NewzIntel.com

Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI: Fenchurch Legal Launches Secured Litigation Funding Strategy for Fixed-Income Investors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK , June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fenchurch Legal, a UK-based litigation funding specialist, today announced the launch of a structured secured lending strategy aimed at fixed-income investors seeking stable returns outside of traditional markets. With economic uncertainty challenging conventional income instruments, the firm’s high-volume consumer litigation model offers a predictable, uncorrelated alternative designed to deliver quarterly interest payments through a diversified portfolio of secured law firm loans.

    Structured like private credit, Fenchurch Legal’s litigation funding model turns legal claims into an income-generating investment opportunity.

    As economic volatility continues to test traditional markets, a growing number of investors are turning to alternative asset classes that promise stable risk-reward profiles. Litigation funding, once considered niche, is now emerging as a mainstream alternative investment, providing secure income generation.

    Fenchurch Legal, a UK-based specialist in litigation funding, is among the firms redefining  the landscape of alternative credit strategies by offering a secured, income-generating investment that is predictable and uncorrelated with traditional markets.

    A Secured Lending Approach to Litigation Funding

    Fenchurch Legal has structured its litigation funding offering through a secured lending model, offering investors a fixed-income product with a unique security structure designed to protect investor capital. Unlike large litigation funders who focus on a few high-value commercial cases, Fenchurch Legal funds a high volume of smaller consumer claims – including those related to financial mis-selling and mis-sold car finance. This high- volume strategy allows for broad diversification across numerous law firms and case types, helping to mitigate concentration risk and deliver consistent returns.

    The predictability of this model enables investors to receive fixed, quarterly interest payments, making it an attractive option for those seeking regular income through a disciplined, secured alternative to traditional fixed-income investments.

    Delivering Predictability in an Uncertain Environment

    One of the most attractive features of litigation funding is its low correlation with traditional markets and macroeconomic cycles, making it particularly appealing in volatile or downturn conditions. Unlike speculative alternative assets, high-volume litigation funding offers a structured and secured approach, ideal for investors prioritizing capital preservation and low volatility. Its predictability and resilience are what set it apart, with performance driven by legal outcomes rather than market sentiment or economic indicators.

    From Case Selection to Investor Returns: The Fenchurch Model in Action

    Real world case examples, such as PPI or mis-sold car finance, demonstrate how funding supports access to justice while delivering predictable outcomes for investors. These well-established, protocol-driven cases highlight the tangible benefits of Fenchurch Legal’s approach.

    Investor capital is pooled and deployed via secured loans to law firms, enabling them to pursue a high volume of these smaller consumer claims. These cases follow established legal protocols and have historically demonstrated repeatable outcomes. The loans are repaid by the law firms over time, with interest, regardless of individual case outcomes, all backed by After-the-Event (ATE) insurance for added downside protection. 

    This risk-managed structure has allowed Fenchurch Legal to consistently deliver investors with predictable, quarterly interest payments, ideal for income focused investors. By funding thousands of low-value claims across multiple law firms, the model achieves broad diversification and reduces exposure to any single case or firm. This risk-managed approach has historically delivered competitive returns, typically ranging from 11–13% per annum — making it well-suited to income-focused portfolios.

    Louisa Klouda, CEO and Founder of Fenchurch Legal, stated, “At Fenchurch Legal, we’ve designed a litigation funding model that mirrors the features fixed income investors value most — regular income, downside security, and a diversified, risk-managed portfolio.”

    “In today’s economy, stability is the new growth. Litigation funding provides exactly that — it’s an asset class with low volatility, high transparency, and a compelling risk-adjusted return,” she added.

    About Fenchurch Legal

    Fenchurch Legal is a UK-based specialist litigation financier, providing disbursement funding to small and mid-sized law firms pursuing consumer claims where outcomes are well-established and repeatable, including housing disrepair, financial mis-selling, and undisclosed commission cases. Founded in early 2020, Fenchurch Legal was established in response to growing demand for litigation funding in the smaller consumer claims segment—an underserved area of the UK litigation finance market. In parallel, Fenchurch Legal structures litigation finance investment products designed for investors, providing exposure to a non-correlated, secured investment class.

    Press inquiries

    Fenchurch Legal
    https://www.fenchurch-legal.co.uk/
    Laura Rinaldi
    laura@fenchurch-legal.co.uk
    Linen Hall,
    162-168 Regent St,
    London,
    W1B 5TB
    UK

    A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.youtube.com/embed/UpddM65EbTw%20

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The strategic defence review means three new approaches for the UK

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By David J. Galbreath, Professor of War and Technology, University of Bath

    The UK government’s new strategic defence review has laid out a blueprint aimed at making Britain “secure at home, strong abroad”.

    The review represents a change in how the government thinks about the UK’s defence amid a rapidly changing geopolitical picture. The Labour government launched the review in July 2024 shortly after taking office, as a first step in reassessing UK armed forces in the face of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged at the time: “We live in a more dangerous and volatile world.”

    The government has accepted the review’s 62 recommendations. The most eye-catching parts are investment and development of new weapons: expanding the UK’s nuclear capabilities, drone swarms and long-range missile systems, new F-35 and updated Typhoon fighter jets and autonomous weapon systems.

    Unlike past reviews, this one was conducted by experts outside of the government: former Nato secretary general Lord Robertson, former US National Security Council member and former White House adviser Fiona Hill, and retired British Army officer General Sir Richard Barrons.

    In addition to practical measures of investment and expansion, the review lays out the more difficult changes that are needed to respond to security challenges, namely Russian threats to Europe. Here are three key aspects to understand.

    1. War-fighting ready

    The review says the UK must be “ready to fight and win” a full-scale war. Importantly, it suggests that the UK is no longer in an era of going to war when it chooses – but instead is facing the possibility of being forced into war.

    Academic Mary Kaldor made the distinction between the two types of wars in her book New Wars and Old Wars, stating that old wars are “wars of necessity”, and new wars are “wars of the willing”. Published a few years after the end of the cold war, it’s easy to see why Kaldor made this distinction.

    But the strategic review paints a different picture – that wars of necessity are once again the UK’s primary security concern. This means the UK must be on a different war footing than it has been since 1991.

    As such, the government and the UK armed forces will have to change and become more innovative to meet this challenge. To do this, the review lays out plans for an “integrated force” model (rather than joint forces). It describes this approach as leading to “a more agile and lethal combat force”.

    The review also calls for a “whole society approach”, including expanding the voluntary under-18 cadet forces, protecting national infrastructure and public outreach.

    2. Pace of innovation

    The review includes a host of recommendations for digital innovation and munitions production, and suggests that the defence industry could be an even bigger contributor to growing the economy. But, it notes, the UK’s defence industry is currently “stuck in cold war-era procurement cycles” and processes.

    It points to a need to speed up planning and procurement and improve partnerships with the commercial sector.

    Many digital innovations are being driven by industry in the US and China, such as the work on AI, nanotechnologies, robotics and automation. The challenge for the UK will be how to build good relationships with those countries on innovation which does not have a strong presence in UK digital industries.

    Keir Starmer and Defence Secretary John Healey visit the warship HMS Glasgow.
    Lauren Hurley/Number 10/Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND

    3. Nato first

    The reelection of Donald Trump in 2024 shocked many into thinking that the trans-Atlantic relationship was fast dissolving, though the change has been going on for some time . This review acknowledges that in setting out a “Nato first” approach:

    There is an unequivocal need for the UK to redouble its efforts within the Alliance and to step up its contribution to Euro-Atlantic security more broadly – particularly as Russian aggression across Europe grows and as the United States of America adapts its regional priorities.

    It states that Europe and the transatlantic area will be the UK’s primary reference for security. This marks a shift from the previous “Indo-pacific tilt” defence focus laid out in the 2021 integrated review.

    The Nato-first approach seems to be at odds with the direction of Nato’s largest and most powerful member, the US. Since the end of the 1990s, US presidents have repeatedly sought to realign US grand strategy towards China and away from Europe. Had the Russian Federation not invaded Crimea in 2014, the Obama administration may have been able to carry out this pivot.

    As it stands, with the second Trump presidency and its repeated calls for increasing defence spending from European states (in addition to what has often been seen as less than resolute intentions towards Russia), one might think Nato should be counting its days, rather than being placed at the centre of a new strategic review.

    However, regardless of Trump’s actions, the UK will still matter for Washington for the foreseeable future, because it remains an ally and it does defence well. Nato still remains the way to do coalition-building because it has been around for so long and has built up the institutions to do high-level defence cooperation and coordination.

    The review recognises the direction of travel for Washington, and how much it requires the UK and other European governments to invest in their own defence.

    David J. Galbreath has received funding from the UKRI.

    – ref. The strategic defence review means three new approaches for the UK – https://theconversation.com/the-strategic-defence-review-means-three-new-approaches-for-the-uk-258002

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: UN Green Climate Fund to Allocate $280 Million to Kazakhstan for Eco-Projects

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    ALMATY, June 3 (Xinhua) — The United Nations Green Climate Fund (GCF) will finance environmental projects in Kazakhstan worth $280 million, the Kazinform news agency reported on Tuesday.

    The Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan, Yerlan Nysanbayev, announced the new financing program during parliamentary hearings on the implementation of the best available technologies.

    According to the minister, the funds received will be used to develop renewable energy sources, stimulate the introduction of low-carbon technologies in the industrial sector, and support the development of electric vehicles.

    E. Nysanbaev said that in 2024, in order to promote green projects for the UN GCF, a country program was prepared, including 7 projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector, increasing the sustainability of centralized water supply systems in rural areas, modernizing livestock farms, and supporting private sector initiatives in the field of green financing.

    The total budget for these projects is more than $1 billion, of which the fund is expected to provide $630 million in funding. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: South Texas stash house discovered by ICE Rio Grande Valley leads to the arrest of 16 illegal aliens

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    HARLINGEN, Texas — A suspected stash house in Mercedes, Texas, was uncovered June 2 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement resulting in the apprehension of 16 illegal aliens.

    On June 1, ICE received a tip from an anonymous caller reporting that multiple illegal aliens were being harbored at a residence in Mercedes. ICE contacted the Mercedes Police Department, which conducted a welfare check of the property. Authorities spoke to the owner of the property who admitted to harboring approximately 16 individuals inside the home.

    “This operation underscores the critical role that the public and local law enforcement partners play in identifying and disrupting human smuggling operations,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley Deputy Special Agent in Charge Mark Lippa. “Transnational criminal networks continue to endanger lives for profit. ICE will relentlessly pursue those who exploit vulnerable individuals for financial gain.”

    The 16 individuals encountered were identified as nationals of Nepal, Albania, Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala. Sixteen were taken into custody for immigration violations and another individual, a Mexican national, is being questioned for his role in human smuggling.

    The investigation remains ongoing. The enforcement action was supported by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations.

    Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activity or tips related to human smuggling by calling 866-347-2423 or by submitting an anonymous tip via the ICE online tip form.

    Follow HSI San Antonio on X at @HSI_SanAntonio to learn more about its enforcement efforts and investigations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Sidetrade joins the Euronext Tech Leaders 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Sidetrade, the global leader in AI-powered Order-to-Cash applications, announces its inclusion in the 2025 Euronext Tech Leaders Index, the pan-European initiative spotlighting the continent’s most disruptive and high-growth tech companies.

    Launched by Euronext in 2022, the Tech Leaders brings together the 110 most dynamic listed European tech companies, providing them with enhanced visibility, targeted investor access, and exclusive participation in pan-European innovation forums. Sidetrade’s inclusion reflects its alignment with the criteria of the index:

    • A track record of building technologies with transformative impact,
    • A market cap above €300 million,
    • A CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) above 20% over the last three years.

    The Euronext Tech Leaders Index will be updated after markets close on Friday, 20 June 2025, with effect from Monday, 23 June 2025.

    Delphine d’Amarzit, Euronext Paris Chairwoman and CEO, states: “Sidetrade’s 20th anniversary of being listed coincides with the highest possible recognition of its stock market journey: its inclusion in the Euronext Tech Leaders, which brings together technology companies listed on Euronext that stand out for their growth and innovation. I am pleased that the stock exchange has fully played its role in supporting the growth of a company like Sidetrade, which now ranks among the most promising tech companies in Europe, thanks to the long-term vision of its founder, Olivier Novasque, and the work of its teams.”

    Sidetrade’s trajectory reflects a conviction that the future of enterprise finance lies in autonomous systems capable of acting intelligently in dynamic environments. Innovation is in the DNA of Sidetrade. From the outset, the company has approached AI not as a layer of enhancement, but as the engine driving systemic change.

    Central to this transformation is Aimie, Sidetrade’s agentic AI. Built to go beyond predictive analytics, Aimie is an autonomous agent that makes decisions, initiates actions, and adapts in real-time to optimize cash flow processes. From qualifying invoices to orchestrating engagement strategies and accelerating cash collections, Aimie scales behavior-based decision-making across a global network of over 40 million buyers. This intelligence is grounded in Sidetrade’s Data Lake, the world’s richest behavioral dataset for B2B transactions, encompassing more than $7.2 trillion in payment data. It is this combination of machine learning, behavioral modeling, and collaborative intelligence that positions Aimie as an operator that learns, acts, and evolves in the service of enterprise performance.

    The inclusion in the Euronext Tech Leaders segment is also a tribute to Olivier Novasque’s vision as founder and CEO of Sidetrade. Marking 25 years of innovation at Sidetrade, Novasque has championed a bold roadmap to move finance beyond automation and into real-time intelligent orchestration, transforming the CFO office from a reactive unit to a proactive command center.

    “We are honored to join the Euronext Tech Leaders,” said Olivier Novasque, CEO and founder at Sidetrade. “At Sidetrade, we’ve never followed the market. We’ve questioned its limits and investigated how technology should overcome them. In a financial world that is growing increasingly complex by the day, we believe the real breakthrough lies in augmenting human capacity. Our technology is designed to sharpen judgment, accelerate action, and foster resilience. When machines enhance talents, organizations unlock their full potential.”

    Investor & Media relations @Sidetrade

    Christelle Dhrif                 +33 6 10 46 72 00           cdhrif@sidetrade.com

    About Sidetrade (www.sidetrade.com)
    Sidetrade (Euronext Growth: ALBFR.PA) provides a SaaS platform designed to revolutionize how cash flow is secured and accelerated. Leveraging its new-generation agentic AI, nicknamed Aimie, Sidetrade analyzes $7.2 trillion worth of B2B payment transactions daily in its Cloud, thereby anticipating customer payment behavior and the attrition risk of 40 million buyers worldwide. Sidetrade has a global reach, with 400+ talented employees based in Europe, the United States, and Canada, serving global businesses in more than 85 countries. Among them: AGFA, BMW Financial Services, Bunzl, DXC, Engie, Inmarsat, KPMG, Lafarge, Manpower, Morningstar, Page, Randstad, Safran, Saint-Gobain, Securitas, Siemens, UGI, Veolia.
    For further information, visit us at www.sidetrade.com and follow @Sidetrade on LinkedIn.

    Contact Euronext
    Flavio Bornancin-Tomasella        fbornancin-tomasella@euronext.com

    About Euronext
    Euronext is the leading European capital market infrastructure, covering the entire capital markets value chain, from listing, trading, clearing, settlement and custody, to solutions for issuers and investors. Euronext runs MTS, one of Europe’s leading electronic fixed income trading markets, and Nord Pool, the European power market. Euronext also provides clearing and settlement services through Euronext Clearing and its Euronext Securities CSDs in Denmark, Italy, Norway, and Portugal. As of March 2025, Euronext’s regulated exchanges in Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, and Portugal host nearly 1,800 listed issuers with around €6.3 trillion in market capitalisation, a strong blue-chip franchise and the largest global centre for debt and fund listings. With a diverse domestic and international client base, Euronext handles 25% of European lit equity trading. Its products include equities, FX, ETFs, bonds, derivatives, commodities and indices. 
    For the latest news, follow us on X (x.com/euronext) and LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/euronext).

