replaceable battery and POGO charging dock sold separately. In the case of extra replaceable batteries, only Samsung certified products are compatible for use.
[4]Krebs, David. “2024 Mobile Hardware Dataset.” May 2024. Accessed March 25, 2025. https://www.vdcresearch.com/Coverage/emob/reports/24-Mobile-Hardware-Dataset.html.
[5]Resistant to dust and up to 1.5 metres of fresh water for up to 30 minutes (IP68). Rinse residue/dry after wet. Not advised for beach or pool use.
[6] MIL-STD-810H Certification: Testing against specific environmental conditions including altitude, humidity, immersion, salt fog, dust, vibration, drop, etc. MIL-STD-810H is a standardised form of testing designed by the US military to accurately assess device limitations. Real-world usage may vary by specific environmental conditions used in the testing. Extreme conditions not guaranteed. Test specifications vary by device.
[7]Touch sensitivity increases responsiveness for leather gloves thinner than 2mm or less in thickness, based on internal laboratory test results. Touch-responsiveness may vary depending on the material and thickness of gloves as well as other environmental conditions.
[8]Speaker improvements are based on comparison with the previous models (Galaxy XCover6 Pro and Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro). Actual performance may vary depending on the environment and sound source.
[9]Walkie-talkie functionality requires a separate purchase of a compatible third-party solution. Availability may vary by region and provider.
[10] Battery life improvements are based on comparison with the previous models (Galaxy XCover6 Pro and Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro), which respectively featured 4,050mAh and 7,600mAh batteries. Actual battery life may vary depending on usage patterns and network environment
[11]POGO charging dock sold separately. Battery charging times may vary depending on charging power supported on charging cradle. Battery capacity and performance may diminish over time.
[12]No Battery Mode needs to be turned on and requires a dedicated USB Type-C power source accessory supporting 9V and 2.3A or above, and PD 2.0 or above. No Battery Mode limits device CPU performance when enabled and reduces maximum volume, display brightness, etc. when enabled.
[13]Knox Platform for POS requires separate solution integration and may require license purchase for use. Availability may vary by market, model or payment solution.
[14]Accessible on any app that does not block screenshots. Requires internet connection. Results may vary depending on visual or audio matches. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.
[15]Results may vary based on the images and the object you’re trying to remove. Results may vary depending on shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving subjects.
[16]Additional licenses may be required.
[17]Samsung Knox Vault hardware and/or software architecture may vary by model.
[17]Availability and launch timing may vary by region and market.

MIL OSI Economics –

April 15, 2025
MIL-OSI: The Victory Bank Announces Opening of New Branch in Horsham, Offering Personalized Service and Local Banking Solutions

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HORSHAM, Pa., April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Victory Bank, a bank that puts customers first with its focus on personalized service and unwavering commitment, is pleased to announce the opening of its new branch located at 100 Gibraltar Road, Horsham, PA. The new branch is now open and ready to serve the community, offering a full range of banking services tailored to the needs of local residents and businesses.

“We’re thrilled to open our new branch in Horsham and expand our services to even more people and businesses in the community,” said Joseph Major, CEO and Bank Leader of The Victory Bank. “At The Victory Bank, we believe banking should be simple and personal. That’s why we’re proud to offer real solutions and real people – no voicemail, no automated systems, just friendly, knowledgeable representatives ready to help.”

The new Horsham branch will provide a wide range of banking services, including checking and savings accounts, home equity loans, and tailored commercial loans to support local entrepreneurs and established businesses. Whether you’re opening your first account, seeking a loan, or in need of tailored financial advice, The Victory Bank is committed to offering expert advice and exceptional support for peace of mind banking with every step of your financial journey.

To celebrate this exciting milestone, The Victory Bank will host a week-long Grand Opening event from June 2 through June 6, 2025, at the new Horsham branch. The celebration will feature a variety of activities, including a Financial Literacy course, a Business Seminar, and a special children’s day. Visitors can take advantage of exclusive promotions on new accounts, exciting giveaways, and the opportunity to enter a sweepstakes for an exciting Grand Prize. Guests will also have the chance to meet our dedicated team, experience our personalized approach to banking, and explore the services designed to support their financial goals. Full event details will be available on their website in the coming weeks.

“We’re excited to be a part of the Horsham community and look forward to building lasting relationships with our customers,” said Elizabeth Knott, Branch Manager. “Whether you’re an individual or a business, we’re here to listen, and provide real solutions.”

For more information about The Victory Bank visit VictoryBank.com or call 610-948-9000.

About The Victory Bank

Founded in 2008, The Victory Bank is a Pennsylvania state-chartered commercial bank headquartered in Limerick Township, Montgomery County. It offers a full range of banking services, including checking and savings accounts, home equity lines of credit, and personal loans. In addition to traditional banking, the Bank specializes in high-quality business lending, serving small and mid-sized businesses and professionals. With four offices across Montgomery and Berks Counties, it is dedicated to meeting the financial needs of the local community. For more information, visit its website at VictoryBank.com. FDIC-Insured.

Contact:
Joseph W. Major,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

The MIL Network –

April 15, 2025
MIL-OSI: EXL named a Leader and a Star Performer in Everest Group’s 2025 Life and Annuities Insurance BPS and TPA PEAK Matrix® Assessment

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS), a global data and AI company, announced it has been named a Leader and a Star Performer in Everest Group’s Life and Annuities (L&A) Insurance Business Process Services (BPS) and Third-Party Administrator (TPA) PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025.

This is the second consecutive year that EXL has earned this distinction. Everest Group cites EXL’s digital integration of analytics and AI solutions, robust engagement models, and in-house domain expertise as key to its market success.

“EXL has demonstrated growth in the L&A Insurance BPS and TPA market, driven by its digital transformation-led strategy and flexible engagement models, including BPaaS and TPA constructs. This approach has reinforced EXL as a partner of choice for enterprises,” said Sahil Chaudhary, practice director, Everest Group. “EXL continues to invest in upskilling and talent development through in-house microlearning programs on emerging technologies and industry certifications. Collectively, these efforts have positioned it as a Leader and Star Performer in the Everest Group L&A Insurance BPS and TPA PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025.”

Each year, Everest Group presents detailed assessments of L&A insurance BPS and TPA providers. This year’s assessment includes 24 companies. Firms are evaluated based on their vision, capabilities, and market impact. Researchers determine an organization’s positioning based on Everest Group’s annual RFI process, interactions with leading L&A insurance BPS and TPA providers, client reference checks, and ongoing analysis of the industry market.

“As the L&A insurance industry undergoes yet another transformation, insurers are grappling with ways to break away from legacy systems and improve operational efficiency,” said Vivek Jetley, president and head of insurance and healthcare and life sciences, EXL. “At EXL, we are proud to be accelerating the adoption of intelligent automation into our clients’ existing service offerings, including actuarial services, claims management, underwriting, and policy administration, to create more efficient, value-driven decisioning.”

To read more about Everest Group’s L&A Insurance BPS and TPA PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025, click here. For more information about EXL’s solutions for the insurance industry, click here.

Disclaimer

Licensed extracts taken from Everest Group’s PEAK Matrix® Reports, may be used by licensed third parties for use in their own marketing and promotional activities and collateral. Selected extracts from Everest Group’s PEAK Matrix® reports do not necessarily provide the full context of our research and analysis. All research and analysis conducted by Everest Group’s analysts and included in Everest Group’s PEAK Matrix® reports is independent and no organization has paid a fee to be featured or to influence their ranking. To access the complete research and to learn more about our methodology, please visit Everest Group PEAK Matrix® Reports.

About EXL

EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS) is a global data and AI company that offers services and solutions to reinvent client business models, drive better outcomes and unlock growth with speed. EXL harnesses the power of data, AI, and deep industry knowledge to transform businesses, including the world’s leading corporations in industries including insurance, healthcare, banking and capital markets, retail, communications and media, and energy and infrastructure, among others. EXL was founded in 1999 with the core values of innovation, collaboration, excellence, integrity and respect. We are headquartered in New York and have approximately 59,000 employees spanning six continents. For more information, visit www.exlservice.com.

About Everest Group
Everest Group is a leading global research firm helping business leaders make confident decisions. Everest Group’s PEAK Matrix® assessments provide the analysis and insights enterprises need to make critical selection decisions about global services providers, locations, and products and solutions within various market segments. Likewise, providers of these services, products, and solutions, look to the PEAK Matrix® to gauge and calibrate their offerings against others in the industry or market. Find further details and in-depth content at www.everestgrp.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should not place undue reliance on those statements because they are subject to numerous uncertainties and factors relating to EXL’s operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond EXL’s control. Forward-looking statements include information concerning EXL’s possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of its business strategy. These statements may include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate” or similar expressions. These statements are based on assumptions that we have made in light of management’s experience in the industry as well as its perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate under the circumstances. You should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although EXL believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect EXL’s actual financial results or results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors, which include our ability to maintain and grow client demand, our ability to hire and retain sufficiently trained employees, and our ability to accurately estimate and/or manage costs, rising interest rates, rising inflation and recessionary economic trends, are discussed in more detail in EXL’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including EXL’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. You should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made herein, or elsewhere, speaks only as of the date on which it is made. New risks and uncertainties come up from time to time, and it is impossible to predict these events or how they may affect EXL. EXL has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date hereof, except as required by federal securities laws.

Contacts
Media
Keith Little
+1 703-598-0980
media.relations@exlservice.com

Investor Relations
John Kristoff
+1 212 209 4613
IR@exlservice.com

The MIL Network –

April 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Vuyani Jarana appointed as G20 start-up engagement group

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Tembisa Ndabeni, has announced the appointment of Vuyani Jarana as Chairperson for the Startup20 Engagement Group for South Africa’s Group of Twenty (G20) Presidency.

In a statement on Monday, the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) said it has been entrusted with leading South Africa’s Startup20 Engagement Group, one of the officially recognised G20 Engagement Groups.

