Category: CTF

MIL-OSI: 21Shares Responds to FCA Consultation on Retail Access to Crypto ETNs, Warns Against Overly Restrictive Framework
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Response welcomes progress but calls for more inclusive, globally aligned framework

London, 8 July 2025 – 21Shares, one of the world’s leading issuers of crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs), has submitted its official response to the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Consultation Paper CP25/16, which proposes lifting the current ban on the sale, marketing, and distribution of crypto exchange-traded notes (cETNs) to retail clients admitted to UK recognised investment exchanges (UK RIEs).

While 21Shares welcomes the FCA’s move to open the UK retail market to cETNs, it cautions that the proposed framework remains overly restrictive. In its response, 21Shares urges the regulator to adopt a more inclusive and innovation-friendly approach that reflects international best practices and provides UK investors with regulated, diversified access to the digital asset class.

In particular, 21Shares highlights three key concerns:
- Geographic limitation: The proposal restricts retail access to cETNs listed only on UK RIEs, ignoring equivalent products on FCA-recognised overseas regulated venues (ROIEs) and limiting investor choice.
- Asset concentration risk: While the FCA leaves eligibility of cryptoassets to UK exchanges, this effectively concentrates power in the hands of mostly a single venue, the London Stock Exchange, which currently admits only Bitcoin and Ethereum. This setup risks driving retail investors to unregulated alternatives in search of broader exposure.
- Misclassification risk: 21Shares argues against classifying UK RIE-listed cETNs as Restricted Mass Market Investments (RMMIs), noting that such instruments are already subject to robust listing, disclosure, and custody standards. Applying RMMI rules would reduce liquidity, hamper innovation, and limit inclusion in diversified investment strategies.
21Shares recommends that the final regime:
- Recognise regulated cETNs from overseas exchanges (ROIEs)
- Mandate a transparent eligibility framework for a broader range of cryptoassets as underlyings for cETNs
- Confirm that cETNs are treated as Readily Realisable Securities (RRS), not RMMIs
“As a pioneer in the crypto ETP space, we have long advocated for a regulatory framework in the UK that allows retail investors to access digital assets through transparent and well-regulated products,” said Duncan Moir, President at 21Shares. “This consultation marks an important moment, but more needs to be done. A competitive, forward-looking regime must reflect the maturity of the global crypto market and the diversity of investor demand.”

21Shares stands ready to assist policymakers and contribute market data and regulatory insights to ensure the UK becomes a competitive, well-regulated hub for crypto investment products.

To read 21Shares’ response to the FCA consultation in full, click here.

Notes to editors

About 21Shares

21Shares is one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange traded product providers and offers the largest suite of crypto ETPs in the market. The company was founded to make cryptocurrency more accessible to investors, and to bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance. 21Shares listed the world’s first physically-backed crypto ETP in 2018, building a seven-year track record of creating crypto exchange-traded funds that are listed on some of the biggest, most liquid securities exchanges globally. Backed by a specialized research team, proprietary technology, and deep capital markets expertise, 21Shares delivers innovative, simple and cost-efficient investment solutions.

21Shares is a member of 21.co, a global leader in decentralized finance. For more information, please visit www.21Shares.com.

Media Contact
Matteo Valli
matteo.valli@21shares.com

DISCLAIMER

This document is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for securities of 21Shares AG in any jurisdiction. Neither this document nor anything contained herein shall form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any offer or commitment whatsoever or for any other purpose in any jurisdiction. Nothing in this document should be considered investment advice.

This document and the information contained herein are not for distribution in or into (directly or indirectly) the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which the distribution or release would be unlawful.

This document does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in or into the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan. The securities of 21Shares AG to which these materials relate have not been and will not be registered under the United States 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, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There will not be a public offering of securities in the United States. Neither the US Securities and Exchange Commission nor any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States has approved or disapproved of an investment in the securities or passed on the accuracy or adequacy of the contents of this presentation. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the United States.

Within the United Kingdom, this document is only being distributed to and is only directed at: (i) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”); or (ii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”); or (iii) persons who fall within Article 43(2) of the Order, including existing members and creditors of the Company or (iv) any other persons to whom this document can be lawfully distributed in circumstances where section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply. The securities are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

Exclusively for potential investors in any EEA Member State that has implemented the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) is made available on the Issuer’s website under www.21Shares.com.

The approval of the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) should not be understood as an endorsement by the SFSA of the securities offered or admitted to trading on a regulated market. Eligible potential investors should read the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) and the relevant Final Terms before making an investment decision in order to understand the potential risks associated with the decision to invest in the securities. You are about to purchase a product that is not simple and may be difficult to understand.

This document constitutes advertisement within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 and the Swiss Financial Services Act (the “FinSA”) and not a prospectus. The 2024 Base Prospectus of 21Shares AG has been deposited pursuant to article 54(2) FinSA with BX Swiss AG in its function as Swiss prospectus review body within the meaning of article 52 FinSA. The 2024 Base Prospectus and the key information document for any products may be obtained at 21Shares AG’s website (https://21shares.com/ir/prospectus or https://21shares.com/ir/kids).

###

The MIL Network –
July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI: Runway Growth Finance Corp. Announces Date for Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Conference Call

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MENLO PARK, Calif., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Runway Growth Finance Corp. (Nasdaq: RWAY) (“Runway Growth”), a leading provider of flexible capital solutions to late- and growth-stage companies seeking an alternative to raising equity, today announced that it will release its second quarter 2025 financial results after market close on Thursday, August 7, 2025. Runway Growth will discuss its financial results on a conference call that day at 2:00 p.m. PT (5:00 p.m. ET).

To participate in the conference call or webcast, participants should register online at the Runway Growth Investor Relations website. Participants are requested to register a day in advance or at a minimum 15 minutes before the start of the call. The earnings call can also be accessed through the following links:

A replay of the webcast will be available two hours after the call and archived on the same web page for 90 days.

About Runway Growth Finance Corp.
Runway Growth is a growing specialty finance company focused on providing flexible capital solutions to late- and growth-stage companies seeking an alternative to raising equity. Runway Growth is a closed-end investment fund that has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Runway Growth is externally managed by Runway Growth Capital LLC, an established registered investment adviser that was formed in 2015 and led by industry veteran David Spreng. For more information, please visit www.runwaygrowth.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements included herein may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements and are not guarantees of future performance, condition or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described from time to time in Runway Growth’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Runway Growth undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement made herein. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release.

IR Contacts:
Taylor Donahue, Prosek Partners, rway@prosek.com
Thomas B. Raterman, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, tr@runwaygrowth.com

The MIL Network –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI: Laura Underwood PhD Joins Locus Technologies to Drive the Expansion of the Company’s Water Software Division

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Locus Technologies, the sustainability and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) compliance software leader, announced the appointment of Dr. Laura Underwood as Director of Digital Water Services. In this strategic role, Underwood will lead the continued growth and innovation of Locus Water, a comprehensive suite of solutions for water quality management, stormwater, wastewater, produced water, and PFAS tracking.

Underwood brings over two decades of leadership in the water and environmental sectors, most recently serving as Senior Director of Strategy & Innovation at Veolia. She has also held key roles in water utility management, including serving as the Director of Water Quality & Environmental Compliance for Veolia’s Municipal Water business. A long-time contributor to the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and a passionate advocate for digital transformation, Laura has built a national reputation for advancing smart, sustainable water practices across the utility and industrial landscapes.

“Laura’s combination of deep technical experience and strategic vision makes her the ideal leader to accelerate the next phase of our water business,” said Neno Duplan, founder and CEO of Locus Technologies. “As the market moves toward fully digital, integrated solutions for water data and compliance, Laura will guide our efforts to deliver even more value to utilities, energy companies, and industrial customers.”

“I’ve long admired Locus’ pioneering role in cloud-based environmental data management,” said Laura Underwood. “Joining Locus is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of digital water services. I look forward to driving innovation that empowers customers to manage water more efficiently, comply with complex regulations, and meet their sustainability goals.”

To learn more about Locus Water software, please visit http://www.locustec.com.

About Locus Technologies
Locus Technologies is the only scientist-driven software company at the nexus of analytical and field data management, Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) compliance, and sustainability. Locus software manages air, water, waste, energy, emissions, site, and incident data within a configurable platform for risk mitigation and regulatory reporting. The company’s work in embodied carbon, CO₂ emissions, refrigerants, and PFAS raises the bar in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosures. And with industry-leading methods for data intake, queries, validation, tracking, visualization, and tasking, Locus is uniquely suited for the most complex or consequential operations — where accuracy and credibility cannot be compromised. Founded in 1997, Locus software now supports 1.3 million sites and 500 million real-time records for nuclear, chemical, petroleum, manufacturing, water utilities, environmental consulting firms, and U.S. Department of Energy facilities such as Los Alamos National Laboratory*. Locus Technologies is headquartered in Mountain View, California. To learn more, visit www.locustec.com.

Media Contact:
Brenda Mahedy
Locus Technologies
media@locustechnologies.net

The MIL Network –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI: 1-Hour Payday Loans with No Credit Check & Guaranteed Approval Announced as Key Feature in Wizzay’s Instant Loan Program for Bad Credit in 2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

New York City, NY, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

Wizzay has rolled out an efficient 1 hour payday loan product, providing instant access to emergency cash throughout the U.S. Built for speed and ease of use, the site fills the financial gaps of consumers whose purchases have been hit by inflation, unexpected expenses, or income shortfalls.

In contrast to banks that demand forms and credit checks, Wizzay enables borrowers to apply online, get approved in seconds, and possibly access funds in one business day. The site connects consumers with licensed lenders — several of whom accept borrowers with low or no credit.

The procedure is quick and discreet. A brief application gathers rudimentary information, and decisions are made on the basis of income verification as opposed to credit reports. This method makes Wizzay an available solution for individuals with bad credit who need immediate financial assistance.

With the increasing cost of living, Wizzay’s 1 hour payday loans prove to be a convenient option for paying off unexpected bills, repairing the car, or renting. With the removal of conventional lending obstacles, Wizzay enables borrowers to receive money at short notice and with minimal hassle.

<<< Learn how to navigate urgent financial needs with limited credit history >>>

Wizzay Introduces Rapid 1-Hour Payday Loan Access for Time-Sensitive Borrowers

Financial pressure has fueled the need for fast, convenient, and easily accessible payday loans. Wizzay addresses this need by providing an online platform where a payday loan can be applied for and promptly decided by licensed lenders.

These 1 hour payday loans are built for speed. Traditional lenders take days and perform hard credit checks, but Wizzay’s partners review applications on the basis of income and employment rather than credit history.

Most qualified borrowers who pass simple requirements — such as consistent income and U.S. residency status — can expect loan approval within minutes and cash as early as the next business day, frequently through direct deposit.

Wizzay’s entirely online process mirrors users’ desire for online and mobile financial services. For immediate users, it’s quicker than bank loans, credit cards, or overdrafts.

Wizzay is not a lender but a loan-matching website that refers applicants to state-sanctioned, licensed lenders. This maintains legal soundness while providing access to instant no credit check payday loans when they are available.

Key Features of Wizzay’s 1-Hour Payday Loans with No Credit Check

Wizzay has an optimized process designed for speed and ease. These are the top advantages of using this portal:
- Instant Approval: Your request is processed by automated systems within minutes.
- No Credit Check: Only a soft check is performed, which will not affect your FICO score.
- Direct Lender Access: Only you and the authenticated lenders will interface with no third-party delays or brokers.
- Mobile Friendly: Complete the application, e-sign, and check the status of your loan on any smartphone or tablet.
This format provides quick funding, which makes Wizzay a reliable option for sudden financial needs.

<<< Understand your short-term loan options without added pressure >>>

How the 1-Hour Loan Process Works on Wizzay’s Platform

Here’s a brief guide on how the Wizzay loan process works:
- Submit Your Online Application – This takes around 2–3 minutes.
- Soft Credit Check – Utilized to evaluate eligibility, not affecting your credit score.
- Lender Match and Approval – The approval outcome is back in less than one hour.
- E-Signature & Funding – View terms, sign electronically, and receive funds directly into your account the same day.
This process is streamlined to cut down on delays while keeping borrowers involved at all times.

Understanding Same-Day Payday Loan Options Through Wizzay

Wizzay’s interface offers same day pay day loan access to borrowers who are qualified. Although same-day funding is not guaranteed to all users, the system prioritizes quick loan processing for those who qualify.

