Category: Commerce

MIL-OSI USA: NEWS RELEASE: HAWAIʻI STATE COMMISSION ON FATHERHOOD ANNOUNCES 2025 AWARDS AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Source: US State of Hawaii

NEWS RELEASE: HAWAIʻI STATE COMMISSION ON FATHERHOOD ANNOUNCES 2025 AWARDS AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Posted on Mar 24, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

STATE OF HAWAIʻI

KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

KA ʻOIHANA MĀLAMA LAWELAWE KANAKA

JOSH GREEN, M.D.

GOVERNOR

KE KIAʻĀINA

RYAN I. YAMANE

DIRECTOR

KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

JOSEPH CAMPOS II

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

KA HOPE LUNA HOʻOKELE

TRISTA SPEER

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

KA HOPE LUNA HOʻOKELE

HAWAIʻI STATE COMMISSION ON FATHERHOOD ANNOUNCES

2025 AWARDS AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2025

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i State Commission on Fatherhood (HS-COF) is pleased to announce its 2025 awards and sponsorship opportunities, which recognize and support fathers, businesses and nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening families and communities throughout the state. These awards serve to highlight the commission’s commitment to promoting healthy family relationships by underscoring the vital role fathers play in the lives of their children.

Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, April 16, 2025.

Aloha Father of the Year Award
The Aloha Father of the Year Award celebrates outstanding fathers and father figures from various counties and districts who have prioritized their ‘ohana while balancing careers and community involvement. Fathers, as defined by this award, include any male caregivers who exemplify dedication and love for their families. Nominations are now open, and community members are encouraged to recognize inspiring fathers who make a difference.

Parent-Friendly Business of the Year Award
This award recognizes businesses that prioritize the well-being of employees and their families, demonstrating leadership in fostering a supportive work environment and community. Eligible businesses must:
- Be in good standing and reputable in the state of Hawai‘i.
- Have leadership and policies that emphasize positive and healthy role models.
- Make significant contributions to the community or the state of Hawai‘i.
- Commit to strengthening families through educational programs or family support initiatives.
- Serve as ambassadors of aloha, fostering inclusivity and equity for all.
Sponsorship Award – Up to $1,500 for Nonprofits
The HS-COF is offering financial support to Hawai‘i-based nonprofit organizations that provide programs or services related to fathers. Organizations may apply for funds up to $1,500 to support Father’s Day events, fatherhood programs, or other community initiatives. Funds must be used for non-payroll expenses related to the event or program.

Eligibility and Restrictions:
- Organization must be registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating in the state of Hawai‘i.
- Events, programs, or services must be conducted or offered in Hawai‘i.
- Awarded funds must be used by October 30, 2025, with preference given to programs taking place by June 30, 2025.
How to Apply:
1. Complete and sign the application(s) below – by April 16, 2025.
Aloha Father of the Year – click here

Parent-Friendly Business of the Year – click here

Sponsorship Award – click here
1. Submit applications via email to [email protected] or by mail to:
  Hawaiʻi State Commission on Fatherhood Chair / P.O. Box 339 / Honolulu, HI 96809-0339.
2. If mailed, follow-up by email or call 808-550-0080 to confirm receipt.
# # #

For More Information:

Chair, Jeff Esmond

[email protected]

https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/fatherhood/

For Media Inquiries Only:

Amanda Stevens, Public Information Officer

Hawai‘i Department of Human Services

[email protected]

About the Commission on Fatherhood
An increasing body of evidence indicates that children are more likely to thrive with the support, guidance and nurturing of both parents. Yet, many children across the country are growing up without fathers. As a result, they may lack appropriate male role models and face greater risks of health, emotional, educational, and behavioral problems during their developmental years. Motivated by a renewed understanding of a father’s vital role in family and community life, the 2003 Hawaiʻi State Legislature established the Commission on Fatherhood through Act 156; in June 2007, Hawaiʻi Act 190 made it permanent.

NOTICE: This information and attachments are intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged and/or confidential. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited and may be punishable under state and federal law. If you have received this communication and/or attachments in error, please notify the sender via email immediately and destroy all electronic and paper copies.

MIL OSI USA News –
March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Signs Executive Order to Strengthen Workforce and Apprenticeships

Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: Governor Stein Signs Executive Order to Strengthen Workforce and Apprenticeships

Governor Stein Signs Executive Order to Strengthen Workforce and Apprenticeships
lsaito
Tue, 03/25/2025 – 16:09

Raleigh, NC

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced an executive order to create a Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships, chaired by Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley, State Senator Eddie Settle, and NC Community Colleges President Dr. Jeffrey Cox. He also met with students at Forsyth Tech Community College and toured the Transportation Technology Center.

“Our state’s greatest asset is our people, and to invest in our future, we must invest in our people. No state will outwork North Carolina when it comes to developing our workforce,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I am proud to sign this executive order and launch this council to keep delivering on the promise of North Carolina – that where you come from should never limit how far you can go.”

“North Carolina’s workforce is the backbone of our thriving business climate,” said NC Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “I look forward to working together to identify and amplify strategies that help North Carolina’s workers and businesses continue to thrive.”

“There is a lot of good work being done around North Carolina’s main streets and towns, and they need skilled workers to reap the benefits of our growing economy,” said Senator Eddie Settle. “I am proud to co-chair this council so that we can find ways to strengthen North Carolina’s workforce and attract more employers to every corner of our state.”

“I am proud to co-chair this Council to work alongside Governor Stein’s team, the NC General Assembly and businesses and industries across the state to ensure our NC Community College System continues to expand apprenticeship and other workforce credential programs to give every citizen in North Carolina the skills they need to get a well-paying job in our modern economy,” said North Carolina Community College System President Jeffrey Cox.

Governor Stein believes that every North Carolinian should have a shot at success – finding a good-paying job or starting a small business – no matter their background. Last month, he visited Wake Tech Community College to tour its auto tech lab and proclaimed February as Career and Technical Education Month. In January, Governor Stein joined Surry-Yadkin Works and Altec Industries to launch the Fostering Learning through Education, Employment, and Trades (FLEET) Program. Governor Stein recently released his state budget proposal, which invests $256 million in workforce development and pays for free community college for students pursuing credentials in high-demand fields.

Mar 25, 2025

MIL OSI USA News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: The collapse of Hudson’s Bay signals a turning point for Canadian legacy retailers

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Xiaodan Pan, Associate Professor, John Molson School of Business, Concordia University

Hudson’s Bay Company has begun liquidating all but six of its stores. After the 352-year-old retailer filed for creditor protection amid mounting debt and operational losses in early March, a court gave it permission to start the liquidation process.

Founded in 1670 as a fur-trading enterprise, Hudson’s Bay grew into one of Canada’s most iconic department store chains. But with nearly all locations set to close by June 30 and its loyalty programs suspended, the future of Hudson’s Bay remains uncertain.

The retailer’s financial troubles raise broader questions about the viability of traditional department stores in an increasingly fast-paced, digitally driven retail environment.

Read more:
Hudson’s Bay liquidation: What happens when a company goes bankrupt?

Modernization efforts

In recent years, Hudson’s Bay attempted to modernize by blending its physical retail footprint with a growing digital presence. This included launching a revamped e-commerce platform and creating an online marketplace that allowed third-party sellers to broaden its product assortment.

In 2021, Hudson’s Bay split its e-commerce and physical store divisions into separate entities: The Bay Online, focused on digital retail, and Hudson’s Bay, dedicated to in-store shopping experiences.

But despite these efforts, Hudson’s Bay has struggled to differentiate its online platform in an overcrowded and highly competitive digital landscape, all while maintaining its physical presence.

The rise of off-price retailers

In sharp contrast to the struggles of legacy department stores, off-price retailers such as Winners, Marshalls and TJ Maxx continue to thrive. Their success is largely due to their ability to attract consumers across a wide range of income levels by offering brand-name merchandise at large discounts.

In Canada, Winners alone has expanded to more than 300 stores nationwide, while Marshalls has added more than 100 locations. Combined, they significantly outnumber Hudson’s Bay’s approximately 80 stores.

Off-price retailers have also gained a competitive edge through real estate choices, favouring open-air shopping centres and strip malls that provide greater accessibility and ample parking, which are benefits that many Hudson’s Bay urban locations lack.

The off-price model thrives on an ever-changing merchandise mix. Buyers continuously source fashion, designer labels and home goods from a broad spectrum of vendors. This approach keeps assortments fresh and also ensures fast inventory turnover, reducing holding costs and supporting lower prices.

This retail model has demonstrated resilience across economic cycles. In times of inflation or financial uncertainty, foot traffic to off-price stores typically increases as consumers become more price-sensitive — further eroding the market share of traditional department stores.

The pressures from digital retailers

The rapid rise of e-commerce has presented a significant challenge for traditional department stores. Over the past decade, online shopping in Canada has grown substantially, with monthly online retail sales surpassing three billion Canadian dollars.

E-commerce now accounts for 11 to 12 per cent of total retail sales, with categories like fashion, hobby and leisure, electronics and furniture and home goods accounting for around 75 per cent of all retail e-commerce sales in Canada.

In the general merchandise space, Amazon controls more than 40 per cent of Canada’s e-commerce market. Retail giants like Walmart and Costco have also expanded their digital capabilities. These players undercut the traditional value proposition of department stores.

The large investments required in distribution capabilities has made it increasingly difficult for smaller competitors, such as Hudson’s Bay, to match the delivery speeds and product assortments of these retail heavyweights.

In niche merchandise categories, specialized retailers have also chipped away at department stores’ customer bases. Sephora and Shoppers Drug Mart dominate the beauty and personal care market, while Lululemon, Nike and Zara rank among the top online stores in fashion.

Ikea, Wayfair and other direct-to-consumer brands lead the online home goods and furniture market, while Canadian-based Holt Renfrew and France-based LVMH are both leaders in the luxury market.

Adding to the challenge are international digital disruptors such as Shein and Temu, which have have rapidly gained ground in Canada. In 2023, Shein led the country’s online fashion segment with e-commerce net sales of approximately US$1.4 billion.

Temu — an ultra-low-price platform that entered Canada in 2023 — became the country’s most-downloaded iPhone app by the end of 2024. These platforms are challenging legacy retailers by offering aggressive pricing, free shipping and vast product assortments.

Pathways to reinvention

With almost all of its stores closing and its loyalty programs suspended, the future of Hudson’s Bay is in question. While its brand recognition remains strong, it’s unclear whether it will be able to come back from the brink it’s now on.

For any struggling legacy retailer looking to survive in today’s evolving market, reinvention is essential. Department stores and legacy retailers will need to reinvent themselves across five key dimensions:

1. Reposition the brand: Canadian retailers can redefine their core value propositions, emphasizing what makes them unique. Their uniqueness may lie in their Canadian heritage, for instance. Brands like Roots and Canada Goose have been successful with this strategy.

2. Rethink retail formats: The age of downtown retailing continues to fade, especially as remote work reduces foot traffic in urban centres. Large-scale covered malls are also declining, given the demise of anchor department store retailers and the rise of e-commerce. Canadian retailers should explore alternate formats, such as neighbourhood-based, category-specific outlets tailored to community preferences.

3. Optimize physical presence: Strategic location decisions are crucial. Physical retailers must right-size their physical footprints — closing underperforming locations while reinvesting in high-traffic, high-return outlets. Future expansion should favour asset-light, data-informed models based on actual consumer demand.

4. Improve in-store experiences: To draw customers back into stores, shopping must become experiential. Immersive displays, personalized service and community-centric events could make a visit to a physical store more memorable and engaging for customers.

5. Integrating physical and digital channels: A cohesive digital and physical strategy is essential. Technologies such as augmented reality fitting rooms, virtual showrooms, click-and-collect options and AI-powered personalization could bridge the gap between online and in-store shopping.

A defining moment for Canadian retailers

Canadian retailing stands at a pivotal crossroads. The collapse of legacy department stores, the dominance of e-commerce giants and the rise of off-price and digital-first competitors all signal a permanent shift in how consumers shop.

A long legacy alone does not secure survival. As seen with the collapses of Sears, Eaton’s and now Hudson’s Bay, failure to adapt can lead to obsolescence. The retail landscape is now defined by agility, innovation and the ability to meet consumers where they are.

For retailers still standing, the lesson is clear: nostalgia is not a business model. Shoppers are now more price-conscious, convenience-driven and digitally engaged than ever before. Companies unwilling or unable to evolve will likely face the same fate as the retail giants that came before them.