As Chairperson, Jarana will lead Startup20’s strategic direction, appoint task force chairs, coordinate high-level meetings and events, and guide the development of the Startup20 Policy Communiqué, which will contribute to the official G20 Leaders’ Declaration.

The Minister also appointed 22 On Sloane as the Secretariat of the Startup20 Engagement Group for South Africa’s G20 Presidency.

Startup20 advocates for startups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at the G20 level, developing policy recommendations to advance the global startup ecosystem and foster inclusive innovation.

“To support this effort, 22 On Sloane has been appointed as the Country Secretariat for Startup20 during South Africa’s G20 Presidency. Twenty-two (22) On Sloane is Africa’s largest startup campus, playing a pivotal role in advancing the startup and MSME ecosystem across the continent.

“Twenty-two (22) On Sloane serves as headquarters for the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Africa, which is represented in 43 African countries, and as the country headquarters of GEN Global which has a presence in 180 countries globally aimed at supporting entrepreneurs to start and scale,” the department said.

As Secretariat, 22 On Sloane will support Jarana to coordinate and manage all Startup20 activities in South Africa, including stakeholder engagements, task force operations, international collaboration efforts, policy drafting, and logistical delivery of the Startup20 agenda.

The organisation will also facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues and policy consultations to ensure that Africa’s entrepreneurial voice is firmly embedded in the ensuing global conversations.

According to the department, Jarana brings a wealth of experience to this crucial role, with more than 25 years of leadership in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector.

A seasoned business transformation leader, Jarana previously served as Group Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer of Vodacom Business within the Vodacom Group.

He also held the role of Chief Executive Officer of South African Airways, where he spearheaded critical restructuring efforts.

Currently he is the Founder and CEO of Ilitha Telecommunications, a company dedicated to delivering superfast, affordable broadband to underserved peri-urban and rural communities.

He also serves as Chairperson of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), a key institution driving South Africa’s scientific, industrial, and technological innovation agenda.

“His extensive experience and expertise will be invaluable in driving our efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa. He is a respected and seasoned business leader whom I am confident will lead the Startup20 Engagement Group with dedication and focus, ensuring that this serves as a legacy for our country and the ecosystem,” the Minister said.

The G20 is an international forum of both developing and developed countries, which seeks to find solutions to global economic and financial issues.

South Africa’s G20 Presidency commenced on 1 December 2024 and will run until 30 November 2025. It is taking place under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.” – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

April 15, 2025
MIL-OSI: Plantro Ltd. Files Amended and Restated Offer Documents in Respect of Premium All-Cash Tender Offer to Acquire up to 15% of Class A Limited Voting Shares of Information Services Corporation
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
- Offer Documents relate to amendment and extension of the Tender Offer, which were previously announced on April 8, 2025
- Tender Offer is an opportunity for shareholders to de-risk their investment in ISC for an attractive all-cash premium in the face of ongoing business and dilution risks, and the lack of trading liquidity of the Class A Shares
- Plantro believes Board refreshment is necessary to unlock ISC’s potential to allow it to become a made-in-Saskatchewan success story
ST. MICHAEL, Barbados, April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Plantro Ltd. (“Plantro”) today announced that it has filed amended and restated offer documents in respect of its offer (the “Tender Offer”) to acquire up to 2,777,242 Class A Limited Voting Shares (the “Class A Shares”) in the capital of Information Services Corporation (TSX: ISC) (“ISC” or the “Company”) at a price of $27.25 per Class A Share, payable in cash. The amendments and extension, which will benefit ISC shareholders, were previously announced on April 8, 2025, and were made following constructive engagement with the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan and the Ontario Securities Commission.

Shareholders depositing Class A Shares pursuant to the Tender Offer should utilize the amended and restated Letter of Transmittal filed today. Any deposits of Class A Shares utilizing the prior form of Letter of Transmittal must be resubmitted using the amended and restated Letter of Transmittal to be accepted as valid.

Plantro’s Premium Offer Provides Shareholders a Rare Opportunity for Cash Liquidity in a Company With ‘Upside Down Economics’

Plantro believes that the economics of ISC are ‘upside down’ and do not benefit long term shareholders. Since ISC’s IPO in 2013, there has been a clear troubling trend, expense growth has consistently outpaced revenue growth. When expenses consistently outpace revenue, it sets the stage for serious financial challenges over the long term.

The Risk of Shareholder Dilution

On April 10, 2025, despite recommending against the Tender Offer as “highly undervalued”, ISC filed a $275 million preliminary short form base shelf prospectus with the Canadian securities regulators (the “Prospectus”). Plantro believes it is impossible for ISC to fund its ‘buy-to-grow’ strategy to meet its 2028 revenue and Adjusted EBITDA targets through cash flow generation or without incurring significant new debt, and would have to sell equity. Plantro is concerned that the Prospectus provides ISC flexibility to issue up to $275 million in equity – more than half of its current market capitalization, which would massively dilute ISC shareholders.

Board Refreshment Will Drive Shareholder Returns

Plantro believes that the board of directors (the “Board”) must be refreshed, so that it can drive accretive growth for shareholders and derive true operating leverage and economies of scale. Plantro believes the Board requires an infusion of relevant skills and experience, and directors that can hold management accountable and drive operational execution. The interests of the directors, who collectively own little stock, differs from that of other shareholders. The Board has little incentive to prioritize shareholder returns and avoid unnecessary equity dilution.

The Opportunity for a Made-in-Saskatchewan Success Story

As a first step, a refreshed Board should fulfil ISC’s true potential to be a made-in-Saskatchewan success story. Saskatchewan has developed a business-friendly tech ecosystem and ISC should take full advantage of these benefits. However:

The number of employees ISC has based in Saskatchewan appears to have steadily declined since its IPO¹.

Today, most of its remaining workforce, which make up the majority of ISC employees, is concentrated in high-cost global hubs, such as Toronto and Dublin, Ireland, where it appears new positions continue to be added.

Plantro believes that a refreshed Board should commit to relocating at least 100 of these positions back to Saskatchewan over the next year.

This move would establish a “center of excellence”, in Saskatchewan, driving enhanced operational performance and enabling opportunities for margin expansion. Plantro believes this would deliver significant near-term value to both the Company and its shareholders. Centralizing and repatriating jobs to Saskatchewan is just good business sense.

The Board Should Engage with Plantro and Stop Attacking Constructive Shareholders

From the outset, Plantro has made every effort to resolve these matters confidentially, in good faith, and behind closed doors. Unfortunately, the ISC Board has chosen a different path—pursuing public litigation of these matters and resorting to inappropriate personal attacks and mischaracterizations in the media.

Despite the path chosen by the ISC Board to date, Plantro hopes to accomplish the refreshment of the Board through constructive engagement, and has not nominated individuals for the 2025 annual meeting of shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”). Plantro continues to make repeated requests to meet with the Chair, other members of the Board, and management. Unfortunately, all such outreaches have been ignored to date. If the Board does not engage constructively, and continues its current approach, Plantro may withhold votes, including those acquired through the Tender Offer, from the Board at the Annual Meeting, and it reserves all of its rights as a shareholder to take action in the future.

An Opportunity for Long Term Shareholders to Receive an Attractive Risk-Adjusted Cash Premium

Since the Class A Shares are so illiquid, even long term shareholders have no prospect of being able to sell stock without meaningfully affecting the price of the Class A Shares. The changes outlined above will take time, and for shareholders who been in the stock for many years, this is a unique opportunity – if they so choose.

Important Amendments for ISC Shareholders

The amendments to the terms of the Tender Offer include, among other things:
- Extended Tender Offer Period – The Tender Offer is now open for acceptance by shareholders of the Company until 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on April 28, 2025 (the “Expiry Time”), unless the Tender Offer is further extended, varied or withdrawn.
- Tender Offer Made to All Shareholders – Plantro is making the Tender Offer to all shareholders of the Company, including shareholders who were not holders of record on March 24, 2025 and the Crown Investment Corporation of Saskatchewan.
- No Longer Acquiring Shares on a First Come First Serve Basis – Plantro will only take up and pay for Class A Shares that are deposited pursuant to the Tender Offer as at the Expiry Time, and not on a “first come, first served” and/or “rolling” basis. As a result, if more than the maximum number of Class A Shares for which the Tender Offer is made are delivered in accordance with the Tender Offer and not withdrawn at the time of take up of the Class A Shares, the Class A Shares to be purchased from each depositing shareholder will be determined on a pro rata basis according to the number of Class A Shares delivered by each shareholder, disregarding fractions, by rounding down to the nearest whole number of Class A Shares.
- Shareholders Have the Right to Opt Out of Voting Tender – Plantro has further amended the Tender Offer to allow Class A Shareholders of record on March 24, 2025, to opt out of appointing representatives of Plantro as their nominees and proxy in respect of such shares owned by a shareholder that are not deposited pursuant to the Tender Offer and ultimately taken up and paid for. For clarity, such opt out right will not apply to Class A Shares of record on March 24, 2025, which are deposited pursuant to the Tender Offer and ultimately taken up and paid for, and the holder of such shares will be required to appoint representatives of Plantro as its nominees and proxy for the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 24, 2025 in respect of such shares.
In addition to the above amendments, the size of the Tender Offer has been reduced by 100 Class A Shares to reflect that Plantro has acquired such number of shares in the market, all in compliance with the terms of the Tender Offer.

Plantro is relying on the exemption under section 9.2(4) of National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations to the circular requirements of applicable Canadian proxy solicitation laws. For further details, please see below under the heading “Information in Support of Public Broadcast Exemption Under Canadian Law”. The Tender Offer is not a formal or exempt take-over bid under Canadian securities laws and regulations. In no event will Plantro (or its affiliates or associates) make any such purchases of Class A Shares that would result in Plantro, together with its affiliates and associates, beneficially owning or exercising control or direction over more than 15% of the outstanding Class A Shares upon completion of the Tender Offer.

Full details of the Tender Offer are included in the Offer Documents and are available online on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Plantro’s Advisors

Plantro has engaged Goodmans LLP as its legal advisor, Carson Proxy as its information agent, Odyssey Trust Company as depositary, and Gagnier Communications as its strategic communications advisor.