Considerations for same day loans are:
- Eligibility: Borrowers are required to qualify with lender-specific requirements like verified income, U.S. residence, and checking account activity status.
- Timing: Earlier-in-the-day submitted applications are more likely to be funded the same day. Lender processing times differ by state.
- Loan Amounts: Most of the lenders will allow lending amounts from $100 to $1,000. Personal lending limits will really depend on the jurisdiction.
- Approval Process: Time is of the essence! Soft credit inquiries documents sent electronically with no collateral means the lender will be able to get back to you quickly.
- Online No Credit Check Access: These loans are handled all online, and most involve no standard credit checks.
Compared to bank loans the old-fashioned way — which can take days or weeks — Wizzay’s same day loans online help borrowers with a quicker response to their needs for immediate cash.

<<< Explore how Wizzay’s process works for borrowers with low credit >>>

Inside Wizzay’s Same-Day Online Payday Loan Offering

Wizzay’s online same day payday loans product indicates a trend toward speed and digitalization within the industry. Most sites engage in manual verification and hold up disbursal, while Wizzay connects borrowers with lenders that have automated underwriting powers.

These loans work through:
- Fully Digital Processing
- Credit Score Flexibility
- Guaranteed Approval Caution
- Online Same Day No Credit Impact
- Real-Time Approval Decisions
This process minimizes human intervention and provides emergency funding more conveniently to people who might not otherwise qualify through conventional means.

Guaranteed $100 Loan No Credit Check via Wizzay: What’s Realistic?

One of the most popular requests borrowers make is for a guaranteed $100 loan with no credit check. Although the term “guaranteed” is loosely used, Wizzay’s system does improve the odds of approval for eligible borrowers — particularly for smaller loan amounts like $100.

Here’s why:
- $100 Loan Minimums: Most lenders on the platform provide microloans starting at $100. These are generally the least difficult to qualify for.
- No Hard Credit Check: There isn’t a full credit report pulled out, which decreases the risks of rejection for low-credit applicants.
- Income First Verification: Lenders prefer stable income and regular banking history to FICO scores.
- Loan Approval: No loan is guaranteed in general, but the platform allows applicants to be matched to lenders who have high approval rates.
For bad credit or no credit borrowers, this type of short-term lending provides a ready substitute for mainstream financial institutions, where such amounts are not usually extended.

<<< Get clarity on what emergency financial support might look like >>>

Wizzay’s Function as a Direct Lender Connector for Payday Loans

Wizzay acts as an intermediary linking borrowers to certified direct lenders — positioning it apart from third-party aggregators or unregulated loan marketplaces.

The distinguishing characteristics of its connector model are:
- Loan No Credit Check Direct Access
- Regulatory Compliance
- No Broker Fees
- Credit Check from Direct Lenders Only
- Loan Term Disclosure
Such a direct path ensures transparency, compliance, and improved results for borrowers looking for quick, responsible payday loan alternatives.

Emergency Payday Loan Solutions via Wizzay’s Fast Online Application Model

Wizzay also offers prompt cash access for immediate expenses such as doctor’s bills, auto repairs, or unexpected utility shutoffs. The system is designed to give you access to money 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (also on holidays and weekends), allowing borrowers to address emergencies and immediate urgent expenses without worry. The application to the funding process can take as little as 1-3 hours, depending upon your bank processing time.

Wizzay Offers Payday Loans for Bad Credit With Fast Approvals

Wizzay is designed to support borrowers with poor credit using soft credit checks and alternative eligibility factors. This makes it possible to introduce borrowers with restricted credit, charge-offs in the past, or recent hardship into the system. Matching users they then can see loan details without a commitment, meaning they have full control over their financial choices.

<<< See how timing and credit requirements impact short-term solutions >>>

Setting Realistic Expectations with Wizzay’s Guaranteed Loan Approval in 1 Hour

Although Wizzay facilitates quick loan processing, the phrase “guaranteed approval in 1 hour” must be read carefully. The platform facilitates quick matching and immediate decisions, but final approval is subject to lender requirements.

However, for successful applicants, Wizzay frequently provides:
- 1 Hour Payday Loan Matching
- Same Day Approval Potential
- Guaranteed Approval Terms
- 1 Hour Loan Online Instant Decisioning
This feature supports realistic expectations for urgent users while emphasizing the platform’s effectiveness in matching borrowers with instant lending decisions.

Online Payday Loans From Wizzay: A Digital Alternative to Traditional Lending

Wizzay’s digital-only model eliminates the friction in traditional storefront lending. Everything from application to payment is done online. No paperwork is required, no visits necessary, and no faxing. Borrowers can fill out their requests, confirm employment electronically, and sign documents via their smartphone, making it a quicker and more convenient lending option.

Direct Lender Payday Loans from Wizzay: No Third Parties, More Clarity

Wizzay’s marketplace stands out by connecting borrowers solely with direct lenders — without third-party resellers or lead generators. This direct strategy reduces unnecessary handling of data, incurs fewer costs, and fosters borrower-lender transparency.

The benefits of this model are:
- Secure Handling of Data
- No Brokerage Fees
- Transparency of Clear Terms from the Lenders
- Less Risk of Misinformation
Borrowers who prefer dealing directly with financial institutions — instead of opaque third-party networks — might find Wizzay’s direct-lender model more reliable and easier to use.

<<< Understand next steps for borrowers seeking same-day assistance >>>

Final Thoughts: Meeting Urgent Needs with Wizzay’s 1-Hour Payday Loan Service

Wizzay’s 1 hour payday loans are a major breakthrough in the accessibility of short-term lending. By harnessing digital infrastructure, instant decision-making capabilities, and income-driven approval frameworks, Wizzay allows a broad range of borrowers — even those with bad or no credit — to access capital within hours, not days.

With economic instability and financial crises persisting in American homes, Wizzay’s business model presents a pragmatic solution to mainstream banks. Whether it is emergency car repairs, surprise bills, or emergency rent payments, the platform provides a smooth, secure, and transparent experience.

Without hard credit checks, immediate approval avenues, and direct lender access, Wizzay makes it possible for lenders to manage fiscal hardships without the complications and waiting periods typical of traditional lending. For borrowers looking for guaranteed, same day cash loans with minimal hassle, Wizzay is a punctual, tech-based solution designed for the needs of today’s finances.

Attachment

The MIL Network –
July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI: 1-Hour Payday Loans with No Credit Check & Guaranteed Approval Announced as Key Feature in Wizzay’s Instant Loan Program for Bad Credit in 2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

New York City, NY, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

Wizzay has rolled out an efficient 1 hour payday loan product, providing instant access to emergency cash throughout the U.S. Built for speed and ease of use, the site fills the financial gaps of consumers whose purchases have been hit by inflation, unexpected expenses, or income shortfalls.

In contrast to banks that demand forms and credit checks, Wizzay enables borrowers to apply online, get approved in seconds, and possibly access funds in one business day. The site connects consumers with licensed lenders — several of whom accept borrowers with low or no credit.

The procedure is quick and discreet. A brief application gathers rudimentary information, and decisions are made on the basis of income verification as opposed to credit reports. This method makes Wizzay an available solution for individuals with bad credit who need immediate financial assistance.

With the increasing cost of living, Wizzay’s 1 hour payday loans prove to be a convenient option for paying off unexpected bills, repairing the car, or renting. With the removal of conventional lending obstacles, Wizzay enables borrowers to receive money at short notice and with minimal hassle.

<<< Learn how to navigate urgent financial needs with limited credit history >>>

Wizzay Introduces Rapid 1-Hour Payday Loan Access for Time-Sensitive Borrowers

Financial pressure has fueled the need for fast, convenient, and easily accessible payday loans. Wizzay addresses this need by providing an online platform where a payday loan can be applied for and promptly decided by licensed lenders.

These 1 hour payday loans are built for speed. Traditional lenders take days and perform hard credit checks, but Wizzay’s partners review applications on the basis of income and employment rather than credit history.

Most qualified borrowers who pass simple requirements — such as consistent income and U.S. residency status — can expect loan approval within minutes and cash as early as the next business day, frequently through direct deposit.

Wizzay’s entirely online process mirrors users’ desire for online and mobile financial services. For immediate users, it’s quicker than bank loans, credit cards, or overdrafts.

Wizzay is not a lender but a loan-matching website that refers applicants to state-sanctioned, licensed lenders. This maintains legal soundness while providing access to instant no credit check payday loans when they are available.

Key Features of Wizzay’s 1-Hour Payday Loans with No Credit Check

Wizzay has an optimized process designed for speed and ease. These are the top advantages of using this portal:
- Instant Approval: Your request is processed by automated systems within minutes.
- No Credit Check: Only a soft check is performed, which will not affect your FICO score.
- Direct Lender Access: Only you and the authenticated lenders will interface with no third-party delays or brokers.
- Mobile Friendly: Complete the application, e-sign, and check the status of your loan on any smartphone or tablet.
This format provides quick funding, which makes Wizzay a reliable option for sudden financial needs.

<<< Understand your short-term loan options without added pressure >>>

How the 1-Hour Loan Process Works on Wizzay’s Platform

Here’s a brief guide on how the Wizzay loan process works:
- Submit Your Online Application – This takes around 2–3 minutes.
- Soft Credit Check – Utilized to evaluate eligibility, not affecting your credit score.
- Lender Match and Approval – The approval outcome is back in less than one hour.
- E-Signature & Funding – View terms, sign electronically, and receive funds directly into your account the same day.
This process is streamlined to cut down on delays while keeping borrowers involved at all times.

Understanding Same-Day Payday Loan Options Through Wizzay

Wizzay’s interface offers same day pay day loan access to borrowers who are qualified. Although same-day funding is not guaranteed to all users, the system prioritizes quick loan processing for those who qualify.

Considerations for same day loans are:
- Eligibility: Borrowers are required to qualify with lender-specific requirements like verified income, U.S. residence, and checking account activity status.
- Timing: Earlier-in-the-day submitted applications are more likely to be funded the same day. Lender processing times differ by state.
- Loan Amounts: Most of the lenders will allow lending amounts from $100 to $1,000. Personal lending limits will really depend on the jurisdiction.
- Approval Process: Time is of the essence! Soft credit inquiries documents sent electronically with no collateral means the lender will be able to get back to you quickly.
- Online No Credit Check Access: These loans are handled all online, and most involve no standard credit checks.
Compared to bank loans the old-fashioned way — which can take days or weeks — Wizzay’s same day loans online help borrowers with a quicker response to their needs for immediate cash.

<<< Explore how Wizzay’s process works for borrowers with low credit >>>

Inside Wizzay’s Same-Day Online Payday Loan Offering

Wizzay’s online same day payday loans product indicates a trend toward speed and digitalization within the industry. Most sites engage in manual verification and hold up disbursal, while Wizzay connects borrowers with lenders that have automated underwriting powers.

These loans work through:
- Fully Digital Processing
- Credit Score Flexibility
- Guaranteed Approval Caution
- Online Same Day No Credit Impact
- Real-Time Approval Decisions
This process minimizes human intervention and provides emergency funding more conveniently to people who might not otherwise qualify through conventional means.

Guaranteed $100 Loan No Credit Check via Wizzay: What’s Realistic?

One of the most popular requests borrowers make is for a guaranteed $100 loan with no credit check. Although the term “guaranteed” is loosely used, Wizzay’s system does improve the odds of approval for eligible borrowers — particularly for smaller loan amounts like $100.

Here’s why:
- $100 Loan Minimums: Most lenders on the platform provide microloans starting at $100. These are generally the least difficult to qualify for.
- No Hard Credit Check: There isn’t a full credit report pulled out, which decreases the risks of rejection for low-credit applicants.
- Income First Verification: Lenders prefer stable income and regular banking history to FICO scores.
- Loan Approval: No loan is guaranteed in general, but the platform allows applicants to be matched to lenders who have high approval rates.
For bad credit or no credit borrowers, this type of short-term lending provides a ready substitute for mainstream financial institutions, where such amounts are not usually extended.

<<< Get clarity on what emergency financial support might look like >>>

Wizzay’s Function as a Direct Lender Connector for Payday Loans

Wizzay acts as an intermediary linking borrowers to certified direct lenders — positioning it apart from third-party aggregators or unregulated loan marketplaces.

The distinguishing characteristics of its connector model are:
- Loan No Credit Check Direct Access
- Regulatory Compliance
- No Broker Fees
- Credit Check from Direct Lenders Only
- Loan Term Disclosure
Such a direct path ensures transparency, compliance, and improved results for borrowers looking for quick, responsible payday loan alternatives.