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

– ref. The collapse of Hudson’s Bay signals a turning point for Canadian legacy retailers – https://theconversation.com/the-collapse-of-hudsons-bay-signals-a-turning-point-for-canadian-legacy-retailers-252705

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Protecting America’s Bank Account Against Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
class=”has-text-align-left”> By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Purpose. Promoting financial integrity and operational efficiency are critical responsibilities of the Federal Government. The Federal Government processes trillions of dollars annually in disbursements to individuals, businesses, and organizations, and in receipts from taxes, fees, and other payments to finance daily and long-term Government operations. These transactions flow into and out of the United States General Fund (General Fund), which might be thought of as America’s bank account. In Fiscal Year 2024, $33.9 trillion flowed into the General Fund and $33.6 trillion flowed out of the account, including $5.87 trillion (less net interest) in benefits, grants, loans, vendor payments, and other disbursements.
The Department of the Treasury is the largest financial payment manager of the Federal Government and is responsible for safeguarding the General Fund, but lacks sufficient controls to track transactions flowing through the General Fund to determine if they were proper. To enforce sufficient controls and ensure accountability to American taxpayers, the Department of the Treasury requires financial information from executive departments and agencies (agencies) beyond what they currently provide.
Financial fraud threatens the integrity of Federal programs and undermines trust in Government. Agencies’ past underinvestment in technology and longstanding challenges with access to accurate data has prevented them from more fully safeguarding taxpayer dollars against fraud and improper payments. The Government Accountability Office estimates that the Federal Government loses between $233 and $521 billion annually to fraud.
In addition to being an efficient steward of taxpayer funds, the Federal Government, on behalf of the American public, must seek to ensure that financial information is accurate and that there is transparency with respect to how taxpayer dollars are being used. Today, Federal funds are disbursed both by the Department of the Treasury and various Federal Government entities that are authorized to issue their own disbursements known as Non-Treasury Disbursing Offices (NTDOs). In Fiscal Year 2024, NTDOs were estimated to be responsible for 181 million payments totaling over $1.5 trillion (approximately 22 percent of all Federal Government dollars disbursed). This fragmentation of disbursing authority, together with the proliferation of non-standard financial management systems across the Federal Government, leads to expensive, disjointed, and duplicative financial reporting, lack of financial traceability, complicated financial management, opacity, increased operational risks, and decreased ability of the Department of the Treasury to provide centralized oversight.
This order promotes financial integrity by enabling the Department of the Treasury to more easily conduct improper payment and fraud prevention screening prior to disbursing funds on behalf of agencies. This order increases transparency and accountability by requiring agencies to provide the Department of the Treasury with the information needed to track transactions through the General Fund in greater detail. This order also promotes operational efficiency by returning disbursing functions to the Department of the Treasury when possible and consolidating and standardizing core Federal financial systems.
Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of the United States to defend against financial fraud and improper payments, increase transparency and accountability around the Federal Government’s operations and financial condition, increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the security of Federal payments.
Sec. 3. Treasury Verification of Agency Payments Information. (a) The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB Director), shall update guidance and enhance systems to ensure that all payments made by the Department of the Treasury on behalf of agencies pursuant to the Secretary of the Treasury’s disbursing authority, including 31 U.S.C. 3321, are subject to pre-certification verification processes established by the Secretary of the Treasury and conducted by agencies and the Department of the Treasury for the purposes of defending against financial fraud and improper payments, to the greatest extent permitted by law. Such guidance shall set forth guidelines for compliance with the Do Not Pay Working System as described in 31 U.S.C. 3351 et seq., and such other payment, account, and payee validation programs and services that the Secretary of the Treasury and the OMB Director determine to be beneficial for reducing financial fraud and improper payments.
(b) In accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3354, the heads of all agencies shall cooperate with the Secretary of the Treasury to fulfill their obligations to determine payment or award eligibility through pre-certification and pre-award procedures, as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, including pursuant to subsection (a) of this section and section 4 of this order to prevent fraud and improper payments.
(c) The Secretary of the Treasury is directed to minimize administrative barriers to accessing and using data to prevent fraud and improper payments by exercising the authority in 31 U.S.C. 3351 et seq. to waive the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 552a(o), in consultation with the OMB Director, in any case or class of cases for computer matching activities, to the extent permissible by law.
(d) Within 90 days of the date of this order, agency heads shall review and modify, as applicable, their relevant system of records notices under the Privacy Act of 1974 to include a “routine use” that allows for the disclosure of records to the Department of the Treasury for the purposes of identifying, preventing, or recouping fraud and improper payments, to the extent permissible by law.
(e) The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the OMB Director, shall issue guidance to agency heads on the circumstances in which agency heads, to the extent permissible by law, may provide the Secretary of the Treasury with access to data necessary for the purposes of detecting and preventing fraud and improper payments, as well as data for payment information verification (and not, for example, data such as health records).
Sec. 4. Implementation and Compliance of Payment Verification. (a) Agency heads, through designated agency officials (Certifying Officers or COs), who are responsible for verifying that disbursements made by the Federal Government are legal, proper, and correct, and for performing the duties in 31 U.S.C. 3528, shall comply with the disbursement requirements and instructions, including pre-certification requirements, published by the Secretary of the Treasury.
(b) The Secretary of the Treasury shall consider, as appropriate, issuing instructions to agencies to enforce the following pre-certification criteria for disbursement requests submitted by COs (Vouchers) before they are certified for payment by the CO:
(i)     Funds are available at the time the obligation is incurred. If an obligation is incurred when funds are not available, then the CO shall not certify the payment.
(ii)    The amount of the payment and the name of the payee on the Voucher are correct, in conformance with the Department of the Treasury’s prescribed standard format.
(iii) A proper Social Security Number, Taxpayer Identification Number, Employer Identification Number, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or Payee ID Number is provided for each payee on the Voucher, as applicable.
(iv)    The appropriation or fund from which the payment will be made is available for the purpose set forth in the Voucher and indicated with the appropriate Treasury Account Symbol/Business Event Type Code.
(v)     Payees are not deceased individuals, to the greatest extent permitted by law.
(vi)    The account number provided on the Voucher is held at a financial institution and is open, valid, and belongs to the payee or valid designee of payee.
(vii)   Contracts or agreements are referenced on the Voucher by providing the contract number, referred to as the Procurement Instrument Identifier, where applicable.
(viii) Financial assistance awards (non-aggregate) are referenced on the Voucher by providing the award number, referred to as the Federal Award Identification Number, where applicable.
(ix)   For summary schedules, the payments on the Voucher are submitted in conformance with the Department of the Treasury prescribed standard formats for such schedules.
(c) Agency heads shall submit payment files other than with respect to same-day payments to the Secretary of the Treasury or the Secretary’s designee with sufficient lead time prior to the date of disbursement as determined by the Department of the Treasury and provided in the requirements and instructions issued pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this section, to allow for fraud and improper payment screening, to the extent permissible by law. With respect to same-day payments, agency heads shall submit payment files to the Secretary of the Treasury or the Secretary’s designee as much in advance as reasonably practicable.
(d) In issuing requirements and instructions pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary of the Treasury shall consider whether it would be appropriate to provide that the Department of the Treasury’s Chief Disbursing Officer return to the relevant agency for reconciliation any payments that do not pass the pre-certification verification processes established pursuant to section 3(a) of this order and notify the designated CO.
(e) The Secretary of the Treasury shall include in the guidance issued pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, or in other regulations or guidance, a transparent process for agencies to request exemptions from some or all of the payment verification requirements for specific payments or categories of payments.
Sec. 5. Core Financial System Consolidation. (a) Within 180 days of the date of this order, the OMB Director shall issue guidance that directs agencies described in 31 U.S.C. 901(b) (CFO Act agencies) to consolidate their core financial systems.
(b) As soon as practicable, but not later than 180 days of the date of this order, the OMB Director, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall issue guidance directing all non-CFO Act agencies to consolidate transactional financial management services under a single provider approved by the Department of the Treasury.
(c) As soon as practicable, all heads of CFO Act agencies shall use standard financial management solutions available through the Financial Management Marketplace, administered by the Financial Management Quality Service Management Office.
(d) Agency heads shall ensure that core financial systems comply with Federal accounting and financial reporting standards and relevant regulations, orders, guidance documents, policy statements, and other agency actions published by the Department of the Treasury from time to time.
Sec. 6. Reduction of NTDOs. (a) Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of the Treasury shall assess whether to maintain disbursing authority that it has delegated to agencies pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3321(b) and issue notices to revoke such delegations, as appropriate, in accordance with applicable law.
(b) The heads of agencies with disbursing authority under 31 U.S.C. 3321(c), including the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Attorney General (but excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, the Supreme Court and other entities of the Federal Government outside the Executive Branch) will work with the Secretary of the Treasury to delegate the performance of their disbursing activities, other than with respect to classified payments, to the Department of the Treasury’s Chief Disbursing Officer in accordance with applicable law.
(c) Notwithstanding subsections (a) or (b) of this section, the Secretary of the Treasury may continue to delegate disbursing authority to NTDOs at other agencies when doing so would align with significant Government priorities. Any remaining NTDOs are required to report daily to the Department of the Treasury’s centralized accounting and reporting system in accordance with then-current Department of the Treasury guidance and applicable law.
(d) The Secretary of the Treasury shall develop a plan to centralize and manage all payments previously disbursed by NTDOs, ensuring seamless continuity of Government payments.
(e) The Secretary of the Treasury, in coordination with agency heads, shall establish a transition plan for agencies currently operating as NTDOs, including staffing adjustments, system integrations, and legal or regulatory modifications necessary for full consolidation.
(f) The heads of agencies with disbursing authority delegated to the agency under 33 U.S.C. 3321(b) shall decommission all internal payment systems and use the Department of the Treasury’s disbursement systems, except and to the extent authorized by the Department of the Treasury or otherwise required by applicable law.
Sec. 7. Reporting and Implementation Requirements. (a) The heads of all agencies shall submit a compliance plan to the OMB Director within 90 days of the date of this order detailing their strategy for:
(i)    transitioning disbursing authority to the Department of the Treasury, as applicable and as contemplated by this order;
(ii)   updating and integrating systems with Department of the Treasury platforms;
(iii) procedures to verify payment information as contemplated by this order; and
(iv)   transmitting information associated with improper payments to the Department of the Treasury in accordance with standards and reporting specifications established by the OMB Director in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury as contemplated by this order.
(b) The Secretary of the Treasury shall submit an implementation report to the President through the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy within 180 days of the date of this order detailing progress on the matters set forth in this order.
(c) The Secretary of the Treasury and agency heads shall take all necessary steps to protect classified information and systems, as well as personally identifiable information and tax return information, through the implementation of this order.
Sec. 8. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
    March 25, 2025.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Commissioners‑designate for the Internal Market and Consumer Protection – E-002655/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The Commission remains committed to strengthening and deepening the internal market, which is a cornerstone of the European Union and central to this College’s ambitions for European prosperity and competitiveness.

As outlined in his mission letter[1], the Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy is responsible for industry, small and medium-sized enterprises and the single market, and the mission letter of the Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection[2] sets out his responsibility for consumers.

The College of Commissioners is structured to ensure effective coordination and cooperation across all policy areas, with all Commissioners expected to take an active role across all priorities, including the internal market.

The Commission does not intend to revisit the structure of the College of Commissioners as presented by the Commission President to the Conference of Presidents on 17 September 2024 and approved by the European Parliament on 27 November 2024.

The Commission will continue to work closely with the European Parliament, including the Committee on the internal market and Consumer Protection, to ensure that the internal market and consumer protection remain key priorities for the EU.

[1] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/c6589264-e9b1-4024-ba36-b12a59648dd3_en?filename=mission-letter-sejourne.pdf&prefLang=hu

[2] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/907fd6b6-0474-47d7-99da-47007ca30d02_en?filename=Mission%20letter%20-%20McGRATH.pdf
Last updated: 25 March 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Ajax-Lazio Europa League match: discrimination against Lazio fans and unfounded allegations of anti-Semitism – E-002720/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament

It is within the competence of the Member States to apply public policy and public security measures to prevent violence and hooliganism at sports events.

If the persons concerned consider that their rights have been violated, national courts would be competent to assess their claim, in accordance with the applicable national law.

General EU consumer protection legislation does not regulate the consequences of the intervention by national authorities, such as in this case, resulting in the impossibility for consumers to use a booked service. Such situations must be addressed under the applicable national law.

However, if the affected consumers had booked a travel package within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2015/2302[1], it could be assessed whether the packages may be cancelled due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, in which case travellers are entitled to a refund.

In any event, the Commission has no competence to intervene in disputes between individual service providers and consumers. This is within the competence of national dispute resolution bodies and courts[2].

As for the reimbursement of travel expenses, EU rules do not provide for any passenger right in case the passenger is prevented from travel and has to cancel the reservation. The passenger’s entitlement to a refund depends on the carrier’s terms and conditions.

As stated in the First progress report of the EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life[3], the Commission and the Union of European Football Associations adopted in June 2022 the third cooperation agreement.

One of the main objectives is to promote European values through the power of football, which is reflected by emphasising the importance of football in the prevention of and fight against racism and antisemitism in Europe.
- [1] Directive (EU) 2015/2302 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2015 on package travel and linked travel arrangements, amending Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 and Directive 2011/83/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Council Directive 90/314/EEC. OJ L 326, 11.12.2015, p. 1-33.
- [2] Information on EU consumer rights, the competent national authorities, European Consumer Centres, consumer organisations and dispute resolution mechanisms is available at: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/consumers/index_en.htm; https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/consumers/consumer-protection-policy/our-partners-consumer-issues/national-consumer-bodies_en
- [3] Adopted on 14 October 2024; https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/combatting-discrimination/racism-and-xenophobia/combating-antisemitism/eu-strategy-combating-antisemitism-and-fostering-jewish-life-2021-2030/first-progress-report-eu-strategy-combating_en?prefLang=ro
MIL OSI Europe News –
March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Two Plead Guilty to Roles in COVID-19 Fraud Conspiracy

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, William Powell, 34, of Huntington, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and Jasmine Spencer, 32, of Charleston, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting bank fraud. Powell and Spencer each received $15,625 in proceeds from criminally derived Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) loans, guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

According to court documents and statements made in court, co-defendant Kisha Sutton conspired with Powell, Spencer, and others to obtain fraudulent PPP loans. Sutton submitted a PPP loan application on Powell’s behalf on April 19, 2021, and a PPP loan application on Spencer’s behalf of May 27, 2021. Powell and Spencer were each listed as a sole proprietor hair stylist who received $75,000 in gross income in 2020. Each application was filed with an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 1040, Schedule C Profit or Loss from Business, stating that the applicant had earned $75,000 in 2020. As part of their guilty pleas, Powell and Spencer admitted that they never earned $75,000 as a hair stylist in one year and that the IRS Form 1040 submitted with their application was fraudulent and created solely to obtain the PPP loan.

A PPP lender in Florida approved Powell’s loan application and a PPP lender in California approved Spencer’s. The $15,625 in proceeds from each loan was deposited in their respective personal bank accounts in late June 2021. Between June 30 and July 20, 2021, Sutton received $2,000 from Powell and $3,000 from Spencer as her shares of the fraudulent PPP loan proceeds. Powell and Spencer each transferred the money to Sutton using a digital wallet application. Powell and Spencer spent the remainder of their respective fraudulent loan proceeds on personal expenses.

The CARES Act made forgivable PPP loans available to qualifying sole proprietors, independent contractors and self-employed individuals adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, to replace their normal income and for certain other expenses. Applicants were required to certify that they were in operation on February 15, 2020, and provide documentation showing their prior gross income from either 2019 or 2020.

Powell is scheduled to be sentenced on July 2, 2025, and Spencer is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9, 2025. Each faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine. Powell and Spencer each also owe $15,625 in restitution.

Powell, Spencer, and Sutton, 44, of Jersey City, New Jersey, are among seven individuals indicted by a federal grand jury on charges alleging they and others conspired, as well as aided and abetted one another, to obtain fraudulent PPP loans totaling $140,625. The indictment against Sutton and the other defendants remains pending. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the West Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), and the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office (WVSAO) Public Integrity and Fraud Unit (PIFU).

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearings. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan T. Storage, Jennifer D. Gordon, and Holly Wilson are prosecuting the case.

Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-192.