About Plantro

Plantro is a privately-held company, with an established track record of making successful investments in undervalued and high quality legal, financial, and information services businesses.

Shareholder Questions

Shareholders who have questions with respect to the Tender Offer, or who need assistance in depositing their Class A Shares, please contact the depositary and information agent for the Tender Offer:

Depositary: Odyssey Trust Company

Toll Free (US & Canada): 1-888-290-1175
Calls (All Regions): 587-885-0960
Email: corp.actions@odysseytrust.com

Information Agent: Carson Proxy

North America Toll Free: 1-800-530-5189
Local and Text: 416-751-2066
Email: info@carsonproxy.com

Information in Support of Public Broadcast Exemption Under Canadian Law

Plantro is relying on the exemption under section 9.2(4) of National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations to make this public broadcast solicitation. The following information is provided in accordance with corporate and securities laws applicable to public broadcast solicitations.

This solicitation is being made by Plantro, and not by or on behalf of management of ISC. The information agent will receive a fee of up to $250,000 for its services as information agent under the Tender Offer, plus ancillary payments and disbursements. Based upon publicly available information, ISC’s registered and head office is located at 300 – 10 Research Drive, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 7J7, Canada. Plantro is soliciting proxies in reliance upon the public broadcast exemption to the solicitation requirements under applicable Canadian corporate and securities laws, conveyed by way of public broadcast, including press release, speech or publication, and by any other manner permitted under applicable Canadian securities laws. In addition, this solicitation may be made by mail, telephone, facsimile, email or other electronic means as well as by newspaper or other media advertising and in person by representatives of Plantro. All costs incurred for such solicitation will be borne by Plantro.

A registered shareholder who has given a proxy under the terms of the Letter of Transmittal may, prior to its Class A Shares being taken up and paid for under the Tender Offer, revoke the proxy by instrument in writing, including a proxy bearing a later date. The instrument revoking the proxy must be deposited at the registered office of ISC at least 48 hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, preceding the date of the meeting or an adjournment or postponement thereof, or with the Chair of the meeting on the day of the meeting, or in any other manner permitted by law, provided that, in each circumstance, a copy of such revocation has been delivered to the depositary, at its principal office in Toronto, Ontario, Canada prior to the Class A Shares relating to such proxy having been taken up and paid for under the Tender Offer.

A non-registered shareholder may revoke a form of proxy or voting instruction form given to an intermediary at any time by written notice to the intermediary in accordance with the instructions given to the non-registered shareholder by its intermediary. Non-registered shareholders should contact their broker for assistance in ensuring that forms of proxies or voting instructions previously given to an intermediary are properly revoked.

None of Plantro nor, to its knowledge, any of its associates or affiliates, has any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the commencement of ISC’s most recently completed financial year, or in any proposed transaction which has materially affected or will materially affect ISC or any of its subsidiaries. None of Plantro nor, to its knowledge, any of its associates or affiliates, has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at any upcoming shareholders’ meeting, other than as set out herein.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release may contain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Specifically, certain statements contained in this press release, including without limitation statements regarding the Tender Offer, taking up and paying for Class A Shares deposited under the Tender Offer, and the expiry of the Tender Offer, contain “forward-looking information” and are prospective in nature. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward looking terminology such as “plans”, “targets”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “an opportunity exists”, “is positioned”, “estimates”, “intends”, “assumes”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate” or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking statements.

Statements containing forward-looking information are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the future outcomes expressed or implied by the statements containing forward-looking information.

Although Plantro believes that the expectations reflected in statements containing forward-looking information herein made by it (and not, for greater certainty, any forward-looking statements attributable to the Company) are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Material factors or assumptions that were applied in formulating the forward-looking information contained herein include the assumption that the business and economic conditions affecting the Company’s operations will continue substantially in the current state, including, without limitation, with respect to industry conditions, general levels of economic activity, continuity and availability of personnel, local and international laws and regulations, foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, inflation, taxes, that there will be no unplanned material changes to the Company’s operations, and that the Company’s public disclosure record is accurate in all material respects and is not misleading (including by omission).

Plantro cautions that the foregoing list of material factors and assumptions is not exhaustive. While these factors and assumptions are considered by Plantro to be appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances as of the date of this press release, they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of Plantro and there is no assurance that they will prove correct.

Important facts that could cause outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information include, among other things, actions taken by the Company in respect of the Tender Offer, the content of subsequent public disclosures by the Company, the failure to satisfy the conditions to the Tender Offer, general economic conditions, legislative or regulatory changes and changes in capital or securities markets. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the opinions, estimates or assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results or future events might vary materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Although Plantro has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other risk factors not presently known to Plantro or that Plantro presently believes are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking information.

Statements containing forward-looking information in this press release are based on Plantro’s beliefs and opinions at the time the statements are made, and there should be no expectation that such forward-looking information will be updated or supplemented as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, and Plantro disclaims any obligation to do so, except as required by applicable law. All of the forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements.

1405-7479-8102

¹ Based on 2014 Annual Information Form vs. 2025 Annual Information Form and current LinkedIn Data.

The MIL Network –
April 15, 2025
MIL-OSI: Claim 100% Deposit Bonus and $100 Trading Bonus with 100x Leverage & No KYC – Only on BexBack
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SINGAPORE, April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global cryptocurrency derivatives exchange BexBack has launched two powerful bonus programs designed to give traders a significant edge in the volatile crypto market. With up to 100x leverage, zero slippage, and no KYC requirements, BexBack continues to attract both novice and professional traders across 200+ countries.

Two Independent Bonus Promotions

To further support user growth and trading activity, BexBack is now offering two separate bonus campaigns that can be used for trading and profit generation.

1. 100% Deposit Bonus

This bonus matches your deposit amount 1:1 — double your trading power instantly.

How to Claim and Use:
- Available to all users, including new and existing accounts
- Bonus is automatically credited after a qualifying deposit
- Bonus is non-withdrawable but fully usable for leveraged trading
- Profits generated from the bonus are withdrawable
- Details: https://www.bexback.com/activity/deposit-bonus
2. $100 Trading Bonus

Earn up to $100 in trading bonus through qualifying deposits.

How to Claim and Use:
- $50 Bonus: Deposit over 0.001 BTC or 100 USDT in a single transaction
- $100 Bonus: First-time deposit over 0.01 BTC or 1000 USDT
- Bonuses can offset losses and increase position size
- Bonuses cannot be withdrawn but profits can
- Details: https://www.bexback.com/activity/deposit-bonus-first
Why Trade 100x Leverage Futures on BexBack?

BexBack enables traders to multiply their exposure and opportunities through 100x leverage — a single winning trade could grow your account 10x or even 100x in just one day. Whether you’re swing trading or scalping, this level of margin access creates unmatched potential in both bull and bear markets.

Key Advantages of BexBack
- 100x leverage on top cryptocurrencies
- 100% Deposit Bonus + Welcome Bonuses
- No KYC — sign up and trade instantly
- Zero slippage and tight spreads
- 24/7 customer support
- Licensed MSB in the U.S.
- Beginner-friendly UI and Demo Mode with 10 BTC test funds
Who is BexBack?

Headquartered in Singapore with operational offices in Hong Kong, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Argentina, BexBack is a rapidly growing crypto derivatives exchange. It serves over 500,000 users globally, offering secure, fast, and transparent futures trading. As a regulated Money Services Business (MSB) in the U.S., BexBack combines global trust with local access.

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Sign up on BexBack now, claim your exclusive bonus and start accumulating more BTC today!

Website: www.bexback.com

Contact: business@bexback.com

Contact:
Amanda
business@bexback.com

Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6545edce-37fd-406f-9976-01796f7492d9

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9b73bcce-5548-4d38-8250-3fd22e9ee7df

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/03d1fedb-6653-4574-b0e3-05592c3244e1

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0d4ad990-1de6-4d77-903b-18e5524a2b74

The MIL Network –
April 15, 2025
MIL-OSI: MNP Consumer Debt Index Rebounds (+9 Pts) as Canadians Take Steps to Safeguard their Finances Amid Economic Uncertainty

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CALGARY, Alberta, April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Canadians take steps to safeguard their finances amid ongoing economic uncertainty, the MNP Consumer Debt Index—conducted quarterly by Ipsos—has rebounded to 88 points this quarter, marking a nine-point increase from the previous quarter and signaling a more optimistic outlook on personal finances. Reflecting Canadians’ shift toward financial caution, three-quarters (74%) say they have cut back on spending due to uncertainty, with women (77%) and those aged 35-54 (81%) being the most likely to have reduced spending. Around the same proportion (73%) say they are delaying major purchases or investments.

“The improvement we are seeing in Canadians’ feelings toward their personal finances follows two Bank of Canada interest rate cuts this year. And while uncertainty remains around U.S. tariffs, their on-again, off-again nature may be providing Canadians with some optimism for the future—especially since these tariffs have yet to make a full impact on household budgets,” explains Grant Bazian, president of MNP LTD, the country’s largest insolvency firm.

Lower Interest Rates Offer Relief, but Many Remain Concerned

The proportion of Canadians concerned about the impact of rising interest rates remains near the highest level on record (60%, +1pt). However, thanks in part to the interest rate reductions this year, overall concerns about the broader impact of interest rates have declined. Fewer Canadians this quarter are worried about their ability to repay debts, even if rates decrease (43%, -7pts). Nearly a quarter (24%, +4pts) now feel better equipped to absorb a one-percentage-point rate increase, while the percentage (21%, -6pts) who feel less prepared has decreased. More than half (52%, -5pts) continue to worry about falling into financial trouble if rates rise, and nearly two in five (38%, -8pts) fear that rising rates could push them toward bankruptcy.

“Lower interest rates, along with the budget adjustments Canadians have already made, seem to be providing some breathing room,” says Bazian.

A majority of Canadians (81%) say the current economic uncertainty has made them more cautious about taking on new debt – a sentiment that is consistent across genders, age groups, regions and income levels. A higher proportion this quarter believes they will be able to cover living expenses in the next year without needing more credit (58%, +9pts) and fewer regret the amount of debt they have taken on (43%, -6pts).