Emergency Payday Loan Solutions via Wizzay’s Fast Online Application Model

Wizzay also offers prompt cash access for immediate expenses such as doctor’s bills, auto repairs, or unexpected utility shutoffs. The system is designed to give you access to money 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (also on holidays and weekends), allowing borrowers to address emergencies and immediate urgent expenses without worry. The application to the funding process can take as little as 1-3 hours, depending upon your bank processing time.

Wizzay Offers Payday Loans for Bad Credit With Fast Approvals

Wizzay is designed to support borrowers with poor credit using soft credit checks and alternative eligibility factors. This makes it possible to introduce borrowers with restricted credit, charge-offs in the past, or recent hardship into the system. Matching users they then can see loan details without a commitment, meaning they have full control over their financial choices.

<<< See how timing and credit requirements impact short-term solutions >>>

Setting Realistic Expectations with Wizzay’s Guaranteed Loan Approval in 1 Hour

Although Wizzay facilitates quick loan processing, the phrase “guaranteed approval in 1 hour” must be read carefully. The platform facilitates quick matching and immediate decisions, but final approval is subject to lender requirements.

However, for successful applicants, Wizzay frequently provides:
- 1 Hour Payday Loan Matching
- Same Day Approval Potential
- Guaranteed Approval Terms
- 1 Hour Loan Online Instant Decisioning
This feature supports realistic expectations for urgent users while emphasizing the platform’s effectiveness in matching borrowers with instant lending decisions.

Online Payday Loans From Wizzay: A Digital Alternative to Traditional Lending

Wizzay’s digital-only model eliminates the friction in traditional storefront lending. Everything from application to payment is done online. No paperwork is required, no visits necessary, and no faxing. Borrowers can fill out their requests, confirm employment electronically, and sign documents via their smartphone, making it a quicker and more convenient lending option.

Direct Lender Payday Loans from Wizzay: No Third Parties, More Clarity

Wizzay’s marketplace stands out by connecting borrowers solely with direct lenders — without third-party resellers or lead generators. This direct strategy reduces unnecessary handling of data, incurs fewer costs, and fosters borrower-lender transparency.

The benefits of this model are:
- Secure Handling of Data
- No Brokerage Fees
- Transparency of Clear Terms from the Lenders
- Less Risk of Misinformation
Borrowers who prefer dealing directly with financial institutions — instead of opaque third-party networks — might find Wizzay’s direct-lender model more reliable and easier to use.

<<< Understand next steps for borrowers seeking same-day assistance >>>

Final Thoughts: Meeting Urgent Needs with Wizzay’s 1-Hour Payday Loan Service

Wizzay’s 1 hour payday loans are a major breakthrough in the accessibility of short-term lending. By harnessing digital infrastructure, instant decision-making capabilities, and income-driven approval frameworks, Wizzay allows a broad range of borrowers — even those with bad or no credit — to access capital within hours, not days.

With economic instability and financial crises persisting in American homes, Wizzay’s business model presents a pragmatic solution to mainstream banks. Whether it is emergency car repairs, surprise bills, or emergency rent payments, the platform provides a smooth, secure, and transparent experience.

Without hard credit checks, immediate approval avenues, and direct lender access, Wizzay makes it possible for lenders to manage fiscal hardships without the complications and waiting periods typical of traditional lending. For borrowers looking for guaranteed, same day cash loans with minimal hassle, Wizzay is a punctual, tech-based solution designed for the needs of today’s finances.

Attachment

The MIL Network –
July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI: AAC Clyde Space to Present at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference July 10th
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

UPPSALA, Sweden, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AAC Clyde Space (OTC: ACCMF), based in Uppsala, Sweden, focused on small satellite technologies and services that help governments, businesses and institutions access high-quality data from space, today announced that Luis Gomes, CEO, will present live at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on July 10, 2025.

DATE: July 10^th
TIME: 10:30 AM ET
LINK: REGISTER HERE

This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

Learn more about the event at virtualinvestorconferences.com.

Recent Company Highlights
- 30 June: AAC Clyde Space has resolved to carry out a directed share issue amounting to approximately SEK 64.5 million
- 18 June: AAC Clyde Space wins strategic order for first phase of ESA-backed satellite swarm mission
- 23 May: Major General Lars-Olof Corneliusson elected to the Board of Directors of AAC Clyde Space
About AAC Clyde Space
AAC Clyde Space provides small satellite technologies and services that help governments, businesses and institutions access high-quality data from space. Covering satellite components, mission services and space-based data delivery, the company offers end-to-end solutions that turn space-based intelligence into real-world impact. Applications include weather monitoring, maritime safety, security and defence, agriculture and forestry.
AAC Clyde Space is headquartered in Uppsala, Sweden, with main operations also in the UK, Netherlands, South Africa and the USA. The company’s shares are traded on Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market in Stockholm (Ticker: AAC) and on the US OTCQX Market (Symbol: ACCMF). The Company’s Certified Adviser is DNB Carnegie Investment Bank AB.

About Virtual Investor Conferences^®
Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

CONTACTS:
AAC Clyde Space
Håkan Tribell
Director of Communications
+46 707 230 382
investor@aac-clydespace.com

Virtual Investor Conferences
John M. Viglotti
SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
OTC Markets Group
(212) 220-2221
johnv@otcmarkets.com

The MIL Network –
July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI: AAC Clyde Space to Present at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference July 10th
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

UPPSALA, Sweden, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AAC Clyde Space (OTC: ACCMF), based in Uppsala, Sweden, focused on small satellite technologies and services that help governments, businesses and institutions access high-quality data from space, today announced that Luis Gomes, CEO, will present live at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on July 10, 2025.

DATE: July 10^th
TIME: 10:30 AM ET
LINK: REGISTER HERE

This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

Learn more about the event at virtualinvestorconferences.com.

Recent Company Highlights
- 30 June: AAC Clyde Space has resolved to carry out a directed share issue amounting to approximately SEK 64.5 million
- 18 June: AAC Clyde Space wins strategic order for first phase of ESA-backed satellite swarm mission
- 23 May: Major General Lars-Olof Corneliusson elected to the Board of Directors of AAC Clyde Space
About AAC Clyde Space
AAC Clyde Space provides small satellite technologies and services that help governments, businesses and institutions access high-quality data from space. Covering satellite components, mission services and space-based data delivery, the company offers end-to-end solutions that turn space-based intelligence into real-world impact. Applications include weather monitoring, maritime safety, security and defence, agriculture and forestry.
AAC Clyde Space is headquartered in Uppsala, Sweden, with main operations also in the UK, Netherlands, South Africa and the USA. The company’s shares are traded on Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market in Stockholm (Ticker: AAC) and on the US OTCQX Market (Symbol: ACCMF). The Company’s Certified Adviser is DNB Carnegie Investment Bank AB.

About Virtual Investor Conferences^®
Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

CONTACTS:
AAC Clyde Space
Håkan Tribell
Director of Communications
+46 707 230 382
investor@aac-clydespace.com

Virtual Investor Conferences
John M. Viglotti
SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
OTC Markets Group
(212) 220-2221
johnv@otcmarkets.com

The MIL Network –
July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI: AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference Agenda Announced for July 10th

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Virtual Investor Conferences, the leading proprietary investor conference series announced the agenda for the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference July 10.

Individual investors, institutional investors, advisors, and analysts are invited to attend.

REGISTER HERE

It is recommended that investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates. There is no cost to log-in, attend live presentations, or schedule 1×1 meetings with management.

“Technology and AI companies are transforming how industries operate; and access to capital is critical to support that momentum,” said Jason Paltrowitz, Executive Vice President of Corporate Services at OTC Markets Group. “Our Virtual Investor Conferences connect innovative companies with engaged investors in a format that’s built for meaningful interaction. We’re proud to power visibility and engagement for this dynamic sector.”

July 10^th

To facilitate investor relations scheduling and to view a complete calendar of Virtual Investor Conferences, please visit www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

About Virtual Investor Conferences^®

Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

Media Contact:
OTC Markets Group Inc. +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

Virtual Investor Conferences Contact:
John M. Viglotti
SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
OTC Markets Group
(212) 220-2221
johnv@otcmarkets.com

The MIL Network –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI: AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference Agenda Announced for July 10th

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Virtual Investor Conferences, the leading proprietary investor conference series announced the agenda for the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference July 10.

Individual investors, institutional investors, advisors, and analysts are invited to attend.

REGISTER HERE

It is recommended that investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates. There is no cost to log-in, attend live presentations, or schedule 1×1 meetings with management.

“Technology and AI companies are transforming how industries operate; and access to capital is critical to support that momentum,” said Jason Paltrowitz, Executive Vice President of Corporate Services at OTC Markets Group. “Our Virtual Investor Conferences connect innovative companies with engaged investors in a format that’s built for meaningful interaction. We’re proud to power visibility and engagement for this dynamic sector.”

July 10^th

To facilitate investor relations scheduling and to view a complete calendar of Virtual Investor Conferences, please visit www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

About Virtual Investor Conferences^®

Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

Media Contact:
OTC Markets Group Inc. +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

Virtual Investor Conferences Contact:
John M. Viglotti
SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
OTC Markets Group
(212) 220-2221
johnv@otcmarkets.com

The MIL Network –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI: BTCS Inc. Announces Intent to Raise $100 Million for Strategic Ethereum Acquisition Using DeFi/TradFi Flywheel
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Silver Spring, MD, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BTCS Inc. (Nasdaq: BTCS) (“BTCS” or the “Company”) short for Blockchain Technology Consensus Solutions, a blockchain technology-focused company, today announced its strategic intent to raise $100 million in 2025 to acquire Ethereum. This initiative is part of the Company’s long-term vision to build the leading publicly traded company focused on Ethereum infrastructure while remaining one of the largest holders of ETH among public companies.

“We believe that Ethereum has significant growth potential and is central to the future digital financial infrastructure. Now, with Ethereum at 2021 price levels, is the time to deepen our exposure,” said Charles Allen, CEO of BTCS. “Our approach to capital formation has been – and continues to be – designed to minimize dilution, maximize flexibility, and align with our commitment to sound financial management for the protection of our shareholders.”

This initiative represents a transformative expansion of BTCS’s Ethereum-first strategy, leveraging a cutting-edge financing model that combines both decentralized finance (“DeFi”) and traditional finance (“TradFi”) mechanisms. The planned capital raises¹ will be structured through a sophisticated DeFi/TradFi accretion flywheel consisting of At-The-Market (“ATM”) equity sales, convertible debt issuance, on-chain borrowing via Aave, yield generated from NodeOps (staking Ethereum), and vertical integration with Builder+ (block building), one of the most advanced opportunities for driving revenue and increasing ETH per share while minimizing dilution.

Key principles of the DeFi/TradFi Strategy

Subject to market conditions, the Company intends to raise funds to acquire Ethereum on a rolling basis, with a targeted emphasis on maximizing capital efficiency. BTCS plans to adhere to a strict net asset value (“NAV”) leverage cap of up to 40% at the time of each financing, covering its combined exposure to convertible debt and Aave borrowings, to ensure a conservative and sustainable balance sheet. The strategy includes:
- ATM Equity Sales: Opportunistic issuance through the Company’s existing ATM program, designed to access equity markets efficiently and transparently. This would utilize BTCS’s current $250 million shelf registration to the extent it is not restricted by baby shelf limitations.
- Convertible Debt: Opportunistic use of the previously announced convertible debt arrangement with ATW Partners LLC (“ATW”), which BTCS may utilize upon mutual agreement with ATW, provided it represents the lowest cost of capital. This arrangement, which forms part of BTCS’s broader capital strategy, is designed to provide access to funding while minimizing shareholder dilution.
- DeFi Borrowing via Aave: Continuing to borrow stablecoins from Aave using ETH as collateral. This structure operates as a perpetual loan, carrying no associated banking or underwriting fees. The current net annual cost of capital remains extremely favorable at around 3%, with no shareholder dilution. This structure can be implemented in minutes, is highly scalable, and provides a flexible mechanism for rapid growth.
This innovative mix of financing is designed to achieve the least dilutive cost of capital while expanding the Company’s Ethereum holdings in a responsible and forward-looking manner, with the goal of increasing its ETH per share and simultaneously driving revenue growth.

A New Frontier in Crypto Capital Formation

By utilizing both decentralized and institutional capital markets, BTCS aims to set a precedent for how public blockchain companies can bridge DeFi and TradFi to create shareholder value and foster trust in programmable financial systems.