###

MIL Security OSI –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: FINNOVATE ACQUISITION CORP. ANNOUNCES POSTPONEMENT OF SHAREHOLDER MEETING TO 10:00 AM EASTERN TIME MARCH 28, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Boston, MA, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Finnovate Acquisition Corp. (“Finnovate”) (OTC: “FNVUF”, “FNVTF”, “FNVWF”) announced today that its upcoming extraordinary general meeting of shareholders (the “Special Meeting”) to approve its proposed initial business combination which was initially scheduled for January 30, 2025 and had been postponed to March 27, 2025, will be further postponed to 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time on Friday, March 28, 2025. At the Special Meeting, shareholders of Finnovate will be asked to vote on proposals to approve, among other things, its proposed initial business combination (the “Business Combination”) with Scage International Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Scage International” or the “Company”), Scage Future, a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Pubco”), Hero 1, a Cayman Islands exempted company and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Pubco (“Merger Sub I”), and Hero 2, a Cayman Islands exempted company and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Pubco (“Merger Sub II”) pursuant to a Business Combination Agreement (as amended, the “Business Combination Agreement”). There is no change to the location, the record date, the purpose or any of the proposals to be acted upon at the Special Meeting.

On March 13, 2025, Scage International received approval for listing from the China Securities Regulatory Commission. CSRC approval is one of the conditions for consuming the Business Combination. Now the CSRC approval has been received, Finnovate has decided to postpone the Special Meeting to allow more time for the parties to proceed to satisfy the remaining closing conditions under the Business Combination Agreement, including obtaining approval for the listing of Pubco’s securities on Nasdaq.

As a result of this change, the Special Meeting will now be held at 10:00 a.m., Eastern time, on Friday, March 28, 2025, at the office of Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP located at 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105 and via a live webcast at https://www.cstproxy.com/finnovateacquisition/2025. Also, as a result of this change, the deadline for holders of Finnovate’s Class A ordinary shares issued in its initial public offering to submit their shares for redemption in connection with the Business Combination is being further extended to 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on Wednesday March 26, 2025.

The proposed resolutions to be considered at the Special Meeting remains the same as that set out in the definitive proxy statement and other relevant documents that was been mailed to shareholders of Finnovate as of the record date of January 6, 2025. SHAREHOLDERS OF FINNOVATE AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES ARE URGED TO READ, THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT, AND AMENDMENTS THERETO IN CONNECTION WITH FINNOVATE’S SOLICITATION OF PROXIES FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF ITS SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD TO APPROVE THE BUSINESS COMBINATION, a copy of which can be accessed via the following link: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1857855/000121390025001247/ea0226944-01.htm.

Finnovate plans to continue to solicit proxies from shareholders during the period prior to the Special Meeting. Only the holders of Finnovate’s ordinary shares as of the close of business on January 6, 2025, the record date for the Special Meeting, are entitled to vote at the Special Meeting.

About Finnovate Acquisition Corp.

Finnovate Acquisition Corp. is a blank check company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with the purpose of acquiring one and more businesses and assets, via a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, and reorganization.

Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this Press Release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “expect,” “continue,” “should,” “would,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “target,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “future,” “outlook” or other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding estimates and forecasts of financial and performance metrics and projections of market opportunity and market share; references with respect to the anticipated benefits of the proposed transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement (the “Business Combination”) and the projected future financial performance of Finnovate and the Company’s operating companies following the proposed Business Combination; changes in the market for the Company’s products and services and expansion plans and opportunities; the Company’s ability to successfully execute its expansion plans and business initiatives; ability for the Company to raise funds to support its business; the sources and uses of cash of the proposed Business Combination; the anticipated capitalization and enterprise value of the combined company following the consummation of the proposed Business Combination; the projected technological developments of the Company and its competitors; ability of the Company to control costs associated with operations; the ability to manufacture efficiently at scale; anticipated investments in research and development and the effect of these investments and timing related to commercial product launches; and expectations related to the terms, approvals and timing of the proposed Business Combination. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of the Company’s and Finnovate’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of the Company and Finnovate. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination Agreement; the risk that the Business Combination disrupts current plans and operations as a result of the announcement and consummation of the transactions described herein; the inability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination; the ability to obtain or maintain the listing of the Pubco’s securities on The Nasdaq Stock Market, following the Business Combination, including having the requisite number of shareholders; costs related to the Business Combination; changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political and legal conditions; risks relating to the uncertainty of certain projected financial information with respect to the Company; the Company’s ability to successfully and timely develop, manufacture, sell and expand its technology and products, including implement its growth strategy; the Company’s ability to adequately manage any supply chain risks, including the purchase of a sufficient supply of critical components incorporated into its product offerings; risks relating to the Company’s operations and business, including information technology and cybersecurity risks, failure to adequately forecast supply and demand, loss of key customers and deterioration in relationships between the Company and its employees; the Company’s ability to successfully collaborate with business partners; demand for the Company’s current and future offerings; risks that orders that have been placed for the Company’s products are cancelled or modified; risks related to increased competition; risks relating to potential disruption in the transportation and shipping infrastructure, including trade policies and export controls; risks that the Company is unable to secure or protect its intellectual property; risks of product liability or regulatory lawsuits relating to the Company products and services; risks that the post-combination company experiences difficulties managing its growth and expanding operations; the uncertain effects of certain geopolitical developments; the inability of the parties to successfully or timely consummate the proposed Business Combination, including the risk that any required shareholder or regulatory approvals are not obtained, are delayed or are subject to unanticipated conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the proposed Business Combination; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company, Finnovate, Pubco or others following announcement of the proposed Business Combination and transactions contemplated thereby; the ability of the Company to execute its business model, including market acceptance of its planned products and services and achieving sufficient production volumes at acceptable quality levels and prices; technological improvements by the Company’s peers and competitors; and those risk factors discussed in documents of Pubco and Finnovate filed, or to be filed, with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that neither Finnovate nor the Company presently know or that Finnovate and the Company currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect Finnovate’s, Pubco’s and the Company’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. Finnovate, Pubco and the Company anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause Finnovate’s, Pubco’s and the Company’s assessments to change. However, while Finnovate, Pubco and the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Finnovate, Pubco and the Company specifically disclaim any obligation to do so. Readers are referred to the most recent reports filed with the SEC by Finnovate. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Additional Information

Pubco and the Company filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form F-4, which has been declared effective by SEC (the “Registration Statement”). The Registration Statement includes a definitive proxy statement of Finnovate and a prospectus in connection with the proposed Business Combination involving Finnovate, Pubco, Hero 1, Hero 2 and the Company pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement. The definitive proxy statement and other relevant documents has been mailed to shareholders of Finnovate as of the record date of January 6, 2025. SHAREHOLDERS OF FINNOVATE AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES ARE URGED TO READ, THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT, AND AMENDMENTS THERETO IN CONNECTION WITH FINNOVATE’S SOLICITATION OF PROXIES FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF ITS SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD TO APPROVE THE BUSINESS COMBINATION BECAUSE THESE DOCUMENTS WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FINNOVATE, THE COMPANY, PUBCO AND THE BUSINESS COMBINATION.

Participants in The Solicitation

Pubco, Finnovate, the Company, and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Finnovate in connection with the Business Combination. Information regarding the officers and directors of Finnovate is set forth in the Registration Statement. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants are also included in the Registration Statement and other relevant documents to be filed or has been filed with the SEC.

No Offer Or Solicitation

This Press Release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which the offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT

Finnovate Acquisition Corp.
Calvin Kung
265 Franklin Street
Suite 1702
Boston, MA 02110
+1 (424) 253-0908

The MIL Network –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Citing Potential Tsunami of Medicaid Cuts, Cantwell to Vote Against Advancing Dr. Oz: “I Cannot Support This Nomination”

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
03.25.25
Citing Potential Tsunami of Medicaid Cuts, Cantwell to Vote Against Advancing Dr. Oz: “I Cannot Support This Nomination”
Trump nominated Dr. Mehmet Oz to oversee Medicare and Medicaid as GOP pushes spending bill that would necessitate slashing Medicaid; Cantwell: “My colleagues who are trying to play down this threat […] it’s either bad math or bad faith.”; In tour across WA last week, Cantwell heard from patients & providers who would be devastated by Medicaid cuts
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, said she’ll vote against advancing Dr. Mehmet Oz – Trump’s nominee for Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services – to the full Senate for a final confirmation vote.
During a markup today of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Cantwell cited Dr. Oz’s refusal to stick up for Medicaid during his hearing earlier this month, especially in the face of a draconian GOP budget bill that would necessitate massive cuts. The committee vote is scheduled for later today at 2:15 p.m. ET/11:15 a.m. PT.
“He wouldn’t commit. He would not say no, and certainly not no to President Trump, or Elon Musk, or to the House of Representatives. The House committee that oversees Medicaid and Medicare is responsible for finding $880 billion from these cuts,” Sen. Cantwell said. “The only real place to get this is, particularly if Medicare is off the table, is from Medicaid. Even if the Committee completely eliminated every single other program in the E&C account, it still gives them one-sixth of what they need.
“So make no mistake, there is no other way to meet this mandate [than] to impact Medicaid. My colleagues who are trying to play down this threat, or act like there’s some other way around it –it’s just not so. It’s either bad math or bad faith.”
Last week, Sen. Cantwell heard from voices across Washington state about the dangers of President Trump and the GOP’s proposed cuts to Medicaid. Doctors, patients, and health care providers in Seattle, Spokane, and the Tri-Cities warned that such cuts would devastate Washington state’s health care system and limit access to lifesaving care.
          WATCH:
          FOX 13 Seattle: WA health leaders join Sen. Cantwell against proposed Medicaid cuts
          KREM 2 Spokane: Spokane doctors, patients speak at Medicaid roundtable hosted by Sen. Cantwell
          KAPP 35 Tri-Cities: MARIA CANTWELL: How proposed cuts to Medicaid could impact South Central Washington
Sen. Cantwell concluded her remarks today by calling on her colleagues to join her in defending Medicaid.
“So, with this tsunami of cuts that we’re looking at, I cannot support this nomination. I hope my colleagues will turn it down as well,” Sen. Cantwell said.
Last month, Sen. Cantwell released a snapshot report highlighting the impact that slashing Medicaid to fund tax cuts for corporations and the ultra-wealthy would have on Washington state’s health care system — especially in Central and Eastern Washington. Sen. Cantwell released a second snapshot report highlighting impacts on the Seattle-area health care delivery system.
READ MORE:
The Seattle Times: Cuts to Medicaid would hurt WA’s children, poor
The Spokesman Review: Medicaid could be on chopping block after Northwest Republicans help pass House budget measure
The Tri-City Herald: Newhouse backs House GOP budget plan that could lead to cuts for Tri-Cities Medicaid users
Medicaid is the federal program that insures many low-income adults and children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities. Washington state’s Medicaid program, Apple Health, ensures that eligible Washingtonians can afford to seek health care and see providers when they need to. The program also ensures that hospitals — which are required to treat everyone, regardless of their ability to pay — receive reimbursements for the significant number of low-income people they serve. Over 1.9 million Washingtonians are enrolled in Apple Health.
Late last month, the House of Representatives passed a funding bill that would necessitate $880 billion in cuts from the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over Medicaid. Supporters of the bill claim that the text includes no mention of Medicaid — however, the extent of the cuts required by the legislation would mean that the committee has essentially no other options other than to hack away at Medicaid.
Video of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks today are available HERE, audio HERE, and a full transcript is HERE.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Building A More Equitable Future for New York Workers

Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul today recognized Equal Pay Day, marking the ongoing struggle against the gender wage gap and pledging to continue the fight for equal pay for all workers in New York State. Equal Pay Day symbolizes how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year, highlighting that women are often paid less than their male colleagues. This disparity remains one of the foremost challenges facing the labor market across the State and nation. The New York State Department of Labor recently analyzed newly available data from 2023 and found that women working full-time, year-round in New York State were paid 87.3 cents for every dollar that men were paid. While there is still much more progress to be made to bridge the gap, New York’s gender wage gap is narrow compared to the national average of 81.1 cents per dollar. In fact, New York had the third smallest wage gap among states in the nation, behind Vermont and Rhode Island.

“Women are too often the first to care for a child or an aging parent, sacrificing their own financial security in the process and in New York we refuse to accept this as the status quo,” Governor Hochul said. “We are doing the hard work. We’ve enshrined abortion rights in our constitution, guaranteed women 20 hours of paid prenatal leave, expanded access to childcare, developed workforce development programs to expand opportunities for women and bolster our Minority and Women Owned Business Programs — because when women have the freedom and support to succeed, our entire economy grows. Equal pay isn’t just about fairness; it’s about building a stronger, more equitable future for all and as New York’s first woman Governor, this is a fight I look forward to winning.”

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) analysis also found that women of color continue to face even higher disparities, with Hispanic women and Black women earning 60.6 cents and 67.7 cents respectively for every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men. To put these numbers another way, a woman earning the median income in New York State ($62,111) earned $9,057 less than her male counterpart in 2023. If this wage gap were to remain unchanged, she would earn $362,280 less than a man earning the median wage over the course of a 40-year career.

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Equal Pay Day reminds us that more must be done to close the Gender Wage Gap. Although we have made significant progress, economic inequalities persist. The work of women continues to be undervalued and underpaid. That must change. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we will continue to advance efforts to eliminate all barriers preventing New Yorkers from reaching their full earning potential, regardless of gender.”

Since taking office, Governor Hochul has remained focused on taking nation-leading steps to close the Gender Wage Gap. Child care obligations remain a persistent contributing factor to the Gender Wage Gap. In her 2025 State of the State Address and Fiscal Year 2026 State Executive Budget Proposal, the Governor prioritized a number of family-focused initiatives designed to create a more equitable labor market. The establishment of the New York Coalition for Child Care, the creation of a child care substitute pool, and a $100 million child care construction fund to build new and renovate existing childcare facilities are all part of the Governor’s multi-year effort to move New York State closer to achieving universal child care, an essential step to ensure the full and equal participation of women in the workforce. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State has invested more than $7 billion to expand child care accessibility. Governor Hochul is also proposing a historic expansion of New York’s Child Tax Credit, impacting more than 1.5 million families and representing the single largest boost to the state’s child tax credit in history.

These proposals build on Governor Hochul’s prior actions to create a more equitable labor market. New York is now the first state in the nation to mandate 20 hours of Paid Prenatal Leave, ensuring that no pregnant worker needs to choose between a paycheck and a checkup. In 2024, New York expanded workplace rights by mandating paid time off for breast milk expression. Critically, both benefits are available for full and part-time workers, as studies show women are more likely than men to work part-time.

State Senator Jessica Ramos said, “I am proud of the work we have done in partnership with Governor Hochul to close the race and gender-based wage gap. New York has been a leader in improving salary transparency, equipping employers with the ability to attract top talent and qualified candidates, with the ability to negotiate for the wages and benefits they deserve. This is how we fight the feminization of poverty.”

Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson said, “As Chair of the Labor Committee, I fight hard every day for an equitable, inclusive economy, and we cannot have a fair economy without equitable pay for everyone. It’s time we put an end to the wage gap where women are paid less than their male counterparts for the same job. And for Black Women, Native American Women and Latina women – the pay gap is even more extreme. I will continue working with the Governor, NYSDOL, my legislative partners and the hardworking women of New York, to promote equity of opportunity to permanently end the wage disparity.”

The minimum wage in New York also continues to rise as part of Governor Hochul’s historic, multi-year agreement with the State Legislature. NYSDOL’s Gender Wage Gap Report found that the majority of minimum wage workers are women of color. By raising the minimum wage, New York continues to put money in the pockets of women across the state. At the same time, New York’s Pay Transparency law requires employers to include pay ranges on all job postings, empowering women to make better informed career decisions and ensure they are being paid fairly.

NYSDOL also continues to empower women via its Career Centers throughout the state. These centers offer career counseling, skills development, resume assistance, interview tips, and referrals to high-earning jobs at no cost to all New Yorkers. The Department also offers a salary negotiation guide to help New Yorkers maximize their earning potential.

As part of its effort to highlight and address the gender wage gap, NYSDOL continues to monitor and provide yearly updates on the state of pay equity in New York. This commitment ensures transparency and informs data-driven strategies to support a labor market that values and compensates all workers fairly.

For more information about the New York State Department of Labor’s initiatives to combat the gender wage gap and to support workforce equality, visit the Gender Wage Gap Hub.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: After months of Trump’s shock tactics, whistleblower groups are pushing back against attacks on workers’ rights

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

Julio Javier Vargas/Shutterstock

In the US, under president Donald Trump, rapid assaults on civil servants’ rights, including their rights to speak out about wrongdoing, are increasingly part of the administration’s play for power. Shock tactics tend to work when the speed leaves observers too stunned to act.

But countering the paralysis, whistleblower supporters are organising. Civil society groups are collaborating to shore up workers’ rights, challenge threats in the courts, and inform the public why it’s important to protect whistleblowers. Their cool-headed approach shows what it takes to work together to preserve democratic freedoms.

Since January 2025, the Trump administration has assaulted federal workers’ rights including whistleblowing protections. Key personnel are being fired, with thousands of other civil servants under threat of being reclassified as “at-will” workers who can be sacked at any time for any reason.

But the US needs whistleblower rights. In the past ten years alone, US government workers speaking out have protected citizens from a long list of ills. This includes food contamination, health risks, airline dangers and climate censorship. And they have called out managers for fraud and corruption.

Recent UK research demonstrates how listening to whistleblowers in some cases – including the Post Office scandal and the collapse of contractor Carillion – would have saved taxpayers nearly £400 million.

Functioning government bureaucracies, staffed by well-qualified, professional and independent civil servants, curtail attempts by politicians to control the state.

In the US, long-standing structures like the Pendleton Act of 1883 and the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, were put in place to ensure this. These laws insist government workers are hired and fired on the basis of skill and ability, not their political views. New employees take an oath of loyalty to the US constitution, not to the president.

Whistleblower protection is a critical part of ensuring this independence, because it enables civil servants to challenge abuses of power. But whistleblowers can only call out wrongdoing if they are protected from reprisal. Right now, these protections are under threat.

Shock and awe

Critics of the new US administration know all this. But the speed of change seems overwhelming. And the will to resist depletes, as people struggle to make sense of the constant disruption.

What to do with widely reported shows of anti-democratic aggression, like the recent appearance of senior Trump adviser Elon Musk on stage with a red chainsaw, shouting about a “chainsaw for bureaucracy”?

This is exactly the kind of chaotic, performative scene that stokes fascist passions, but leaves critics frozen.

Elon Musk’s chainsaw stunt was made famous by Argentinian president Javier Milei, who was looking on as Musk played to the gallery.
Joshua Sukoff/Shutterstock

Connecting such moves with Trump’s aggression against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes and trans citizens, US philosopher Judith Butler has warned that people can be stunned into inaction by increasingly shocking events. They stop seeing how they are connected.

What links these events, fundamentally, is contempt for ordinary US citizens’ rights and for constitutional democracy. As Butler also says, it’s important that citizens are not left immobilised by the outrage.

To counter the chaos, cool heads are needed. Supporters of whistleblower rights are pushing back. With partners, the nonprofit whistleblower organisation Government Accountability Project is suing Trump over the unconstitutional roll-back of federal worker protections. And civil society groups successfully challenged February’s firing of the chief of the federal whistleblowing agency.

This kind of whistleblower activism has happened before in other parts of the world. In Europe, NGOs monitor countries’ adoption of the new EU whistleblower protection law.

Organisations like the Whistleblowing International Network and the UNCAC coalition support civil society groups in countries around the world with new but fragile whistleblower protection systems introduced to support public trust and democratic accountability. These partnerships harness public opinion through the media and lobby for change. They come together in regular online events and forums to sustain momentum.

These coalitions of whistleblower activists have a history of working together, celebrating small wins and publicising each other’s work.

As my recent book details, this collective activism is not easy. These organisations operate on limited funding. And in the face of disinformation on social media, defending truth and facts can be challenging. Yet as I found, strategising and collaborating can help counter aggressive opposition.

A shared commitment to democratic rights is what keeps coalitions of whistleblower activists going – they demonstrate passions for equality and the right to live without fear.

Trump is working to remake the federal government in the service of his political agenda. It is a classic move made by “strongman” leaders. They seize control of government bureaucracy in order to reward elite supporters, give favours and jobs to insiders, and weaken oversight on corruption.

Attacking government bureaucracy has been a first step in the power grab by authoritarian leaders worldwide, from Hungary to Benin, Turkey and Venezuela.

Working with his largest election donor Elon Musk, who already owns businesses benefiting from government contracts, Trump’s aggressive overhaul of the federal government radically dilutes the potential for dissenting workers to speak out in protest.

It is tempting to remain paralysed in the face of daily attempts to roll back workers’ rights. But through their dedication, mutual support and celebration of even small wins, international collectives of whistleblower activists remind us that there is a way forward and why it’s vital to keep going.

Kate Kenny has in the past and at different times engaged in research funded by organizations including: the EU Commission, ESRC UK, the British Academy, Harvard University, Science Foundation Ireland and Leverhulme Trust.

– ref. After months of Trump’s shock tactics, whistleblower groups are pushing back against attacks on workers’ rights – https://theconversation.com/after-months-of-trumps-shock-tactics-whistleblower-groups-are-pushing-back-against-attacks-on-workers-rights-252861

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Three graphs that show what’s happening with Donald Trump’s popularity

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Paul Whiteley, Professor, Department of Government, University of Essex

Donald Trump started out with more Americans approving than disapproving of his performance just after inauguration day on January 20 , and this continued into February. By early March, his ratings had turned a little bit negative, but not by much, and it has stayed that way. As of March 20, 48% of Americans approved of his job performance so far, while 49% disapproved.

The daily average of polls measuring approval/disapproval ratings for the job Trump is doing appears in the chart below. They cover the period from February 20 to March 20.

Approval and disapproval ratings for Trump’s performance:

These aggregate ratings are interesting, but they disguise the political divide which is revealed when we drill down into the details. This can be done using an Economist/YouGov poll completed on March 18, for instance.

This reveals how polarised American public opinion has become when it comes to judging the president. Around 6% of respondents who identified themselves as Democrats approved of his performance, while 93% of them disapproved. Those who identified as Republican were almost the exact opposite, with 90% approving and 7% disapproving.

One problem in analysing these statistics is that only 29% of the sample interviewed were Republicans, compared with 34% Democrats. The pollsters do their best to get a representative sample of the US electorate and it’s worth noting that there are currently more registered Democrats in the US than there are Republicans.

Interestingly, the American National Election Study survey conducted just before the presidential election last year showed that only 11.6% of Americans were supporters of the Maga movement. This highly respected study, which has been carried out over the past 75 years as a national resource, would suggest that Maga supporters are noisy, but fewer in number than some people might realise.

What do independents think?

Around 37% of those interviewed for the Economist poll described themselves as independents. In their case 37% of them approved of his performance and 54% disapproved. Trump may have a very strong following among Republicans, but they are less than one-third of the electorate.

A quick calculation looking at support among Democrats, Republicans and independents in proportion to their size in the electorate suggests that 42% of Americans have a favourable view of his performance, while 54% have an unfavourable view.

If we look at the social backgrounds of respondents in the survey there is not much difference between the young and the old, or different income groups in their attitudes to the president’s performance. But there is a large gender gap with 53% of men, but only 39% of women, approving. Similarly, while 53% of whites approved, only 24% of blacks and 31% of Hispanics did so. Finally, 7% of ideological liberals approved of Trump’s job performance, compared with 81% of conservatives and 44% of moderates. Overall, partisanship and ideology completely dominate the picture when it comes to judging Trump’s record.

How important is the economy?

US politics is in turmoil with large federal jobs losses and significant changes, such as tariffs on Canadian goods, being announced by the new administration, so there are a lot of factors at work which can explain attitudes to Trump. In the 2024 presidential election the economy played a key role in explaining how people voted, and it is always an important issue in elections.

Given that, it is interesting to look at one of the key measures of the voter’s attitudes to the economy, namely consumer confidence. This has been measured by researchers at the University of Michigan for many decades using a series of surveys conducted every month.

US consumer sentiment scale March 2024 to March 2025:

The chart shows scores on the Index of Consumer Sentiment from March of last year until March this year. A high score means Americans are confident about the state of their economy and a low score the opposite. Confidence has plunged from a rating of 79.4 a year ago to 57.9 now. It is notable that, as recently as December 2024, it stood at 74.0, but after the inauguration of Trump it started to rapidly decline. Americans are getting increasingly worried about the state of their economy, along with the rest of the world.

The cause is not hard to discern: the imposition of tariffs, a fall in the stock market, the threat of inflation, the administration’s sympathy towards Vladimir Putin and its threats to allies such as Canada and Greenland over their territorial integrity. These issues are all adding up to a self-imposed economic crisis.

But what are the implication of this for presidential approval ratings? The chart below shows the relationship between consumer confidence and presidential approval over a period of nearly 50 years. There is a moderately strong relationship between the two series (correlation = 0.40). When consumers are optimistic, they approve of the president’s performance, and when they are pessimistic, they disapprove.

Presidential approval and consumer confidence 1978-2025:

Overall, the data suggests that Trump should not be confident of his approval ratings across the US, if you look at people across all political affiliations and who vote. Along with a looming economic crisis, this could lead to a rapid loss of support for the president and the Republicans in the near future.

Paul Whiteley 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. Three graphs that show what’s happening with Donald Trump’s popularity – https://theconversation.com/three-graphs-that-show-whats-happening-with-donald-trumps-popularity-252857

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Upholds Idahoans’ Second Amendment Rights

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

Washington, D.C.–In keeping with his longstanding support of the Second Amendment, U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) announced his efforts so far in the 119th Congress to protect Idahoans’ access to the constitutional right to keep and bear arms.
“Those seeking to strip away Second Amendment rights have sought every creative way possible to advance their agenda through legislation, regulation and litigation,” said Crapo. “The majority of Americans are law-abiding citizens who own, possess, carry and use firearms in a lawful and peaceful fashion. Their right to do so is enshrined in our Constitution. That right must not be abridged while we seek to prevent violence perpetrated by criminals.”
Senator Crapo’s efforts to protect the Second Amendment in the 119th Congress so far include:
Leading reintroduction of the Hearing Protection Act, which would reclassify suppressors to regulate them like a regular firearm;
Co-sponsoring the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which would allow any person legally authorized to carry a concealed firearm in their home state to exercise that right in any other state that allows the practice;
Co-sponsoring Senator Jim Risch’s (R-Idaho) Sporting Firearms Access Act, which would limit the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm and Explosives’ (ATF) ability to restrict firearm models from importation into the United States;
Backing the Fair Access to Banking Act, which would prevent discrimination by banks and financial services providers against constitutionally-protected industries and law-abiding businesses, such as firearms manufacturers;
Co-sponsoring the Financial Integrity and Regulation Management (FIRM) Act, which would remove “reputational risk” as a component of federal supervision, which has become a way to weaponize power against politically disfavored groups;
Joining legislation to prohibit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service from banning the use of lead ammunition or tackle on public lands unless such action is supported by the best available science;
Co-sponsoring Senator Risch’s No REGISTRY Act, which would require the ATF to delete all existing records of firearms transactions and allow federal firearms licensees to destroy firearm transaction records when they go out of business.
Backing the ATF Transparency Act, which would require a transparent and speedy National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) process and create an appeals process for erroneous NICS denials;
Co-sponsoring the FIND Act, which would prohibit companies with policies that discriminate against the firearm and ammunition industries from receiving federal contracts;
Supporting the Traveler’s Gun Rights Act to allow military spouses and those without a fixed address (such as those who live full time in a recreational vehicle) to purchase handguns in the state where they are permanently stationed for duty or consistent with the P.O. Box listed on their driver’s license;
Sending a letter to the ATF demanding it comply with President Trump’s Executive Order, Protecting Second Amendment Rights, in order to align the ATF’s rules and polities with the President’s strong support for the Second Amendment; and
Signing a letter to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce highlighting concerns with the Department’s Interim Final Rule finalized under the previous Administration that restricted firearms exports to certain countries.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Electronics SA and Concentrix Open Business-to-Business Customer Centre in Johannesburg

Source: Samsung

Samsung Electronics SA, in partnership with Concentrix, a global provider of technology and services solutions, is proud to announce the opening of a new Business-to-Business (B2B) customer sales centre in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. This exciting collaboration aims to provide resellers with access to Samsung’s extensive range of innovative products and solutions, further strengthening the company’s B2B relationships across South Africa.

The partnership saw the launch of a state-of-the-art customer centre, which began operations on 01 February 2025. Designed specifically for resellers, the facility focuses on serving the top 300 ICT suppliers (small businesses) and 100 retail independent companies, offering a range of products including home appliances, televisions, and monitors. The customer centre acts as a key resource for B2B clients, driving increased access to Samsung’s offerings and fostering deeper, more impactful relationships with its reseller network.

“We’re excited to partner with Concentrix on this new venture, which will give B2B clients in South Africa the opportunity to directly engage with our products and services in a focused, tailored environment,” said Mike van Lier, Vice President of Consumer Electronics at Samsung South Africa. “This partnership not only allows us to expand our reach within the reseller community but also reinforces our commitment to providing top-notch, innovative solutions to businesses across the region.”