    In the event of any discrepancy between the French and English versions of this press release, only the English version is to be taken into account.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Sirens: the dark psychology of how people really get drawn into cults

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Joy Cranham, Lecturer in the Department of Education, University of Bath, University of Bath

    Like other quirky TV shows that explore coercively controlling groups, Sirens leans into the “wackiness” of cult life. Set on a remote island, an affluent community exists under extravagant rule of Michaela Kell aka Kiki (Julianne Moore). Her devoted followers – many of whom are employed by her – are committed to ensuring her every whim is met.

    This carefully curated existence appears bizarre but flawless, until outsider Devon (Meghann Fahy) arrives looking for her sister Simone (Milly Alcock) and begins to illuminate the control and cult-like behaviour being used as tools of oppression.

    It is easy to laugh along with Sirens, to get caught up in the eccentric characters and absurd rituals – from assistants being instructed to sext Kiki’s partner to rituals around perfuming her underwear drawer each morning. We shake our heads at the characters’ choices and reassure ourselves: “I would never fall for that, I would just leave.”

    But the uncomfortable truth is it’s not that simple.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    What portrayals of cult communities in sitcoms often miss, or gloss over, is the deeply manipulative psychology behind why leaving a cult is incredibly difficult.

    Research into cult experiences has shown, cults do not just trap people physically. They entrap them mentally and emotionally too.

    I have seen this in my own research into how to help children and their families resist exploitative and coercively controlling individuals and groups. We do see such entrapment in Sirens but it is often obscured by the wackiness of Michaela’s cult-ish community.

    Isolation and love-bombing

    In the real world, entrapment starts with isolation. New recruits are gradually cut off from their support networks, separated from their friends and family.

    We see this in Sirens between Simone, who is Kiki’s assistant, and her outsider sister Devon. In one episode, for instance, Simone makes it clear to Devon that their matching sister tattoos were no longer valuable to her.

    What was once a show of love has become viewed as “trashy” by Simone. This is a reflection of how Simone was being manipulated away from her previous values.

    Rejecting the importance of familial relationships is a tool often used by cult leaders, enabling them to construct rifts between the person in the cult and their loved one on the outside.

    In Sirens, we see a sisterly relationship become ruptured at the instruction of the powerful Kiki, who exploits the vulnerability of Simone to her own advantage.

    Then comes the love-bombing – a flood of praise, attention, and affection. It feels amazing, especially to someone who has been overlooked or undervalued.

    When the person expresses surprise, the group responds with lines like, “that’s because we truly see you” or they belittle the person’s previous relationships.

    The message from the group is clear: only we value you. Only we understand the real you.

    Fear and dependence

    But the honeymoon phase does not last. Soon, the fear of being cast out takes hold. The group convinces the person that they can only become their best self within the group, that they are fulfilling a higher destiny by being guided by the leader.

    Leaders in cults use authoritarian tactics, often portraying themselves as messianic figures with mystical powers. They demand unwavering loyalty and devotion. Questioning their authority is not tolerated. Any concern or question is reframed as a personal failing rather than as legitimate concern.

    Punishment for dissent reinforces the leader’s dominance and sends a clear message to the rest of the group: Do not question. The leader and their doctrines are irrefutable.

    This sort of control can lead people to do things they never imagined they would.
    Take the scene where Simone willingly chews gum that has just been in Kiki’s mouth. We might cringe at this, think it’s gross and abnormal, but it’s symbolic of something much bigger: it depicted total control being exerted over another.

    Here we watch as Kiki insults Simone, telling her her breath stinks. Instead of being seen as cruelty it is perceived as care, and Kiki then giving Simone the gum she has just chewed to rectify the problem, is perceived as kindness. Simone is grateful and doesn’t question it at all.

    Simone’s mind has been manipulated. Devon asks her: “Does Michaela have her talons so deep in your brain you cannot tell, you are in trouble?” Through using thought reform techniques, cults hack minds. They override critical thinking and replace it with fear and dependency.

    The constant sense of danger and fear keeps members in a state of acute stress, impairing their capacity to think clearly or make rational decisions. However, this constant fear is happening in a place they are repeatedly told and are convincing themselves is where they have never been happier.

    The cognitive dissonance of this can contribute to the group’s ability to retain members even when exposing them to prolonged psychological and or physical abuse. Even after someone leaves, the effects of this trauma can linger for years – sometimes a lifetime.

    Survivors often exit these groups with very few tangible resources. Education and employability may have been restricted and housing and financial independence are often tightly controlled by the group.

    Many survivors suffer from mental health issues and other stress induced physical ailments. As a result, survivors require various forms of support and different interventions over the cause of their recovery.

    And yet, in pop culture, cults are often played for laughs. The trauma is reduced to punch lines. To be fair, shows like Sirens effectively capture the bizarre nature of cult life and hopefully reading this piece has helped you look beyond the laughs to see the dark nature of how these groups operate. For survivors, cult life is not eccentric or surreal – it is traumatic.

    Joy Cranham volunteers for Faith to Faithless, an organisation that supports apostates who are often former members of high-demand religions or cult-like organisations. Faith to Faithless is connected to Humanist UK

    – ref. Sirens: the dark psychology of how people really get drawn into cults – https://theconversation.com/sirens-the-dark-psychology-of-how-people-really-get-drawn-into-cults-257759

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why the federal government must act cautiously on fast-tracking project approvals

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Mark Winfield, Professor, Environmental and Urban Change, York University, Canada

    The acceleration of federal approvals for “nation-building projects” was the major theme of this week’s first ministers meeting in Saskatoon. A rush to streamline approvals for resource development and infrastructure projects has been central to the Canadian response to United States President Donald Trump’s profound disruptions to longstanding trade and security relationships.

    At the provincial level, Ontario’s Bill 5 and British Columbia’s Bill 15 also propose to move aggressively to fast-track mining and infrastructure projects.

    These fast-tracking efforts are fuelling debate, particularly in terms of the implications for Indigenous rights and the implicit trade-offs pertaining to the environment and climate change.



    Read more:
    Mark Carney wants to make Canada an energy superpower — but what will be sacrificed for that goal?

    Regulations often a minor factor

    Project review and approval processes in Canada have already been aggressively streamlined over the past decade. The 2019 Federal Impact Assessment Act, also known as Bill C-69, was largely modelled on Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s 2012 Bill C-38 rewrite of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.

    It’s important to determine why projects are delayed in the first place. Most move through assessment processes with little delay or controversy. Problems emerge when proposals are poorly designed, face serious technical or economic doubts, raise major environmental, climate or safety concerns, and spark significant social, political or legal conflicts over their costs, benefits and impacts.

    A recent study on mining approvals in B.C., for example, found that far more mines were approved than ever actually developed. The main cause of delays was changing economic conditions. Regulation was found to be only a minor factor.

    While there are always potential ways to improve review processes, the results of previous streamlining efforts suggest the need for caution about the potential for these initiatives to backfire.

    Impact assessment and similar processes emerged as more than a way to accurately assess projects and their risks and benefits. They also provided a framework for managing intense social and political conflicts those projects may generate.

    If these processes are streamlined too much, the conclusions of these assessments may seem illegitimate. There could be a trade-off between clear, certain outcomes and ensuring the approval process is fair and trustworthy.

    Exacerbating conflict

    The Harper government’s Bill C-38 reforms were intended to facilitate the construction of more oil pipelines. In the end, they only escalated the spiralling political and legal conflicts around projects like the Northern Gateway and Energy East pipelines.

    The accompanying Alberta-to-B.C. Trans Mountain Expansion pipeline was only approved after a tortuous process. That culminated in the federal purchase and completion of the pipeline at a cost to taxpayers of $34 billion.



    Read more:
    Why the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion is a bad deal for Canadians — and the world

    A similar process unfolded under Ontario’s 2009 Green Energy Act. The legislation’s aggressive bypassing of local approvals reinforced a backlash against renewable energy projects in rural communities. The end result was a nearly decade-long de facto moratorium on renewable energy development. The situation has only recently eased.

    The political consequences of these efforts at streamlining are noteworthy. The Bill C-38 episode was seen as playing a role in the Harper government’s defeat in 2015. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty’s loss of his majority government in 2011 was also partly attributed to the rural response to the Green Energy Act.

    Checks and balances

    Aside from the political aspects, it’s important to recognize the value of thorough reviews for projects that are likely to be high-risk, high-cost and high-impact.

    When past reviews have been rushed or cut short, they’ve undermine confidence in the decisions made — especially when even faster processes could increase the risks and costs passed on to taxpayers.

    The Muskrat Falls and Site C hydro projects in Labrador and B.C., respectively, stand as testament to those risks. Both projects ran years behind schedule and billions over budget and continue to face major technical, environmental and economic challenges. Review processes can be important checks on poorly conceived, politically motivated projects.

    It’s also important to think carefully about the long-term economic rationales being presented for projects. Canada is a relatively high-cost fossil fuel producer, making it unlikely to be among the last standing in a decarbonizing world.

    That should raise serious questions about major investments in new fossil fuel export infrastructure. The irony of developing such projects as major wildfires, widely attributed to the impacts of climate change, burn in northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba cannot be overlooked.

    Global markets for commodities like critical minerals are also uncertain and in deep flux.

    The high costs of nuclear projects, as demonstrated by recent experiences in the U.S., the United Kingdom and Europe, also make them unlikely candidates to form the foundation for clean energy superpower status.



    Read more:
    ‘Elbows up’ in Canada means sustainable resource development

    ‘Special economic zones’

    Ontario’s Bill 5 represents the most aggressive streamlining proposal seen so far. The legislation would exempt designated “special economic zones” and even trusted proponents — such as mining companies assigned to lead projects — from all applicable provincial and municipal laws and regulations.

    The province’s approach has raised fundamental questions about the rule of law, democratic governance and Indigenous rights, and jurisdictional boundaries.

    Some commentators have pointed out that these zones are common in authoritarian regimes like China’s, or in jurisdictions in deep economic distress.

    Others have accused Ontario of racing to the bottom in terms of health, safety and environmental standards, respect for the rule of law, Indigenous rights and basic democratic values.

    All of this suggests a need for caution in further streamlining review and approval processes for major projects. These are undertakings with risks and costs that could stretch far into the future and must be properly understood before they proceed.

    Mark Winfield receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

    – ref. Why the federal government must act cautiously on fast-tracking project approvals – https://theconversation.com/why-the-federal-government-must-act-cautiously-on-fast-tracking-project-approvals-257095

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russian airfields could derail Russia’s war efforts

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By James Horncastle, Assistant Professor and Edward and Emily McWhinney Professor in International Relations, Simon Fraser University

    The drone attacks by Ukrainian Operation Spider’s Web forces on Russian airfields have called into question Russia’s supposed military strength.

    Russian authorities have acknowledged damage from the June 1 attacks — an unusual admission that suggests the strikes were probably effective, given Russia’s usual pattern of downplaying or denying the success of Ukrainian operations.

    The operation’s most significant target was the Belaya air base, north of Mongolia. Belaya, like the other bases targeted, is a critical component in the Russian Air Force’s strategic strike capabilities because it houses planes capable of long-range nuclear and conventional strikes.

    It’s also in Irkutsk, approximately 4,500 kilometres from the front lines in Ukraine.



    Read more:
    Ukraine drone strikes on Russian airbase reveal any country is vulnerable to the same kind of attack

    Ukraine’s ability to successfully strike Belaya — an attempted strike at the even more distant Ukrainka air base failed — probably won’t have much of a military impact on the war. But along with successful attacks on other Russian airfields and the strike at the Kerch Bridge in Crimea, Operation Spider Web’s successes could play a strategic role in the conflict.

    These attacks could shift what has become increasingly negative media coverage and public perception about Ukraine’s chances in the war over the last year. In a war of attrition, which the conflict in Ukraine has become, establishing a belief in victory is a pre-condition for success.

    Explosions hit the Kerch Bridge in Russia on June 3, 2025. (The Independent)

    Increased pessimism

    Policymakers and pundits, instead of recognizing their expectations of a Ukrainian victory in 2023 were unrealistic, have often declared that the war is unwinnable for Ukraine.

    This perspective was even more prevalent following United States President Donald Trump’s resumption of power in January 2025. In the Oval Office spat Trump had with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in late February, he declared Ukraine did not “have the cards” to defeat Russia.

    This turned out to be false. Ukraine’s army may possess significantly less military hardware and fewer soldiers than Russia’s, but war is often a continuation of politics. Politically, Russia faces several issues that could derail its war efforts.

    Russian vulnerabilities

    Russia’s military capabilities are important to Russian nationalists, who make up Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s core constituency. Russian military forces have advanced along nearly all fronts in Ukraine over the last year.

    These advances, however, have largely been insignificant. Furthermore, they have emphasized Russia’s military weakness, which is an ongoing affront to Russian nationalists.

    Not only have Russian military advances over the last year not changed the war in a strictly military sense, but the pace of advance has been incredibly slow. Over the last year, Russian forces have captured 5,107 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory. This territory represents less than one per cent of Ukraine’s pre-war territory.

    In exchange for what amounts to negligible gains, Russian armed forces have suffered significant casualties.

    Both Russia and Ukraine carefully guard the number of casualties their forces have suffered in the war. The British Ministry of Defence, however, estimates that Russia will have suffered more than a million casualties in the war by the end of this month. The Russian casualty rate is also accelerating, with an estimated 160,000 casualties in the first four months of 2025.

    Russia attempts to compensate for this battlefield devastation in two ways.

    First, it’s isolated Ukraine by manipulating Trump’s desire for political wins and business deals. Russia, in appearing to seek an end to the conflict while offering no concessions, has stoked tensions between Zelenskyy and Trump, where there was little love lost between the two to begin with.

    Second, Russia has increased its attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. Large-scale bombing does little to help Russia on the battlefield. The attacks, in fact, put its forces at a disadvantage by redirecting munitions from military targets.

    Attacks on civilians

    The attacks on civilian infrastructure, however, are more about instilling fear in the Ukrainian population and demonstrating American impotence to a Russian audience.

    Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian cities also highlight Russia’s trump card: nuclear weapons. Russia, and specifically former Russian president Dimitry Medvedev, has repeatedly threatened nuclear war in an attempt to dissuade Ukraine’s supporters.

    By bombing Ukrainian cities, albeit with conventional munitions, Russia seeks to demonstrate its ability to deploy even more destructive weapons should the situation call for it.

    These Russian military missteps, combined with a Russian economy that is structurally unsound, means that Russia’s war effort is increasingly fragile.

    Weakening Asian alliances

    Ukraine’s attack on Belaya also signals Russian weakness to its nominal allies in Asia.

    Since the start of hostilities, Russia has relied on the tacit consent of China. This support has taken the form of China purchasing Russian crude oil to maintain the Russian economy and Chinese citizens unofficially fighting for Russia.

    Belaya has been a vital element of Russia’s deterrence strategy in Asia, which has come to rely more heavily on the Russian strategic nuclear threat. The inability of Russia to protect one of its key strategic assets from a Ukrainian drone attack, combined with the weakness of Russian conventional forces in Ukraine, erodes its ability to position itself as a key ally to China.

    In fact, some Russian authorities continue to view China as a major threat.

    At the same time, Operation Spider’s Web gives hope to the Ukrainian people. It may also cause Trump — who prefers to back winners — to ponder whether it’s Putin, not Zelenskyy, who lacks the cards to win the war.

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

    – ref. How Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russian airfields could derail Russia’s war efforts – https://theconversation.com/how-ukraines-drone-attacks-on-russian-airfields-could-derail-russias-war-efforts-258049

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Stansbury on Trump’s “Skinny” Budget to Congress: The Great Betrayal Continues


    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01)

    22.6% reduction in critical programs threatens millions of American lives, including critical programs for schools, healthcare, the opioid epidemic, clean water, and tribal programs

    WASHINGTON D.C. — Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) released the following statement after President Trump delivered a “skinny” version of his Fiscal Year 2026 President’s Budget request to Congress on Friday: 

    
 “Today, Donald Trump delivered his first President’s Budget request to Congress, and it should tell you everything you need to know about his priorities: that they are all about gutting vital programs over meeting the needs of the American people,” said Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01). “This is the President’s Great Betrayal once again, following on his massive tax package gutting social programs and ongoing tariffs that are driving economic instability and increased costs for the American people. Trump’s budget would gut vital programs by over 22% across all major federal programs—including those crucial to funding our schools, mental and behavioral health programs, clean water and air, and tribal programs. This is America under DOGE. And, I will continue to fight it every step of the way.” 