“We’re engineering a capital structure that mirrors the ethos of crypto itself—efficient, transparent, and decentralized,” said Allen. “With 20 years of capital markets experience and 10 years at the forefront of crypto, BTCS is uniquely positioned to lead in this new paradigm. With a new crypto-friendly administration and increased institutional interest in Ethereum, now is the time to rapidly scale our operations.”

The chart below illustrates the history of BTCS’s ETH accumulation over the last 5 years:

The Company plans to provide additional updates, in accordance with its disclosure obligations under securities laws, regarding the specific timelines, instruments, and market conditions as part of its regular investor communications.

About BTCS:

BTCS Inc. (Nasdaq: BTCS) (short for Blockchain Technology Consensus Solutions) is a U.S.-based blockchain infrastructure technology company currently focused on driving scalable revenue growth through its blockchain infrastructure operations. BTCS has honed its expertise in blockchain network operations, particularly in block building and validator node management. Its branded block-building operation, Builder+, leverages advanced algorithms to optimize block construction for on-chain validation, thus maximizing gas fee revenues. BTCS also supports other blockchain networks by operating validator nodes and staking its crypto assets across multiple proof-of-stake networks, allowing crypto holders to delegate assets to BTCS-managed nodes. In addition, the Company has developed ChainQ, an AI-powered blockchain data analytics platform, which enhances user access and engagement within the blockchain ecosystem. Committed to innovation and adaptability, BTCS is strategically positioned to expand its blockchain operations and infrastructure beyond Ethereum as the ecosystem evolves. Explore how BTCS is revolutionizing blockchain infrastructure in the public markets by visiting www.btcs.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release, constitute “forward-looking statements” within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 including statements regarding plans to raise $100 million in 2025, Ethereum’s growth potential, plans for capital raises and limiting our NAV leverage cap and rapidly increasing the Company’s ETH per share and simultaneously driving revenue growth. Words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “predict,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “intend” or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation market conditions, regulatory issues and requirements, unexpected issues with Builder+, as well as risks set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 which was filed on March 20, 2025. Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

For more information follow us on:
Twitter: https://x.com/NasdaqBTCS
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nasdaq-btcs
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NasdaqBTCS

Investor Relations:
Charles Allen – CEO
X (formerly Twitter): @Charles_BTCS
Email: ir@btcs.com

¹ Subject to regulatory approval and market conditions.

The MIL Network –
July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI: BTCS Inc. Announces Intent to Raise $100 Million for Strategic Ethereum Acquisition Using DeFi/TradFi Flywheel
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Silver Spring, MD, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BTCS Inc. (Nasdaq: BTCS) (“BTCS” or the “Company”) short for Blockchain Technology Consensus Solutions, a blockchain technology-focused company, today announced its strategic intent to raise $100 million in 2025 to acquire Ethereum. This initiative is part of the Company’s long-term vision to build the leading publicly traded company focused on Ethereum infrastructure while remaining one of the largest holders of ETH among public companies.

“We believe that Ethereum has significant growth potential and is central to the future digital financial infrastructure. Now, with Ethereum at 2021 price levels, is the time to deepen our exposure,” said Charles Allen, CEO of BTCS. “Our approach to capital formation has been – and continues to be – designed to minimize dilution, maximize flexibility, and align with our commitment to sound financial management for the protection of our shareholders.”

This initiative represents a transformative expansion of BTCS’s Ethereum-first strategy, leveraging a cutting-edge financing model that combines both decentralized finance (“DeFi”) and traditional finance (“TradFi”) mechanisms. The planned capital raises¹ will be structured through a sophisticated DeFi/TradFi accretion flywheel consisting of At-The-Market (“ATM”) equity sales, convertible debt issuance, on-chain borrowing via Aave, yield generated from NodeOps (staking Ethereum), and vertical integration with Builder+ (block building), one of the most advanced opportunities for driving revenue and increasing ETH per share while minimizing dilution.

Key principles of the DeFi/TradFi Strategy

Subject to market conditions, the Company intends to raise funds to acquire Ethereum on a rolling basis, with a targeted emphasis on maximizing capital efficiency. BTCS plans to adhere to a strict net asset value (“NAV”) leverage cap of up to 40% at the time of each financing, covering its combined exposure to convertible debt and Aave borrowings, to ensure a conservative and sustainable balance sheet. The strategy includes:
- ATM Equity Sales: Opportunistic issuance through the Company’s existing ATM program, designed to access equity markets efficiently and transparently. This would utilize BTCS’s current $250 million shelf registration to the extent it is not restricted by baby shelf limitations.
- Convertible Debt: Opportunistic use of the previously announced convertible debt arrangement with ATW Partners LLC (“ATW”), which BTCS may utilize upon mutual agreement with ATW, provided it represents the lowest cost of capital. This arrangement, which forms part of BTCS’s broader capital strategy, is designed to provide access to funding while minimizing shareholder dilution.
- DeFi Borrowing via Aave: Continuing to borrow stablecoins from Aave using ETH as collateral. This structure operates as a perpetual loan, carrying no associated banking or underwriting fees. The current net annual cost of capital remains extremely favorable at around 3%, with no shareholder dilution. This structure can be implemented in minutes, is highly scalable, and provides a flexible mechanism for rapid growth.
This innovative mix of financing is designed to achieve the least dilutive cost of capital while expanding the Company’s Ethereum holdings in a responsible and forward-looking manner, with the goal of increasing its ETH per share and simultaneously driving revenue growth.

A New Frontier in Crypto Capital Formation

By utilizing both decentralized and institutional capital markets, BTCS aims to set a precedent for how public blockchain companies can bridge DeFi and TradFi to create shareholder value and foster trust in programmable financial systems.

“We’re engineering a capital structure that mirrors the ethos of crypto itself—efficient, transparent, and decentralized,” said Allen. “With 20 years of capital markets experience and 10 years at the forefront of crypto, BTCS is uniquely positioned to lead in this new paradigm. With a new crypto-friendly administration and increased institutional interest in Ethereum, now is the time to rapidly scale our operations.”

The chart below illustrates the history of BTCS’s ETH accumulation over the last 5 years:

The Company plans to provide additional updates, in accordance with its disclosure obligations under securities laws, regarding the specific timelines, instruments, and market conditions as part of its regular investor communications.

About BTCS:

BTCS Inc. (Nasdaq: BTCS) (short for Blockchain Technology Consensus Solutions) is a U.S.-based blockchain infrastructure technology company currently focused on driving scalable revenue growth through its blockchain infrastructure operations. BTCS has honed its expertise in blockchain network operations, particularly in block building and validator node management. Its branded block-building operation, Builder+, leverages advanced algorithms to optimize block construction for on-chain validation, thus maximizing gas fee revenues. BTCS also supports other blockchain networks by operating validator nodes and staking its crypto assets across multiple proof-of-stake networks, allowing crypto holders to delegate assets to BTCS-managed nodes. In addition, the Company has developed ChainQ, an AI-powered blockchain data analytics platform, which enhances user access and engagement within the blockchain ecosystem. Committed to innovation and adaptability, BTCS is strategically positioned to expand its blockchain operations and infrastructure beyond Ethereum as the ecosystem evolves. Explore how BTCS is revolutionizing blockchain infrastructure in the public markets by visiting www.btcs.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release, constitute “forward-looking statements” within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 including statements regarding plans to raise $100 million in 2025, Ethereum’s growth potential, plans for capital raises and limiting our NAV leverage cap and rapidly increasing the Company’s ETH per share and simultaneously driving revenue growth. Words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “predict,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “intend” or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation market conditions, regulatory issues and requirements, unexpected issues with Builder+, as well as risks set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 which was filed on March 20, 2025. Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

For more information follow us on:
Twitter: https://x.com/NasdaqBTCS
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nasdaq-btcs
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NasdaqBTCS

Investor Relations:
Charles Allen – CEO
X (formerly Twitter): @Charles_BTCS
Email: ir@btcs.com

¹ Subject to regulatory approval and market conditions.

The MIL Network –
July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Africa: Cities deepen fiscal reform efforts to support development goals

Source: APO – Report:

Urban areas across Africa are growing at a remarkable pace, but many city governments are being asked to deliver more with limited fiscal space and constrained access to capital.

Despite these pressures, some city administrators say they are “seeing real progress,” as explained by James Muchiri, Deputy Governor of Nairobi City County: “In the last financial year alone, Nairobi’s local revenue rose by one billion shillings, and the year before, by nearly the same amount.”

This view is shared by Chilando Chitangala, Mayor of Lusaka, who noted that the city has long struggled with revenue leakages but is now learning how to build stronger systems – “how to collect more effectively and manage what we collect with greater accountability.”

The two city leaders were speaking at the close of a high-level side event co-organized by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), UN-Habitat, and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) on the margins of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville.

The session focused on how African cities can mobilize domestic resources and strengthen financial systems to support the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063.

Both Nairobi and Lusaka are among six African cities participating in the DA-15 project, a joint initiative led by ECA in partnership with UN-Habitat and UNCDF. The project supports city administrations in evaluating their financial performance, identifying reform priorities, and building the tools needed to strengthen public finance at the local level. Other participating cities include Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, Kigali, and Yaoundé.

The first phase of the project involved in-depth financial assessments across the six cities. The findings revealed significant gaps in revenue collection, expenditure management, and investment planning, but also surfaced promising areas for reform.

“By using ECA’s methodology, we got a report that was independent of our own systems,” said Mr Muchiri. “That helped surface issues we hadn’t seen before, and gave us something concrete to act on.”

To support implementation, ECA has also developed the Fiscal Space Performance and Monitoring Dashboard, a digital tool that enables city officials to track real-time indicators such as liquidity, solvency, and revenue collection efficiency.

The dashboard is designed to strengthen transparency and support evidence-based decision-making at the local level.

“The dashboard enhances transparency, strengthens accountability, and supports smarter financial decisions,” said Hana Morsy, Deputy Executive Secretary of ECA. “It’s a practical tool city can use to stay on top of their fiscal health.”

While digital tools and financial diagnostics are central to the DA-15 approach, both Nairobi and Lusaka emphasized the importance of local capacity and political will.

“We now have the skills and structure to move forward,” said Ms Chitangala. “And we hope this knowledge can benefit other cities across Zambia as well.”

“Ultimately,” added Mr Muchiri, “we want to reduce our dependency on central government transfers. That means we have to build strong, reliable systems that let us collect and manage our own revenue with confidence.”

Ms Morsy called on national governments, development partners, and the private sector to invest not just in infrastructure, but in the financial systems and institutions that make local governance work.

“What if we stopped viewing cities as beneficiaries,” she said, “and started empowering them as leaders?”

Atkeyelsh Persson, Chief of Urbanization and Development at ECA, stressed the importance of ensuring that capacity gains are shared more widely.

“It’s encouraging to see the impact being felt on the ground,” said Ms Persson. “The capacity built through this work shouldn’t stop with just Nairobi or Lusaka. It has the potential to scale across other cities in Kenya, Zambia, and beyond.”

– on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

Media files

.

MIL OSI Africa –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Women in Bani Walid: “Our voices are not heard”
Source: APO – Report:

.

To hear women’s voices in the political process, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General for Political Affairs (DSRSG-P), Stephanie Koury, held a dedicated meeting with women community leaders in Bani Walid last Saturday.

Participants underscored that presidential elections are essential to resolving the political impasse and called for the dissolution of all armed groups, asserting that unified security forces in the western region are crucial for enabling credible elections.

“As women in Bani Walid, we suffer from marginalization; our voices are not heard,” said one participant. They noted the absence of women’s empowerment offices at all levels, including within the municipality where the person responsible for social affairs is a man. The Social Affairs officer is responsible for overseeing all aspects of family compensation and addressing issues related to women and children.

DSRSG-P Koury took note of the concerns raised by women during the meeting. She also discussed the importance of meaningful engagement of all Libyan women in the political process.

Ms. Koury briefed participants on the four options put forward by the Advisory Committee in May to move the political process forward. As outlined in the  Executive Summary of the Advisory Committee’s report,  the options include:
1. Conducting presidential and legislative elections simultaneously;
2. Conducting parliamentary elections first, followed by the adoption of a permanent constitution;
3. Adopting a permanent constitution before elections; or
4. Establishing a political dialogue committee, based on the Libyan Political Agreement to finalize electoral laws, executive authority and permanent constitution. 
Participants shared local initiatives to promote women’s empowerment, emphasizing the need for representation, inclusion, and meaningful participation of women across Libya. They also expressed a strong demand for the unification of state institutions.