Concentrix, renowned for delivering technology-driven, intelligence-fuelled business solutions, will play a critical role in managing operations at the centre. With a proven track record in driving success for global brands, Concentrix is well-positioned to ensure a seamless experience for Samsung’s B2B resellers.

“We are thrilled to work with Samsung on this dynamic initiative. By providing resellers with greater access to Samsung’s products and solutions, we’re helping to create a more streamlined and efficient process for the B2B sector. This partnership will not only enhance the reseller experience but also foster long-lasting relationships that will benefit all stakeholders involved,” said Brandon Aitken at Concentrix.

The customer centre’s focus on resellers ensures that Samsung can offer specialised support and identify potential issues early in the process, guaranteeing a smooth and responsive experience. This strategic partnership is expected to significantly enhance Samsung’s ability to provide consistent, ongoing support to its B2B clients and further expand its footprint in the market.

The opening of the B2B customer centre marks another milestone in Samsung’s long-standing commitment to innovation, client-centric solutions, and strengthening partnerships across various business sectors. For more information, contact adminsam@concentrix.com.

For more information on Samsung products, visit https://www.samsung.com/za/business/.

MIL OSI Economics –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Mulholland Grocery

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
Published: March 25, 2025
Throughout this Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.
RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Mulholland Grocery of Mills County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.
“For nearly 150 years, Mulholland Grocery has been a cornerstone of the Malvern community, offering fresh grocery products and beloved local favorites like ham salad and smoked meats,” said Chair Ernst. “After a devasting fire destroyed the business in 2021, Tom Mulholland worked to rebuild and expand his family’s legacy, demonstrating the importance of small businesses and their community network.”
In 1875, Fred E. Mulholland opened Mulholland Grocery as a dry goods store in the heart of Malvern, Iowa. Fred expanded the store in 1903 to include a small cash-and-carry grocery section, which eventually grew to be the family business. In 1945, Fred passed away, leaving the business to his son, Fred A. Mulholland, who managed it for almost 30 years until 1972. The business changed hands several times before returning to the Mulholland family ownership in 2008 when Tom Mulholland purchased it.
Mulholland Grocery is well known for its iconic ham salad, breakfast bratwurst, smoked meats, and warm customer service. In December 2021, tragedy struck when a massive fire devastated the Main Street location. Tom and his team transformed and modernized it, reopening the store in December 2024. This April, Mulholland Grocery plans to officially commemorate its grand reopening and its 150th anniversary in Iowa.
Stay tuned as Chair Ernst recognizes more Iowa small businesses across the state with her Small Business of the Week award.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: Rate Expands in Knoxville Market with Hire of Adrian Hall as Branch Manager

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rate, a leader in fintech mortgage solutions, announced today the addition of Adrian Hall as Branch Manager to lead its growing presence in the Knoxville market. With deep roots in the community and a drive to help local families achieve homeownership, Hall brings over a decade of experience in mortgage lending and financial education to his role.

“Joining Rate was a natural fit,” said Hall. “They walk the walk—everything else comes second. That showed in their processes, technology, rates, and products and how they handled the Knoxville office launch. I always knew what to expect, and they made sure I felt confident every step of the way. That’s the kind of organization I want to partner with, because that’s exactly how I serve my homebuying and refinance clients.”

A Knoxville native and seasoned industry professional, Hall has helped over 10,000 individuals improve their credit, pay off debt, and take control of their financial futures through his background in financial education. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Hall is an active community leader, serving as Secretary of the Knoxville Mortgage Bankers Association, Treasurer and Board Member of the Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce, and President of the Knoxville chapter of the National Association of Minority Mortgage Bankers of America (NAMMBA).

“We are so happy to have Adrian join our Rate team in Tennessee,” said Jeff Nelson, Chief Production Officer-East at Rate. “He is a true professional, and we are proud to have him leading our team in Knoxville.”

As Rate continues to expand across the Southeast, Hall’s appointment marks a significant milestone in its mission to bring smart, simple, and accessible mortgage solutions to more homebuyers in the region.

About Rate

Rate Companies is a leader in mortgage lending and digital financial services. Headquartered in Chicago, Rate has over 850 branches across all 50 states and Washington D.C. Since its launch in 2000, Rate has helped more than 2 million homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. The company has cemented itself as an industry leader by introducing innovative technology, offering low rates, and delivering unparalleled customer service. Honors and awards include Best Mortgage Lender for First-Time Homebuyers by NerdWallet for 2023; HousingWire’s Tech100 award for the company’s industry-leading FlashClose℠ digital mortgage platform in 2020, MyAccount in 2022, and Language Access Program in 2023; the most Scotsman Guide Top Originators for 11 consecutive years; Chicago Agent Magazine’s Lender of the Year for seven consecutive years; and Chicago Tribune’s Top Workplaces list for seven straight years. Visit rate.com for more information.

Press Contact
press@rate.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/030f6e72-be6c-4c49-90b9-29c76cb526dc

The MIL Network –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: VERB Publishes Management’s Prepared Remarks During Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings Call

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LAS VEGAS and LOS ALAMITOS, Calif., March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Verb Technology Company, Inc. (Nasdaq: VERB) (“VERB” or the “Company”), Transforming the Landscape of Social Commerce, Social Telehealth and Social Crowdfunding with MARKET.live; VANITYPrescribed; GoodGirlRx; and the GO FUND YOURSELF TV Show, today filed its Form 10-K reporting financial and operating results for the full year and the quarter ending December 31, 2024 and held an earnings conference call at 1 p.m. ET to discuss these results. Prepared remarks during the conference call of Rory J. Cutaia, the Company’s Chairman & CEO, are provided below.

Company Participant
Rory J. Cutaia, CEO

Operator:
Good afternoon and welcome to the full-year and fourth quarter 2024 Financial Results Conference Call for Verb Technology Company, Inc. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. Please be advised, the call is being recorded at the Company’s request.

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

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

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

Rory:
Thank you moderator, and thanks to everyone for joining us today for our fourth quarter and full-year 2024 financial results and business update conference call.

Well it sure feels good being back before you, speaking directly to you about our company, our business, our performance, and sharing our direct, transparent, honest thoughts and strategies for how we intend to drive shareholder value in this business now and into the future.

I’d like to begin with a brief discussion about our history and the challenging market conditions that influenced the formulation of the strategies we undertook to insulate ourselves from those conditions. I’m referring to insulating ourselves from those market conditions that became impediments to value creation in our former direct sales Software as a Service line of business, as well as those market conditions, particularly capital markets conditions, that affected, and are affecting many, many small and micro-cap exchange-listed companies even today.

Then I’d like to discuss the strategies that we employed and the changes we’ve made that underlie the impressive results we’re now seeing in the business. I’ll also touch on the strategies we employed that resulted in what I’m proud to state is a well cash-infused, extremely healthy debt-free balance sheet and a super clean cap table, the combination of which provide the all-important foundation for the impressive revenue growth we’re now enjoying.

Ok – let’s jump in. Historically, we were an R&D driven technology business, built around a SaaS platform, with a customer base that was comprised of, for the most part, direct sales companies, or as they are sometimes referred to: multi-level marketing companies. When we entered the market with our interactive video-based sales software, we set out to become the dominant player in this sector. What we saw at that time was the opportunity to address a market that included the large-scale sales teams, including tens of thousands of independent sales reps that these companies managed, all of whom needed a simple and effective, mobile-based sales tool.

Over time we learned valuable lessons. First, while we onboarded large numbers of new sales reps every month, the attrition rate among sales reps at these companies was extraordinarily high, making it difficult and costly to generate meaningful revenue growth. In addition, while we developed what we believe were extremely effective tools to help sales reps, even inexperienced sales reps generate and convert sales leads, outdated internal communications policies at these companies prohibited us from communicating these tools and how to use them directly to the fields of sales reps which may have curtailed much of the sales rep attrition, as the companies that managed these reps were often ineffective at doing so themselves. Finally, the ever-changing nature of the customer base we served, as well as the give-it-away below cost pricing models adopted by competitors who found themselves marginalized by our superior product offering, required continued, costly R&D expenditures, and continued returns to the capital markets.

These factors, coupled with what we perceived to be declining market multiples for SaaS businesses generally, drove our decision to sell that business unit and focus instead on our new, though not yet revenue-generating – Market.live, livestream shopping business. A bold move indeed, but one that has certainly proven now to have been in the best interests of our shareholders. This was the first prong of our multi-pronged strategy to restructure, reconstitute, and re-invent VERB.

The next prong of our strategy was to insulate ourselves from the predatory financing terms imposed universally on companies like ours who relied on access to the capital markets to fund continued R&D and other growth capital requirements. Almost every financing initiative we undertook was fraught with last minute re-trading of material deal terms, ridiculous warrant coverage terms and conditions, post-deal financing exclusivity arrangements, tying the Company to bad financings into the future when additional capital was needed – all of which made us – and so many other companies in the same situation – perfect targets for short-selling – and for companies with any kind of trading volume, greed-driven illegal naked short-selling.

It wasn’t hard to target companies that announced an upcoming financing as short-sellers could be confident that deal terms and corresponding share prices would be below whatever the then current trading price was. This capital markets environment eroded share prices across the board resulting in reverse splits required to maintain exchange listing requirements, and destroyed cap tables and balance sheets causing an unprecedented level of exchange de-listings. Ultimately, it was the individual retail investors, left without sufficiently aggressive regulatory intervention, who bore the brunt of this market activity and still do.

To avoid this awful outcome, we developed a unique strategy to utilize Reg A to structure our capitalize raise initiatives and avoid the predatory hedge-fund investors, allowing us to issue straight common shares, priced at-the-market, with no warrant coverage, and no investment banking fees. This financing vehicle, unique for publicly-traded companies, among other financing strategies, allowed us to pay-off all of our debt, redeem all of the previously issued preferred shares, completely restructure our balance sheet, padding it with cash, taking shareholder equity from almost $2 million negative in June 2023 to more than $16 million positive in December 2024, and giving us a cash runway, conservatively assuming zero revenue growth, well into 2028 and beyond.

The shareholder approved reverse split we did last year resulted in an extremely tight – less than 1 million share float – and essentially eliminated all of the warrant overhang from years-ago predatory financings. We’re very proud of how well that series of initiatives was executed, completing that important second prong of our multi-pronged strategy to restructure, reconstitute, and re-invent VERB.

The next prong of our strategy was to diversify our revenue streams to insulate ourselves from changes in the market, including economic and regulatory changes, as well as changes within our own customer base and demand for our products and services. The challenge was to identify and develop independent, yet complementary revenue producing business units that could leverage the cost savings produced by a unified internal finance, sales, marketing, and technology department structure utilized by and across all business units.

Recognizing that the core of our business was our interactive social video commerce technology and know-how, our strategy was to exploit those capabilities by entering the exploding telehealth industry, leading to the development and launch of VANITY Prescribed, followed by GoodGirlRX in partnership with TV and social media celebrity Savannah Chrisley, and then the development and launch of GO FUND YOURSELF, our very exciting, fast-growing crowd funding marketing platform. To give a sense of the revenue potential for Go Fund Yourself, we launched it in Q3 with little to no marketing and recognized $25 thousand in revenue – and then in Q4 we recognized $233 thousand in revenue. And if any of the more recent developments come to fruition for the Show – 2025 may be an extraordinary year for Go Fund Yourself and VERB stockholders.

VANITY Prescribed was in development during Q3 and Q4, identifying suppliers, onboarding suppliers, then replacing suppliers, developing our online patient screening and prescription approval process, and shoring up our supply chain in anticipation of participating in the extraordinary growth of the telehealth space following the introduction and rapid adoption of the new GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. Revenue, though now growing, was modest through that period and we’re excited for a broad-based launch and marketing campaign that is about to get under way.

As to MARKET.live, at the end of Q3, we changed our focus and product offering by providing what we believe is an industry-leading end-to-end solution for brands seeking to adopt a social commerce strategy that they cannot manage in-house on a cost effective basis. That strategy has proven to be enormously successful producing exponential revenue growth. As reflected in our 2024 Form 10-K filed today, in Q1 we generated revenue of $7 thousand, in Q2 we generated revenue of $37 thousand, in Q3 we generated revenue of $103 thousand, and in Q4 we generated revenue of $490 thousand. An impressive and most welcomed trend by anyone’s standards.

Combined 2024 revenue was $895 thousand, an increase of $832 thousand over 2023, representing revenue growth of 1,321% over that period. This performance is the greatest amount of revenue generated since the strategic sale of the Company’s direct sales SaaS business unit in June 2023.

Looking at Q4 alone, we generated $723 thousand, an increase of $694 thousand over the same period last year, representing revenue growth of almost 2,400% over that period. And as compared to Q3 2024, revenue in Q4 increased by $595 thousand, representing growth of almost 465% quarter-over-quarter.

While we historically do not provide going-forward guidance, we are comfortable sharing our expectation that Q1 2025 will surpass Q4 2024.

Finally, as to the last prong of our multi-pronged strategy to restructure, reconstitute, and re-invent VERB, we recognized that any business that fails to identify and develop an artificial intelligence strategy will be marginalized. With that in mind, we explored a number of different strategies, including developing our own A.I. capabilities in-house, which we smartly rejected. Instead, we scoured the market for a company with a developed, tested, proprietary A.I. solution uniquely tailored to video-based social commerce. Upon testing the A.I. and social commerce capabilities of LyveCom, a bleeding-edge, video-based social commerce start-up, we entered into a licensing agreement to incorporate their technology into our MARKET.live platform.

To our great surprise, we found that the integration of LyveCom’s tech resulted in a massive operational cost reduction. In fact, we anticipate a direct operational cost reduction of approximately $1 million per year. However, perhaps more importantly, we also recognized that the addition of LyveCom’s technology created an entirely new, updated platform, feature rich with capabilities far beyond our current platform and certainly beyond that of many other social commerce platforms. So rather than simply license the technology and risk LyveCom being acquired by a competitor, limiting our access to the technology and future iterations of it, we decided to acquire it ourselves. It is our expectation that the acquisition will be highly accretive and produce meaningful value for VERB stockholders.

With the closing of the LyveCom acquisition, which remains on track and is expected to occur in the coming weeks, we will have effectively completed the transition of VERB from an unprofitable, cash-hungry business in a challenging market, to an extremely well-capitalized, well diversified business, with proven, strong, fast-growing revenue generation capabilities, A.I.-ready, with a tight float, clean cap table and debt-free balance sheet, poised for meaningful continued growth.

In closing, I refer you to our Form 10-K filed today for greater details concerning our 2024 financial results as well as the press release distributed today summarizing those results for additional information I’ve not covered in my conference call today. I’ve chosen instead to use this time to provide context for those results and share our strategies and ongoing initiatives for continued growth and value-creation for VERB stockholders.