    Today, President Donald Trump transmitted a FY 2026 “Skinny” Budget to Congress, proposing over $163 billion in cuts, totaling more than a 22% reduction in funding for non-defense discretionary spending, representing cuts across vital federal agencies, including, among many others: 

    • $33.3 billion in cuts (a 26.2% decrease) to the Department of Health and Human Services
    • $33.6 billion in cuts (a 43.6% decrease) to the Department of Housing and Urban Development
    • $5.1 billion in cuts (a 30.5% decrease) for the Department of the Interior, including hundreds of millions in cuts to the Bureau of Indian Affairs
    • $4.535 billion in cuts to the Department of Education’s K-12 Programs and billions more to early childhood education and other programs 
    • $1.065 billion in cuts to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 
    • $2.460 billion in cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds 
       

    Among additional cuts that could significantly impact New Mexico and New Mexico’s First Congressional District include: 

    • $617 million in funding cuts to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) serving Tribal and Pueblo Nations (including $107 million in cuts for BIA Public Safety & Justice programs and 187 million in cuts to the Bureau of Indian Education) 
    • The elimination of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). which helps low-income families with heating and utility costs
    • $900 million in cuts to the National Park System 
    • Billions in cuts to infrastructure, clean energy, and Department of Energy programs vital to New Mexico’s economy.

    This FY 2026 Proposal for agency funding cuts follows on the special tax and spending package Trump and the GOP are trying to pass separately through a Budget Reconciliation package this spring. This disastrous package would have catastrophic impacts for the country and NM-01. This tax package includes $7 trillion in giveaways to billionaires and big corporations, including a $314,266 average annual tax cut for the richest 0.1 percent, funded through almost $5 trillion in deficit spending and cuts to vital programs like Medicaid and food assistance.

    Among its impacts for New Mexico’s First Congressional District include:  

    • Healthcare insurance premiums could increase by 60% – 169%  
    • 207,936 people on Medicaid could be at risk of losing health care access and benefits, including 85,960 children under the age of 19 and 22,000 seniors over 65 
    • 153,000 people on SNAP could be impacted in their ability to access benefits that help put food on the table. 
    • 216,669 children who rely on free school lunches could be impacted 
    • 15,721 students in NM-01 on Pell grants could be impacted 

    For a table with more information on these cuts, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Garbarino, LaLota Welcome U.S. Secretary of Labor to Long Island for Workforce Development Tour

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Andrew Garbarino (R-NY)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Long Island Congressmen Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) and Nick LaLota (R-NY-01) today proudly welcomed U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer to Long Island for a workforce development tour highlighting local training programs and labor partnerships. 

    The tour began at the Local 290 Training Center in Hauppauge, where the Secretary, along with Rep. Garbarino, Rep. LaLota, and key leaders from the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (NASRCC), observed hands-on training in welding, framing, and acoustical work, and engaged with apprentices in the lecture hall. 

    Following the visit, the delegation traveled to Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood to explore the National Offshore Wind Training Center (NOWTC) partnership, a cutting-edge program preparing local workers for jobs in the emerging offshore wind industry. The group toured specialized training facilities focused on fire awareness, sea survival, and working-at-heights safety.

    “Long Island has long been a leader in workforce innovation, and today’s visit showcased the strong partnerships between labor, education, and government that are building pathways to good-paying jobs for local workers,” said Rep. Garbarino. “From apprentices learning the trades at Local 290 to advanced technical training programs at Suffolk County Community College, these initiatives are not only equipping our workforce with the skills they need — they’re also strengthening Long Island’s economic future. I thank Secretary Chavez-DeRemer for making the trip and recognizing the importance of continued investment in our skilled workforce.”

    ”Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s visit to Suffolk County and her engagement with Long Island’s blue-collar labor leaders highlight the new Republican Party’s commitment to supporting both business growth and hardworking Americans through fair wages, safe working conditions, and expanded opportunities,” said Rep. LaLota. “To keep our region competitive, we must continue investing in workforce development and modern infrastructure. In Congress, I’ll keep fighting for commonsense solutions that strengthen job training, connect workers to good-paying careers, and grow Long Island’s economy from the ground up.”

    “Long Island’s skilled workforce is thriving under President Trump’s leadership, with thousands of new jobs created since he took office. I saw that firsthand today – from top-notch training programs to the small businesses driving local growth. When we invest in skills and opportunity, we empower our men and women to build better lives. I look forward to continuing to work with Congressmen Garbarino and LaLota to advance President Trump’s America First agenda and deliver for American workers,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer.

    “The Carpenters were honored to host the Secretary and our local members of Congress, and we look forward to continuing our work together on behalf of our members and all blue collar workers across Long Island and throughout New York State. The construction industry is critical to New York’s economy, and our world-class training center ensures that the next generation of carpenters have the skills they need to be successful,” said Anthony Villa, Local 290 Business Manager, North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters.

    The visit brought together leadership from local labor unions, educational institutions, and county agencies, reflecting a collaborative effort to strengthen the pipeline of talent supporting Long Island’s construction, energy, and manufacturing sectors.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: AI and Practice: What Should Be the System for Training the Next Generation of IT Specialists

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    © Higher School of Economics

    What IT specialists the Russian economy needs, how to train them correctly and why it is important to include industry professionals in the educational process were discussed by officials, companies and universities at the session “Personnel for the Data Economy. Training of the New Generation of IT Specialists”, which was held as part of the tenth annual CIPR conference in Nizhny Novgorod. HSE Vice-Rector Elena Odoevskaya took part in the session.

    Thanks to the joint efforts of business, government and educational institutions, Russia has begun to graduate more IT specialists, stated Deputy Director of the Department of the Ministry of Digital Development Anastasia Kazantseva. In recent years, a lot of work has been done to increase the budget admission to the relevant specialties. The Digital Departments project was also launched and implemented, which was also aimed at “increasing the funnel of IT specialists.”

    Today, the question of “how exactly do we train personnel and what competencies should they have at the end” is relevant. Companies are not always satisfied with the knowledge and skills of graduates upon leaving the university. Therefore, within the framework of the national project “New Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State”, new projects “Top-AI” and “Top-IT” were launched, aimed at training top specialists in the field of artificial intelligence and information technology. It is envisaged to train university teachers and attract industry professionals for teaching, as well as generally increase the practical orientation of the programs, noted Anastasia Kazantseva. For universities participating in the projects, an important condition was that the educational institution must “definitely bring an industrial partner” that will invest resources and funds in the training of IT specialists, she added.

    The operator of these projects is the Center for Expertise of Educational Programs of the Analytical Center under the Government of the Russian Federation. The head of the center, Sergey Astakhov, said that competitive selections have already been held and the winning universities have been determined: Innopolis, ITMO, MIPT, HSE, and Southern Federal University. They will train research scientists and developers of fundamentally new models of artificial intelligence.

    Director of Artificial Intelligence Development at Yandex Alexander Kraynov said that the company has to interview 25 candidates to hire one. He believes that universities should “produce” ready-made specialists who can start working right away. According to him, there are literally several universities that “generate such people.” In his opinion, “we need to learn to measure the quality of the guys at the entrance, because if the quality is low at the entrance, then we need to go down and prepare schoolchildren.” Also, according to him, it is necessary to increase the number of good teachers, and due to the high rate of change, training programs need to be changed every six months.

    Vladimir Averbakh, Senior Managing Director — Director of the Directorate for the Implementation and Popularization of AI Initiatives at Sber, noted that a very successful tandem of business and the state has developed in Russia in the training of IT personnel. At the same time, if “we believe that artificial intelligence significantly changes any sphere of activity, and in particular the industry, then when training IT specialists, we must introduce, maybe, a 12-level, maybe a 120-level, I don’t know, competency model using AI,” he noted. True, it is not yet very clear how to do this, since the world is changing very quickly. But in any case, he believes, AI must be introduced into the entire education system, and not just for training IT specialists.

    In turn, the director of the Institute for Economic Research “Yakov and Partners” Elena Kuznetsova noted that, despite complaints, employers “are scooping up all graduates quite briskly.” “And the median salary of fresh graduates and graduates in the second year after graduation, no matter how you look at it, is growing at a very brisk pace, many times outpacing inflation,” the expert says. And this “reflects precisely the shortage of these people on the market.” At the same time, Elena Kuznetsova noted that the most advanced employers of technology personnel have moved from the position of “the university should give us ready-made personnel” to the position of “we will have to go to universities ourselves and work with these universities so that these personnel become better.”

    “A university is more than just training personnel for the needs of a specific company. It is impossible to ask a university to change its educational program every month, otherwise it will not be a university. If we are talking about the cycle of personnel training, then it solves a systemic problem – training personnel for the country,” noted HSE Vice-Rector Elena Odoevskaya.

    She agreed that changes are happening very quickly now, but to take them into account, the university does not need to change the entire curriculum, but rather adjust the content of the disciplines, introducing the most relevant knowledge into them. HSE and companies are constantly in dialogue, agreeing on these changes, she emphasized. “We need to talk and agree. It is important for companies to be able to sometimes side with the university, and for the university to side with the company,” Elena Odoevskaya added. At the same time, in her opinion, it is necessary to creatively rethink approaches to training and competency models.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP News: Major Investors Flock to Nimanode’s $NMA Presale to secure access to AI x Blockchain Wave

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEEDS, United Kingdom, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nimanode, the first no-code AI agent platform built natively on the XRP Ledger (XRPL), is gaining momentum with its ongoing $NMA token presale. As investor confidence in AI infrastructure and XRP-based innovation grows, Nimanode is drawing serious attention from early adopters seeking exposure to the next phase of Web3 automation.

    With anticipation of a major breakout post-launch, early participants are moving quickly to secure $NMA tokens at presale pricing.

    Join $NMA Presale

    New Kind of On-Chain Intelligence

    Nimanode agents aren’t just simple bots.These agents think, analyze, and execute on-chain tasks ranging from:

    Smart Contract Generation: AI that turns plain-English prompts into executable XRPL Hook contracts.

    DeFi Yield Optimization: Self-directed agents that shift capital between pools to maximize APY.

    Risk Monitoring: Agents that scan wallets and contracts to flag malicious activity in real-time.

    Web3 Customer Support: Deployable support agents that run 24/7 across DAO forums, dApps, and more.

    RWA Compliance: Regulatory agents that keep tokenized assets aligned with local frameworks. And all of it can be created from a zero-code interface, allowing creators, DAOs, or institutions to launch an entire automated ecosystem in minutes.

    Presale Demand Up as Investors Target $NMA for 10X Growth

    With a total of 90 million $NMA representing 45% of $NMA allocated for the presale, this marks a unique and promising chance to claim early access into one of XRP Ledger’s most innovative projects, spearheading the AI ecosystem on the blockchain.

    As the market is currently clouded by volatility and corrections, Nimanode’s presale is emerging as a rare bright spot. Sparking strong FOMO across the XRP community and beyond as investors position themselves early in what many believe could be the next 100X breakout on XRPL.

    Market Analysts already predict strong upside upon exchange listing of $NMA as demand for agent-based infrastructure gains traction.

    This is a chance to invest in $NMA before its Listing at 25% higher than Presale value, however whales position for more as they eye a 10X surge on Launch.

    Join $NMA Presale

    How to Join The Nimanode Presale

    Joining in the NimaNode Presale is quite straightforward for seasoned investors and newbies alike.

    Setup an XRP-Compatible Wallet: Ensure you have a non-custodial wallet capable of receiving XRP native tokens like Xaman Wallet.

    Purchase XRP: Acquire XRP from reputable exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, or Bybit.

    Participate in the Presale: Visit the NimaNode presale page (https://nimanode.com/presale), send your XRP to the provided presale address, and secure your $NMA tokens.

    The last cycle gave us DeFi protocols and NFTs. This cycle is shaping up to be about autonomous infrastructure and Nimanode is at the heart of it.

    Don’t Miss Out – Secure your $NMA Tokens

    Connect with Nimanode

    Website: https://nimanode.com

    Twitter/X: https://x.com/nimanodeai

    Telegram: https://t.me/nimanodeAI

    Documentation: https://docs.nimanode.com

    Contact:
    Nick Lambert
    contact@nimanode.com

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

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0042cfb6-ccd0-4221-b89b-ff1136aeb0b0

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Matador Technologies Inc. to Present at the Blockchain and Digital Assets Virtual Investor Conference June 5th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Matador Technologies Inc. (TSXV: MATA, OTCQB: MATAF, FSE: IU3), a publicly traded Bitcoin treasury company, today announced that Deven Soni, CEO, will present live at the Blockchain and Digital Assets Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on June 5th, 2025.

    DATE: June 5th
    TIME: 1:30 PM 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 www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

    Recent Company Highlights

    Secured $1.5 Million Strategic Investment from Arrington Capital
    Matador Technologies Inc. received a CAD $1.5 million investment from Arrington Capital, a prominent digital asset management firm.

    Entered Binding LOI with Indian Digital Asset Firm HODL Systems
    Matador signed a binding letter of intent to invest up to USD $3.2 million in HODL Systems, an Indian technology company. This investment could grant Matador up to a 24.95% ownership stake.

    Completed $3 Million Non-Brokered Private Placement
    Matador successfully closed a non-brokered private placement, raising approximately CAD $3 million.

    Unveiled New Bitcoin-Centric Brand Identity
    Matador announced a refreshed brand identity, emphasizing its evolution into a vertically integrated Bitcoin ecosystem company. The new branding reflects Matador’s core principles: prioritizing Bitcoin, aligning with the broader Bitcoin network, and designing strategies to compound Bitcoin per share, underscoring its commitment to building financial infrastructure on the Bitcoin blockchain.

    About Matador Technologies Inc.
    Matador Technologies Inc. is a publicly traded Bitcoin ecosystem company that holds Bitcoin as its primary treasury asset and builds products to enhance the Bitcoin network. Through a self-reinforcing model that combines strategic Bitcoin accumulation, Bitcoin-native product development, and participation in digital asset infrastructure, Matador aims to grow long-term shareholder value without dilution.

    The Company’s flagship offering, the Digital Gold Platform, allows users to buy, sell, and trade 1-gram gold units on the Bitcoin blockchain—bridging traditional value with decentralized technology. With a Bitcoin-first strategy, a debt-free balance sheet, and a clear focus on innovation, Matador is helping shape the future of financial infrastructure on Bitcoin. Visit us online at https://www.matador.network/.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

    Forward Looking Statements – Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with the implementation of the Company’s treasury management strategy, risks relating to whether the transaction with HODL will be concluded as currently proposed or at all, risks relating to the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals and the launch of the Company’s mobile application as currently proposed or at all. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, including with respect to the potential acquisition of digital assets and/or US dollars, the pricing of such acquisitions and the timing of future operations. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.

    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:
    Matador Technologies Inc.
    Sunny Ray
    President
    647-496-6282
    sunny@matador.network 

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Coxno Exchange Strengthens Infrastructure with Global Edge Node Rollout

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Oakland, CA, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Coxno Exchange announced the official rollout of its global edge node network expansion, a major technical initiative designed to significantly reduce order latency and improve routing precision across its digital trading infrastructure. The deployment enhances access speed, system responsiveness, and platform stability, especially in high-frequency and cross-border trading environments.

    The edge node network, strategically positioned in global financial hubs such as Singapore, Frankfurt, São Paulo, Dubai, and Toronto, brings Coxno’s matching infrastructure closer to user endpoints. This approach dramatically shortens round-trip communication time between client devices and platform servers, enabling millisecond-level execution under volatile market conditions.

    “Our infrastructure strategy centers on speed, stability, and scale,” said Logan Pierce, Chief Technology Officer at Coxno Exchange. “With the edge network expansion, we are reinforcing our commitment to providing a seamless trading experience regardless of user location. It’s a foundational step in our ongoing effort to decentralize access latency and deliver institutional-grade infrastructure to every participant.”

    In addition to accelerating global trade responsiveness, the edge node deployment enhances system redundancy and failover resilience, ensuring continuous uptime and service availability. Each node is integrated with Coxno’s high-speed matching engine and benefits from real-time synchronization protocols that prevent data fragmentation across regions.