Additionally, participants raised pressing socioeconomic issues, especially in the education and health sectors, noting the ongoing toll on women and children. “We want to end the injustice of war for the next generation,” said one woman.

Throughout the public consultations in Bani Walid, participants expressed deep frustration over the absence of national reconciliation and human rights violations.

While acknowledging that customs and tribal structures continue to shape local governance, participants stressed the need for greater public awareness around elections and civic responsibility.

“The social and security situation is deteriorating,” said one participant. “While we value preserving our traditions and norms, but this must go hand in hand with empowering women in public life and allow them to assume leadership roles.”

– on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

MIL OSI Africa –
July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Malawi’s Mining Minister to Speak at African Mining Week (AMW) as Global Investor Interest in Country Surges

Source: APO – Report:

.

Malawi’s Minister of Mining, Ken Zikhale Reeves Ng’oma, has confirmed his participation as a speaker at the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) 2025, Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders. Minister Ng’oma will feature in the Ministerial Forum, showcasing policy frameworks and investment incentives aimed at accelerating mineral exploration, production and beneficiation in Malawi and across the continent.

Malawi – under the leadership of Minister Ng’oma – is attracting attention from major investors targeting its rare earths, uranium, titanium, graphite and downstream value chains. In June, Minister Ng’oma signed a $7 billion deal with China’s Hunan Sunwalk, marking the largest-ever foreign investment in the country’s mining sector. The deal covers the development of titanium extraction and processing facilities in Salima, alongside major commitments to skills development, technology transfer and community investment. The country also secured $5 billion at China’s Xidian International Stock Exchange to develop a Special Economic Zone in Chipoka. Up to $1 billion worth of mining, infrastructure and agri-industrial projects will be deployed within the first year as part of the deal. The China-Africa Cooperation on Critical Minerals Roundtable at AMW provides an ideal platform for Minister Ng’oma to forge new investment partnerships with Chinese investors.

African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

In addition to Chinese investors, major financial institutions across the globe are also supporting cornerstone projects. Malawi’s Ecobank has proposed a $30 million loan, the European Investment Bank a $40 million facility and Gerald Group a $50 million loan to fund the Kangankunde Rare Earths Project. Operated by Australia’s Lindian Resources, the project will be one of the world’s largest rare earths production facilities once operational in 2026.

In the uranium sector, Lotus Resources secured $38.5 million from South African banks First Capital Bank and Standard Bank to advance the Kayelekera Uranium Project, with first production scheduled for Q3 2025. Additionally, Sovereign Metals raised $40 million in March to support the Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project, home to the world’s largest known rutile deposit and second-largest graphite reserve. With projected annual outputs of 245,000 tons of rutile and 288,000 tons of graphite over 25 years, the project will position Malawi as a major player in global critical minerals supply.

Amid this surge in investment, Malawi’s mining sector has the potential to generate up to $30 billion in mineral exports between 2026 and 2040. Against this backdrop, AMW 2025 provides a timely platform for Minister Ng’oma to engage global investors, spotlight Malawi’s growing mining sector and drive new partnerships. Held under the theme From Extraction to Beneficiation: Unlocking Africa’s Mineral Wealth, AMW will feature high-level panel discussions and strategic project showcases amplifying Malawi’s role in the continent’s mining future.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

MIL OSI Africa –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Quidax Bring Together Top Banks, Asset Managers to Drive Digital Assets Adoption in Nigeria

Source: APO – Report:

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria, in collaboration with leading digital assets exchange Quidax (www.Quidax.io), hosted an educational series aimed at equipping Nigerian finance professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the evolving digital assets ecosystem.

The exclusive two-day event, held at the prestigious Capital Club in Victoria Island, Lagos, convened representatives from commercial banks, asset management firms, pension fund administrators, and securities traders. Some of the participants at the event were from Zenith Bank, ARM, Investment One, FBNQuest, Interswitch, Ecobank, Africa Prudential, Meristem, Wema Bank, Capitafield, Sterling Bank, and several other companies.

Driving Adoption Through Education and Regulation

Speaking at the event, Abdulrasheed Dan Abu, Head of FinTech and Innovation at the Securities and Exchange Commission, underscored the programme’s significance. He stated that the initiative reflects the commission’s statutory responsibility not only to regulate the capital market but also to actively develop it.

Dan Abu emphasized the integral role of traditional financial institutions in the growth of the digital asset ecosystem. “The banks hold fiat currency. If they don’t understand what is going on, it creates a disconnect in the value chain. The more banks that understand digital assets, the better the playing field for users,” he explained.

This educational series builds on a series of significant regulatory milestones in Nigeria’s digital finance space. On 29 March 2025, President Bola Tinubu signed into law the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025, which formally classifies cryptocurrencies and other virtual assets as securities, thereby placing them under the SEC’s purview. Prior to this, in June 2024, the commission issued rules for Virtual Asset Service Providers, providing crucial regulatory backing to exchanges and other entities operating in the space.

Quidax’s Pan-African Mission and the Importance of Collaboration

Buchi Okoro, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Quidax, highlighted the event’s core purpose: supporting adoption by educating both beginners and advanced participants within the financial industry. “Adoption starts with education. This session caters to people at different knowledge levels, from total beginners to those who have conducted blockchain pilots,” he said.

Okoro reiterated Quidax’s ambitious Pan-African mission, noting that the exchange already operates in nine countries and plans to expand to all 54 African nations. “We’re solving African problems for Africans, and this event partnership with the SEC helps us do that within regulatory guardrails,” he added.

Industry Leaders Endorse the Initiative

The event garnered strong support from other key industry players, reinforcing the collaborative spirit essential for digital asset integration.

Pascal Maguire, Sales Director for Africa at Fireblocks, stressed the need for such forums: “We need more finance and payments experts and decision makers to attend such forums as this enables them to see that they have trusted partners in firms like Quidax, Fireblocks, and the SEC who can both educate them and guide them on their adoption and innovation journey.”

Ajibade Laolu Adewale, Chairman of the Committee of E-Business Heads in Nigerian Banks and Chief Partnership Officer at Wema Bank, a panelist at the event, highlighted the pressing need for digital assets due to inefficiencies in traditional banking. “Today, moving money internationally still takes days and depends on informal channels. With blockchain, you can transfer value instantly and securely,” he stated.

Attendees also expressed their positive reception. Sunday Joseph Olaniyan, Head of E-Business at Sun Trust Bank, remarked, “Events like these bring such awareness even closer to us as institutions here in Nigeria and presents us with the opportunity to not be left out of this wave of change. People like myself who have been aware of digital assets are now even more sensitized to the global trend and I sure do not want to be left behind at all.”

Adding to the sentiment, Bukola James-Cole, Director of Capital Market at Africa Prudential PLC, spoke about the natural evolution of money. She emphasized, “Whether we like it or not it will happen so the earlier we start getting educated about digital assets the better for the industry.”

– on behalf of Quidax.

About Quidax:
Quidax is an African-founded cryptocurrency exchange (https://apo-opa.co/3TvxUhk) that makes it easy for anyone to buy, sell, store and transfer cryptocurrencies. Quidax additionally enables OTC trading (https://apo-opa.co/3IiELby) and gives fintechs the tools to offer cryptocurrency services to customers through a dedicated crypto API.

Quidax was officially launched in 2018 and has customers in over 70 countries.

Media files

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MIL OSI Africa –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Why the White Paper review matters more than ever

Source: Government of South Africa

By Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa

We have begun with a comprehensive review process of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government. The review of the White paper demonstrates our collective commitment to addressing the challenges facing local governance and shaping a future that aligns with the aspirations of all South Africans.

The significance of the Local Government White Paper Review process is multifaceted, impacting various aspects of governance, community engagement and socio-economic development. This review is a crucial indicator of government’s commitment to improving local governance structures and service delivery, both fundamental to effective democracy and citizen satisfaction.

To understand this process fully, it is essential to consider the historical context of local governance in South Africa. The White Paper on Local Government, adopted in 1998, established the foundation for developmental local government as a key pillar of South Africa’s democracy.

This policy framework not only expanded access to basic services for millions but also defined the local government sphere as one that operates at the forefront of service delivery, working closely with citizens and other societal entities to address social, economic and material needs while improving the quality of life. The original White Paper was visionary, introducing a developmental model that emphasised collaboration and community participation.

Since the end of apartheid, local governments have played a crucial role in transforming communities, ensuring equitable service delivery, and fostering democratic participation. However, this journey has come with significant challenges. Many municipalities have struggled with inefficiencies, corruption and neglect, leading to public disillusionment and a lack of trust in local governance systems.

On 19 May 2025, we officially launched a review of the White Paper, emphasising that local governments must adapt to a changing world characterised by urban growth, climate challenges, youth unemployment and digital transformation. Without this evolution, municipalities risk becoming irrelevant and obsolete.

Central to the review is the need to restore public trust, which has been eroded by the issues and failures present in some municipalities. Rebuilding this trust is crucial and begins with accountability and the willingness to confront past mistakes.

The review poses the following challenging questions:
How can we ensure that councillors and municipal managers are qualified, accountable and focused on service delivery?
How can we restore fiscal discipline so that ratepayers’ money is used for delivery instead of waste?
How can we empower traditional leaders and rural communities without undermining constitutional principles?

We all agree that the rationale for this review is both urgent and strategic, as South Africa’s socio-economic landscape has shifted dramatically. The population has grown, and poverty and inequality remain deeply entrenched. Political instability, skills shortages and revenue shortfalls have weakened municipal performance.

In response, the review must address these and many other challenges by proposing structural changes that enhance accountability and efficiency. Additionally, the review aims to promote greater accountability and transparency in local governance.

By emphasising a participatory approach to governance, the review seeks to empower communities to engage actively with their local institutions. It aims to enhance transparency through measures such as open budgeting processes and public consultations, ensuring that municipal leaders are held accountable for their decisions and actions. This shift towards transparency is crucial for rebuilding trust between government and communities, allowing citizens to have a voice in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.

A key principle of the review recognises that meaningful community engagement is not just beneficial but necessary for effective governance. To this end, the White Paper calls for the establishment of forums, workshops and other platforms that allow citizens to express their concerns and suggestions. Such engagement serves two purposes: it empowers communities and helps local governments make informed decisions that truly reflect the needs of their constituents.

The review processes aim to rectify historical imbalances by ensuring that all voices are heard, particularly those that have been silenced in the past. It calls for inclusive engagement, reaching beyond the usual voices, and providing marginalised communities (such as informal traders, women, youth, traditional leaders and rural communities) the opportunity to participate. We emphasise this because real change must be rooted in lived experiences and supported by evidence.

This review presents an opportunity to rewrite the rulebook and introduce bold, forward-thinking reforms, including:
•    Smart governance tools that track performance and improve transparency through real-time data systems.
•    New funding models that incentivise ethical leadership and penalise mismanagement.
•    The professionalisation of local government, establishing minimum qualifications and ethical standards for officials and councillors.
•    Climate resilience strategies that future-proof infrastructure and services against environmental risks.
•    Improved intergovernmental coordination, particularly through the District Development Model, to streamline planning and reduce duplication.

Consultations already underway across provinces are shaping a framework and roadmap that is practical, coherent, and values-driven. They reflect the spirit of the Constitution and the realities of 21st Century South Africa while being both inclusive and practical.

The outcome should be a modernised local governance structure that characterises and defines a new era of capable, developmental, ethical and innovative municipalities, ultimately improving lives, rebuilding communities and restoring the resilience of our democracy.

Every municipality must work, not just in theory, but in practice, and for everyone.

*This was first published on Public Sector Manager magazine.