Finally, and as anyone who can read a balance can see, with under 1 million shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024, and debt-free with more than $13 million in cash and highly liquid securities – and assuming ZERO value given for our three revenue generating business units – I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that our net cash value per common share is at least $13.50, which we believe represents a very compelling opportunity, very compelling indeed.

I thank you for allowing me to address you all today and share with you our excitement and optimism for VERB shareholders now and into the future.

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

About VERB
Verb Technology Company, Inc. (Nasdaq: VERB), is the innovative force behind interactive video-based social commerce. The Company operates three business units, each of which leverages its social commerce technology and video marketing expertise. The Company’s MARKET.live platform is a multi-vendor, livestream social shopping destination at the forefront of the convergence of e-commerce and entertainment, where brands, retailers, creators, and influencers engage their customers, clients, fans, and followers across multiple social media channels simultaneously. GO FUND YOURSELF is a revolutionary interactive social crowd funding platform and TV show for public and private companies seeking broad-based exposure across social media channels for their crowd-funded Regulation CF and Regulation A offerings. The platform combines a ground-breaking interactive TV show with MARKET.live’s back-end capabilities allowing viewers to tap, scan or click on their screen to facilitate an investment, in real time, as they watch companies presenting before the show’s panel of “Titans”. Presenting companies that sell consumer products are able to offer their products directly to viewers during the show in real time through shoppable onscreen icons. VANITYPrescribed.com and GoodGirlRx.com are telehealth portals, intended to redefine telehealth by offering a seamless, digital-first experience that empowers individuals to take control of their healthcare needs. They were designed and developed to disrupt the traditional healthcare model by providing tailored healthcare solutions at affordable, fixed prices – without hidden fees, membership costs, or inflated pharmaceutical markups. GoodGirlRx.com, a partnership with Savannah Chrisley, a well-known lifestyle personality and advocate for health and wellness, offers customers access to convenient, no-hassle telehealth services and pharmaceuticals, including the new weight-loss drugs, with fixed pricing regardless of dosage, breaking away from the industry’s traditional model of excessive pricing and pharmaceutical gatekeeping.

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

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

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

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

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This communication contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance, or achievements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, those identified in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including our annual, quarterly and current reports filed with the SEC and the risk factors included in our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC today. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Investor Relations Contact: investors@verb.tech

Media Contact: info@verb.tech

The MIL Network –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Prestigious award win for city centre project

Source: City of Plymouth

The works to rejuvenate Old Town and New George Street in the city centre have been recognised in the Best Landscape at the Concrete Society Awards.

This accolade recognises the transformational regeneration of a formerly dated shopping street, now revitalised with high-quality materials to create a modern retail area fit for the 21st century.

The completed works have already attracted new businesses to Plymouth, bringing in business rates that can be reinvested into vital services. This influx of new retailers supports the city’s growth ambitions and enhances the public realm.

The massive makeover has transformed the dated eighties landscaping, replacing it with islands of greenery, 25 new semi-mature trees, ornamental planting, and rain gardens. New granite paving has been installed to make the area more attractive and reduce the likelihood of trips and falls. Additionally, new street lighting and decorative lighting have been added to create a wow factor after dark, along with additional CCTV cameras to improve coverage.

Old Town Street / New George Street Regeneraiton

Councillor Mark Lowry, Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member responsible for city centre works, said: “The overall works are truly impressive and have made a significant impact on our city centre, breathing new life into what was once a dated area.

“The new greenery, trees, and ornamental planting have created a vibrant and welcoming space for shoppers, visitors and businesses. With the local business community already making use of the space for their events and activities. I look forward to seeing even more in the future.”

Councillor Lewis Allison, the new Champion for Second Homes Council Tax and Business Rate Growth, highlighted the economic benefits of the scheme. He added: “This new public area is modern, spacious and attractive and footfall is bucking the national trend.

“The completed works are already attracting new businesses to Plymouth, bringing in business rates that can be reinvested into vital services. This influx of new retailers supports our ambition for growth in city centre through higher quality public realm.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 26, 2025

MIL-OSI: SA: Disclosure of trading in own shares (excluding the liquidity agreement) made on March 17, 2025 to March 21, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

COFACE SA: Disclosure of trading in own shares (excluding the liquidity agreement) made on March 17, 2025 to March 21, 2025

Paris, 25 March 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 2023 Universal Registration Document.

Trading session of (Date)	Number of shares	Weighted average price	Gross amount	MIC Code	Purpose of buyback
17/03/2025	9,000	16.9793 €	152,813 €	XPAR	LTIP
18/03/2025	9,000	17.2133 €	154,920 €	XPAR	LTIP
19/03/2025	9,000	17.4057 €	156,651 €	XPAR	LTIP
20/03/2025	9,000	17.4598 €	157,138 €	XPAR	LTIP
21/03/2025	9,000	17.5953 €	158,357 €	XPAR	LTIP
Total 17/03/2025 – 21/03/2025	45,000	17.3307 €	779,880 €		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 2023 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 03 25 – Declaration – Own shares transaction

The MIL Network –

March 26, 2025

MIL-OSI: Viridien Announces Issuance of Senior Secured Notes and Completion of Conditions for Redemption of Existing Notes
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Paris, France – March 25, 2025

On March 25, 2025, Viridien successfully settled its issuance of $450 million in aggregate principal amount of 10% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 and €475 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 (together, the “Notes”). The Notes will be guaranteed on a senior secured basis by certain subsidiaries of Viridien.

Viridien also entered into a $125,000,000 super senior Revolving Credit Facility Agreement (the “RCF”) secured by the same security package as the Notes. No drawings have been carried out under the RCF save for part of an ancillary guarantee facility

The issuance of the Notes was a condition to the redemption by Viridien of all its senior secured notes due 2027 (the “Existing Notes”). That condition has now been satisfied.

The net proceeds from the issuance have been used, together with cash on hand, to satisfy and discharge today and subsequently redeem on April 1, 2025 in full the Existing Notes and to pay all fees and expenses in connection with the foregoing.

About Viridien

Viridien (www.viridiengroup.com) is an advanced technology, digital and Earth data company that pushes the boundaries of science for a more prosperous and sustainable future. With our ingenuity, drive and deep curiosity we discover new insights, innovations, and solutions that efficiently and responsibly resolve complex natural resource, digital, energy transition and infrastructure challenges. Viridien employs around 3,400 people worldwide and is listed as VIRI on the Euronext Paris SA (ISIN: FR001400PVN6).

Contacts

This press release may include projections and other “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of United States federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the business, future financial condition, results of operations and prospects of Viridien S.A., including its affiliates. These statements usually contain the words “believes”, “plans”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “estimates” or other similar expressions. For each of these statements, you should be aware that forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Any such projections or statements reflect the current views of Viridien S.A. about future events and financial performance. No assurances can be given that such events or performance will occur as projected and actual results may differ materially from these projections.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. There will not be any sale of these securities in any such state or country in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any state or country. The distribution of this press release may, in certain jurisdictions, be restricted by local legislations. Persons into whose possession this press release comes are required to inform themselves about and to observe any such potential local restrictions.

The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There will be no offering of securities to the public in France or the United States.

No action has been, or will be, taken in any jurisdiction (including the United States) by Viridien S.A. that would result in a public offering of the Notes or the possession, circulation or distribution of any offering memorandum or any other material relating to Viridien S.A. or the Notes in any jurisdiction where action for such purpose is required.

MIFID II product governance / Professional investors and ECPs only target market – Solely for the purposes of each manufacturer’s product approval process, the target market assessment in respect of the securities has led to the conclusion that: (i) the target market for the securities is eligible counterparties and professional clients only, each as defined in Directive (EU) 2014/65/EU, as amended (“MiFID II”); and (ii) all channels for distribution of the securities to eligible counterparties and professional clients are appropriate. Any person subsequently offering, selling or recommending the securities (a “distributor”) should take into consideration the manufacturers’ target market assessment; however, a distributor subject to MiFID II is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the securities (by either adopting or refining the manufacturers’ target market assessment) and determining appropriate distribution channels.

The securities are not intended to be offered, sold, distributed or otherwise made available to and are and should not be offered, sold, distributed or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the EEA. For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of the following: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97, as amended or superseded, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Regulation (EU) 2017/1129, as amended (the “Prospectus Regulation”). Consequently, no key information document required by the PRIIPs Regulation for offering or selling the securities or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the securities or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation.

UK MIFIR product governance / Professional investors and ECPs only target market – Solely for the purposes of each manufacturer’s product approval process, the target market assessment in respect of the securities has led to the conclusion that: (i) the target market for the securities is only eligible counterparties as defined in the FCA Handbook Conduct of Business Sourcebook (“COBS”), and professional clients, as defined in Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (“UK MiFIR”); and (ii) all channels for distribution of the securities to eligible counterparties and professional clients are appropriate. Any person subsequently offering, selling or recommending the securities (a “distributor”) should take into consideration the manufacturer’s target market assessment; however, a distributor subject to the FCA Handbook Product Intervention and Product Governance Sourcebook (the “UK MiFIR Product Governance Rules”) is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the securities (by either adopting or refining the manufacturer’s target market assessment) and determining appropriate distribution channels.

The securities are not intended to be offered, sold, distributed or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold, distributed or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the United Kingdom (“UK”). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (“EUWA”); (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended, the “FSMA”) and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA; or (iii) a person who is not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA. Consequently no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the “UK PRIIPs Regulation”) Consequently no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the “UK PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling the securities or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the securities or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the UK may be unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation.

In the United Kingdom, this press release is directed only at persons who (i) have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the “Financial Promotion Order”), (ii) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Financial Promotion Order or (iii) are other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as “Relevant Persons”). The issue of the securities is only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire the securities will be directed only to Relevant Persons.

Attachment
- Viridien Announces Issuance of Senior Secured Notes and Completion of Conditions for Redemption of Existing Notes
The MIL Network –
March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Negotiations update on an enhanced UK-Switzerland Trade Agreement
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Press release

Negotiations update on an enhanced UK-Switzerland Trade Agreement

The sixth round of negotiations on an enhanced Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Switzerland took place in Switzerland between 3 and 10 March 2025.
Economic growth is the core mission of this government and FTAs have an important role to play in achieving this. We are seeking an enhanced FTA with Switzerland that guarantees market access for UK services suppliers, facilitates the seamless flow of data and ideas between two world-leading services powerhouses and provides long-term certainty on UK business travel to Switzerland. An enhanced FTA will contribute to growth and prosperity across the UK and build on our existing trading relationship with Switzerland. This currently supports 130,000 services jobs and more than £17 billion in services exports, including over £700m from Scotland and the North West.

The UK government’s focus in talks continues to be on agreeing ambitious outcomes in services, investment and digital trade which are not covered in the existing UK-Swiss FTA. During the latest round, good progress was made in financial services in particular, with both sides focussed on agreeing the most comprehensive chapter either country has signed. On digital trade, provisions on data, source code and cryptography were discussed.

A number of chapters were provisionally closed during this round, including customs and trade facilitation, and transparency.

The government will only ever sign a trade agreement which aligns with the UK’s national interests, upholding high standards across a range of sectors, alongside protections for the National Health Service.

The next round of negotiations is expected to take place in the UK in early summer 2025.

Any organisations or individuals interested in speaking to the Department for Business and Trade about negotiations with Switzerland should do so by emailing ch.fta.engagement@businessandtrade.gov.uk.

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Updates to this page

Published 25 March 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Boosting Rural Business Development: Governor Polis and OEDIT Introduce Rural Jump-Start Operating Grants

Source: US State of Colorado

DENVER – Today, the Business Funding & Incentives division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced a three-year Rural Jump-Start (RJS) grant program to continue to encourage economic development and job creation in economically distressed, rural counties of Colorado as approved by the Colorado Economic Development Commission (EDC).

“Colorado is committed to supporting the small businesses that drive our economy and these grants will support businesses in our rural communities around the state. Colorado is one of the best places to start and grow a business, and we look forward to building on this important work to strengthen our economy,” said Governor Jared Polis.

Grants of $15,000, or $25,000 in identified coal transition communities, will support operating expenses for businesses that move to or start in designated RJS zones. Up to $630,000 is expected to be distributed over three years, supporting approximately 36 businesses and at least 120 new jobs, continuing the RJS program’s impact in rural communities.

“Companies in rural Colorado are creating incredible new technologies, enhancing our supply chain and creating valuable, good-paying jobs in their communities. Last year, the Rural Jump-start Program facilitated 212 new hires in our rural communities, and we are thrilled to continue the impact with these new operating grants,” said OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman.

The RJS Operating Grants announced today replace the original grant program, which sunsets at the end of this fiscal year. Eligible participating businesses are also eligible for relief from state income tax; state sales and use tax; county personal property tax; and municipal personal property tax (in participating municipalities). Qualified New Hires of participating businesses are also eligible for State income tax relief.

“The Rural Jump-start program was initiated in partnership with rural communities and has a proven track record of supporting new businesses and new jobs across Colorado’s rural counties. Implementing these new grants will enable more rural businesses to benefit from the program and contribute to their local communities and economies,” said OEDIT Deputy Director Jeff Kraft.

The RJS program was established by state statute in 2016 as a tax incentive program and expanded in 2021 to include operating and new hire grants. Currently, 35 Colorado counties have been approved as RJS Zones by the EDC and 33 companies are participating in the program.

About the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado’s economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: 5000fish Announces Yurbi Version 12: A Game-Changer in White Label Embedded Analytics for SaaS Providers
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HERNDON, Va., March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 5000fish, the innovative software company behind the Yurbi brand, is proud to announce the release of Yurbi Version 12, a powerful upgrade to its embedded analytics platform. Designed specifically for software vendors and SaaS providers, Yurbi Version 12 empowers organizations to seamlessly integrate dashboards, reports, and self-service analytics into their applications. It eliminates the high costs, excessive complexity, or security vulnerabilities often associated with traditional BI tools.

Yurbi Logo

Yurbi Version 12 represents a major leap forward in embedded analytics, empowering software vendors to enrich their offerings and drive customer satisfaction. As the demand for robust analytics capabilities continues to grow, the release comes at a critical time when organizations are looking for cost-effective and user-friendly solutions that address the challenges of traditional business intelligence tools.

“Software vendors are under increasing pressure to deliver robust analytics capabilities,” said David Ferguson, Founder and CEO of 5000fish. “Yurbi Version 12 is designed to lift that burden—it’s secure, cost-effective, and effortlessly embeddable. Vendors can now focus entirely on innovating their core product while exceeding expectations with powerful, user- friendly analytics. We’re excited to help software companies unlock new revenue streams and enhance customer satisfaction with Yurbi.”