    This expansion is also part of Coxno’s broader initiative to prepare its platform for increased institutional usage, multi-asset infrastructure demands, and emerging Web3 applications. It aligns with the exchange’s vision to provide not just secure trading, but intelligent, distributed connectivity as a key pillar of its long-term architecture.

    As digital asset ecosystems continue to mature, Coxno Exchange remains committed to technical innovation and global service optimization, ensuring that every transaction—regardless of location—is powered by speed, integrity, and precision.

    About Coxno Exchange
    Coxno Exchange is a global digital trading platform focused on security, infrastructure innovation, and user empowerment. It has served millions of users through its advanced trading systems, DeFi-driven services, and data-centric tools, while maintaining a strong emphasis on compliance, transparency, and next-generation financial accessibility.

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Crypen Exchange Launches Privacy-Focused Analytics System

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Diego, CA, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Crypen Exchange announced the successful deployment of a modular privacy-aware analytics framework aimed at bridging the gap between regulatory transparency and user-centric privacy protections. This initiative is part of Crypen Exchange’s long-term compliance strategy to address rising demands for structured reporting, real-time transaction monitoring, and jurisdiction-specific disclosure across global markets.

    The newly launched system integrates zero-knowledge computation techniques, multi-party data validation, and role-based access control to enable compliant insight without exposing individual-level data. By decoupling personal identifiers from analytics models, Crypen Exchange ensures that sensitive data remains secure—even as it provides regulators and auditors with the necessary macro-level insights for oversight and risk evaluation.

    “Our goal is to create a standard for ethical data analysis in financial systems,” said Olivia Grant, Director of Regulatory Technology at Crypen Exchange. “This framework allows us to respond to requests from global regulators while maintaining the trust and confidentiality expectations of our users.”

    The architecture also supports flexible configuration across regions, enabling Crypen Exchange to apply different data aggregation, retention, and disclosure policies based on local regulations such as GDPR in the EU, PDPA in Singapore, and emerging crypto compliance norms in the U.S., South Korea, and the UAE.

    Crypen Exchange further revealed plans to open selected components of the framework for academic review and independent audits, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and institutional trust. Internal metrics show a significant reduction in data access latency and improved precision in compliance-related queries since the framework’s phased rollout began earlier this quarter.

    This deployment comes amid heightened scrutiny over how digital platforms manage transactional and behavioral data. With this move, Crypen Exchange reinforces its reputation not just as a trading platform, but as an infrastructure provider capable of meeting the next decade’s regulatory, technological, and ethical standards.

    About Crypen Exchange
    Crypen Exchange is a globally integrated digital asset platform committed to building secure, efficient, and compliant financial infrastructure. Through innovative products, real-time analytics, and institutional-grade security, Crypen Exchange empowers users worldwide to engage confidently with the digital financial ecosystem.

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

    The MIL Network –

  • Indian astronaut to conduct groundbreaking space research on Axiom-4 Mission

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister of State for Science & Technology and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh on Tuesday announced that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, one of India’s four selected astronauts for the Gaganyaan mission, will undertake critical scientific experiments during the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The research will focus on physical, cognitive, and physiological responses in space, including the impact of continuous electronic displays in microgravity—a key factor for future long-duration space missions.

    Dr. Singh revealed that Shukla’s experiments will also explore skeletal muscle dysfunction in space and evaluate therapeutic strategies to mitigate its effects. Additionally, Shukla will study the revival, survival, and reproduction of tardigrades, microscopic extremophiles known for their resilience in extreme conditions. These experiments aim to deepen scientific understanding of life sustainability beyond Earth.

    “It is a matter of national pride that an Indian astronaut is an active participant with defined scientific responsibilities in this international mission,” Dr. Singh said during a media interview. He highlighted that Shukla’s role underscores India’s growing prominence in global space exploration. Group Captain Prasanth Nair has been named the backup astronaut for the Axiom-4 mission.

    The minister noted that discussions on sending an Indian astronaut to the ISS were part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic engagements in the United States. Since 2014, enabling policies have opened up India’s space sector, fostering private sector participation, foreign direct investment, and international collaboration. Dr. Singh credited these reforms for catalyzing India’s leadership in NewSpace initiatives and increasing public access to facilities like Sriharikota.

    Speaking on India’s Gaganyaan mission, the country’s first human spaceflight program, Dr. Singh said trial phases are underway, with a target launch in early 2027. He described such space experiments as transformative for India’s space ecosystem, paving the way for self-reliance in the sector. The minister projected that India’s space economy, currently valued at USD 8 billion, is expected to grow five-fold to USD 44 billion, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

    Dr. Singh also highlighted India’s ambitions in deep ocean exploration through the Deep Ocean Mission, aimed at harnessing the country’s vast coastal resources. In the energy sector, he noted increased budgetary support for nuclear energy, with the development of Bharat Small Modular Reactors to advance India’s clean energy transition and Net Zero goals by 2070.

    On civil aviation, Dr. Singh emphasized that air travel has become more accessible under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, with new airports and rising demand for pilots. To meet this need, CSIR-NAL has developed a two-seater trainer aircraft, and efforts are underway to scale up production of the Electric Hansa (e-Hansa) in collaboration with the private sector.

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chinese Nationals Charged with Conspiracy and Smuggling a Dangerous Biological Pathogen into the U.S. for their Work at a University of Michigan Laboratory

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DETROIT – Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, citizens of the People’s Republic of China, were charged in a criminal complaint with conspiracy, smuggling goods into the United States, false statements, and visa fraud, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.

    Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division and Marty C. Raybon, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

    The FBI arrested Jian in connection with allegations related to Jian’s and Liu’s smuggling into America a fungus called Fusarium graminearum, which scientific literature classifies as a potential agroterrorism weapon. This noxious fungus causes “head blight,” a disease of wheat, barley, maize, and rice, and is responsible for billions of dollars in economic losses worldwide each year. Fusarium graminearum’s toxins cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive defects in humans and livestock.

    According to the complaint, Jian received Chinese government funding for her work on this pathogen in China. The complaint also alleges that Jian’s electronics contain information describing her membership in and loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party. It is further alleged that Jian’s boyfriend, Liu, works at a Chinese university where he conducts research on the same pathogen and that he first lied but then admitted to smuggling Fusarium graminearum into America—through the Detroit Metropolitan Airport—so that he could conduct research on it at the laboratory at the University of Michigan where his girlfriend, Jian, worked.

    United States Attorney Gorgon stated: “The alleged actions of these Chinese nationals—including a loyal member of the Chinese Communist Party—are of the gravest national security concerns. These two aliens have been charged with smuggling a fungus that has been described as a ‘potential agroterrorism weapon’ into in the heartland of America, where they apparently intended to use a University of Michigan laboratory to further their scheme.”

    U.S. Custom and Border Protection, Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon stated, “Today’s criminal charges levied upon Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu are indicative of CBP’s critical role in protecting the American people from biological threats that could devastate our agricultural economy and cause harm to humans; especially when it involves a researcher from a major university attempting to clandestinely bring potentially harmful biological materials into the United States. This was a complex investigation involving CBP offices from across the country, alongside our federal partners. I’m grateful for their tireless efforts, ensuring our borders remain secure from all types of threats while safeguarding America’s national security interests.”

    Jian will be appearing this afternoon in federal court in Detroit for her initial appearance on the complaint.

    A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Trial cannot be held on felony charges in a complaint. When the investigation is completed, a determination will be made whether to seek a felony indictment.

    The FBI and CBP are investigating this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Global Bioenergies is looking for a buyer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PRESS RELEASE

    Global Bioenergies is looking for a buyer

    Evry, 03 June 2025 – 05:40 p.m.: Despite all the efforts and discussions established over the last few months with major industrial players, the Company acknowledges that it has been unable to find strategic investors to finance the continuation of its business.

    At the date of publication of this press release, the Company has a gross cash position of 3.0 million euros. As a reminder, the 13.1 million euros in bank debt recorded at December 31, 2024 remain fully on the balance sheet, thanks to the deferral of repayments obtained on a month-by-month basis with the Company’s bank creditors.

    In view of its limited cash position, the Company is now forced to launch an official search for buyers in the form of a “pre-pack sale” as part of a conciliation procedure. The pre-pack sale enables potential buyers to position themselves for the acquisition of all or part of a company’s business and assets. Completion of the sale plan, once decreed by the Commercial Court, will be followed by the liquidation of the Company, involving the uncollectibility of all or part of its liabilities, notably bank debts, and will result in the delisting of its securities.

    Marc Delcourt, co-founder, Chairman and CEO of Global Bioenergies, explains: “As a reminder, we were unable to finance our first plant project and switched in the autumn of 2024 to an R&D collaboration project with a major international industrialist, aiming to combine its technology with ours to produce particularly competitive sustainable aviation fuels. In this context, we had to finance our share of this project until profitability was reached.

    We contacted numerous potential investors, mainly large industrial companies who would play an operational role in the project in addition to their investment. Despite several promising discussions and significant expressions of interest, we regret to say that none of these players is interested in acquiring a minority or majority stake in the Company in its current configuration and in the current geopolitical climate, which is adverse to investment in solutions to fight global warming and promote the energy transition. As a result, we are now looking for a buyer for the business.

    In the context of a business acquisition through a pre-pack sale, the proceeds from the sale would most probably not be sufficient to repay shareholders, who would then suffer a total loss. As one of Global Bioenergies’ largest shareholders myself, I am fully aware of the financial loss this will represent for the many existing shareholders.

    Other options, which would allow the Company to continue in its current form, remain theoretically possible, even if this pre-pack sale procedure is launched, but are now highly unlikely.”

    The deadline for submitting offers is July 9, 2025. The offers of the potential buyers will then be examined, and the buyer will be chosen by the Commercial Court of Evry. The closing could take place in September or October 2025.

    Interested candidates are invited to submit their offer to:

    Maître Joanna Rousselet – SCP Abitbol et Rousselet
    joanna.rousselet@fajr.eu

    About GLOBAL BIOENERGIES

    As a committed player in the fight against global warming, Global Bioenergies has developed a unique process to produce SAF and e-SAF from renewable resources, thereby meeting the challenges of decarbonising air transport. Its technology is one of the very few solutions already certified by ASTM. Its products also meet the high standards of the cosmetics industry, and L’Oréal is its largest shareholder with a 13.5% stake. Global Bioenergies is listed on Euronext Growth in Paris (FR0011052257 – ALGBE).

    Contacts

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Quadient Q1 2025 sales at €258m, with strong performance in Digital and Lockers. FY 2025 guidance maintained

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Key highlights

    • Q1 2025 consolidated revenue of €258 million, down 1.1% on a reported basis, including the contribution of Package Concierge, and down 2.5% organically(1)
    • Continued good momentum in Digital and Lockers, with double-digit growth in subscription-related revenue
    • Low point in the renewal cycle of mail equipment installed base, as expected
    • Positive current EBIT evolution supported by all three Solutions
    • Acceleration of digital financial automation strategy in Europe with the acquisition of Serensia, a leading French electronic invoicing certified platform
    • Stronger H2 anticipated on the back of continued strong momentum in Digital and Lockers with further improvement in profitability, expected Mail recovery and good order pipeline across Solutions
    • FY 2025 guidance maintained, i.e. organic growth acceleration in both revenue and current EBIT

    Paris, 3 June 2025

    Quadient S.A. (Euronext Paris: QDT), a global automation platform powering secure and sustainable business connections, today announces its 2025 first quarter consolidated revenue (period ended on 30 April 2025).

    Geoffrey Godet, Chief Executive Officer of Quadient S.A., stated:

    “The first quarter of 2025 has been another strong quarter for our Digital and Lockers solutions, which delivered solid levels of subscription-related revenue organic growth at +11.1% for Digital and +12.7% for Lockers, demonstrating the strength and success of our two fast growing solutions as well as the quality of our recurring business model.

    As expected, our Mail performance was softer, reflecting the low point in the renewal cycle and a tough comparison base following the decertification-driven boost in 2024 in the United-States. The situation was further exacerbated by a particularly challenging American macroeconomic environment during the first quarter.

    Despite these headwinds in the quarter, we achieved current EBIT organic growth, supported by EBITDA margin positive development in all three solutions.

    With the acquisition of Serensia, a leading French electronic invoicing certified platform, Quadient is accelerating its digital financial automation strategy in Europe and will bring superior digital intelligent automation capabilities to its 300K+ customers worldwide, and notably to its 60K+ French customers, further accelerating their digital transformation, as they anticipate the 2026 mandatory e-invoicing law in France.

    While we expect the same uncertainty and market conditions to continue in Q2, we remain confident in our ability to deliver a stronger second half. As a result, we are maintaining our full-year 2025 guidance of acceleration in both organic revenue growth and organic EBIT growth compared to the 2024 growth rates.”

    Comments on Q1 2025 performance

    Group revenue came in at €258 million in Q1 2025, down 1.1% on a reported basis, and 2.5% organically compared to Q1 2024. Reported growth includes a positive scope effect of €4 million from the acquisition of Package Concierge in December 2024. The currency impact was broadly flat over the period.

    Subscription related revenue (€193 million, 75% of total sales) increased by +1.2% organically over Q1 2025, reflecting the continued strong momentum in Digital and Lockers. In contrast, non-recurring revenue declined by 12.0% organically against Q1 2024, due to a low point in the renewal cycle of mail equipment installed base, as expected. The decline in hardware sales has however been amplified by the challenging macroeconomic environment in the United States.

    By geography, North America (59% of revenue) declined organically by 2.4% in Q1 2025, impacted by macroeconomic uncertainty in the US delaying customer decision making and a strong comparison base in Mail following last year’s decertification-driven uplift in sales. The Main European countries (33% of revenue) recorded a 2.8% organic decline, while the International segment (8% of revenue) was down 2.0% organically.

    Consolidated revenue by Solution

    Q1 2025 consolidated revenue

    In € million Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Change Organic change
    Digital 67 63 +6.5% +7.2%
    Mail 164 178 (7.9)% (7.9)%
    Lockers 27 20 +35.4% +12.2%
    Group total 258 261 (1.1)% (2.5)%
     

    Digital

    In Q1 2025, revenue from Digital reached €67 million, up 7.2% organically and up 6.5% on a reported basis compared to Q1 2024.

    This solid performance was driven by a strong 11.1% organic growth in Q1 2025 in subscription-related revenue, in acceleration compared to the previous quarter. Growth was broad-based across all regions, including a double-digit growth in North America. Subscription-related revenue represented 85% of Digital total sales, a further increase compared to 82% in Q1 2024.

    At the end of Q1 2025, annual recurring revenue (ARR) reached €237 million(2), vs. €232 million at the end of FY 2024, representing a 9.6% organic growth on an annualized basis.

    The Digital solution continued to demonstrate healthy booking trends, highlighted by:

    • Robust cross-selling bookings with Mail customers, up c. +50% year-on-year;
    • Double-digit growth in new customer acquisition within the Enterprise business.

    During the quarter, Quadient’s Digital Automation platform received several leadership recognitions across multiple analyst rankings, notably in AP/AR financial automation, where it is now ranked on par with its high positions in CCM/CXM.

    Quadient is accelerating its digital financial automation strategy in Europe, with the acquisition on 2nd June 2025 of Serensia, a leading French electronic invoicing certified platform, trusted by more than 160 customers (including TotalEnergies, Dalkia, RATP…), processing nearly 200 million invoices annually. This acquisition provides Quadient with:

    • First-class software Intellectual Property for its PDP platform (Partner Dematerialization Platform, registered by the French State), and
    • Access to Pan-European Public Procurement Online (PEPPOL) market.

    This acquisition further strengthens Quadient’s Finance Automation portfolio (which includes online payment, e-invoicing, account payable and account receivable automation, credit analysis, hybrid mail, …), and further accelerates Quadient’s Mail customers’ digital transformation, by providing additional pathways towards the necessary adoption of e-invoicing solutions, legally mandated across Europe. Please refer to our dedicated press release published on 2nd June for more details.

    Mail

    Mail revenue reached €164 million in Q1 2025, down 7.9% organically and on a reported basis compared to Q1 2024.   