MIL OSI Africa –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Geoeconomic Fragmentation: Implications for Ireland

Source: International Monetary Fund

Summary

Ireland’s economy is deeply connected to the global trade network and relies on foreign direct investment (FDI), notably from the US. This paper presents a framework to estimate the impact of geo-economic fragmentation through three channels: (1) supply chain disruptions, (2) trade distortions resulting from tariff increases, and (3) FDI relocation, including driven by tax policy changes. Our findings suggest that while the impact of supply disruptions and higher tariffs would be relatively contained under moderate shock assumptions, potential FDI relocations would be associated with a sizeable loss of value added but more limited impact on the indigenous economy.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Benchmarking Public Spending Efficiency in Education, Health, and Infrastructure in Ireland
Source: International Monetary Fund
Preview Citation

Format: Chicago

Yen N Mooi. “Benchmarking Public Spending Efficiency in Education, Health, and Infrastructure in Ireland”, Selected Issues Papers 2025, 090 (2025), accessed July 8, 2025, https://doi.org/10.5089/9798229016872.018

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Summary

The paper benchmarks Ireland’s public spending efficiency to peer countries in infrastructure, health, and education using a variety of indicators and maps the efficiency frontiers in these sectors using the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method. It finds that while Ireland is at the efficiency frontier for education spending, there is room for potential gains in public spending efficiency on health and infrastructure. Achieving these gains could create further fiscal space to improve Ireland’s buffers for shocks in an environment of heightened global uncertainty and structural shifts.

Subject: Capital spending, Current spending, Education, Education spending, Expenditure, Expenditure efficiency, Health, Health care, Health care spending, Infrastructure, National accounts

Keywords: Capital spending, Current spending, Data Envelopment Analysis, Education spending, Expenditure efficiency, General government spending, Health care, Health care spending, Infrastructure, Public Spending Efficiency, Total expenditures

Publication Details
MIL OSI Global Banks –
July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: What is the ‘Seven Mountains Mandate’ and how is it linked to political extremism in the US?

Source: The Conversation – USA (3) – By Art Jipson, Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Dayton

People pray before Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance at a town hall hosted by Lance Wallnau on Sept. 28, 2024, in Monroeville, Pa. AP Photo/Rebecca Droke

Vance Boelter, who allegedly shot Melissa Hortman, a Democratic Minnesota state representative, and her husband, Mark Hortman, on June 14, 2025, studied at Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas. The group is a Bible school linked to the New Apostolic Reformation, or NAR.

The NAR is a loosely organized but influential charismatic Christian movement that shares similarities with Pentecostalism, especially in its belief that God actively communicates with believers through the Holy Spirit. Unlike traditional Pentecostalism, however, the organization emphasizes modern-day apostles and prophets as authoritative leaders tasked with transforming society and ushering in God’s kingdom on Earth. Prayer, prophecy and worship are defined not only as acts of devotion but as strategic tools for advancing believers’ vision of government and society.

After the shooting, the Christ for the Nations Institute issued a statement “unequivocally” denouncing “any and all forms of violence and extremism.” It stated: “Our organization’s mission is to educate and equip students to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through compassion, love, prayer, service, worship, and value for human life.”

But the shooting has drawn attention to the school and the larger Christian movement it belongs to. One of the most important aspects of NAR teachings today is what is called “the Seven Mountain Mandate.”

The Seven Mountain Mandate calls on Christians to gain influence, or “take dominion,” over seven key areas of culture: religion, family, education, government, media, business and the arts.

With over three decades of experience studying extremism, I offer a brief overview of the history and core beliefs of the Seven Mountains Mandate.

‘Dominion of Christians’

The Seven Mountains concept was originally proposed in 1975 by evangelical leader Bill Bright, the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ. Now known as “Cru,” the Campus Crusade for Christ was founded as a global ministry in 1951 to promote Christian evangelism, especially on college campuses.

United by a shared vision to influence society through Christian values, Bright partnered with Loren Cunningham, the founder of Youth With A Mission, a major international missionary training and outreach organization, in the 1970s.

The Seven Mountains Mandate was popularized by theologian Francis Schaeffer, who linked it to a larger critique of secularism and liberal culture. Over time, it evolved.

C. Peter Wagner, a former seminary professor who helped organize and name the New Apostolic Reformation, is often regarded as the theological architect of the group. He developed it into a call for dominion. In his 2008 book “Dominion! How Kingdom Action Can Change the World,” he urged Christians to take authoritative control of cultural institutions.

For Wagner, “dominion theology” – the idea that Christians should have control over all aspects of society – was a call to spiritual warfare, so that God’s kingdom would be “manifested here on earth as it is in heaven.”

Bill Johnson.
Doctorg via Wikimedia Commons

Since 1996, Bill Johnson, a senior leader of Bethel Church, and Johnny Enlow, a self-described prophet and Seven Mountains advocate, among others, have taken the original idea of the Seven Mountains Mandate and reshaped it into a more aggressive, political and spiritually militant approach. Spiritual militancy reflects an aggressive, us-vs.-them mindset that blurs the line between faith and authoritarianism, promoting dominion over society in the name of spiritual warfare.

Their version doesn’t just aim to influence culture; it frames the effort as a spiritual battle to reclaim and reshape the nation according to their vision of God’s will.

Lance Wallnau, another Christian evangelical preacher, televangelist, speaker and author, has promoted dominion theology since the early 2000s. During the 2020 U.S. presidential election, Wallnau, along with several prominent NAR figures, described Donald Trump as anointed by God to reclaim the “mountain” of government from demonic control.

In their book “Invading Babylon: The 7 Mountains Mandate,” Wallnau and Johnson explicitly call for Christian leadership as the only antidote to perceived moral decay and spiritual darkness.

The beliefs

Sometimes referred to as Seven Mountains of Influence or Seven Mountains of Culture, the seven mountains are not neutral domains but seen as battlegrounds between divine truth and demonic deception.

Adherents believe that Christians are called to reclaim these areas through influence, leadership and even, if necessary, the use of force and to confront demonic political forces, as religion scholar Matthew Taylor demonstrates in his book “The Violent Take It By Force.”

Diverse perspectives and interpretations surround the rhetoric and actions associated with the New Apostolic Reformation. Some analysts have pointed out how the NAR is training its followers for an active confrontation. Other commentators have said that the rhetoric calling for physical violence is anti-biblical and should be denounced.

NAR-aligned leaders have framed electoral contests as struggles between “godly” candidates and those under the sway of “satanic” influence.

Similarly, NAR prophet Cindy Jacobs has repeatedly emphasized the need for “spiritual warfare” in schools to combat what she characterizes as “demonic ideologies” such as sex education, LGBTQ+ inclusion or discussions of systemic racism.

In the NAR worldview, cultural change is not merely political or social but considered a supernatural mission; opponents are not simply wrong but possibly under the sway of demonic influence. Elections become spiritual battles.

This belief system views pluralism as weakness, compromise as betrayal, and coexistence as capitulation. Frederick Clarkson, a senior research analyst at Political Research Associates, a progressive think tank based in Somerville, Massachusetts, defines the Seven Mountains Mandate as “the theocratic idea that Christians are called by God to exercise dominion over every aspect of society by taking control of political and cultural institutions.”

The call to “take back” the culture is not metaphorical but literal, and believers are encouraged to see themselves as soldiers in a holy war to dominate society. Some critics argue that NAR’s call to “take back” culture is about literal domination, but this interpretation is contested.

Many within the movement see the language of warfare as spiritually focused on prayer, evangelism and influencing hearts and minds. Still, the line between metaphor and mandate can blur, especially when rhetoric about “dominion” intersects with political and cultural action. That tension is part of an ongoing debate both within and outside the movement.

Networks that spread the beliefs

This belief system is no longer confined to the margins. It is spread widely through evangelical churches, podcasts, YouTube videos and political networks.

It’s hard to know exactly how many churches are part of the New Apostolic Reformation, but estimates suggest that about 3 million people in the U.S. attend churches that openly follow NAR leaders.

At the same time, the Seven Mountains Mandate doesn’t depend on centralized leadership or formal institutions. It spreads organically through social networks, social media – notably podcasts and livestreams – and revivalist meetings and workshops.

André Gagné, a theologian and author of “American Evangelicals for Trump: Dominion, Spiritual Warfare, and the End Times,” writes about the ways in which the mandate spreads by empowering local leaders and believers. Individuals are authorized – often through teachings on spiritual warfare, prophetic gifting, and apostolic leadership – to see themselves as agents of divine transformation in society, called to reclaim the “mountains,” such as government, media and education, for God’s kingdom.

This approach, Gagné explains, allows different communities to adapt the action mandate to their unique cultural, political and social contexts. It encourages individuals to see themselves as spiritual warriors and leaders in their domains – whether in business, education, government, media or the arts.

Small groups or even individuals can start movements or initiatives without waiting for top-down directives. The only recognized authorities are the apostles and prophets running the church or church network the believers attend.

The framing of the Seven Mountains Mandate as a divinely inspired mission, combined with the movement’s emphasis on direct spiritual experiences and a specific interpretation of scripture, can create an environment where questioning the mandate is perceived as challenging God’s authority.

Slippery slope

These beliefs have increasingly fused with nationalist rhetoric and conspiracy theories.

The ‘Appeal to Heaven’ flags symbolize the belief that people have the right to appeal directly to God’s authority when they think the government has failed.
Paul Becker/Becker1999 via Flickr, CC BY

A powerful example of NAR political rhetoric in action is the rise and influence of the “Appeal to Heaven” flags. For those in the New Apostolic Reformation, these flags symbolize the belief that when all earthly authority fails, people have the right to appeal directly to God’s authority to justify resistance.

This was evident during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, when these flags were prominently displayed.

To be clear, its leaders are not calling for violence but rather for direct political engagement and protest. For some believers, however, the calls for “spiritual warfare” may become a slippery slope into justification for violence, as in the case of the alleged Minnesota shooter.

Understanding the Seven Mountains Mandate is essential for grasping the dynamics of contemporary efforts to align government and culture with a particular vision of Christian authority and influence.

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

– ref. What is the ‘Seven Mountains Mandate’ and how is it linked to political extremism in the US? – https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-seven-mountains-mandate-and-how-is-it-linked-to-political-extremism-in-the-us-260034

MIL OSI Analysis –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: The aftermath of floods, hurricanes and other disasters can be hardest on older rural Americans – here’s how families and neighbors can help

Source: The Conversation – USA (3) – By Lori Hunter, Professor of Sociology, Director of the Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado Boulder

Edith Schaecher, center, and her daughter and granddaughter look at a photo album recovered from her tornado-damaged home in Greenfield, Iowa, in May 2024. AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

Hurricanes, tornadoes and other extreme weather do not distinguish between urban and rural boundaries. But when a disaster strikes, there are big differences in how well people are able to respond and recover – and older adults in rural areas are especially vulnerable.

If a disaster causes injuries, getting health care can take longer in rural areas. Many rural hospitals have closed, leaving patients traveling longer distances for care.

At the same time, rural areas have higher percentages of older adults, a group that is more likely to have chronic health problems that make experiencing natural disasters especially dangerous. Medical treatments, such as dialysis, can be disrupted when power goes out or clinics are damaged, and injuries are more likely around property damaged by flooding or powerful winds.

As a sociologist who studies rural issues and directs the Institute of Behavioral Science at the University of Colorado Boulder, I believe that understanding the risks is essential for ensuring healthier lives for older adults. I see many different ways rural communities are helping reduce their vulnerability in disasters.

Disasters disrupt health care, especially in isolated rural regions

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 20% of the country’s rural population is age 65 and over, compared with only 16% of urban residents. That’s about 10 million older adults living in rural areas.

There are three primary reasons rural America has been aging faster than the rest of the country: Young people have been leaving for college and job opportunities, meaning fewer residents are starting new families. Many older rural residents are choosing to “age in place” where they have strong social ties. And some rural areas are gaining older adults who choose to retire there.

An aging population means rural areas tend to have a larger percentage of residents with chronic disease, such as dementia, heart disease, respiratory illness and diabetes.

According to research from the National Council on Aging, nearly 95% of adults age 60 and older have at least one chronic condition, while more than 78% have two or more. Rural areas also have higher rates of death from chronic diseases, particularly heart disease.

At the same time, health care access in rural areas is rapidly declining.

Nearly 200 rural hospitals have closed or stopped providing in-patient care since 2005. Over 700 more — one-third of the nation’s remaining rural hospitals — were considered to be at risk of closing even before the cuts to Medicaid that the president signed in July 2025.

Hospital closures have left rural residents traveling about 20 miles farther for common in-patient health care services than they did two decades ago, and even farther for specialist care.

Those miles might seem trivial, but in emergencies when roads are damaged or flooded, they can mean losing access to care and treatment.

After Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005, 44% of patients on dialysis missed at least one treatment session, and almost 17% missed three or more.

When Hurricanes Matthew and Florence hit rural Robeson County, North Carolina, in 2016 and 2018, some patients who relied on insulin to manage their blood sugar levels went without insulin for weeks. The county had high rates of poverty and poor health already, and the healthy foods people needed to manage the disease were also hard to find after the storm.