“In comparison to the previous quarter, the results suggest that Canadians are taking proactive steps to reduce spending and lessen their reliance on credit as they brace for potential financial challenges on the horizon,” says Bazian.

He points to the fact that Canadians’ net personal debt rating (positive minus negative) has rebounded 14 points from last quarter’s all-time low. Additionally, fewer Canadians (43%, -7pts) report being just $200 or less away from financial insolvency, unable to meet their bills and debt obligations each month. This is due to significantly fewer saying they are already insolvent (26%, -9pts).

“Four in ten Canadians still report being on the brink of insolvency, and more than a quarter have no financial cushion, no flexibility, or wiggle room in their budgets. Individuals without a safety net will likely face economic hardship when faced with rising costs and housing expenses, or a potential loss of income,” says Bazian.

Well over half (58%) of Canadians express heightened concern about their ability to pay off debt due to ongoing uncertainty. This concern extends to broader financial stability, with about two in five worried about the possibility of someone in their household losing their job (38%, -3pts).

Canadians Bracing for Increased Housing Costs

Two in five (44%) Canadians say they are bracing for an increase in housing costs within the next year. Renters have a higher expectation of rising costs than homeowners, with two in three (65%) expecting their housing costs to increase within the next year, and nearly one-third of homeowners (30%) agreeing their housing costs will rise. Lower income earners may be impacted the most, with half (52%) of those earning under $40,000 expecting an increase, compared to one-third (34%) of those earning $100,000 or more. Younger Canadians under the age of 55 are more likely to expect an increase compared to those 55 and older.

“More than four million mortgages—roughly 60% of all outstanding mortgages in Canada—are set to renew by the end of 2026 at potentially higher rates. This is just one example of the rising expenses, compounded by ongoing economic uncertainty, that those teetering on the edge can’t afford,” says Bazian.

Bazian says that there is help for those struggling to manage debt repayment, missing monthly payments or simply unable to make ends meet.

“Licensed Insolvency Trustees provide unbiased advice to help Canadians make informed decisions to address both short-term pressures and long-term debt management, especially during times of financial instability,” says Bazian.

Licensed Insolvency Trustees play a vital role in helping Canadians navigate financial challenges and make decisions about managing their debt. As the financial landscape remains unpredictable, seeking guidance from a Licensed Insolvency Trustee can provide individuals with a clear understanding of their debt-relief options, including debt consolidation, consumer proposals, and bankruptcy.

MNP’s extensive network of Licensed Insolvency Trustees provides free consultations across more than 200 offices nationwide, offering Canadians personalized, local support to help them explore debt relief options.

As a result of the uncertain economic environment, half (50%) of Canadians say they are relying more on financial advice and planning.

About MNP LTD

MNP LTD, a division of the national accounting firm MNP LLP, is the largest insolvency practice in Canada. For more than 50 years, our experienced team of Licensed Insolvency Trustees and advisors have been working with individuals to help them recover from times of financial distress and regain control of their finances. With more than 240 Canadian offices from coast-to-coast, MNP helps thousands of Canadians each year who are struggling with an overwhelming amount of debt. Visit MNPdebt.ca to contact a Licensed Insolvency Trustee or use our free Do it Yourself (DIY) debt assessment tools. For regular, bite-sized insights about debt and personal finances, subscribe to the MNP 3 Minute Debt Break Podcast.

About the MNP Consumer Debt Index

The MNP Consumer Debt Index measures Canadians’ attitudes toward their consumer debt and gauges their ability to pay their bills, endure unexpected expenses, and absorb interest-rate fluctuations without approaching insolvency. Conducted by Ipsos and updated quarterly, the Index is an industry-leading barometer of financial pressure or relief among Canadians.

Now in its 32^nd wave, the Index has rebounded to 88 points, up nine points since last quarter. Visit MNPdebt.ca/CDI to learn more.

The data was compiled by Ipsos on behalf of MNP LTD between March 11 – 14, 2025. For this survey, a sample of 2,000 Canadians aged 18 years and over was interviewed. Weighting was then employed to balance demographics to ensure that the sample’s composition reflects that of the adult population according to Census data and to provide results intended to approximate the sample universe. The precision of Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility interval. In this case, the poll is accurate to within ±2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, had all Canadian adults been polled. The credibility interval will be wider among subsets of the population. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to coverage error, and measurement error.

Provincial data is available upon request.

CONTACT

Angela Joyce, Media Relations

p. 1.403.681.9286
e. angela.joyce@mnp.ca

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d64985f7-0b02-45ea-a904-ae2b56c256ab

The MIL Network –

April 15, 2025
MIL-OSI: Borqs Technologies Completed Cash Sale of Core Businesses To Sasken Technologies of India

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HONG KONG, April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Borqs Technologies, Inc. (U.S. OTC: BRQSF, “Borqs” or the “Company”) today announced that it has completed the sale of its core businesses to Sasken Technologies, Ltd. (India NSE: SASKEN, BSE: 532663, “Sasken”), a leading global product engineering and digital transformation services company based in India. Included in the sale were all of the Company’s embedded software design and customized hardware manufacturing of products for the Internet of Things (IoT) activities. Price for the sale totaled US$40 million, a portion will be reserved for employees, tax withholding and payments subject to an earnout arrangement linked to performance in the year 2025.

Along with customers’ contracts, technology licenses, IP, transferring of the employment agreements of key personnel and assets required for the Company’s operations, certain subsidiaries of the Company crucial for servicing the customers are included in the sale.

The acquisition will enable Sasken to support customers in designing, developing, and commercializing connected devices from concept to market. It includes ideation, IP development, software and product realization, and hardware supply chain management. Working closely with chipset partners, Sasken will create a range of connected devices, including mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, and various IoT products.

Pat Chan, CEO of Borqs, “As we mark a significant milestone in our journey, I am proud of the exceptional achievements of our team at Borqs since our founding in 2007. Over the years, we have established ourselves as a global leader in Android and IoT technologies, delivering innovative solutions that have empowered our clients worldwide. I am confident that Sasken Technologies Limited will leverage our expertise to drive even greater success for our customers, ensuring the continued growth and prosperity of our business.”

Borqs will use the cash received from the transaction in investment activities focusing on emerging opportunities in AI and capital-related ventures, participate in shaping the future of these industries and capitalizing on the latest trends in technology.

Commenting on the acquisition, Mr. Rajiv C. Mody, Chairperson, Managing Director & CEO, Sasken Technologies Limited, said: “This acquisition reflects our commitment to expanding our technological footprint and delivering advanced solutions to meet the evolving demands of our customers. By integrating Borqs’ capabilities, we will strengthen our portfolio, improve our competitiveness, and drive future growth in high-demand markets like Automotive, SatCom, Consumer, Industrial, IoT and 5G.”

Hareesh Ramana, one of the founders of Borqs Technologies Inc and Managing Director of Borqs India will join the Sasken leadership as part of this acquisition and lead the efforts to integrate Borqs capabilities into the Sasken repertoire.

Founded in 2007, Borqs, a publicly traded company, has built a strong reputation in end-to-end wireless product solutions for mobile telecommunications and IoT. The company has strategic alliances with industry leaders like Qualcomm and works with key mobile network operators and OEMs. With about 300 employees and a presence across continents, Borqs is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for IoT and 5G technologies, leveraging its software platform to offer customizable wireless product solutions across various industries, including utilities, automotive, and smart cities.

For more information, visit:
https://www.sasken.com
https://www.borqs.com/

About Sasken:

Sasken is a specialist in Product Engineering and Digital Transformation providing concept-to-market, chip-to-cognition R&D services to global leaders in Semiconductor, Automotive, Industrials, Consumer Electronics, Enterprise Devices, SatCom, Telecom, and Transportation industries. For over 30 years and with multiple patents, Sasken has transformed the businesses of 100+ Fortune 500 companies, powering more than a billion devices through its services and IP. For more information, visit www.sasken.com

About Borqs Technologies, Inc.

Borqs Technologies is a global leader in software and products for the IoT, providing customizable, differentiated and scalable Android-based smart connected devices and cloud service solutions. Borqs has achieved leadership and customer recognition as an innovative end-to-end IoT solutions provider leveraging its strategic chipset partner relationships as well as its broad software and IP portfolio. Borqs’ unique strengths include its Android and Android Wear Licenses which enabled the Company to develop a software IP library covering chipset software, Android enhancements, domain specific usage and system performance optimization, suitable for large and low volume customized products. The Company is also currently in the development of 5G products for phones and hotspots.

Investor relations contact:

E: IR@borqs.com

Disclaimer on Forward Looking Statements:
Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects are forward-looking statements, which involve a number of risks, and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements due to risks or uncertainties associated with our expectations. Words such as “expects”, “believes”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “seeks”, “may”, “might”, “plan”, “possible”, “should” and variations and similar words and expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or future results, based on currently available information and reflect our management’s current beliefs. Many factors could cause actual events or results to differ materially from the events and results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including the possibility that the transactions as described herein between Borqs and Sasken may not end up with positive benefits or at all. The reader is advised to refer to both companies’ filings with their respective securities and exchange authorities for additional information identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Except as expressly required by applicable securities law and other regulatory requirements, the companies disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The MIL Network –

April 15, 2025

MIL-OSI: ASUS Announces ExpertBook P1, P3 and P5 Now Available in Canada

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ASUS today announced that the new ExpertBook P1 (P1403 and P1503) laptop models are now available in Canada through the ASUS Store, selected retailers, and B2B channels. These additions join the high-performance ExpertBook P5 (P5404), already available online on the ASUS Store, Amazon, Canada Computer, Costco, Memory Express, Staples, and Walmart, and precede the upcoming ExpertBook P3 (P3405), set to be available for order later this May.

Designed to meet the evolving needs of professionals and SMBs with limited IT support, the new ExpertBook P series combines sleek portability, enterprise-grade security, and robust AI collaboration tools. Each device is MIL-STD-810H military-grade tested¹, features Windows Secured-core PC compliance, and includes a one-year subscription to McAfee+ Premium with Smart AI™ for 24/7 protection, identity monitoring, and privacy tools.

All three series also feature ASUS-exclusive AI ExpertMeet², a powerful productivity suite offering real-time translation, multilingual transcription, AI-generated meeting summaries, speaker differentiation, and on-screen watermarks — all processed locally for enhanced security.

ExpertBook P1: Practical Performance for Everyday Business

The ASUS ExpertBook P1 series is built for professionals who value reliability and essential performance. Available in 14-inch and 15-inch Full HD options and weighing as little as 1.4 kg³, the P1 is powered by up to 13th Gen Intel^®Core™ i7 processors, with support for up to 64 GB RAM⁴ and 1 TB of dual-SSD RAID storage for enhanced data speed and reliability.

A refined, durable design ensures it can handle commutes and daily use, while thoughtful security touches like TPM 2.0, BIOS-level protections, and BIOS setting recovery tools ensure peace of mind. Designed for organizations seeking affordable yet powerful solutions, the P1 balances performance and durability for professionals on the move.

ExpertBook P3: Versatile and Ready for Hybrid Work

Designed for hybrid professionals and SMBs, the ExpertBook P3 blends portability and performance in 14-inch sizes starting at 1.36 kg⁵. It’s equipped with up to an Intel^® Core™ i7-13620H processor, 64 GB of DDR5 memory, and dual PCIe 4.0 SSDs for smooth multitasking.

With an optimized layout, spill-resistant keyboard, optional IR camera, and exclusive ASUS ExpertCool thermal system, the P3 ensures comfort, performance, and quiet operation all day long. It’s an ideal choice for flexible work and learning environments where reliability and privacy matter.

ExpertBook P5: Advanced AI Power for the Future of Work

At the top of the lineup, the ExpertBook P5 is designed for high-demand professionals who require cutting-edge AI performance. Featuring up to the Intel^® Core™ Ultra 7 processor (Series 2) with 47 TOPS of NPU performance, the P5 delivers up to 3X faster AI capabilities than previous generations.

A sleek 1.29 kg⁶ aluminum chassis houses a 2.5K 144 Hz display, advanced cooling, and a workspace designed for productivity and comfort. With support for NIST-compliant BIOS, a five-year BIOS update policy, and a focus on sustainability (featuring 50% recycled materials), the P5 is engineered for forward-thinking businesses that want speed, security, and style.

ASUS Business Support

Understanding the critical needs of modern professionals, ASUS Business Support is not merely a warranty — it’s a comprehensive service package that includes on-site repairs, dedicated technical assistance and 24/7 customer support. This robust support framework ensures that every ExpertBook user experiences minimal downtime and receives personalized solutions to their technical issues.

AVAILABILITY & PRICING

The ExpertBook P1 is now available on the ASUS Store, selected retailers and through B2B channels, with detailed specifications below.

The ExpertBook P5 is already available online on the ASUS Store, Amazon, Canada Computer, Costco, Memory Express, Staples, and Walmart with different configurations available below.

The upcoming ExpertBook P3 is set to be available for order later this May in different configurations on the ASUS Store and selected retailers.

For detailed specifications, availability, pricing, and where to buy links, please see below.

Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information.

SPECIFICATIONS

ExpertBook P1 (P1503CVA and P1403CVA)

Model	P1503CVA-H716512-CA	P1503CVA-H716512-CB	P1503CVA-H516512-CA	P1503CVA-H516512-CB
Operating system	Windows 11 Home
Processor	Intel^® Core™ i7-13620H Processor 2.4 GHz (24MB Cache, up to 4.9 GHz, 10 cores, 16 Threads)		Intel^® Core™ i5-13420H Processor 2.1 GHz (12MB Cache, up to 4.6 GHz, 8 cores, 12 Threads)
Graphics	Intel^® UHD Graphics for Intel^® Core™ with 64-bit memory populated
Memory	SO-DIMM: 16 GB DDR5 5200 MHz 2x SO-DIMM, up to 64 GB DDR5 5200 MHz
Storage	512 GB M.2 PCIe^® 4.0 SSD 1 x M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe^® 4.0, up to 1TB PCIe^® Gen4 SSD 1 x M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe^® 4.0, up to 512GB PCIe^® Gen4 SSD
Display	15.6″ FHD (1920 x 1080) TN, 16:9, 60Hz, wide view, Anti-Glare, 250 nits, 45% NTSC
I/O ports	2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C^® (PD, DP) 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A 1 x HDMI^® 1.4b 1 x 3.5 mm Combo audio jack 1 x Kensington^® nano lock slot 1 x RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet
Camera	HD camera, webcam shield
Wireless	WiFi 6 (802.11ax) (Dual band) 2*2 + Bluetooth^® 5.2 Wireless Card
Audio	2 x speaker with Dirac technology support 2 x Array microphone ASUS AI Noise-Canceling Technology
Weight	1.65 kg (3.64 lbs)
Dimensions (WxDxH)	35.95 x 23.22 x 1.99 ~ 1.99 cm (14.15″ x 9.14″ x 0.78″ ~ 0.78″)
Battery	50 Wh-3 cell, Li-Polymer
Security	Nano Kensington^® lock slot Fingerprint Sensor (combo touchpad) Webcam Shield TPM 2.0
Keyboard and touchpad	Full-size keyboard with 1.35 mm key travel / spill-resistant to 66cc* *Quantity used during testing, with duration of 3 minutes
Keyboard	English	Bilingual	English	Bilingual
Featured software	ASUS Control Center (optional), MyASUS, ExpertMeet
AC adapter	65 W AC Adapter, USB Type-C^® (Output: 20 V DC, 3.25 A, 65 W / Input: 100-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz universal)
Product Availability	ASUS	ASUS	ASUS CDW	ASUS

Model	P1503CVA-P516512-CA	P1503CVA-P516512-CB	P1403CVA-P516512-CA	P1403CVA-P516512-CB
Operating system	Windows 11 Pro
Processor	Intel^® Core™ i5-13420H Processor 2.1 GHz (12MB Cache, up to 4.6 GHz, 8 cores, 12 Threads)
Graphics	Intel^® UHD Graphics for Intel^® Core™ with 64-bit memory populated
Memory	SO-DIMM: 16 GB DDR5 5200 MHz 2x SO-DIMM, up to 64 GB DDR5 5200 MHz
Storage	512 GB M.2 PCIe^® 4.0 SSD 1 x M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe^® 4.0, up to 1TB PCIe^® Gen4 SSD 1 x M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe^® 4.0, up to 512GB PCIe^® Gen4 SSD
Display	15.6″ FHD (1920 x 1080) TN, 16:9, 60Hz, wide view, Anti-Glare, 250 nits, 45% NTSC		14″ FHD (1920 x 1080) TN, 16:9, 60Hz, wide view, Anti-Glare, 300 nits, 45% NTSC
I/O ports	2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C^® (PD, DP) 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A 1 x HDMI^® 1.4b 1 x 3.5 mm Combo audio jack 1 x Kensington^® nano lock slot 1 x RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet
Camera	HD camera, webcam shield
Wireless	WiFi 6 (802.11ax) (Dual band) 2*2 + Bluetooth^® 5.2 Wireless Card
Audio	2 x speaker with Dirac technology support 2 x Array microphone ASUS AI Noise-Canceling Technology
Weight	1.65 kg (3.64 lbs)		1.43 kg (3.15 lbs)
Dimensions (WxDxH)	35.95 x 23.22 x 1.99 ~ 1.99 cm (14.15″ x 9.14″ x 0.78″ ~ 0.78″)		32.45 x 21.44 x 1.97 ~ 1.97 cm (12.78″ x 8.44″ x 0.78″ ~ 0.78″)
Battery	50 Wh-3 cell, Li-Polymer
Security	Nano Kensington^® lock slot Fingerprint Sensor (combo touchpad) Webcam Shield TPM 2.0
Keyboard and touchpad	Full-size keyboard with 1.35 mm key travel / spill-resistant to 66cc* *Quantity used during testing, with duration of 3 minutes
Keyboard	English	Bilingual	English	Bilingual
Featured software	ASUS Control Center (optional), MyASUS, ExpertMeet
AC adapter	65 W AC Adapter, USB Type-C^® (Output: 20 V DC, 3.25 A, 65 W / Input: 100-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz universal)
Product Availability	ASUS Amazon CDW	ASUS Amazon	ASUS	ASUS

ExpertBook P5 (P5404)

Model	P5405CSA-P73-CB	P5405CSA-DH71-CA	P5405CSA-P53-CA	P5405CSA-CH51-CB
Operating system	Windows 11 Pro	Windows 11 Home	Windows 11 Pro	Windows 11 Home
Processor	Intel^® Core™ 7 Processor 258 V 32 GB 1.8 GHz (12 MB Cache, up to 4.8 GHz, 8 cores, 8 Threads); Intel^® AI Boost NPU up to 47 TOPS		Intel^® Core™ 5 Processor 226 V 16 GB 1.6 GHz (8 MB Cache, up to 4.5 GHz, 8 cores, 8 Threads); Intel^® AI Boost NPU up to 40 TOPS
Graphics	Intel^® Arc™ 140 V GPU (16GB)		Intel^® Arc™ 130 V GPU (8GB)
Memory	32 GB LPDDR5X-8533 MOP		16 GB LPDDR5X-8533 MOP
Storage	1 x 1 TB M.2 PCIe^® 4.0 2280 SSD (Upgradeable to 2 TB) 1 x M.2 2230 SSD, up to 1 TB PCIe^® 4.0 SSD User upgradeable		1 x 512 GB M.2 PCIe^® 4.0 2280 SSD (Upgradeable to 2 TB) 1 x M.2 2230 SSD, up to 1 TB PCIe^® 4.0 SSD User upgradeable
Display	14.0″ 2560 x 1600 Anti-Glare, 100% sRGB, 400 nits
I/O ports	2X Thunderbolt™ 4, USB 3.2 Gen2, support wide range 5–20 V 1 x USB Type-A 3.2 Gen2, support BC1.2 1 x USB Type-A 3.2 Gen2 1 x HDMI^® 2.1 1 x Audio combo jack 1 x Kensington^® Nano lock slot
Camera	1080p FHD IR camera, Webcam Shield
Wireless	WiFi 6E (802.11ax) (Dual band) 2*2 + Bluetooth^® 5.3 Wireless Card
Audio	2 x speaker 2 x multi-array microphone with intelliGO beam forming Smart amp technology Dolby Atmos certified
Weight	1.65 kg (3.64 lbs)
Dimensions (WxDxH)	31.2 cm x 22.3 cm x 1.645 cm (12.28” x 8.78” x 0.65”)
Battery	63 Wh, 3-cell, Li-polymer
Touchpad	ASUS ErgoSense touchpad Smart gesture touchpad Silent touchpad technology
Keyboard	Full-size keyboard with 1.5 mm key travel; backlit, spill-resistant 78 cc
Keyboard	Bilingual	English	English	Bilingual
Featured software	ASUS Control Center (optional), MyASUS, ExpertMeet
AC adapter	65 W non-wall mount Type-C^® power jack, Input : 100–240 V AC, 50 / 60 Hz universal
Product Availability	ASUS Amazon Insight Memory Express	ASUS Amazon CDW	ASUS Amazon CDW Memory Express	ASUS Costco

ExpertBook P3 (P3405)

Model	P3405CVA-H7321-CA
Operating system	Windows 11 Home
Processor	Intel^® Core™ i7-13620H Processor 2.4 GHz (24MB Cache, up to 4.9 GHz, 10 cores, 16 Threads)
Graphics	Intel^® UHD Graphics for Intel^® Core™ with 64-bit memory populated
Memory	SO-DIMM: 32 GB DDR5 5200 MHz 2x SO-DIMM, up to 64 GB DDR5 5200 MHz
Storage	1 TB M.2 2280 MVMe^™ PCIe^® 4.0 SSD Includes 1x M.2 2230 PCIe 4.0 for extension
Display	14″ WQXGA 2.5K (2560 x 1600), 16:10, 144Hz, Anti-Glare, 250 nits, 45% NTSC
I/O ports	2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C support display / power delivery 1x HDMI 2.1 TMDS 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack 1x RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet
Camera	1080p FHD camera with IR function to support Windows Hello With webcam shield
Wireless	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) (Dual band) 2*2 + Bluetooth^® 5.4 Wireless Card
Audio	Audio by Dirac Smart Amp Technology Built-in speaker Built-in array microphone
Weight	1.39 kg (3.06 lbs)
Dimensions (WxDxH)	31.51 x 22.68 x 1.79 ~ 1.80 cm (12.41″ x 8.93″ x 0.70″ ~ 0.71″)
Battery	63WHrs, 3S1P, 3-cell Li-ion
Security	Nano Kensington^® lock slot Fingerprint Sensor (combo touchpad) Webcam Shield TPM 2.0
Keyboard	English
Featured software	ASUS Control Center (optional), MyASUS, ExpertMeet
AC adapter	65 W AC Adapter, USB Type-C^® (Output: 20 V DC, 3.25 A, 65 W / Input: 100-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz universal)
Product Availability	ASUS (available later in May)

NOTES TO EDITORS

Where to buy links:

ASUS ExpertBook P1: https://www.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/for-work/expertbook/expertbook-p1-p1503/where-to-buy/

ASUS ExpertBook P3: https://www.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/for-work/expertbook/asus-expertbook-p3-p3605/

ASUS ExpertBook P5: https://www.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/for-work/expertbook/expertbook-p5-p5405/where-to-buy/

ASUS ExpertBook P1 (P1503): https://www.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/for-work/expertbook/expertbook-p1-p1503/

ASUS ExpertBook P1 (P1403): https://www.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/for-work/expertbook/expertbook-p1-p1403/

ASUS ExpertBook P3 (P3405): https://www.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/for-work/expertbook/asus-expertbook-p3-p3405/

ASUS ExpertBook P5 (P5405): https://www.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/for-work/expertbook/expertbook-p5-p5405/

ASUS ExpertBook laptops: https://www.asus.com/ca-en/business/laptops/expertbook/

ASUS Business website: https://www.asus.com/ca-en/business/

ASUS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asus/posts/

ASUS Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/asus-business/

ASUS Pressroom: http://press.asus.com

ASUS Canada Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asuscanada/

ASUS Canada Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asus_ca

ASUS Canada YouTube: https://ca.asus.click/youtube

ASUS Global X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/asus

About ASUS

ASUS is a global technology leader that provides the world’s most innovative and intuitive devices, components, and solutions to deliver incredible experiences that enhance the lives of people everywhere. With its team of 5,000 in-house R&D experts, the company is world-renowned for continuously reimagining today’s technologies. Consistently ranked as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies, ASUS is also committed to sustaining an incredible future. The goal is to create a net zero enterprise that helps drive the shift towards a circular economy, with a responsible supply chain creating shared value for every one of us.

¹ The testing regime includes the requirements of both military-grade standards and ASUS quality tests, and varies depending on device. MIL-STD-810H testing is conducted on selected ASUS products only. Note that the MIL-STD-810H testing helps to ensure the quality of ASUS products but does not indicate a particular fitness for military use. The test is performed under laboratory conditions. Any damage caused by attempts to replicate these test conditions would be considered accidental, and would not be covered by the standard ASUS warranty. Additional coverage is available with ASUS Premium Care.
² For the full AI feature experience, 12 GB of memory is required.
³ Weight may vary according to configuration.
⁴ Memory is upgradable up to 64 GB.
⁵ Weight may vary according to configuration
⁶ Weight may vary according to configuration

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/55d33a2c-870a-49ca-be18-b986e1500401

The MIL Network –

April 15, 2025

MIL-OSI: ATR Announces Expanded Investment in Data Center IT Asset Management Services Across the U.S.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PENSACOLA, Fla., April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Advanced Technology Recycling (ATR), a leader in IT asset disposition (ITAD) and IT asset management (ITAM) services for over 30 years, today announced a significant investment in enhancing its Data Center IT Asset Management Services throughout the United States. The new Mack Anthem 64T Semi Tractor and AI enhanced Geotab fleet monitoring systems are the latest addition to our fleet. This strategic expansion underlines ATR’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art logistics capabilities and comprehensive onsite services to data center operators nationwide.

Comprehensive Onsite Services Tailored for Data Centers

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by data center administrators—especially concerning the secure decommissioning and recycling of sensitive legacy assets—ATR has augmented its onsite capabilities to meet these demands head-on. Additionally, ATR assigns each data center client with their own account manager and Operations Support Specialist to ensure maximum account oversight. Key onsite service offerings include:
- Expert Onsite Support: ATR’s trained professionals provide optimized value recovery assistance during rack and server decommissioning and enhancement projects. Customized assessments empower you to handpick from a scalable portfolio of on-site services that put our resources where you need them most. This means you can choose services that best suit your needs—ranging from equipment removal and packing for transport, data destruction, value recovery evaluations, to assistance with installing replacement equipment, and much more.
- Mobile Equipment Solutions: For facilities without docks, ATR’s fleet, including vehicles with lift gates, is fully equipped to bring all necessary supplies and labor for efficient pack-and-ship operations right at the site.
- Asset Inventory & Reconciliation Services: ATR offers optional onsite asset reconciliation, capturing accurate inventory and identifying anomalies before equipment leaves the facility, contributing to transparent reporting and improving efficiencies.
- Optional Onsite Hard Drive Shredding: ATR delivers self-contained, portable shredders directly to your data center to securely and irretrievably destroy sensitive data onsite, ensuring complete transparency, robust security, and full regulatory compliance.
- Scalable Commodity Recovery Programs: ATR’s commodity recovery program is a powerful fee mitigation tool, providing a robust and incentivized solution that rewards customers for helping sort and separate enclosures, cabling, non-inventoried e-waste, and other end-of-life electronics. With our program, you gain maximum value from assets that most ITAD providers charge to recycle.
ATR’s mission is to transform outdated electronics into profitable assets while assuring clients that every step—from initial pickup through final resale—is executed with precision, security, and environmental responsibility.

Enhancing Logistics Capabilities with Next-Generation Fleet Technology

ATR’s ongoing investment includes the integration of top-tier fleet tracking systems utilizing Geotab technology. The Geotab system integrates advanced features into our fleet vehicles ensuring every step of the IT asset disposition process is secure, transparent, and efficient:
- Precise GPS Tracking & Real-Time Route Visibility: Each ATR vehicle is equipped with Geotab GPS and video monitoring software, providing real-time satellite location data, accurate route diagnostics, and geofencing capabilities.
- Vehicle Health Assessments & Collision Detection: Advanced AI monitoring systems continuously assess engine performance, detect faults, and alert the team to any collision events, ensuring prompt maintenance, enhanced safety, and added assurances shipments are completed on time and in optimal condition.
- In-Vehicle Driver Monitoring: Forward and aft-facing cameras monitor driving conditions while providing audible coaching alerts to address driver fatigue or distractions, such as cell phone use. This proactive approach helps maintain high safety standards, and enhanced security monitoring for each route traveled.
- Secured Data & Advanced Data Capture: With R2v3 and RIOS certified data protocols in place, ATR guarantees that all logistical information is handled with the utmost confidentiality, supporting strict compliance with industry standards.
These enhancements not only improve operational efficiency but also bolster ATR’s secure chain of custody for data center equipment. Every shipment is safeguarded through padlocked cargo doors, unique trailer seals, real-time vehicular monitoring, and on-site real-time inventory and data destruction services, ensuring full audit readiness.

Data Center Recycling: Unlocking Value with Sustainability in Mind

The expanded investment reinforces ATR’s vision to not only manage assets securely but also to optimize their residual value. By leveraging a transparent profit-sharing program, ATR maximizes the returns on legacy equipment through certified R2v3/RIOS resale and wholesale channels.

This approach supports clients in:
- Turning decommissioned data center assets and non-inventoried e-Commodities into profitable, recoverable revenue streams.
- Achieving eco-friendly operations through responsible electronics reselling and recycling is a simple click away.
- Meeting sustainability targets with comprehensive lifecycle management of IT assets.
Commitment to Excellence and Future-Ready Solutions

“Our increased investment in Data Center IT Asset Management Services demonstrates ATR’s unwavering commitment to staying ahead in a rapidly evolving technological landscape,” said Brodie Ehresman, Director of Marketing and Strategic Business Development at ATR. “By integrating Geotab’s advanced fleet tracking capabilities and expanding our onsite service offerings, we are poised to offer unparalleled efficiency, security, and value recovery for our clients. We understand the critical nature of managing legacy IT assets, and our enhanced solutions are designed to support our clients’ operational and sustainability goals while mitigating risk.”

ATR’s enhanced logistics and onsite service portfolio positions the company as a trusted partner for data center operators looking to navigate the complexities of technology refresh cycles, secure data destruction, and environmental compliance.

About Advanced Technology Recycling (ATR)

For more than three decades, ATR has been at the forefront of the IT asset disposition and management industry, offering innovative, secure, and eco-friendly solutions to organizations across the nation. With a fully company-owned fleet of over 60 logistics assets and seven strategically located, R2v3 and RIOS certified facilities, ATR delivers complete lifecycle management—ensuring high recoverable value, robust security, and streamlined operational processes for every client.

Media Contact:
Brodie Ehresman
Director of Marketing and Strategic Business Development
877-781-7779

For additional information, visit Atrecycle.com

The MIL Network –
April 15, 2025
MIL-OSI: Sprout Social Propels Brands into a New Era of Influence with AI-Powered Innovations to its Influencer Marketing Platform
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
- AI-powered natural language discovery will allow marketers to identify creators through topic-led search, driving more authentic and impactful activations
- Reimagined, customizable brand safety solution that helps brands activate creators that align with their values and audience
- New creator vetting features drastically reduces time spent in discovery so brands can refocus on more strategic, creative tasks
CHICAGO, April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sprout Social (Nasdaq: SPT), an industry-leading provider of cloud-based social media management software, today unveiled its fully reimagined influencer marketing platform. Sprout Social Influencer Marketing now features a refreshed, intuitive design along with powerful AI-driven natural language discovery and data analysis capabilities. These enhancements reflect the evolving landscape of content consumption, where personalized feeds and topical interests play a central role. With these new features, Sprout’s search is topic-led to match how networks serve content, enabling brands to more quickly identify creators who can foster authentic partnerships, scale awareness, and drive greater revenue.

This launch comes at a pivotal time for marketers. As traditional marketing tactics lose effectiveness, marketing leaders are urgently seeking new ways to expand their reach and impact. Consumers now turn to social media for inspiration and brand discovery, favoring more authentic, relatable connections. This shift has given influencers unprecedented power to shape purchasing decisions, making social media a dominant full-funnel channel. In fact, nearly half of consumers now make daily, weekly, or monthly purchases because of influencer posts. As a result, influencer marketing has rapidly evolved from a trend into a top driver and multiplier of ROI.

“Influencer marketing is no longer optional—it’s essential for brands to connect with and sell to consumers. Yet, many organizations still struggle to create cohesive, data-driven campaigns and find the right creators who truly align with their brand and messaging,” said Erika Trautman, Chief Product Officer at Sprout Social. “That’s why we’ve made strategic updates to our platform that are designed not just to solve our customers’ biggest challenges, but to empower them to lead the next era of marketing and drive transformative growth across their organizations.”

This launch comes after the recent rebrand of Sprout Social Influencer Marketing and incorporates customer-driven updates that tackle their toughest challenges, from surfacing actionable data to finding the right influencers and maintaining brand safety guidelines. These key updates include:
- AI-Powered Natural Language Creator Search: Marketers can now identify creators by topic or the content they’re looking to create, making discovery faster and easier, and enabling brands to forge impactful partnerships that resonate with customers.
- AI-Powered Brand Fit Score: Proprietary metric that provides an instant assessment of how well a creator’s content aligns with a brand’s social presence, helping marketers make smarter, faster decisions about creator activations while supporting relevance and authenticity.
- AI-Powered Creator Suggestions in Lists: Sprout’s proprietary AI Assist automates influencer sourcing by recommending potential partners within Creator Lists, helping users cut time spent in discovery so they can refocus their efforts on strategic priorities.
- Customizable Brand Safety Reporting: Marketers receive a brand safety report on each creator based on their organization’s defined brand safety keywords and parameters. The report analyzes creator content and flags associated topics such as alcohol, adult/NSFW, politics or competitor mentions, helping brands activate creators that align with their values and audience.
“With the new Brand Safety Reports we can quickly see if a creator mentioned our competitors five years ago. The visual of this definitely helps especially when we get into some profiles who may have a higher volume of sensitive posts. For example, did it all just happen suddenly, or was it a consistent thing for them over time? So I really like this feature a lot,” said Dakota McDaniel, Social Media Strategist at American Honda Motor Company.

Learn more about these updates and Sprout Social Influencer Marketing here.

Social Media Profiles:
www.twitter.com/SproutSocial
www.twitter.com/SproutSocialIR
www.facebook.com/SproutSocialInc
www.linkedin.com/company/sprout-social-inc-/
www.instagram.com/sproutsocial

Contact
Media:
Kaitlyn Gronek
Email: pr@sproutsocial.com
Phone: (773) 904-9674

Investors:
Lexi Johnson
Twitter: @SproutSocialIR
Email: lexi.johnson@sproutsocial.com
Phone: (312) 528-9166

About Sprout Social

Sprout Social is a global leader in social media management and analytics software. Sprout’s intuitive platform puts powerful social data into the hands of approximately 30,000 brands so they can deliver smarter, faster business impact. Named the #1 Best Software Product by G2’s 2024 Best Software Award, Sprout offers comprehensive publishing and engagement functionality, customer care, influencer marketing, advocacy, and AI-powered business intelligence. Sprout’s software operates across all major social media networks and digital platforms. For more information about Sprout Social (NASDAQ: SPT), visit sproutsocial.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “enables,” “estimate,” “expect,” “explore,” “intend,” “long-term model,” “may,” “might” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “would,” or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. However, not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These statements may relate to the success, performance, and effect on our business and customers of our product features, our market size and growth strategy, our estimated and projected costs, margins, revenue, expenditures and customer and financial growth rates, our plans and objectives for future operations, growth, initiatives or strategies. By their nature, these statements are subject to numerous uncertainties and risks, including factors beyond our control, that could cause actual results, performance or achievement to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. These assumptions, uncertainties and risks include that, among others: we may not be able to sustain our revenue and customer growth rate in the future; price increases have and may continue to negatively impact demand for our products, customer acquisition and retention and reduce the total number of customers or customer additions; our business would be harmed by any significant interruptions, delays or outages in services from our platform, our API providers, or certain social media platforms; if we are unable to attract potential customers through unpaid channels, convert this traffic to free trials or convert free trials to paid subscriptions, our business and results of operations may be adversely affected; we may be unable to successfully enter new markets, manage our international expansion and comply with any applicable international laws and regulations; we may be unable to integrate acquired businesses or technologies successfully or achieve the expected benefits of such acquisitions and investments; unstable market and economic conditions, such as recession risks, effects of inflation, labor shortages, supply chain issues, high interest rates, and the impacts of current and potential future bank failures and impacts of ongoing overseas conflicts, could adversely impact our business and that of our existing and prospective customers, which may result in reduced demand for our products; we may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service our indebtedness; covenants in our credit agreement may restrict our operations, and if we do not effectively manage our business to comply with these covenants, our financial condition could be adversely impacted; any cybersecurity-related attack, significant data breach or disruption of the information technology systems or networks on which we rely could negatively affect our business; and changing regulations relating to privacy, information security and data protection could increase our costs, affect or limit how we collect and use personal information and harm our brand. Additional risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements are included under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC on February 23, 2024, as well as any future reports that we file with the SEC. Moreover, you should interpret many of the risks identified in those reports as being heightened as a result of the current instability in market and economic conditions. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made and are based on information available to Sprout Social at the time those statements are made and/or management’s good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events. Sprout Social assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, except as required by law.

The MIL Network –
April 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Petra Tschudin, Thomas Moser: Fast and available round the clock – what instant payments mean for households, companies and financial institutions

Source: Bank for International Settlements

Ladies and gentlemen

Welcome to the Swiss National Bank’s Money Market Event. My colleague Thomas Moser and I are delighted to be discussing the latest developments in Switzerland’s cashless payments landscape this evening.

Since last year, bank customers in our country have been able to make transfers that are executed immediately. The amounts are credited within seconds, every day of the week and round the clock. In our speech, we will explore the significance of these instant payments for households, companies and financial institutions.

To illustrate the relevance of this topic, it is worth reflecting briefly on our everyday lives. Consumer behaviour has changed considerably in many areas. Thanks to online shopping and streaming services, we have grown accustomed to being able to consume quickly and at any time. You know the situation: We order a pizza online from the comfort of our living room in the evening, and it is delivered within half an hour. We have come to take this for granted. And yet, surprisingly, the physical delivery of the pizza is much faster than the electronic transfer of the money to the pizzeria. The payment that we trigger when we click ‘Order’ takes longer than you might think; indeed, it can take several days – or even weeks – for the money to arrive on the pizzeria’s account.

Types of cashless payment and the benefits of instant payments

Why is this? The lag in payment settlement is due to the fact that legacy settlement mechanisms cannot keep up with the pace of modern business. A look at the structure of the financial system helps to better contextualise and understand what changes instant payments bring.

MIL OSI Economics –

April 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: 401(k) plans and stock market volatility: What you need to know

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Ronald Premuroso, Accounting Instructor, Western Governors University School of Business

It’s been a wild ride. iStock/Getty Images Plus

With stock market charts resembling the contours of a roller-coaster ride in recent days, many Americans could be forgiven for eyeing their 401(k)s with a little concern.

Retirement savings are crucial to the financial well-being of millions of especially older people in the U.S., so the concern is understandable.

But just how worried should people be by market fluctuations? And just how big a hit do 401(k)s take when markets fall? The Conversation turned to Western Governors University’s Ronald Premuroso, an expert in this area, for answers.

What is a 401(k)?

Simply put, a 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan in which employees contribute a portion of their compensation on a tax-deferred basis.

The employee is eligible at any age to contribute to a 401(k) plan and has the option to pay into these plans throughout their employment. Many employers match some or all of an employee’s contributions, making the plan even more attractive.

What about withdrawals?

Under Internal Revenue Service rules, someone with a 401(k) is required to start making monetary withdrawals from their plan when they reach age 73. Some people start withdrawing at an earlier age.

Someone with a 401(k) can withdraw funds from the plan early, and at any time. But the money amounts withdrawn will typically be deemed taxable income. In addition, those age 59 and a half and under will likely face a 10% penalty on the withdrawal, unless the employer’s plan allows for hardship distributions, early withdrawals or loans from your plan account.

The IRS has specific rules for these early withdrawals; if you find yourself in this situation, you should get help from a tax professional.

All withdrawals starting at age 73, which tax professionals call “RMDs,” are then taxable in retirement – presumably at a lower tax rate than the employee was subject to while employed and working. So these withdrawals starting at age 73 can be a very tax-efficient way of financial planning, including personal income tax planning, for later in life, especially in one’s retirement years.

Again, it’s important to get help from a tax professional to make sure you meet the IRS’ RMD dollar withdrawal requirements once you start withdrawing.

In calendar-year 2025, the most that an employee can contribute to a tax-deferred 401(k) plan annually is US$23,500, including the employer’s match. “Super catch-up contributions are allowed for employees over the age of 50 to their employer’s 401(k) plan each year indexed to inflation. In 2025, super catch-up contributions allow individuals age 50 and older to contribute an additional $7,500 beyond the standard limit, bringing their total annual contribution to $31,000. For those turning age 60, 61, 62 or 63 in 2025, the SECURE Act 2.0 allows a higher catch-up contribution limit of $11,250, resulting in a total allowable contribution of $34,750 in 2025.

When and why did 401(k)s become popular?

Before 1978, retirement savings options were limited.

In 1935, Congress created the Social Security Retirement Plan. This was followed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, which created individual retirement accounts, or IRAs, as a way for employees to save tax-deferred money for their retirement.

401(k) plans became popular with the passage of the Revenue Act of 1978 by Congress.

Congress saw 401(k) plans at that time as an alternative way to supplement Social Security benefits that all eligible Americans are entitled to receive upon retirement. In 1981, the IRS issued new rules and regulations allowing employees to fund their 401(k)s through payroll deductions. This significantly increased the number of employees contributing to their employers’ 401(k) plans.

As of September 2024, Americans held $8.9 trillion in 401(k) plans, according to the Investment Company Institute. A study published by the Pension Rights Center toward the end of 2023 using data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics concluded that 56% of all workers – including private sector and state and local government workers – participate in a workplace retirement plan. That equates to 145 million full- and part-time workers.

How are 401(k) plans affected by market rises and falls?

Contributions to a 401(k) are typically invested in a variety of financial instruments, including in the stock market.

Most 401(k) plans offer investment options with varying levels of risk, allowing employees to choose based on their personal comfort levels and financial goals.

Employers typically outsource the management of these 401(k) plans to third parties. Some of the largest companies managing 401(k) funds on behalf of employers and employees include Fidelity Investments, T. Rowe Price and Charles Schwab, to name just a few.

Because many of these investments are tied to the stock market, 401(k) balances can rise or fall with market fluctuations.

401(k) plans are a financial lifeline for many American retirees.
Halfpoint Images/Getty Images

Should I be worried about the stock market tanking my 401(k)?

It depends – on when you started making contributions, when you plan to retire and when you expect to start making withdrawals.

Employees with 401(k) accounts should only be worried about falling stocks if they need the money right now – either for retirement living expenses or for other emergency reasons. If you don’t need to take money out soon, there’s usually no reason to panic. History has shown that markets can rebound quickly; short-term drops often don’t signal long-term trends.

Over time, the stock market has experienced many periods of falling stock prices: the bursting of the internet bubble of 2000; the period after the events of 9/11; and the U.S. and global banking crisis of 2007-2010, to name but three.

But overall, over time, stock market returns have averaged 9% from 1994 to 2024, and this includes the periods of falling stock prices mentioned above.

So even if you are a baby boomer heading for retirement and your 401(k) has taken a hit in recent weeks, don’t panic. Bear in mind the truism that stock markets can always go down as well as up.

History suggests that in the long run, depending upon your plans and timing for retirement, working together with a trusted financial adviser strategically with regard to your 401(k) retirement savings is a good approach, especially during periods like we have seen in recent weeks in the stock market.

This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Consult with a qualified financial adviser before making financial decisions.

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

– ref. 401(k) plans and stock market volatility: What you need to know – https://theconversation.com/401-k-plans-and-stock-market-volatility-what-you-need-to-know-254266

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 15, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Various cutting-edge robots displayed at 5th CICPE in Haikou, China’s Hainan

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

Various cutting-edge robots displayed at 5th CICPE in Haikou, China’s Hainan

Updated: April 14, 2025 20:34 Xinhua

A robot dog by Unitree Robotics is pictured at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 13, 2025. This year’s expo highlights future technology through the debut of various cutting-edge robots. By showcasing AI-powered functionalities and real-world applications, these robots offer a glimpse into the future of daily life. [Photo/Xinhua]

A robot dog carries medicines at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 14, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

A robot makes latte art at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

A child interacts with a robot at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 14, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

A robot performs traditional “fist and palm” salute at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 14, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

An exoskeleton robot by ULS Robotics is pictured at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 14, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

A robot performs cocktail mixing at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 14, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

A visitor shakes hands with a robot dog by Unitree Robotics at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 14, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

MIL OSI China News –

April 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Launch of a public consultation on collective bargaining

Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation

14th April 2025

The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, today welcomed the launch of a public consultation to obtain the views of interested stakeholders across the wider enterprise and employment sectors on the content of Ireland’s forthcoming action plan on collective bargaining.

The EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages requires member states where the collective bargaining rate is less than a threshold of 80% (as in a majority of member states, including Ireland) to establish an action plan to promote collective bargaining by the end of 2025.

Announcing the launch of the consultation, the Minister stated:

“The Programme for Government contains the commitment to finalise an action plan on the promotion of collective bargaining by the end of 2025. I am strongly committed to working towards this with our social partners.

It is intended that this consultation process will help guide us on the proposals which may be included in the action plan. I hope that there will be a strong response from a wide variety of stakeholders, and I would encourage all interested parties to engage with the consultation.

We want to ensure all workers receive fair wages and decent terms and conditions.

A strong and well-functioning collective bargaining system is an important element in the economy to support and promote fair wages, particularly in low paid sectors. Collectively bargained agreements also play a positive role in increasing productivity for businesses and promote the protection of industrial harmony, which is critical to our economy. I hope that Ireland’s action plan will be instrumental in promoting collective bargaining and raising Ireland’s collective bargaining rates.”

Also welcoming the consultation, Minister of State for Small Businesses and Retail, Alan Dillon stated:

“I fully recognise the importance of consultation and want to make the process of finalising an action plan on the promotion of collective bargaining as open and transparent as possible by allowing participation from members of the public and interested stakeholders.

We hope that when Ireland’s action plan is published, it will promote collective bargaining and increase Ireland’s collective bargaining rates.”

Full details of the public consultation can be found here: Consultation on Ireland’s action plan on the promotion of collective bargaining

The consultation is open online today, 14 April 2025, for four weeks until 5pm on Monday, 12 May 2025.

ENDS

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MIL OSI Europe News –

April 15, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: CNC Annual Business Plan 2025/26 maps out drive to succeed
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story

CNC Annual Business Plan 2025/26 maps out drive to succeed

The CNC has launched an ambitious Annual Business Plan that builds on its core role protecting civil nuclear material.
CNC Annual Business Plan 2025/26.

Changes across the energy sector and new powers afforded through section 55A of the Energy Act 2004 see the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) launch an ambitious Annual Business Plan for the 2025/26 period.

In the same year the organisation celebrates 20 years safeguarding civil nuclear sites, CNC looks to a future where its position as a unique part of the wider police family, combined with sector expertise and armed policing capability, enable further development and expansion.

Chief Constable, Simon Chesterman, said: “The CNC has a winning strategy. Uniquely in policing we are expanding, this is enabling us to deliver enhanced national security and better protection for the public.

“Our ambition is to be recognised nationally and internationally as the leading organisation for armed protective security within the critical national infrastructure of the United Kingdom.

“This ambition builds on our core role protecting the nation’s civil nuclear material across Great Britain and in transit globally and includes a successful operation protecting passengers on cross-channel ferries. We have also taken responsibility for providing armed police protection at four non-nuclear sites.

“Our strategy of expansion provides better security for the public and better value for money for the organisations that fund us.

“Our Annual Business Plan underpins our strategy and demonstrates our desire to do more in support of national security requirements. Its goals and priorities focus the efforts of every police officer and staff member on maintaining the core mission, delivering armed protective security beyond nuclear and better value for money. It places equal importance on an inclusive culture and drives our commitment to the highest standards of integrity and standards of behaviour.”

The Civil Nuclear Constabulary Annual Business Plan is published today (14 April) and can be downloaded from the CNC website.

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Published 14 April 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 15, 2025

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Types of cashless payment and the benefits of instant payments

What is a 401(k)?

What about withdrawals?

When and why did 401(k)s become popular?

How are 401(k) plans affected by market rises and falls?

Should I be worried about the stock market tanking my 401(k)?

CNC Annual Business Plan 2025/26 maps out drive to succeed

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Updates to this page