    Hardware sales recorded a 15.8% organic decline in the first quarter of 2025. This decrease was primarily driven by:

    • A softer performance across all regions. This was expected, given the echo effect of the COVID period, with fewer contracts for renewal, reflecting the lower level of hardware placements made during the pandemic 5 years ago;
    • The United States was particularly affected, with a strong comparison base in Q1 2024, which had benefited from the decertification boosting effect (which ended in Q4 2024), as well as by increased economic uncertainty that delayed customer decision-making.

    Subscription-related revenue (72% of Mail sales) recorded an organic decline of 4.4% in the quarter.

    Despite these headwinds, Quadient continued to outperform the market this quarter.

    The Mail automation platform continued to show good commercial momentum, and double-digit growth in cross-sell order intake with Lockers and +50% for Digital bookings in Q1 2025. This dynamic is illustrated by the expansion of the partnership with the University of Pittsburgh, which has long relied on Quadient’s parcel locker systems to facilitate on-campus student and staff deliveries and is now extending the relationship to include a comprehensive mail management solution.

    At the end of April 2025, already 44.0% of Quadient installed base has been upgraded with its newest technology, compared to 42.4% at the end of January 2025.

    H2 2025 performance is expected to recover as the Mail equipment business will be supported by a stronger pipeline of contracts up for renewal over the second part of the year.

    Lockers

    Lockers revenue reached €27 million in Q1 2025, a 12.2% increase on an organic basis. The reported growth stood at 35.4% year-on-year, reflecting the positive contribution from Package Concierge (€4 million in Q1 2025).

    Subscription-related revenue increased by 12.7% organically in Q1 2025, benefiting from:

    • The outstanding strong volumes ramp up in the UK and French open networks;
    • The continued momentum in the US, driven by higher monetization of usage fees.

    Overall, subscription-related revenue stood at 65% of total revenue in Q1 2025 (vs. 68% in Q1 2024, this small drop reflecting the different revenue mix at the recently acquired Package Concierge).

    Non-recurring revenue (license & hardware sales and professional services) grew strongly by 11.4% organically in Q1 2025, driven by a significant locker placement in International, which more than offset the softer performance in North America. Moreover, another hardware sales deal for circa €5 million has been signed in International and will be recognized in H2 2025

    Quadient’s global locker installed base reached c.26,100 units at the end of Q1 2025, with 600 new lockers deployed over the quarter. This reflects the accelerated pace of new locker installations, particularly in the UK open network, which has expanded nearly fourfold over the last 15 months. This growth is driven by partnerships signed in recent quarters to host parcel lockers in new prime locations.

    In the UK, Quadient extended its partnership with EVRi, with a new large and long-term deal signed, including the consolidation of returns (Drop Box functionality). Quadient also signed a strategic partnership with Stasher, offering travelers a nationwide luggage storage service through Quadient’s smart locker network. These partnerships are expected to further drive volume and support continued adoption growth. In Japan (International segment), Quadient expanded the access to its network so that Amazon parcels can be delivered within approximately 6,000 “PUDO Stations” nationwide.

    LIQUIDITY MANAGEMENT

    In May 2025, Quadient proactively extended the maturity of its €300 million undrawn Revolving Credit Facility by an additional year, pushing it to 2030.

    FY 2025 GUIDANCE MAINTAINED

    While Q2 is expected to face similar markets conditions to the previous quarter and continued macroeconomic uncertainty, Quadient remains confident in its ability to deliver a stronger performance in the second half of the year. This confidence is supported by:

    • A good profitability start of the year, with an improvement in EBITDA margin across solutions;
    • Moving forward:
      • Sustained strong momentum in Digital and Lockers, with further improvement in profitability;
      • An expected recovery in Mail in H2, as the renewal cycle of the mail equipment installed base should reverse and provide greater opportunities;
      • A promising order pipeline across solutions.

    In this this context, Quadient maintains its full-year 2025 guidance, of acceleration in both organic revenue growth and organic current EBIT growth compared to the 2024 growth rates, while acknowledging that ongoing global economic disruptions and their impact, in particular on the US market, remain difficult to predict at this stage.

    Q1 2025 BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

    Quadient Recognized in Inaugural 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Accounts Payable Applications
    On 4 April 2025, Quadient announced it has been recognized in the first ever 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Accounts Payable Applications. A Gartner Magic Quadrant is a culmination of research in a specific market, giving a wide-angle view of the relative positions of the market’s competitors3.

    Quadient Receives SBTi’s Validation of its GHG Emission Reduction Targets
    On 7 April 2025, Quadient announced that the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has validated its greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets. SBTi is a corporate climate action initiative that provides companies with science-based guidance to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. This validation confirms that Quadient’s commitments align with scientific requirements to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

    Quadient Recognized in Analyst Report on Top AI Use Cases for Finance Automation
    On 16 April 2025, Quadient announced it has been recognized in a recent Forrester report on ways artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming accounts receivable (AR) processes. The report, “Top AI Use Cases for Accounts Receivable Automation In 2025,” includes mentions of Quadient AR for cash application and payment notice. Quadient considers its inclusion in the report as proof of the impact its AI- and machine learning-powered financial process automation offer, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making capabilities.

    Quadient Named a Leader in the SPARK Matrix™: Customer Communication Management Report for 2025
    On 24 April 2025, Quadient has been recognized as a Leader in the SPARK Matrix™: Customer Communication Management (CCM), Q2, 2025 report by global advisory and consulting firm QKS Group. This marks the fifth consecutive year Quadient has been named a Leader in the SPARK Matrix for CCM, a strategic vendor performance assessment tool that ranks vendors across the categories of Technology Excellence and Customer Impact.

    Quadient: 11% Increase in Software Sales to Mail Clients in 2024 Reflects Rising Demand for Smarter, Multichannel Communications
    On 30 April 2025, Quadient shared that businesses are increasingly turning to digital solutions to meet rising customer expectations for modern, multichannel communication. This shift is driving tangible growth: in fiscal year 2024, Quadient recorded a record 11% increase in cross-sales of its Digital automation solutions within its Mail customer base.

    POST-CLOSING EVENTS

    Stasher and Quadient Partner to Launch Nationwide Luggage Storage Using UK Smart Locker Network
    On 7 May 2025, Quadient announced a strategic partnership with Stasher, the world’s first luggage storage platform. This partnership marks a significant expansion of Stasher’s UK network and will provide travelers in key cities throughout the UK, including London, Birmingham, York, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Cardiff and Manchester, with more convenient, secure, and accessible luggage storage options through more than 1,640 Parcel Pending by Quadient smart lockers.

    Quadient and Nuvei Sign New Partnership to Enhance Cloud Payment Capabilities for Businesses Globally
    On 13 May 2025, Quadient and Nuvei announced a strategic technology partnership to enhance cloud payment capabilities for businesses globally. Through this partnership, Nuvei’s advanced payment processing technology is now integrated into Quadient’s cloud-based Accounts Receivable (AR) and Accounts Payable (AP) automation solutions, providing businesses of all sizes across North America, the UK, and Europe with a unified platform to manage B2B payments more efficiently, securely, and at scale.

    AI-powered Automation and Real-Time Payments Secure Quadient Leader Position in SPARK Matrix for Accounts Receivable
    On 15 May 2025, Quadient has been positioned as a Leader in the SPARK Matrix™: Accounts Receivable Applications, 2025. This marks the fourth consecutive year Quadient has been named as a leader in the report produced by the technology advisory and research firm QKS Group. Quadient believes this recognition is a testament to its continuing commitment to help businesses accelerate digital transformation, automate financial processes to increase business performance and create high-value customer interactions.

    Quadient Surpasses 300 Higher Education Locker Customers, Helping Campuses Modernize Logistics and Tackle Food Insecurity
    On 27 May 2025, Quadient announced that more than 300 higher education institutions in the U.S. are now relying on Parcel Pending by Quadient Lockers for streamlined package pickup and drop-off, bookstore merchandise, class and IT equipment exchange points, and addressing the challenge of student food insecurity.

    Quadient Advances AI Capabilities to Help Organizations Power Better Customer Interactions and Revenue Growth
    On 28 May 2025, Quadient announced the release of advanced AI capabilities designed for crafting and orchestrating highly personalized, omnichannel customer interactions. The extended AI is part of the latest release of Quadient Inspire, an industry-leading customer communications management (CCM) solution, and represents Quadient’s continued investment in transforming the way businesses dynamically communicate with customers.

    Quadient Accelerates its Digital Financial Automation Strategy in Europe with the Acquisition of Serensia
    On 2 Juin 2025, Quadient announced the acquisition of Serensia, a highly recognized a leading French electronic invoicing platform provider accredited by the French government as a Partner Dematerialization Platform (PDP). This strategic acquisition strengthens Quadient’s position in digital compliance and its ability to support both its 150,000 European customers and the more than 8 million businesses impacted in France as they transition to mandatory electronic invoicing.

    To know more about Quadient’s news flow, previous press releases are available on our website at the following address: https://invest.quadient.com/en/newsroom.

    CONFERENCE CALL & WEBCAST

    Quadient will host a conference call and webcast today at 6:00 pm Paris time (5:00 pm London time).

    To join the webcast, click on the following link: Webcast.

    To listen to the presentation by phone, please register using the following link to receive the dial-in details: Conference call.

    A replay of the webcast will also be available on Quadient’s Investor Relations website for 12 months.

    Calendar

    • 13 June 2025: Annual General Assembly
    • 24 September 2025: Half-year results and Q2 2025 sales

    About Quadient®

    Quadient is a global automation platform provider powering secure and sustainable business connections through digital and physical channels. Quadient supports businesses of all sizes in their digital transformation and growth journey, unlocking operational efficiency and creating meaningful customer experiences. Listed in compartment B of Euronext Paris (QDT) and part of the CAC® Mid & Small and EnterNext® Tech 40 indices, Quadient shares are eligible for PEA-PME investing.

    For more information about Quadient, visit https://invest.quadient.com/en/.

    Contacts

    APPENDIX

    Digital: New name for Intelligent Communication Automation

    Mail: New name for Mail-Related Solutions

    Lockers: New name for Parcel Locker Solutions

    Q1 2025 consolidated revenue

    Q1 2025 consolidated revenue by geography

    In € million Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Change Organic
    change
    North America(a) 151 150 +0.6%(d) (2.4)%
    Main European countries(b) 86 89 (2.9)% (2.8)%
    International(c) 21 23      (5.6)%(d) (2.0)%
    Group total 258 261 (1.1)% (2.5)%
    (a)  Including the United States and Canada. Brazil and Mexico are also part of this segment as of 1stJanuary 2025.
    (b)  Including Austria, Benelux, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy (excluding Mail), Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
    (c)  International includes the activities of Digital, Mail and Lockers outside of North America and the Main European countries. From 1stJanuary 2025, Brazil and Mexico are no longer included and are now part of North America.
    (d)  The reported changes reflect a €0.9m reclassification effect due to the transfer of Brazil and Mexico from International to North America as of 1stJanuary 2025.

    (1) Q1 2025 sales are compared to Q1 2024 sales, to which is added pro rata temporis the revenue of Package Concierge for a consolidated amount of €4 million. The currency impact is broadly neutral in the period.
    (2) Q1 2025 ARR includes a €1.3 million positive currency effect vs 31 January 2025.
    (3) Gartner Research Methodologies, Gartner Magic Quadrant, 28 March 2025

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP acts early in Bangladesh to respond to worsening floods, calling for urgent support to reach millions more

    Source: World Food Programme

    DHAKA – As relentless rains batter southeastern Bangladesh, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is on the ground responding to rising needs in some of the country’s most vulnerable communities.

    On 29 May, at the request of the Government, WFP activated its emergency response in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar District, just hours after flood warnings were triggered. Through its anticipatory action mechanism, 6,500 people received BDT 5,000 (US$43) per family, transferred directly to their mobile wallets. This early support allowed families to buy food and essentials, protect their homes and livelihoods, and brace for the floods ahead.

    “As always, climate shocks hit hardest in communities already living in poverty and facing high food insecurity,” said Dom Scalpelli, WFP Country Director in Bangladesh. “Because we acted early, families had a chance to prepare and face the storm with greater resilience.” 

    To respond to climate shocks this year, WFP has developed a four-phase emergency preparedness and response plan. It includes anticipatory action before the emergency to help people prepare, emergency food rations immediately after, financial support for affected people to access food as markets begin to reopen, and cash-for-work and income-generating activities to help communities recover quickly. 

    “Anticipatory action gives families a chance to prepare – to buy food, secure their homes and stay safe. But this window is narrow, and resources are limited. We are calling on partners to act with us – early, fast and at scale – to protect lives before the next wave of flooding hits,” added Scalpelli. 

    WFP aims to reach over 6 million people at risk but faces a funding gap of US$55 million.

    WFP’s latest response is part of a growing national effort to strengthen early action in Bangladesh. In 2024, over 15 anticipatory action frameworks were activated by UN agencies and INGOs. In 2025, 46 agencies are expected to implement anticipatory action, with increasing national leadership and expanded coverage of hazards like heatwaves, landslides and droughts.

    WFP’s anticipatory action is supported by partners including the European Union and donors contributing to our Global Anticipatory Action Trust Fund such as Germany and Ireland. We also acknowledge pooled funding and multilateral support, including from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and donors like Belgium, whose contribution enabled our recent response in Teknaf.

    #    #    #

    “I’ve never received any money during past rainy seasons or floods,” said Nurul Begum, who received WFP’s anticipatory assistance. In the picture, the mother of three smiles as she shows a message confirming receipt of BDT 5,000 from WFP. © WFP/Saikat Mojumder

     

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. 

    Follow us on X @wfp_bangladesh, Facebook @WFPinBangladesh, Instagram @wfp_bangladesh  

     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Investment in anti-violence projects supports Indigenous people in B.C.

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    New funding for B.C.’s Path Forward Community Fund will ensure that Indigenous people have the resources they need to address violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

    “Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people experience violence far too often, and decades of harmful policies and practices have created cycles that continue to affect people today,” said Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Our government is committed to ensuring that Indigenous people and communities have the resources and support they need to drive community solutions to ending violence.”

    Since the Path Forward Community Fund was created in 2022, almost $21 million has been invested in community-safety planning and capacity building for Indigenous people through eligible organizations, such as First Nations, Bands, Tribal Councils and Treaty First Nation Governments; Métis chartered communities and Métis organizations; and urban/off-reserve Indigenous organizations. This includes an additional $5 million in funding this year through the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence.

    The fund is managed by the B.C. Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres and has supported 86 Indigenous-led community projects. Projects have included funding to the Skidegate Band Council to run the Path Forward community workshop on anti-violence and to the Fraser Valley Métis Association to support gatherings to learn about issues affecting Métis Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA+ communities.

    “The Path Forward Community Fund is helping Indigenous communities and organizations create their own culturally safe solutions to address gender-based violence,” said Christine Boyle, B.C. Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “We know there is more to do, and we’re committed to working hand-in-hand with Indigenous partners to build a province that is safer for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.”

    The Province has also released its 2025 status update to A Path Forward: Priorities and Early Strategies for B.C., which responds to the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

    B.C.’s Path Forward 2025 status update outlines the progress that has been made in addressing the systemic causes of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in B.C. and highlights key actions the government is taking to continue this critical work. These key actions include implementing the Anti-Racism Act, which establishes a whole-of-government approach to dismantling systemic racism and advancing racial equity, and Safe and Supported: B.C.’s Gender-Based Violence Action Plan, which sets out important steps the Province is taking to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.

    The release of the 2025 Path Forward report coincides with the sixth anniversary of Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, which was issued on June 3, 2019.

    B.C.’s Path Forward includes 28 mandate-letter commitments that align with the inquiry’s 231 Calls for Justice and demonstrate the Province’s determination to end violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. Support for the Path Forward Community Fund also furthers the ongoing work under B.C.’s Gender-Based Violence Action Plan.

    Quotes:

    Rechie Valdez, federal Minister of Women and Gender Equality –

    “Everyone deserves to feel safe – including Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Indigenous-led solutions that reflect culture, community and lived experience are key to ending gender-based violence. Through the National Action Plan, the Government of Canada is supporting B.C.’s Path Forward Community Fund – a step toward reconciliation and a future rooted in safety, dignity and healing.”

    Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity –

    “Our commitment to addressing violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people is unwavering. We honour the work that has been done, and we recognize that there is much more to do in addressing the root causes of violence, including colonialism, racism and misogyny.”

    Julie Robertson, interim executive director of BCAAFC –

    “Indigenous people cannot truly heal without the financial freedom to facilitate their own healing their way. Each year, when we receive the Path Forward Community Fund applications, we see the creative and culturally safe solutions that Indigenous communities and organizations come up with that target their community’s specific needs at that time. This funding ensures that Indigenous communities are able to adapt their approach to their community’s evolving needs.”

    Learn More:

    To read the 2025 Path Forward Report, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/download/BBAEE8B72E28431188AC27ED33692B68

    For more information about the B.C. Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres and the Path Forward Community Fund, visit: https://bcaafc.com/

    To read the Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, visit: https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/final-report/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 117-Units of Affordable Housing for Seniors in the Bronx

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams today announced the completion of YP Senior Residence, a 117-unit affordable housing development in the Morris Heights neighborhood of The Bronx that is reserved for older New Yorkers. The $81 million project includes 37 supportive apartments where eligible tenants will receive on-site support services. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has financed almost 6,200 affordable homes in The Bronx. YP Senior Residence continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year housing plan, which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

    “New York is committed to supporting our more vulnerable communities, including seniors who help build and shape neighborhoods throughout the state,” Governor Hochul said. “As an affordable housing development for older New Yorkers, YP Senior Residence is making the cost of living more affordable for over 100 households in The Bronx. Thank you to our partners for bringing this important project to fruition.”

    New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, “From creating record amounts of senior housing for older New Yorkers to building historic amounts of supportive housing for people who need a little extra help, we have the most pro-housing mayoral administration in New York City history. Through our partnership with Governor Hochul and projects like this one in the Bronx, we have doubled down on those efforts, delivering the housing that New Yorkers need at prices they can afford. Whether it’s individual developments like this or generational initiatives like our ‘City of Yes for Housing Opportunity’ plan to revitalize New York City’s zoning code, we are showing what is possible when government at all levels comes together to make a real difference in building a more affordable city for New Yorkers.”

    Apartments at YP Senior Residence are available to households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. There are 37 units reserved for New Yorkers age 55 and older experiencing chronic homelessness eligible for on-site support services. The remaining 80 units are available to New Yorkers age 62 and older.

    YP Senior Residence includes sustainable features such as rooftop solar panels and a Variant Refrigerant Flow heating and cooling system that captures and repurposes heat already in the environment. There are Energy Star® appliances, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation for improved indoor air quality, water-conserving plumbing, and a green roof.

    The building is designed to promote a supportive environment and socialization while combatting isolation. It is full of indoor and outdoor gathering spaces including communal lounges on each floor, a rooftop terrace, and a landscaped courtyard.

    The project’s developer and support services provider is the Volunteers of America — Greater New York. Robert Sanborn Development is the co-developer.

    YP Senior Residence is supported by HCR’s Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program which generated nearly $35 million in equity, a $20 million first mortgage bond from its Housing Finance Agency, $4.4 million from its Office of Resilient Homes and Communities’ Affordable Housing Fund Program, and $1.7 million from its Senior Housing Program.

    The project also received $6.5 million from the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s (HPD) Senior Affordable Rental Apartments program, $6.1 million from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, $1 million in Reso A capital discretionary funding from the Bronx Borough President and the Bronx delegation of the City Council, and $135,000 from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

    Operating funding for the supportive units is being provided by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, administered by the New York State Department of Health. All apartments will benefit from Project-Based Section 8 vouchers administered by NYC HPD.

    New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Older New Yorkers deserve the opportunity to remain in the communities they love, and that means creating affordable apartments that provide the resources and amenities they need to live independently. This $81 million investment will allow more than 100 senior households to stay in The Bronx and offers support to those individuals who need it most. We thank Governor Hochul and each of our partners for their continued commitment to addressing the housing crisis.”

    New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program’s investment in YP Senior Residence will provide chronically homeless seniors in the Bronx with safe, affordable, apartments they can call home, along with easy access to vital support services that will help them remain housed and age in place with dignity and independence. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for continuing to make permanent supportive housing a priority in New York State, and to all the state and local partners who supported the development of this important project.”

    New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Access to affordable housing and adequate support is critical for older adults who may otherwise experience isolation, preventable illness, homelessness or even death. Under the leadership of Governor Hochul, the Department is committed to the wellbeing of all New Yorkers, and affordable and supportive housing like the YP Senior Residence will help some of our most vulnerable residents achieve basic needs for health and safety.”

    New York State Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen said, “Housing that is affordable, accessible, and supportive ranks among the highest priorities for older adults across New York State. Thanks to Governor Hochul, New York State is addressing this need with a comprehensive plan that brings forth innovative housing models to address health and social needs at the heart of age-friendly community development.”

    New York State Energy Research and Development Authority Doreen M. Harris, President & CEO said, “The completion of today’s project welcomes more than 100 clean, comfortable living spaces to the Bronx and helps ensure New York residents benefit from the latest modern building solutions. Through the use of energy efficient appliances, ventilation, and plumbing, these affordable housing units and community spaces will improve the quality of life for many senior citizens within the community.”

    New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development Acting Commissioner Ahmed Tigani said, “Older New Yorkers are often the anchors of our communities and the stewards of our shared history. That’s why, at HPD, we are deeply committed to ensuring that those who helped build and sustain their neighborhoods can age with dignity in safe, affordable homes. Today’s event is a testament to the incredible work that can happen when we work together — guided by our values and commitment to take care of our neighbors, including those who need a bit of additional support — and deliver real, tangible results.”

    New York City Department of Homeless Services Administrator Joslyn Carter said, “I commend Volunteers of America-Greater New York for recognizing that older adults face unique challenges in remaining stably housed and for building affordable, supportive housing that will allow senior residents to continue to be vibrant, important members of their community. VOA-GNY has long been a vital collaborator with DHS in addressing homelessness. Here, they are stepping up once again to serve a need and ensure that older adults age with dignity and respect, maintain or establish social connections as they leave transitional housing to a permanent home.”

    New York City Department of Social Services Commissioner Molly Wasow Park said, “One of my biggest priorities as commissioner has been to build bridges between the affordable housing side and the homeless services lane to create a pipeline of housing options for vulnerable New Yorkers. This project and the work of Volunteers of America-Greater New York will facilitate shelter exits and confront the issue of senior homelessness. The benefits of this residence couldn’t be clearer. We are thrilled for the tenants, who will have access to services they deserve, and we applaud VOA-GNY for being a valued partner in the effort to combat homelessness.”

    Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “Seniors are a crucial pillar of communities across New York, and we must ensure that they have a safe and supportive place to call home. The YP Senior Residence will address the growing threats of homelessness and isolation among older adults by creating 117 affordable and supportive apartments— Including units housing seniors who have experienced homelessness and building a safe, supportive environment for its occupants. I look forward to the positive change this project will bring to the Bronx and beyond, and I will continue to fight for the right of all Americans to age with dignity and security.”

    State Senator Robert Jackson said, “A society is judged by how it treats its elders — and today, we take a proud step forward. The YP Senior Residence is more than brick and mortar — it is policy made personal. It is what happens when we invest in care, not neglect; in permanence, not patches. This building says to our seniors—especially those who have known homelessness — that your journey matters, your dignity matters, and their golden years will not be lived in the shadows. Let this ribbon cutting also be a ribbon of commitment — to build not just housing, but justice, equity, and community. Congratulations to Volunteers of America and everyone who helped turn vision into refuge. Let’s keep building”

    Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia said, “Ensuring our seniors have access to safe, affordable housing is a top priority. I am proud to celebrate this housing development for the Bronx, a place where our seniors can age with dignity and independence. This is exactly the kind of investment we need to ensure every New Yorker has a safe and supportive place to call home.”

    Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson said, “Ensuring our older adults have safe, stable, and affordable housing is not just a promise, but a priority. With the completion of YP Senior Residence, we are taking a significant step forward in allowing our most seasoned residents to age in place with dignity, stability, and the support they deserve. I am grateful to Governor Hochul, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the Bronx delegation of the City Council, and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority for their continued partnership in uplifting our older New Yorkers and investing in a future where every generation is cared for and valued.”

    VOA-GNY President and CEO Jeffrey R. Ginsburg said, “It is an honor to help reverse the growing crisis of senior homelessness, and address the serious risks social isolation and loneliness can have on the health of older adults. We thank our partners for their generosity and collaboration, without whom the development of YP Senior Residence would not have been possible. Older New Yorkers deserve to age with dignity and independence, and we are proud to help make this possible.”

    Governor Hochul’s Housing Agenda
    Governor Hochul is dedicated to addressing New York’s housing crisis and making the State more affordable and more livable for all New Yorkers. As part of the FY 2025 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a landmark agreement to increase New York’s housing supply through new tax incentives, capital funding, and new protections for renters and homeowners. Building on this commitment, the FY 2026 Enacted Budget includes more than $1.5 billion in new State funding for housing, a Housing Access Voucher pilot program, and new policies to improve affordability for tenants and homebuyers. These measures complement the Governor’s five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan, included in the FY 2023 Budget, to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. More than 60,000 homes have been created or preserved to date.

    The FY 2025 and 2026 Enacted Budgets also strengthened the Governor’s Pro-Housing Community Program – which allows certified localities exclusive access to up to $750 million in discretionary State funding. Currently, more than 300 communities have received Pro Housing certification, including New York City.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cornwall — Police have a busy winter at the Cornwall border

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Between January 1, 2025 and April 1, 2025, the Ontario RCMP Border Integrity team and its partners in the Cornwall region, laid multiple charges and seized a total of $561,568 worth of contraband tobacco products. The RCMP allege that several individuals have attempted to smuggle unstamped tobacco, cigarettes, cigars and nicotine pouches which are being unlawfully imported for unregulated resale in convenience stores and other retail outlets into Ontario.

    The Cornwall Regional Task Force (CRTF) is a joint task force made up of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and the Ontario Ministry of Finance. We work closely with our trusted Canadian and US partners to combat crime on both sides of the border.

    On January 7th, a CBSA led initiative partnering with the Cornwall Regional Task Force (CRTF) stopped a vehicle under Section 99(1)(f) of the Customs Act and a search of the vehicle found 28 boxes of unstamped tobacco with a total of 280,000 cigarettes. Driver James Johnson (34 yrs.), from Saint Regis, QC was charged with Possession of Unstamped Tobacco under Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001 and Operation while Prohibited under Section 320.18 of the Criminal Code. Passenger Dylan David (35 yrs.), from Hogansburg, NY was charged with Possession of Unstamped Tobacco under Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001 and Section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) for Possession of a Schedule 1 Drug – Fentanyl.

    On January 12th, a vehicle was examined by the CBSA under Section 99(1)(f) of the Customs Act and found to contain 9,360 unstamped cigars. Nadir Khedidem (23 yrs.), from Mirabel, QC was charged by the RCMP pursuant to Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001 and was convicted.

    On January 16th, two vehicles that had crossed the Cornwall border were stopped and searched under Section 99(1)(f) of the Customs Act and a total of 18 cases of nicotine pouches, for a total of 36,000 pouches were seized. Reese Hitterman-Carr (24 yrs.) from Lancaster, ON and Adam Bomberry (31 yrs.) from Akwesasne, NY were arrested and charged under Sections 155 and 159 (1) of the Customs Act.

    On January 27th, Lawrence Oakes (22 yrs) from Cornwall was arrested by Cornwall RCMP after fleeing from a secondary examination by CBSA officers at the border and striking a marked Police vehicle. Oakes is charged with Assaulting a Police Officer with a weapon, Dangerous Driving, Flight from Police and Fail to Comply to Release Order.

    In late February, a CBSA led initiative partnering with the CRTF collaborated to arrest, Robert Green (32 yrs.), from Ohsweken, ON under Sections 155 and 159(1) of the Customs Act and Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001 for possession of 37,000 nicotine pouches, 7200 cigars and 1440 ounces of chewing tobacco for a total of $294,560. Green was released on an undertaking and appeared in court on May 20th.

    On February 26th a CBSA led initiative partnering with the CRTF spotted three individuals behind a restaurant in Cornwall where they were allegedly exchanging nicotine pouches from the trunks of their vehicles. RCMP arrested all three males on Customs Act charges and seized over $ 160 Thousand dollars’ worth of nicotine pouches. Nasim El Bendago (22 yrs.) from Gatineau, QC, Zahir Taskie (20 yrs.) from Orleans, ON, and Mark Wesley (24 yrs.) from Scarborough, ON were arrested under Sections 155 and 159(1) of the Customs Act for possession of these nicotine pouches. Wesley also faces charges for possession for the purpose of trafficking under Section 5 (2) of the CDSA. All three were released on undertakings and will appear in court on June 3rd.

    On February 24th, Megan Morin (22 yrs.) from Longueuil, QC was found with a total of 255 cartons of illegal cigars which was seized from the trunk of the vehicle she was driving. Morin was charged with Possession of Unstamped Tobacco, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001, released on an undertaking and was convicted on May 7th.

    In March, law enforcement seized 3,122 tins of flavoured nicotine pouches from a driver allegedly attempting to illegally import them across the Cornwall border. The male driver was arrested initially under Sections 155 and 159(1) of the Customs Act, however, has subsequently been released without charges.

    On March 8th, a traffic stop led the OPP and RCMP to an observation of a total of 2,532 tins of Unstamped Tobacco valued at over $56,000 which was seized immediately. The driver, Asiful Haque (27 yrs.) from Scarborough, ON was arrested under Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001 for Unlawful Possession of Unstamped Tobacco. Haque was released on bail and is scheduled to appear in court on May 29th.

    “Thanks to the CBSA, OPP, OPP-BEST, Ontario Ministry of Finance, and Cornwall RCMP for their dedicated collaboration which continues to produce successful results, taking contraband, including nicotine pouches, off our streets.”
    —Inspector Etienne Thauvette, Officer in Charge RCMP Cornwall Detachment

    “Canada Border Services Agency officers are committed to disrupting organized crime. By intercepting contraband, we stop proceeds from being reinvested into other criminal activity. We will continue to work closely with the RCMP and other law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe.”
    —Jag Johnston, Regional Director General, CBSA Northern Ontario Region

    “The OPP is committed to working with our provincial and national partners to stem the flow of contraband tobacco, as well as illegal drugs and firearms, contributing to safer communities.”
    – OPP Acting Detective Inspector Tyler Stewart, Border Enforcement Security Task Force

    Products seized

    • Unstamped tobacco: 633 KG
    • Cigarettes: 280 000
    • Nicotine pouches: 180 380
    • Cigars: 17 400
    • Chewing tobacco: 1440 oz

    Vehicles seized

    • 2003 Chevy Silverado
    • 2015 Mazda 3
    • 2010 Black Kia Forte
    • 2020 Grey Honda Civic
    • 2014 White KIA Sedan
    • 2010 White Honda Civic
    • 2005 GMC Savana
    • 2009 White Dodge Ram Crew Cab

    Fast facts:

    • Ontario RCMP Border Integrity protect over 2,700km of the Canada-US border from Cornwall through the Great Lakes to the Manitoba border. The Canada-US border is the longest, safest border in the world.
    • Oral nicotine pouches over the 4mg limit as per the Food and Drugs Act are classified as prescription drugs as per Health Canada’s prescription drug list.
    • No person other than one of following shall import a prescription drug: a practitioner, a drug manufacturer, a wholesale druggist, a pharmacist or a resident of a foreign country while a visitor to Canada (policy of a 90-day supply).
    • Its effects are widespread, impacting public health, public safety, government revenue, and the broader economy.
    • Revenues from contraband tobacco often support organized crime activities, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and firearms smuggling.
    • Smuggling networks engage in violent activities and corruption, increasing risks to the public and law enforcement agencies.
    • The Canada Border Services Agency screens goods coming into Canada and examines more closely those that may pose a threat to the safety of Canadians.
    • For the latest enforcement statistics, visit Canada Border Services Agency seizures.