Insulin is important for treating diabetes – a chronic disease estimated to affect nearly one-third of adults age 65 and older. But a sufficient supply can be harder to maintain when a disaster knocks out power, because insulin should be kept cool, and medical facilities and drugstores may be harder for patients to reach.

Rural residents also often live farther from community centers, schools or other facilities that can serve as cooling centers during heat waves or evacuation centers in times of crisis.

Alzheimer’s disease can make evacuation difficult

Cognitive decline also affects older adults’ ability to manage disasters.

Over 11% of Americans age 65 and older – more than 7 million people – have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, and the prevalence is higher in rural areas’ older populations compared with urban areas.

Caregivers for family members living with dementia may struggle to find time to prepare for disasters. And when disaster strikes, they face unique challenges. Disasters disrupt routines, which can cause agitation for people with Alzheimer’s, and patients may resist evacuation.

Living through a disaster can also worsen brain health over the long run. Older adults who lived through the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami were found to have greater cognitive decline over the following decade, especially those who lost their homes or jobs, or whose health care routines were disrupted.

Social safety nets are essential

One thing that many rural communities have that helps is a strong social fabric. Those social connections can help reduce older adults’ vulnerability when disasters strike.

Following severe flooding in Colorado in 2013, social connections helped older adults navigate the maze of paperwork required for disaster aid, and some even provided personal loans.

Community support through churches, like this one whose building was hit by a tornado in rural Argyle, Wis., in 2024, and other groups can help older adults recover from disasters.
Ross Harried/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Friends, family and neighbors in rural areas often check in on seniors, particularly those living alone. They can help them develop disaster response plans to ensure older residents have access to medications and medical treatment, and that they have an evacuation plan.

Rural communities and local groups can also help build up older adults’ mental and physical health before and after storms by developing educational, social and exercise programs. Better health and social connections can improve resilience, including older adults’ ability to respond to alerts and recover after disasters.

Ensuring that everyone in the community has that kind of support is important in rural areas and cities alike as storm and flood risks worsen, particularly for older adults.

Lori Hunter receives funding from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.

– ref. The aftermath of floods, hurricanes and other disasters can be hardest on older rural Americans – here’s how families and neighbors can help – https://theconversation.com/the-aftermath-of-floods-hurricanes-and-other-disasters-can-be-hardest-on-older-rural-americans-heres-how-families-and-neighbors-can-help-247691

MIL OSI Analysis –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: 3 basic ingredients, a million possibilities: How small pizzerias succeed with uniqueness in an age of chain restaurants

Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Paula de la Cruz-Fernández, Cultural Digital Collections Manager, University of Florida

Variety is the sauce of life. Suzanne Kreiter/Boston Globe via Getty Images

At its heart, pizza is deceptively simple. Made from just a few humble ingredients – baked dough, tangy sauce, melted cheese and maybe a few toppings – it might seem like a perfect candidate for the kind of mass-produced standardization that defines many global food chains, where predictable menus reign supreme.

Yet, visit two pizzerias in different towns – or even on different blocks of the same town – and you’ll find that pizza stubbornly refuses to be homogenized.

We are researchers working on a local business history project that documents the commercial landscape of Gainesville, Florida, in the 20th and 21st centuries. As part of that project, we’ve spent a great many hours over the past two years interviewing local restaurant owners, especially those behind Gainesville’s independent pizzerias. What we’ve found reaffirms a powerful truth: Pizza resists sameness – and small pizzerias are a big reason why.

Why standardized pizza rose but didn’t conquer

While tomatoes were unknown in Italy until the mid-16th century, they have since become synonymous with Italian cuisine – especially through pizza.

Pizza arrived in the U.S. from Naples in the early 20th century, when Italian immigration was at its peak. Two of the biggest destinations for Italian immigrants were New York City and Chicago, and today each has a distinctive pizza style. A New York slice can easily be identified by its thin, soft, foldable crust, while Chicago pies are known for deep, thick, buttery crusts.

After World War II, other regions developed their own types of pizza, including the famed New Haven and Detroit styles. The New Haven style is known for being thin, crispy and charred in a coal-fired oven, while the Detroit style has a rectangular, deep-dish shape and thick, buttery crust.

By the latter half of the 20th century, pizza had become a staple of the American diet. And as its popularity grew, so did demand for consistent, affordable pizza joints. Chains such as Pizza Hut, founded in 1958, and Papa John’s, established in 1984, applied the model pioneered by McDonalds in the late 1940s, adopting limited menus, assembly line kitchens and franchise models built for consistency and scale. New technologies such as point-of-sale systems and inventory management software made things even more efficient.

As food historian Carol Helstosky explains in “Pizza: A Global History,” the transformation involved simplifying recipes, ensuring consistent quality and developing formats optimized for rapid expansion and franchising. What began as a handcrafted, regional dish became a highly replicable product suited to global mass markets.

Today, more than 20,000 Pizza Huts operate worldwide. Papa John’s, which runs about 6,000 pizzerias, built its brand explicitly on a promise rooted in standardization. In this model, success means making pizza the same way, everywhere, every time.

So, what happened to the independent pizzerias? Did they get swallowed up by efficiency?

Not quite.

Chain restaurants don’t necessarily suffocate small competitors, recent research shows. In fact, in the case of pizza, they often coexist, sometimes even fueling creativity and opportunity. Independent pizzerias – there are more than 44,000 nationwide – lean into what makes them unique, carving out a niche. Rather than focusing only on speed or price, they compete by offering character, inventive toppings, personal service and a sense of place that chains just can’t replicate.

A local pizza scene: Creativity in a corporate age

For an example, look no farther than Gainesville. A college town with fewer than 150,000 residents, Gainesville doesn’t have the same culinary cache as New York or Chicago, but it has developed a very unique pizza scene. With 13 independent pizzerias serving Neapolitan, Detroit, New York and Mediterranean styles and more, hungry Gators have a plethora of options when craving a slice.

What makes Gainesville’s pizza scene especially interesting is the range of backgrounds its proprietors have. Through interviews with pizzeria owners, we found that some had started as artists and musicians, while others had worked in engineering or education – and each had their own unique approach to making pizzas.

The owner of Strega Nona’s Oven, for example, uses his engineering background to turn dough-making into a science, altering the proportions of ingredients by as little as half of a percent based on the season or even the weather.

Satchel’s Pizza, on the other hand, is filled with works made by its artist owner, including mosaic windows, paintings, sculptures and fountains.

Gainesville’s independent pizzerias often serve as what sociologists call “third places”: spaces for gathering that aren’t home or work. And their owners think carefully about how to create a welcoming environment. For example, the owner of Scuola Pizza insisted the restaurant be free of TVs, so diners can focus on their food. Squarehouse Pizza features a large outdoor space; an old, now repurposed school bus outfitted with tables and chairs to dine in, and a stage for live music.

Squarehouse also is known for its unusual toppings on square, Detroit-style pies – for example, the Mariah Curry, topped with curry chicken or cauliflower and coconut curry sauce. It refreshes its specialty menus every semester or two.

While the American pizza landscape may be shaped by big brands and standardized menus, small pizzerias continue to shine. Gainesville is a perfect example of how a local pizza scene in a small Southern college town can be so unique, even in a globalized industry. Small pizzerias don’t just offer food – they offer a flavorful reminder that the marketplace rewards distinctiveness and local character, too.

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

– ref. 3 basic ingredients, a million possibilities: How small pizzerias succeed with uniqueness in an age of chain restaurants – https://theconversation.com/3-basic-ingredients-a-million-possibilities-how-small-pizzerias-succeed-with-uniqueness-in-an-age-of-chain-restaurants-259661

MIL OSI Analysis –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: How slashing university research grants impacts Colorado’s economy and national innovation – a CU Boulder administrator explains

Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Massimo Ruzzene, Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation, University of Colorado Boulder

Federal funding cuts to the University of Colorado Boulder have already impacted research and could cause even more harm. Glenn J. Asakawa/University of Colorado

The Trump administration has been freezing or reducing federal grants to universities across the country.

Over the past several months, universities have lost more than US$11 billion in funding, according to NPR. More than two dozen universities, including the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Denver, have been affected. Research into cancer, farming solutions and climate resiliency are just a few of the many projects nationally that have seen cuts.

The Conversation asked Massimo Ruzzene, senior vice chancellor for research and innovation at the University of Colorado Boulder, to explain how these cuts and freezes are impacting the university he works for and Colorado’s local economy.

How important are federal funds to CU Boulder?

Federal funding pays for approximately 70% of CU Boulder’s research each year. That’s about $495 million in the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

The other 30% of research funding comes from a variety of sources. The second-largest is international partnerships at $127 million. Last year, CU Boulder also received $27 million in philanthropic gifts to support research and approximately $29 million from collaborations with industry.

CU Boulder uses this money to fund research that advances fields like artificial intelligence, space exploration and planetary sciences, quantum technologies, biosciences and climate and energy.

At CU Boulder, federal funding also supports research projects like the Dust Accelerator Laboratory that helps us understand the composition and structure of cosmic dust. This research allows scientists to reconstruct the processes that formed planets, moons and organic molecules.

How much federal funding has CU Boulder lost?

So far in 2025, CU Boulder has received 56 grant cancellations or stop-work orders. Those amount to approximately $30 million in lost funding. This number is not inclusive of awards that are on hold and awaiting action by the sponsor.

This number also does not include the funds that have not been accessible due the considerable lag in funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.
Nationwide, National Science Foundation funding has dropped by more than 50% through the end of May of this year compared to the average of the past 10 years. The university anticipates that our funding received from these agencies will drop a similar amount, but the numbers are still being collected for this year.

What research has been impacted?

A wide variety. To take just one example, CU Boulder’s Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences and the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research investigate how to monitor, predict, respond to and recover from extreme weather conditions and natural disasters.

This research directly impacts the safety, well-being and prosperity of Colorado residents facing wildfires, droughts and floods.

Michael Gooseff, a researcher from the College of Engineering and Applied Science, collects weather data from the McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica.
Byron Adams/University of Colorado Boulder

Past research from these groups includes recovery efforts following the 2021 Marshall Fire in the Boulder area. Researchers collaborated with local governments and watershed groups to monitor environmental impacts and develop dashboards that detailed their findings.

How might cuts affect Colorado’s aerospace economy?

Colorado has more aerospace jobs per capita than any other state. The sector employs more than 55,000 people and contributes significantly to both Colorado’s economy and the national economy.

This ecosystem encompasses research universities such as CU Boulder and Colorado-based startups like Blue Canyon Technologies and Ursa Major Technologies. It also includes established global companies like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies.

At CU Boulder, the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics is one of the world’s premier space science research institutions. Researchers at the lab design, build and operate spacecraft and other instruments that contribute critical data. That data helps us understand Earth’s atmosphere, the Sun, planetary systems and deep space phenomena. If the projects the lab supports are cut, then it’s likely the lab will be cut as well.

The Presidential Budget Request proposes up to 24% cuts to NASA’s annual budget. These include reductions of 47% for the Science Mission Directorate. The directorate supports more than a dozen space missions at CU Boulder. That cut could have an immediate impact on university programs of approximately $50 million.

Scientists test the solar arrays on NASA’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution orbiter spacecraft at Lockheed Martin’s facility near Denver.
Photo courtesy of LASP

One of the largest space missions CU Boulder is involved in is the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution orbiter. MAVEN, as it’s known, provides telecommunications and space weather monitoring capabilities. These are necessary to support future human and robotic missions to Mars over the next decade and beyond, a stated priority for the White House. If MAVEN were to be canceled, experts estimate that it would cost almost $1 billion to restart it.

Have the cuts hit quantum research?

While the federal government has identified quantum technology as a national priority, the fiscal year 2026 budget proposal only maintains existing funding levels. It does not introduce new investments or initiatives.

I’m concerned that this stagnation, amid broader cuts to science agencies, could undermine progress in this field and undercut the training of its critical workforce. The result could be the U.S. ceding its leadership in quantum innovation to global competitors.

Massimo Ruzzene receives funding from the National Science Foundation.

– ref. How slashing university research grants impacts Colorado’s economy and national innovation – a CU Boulder administrator explains – https://theconversation.com/how-slashing-university-research-grants-impacts-colorados-economy-and-national-innovation-a-cu-boulder-administrator-explains-257869

MIL OSI Analysis –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: Higher ed’s relationship with marriage? It’s complicated – and depends on age

Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By John V. Winters, Professor of Economics, Iowa State University

Education rates are rising; marriage rates are falling. But the relationship between those two trends isn’t straightforward. Ugur Karakoc/E+ via Getty Images

The longer someone stays in school, the more likely they are to delay getting married – but education does not reduce the overall likelihood of being married later in life, according to our research recently published in Education Economics. Education also influences who Americans marry: Obtaining a four-year degree vs. just a high school diploma more than doubles someone’s likelihood of marrying a fellow college graduate.

Previous research has documented that the more education you have, the more likely you are to get married. But correlation does not imply causality, and plenty of other factors influence marriage and education.

My research with economist Kunwon Ahn provides evidence that there is indeed a causal link between education and marriage – but it’s a nuanced one.

Our study applies economic theory and advanced statistics to a 2006-2019 sample from the American Community Survey: more than 8 million people, whom we divided into different cohorts based on birthplace, birth year and self-reported ancestry.

To isolate the causal relationship, we needed to sidestep other factors that can influence someone’s decisions about marriage and education. Therefore, we did not calculate based on individuals’ own education level. Instead, we estimated their educational attainment using a proxy: their mothers’ level of education. On the individual level, plenty of people finish more or less education than their parents. Within a cohort, however, the amount of schooling that mothers have, on average, is a strong predictor of how much education children in that cohort received.

We found that an additional year of schooling – counting from first grade to the end of any postgraduate degrees – reduces the likelihood that someone age 25 to 34 is married by roughly 4 percentage points.

Among older age groups, the effects of education were more mixed. On average, the level of education has almost zero impact on the probability that someone age 45 to 54 is married. Among people who were married by that age, being more educated reduces their likelihood of being divorced or separated.

However, more education also makes people slightly more likely to have never been married by that age. In our sample, about 12% of people in that age group have never married. An additional year of education increases that, on average, by 2.6 percentage points.

Why it matters

Marriage rates are at historical lows in the United States, especially for young people. Before 1970, more than 80% of Americans 25 to 34 were married. By 2023, that number had fallen to only 38%, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Over the same time, the percentage of Americans with a college degree has increased considerably. Additional education can increase someone’s earning potential and make them a more attractive partner.

Yet the rising costs of higher education may make marriage less attainable. A 2016 study found that the more college debt someone had, the less likely they were to ever marry.

While marriage rates have fallen across the board, the drop is most pronounced for lower-income groups, and not all of the gap is driven by education. One of the other causes may be declining job prospects for lower-income men. Over recent decades, as their earning potential has dwindled and women’s job options have grown, it appears some of the economic benefits of marriage have declined.

Declining marriage rates have important effects on individuals, families and society as a whole. Many people value the institution for its own sake, and others assign it importance based on religious, cultural and social values. Economically, marriage has important consequences for children, including how many children people have and the resources that they can invest in those children.

What still isn’t known

Education levels are only part of the explanation for trends in marriage rates. Other cultural, social, economic and technological factors are likely involved in the overall decline, but their exact contribution is still unknown.

One idea gaining traction, though little research has been done on it, considers the ways smartphones and social media may be reducing psychological and social well-being. We stay in more, go out less, and are increasingly divided – all of which could make people less likely to marry.

The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.

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

– ref. Higher ed’s relationship with marriage? It’s complicated – and depends on age – https://theconversation.com/higher-eds-relationship-with-marriage-its-complicated-and-depends-on-age-258664

MIL OSI Analysis –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: UK Work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office – Foreign Affairs Committee

Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

The Foreign Affairs Committee will hold an evidence session on the work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office at 1.30pm, on Tuesday 8 July.  

Members are likely to question the Foreign Secretary on the UK Government’s current position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVLgxTC2w00

MIL OSI Video –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City of York Council investing £500,000 in green spaces

Source: City of York

Clarence Gardens

Published Monday, 7 July 2025

City of York Council has announced a significant £500,000 capital investment over the next two years to revitalise parks, play areas, and public green spaces across the city.

The Executive is set to approve the proposed criteria and prioritisation framework that will guide the funding allocation and ensure the greatest community impact.

This initiative marks the first major investment in York’s public spaces in several years and comes in response to widespread resident support and strategic ambitions laid out in the Council Plan 2023 to 2027. A key focus is ensuring accessible and sustainable outdoor environments that enhance biodiversity, wellbeing, and social inclusion. Work on assessing the conservation needs of our much-valued War Memorials will take place alongside the parks projects.

Strategic Benefits

The funding aligns with national findings from the “Space to Thrive” report by The National Lottery, which highlights the vital role parks play in supporting physical and mental health, community engagement, and local economies. The council aims to amplify these benefits by engaging residents, community organisations, and volunteer groups in improving green spaces citywide.

The decision also aligns with the council’s core commitments to equality and health. By prioritising sites in high deprivation areas and those with ageing infrastructure, the programme seeks to redress inequalities in access to quality recreational space.

Next Steps

Council officers will assess potential projects over the summer, with a final decision on funded schemes to be presented to the Executive this September. Recruitment for a dedicated project officer is already underway to support delivery through March 2027.

Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, said: “In investing in our parks and public spaces, we’re not just enhancing infrastructure or play equipment – we’re investing in communities, public health, and a greener future. York people love our parks and have spoken clearly about the value of these shared spaces. This project reflects our commitment to creating a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable city, with people and pride in place at its heart.”

For more information, visit the council’s website or read the Space to Thrive report at Space to Thrive – National Lottery Heritage Fund.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Major progress at York Central as new travel routes open to the public
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Press release

Major progress at York Central as new travel routes open to the public

Residents and visitors can now enjoy safer, greener and more attractive journeys into York city centre as new travel routes through the York Central development open.
Replacing Leeman Road as a through-route, the new road runs from Salisbury Road to Marble Arch, with dedicated wider pedestrian and cycle paths alongside it.

Designed with sustainability and comfort in mind, the new infrastructure features Hudson Boulevard, a standout walking and cycling route complete with high-quality materials, seating, and a striking central rain garden.

The opening of new travel routes through York Central is evidence of how Homes England is working with local leaders to transform underused, brownfield land into thriving communities and creating places people can be proud of.

Leon Guyett, Project Director on behalf of Homes England and Network Rail, said:

The opening of the new road, walking and cycling routes is a huge step forward for the project, providing safer and more attractive journeys into the city centre for pedestrians, cyclists, bus users and drivers.

This modern infrastructure not only supports sustainable transport but also plays a key role in unlocking the wider York Central development for new homes, public spaces and commercial opportunities.

The second phase of works will see two new bridges constructed over the East Coast Main Line, completing the direct link to Water End. This will further reduce traffic through areas such as Salisbury Terrace and enhance connections for all road users.

Funding from Homes England has supported turning local ambitions into reality, creating well-connected neighbourhoods that support both economic growth and environmental goals.

Cllr Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport at City of York Council, commented:

This is a significant milestone for York Central. These new routes help unlock a transformative opportunity for the city—thousands of homes, well-paid jobs and welcoming public spaces.

The improved walking, cycling and bus provision is already making a difference, and Hudson Boulevard in particular is a beautiful and functional new feature. Looking ahead, the new road will ultimately connect directly to Water End, removing through-traffic from nearby residential areas and improving neighbourhood environments.

Matt Mosley, Regional Director for Sisk Infrastructure, added:

Sisk is proud to have delivered this transformative infrastructure. We’ve worked closely with Homes England to create lasting value for York, both economically and socially.

As one of the UK’s largest city centre brownfield regeneration projects, York Central is backed by over £155 million in public funding. Construction on key infrastructure began in 2022 and will ultimately include more than 2km of new roads, bus lanes, pedestrian footpaths and cycleways.

In 2024, McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate were appointed as development partners to deliver up to 2,500 homes, 1 million square feet of commercial space, a new western entrance to York Station, and extensive new green spaces. At least 20% of the homes will be affordable, and the project is expected to support over 6,500 jobs.

The scheme will also enable a major expansion of the National Railway Museum, enhancing York’s position as a cultural and economic hub.

For the latest updates, visit www.yorkcentral.info or the developer’s website at www.yorkcentral.uk.

About York Central

York Central is one of the UK’s largest city centre regeneration sites. The scheme has unprecedented support from Central, Regional and Local government, with £155m already committed to building key up front infrastructure.

The site is being brought forward by majority landowners and master developers McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate, Homes England and Network Rail in collaboration with key stakeholders, the City of York Council and the National Railway Museum.

For more information visit: https://www.yorkcentral.info

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Published 8 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Enrollment is open for Master’s programs founded by Chinese and Kazakh universities

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) — Admissions have opened for master’s programs jointly founded by China’s Nankai University and Kazakhstan’s L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Nankai University, located in the north Chinese city of Tianjin, said.

The master’s programs in Belt and Road Economic and Trade Cooperation and Digital Economy and Industrial Innovation were launched with the approval of China’s Ministry of Education. Applicants can enroll in these programs without having to take the National Unified Examination for Master’s Degrees, according to a statement released on the website of Nankai University on Tuesday.

Classes for these programs are scheduled to begin in September of this year.

These educational projects are aimed at training specialists in the field of integrated economic management, competent in trade and economic cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road, the digital economy and industrial innovation.

After successfully passing the tests and defending their final theses, students will receive a master’s degree from the L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. -0-

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Iran did not request talks with US – MFA

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

TEHRAN, July 8 (Xinhua) — Iran has not requested any meetings with the United States, the Islamic Republic’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said on Tuesday, as quoted by the Tasnim news agency.

This is how the diplomat responded to the words of US President Donald Trump, who said the day before that Iran had asked for a meeting.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said the United States was ready to negotiate with Iran. “We have a meeting scheduled with Iran, and they want to talk,” he said. “They have requested a meeting, and I am going to attend. If we can put something on paper, that would be good,” the president added.

From April 12 to May 23, Iran and the United States held five rounds of indirect talks on Tehran’s nuclear program and the lifting of American sanctions. They were mediated by Oman.

Two days before the sixth round, scheduled for June 15 in the Omani capital Muscat, Israel launched massive airstrikes on a number of Iranian sites, including nuclear and military facilities, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists and scores of civilians. Tehran responded with a series of missile and drone strikes on Israel.

On June 22, the United States struck three Iranian nuclear facilities: Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. Iran later attacked the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

On June 24, after 12 days of fighting, Iran and Israel reached a ceasefire agreement. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Iran did not request talks with US – MFA

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

TEHRAN, July 8 (Xinhua) — Iran has not requested any meetings with the United States, the Islamic Republic’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said on Tuesday, as quoted by the Tasnim news agency.

This is how the diplomat responded to the words of US President Donald Trump, who said the day before that Iran had asked for a meeting.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said the United States was ready to negotiate with Iran. “We have a meeting scheduled with Iran, and they want to talk,” he said. “They have requested a meeting, and I am going to attend. If we can put something on paper, that would be good,” the president added.

From April 12 to May 23, Iran and the United States held five rounds of indirect talks on Tehran’s nuclear program and the lifting of American sanctions. They were mediated by Oman.

Two days before the sixth round, scheduled for June 15 in the Omani capital Muscat, Israel launched massive airstrikes on a number of Iranian sites, including nuclear and military facilities, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists and scores of civilians. Tehran responded with a series of missile and drone strikes on Israel.

On June 22, the United States struck three Iranian nuclear facilities: Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. Iran later attacked the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

On June 24, after 12 days of fighting, Iran and Israel reached a ceasefire agreement. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Former Vice Chairman of Xizang Autonomous Region People’s Government Sentenced to Death with Suspension for Bribery

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

CHANGSHA, July 8 (Xinhua) — Wang Yong, former vice chairman of the people’s government of southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve on Tuesday for accepting bribes.

The verdict was handed down by the Intermediate People’s Court of Chenzhou City, Hunan Province, central China. His case was heard in open court on May 15 this year.

According to the verdict, Wang Yong, also a former member of the SAR government’s leadership group, was deprived of political rights for life and all his personal property will be confiscated in favor of the state.

The court found that from 2007 to 2023, Wang Yong, in various positions, abused his official powers to assist other organizations and individuals in winning contracts for contracting projects, thereby illegally enriching himself in the total amount of more than 271 million yuan (about 37.9 million US dollars).

The court ruled that Wang Yun’s crimes had caused serious harm to the interests of the state and the people. Meanwhile, based on the fact that the defendant admitted his guilt and repented of his actions, and also assisted in the return of illegally obtained funds, his sentence was reduced. -0-

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 9, 2025