What’s New in Yurbi Version 12?

Yurbi Version 12 introduces significant enhancements designed to simplify data reporting, enhance user experience, and boost performance. Key updates include:
- Modernized User Interface: A sleek design featuring collapsible navigation and streamlined action panels, delivering an intuitive user experience.
- Enhanced Reporting and Insights: Real-time report previews and improved notifications ensure users can make informed decisions quickly.
- Advanced Customization and Multi-Tenant Branding: Tailor Yurbi to meet specific needs with customizable branding options.
- Performance and Accessibility: A fully responsive design ensures seamless access across devices, supported by backend optimizations that enhance speed and scalability.
- Dashboard and Visualization Upgrades: Enhanced interactivity and dynamic visualizations enable users to explore data more effectively and uncover actionable insights.
A Vision for the Future

Yurbi Version 12 lays the groundwork for exciting future advancements, including AI-driven report automation and expanded visualization tools for KPI-based dashboards—set to launch later this year. This forward-thinking approach positions Yurbi as a leading choice for software vendors looking to stay ahead in an evolving market.

Experience Yurbi Version 12 Today

5000fish encourages software vendors and enterprise businesses to discover the transformative capabilities of Yurbi Version 12. Don’t wait—see how Yurbi’s powerful embedded analytics can transform your offerings. Schedule a live demo or start your free trial today. For more information, visit https://yurbi.com.

Example Yurbi v12 Dashboard

About 5000fish

5000fish, Inc. is a leading Business Intelligence software company focused on providing organizations with innovative tools for data-driven decision-making. The company helps businesses utilize their existing data to improve processes, increase efficiency, and achieve success. They offer two main products: Yurbi, a powerful BI platform that can be white-labeled and embedded into hosted or on-premise applications for interactive dashboards and self- service reporting, and DashboardFox, an agile BI solution designed for small to mid-sized businesses and enterprise teams, offering comprehensive analytics without recurring subscription fees.

Press inquiries

5000fish
https://5000fish.com
David Ferguson
media@5000fish.com
(855) 438-5000
2201 Cooperative Way STE 600
Herndon, VA 20171

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bbe13ea3-9fa7-4919-b9d8-eb70db24a3a3

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/07e6710d-7738-497b-82a8-60dcf14cc74c

A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2f7507df-0aa4-4665-9527-0e6188c40c69

The MIL Network –
March 26, 2025

MIL-OSI: Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting of Jyske Bank A/S

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

This is to give notice of an Extraordinary General Meeting of Jyske Bank A/S, which will be held on Thursday, 24 April 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Vestergade 8-16, 8600 Silkeborg, Denmark (entrance via Jyske Bank’s visitor entrance situated at Bankpassagen).

At the Annual General Meeting held on 25 March 2025, the motions to amend the Articles of Association were adopted.
However, the members in general meeting with a right to vote represented less than 90% of the share capital, wherefore
the final adoption of the proposed amendments to the Articles of Association is subject to adoption at an extraordinary general meeting.

The AGENDA for consideration and final adoption:

a.	Motions proposed by the Supervisory Board:
	1	Reduction of Jyske Bank’s nominal share capital by DKK 27,651,180 (corresponding to 2,765,118 shares at a nominal value of DKK 10) from DKK 642,720,950 to DKK 615,069,770. With reference to S.188(1) of the Danish Companies Act we point out that the capital reduction takes place through cancellation of previously acquired own shares acquired by Jyske Bank in accordance with authorisation from members in general meeting. Hence, the capital reduction is spent on payment of capital owners. If the motion is adopted, Jyske Bank’s holding of own shares will be reduced by 2,765,118 shares of a nominal value of DKK 10 These shares have been bought back at a total amount of DKK 1,499,999,584 which implies that, apart from the nominal capital reduction, a total amount of DKK 1,472,348,404 has been paid to the capital owners in connection with the buy-backs. The capital reduction takes place at a share premium since it will be at 542.47 for each share of a nominal amount of DKK 10, corresponding to the average price at which the shares have been bought back. In consequence of the above, the following amendment to the Articles of Association is proposed: Art. 2 to be amended to the effect that Jyske Bank’s nominal share capital be DKK 615,069,770 distributed on 61,506,977 shares.
	2	Amendments to Art. 3(8), Art. 4(2) and (3), Art. 5(1) and (2) and Art. 24(2): “VP Securities Services” to be changed into “VP Securities A/S”.
	3	To replace the existing authorizations in the Articles of Association, the Supervisory Board is authorized to carry out capital increases with and without pre-emption rights and to raise convertible loans with and without pre-emption rights by amending Art. 4(2), (3) and (5), Art. 5(1), (2), (3) and (4) of the Articles of Association. The amendments are considered together and are proposed to be changed to the following wording:
		–	Art. 4(2): As specified by the Supervisory Board in respect of time and terms and conditions, the share capital can be increased through the subscription of new shares without preferential subscription rights for existing shareholders. The increase may be in one or several issues by not more than a nominal amount of DKK 60m (6 million shares of a face value of DKK 10). The increase may be effected through cash payment or through acquisition of existing businesses or specific assets. The increase must in every case be effected not below the market price. The increase cannot be effected through part payment. The authorisation will be effective until 1 March 2030. The new shares shall when issued and transferred be registered in the names of their holders at VP Securities A/S and in the Bank’s register of shareholders. The new shares are negotiable instruments, and there are no restrictions in their negotiability except for the provisions laid down in Art. 3 of the Articles of Association. Shareholders shall be under no obligation to have their shares redeemed in full or in part.
		–	Art. 4(3): As specified by the Supervisory Board in respect of time and terms and conditions, the share capital can be increased through the subscription of new shares with preferential subscription rights for existing shareholders. The increase may be in one or several issues by not more than a nominal amount of DKK 120m (12 million shares of a face value of DKK 10). The increase may be effected through cash payment or in any other manner. The increase may be offered at a favourable price. The increase cannot be effected through part payment. The authorisation will be effective until 1 March 2030. The new shares shall when issued and transferred be registered in the names of their holders at VP Securities A/S and in the Bank’s register of shareholders. The new shares are negotiable instruments, and there are no restrictions in their negotiability except for the provisions laid down in Art. 3 of the Articles of Association. Shareholders shall be under no obligation to have their shares redeemed in full or in part.
		–	Art. 4(5): To be deleted.
		–	Art. 5(1): The Bank may, following resolution by the Supervisory Board, up to 1 March 2030, on one or more occasions raise loans against bonds or other instruments of debt which bonds or instruments of debt shall entitle the lender to convert his claim into shares (convertible loans) and the Supervisory Board is authorised to carry out the related capital increase. Convertible loans may be raised with a conversion right to a maximum number of shares with a total nominal value corresponding to the maximum nominal amount at the time of raising the convertible loans by which the share capital may be increased using the remaining authorization in Art. 4(3), calculated in relation to the conversion price determined at the time of raising the convertible loans. Exercising the authorisation to increase the share capital in Art. 4(3), will hence reduce the authorisation to raise convertible loans in accordance with this provision. The Bank’s shareholders shall have a preferential subscription right to convertible loans. Where the Supervisory Board decides to raise convertible loans, when exercising the authorization in this provision, the authorisation to increase the share capital, cf. Art. 4(3), shall be considered to be utilised by an amount corresponding to the maximum conversion right. The term allowed for conversion may be fixed at a period exceeding five years after the raising of the convertible loan. For shares which shall be issued on the basis of the convertible loans mentioned in this provision, the Supervisory Board shall decide – with due regard to the time of subscription or utilisation of the conversion right – the time from when such new shares shall carry a right to receive dividend and other terms and conditions of the share issue. Shares issued on the basis of the convertible loans mentioned in this provision cannot be paid in by partial payment, are registered shares and are registered in the name of the holder in VP Securities A/S and the Bank’s register of shareholders upon issuance and transfer. The new shares are negotiable instruments and the same rules as apply to the existing shares in respect of rights and duties, redeemability and transferability shall apply.
		–	Art. 5(2): The Bank may, following resolution by the Supervisory Board, up to 1 March 2030, on one or more occasions raise loans against bonds or other instruments of debt which bonds or instruments of debt shall entitle the lender to convert his claim into shares (convertible loans) and the Supervisory Board is authorised to carry out the related capital increase. Convertible loans may be raised with a conversion right to a maximum number of shares with a total nominal value corresponding to the maximum nominal amount at the time of raising the convertible loans by which the share capital may be increased using the remaining authorization in Art. 4(2), calculated in relation to the conversion price determined at the time of raising the convertible loans. Exercising the authorisation to increase the share capital in Art. 4(2), will hence reduce the authorisation to raise convertible loans in accordance with this provision. The Bank’s shareholders shall not have a preferential subscription right to convertible loans which are offered at a subscription price and a conversion price to the effect that the right of conversion corresponds to the market price of the shares at the time the resolution to raise convertible loans by using the authorisation of this provision was passed by the Supervisory Board. The convertible bonds or other instruments of debt may be issued as payment upon the Bank’s acquisition of existing businesses or specific assets corresponding to the value of the convertible bonds or other instruments of debt. Where the Supervisory Board decides to raise convertible loans, when exercising the authorization in this provision, the authorisation to increase the share capital, cf. Art. 4(2), shall be considered to be utilised by an amount corresponding to the maximum conversion right. The term allowed for conversion may be fixed at a period exceeding five years after the raising of the convertible loan. For shares which shall be issued on the basis of the convertible loans mentioned in this provision, the Supervisory Board shall decide – with due regard to the time of subscription or utilisation of the conversion right – the time from when such new shares shall carry a right to receive dividend and other terms and conditions of the share issue. Shares issued on the basis of the convertible loans mentioned in this provision cannot be paid in by partial payment, are registered shares and are registered in the name of the holder in VP Securities A/S and the Bank’s register of shareholders upon issuance and transfer. The new shares are negotiable instruments and the same rules as apply to the existing shares in respect of rights and duties, redeemability and transferability shall apply.
		–	Art. 5(3): To be deleted.
		–	Art. 5(4): To be deleted.
b.	Authorisation to the Supervisory Board to make such amendments as may be required by the Danish Business Authority in connection with registration of the Articles of Association.
c.	Any other business.

Reference to Jyske Bank’s website for further information
Where in this notice of a General Meeting, reference is made to Jyske Bank’s website for further information, this link can be used: https://www.jyskebank.dk/ir/generalforsamlinger.

Adoption of motions – requirements
The motion to amend Jyske Bank’s Articles of Association (items a.1-a.3 of the agenda) at extraordinary general meetings shall only be finally adopted where adopted by three fourth of the votes cast as well as by three fourth of the voting share capital represented at the general meeting, cf. Art. 12(2) of the Articles of Association.

Size of the share capital, voting rights of the shareholders and registration date
Jyske Bank’s share capital is DKK 642,720,950, comprising shares at a face value of 10. Any share amount of DKK 10 shall carry one vote, provided always that 4,000 votes are the highest number of votes any one shareholder may cast on his own behalf. Voting rights can only be exercised by shareholders or their proxies. For the voting right of a share to be exercised, the share shall be registered in the name of the holder in the Bank’s register of shareholders not later than on the day of registration, which is 17 April 2025, or the title to such share shall be notified and documented to the Bank within that same time limit.

Proxy and postal vote
Shareholders may as from Friday, 28 March up to and including Wednesday, 16 April 2025 give voting instructions, appoint Jyske Bank’s Supervisory Board or a third party as proxy either electronically or by means of the Power of Attorney form.

Shareholders may attend the General Meeting by proxy and cast their votes by proxy.

In addition, shareholders may as from Friday, 28 March up to and including Wednesday, 23 April 2025 at 10.00 a.m. cast postal votes either electronically or by means of a form.

Proxies may be appointed or postal votes may be cast electronically at the Investor Portal via Jyske Bank’s website. A form for the appointment of proxies or for casting postal votes is available at one of Jyske Bank’s branches or can be downloaded from Jyske Bank’s website. Where the form is used, please forward the completed and signed form either by post to Euronext Securities (VP Securities A/S) at the address Nicolai Eigtveds Gade 8, 1402 Copenhagen K or by email to CPH-investor@euronext.com. The form must reach Euronext Securities (VP Securitas A/S) by the above-mentioned deadlines, and proxies must have been appointed or postal votes must have been cast electronically by the same deadlines.

Custodian bank
Jyske Bank’s shareholders may choose Jyske Bank A/S as their custodian bank in order to exercise their financial rights through Jyske Bank A/S.

Questions from shareholders
Shareholders are recommended to ask questions in writing before the general meeting about the items of the agenda or Jyske Bank’s financial position. Please send questions to Jyske Bank A/S, Juridisk Afdeling, Vestergade 8-16, DK-8600 Silkeborg or by email to Juridisk@jyskebank.dk. Questions and answers will be presented at the general meeting, and shareholders who have asked questions will receive replies directly from Jyske Bank. At the General Meeting, the management will also answer questions from the shareholders about matters of importance for the financial situation of Jyske Bank and questions for consideration at the General Meeting.

Additional information
The following documents and information can be downloaded from Jyske Bank’s website from Friday, 28 March 2025:
1. Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting
2. The total number of shares and voting rights at the date of the notice
3. Agenda and full wording of motions.
3. The forms to be used when voting by proxy or by postal vote

Notification of participation
Shareholders who wish to attend the General Meeting and cast their votes must notify their participation at the Investor Portal via Jyske Bank’s website as from Friday, 28 March 2025 up to and including Wednesday, 16 April 2025.
Confirmation of registration and QR code for the General Meeting Portal will be submitted by email (also in case of powers of attorney to third parties), and therefore it is important that you register your email address at the Investor Portal.
At the entrance to the general meeting, you press the submitted QR code in the email to register your attendance which is why you must bring your smart phone or your tablet. Any votes will also take place via the General Meeting Portal. Additional guidelines for using the General Meeting Portal will be available at the entrance to the general meeting.
If you are unable to receive confirmation of registration to the general meeting by email, you may register for the general meeting by means of the sign-up form available at Jyske Bank’s website or
by contacting one of Jyske Bank’s branches. If so, you must contact and confirm your attendance at the entrance to the general meeting which requires that you produce valid identification.

Silkeborg, 25 March 2025
The Supervisory Board

Attachment

EGM Notice 2025.03.25

The MIL Network –

March 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Global: Our research shows the harm the two-child limit on benefits is doing. Only scrapping it can end this

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Kate Andersen, Research Fellow, School for Business and Society, University of York

Malysheva Liudmyla/Shutterstock

Since the UK Labour government took office in summer 2024, calls have intensified to scrap both the “two-child limit” – which restricts support for children through universal credit to two children – and the overall benefit cap. With Chancellor Rachel Reeves resisting this pressure as she tries to manage deteriorating public finances, ways of tweaking the two-child limit policy have been proposed.

But as researchers of child poverty, we have no doubt that the best place to start reducing the high and rising numbers of children growing up in poverty in Britain today is by fully abolishing the two-child limit and the benefit cap.

We argue that both policies are astoundingly unfair. As our four-year research programme has documented, both are causing wide-ranging harm to children. They restrict children’s everyday experiences and damage their ability to thrive – which in the long run affects everyone in the UK.

Children live in poverty because their families don’t have an adequate income. This is partly a simple question of maths: wages don’t adjust when there are more mouths to feed. It’s also partly because things happen unexpectedly for some families – job loss, disability, relationship breakdown – leaving them needing extra support for a period of time.

Countries across Europe respond to these dual challenges by providing financial support that adjusts to family needs. Until recently, the UK did too. Indeed, the UK welfare state was one of the pioneers of “family allowances” in the post-war period.

But since 2017, the UK has reformed the system so that in families with three or more children, the support on offer when things go wrong deliberately and explicitly falls far short of what is needed. The UK’s two-child limit, an approach that differs to other countries in Europe, restricts means-tested support to two children in a family only. It bakes child poverty into the fibre of the UK.

Its sister policy, the benefit cap, limits the maximum benefit amount available to households without adults in work. This removes further help from some of the most vulnerable.

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Struggling to get by

The parents we spoke to frequently talked of difficulties in affording basic necessities for their children, including clothes and food. Many parents had resorted to using foodbanks or cut back on food spending.

Read more:
‘When you’ve got nothing in your belly, you can’t concentrate’: teachers on the food banks they run in schools

The material impacts also affected children’s education and their social and emotional wellbeing. Jessica is a single mum of four. Her business went under during the pandemic and her partner left the household, leaving her affected by both the two-child limit and the benefit cap.

When a hole appeared in Jessica’s daughter’s school shoes, there was no money to replace them straight away. Her daughter went to school wearing trainers and was put in isolation for not adhering to the dress code. Jessica explained:

I got the phone call to say she had to go into isolation and, and things and I just said, “I’m not the type of person that just has £20 sat in the bank” … it was kind of a bit public shaming her really, taking her away and putting her in isolation.

Our interviews also showed that, despite parents’ best efforts to shield them, children are often aware of household financial hardship and in turn try to protect their parents. Christina, a mum of three affected by the two-child limit, said of her middle child:

He won’t say he needs new clothes and he won’t say his shoes don’t fit anymore … I think he’s got it into his head now that we can’t go out and spend or he can’t ask, and I feel so bad for that.

Our research also documents the importance of abolishing the benefit cap alongside the two-child limit. Otherwise, some families affected by the two-child limit won’t see much financial gain, while others will be newly pushed into the benefit cap.

Complete removal

Suggested alternatives to the full abolition of the two child limit include a “three-child limit”, or an exemption for children under five. These options would undoubtedly help some families, but would leave many of those in the greatest need still struggling.

Families are struggling to get the food they need.
Klemzy/Shutterstock

Pound for pound, a three-child limit is less effective at reducing poverty than simple abolition, precisely because it is less well targeted on those in deepest poverty. An exemption for under fives would create a new cliff edge, removing significant support on a child’s fifth birthday, even though we know that the costs of children rise as children get older.

Further, these approaches continue to enforce a separation between what a family needs and its entitlement to support, and therefore will continue to embed child poverty as an institutional feature of our social security system. Children’s life chances will continue to be circumscribed by the number of siblings they have. Given what we know about the long-term costs of child poverty for society, these are short-sighted ways to save money today.

It is very encouraging that the government has committed to a child poverty strategy, and that the prime minister has said he will be “laser focused” on tackling child poverty.

But, as we wait for the strategy to be published, the number of children harmed by the two-child limit rises daily. Nearly two-in-five larger families are now affected and this is predicted to rise to 61% of larger families by the time the two-child limit has full coverage.

If the child poverty strategy is to have real impact, its starting point is straightforward: both the two-child limit and the benefit cap need to go, and urgently, before more damage is done to children’s lives.

Kate Andersen received funding from the Nuffield Foundation and the Research England Policy Support Fund facilitated by The York Policy Engine for the research reported in this article.

Kitty Stewart has received funding from the Nuffield Foundation for the research reported in this article.

– ref. Our research shows the harm the two-child limit on benefits is doing. Only scrapping it can end this – https://theconversation.com/our-research-shows-the-harm-the-two-child-limit-on-benefits-is-doing-only-scrapping-it-can-end-this-252250

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: Metrika Successfully Completes Proof-of-Concept on Evaluating Operational Risks in Digital Assets
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

Metrika, a leading provider of real-time, dynamic risk management solutions for digital assets and blockchain, collaborated with Moody’s Ratings on a proof-of-concept (PoC) to evaluate key risk indicators (KRIs) for digital assets, issued on multiple blockchains, focusing on operational challenges such as platform network health, governance breakdowns and others. This PoC provided an opportunity to explore insights into technological risks associated with digital assets across multiple blockchains. The collaboration helped evaluate potential approaches for identifying and addressing operational challenges in digital finance, including monitoring for issues that may emerge throughout the lifecycle of digital assets.

Nikos Andrikogiannopoulos, CEO of Metrika, emphasized the significance of the collaboration: “By bringing our technology together with Moody’s Ratings’ expertise in evaluating financial exposures, we demonstrated how digital asset risks can be quantified within traditional risk assessment systems. Transparency and risk management are critical to supporting institutional engagement in tokenized finance.”

“As tokenization gains momentum across industries, institutions need to be able to identify and manage potential operational vulnerabilities in digital finance effectively,” said Rajeev Bamra, Head of Strategy, Digital Economy at Moody’s Ratings. “The collaboration with Metrika allowed us to explore how digital finance risks can be systematically measured, ensuring transparency and data-driven insights as digital assets become more integrated into mainstream economy.”

The PoC helped advance the analysis of institutional-grade digital assets by demonstrating the applicability of Metrika’s specialized risk metrics with Moody’s Ratings’ expertise in assessing financial exposures. The approach enables quantifiable, real-time risk monitoring at both protocol and asset levels, addressing a critical need in the rapidly evolving tokenized finance landscape.

In this PoC, the collaboration explored how financial institutions could potentially benefit from:
1. Seamless incorporation of tokenized assets into established evaluation processes
2. Real-time risk insights to support informed decision-making
3. Scalable analysis capabilities meeting growing institutional demand
As tokenization continues to transform the marketplace, reliable assessments will become essential infrastructure for ensuring transparency and stability.

About Metrika

Metrika is the leading provider of real-time, dynamic risk management solutions for digital assets and blockchain. Metrika’s SaaS platform enables financial institutions, enterprises, and regulatory bodies to proactively monitor, assess, and mitigate risks across tokenized assets, stablecoins, cryptocurrencies, and blockchain networks. By transforming fragmented, manual risk processes into structured, automated frameworks, Metrika delivers advanced analytics and industry-aligned Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) tailored for the evolving digital asset ecosystem. Trusted by global financial leaders, including G-SIBs, asset issuers, asset managers, credit rating agencies, and regulators, Metrika empowers organizations to enhance transparency, strengthen compliance, and build operational resilience. More information available on: www.metrika.co

Contact

Renjie Butalid

VP Business Development

Metrika

renjie@metrika.co

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9a766e82-08ba-437a-b184-badc7ede249c

The MIL Network –
March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan’s Indigenous Businesses Sector Showcased at Annual Gathering

Source: Government of Canada regional news

Released on March 25, 2025

Largest Indigenous Economic Development Event in Country Returns for a Fourth Year

Today, the Government of Saskatchewan hosted its fourth annual Indigenous Business Gathering (IBG) at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon. This year’s event saw massive year-over-year growth with over 1,100 people registered and more than 130 trade show booths.

“Collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses is crucial for the future growth and success of our province and the Indigenous Business Gathering plays a vital role in making these connections possible,” Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said. “More Indigenous participation strengthens industries across our province while supporting economic reconciliation efforts. It is important that we recognize the growth and success of Indigenous owned businesses as they create jobs and opportunities in communities across Saskatchewan.”

First Nations and Métis citizens represent over 17 per cent of Saskatchewan’s population, emphasizing the crucial role Indigenous-owned businesses and communities play in fostering economic growth in the province. In the fourth quarter of 2024, 4.7 per cent of Saskatchewan’s private businesses were majority-owned by Indigenous peoples. This was the third highest rate among the provinces and above the national average of 3.2 per cent.

[embedded content]

“Kitsaki Management is proud to partner with the Indigenous Business Gathering,” Kitsaki Management Limited Partnership Chief Executive Officer Ron Hyggen said. “The connections formed here at IBG translate into real partnerships, contracts, and growth opportunities that might otherwise never materialize. By bringing Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses together, we are not just networking, we are actively reshaping Saskatchewan’s economic landscape to be more inclusive and innovative.”

Through the Saskatchewan Indigenous Investment Finance Corporation (SIIFC), the province is increasing access to capital for Indigenous communities and entities to participate in natural resource development and value-added agriculture.

In 2024, SIIFC announced its first ever loan guarantee for a group of six Indigenous partners to support their investment in the Seven Stars Energy project alongside Enbridge. This project will financially benefit nearly 25 per cent of Saskatchewan’s Indigenous population.

Projects like these are key to strengthening the provincial economy, while protecting and promoting Saskatchewan’s vibrant communities.

For more information, visit: siifc.ca.

-30-

For more information, contact:

MIL OSI Canada News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese commerce minister meets president of Boeing Global

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

BEIJING, March 25 — China will steadfastly expand its high-standard opening-up and keep improving its business environment, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said here Tuesday.

It is hoped that Boeing will seize the opportunity, deepen its cooperation with China’s aviation industry, and provide more high-quality products and services to Chinese businesses and consumers, Wang said when meeting with Brendan Nelson, senior vice president of the Boeing Company and president of Boeing Global.

As the world’s two largest economies, China and the United States should carry out mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation, which conforms to the fundamental interests of both sides, the minister said.

He expressed the hope that Boeing will play an active role in maintaining the stability and health of the global aviation industry ecosystem, and contribute to the development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations.

Noting that aviation is a highly globalized industry with deeply integrated production and supply chains, Nelson said Boeing will continue to honor its commitment to the Chinese market, expand its investment in China, and support the growth of China’s air transportation sector.

The United States and China have complementary strengths and are interdependent. Mutually beneficial cooperation meets the expectations of businesses on both sides, he said.

Boeing is ready to continue playing a constructive role in the healthy, stable development of U.S.-China relations, he added.

MIL OSI China News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Bake Off’s Josh gets growing for Leicester!

Source: City of Leicester

A FAMILIAR face for fans of The Great British Bake Off has helped to launch Leicester’s seed library for the spring growing season.

Dr Josh Smalley – who made it all the way to the finals of the Great British Bake Off in 2023 – is a former student and now postdoctoral research associate and science communication champion for the university.

This year, the university has joined the seed library through the Universities Partnership programme.

Members of Leicester Libraries or the University of Leicester library can order free seeds so that they can grow fresh, tasty, healthy veg at home. And if you want some inspiration, later in the year Josh will be posting some online recipes using what he’s grown from the seed library.

Chemistry graduate Josh – who now works at the university – said: “I can’t wait to pick up and get growing with my seeds from Leicester seed library! This is such a great initiative and you don’t even need a garden for it, as the seeds available are suitable for planting in pots or on a window ledge. So anyone can get involved!

“As I grow along I will be posting photos of the progress, then when harvesting time comes I will share few recipes that will hopefully inspire people on how to use their produce.

“It just goes to show that gardening is for everyone – and whether you’re a student, a seasoned grower or a novice, all you need is library membership to be able to get your hands on some free seeds and get started.”

Assistant city mayor Cllr Vi Dempster, who is responsible for libraries, public health, allotments and community growing, said: “Our seed library has been running for three years now and it’s great to be able to welcome the University of Leicester on board.

“This initiative is also an important part of the Let’s Get Growing community growing programmes that take place across the city, which we know not only provide people with healthy, home-grown produce, but are also hugely valued as a great way to boost your mental wellbeing, keep active and meet other people.

“Using your library membership to get growing means you can also take advantage of other library resources, such as our wide range of books, e-books and magazines that offer tips and advice on gardening.

“We’re very grateful to The Conservation Volunteers for helping us select the seeds to provide, and to Josh and the University of Leicester for joining the scheme.”

Dr Simon Dixon, associate director for community and heritage in the library and learning services at the university, said: “Our library members come to us to feed their minds, but now they can feed their bodies too, thanks to the Seed Library.

“There’s no better diet than one that consists of home-grown, fresh, tasty, healthy veg and thanks to the city council and The Conservation Volunteers, more people will have the opportunity to grow their own.”

The offer is open to anyone living in the city, you just need to be a library member – it’s free and easy to join. Choose up to three packets of seeds, with the current spring selection including spring onions, edible flowers and dwarf French beans.

To claim your free seeds, call 0116 454 0290, visit your local library or visit the University of Leicester library to place your order. Find all the information you need at www.leicester.gov.uk/seedlibrary

To find out more about community growing in Leicester, visit www.leicester.gov.uk/allotments

ENDS

Picture shows l-r Emma Foskett from Leicester Libraries, Leicester City Council; Dr Josh Smalley from University of Leicester; Daxa Ralhan from Public Health at Leicester City Council, Professor Daniel Ladley, Dean of University of Leicester School of Business; Lee Warner, head of neighbourhood services, Leicester City Council.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Indiana Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by July Storms and Tornadoes

Source: United States Small Business Administration

ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Indiana of the April 23, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the severe storms and tornadoes occurring on July 9, 2024.

The disaster declaration covers the counties of Gibson, Knox, Pike, Posey, Vanderburgh and Warrick in Indiana, as well as Gallatin, Wabash and White counties in Illinois, and Henderson and Union counties in Kentucky.

Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises

EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

“SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

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

The deadline to return economic injury applications is April 23, 2025.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

MIL OSI USA News –

March 26, 2025

Category: Commerce

NEWS RELEASE: HAWAIʻI STATE COMMISSION ON FATHERHOOD ANNOUNCES 2025 AWARDS AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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Negotiations update on an enhanced UK-Switzerland Trade Agreement

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Struggling to get by

Complete removal