    If you have any information related to smuggling, drug importation, trafficking, or possession, or wish to report other criminality, you can contact the Ontario RCMP at 1-800-387-0020, the confidential CBSA Border Watch toll-free line at 1-888-502-9060 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), at any time.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada strengthens border security

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    News release

    June 3, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario

    A strong Canada means strong borders. Today, the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety introduced the Bill, the Strong Borders Act to strengthen our laws and keep Canadians safe.

    The Bill will keep Canadians safe by ensuring law enforcement has the right tools to keep our borders secure, combat transnational organized crime, stop the flow of illegal fentanyl, and crack down on money laundering. It will bolster our response to increasingly sophisticated criminal networks, and enhance the integrity and fairness of our immigration system while protecting Canadians’ privacy and Charter rights.

    Securing the border

    • Amend the Customs Act to secure our borders against illicit drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, and auto theft:
      • obligating owners and operators at certain ports of entry/exit to provide, equip, and maintain facilities for any purpose related to the administration and enforcement of CBSA’s mandate which includes the examination and detention of goods destined for export;
      • allowing the CBSA access to premises under the control of transporters and warehouse operators to perform examinations in places where goods destined for export are reported, loaded, unloaded, or stored.
    • Amend the Oceans Act to add security-related activities to coast guard services, which will enable the Canadian Coast Guard to conduct security patrols and collect, analyse and disseminate information and intelligence for security purposes;
    • Enhance the ability of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to share information collected on registered sex offenders with domestic and international law enforcement partners;
    • Protect the asylum system against sudden increases in claims by introducing new ineligibility rules.
    • Improve how asylum claims are received, processed, and decided;
    • Strengthen authorities to cancel, suspend or change immigration documents, and to cancel, suspend or stop accepting new applications; and 
    • Improve how Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shares client information with federal, provincial and territorial partners.

    Combatting transnational organized crime and illegal fentanyl

    • Create a new accelerated scheduling pathway that allows precursor chemicals that can be used to produce illicit drugs to be rapidly controlled by the Minister of Health. This will allow law and border enforcement agencies to take swift action to prevent their illegal importation and use and to ensure strict federal oversight over any legitimate use of these chemicals;
    • Amend the Criminal Code and the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act to facilitate law enforcement’s access to basic information and data, and amend the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) Act to ensure CSIS’s investigative tools also keep pace;
    • Introduce the Supporting Authorized Access to Information Act (SAAIA) to ensure that electronic service providers have the capabilities to support law enforcement agencies and the CSIS in criminal and intelligence investigations by compelling them to fulfill legally authorized requests to access or intercept information and communications;
    • Amend the Canada Post Corporation Act to remove barriers that prevent police from searching the mail, where authorized to do so in accordance with an Act of Parliament, to advance a criminal investigation; and
    • Expand Canada Post’s inspection authority to open mail.

    Disrupting illicit financing

    • Strengthen Canada’s anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing regime, including through stronger anti-money laundering penalties;
    • Address some of the most prevalent types of money laundering, including through new restrictions on large cash transactions and ‘third party deposits’;
    • Enhance supervisory collaboration and support high standards of regulatory compliance by adding the Director of the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) to the Financial Institutions Supervisory Committee (FISC) and enabling FINTRAC to exchange supervisory information on federally regulated financial institutions with FISC; and
    • Clarify public to private information sharing provisions to help better detect and deter money laundering and support the recently created Integrated Money Laundering Intelligence Partnership (IMLIP) between banks and law enforcement.

    The Strong Borders Act is a key component of our plan to build a safer and more secure Canada. Further action will be announced over the coming months to keep our communities safe, get guns off our streets, and make bail harder to get for repeat offenders charged with car theft, home invasions, human trafficking and drug smuggling.

    Quotes

    “Our government made a commitment to keep our communities safe and work with our American partners to strengthen our border. The Strong Borders Act will help us tackle organized crime, and further equip our border and law enforcement agencies with the authorities and resources they need to keep our border secure – for both American and Canadian communities.”

    –       The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety

    “Canada is taking action to respond to rising migration pressures. We’re improving security at the Canada-US border and making our immigration and asylum systems stronger, more flexible, and responsive to new and developing pressures. This is about protecting the integrity of our system while building a safer and more resilient Canada.”

    –       The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

    “Canada is stepping up in the fight against transnational financial crime. This bill will strengthen supervision and enforcement to combat money laundering and terrorist financing – reinforcing our government’s commitment to stop illicit financial flows.”

    –       The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue

    “Canada’s criminal laws must keep pace with an evolving landscape. This legislation strengthens the tools available to law enforcement to detect and investigate serious crimes, while upholding the Charter rights of people in Canada and respecting the rule of law.”

    –       The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

    “Expanding the Canadian Coast Guard’s services to include security activities will help ensure the protection and sovereignty of our vast coasts and waterways. With our extensive fleet and experience on the water, we are well positioned to make a significant contribution to Canada’s national security, making the country stronger, more adaptable, and more responsive.”

    –       The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries

    “This legislation will give Canada stronger tools in the fight against fentanyl so together with all levels of government, Indigenous communities, and public health and law enforcement partners, we can save lives and keep our communities safe.”

    –       The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health

    “Canada’s new Government is committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians. The proposed amendments to the Canada Post Corporation Act will help stop the flow of drugs in Canada. This will help to prevent thousands of overdoses and save lives.”

    –       The Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement

    Quick facts

    • Through Canada’s Border Plan, the Government of Canada is investing $1.3 billion in concrete action to keep communities safe on both sides of the border. 

    • The Border Plan provides $200 million to Public Safety Canada and the Communications Security Establishment Canada to support enhanced gathering of intelligence on transnational organized crime and illegal fentanyl, and enable sharing with law enforcement partners across Canada and the United States.

    • Moreover, providing $743.5 million over five years, including $159.5 million ongoing, was provided to support the stability and integrity of Canada’s asylum system, increasing processing and decision-making capacity.

    • In recent years, the Government has invested more than $379 million to strengthen the effectiveness of Canada’s Anti-Money Laundering/Anti-Terrorist Financing Regime, and made or is making legislative and regulatory changes, including by providing new tools to law enforcement, adding new criminal offences and strengthening penalties, enhancing information sharing, expanding the Regime to new sectors at risk of money laundering, and providing the CBSA with new authorities to pursue trade-based money laundering. 

    • The Canada Border Services Agency is Canada’s first line of defence at 1,200 ports of entry across the country. Day in and day out, approximately 8,600 frontline personnel play a crucial role protecting our communities by preventing illegal goods and inadmissible people from entering Canada. For more on the CBSA’s enforcement actions visit: Canada Border Services Agency enforcement action statistics.

    • The Government of Canada is committed to recruiting 1,000 more RCMP personnel to tackle drug and human trafficking, foreign interference, cybercrime, and the organized criminal gangs, as well as to the hiring of over 1000 additional CBSA personnel, including border services officers, intelligence analysts and specialized chemists, and the training of up to 9 new detector dog teams.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    Alice Hansen
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree
    Minister of Public Safety
    Alice.Hansen@ps-sp.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Public Safety Canada
    613-991-0657
    media@ps-sp.gc.ca

    Chantalle Aubertin
    Deputy Director of Communications
    Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
    Chantalle.Aubertin@justice.gc.ca      

    Media Relations
    Department of Justice Canada
    613-957-4207
    media@justice.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Canada Border Services Agency
    1-877-761-5945
    media@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

    Audrey Milette
    Office of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne
    Minister of Finance and National Revenue
    audrey.milette@fin.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Department of Finance Canada
    613-369-4000
    mediare@fin.gc.ca

    Mathis Denis
    Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
    Office of the Honourable Joël Lightbound
    343-573-1846
    mathis.denis@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Transformation, Public Services and Procurement
    819-420-5501
    media@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Canadian Security Intelligence Service
    613-231-0100
    Media-medias@smtp.gc.ca

    Renée LeBlanc Proctor
    Press Secretary
    Minister’s Office
    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
    Renee.Proctor@cic.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
    613-952-1650
    media@cic.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Health Canada
    613-957-2983
    media@hc-sc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Fisheries and Oceans Canada
    media.qc@dfo-mpo.gc.ca  

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    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Housing Bill: Greens’ ‘Mansion Tax’ bid rejected by other parties

    Source: Scottish Greens

    03 Jun 2025 Finance

    Property taxes are important to ensure the wealthiest people pay their fair share back into our public services.

    More in Finance

    Proposals put forward by Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer for a ‘Mansion Tax’ on the sale of the million pound plus homes have been rejected by all other parties.

    Mr Greer tabled amendments to the Housing (Scotland) Bill to create a new band of Land and Buildings Transaction Tax on the most expensive homes. This would have raised money for public services in need of financial support.

    The highest rate of Land and Buildings Transaction Tax for residential properties is 12%, starting at £750,000. The Green MSP had proposed that a further band should kick in at £1 million, suggesting it start at 15%. During a debate on the proposals in Parliament he pointed to the example of the Newliston Estate near Edinburgh, currently on sale for offers over £15 million, suggesting that its buyer should pay a higher rate of tax than someone purchasing an £800,000 townhouse in the city.

    The proposal was rejected by SNP, Labour and Conservative members of the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government and Housing Committee.

    Mr Greer said:

    “It is disappointing that MSPs from other parties rejected our Green proposal for a Mansion Tax. 

    “A higher tax on the biggest and most luxurious properties could have raised money to support public services like the NHS and schools. Only the very wealthiest people in the country, who can afford to pay more, would have been impacted. 

    “Scotland has enough wealth to end injustices like child poverty tomorrow, but far too much of this money is in the hands of a tiny number of super-rich people and big corporations.

    “Property taxes are important to ensure the wealthiest people pay their fair share back into our public services. I hope other MSPs remember that when they next complain about cuts to public services due to a lack of money.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bipartisan Rural Broadband Caucus Relaunched for the 119th Congress

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative James E (Jim) Clyburn (6th District of South Carolina)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Rural Broadband Caucus, Representatives James E. Clyburn (D-SC-06), Dave Taylor (R-OH-02), Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Rob Wittman (R-VA-01), Bob Latta (R-OH-05), and Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM-03), announced the launch of the Caucus in the 119th Congress.

    Founded in 2016, the bipartisan Congressional Rural Broadband Caucus has served as a forum for members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to spearhead solutions that close the broadband access gap across the country. The Caucus is aimed at uniting leaders from the federal government, states, and the private sector to ensure all Americans have access to high-speed internet.

    “Our efforts to deploy affordable, high-speed internet service are the modern equivalent of rural electrification in the 20th century,” said Rep. Clyburn. “Without reliable connections and meaningful adoption, rural and underserved communities will continue to be left behind in education, health care, and commerce. I look forward to collaborating with the Congressional Rural Broadband Caucus to build on our efforts to finally close the digital divide.” 

    “It’s hard to even quantify the exact percentage of Ohio’s Second Congressional District that lacks access to high-speed broadband because the existing maps are so wildly inaccurate,” said Congressman Taylor. “For decades, rural Americans have been left behind while those in more digitally-connected regions have been connected with the telehealth care options, educational programs, and job opportunities that should have been available to rural communities as well. Farmers, families, and businesses in Southern Ohio depend on gaining broadband access to keep up with changing technology, connect with the modern economy, and make local family businesses more profitable. I look forward to championing this effort in the Rural Broadband Caucus.”

    “Reliable internet access is essential for families in Ohio and across the country. In many areas of my district, particularly in rural areas, I hear the need for reliable, high-speed connectivity,” said Rep. Latta. “It provides enormous opportunities, including educating our children, working remotely, increasing farmers’ yields, and accessing high-quality health care. That is why I’m proud to join my colleagues in re-launching this bipartisan Rural Broadband Caucus to work to advance solutions to ensure federal broadband funding reaches the unserved and underserved communities that need it most.”  

    “From students taking online classes, to seniors relying on telehealth, to parents working remotely while taking care of kids at home — every Minnesotan needs access to reliable, high-speed internet,” said Rep. Craig. “I’m proud to join my bipartisan colleagues in relaunching the Rural Broadband Caucus to ensure that rural communities across our country are not left behind.”  

    “High-speed broadband has the power to transform lives, which is why I’m proud to relaunch the Bipartisan Rural Broadband Caucus for the 119th Congress,” said Rep. Wittman. “Expanding internet access is essential to driving economic growth — especially in rural communities like where I live in Virginia’s Northern Neck as well as on the Middle Peninsula and Lower Peninsula. This issue has been a priority for me since my time on the Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors over 20 years ago. While we’ve made meaningful progress in narrowing the digital divide, there’s still more work to do. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to eliminate barriers and ensure every American has access to reliable, high-speed internet.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Travis Credit Union Strengthens Leadership and Innovation in Payments and Information Security

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VACAVILLE, Calif., June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In response to the rapidly evolving payments landscape and increasing importance of cybersecurity, Travis Credit Union (TCU) announces two strategic leadership appointments. These investments in talent underscore TCU’s ongoing commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and the protection of its members’ financial data.

    Leading the newly established Payment Services capability will be Chris Germann, who joins TCU as Managing Director of Payment Services. Payment Services strategically integrates payment product development, advanced fraud mitigation capabilities, card servicing and loan servicing.

    “Chris is a strategic and operational payments leader, enabling internal and external resources to deliver on TCU’s ongoing commitment to protecting our members’ financial data and reenforcing our commitment deliver a trusted and secure banking environment for our members,” said Kevin Miller, president and chief executive officer at Travis Credit Union. “This appointment will ensure that we remain at the forefront of industry standards and best practices, fostering a secure environment for our members’ trust and peace of mind in an evolving digital landscape.”

    Chris brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles as Director of Payment Services at Huntington National Bank and TCF National Bank.

    Leading cybersecurity across TCU will be Kirsten Miller as Information Security Officer. Kirsten will oversee the credit union’s information security program, focusing on risk management and operational maturity initiatives to further strengthen member data protection.

    “Kirsten’s leadership is vital as we continue to enhance our cybersecurity efforts and protect our members’ financial data from emerging digital threats,” said Kevin. “Her vision and expertise will help us stay ahead of evolving risks and ensure our security practices remain strong, adaptive, and member focused.”

    Kirsten brings decades of technology and information security risk leadership experience from her previous roles held at Golden 1 Credit Union, VSP Global and Citigroup.

    With more than 50 years of combined experience in payments, cybersecurity, risk, operational efficiency and change leadership, these two new leaders mark a significant step forward in TCU’s mission to deliver innovative, secure, and member-focused financial services.

    About Travis Credit Union
    Travis Credit Union, based in Vacaville, Calif., has been recognized at the federal, state and local levels for its longstanding financial education and financial advocacy efforts. In 2024, TCU was named as a Best Regional Credit Union by Newsweek. It has also selected as a Best-In-State Credit Union by Forbes and has also earned the U.S. Air Force Distinguished Credit Union of the Year award. Founded in 1951 on Travis Air Force Base, TCU today serves 12 Northern California counties. It is the twelfth largest credit union in California, with 250,000 members and $5 billion in assets. Learn more about our mission at traviscu.org.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Amplify ETFs Bitcoin Option Income ETFs Declare First Income Distributions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amplify ETFs, a leading provider of breakthrough ETF solutions, announces the initial income distribution for its newly launched Bitcoin* option income ETFs.

    The Amplify Bitcoin 2% Monthly Option Income ETF1 (BITY) and Amplify Bitcoin Max Income Covered Call ETF (BAGY) achieved their stated distribution expectations, demonstrating the effectiveness of weekly options-writing on Bitcoin ETPs.

    “We are pleased to deliver on the income objectives we set at launch for BITY and BAGY,” said Christian Magoon, CEO of Amplify ETFs. “As Bitcoin reaches all-time highs, we’re encouraged to see our ETFs generating income and standing up alongside traditional Bitcoin ETFs. Our differentiated approach continues to resonate with investors looking for yield-enhanced exposure to Bitcoin’s long-term growth story.”

    Ticker ETF Name Distribution
    Rate    2    		 Amount
    per Share    		 Distribution
    Frequency    		 30 Day
    SEC Yield2
    BAGY Amplify Bitcoin Max Covered Call Income ETF 32.25% $1.46125 Monthly 3.10%
    BITY Amplify Bitcoin 2% Monthly Option Income ETF 25.62% $1.16540 Monthly 2.42%
               

    Distributions as of 5/30/25 included an estimated return of capital: BAGY 96%, BITY 96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

    “The weekly option writing approaches of BAGY and BITY are effectively taking advantage of Bitcoin’s price volatility for option income, underlining our commitment to maximizing option income potential while providing Bitcoin price exposure. Our goal is to monetize Bitcoin’s volatility,” said portfolio manager, Kevin Kelly.

    With these successful launches and distributions, Amplify ETFs strengthens its position as a leader in income-generating ETF strategies, extending that expertise to crypto-linked income solutions.

    Learn more:

    About Amplify ETFs
    Amplify ETFs, sponsored by Amplify Investments, has over $11 billion in assets across its suite of ETFs (as of 5/30/2025). Amplify ETFs delivers expanded investment opportunities for investors seeking growth, income, and risk-managed strategies across a range of actively managed and index-based ETFs. To learn more visit AmplifyETFs.com.

    Sales Contact:
    Amplify ETFs
    855-267-3837
    info@amplifyetfs.com    		 Media Contact:
    Gregory FCA for Amplify ETFs
    Kerry Davis
    610-228-2098
    amplifyetfs@gregoryfca.com
       

    1Formerly Amplify Bitcoin 24% Premium Income ETF
    2Distribution Rate is the normalized current distribution (annualized) over NAV per share. 30-Day SEC Yield is a standard yield calculation developed by the Securities and Exchange Commission that allows for fairer comparisons among bond funds. It is based on the most recent month end. This figure reflects the income earned from dividends – excluding option income – during the period after deducting the Fund’s expenses for the period

    *The Funds do not invest directly in bitcoin. Bitcoin ETPs are exchange-traded investment products not registered under the 1940 Act that seek to generally match the performance of the price of Bitcoin, and trade intra-day on a national securities exchange.

    There is no guarantee that BITY will achieve the Target Option Premium in any given year. If the NAV of the Fund remains level or decreases during any one-year period, the annualized premium generated by the Fund may be significantly less than the Target Option Premium for that time period.

    Carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the Fund’s statutory and summary prospectuses, which may be obtained at AmplifyETFs.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

    This information is not intended to provide and should not be relied upon for accounting, legal or tax advice, or investment recommendations. To receive a distribution, you must be a registered shareholder of the fund on the record date. Distributions are paid to shareholders on the payment date. There is no guarantee that distributions will be made in the future. Your own trading will also generate tax consequences and transaction expenses. Past distributions are not indicative of future distributions. Please consult your tax professional or financial adviser for more information regarding your tax situation.

    Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee the investment strategy will be successful. The Funds are considered to be non-diversified. The Funds are actively managed and their performance reflects the investment decisions the Adviser makes for the Funds.

    The Funds face risks by investing in Bitcoin through the Bitcoin ETP and Bitcoin ETP Options, as bitcoin is a new and highly speculative investment. The market for bitcoin is volatile and subject to rapid changes, regulatory actions, and numerous challenges to widespread adoption. Issues such as slow transaction processing, variable fees, and price volatility further increase these risks.

    There is a lack of consensus regarding the regulation of digital assets, including bitcoin, and their markets. Trading in shares of a Bitcoin ETP on U.S. securities exchanges may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of an exchange, make trading in shares of the Bitcoin ETP inadvisable.

    Option contract prices are volatile and affected by changes in the underlying asset’s value, interest or currency rates, and expected volatility, all of which are influenced by political, fiscal, and monetary policies. The Funds may use FLEX Options, which can be less liquid than standardized options. This may make it difficult to close out FLEX Options positions at desired times and prices.

    With covered call risk, the Funds might miss out on profits if the security’s value rises above the option’s premium and strike price while still facing potential losses if the value declines. With covered put risk, significant stock price increases can lead to substantial losses on your short position. The premium provides some income but may not fully offset the loss if the stock rallies unexpectedly.

    The Funds currently expect to make distributions on a monthly basis, a portion of which may be considered return of capital.

    Amplify Investments LLC serves as the investment adviser to the Funds. Kelly Strategic Management, LLC and Penserra Capital Management LLC each serve as investment sub-advisers to the Funds.

    Amplify ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Can kelp forests help tackle climate change?

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Jennifer McHenry, Senior Research Fellow, Department of Biology, University of Victoria

    Countries around the world are increasingly turning to nature to help alleviate the impacts of climate change. Forests, grasslands and wetlands are already considered as “natural climate solutions.” Now, some scientists are asking: could kelp forests be part of the solution too?

    As some of the fastest growing species on Earth, kelp form lush underwater forests along temperate coastlines. In addition to supporting marine biodiversity, sustaining fisheries and contributing to local economics and livelihoods, kelp forests also absorb carbon. But their role in climate change mitigation remains uncertain.

    In the first national assessment of Canada’s kelp forests, our research team set out to estimate how much carbon these ecosystems might be capturing and storing in the ocean, and whether that carbon stays out of the atmosphere long enough to be considered a natural climate solution.

    To tackle this question, we assembled a national kelp forest database, including satellite and aerial maps, kelp productivity measurements and ocean current models to estimate how much kelp carbon actually leaves the continental shelf.

    This study is part of a national research effort being led by researchers at the University of Victoria called Blue Carbon Canada, which was funded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Oceans North and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to investigate how Canada’s “blue carbon” could fit into its national climate mitigation strategy. Our team included 22 kelp researchers and experts from 14 academic institutions, government agencies and NGOs from Canada, the United States and Australia.



    Read more:
    Why some of British Columbia’s kelp forests are in more danger than others

    Measuring kelp carbon

    The carbon absorbed by trees, peatlands and seagrasses typically gets locked away for decades or longer. However, when kelp dies or breaks apart, instead of storing the carbon in the ground, much of it is released back into the ocean. Depending on the conditions, some of it sinks. Some of it washes back to shore. Some gets eaten and and fuels coastal food webs.

    Only a small fraction settles in coastal seafloor sediments or makes it far enough offshore to reach deep water, where it’s more likely to stay out of the atmosphere over the long term. Another fraction decomposes and becomes tiny dissolved particles that can circulate on ocean currents below the mixed layer depth for decades to centuries.

    So while protecting and managing kelp forests promotes carbon capture, it may not always directly translate into climate change mitigation.

    Our research found that between 40,000 and 400,000 metric tonnes of carbon per year is likely being captured and exported from Canadian kelp forests to the deep ocean. In terms of carbon dioxide removal, this would be at least comparable to more established natural climate solutions carbon ecosystems in Canada, like tidal marshes and seagrasses, suggesting they merit further consideration.

    It’s a promising number. But the potential role of kelp in Canada’s climate action plans is far from settled.

    Can we count on kelp?

    Our findings are relevant as countries increasingly look to count natural sources of carbon removal in their nationally determined contributions under the Paris Climate Accord, with the idea that better ecosystem management, protection and restoration could all enhance natural carbon sinks.

    Kelp forests have not yet been included in national inventories. However, there has been growing interest in whether better kelp forest management and even restoration could qualify.

    Part of the problem is data. Most countries, including Canada, still lack sufficient information on where their kelp forests are, how productive they are, where that carbon is going in the ecosystem and how these dynamics are changing over space and time. As a result, few countries have been able to assess their kelp forests at national scales.

    There are also unanswered questions about how much kelp forest loss can be prevented under climate change and how much ecosystem restoration could be scaled up to meaningfully contribute to climate change mitigation. Restoration methods for kelp forests, such as green gravel, are being actively developed but remain largely untested.

    Our study provides guidance to help countries overcome some of these challenges. We offer a step-by-step blueprint for developing first kelp carbon estimates from limited data, including data needs and sources and tools for data analysis that acknowledge data uncertainties.

    Looking ahead

    Managing and protecting kelp forests is likely to be a low-regret option, meaning that while it might not significantly mitigate climate change, its many other benefits would still outweigh the costs. After all, these ecosystems offer a host of benefits, from supporting fisheries to shoreline protection. Given our findings, they may also have the ability to help tackle climate change.

    But leaning too heavily on kelp before the science is clear could backfire. Overstating its role in climate change mitigation could lead to misplaced confidence and unrealistic expectations. Worse, it could distract from the most important and immediate task: fossil fuel reductions.

    That does not mean kelp’s climate solutions potential should be dismissed. At present, it’s thought that kelp forests and other algae capture and store around 175 million tonnes annually, maybe more given recent research.

    But Canada needs to proceed carefully and invest in closing key knowledge gaps before scaling up plans to include kelp in national carbon accounting. This includes greater public investment in kelp forest mapping, monitoring, high resolution oceanographic modelling and ground-truthing of national estimates.



    Read more:
    Buried kelp: seaweed carried to the deep sea stores more carbon than we thought

    Kelp forests are in trouble

    Overall, a precautionary approach is needed to ensure we don’t miss out on future kelp solutions. That’s because even as interest in kelp grows, these ecosystems are disappearing in many places.

    Kelp restoration methods, like green gravel shown here from the Kelp Rescue Initiative in B.C., are advancing but still in their infancy.
    (Lauren Dykman/University of Victoria)

    In British Columbia, kelp forests have declined in recent decades due to climate change-fuelled marine heatwaves and population booms of sea urchins, which graze on kelp.

    Similar trends have been documented in many parts of the world, from Norway to Tasmania, where lush kelp forests are being replaced by weedy turf algae.

    When kelp forests are lost, the carbon they hold can be released quickly. Export of kelp carbon to the deep ocean and other carbon sinks stops. So instead of helping to slow climate change, their loss could make things much worse.

    Kelp forests will not solve the climate crisis on their own. But our research shows they could be apart of the solution, especially if we act now to fill critical research gaps.

    Today, the most immediate value of kelp forests lies in supporting marine biodiversity, coastal fisheries, and community livelihoods. That alone makes them worth saving.

    Jennifer McHenry receives funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC), Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO),and Oceans North.

    Julia K. Baum receives funding from NSERC, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Oceans North. She is also affiliated as a science advisor with the Kelp Rescue Initiative.

    – ref. Can kelp forests help tackle climate change? – https://theconversation.com/can-kelp-forests-help-tackle-climate-change-257215

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    H.E. Mr. Ignazio Cassis, Foreign Minister of Switzerland and Member of the Swiss Federal Council; Excellencies; Distinguished Delegates; Ladies and Gentlemen,

    This 2025 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction comes at a critical point in time.

    Let me express my sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Switzerland for welcoming us at this crucial juncture on the road to 2030, and to co-chairs Patricia Danzi and Kamal Kishore and their dedicated teams for their leadership in steering the 8th Global Platform forward.

    We gather here with a profound sense of urgency, but also among geopolitical tensions, and an unwavering responsibility.

    Just last week, I stood among global leaders at the first High-Level International Conference for Glaciers’ Preservation in Dushanbe, witnessing first-hand the impact of climate change on Tajikistan’s Glacier’s in the Pamir mountain range. As a global community, the Conference issued an urgent call for action to safeguard these fragile ecosystems, reduce the impact of climate change on water-related ecosystems and invest in disaster prevention.

    Days later, one of the biggest Alpine disasters struck just 130 kilometres from here in Blatten. A glacier collapse could have cost countless lives, but thanks to the early warning systems, people and their livestock were evacuated in time.

    Still, the devastation is profound. I extend my deepest sympathies to the people of Blatten, who now face a difficult task of recovering what was lost.

    This disaster is a stark reminder: early warnings save lives, but they alone cannot save glaciers from disappearing. Communities and ecosystems depend on these ice reserves, and the consequences of their loss are irreversible. 

    If global warming exceeds 1.5°C, the impacts will cascade across the planet. The UN Secretary-General’s Early Warnings for All Initiative is helping countries prepare for climate-related shocks while strengthening climate resilience. But we must scale up this rapidly, ensuring that no one is left behind.

    Excellencies,

    When we came together in 2015 to adopt the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Paris Agreement, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we did more than set ambitious goals, we made a solemn promise to build a world that is safer, more equitable, and more resilient.

    Yet, that promise stands at a crossroads.

    Although we have made progress since Paris in bringing down projected temperature increases, we are now dangerously close to the 1.5 degrees limit, and every new scientific report tells us that another climate indicator is flashing red.

    Just last week, WMO projected that we will likely see temperatures rise above 1.5 degrees not just for a single year but over the next five years.

    Disasters are not just increasing in scale and cost—they are striking with growing intensity and unpredictability, leaving no country or region untouched.

    Every delay in action carries a devastating human and economic toll.

    The 2025 Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction highlights direct losses from disasters at $202 billion annually, but when cascading and ecosystem costs are considered, total losses exceed 2.3 trillion US dollars annually.

    Disasters have devastating effects on the world’s most vulnerable countries – LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS –derailing economies, deepening inequity, and pushing them further off the path of sustainable development.

    Middle Income Countries also face mounting setbacks, as disasters divert critical resources away from long-term growth.

    Even developed countries are not immune. Record-breaking disasters are making entire regions uninsurable, exposing new vulnerabilities.

    Meanwhile, the Sustainable Development Goals are dangerously off track, with an annual financing gap of over 4 trillion dollars.

    Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,

    Protecting development gains from disaster impacts is more urgent than ever.

    Progress is possible and we have seen it.

    Over the past decade, disaster mortality rates have declined, early warning systems have expanded, and two-thirds of countries that are part of the Sendai Framework now have disaster risk strategies in place.

    But this is not enough. We must go further and faster to deliver on Early Warning Systems for All by 2027.

    We must continue to build momentum powered by innovation, determination, and multi-networked leadership.

    Your actions demonstrate that “resilience does pay” when governments, local actors, the private sector, youth and all of society come together to take action.

    From Artificial Intelligence, predictive analytics and machine learning models, new tools together with traditional knowledge and on the ground practitioners are transforming how we predict, prevent, and mitigate disasters.

    They must be expanded for proactive, data-driven prevention – saving lives while protecting livelihoods and assets.

    Immediate, real-time monitoring, advanced satellite imagery and geographic information systems can complement preparedness strategies, coordination, and our 2030 Agenda’s promise of leaving no one behind.

    These transformative actions must be scaled to ensure resilience is not an after-thought, but the foundation for our long-term prosperity.

    Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    I see three key actions to accelerate the implementation of the Sendai Framework in the remaining five years.

    First, we must prioritize risk-informed development across all sectors and levels. This means putting prevention and resilience at the centre of every decision, investment, and policy that we make.

    Every dollar invested in infrastructure, energy, cities, agriculture… must strengthen resilience, not exacerbate future risk.

    At the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, we have a chance to reform global development finance and address the debt crisis, enabling us to have more fiscal space to avert these crises.

    Second, we must urgently scale up public and private investments in resilience.  All nations must dedicate a larger portion of public budgets to disaster risk reduction and establish national financing frameworks that align economic development plans with risk reduction and climate adaptation needs.

    We must acknowledge resilience as a long-term economic necessity – and the best return on investment.

    Instruments like catastrophe bonds, risk pools, and climate-resilient insurance can ensure faster recovery while reducing economic strain on vulnerable communities.

    I encourage you to work with the private sector to mobilize new ways of funding resilience and integrating it into long-term business practices.

    Third, we must strengthen our solidarity and cooperation. The risks we face are interconnected — across geographies, political boundaries and development sectors.

    By September, nations will submit new climate plans – or nationally determined contributions. Strong, ambitious strategies to cut emissions and fortify resilience will shape our future and drastically reduce the risk of climate-related disasters.

    Our responses must also be based on behavioural science and predictive forecasting. We must focus particularly on those who are most vulnerable and those already living on the frontlines of crisis.

    The UN Secretariat is committed to supporting you seizing every global opportunity to drive change towards resilience, breaking the vicious cycle of debt, uninsurability and crises.

    This Platform, I believe must elevate disaster risk reduction across the UN system –  from the UN Ocean Conference, to the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, to COP30, to the World Summit on Social Development, and beyond.

    Excellencies, Friends,

    This is not business as usual.

    The cost of inaction is already unbearable for many – and the choices we make now will shape the lives of generations to come.

    Disaster risk reduction is not an option – it must be at the heart of our efforts to secure a safer, more sustainable, and more just world.

    So let us rise to that moment — with resolve, with investment, and with the partnerships we need to deliver real results in the lives of people while protecting our planet.

    Thank you.

    ***
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –