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Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI: Creatd, Inc. Publishes Q1 2025 Financial Report Highlighting a $7.9M Improvement in Net Equity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Creatd, Inc. (OTC: CRTD), a holding company focused on acquiring synergistic companies, today announced the publication of its Q1 2025 financial results.

    Q1 2025 Highlights:

    • Net equity improved by $7.9 million in Q1 2025, an 80% quarter-over-quarter increase from Q4 2024.
    • Revenues reached $721,815, up from $428,000 in Q1 2024, representing 70% year-over-year growth
    • Continued execution of uplisting strategy focused on strengthening the balance sheet and acquiring accretive operating businesses

    A major contributor to the first quarter’s performance was the completed acquisition of Flyte, an emerging platform in the private aviation and travel technology sector. Flyte’s addition supports Creatd’s strategy of acquiring established businesses that deliver immediate financial results and align with long-term strategic goals.

    The momentum from Q1 is carrying into Q2, notably with yesterday’s announcement of Creatd’s intent to acquire a stake in PCG Advisory and its affiliated companies for a collective $2.3 million. Given recent developments in Q2, Creatd has now achieved positive net equity for the first time in over four years since its Nasdaq listing. This is an important step toward applying for an uplisting to a national exchange in Q3 2025.

    With a targeted closing at the end of June 2025, the PCG transaction is one of several deals designed to further increase the company’s net equity. In tandem, Creatd is reducing liabilities and advancing additional strategic transactions already in motion.

    Jeremy Frommer, CEO of Creatd, commented:

    “In addition to our accretive acquisitions and overall reduction in liabilities, we’re seeing improving financials across our existing businesses, Vocal and OG Collection. While many microcap companies chase short-term wins at shareholders’ expense, we’re focused on fundamentals: growing revenue and maintaining a strong balance sheet. We’re laying the groundwork for an uplisting, one transaction at a time.”

    The full Q1 2025 Quarterly Report is available on OTC Markets.

    About Creatd, Inc.
    Creatd, Inc. focuses on investments and operations across technology, media, aviation, advertising, and consumer sectors. By leveraging its expertise in structured finance and acquisitions, Creatd identifies and nurtures opportunities within small-cap companies, driving growth and innovation across its diverse portfolio.

    For investor inquiries, contact:
    ir@creatd.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Universities face getting stuck with thousands of obsolete robots – here’s how to avoid a research calamity

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Carl Strathearn, Lecturer in Computer Science, Edinburgh Napier University

    For more than a decade, the French robotics company Aldebaran has built some of the most popular robots used in academic research. Go to most university robotics departments and you’ll find either Pepper, the iconic three-wheeled humanoid robot, or its smaller two-legged sibling, Nao.

    These fast became the robots of choice for many academics for all research into the capabilities and potential of social robots. They are quick to set up and easy to use out of the box, without the need for any programming skills or engineering knowledge.

    With base prices at around £17,000 for Pepper and £8,000 for Nao – typically plus a few thousand pounds more for extras, online training sessions, service plans, warranties and so on – the robots could be purchased via university research grants.

    With Pepper robots also appearing in customer service jobs, for example in HSBC banks across the US, buyers were attracted by the lure of long-term educational and financial benefits from a state-of-the-art tech supplier. Aldebaran says it has sold approximately 37,000 machines worldwide (20,000 Naos and 17,000 Peppers).

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    However, the company stopped developing Pepper robots in 2021, having struggled to sell as many as it had hoped, and was offloaded by long-time Japanese owner Softbank.

    In February of this year, Alderbaran filed for bankruptcy and restructured amid ongoing financial difficulties. Currently looking for a buyer, it has halved its staff numbers, though it is still making Nao (and a serving assistant on wheels called Plato).

    The uncertainty around the company’s future has stoked fears that it will become impossible to get its robots repaired in future, and that Aldebaran could stop supporting the AI cloud network that the machines need to access to be able to function.

    What does this mean for the future of robotics research in universities?

    Besides fears about Aldebaran’s future, there have long been issues with Pepper and Nao’s durability. They both have rigid, fragile plastic shells, and the machines sometimes overheat. This means they have to be left to cool down after 20-30 minutes, which has often interfered with experiments and data-gathering – as documented in this 2022 study of Nao.

    A spokesperson for Aldebaran agreed that motors can overheat, depending on their use and environment. They said the next generation of Nao, currently in development, has taken this into account in its design.

    For repairs, the only option is Aldebaran or an authorised reseller, or you risk voiding your warranty. This typically involves shipping overseas, which can be slow and costly – more so if the replacement parts are out of stock.

    One of us (Emilia) encountered this during the COVID pandemic. Nao’s batteries need to be used regularly to keep functioning, which led the university’s machine to fail because it was inaccessible during lockdowns. Aldebaran couldn’t supply replacement batteries quickly, which halted research projects at the university for many months and meant that important submission deadlines were missed.

    Meanwhile, software upgrades for Pepper stopped when the company halted development in 2021 (sales stopped in 2024). This robot’s limited processing capabilities make it troublesome to run the large language models (LLMs) that power interfaces like ChatGPT (although these can be run in conjunction with a computer with modifications).

    Nao does have an AI edition that can handle LLMs, though this too requires external modifications. Nao’s upgrades also seem to have been limited, which in our experience appears to have made them more error-prone too. Both robots are already considerably less useful for research purposes in our opinion.

    Finally, Nao and Pepper were not built with adaptability in mind. Unlike more recent machines like the 3D-printed InMoov, made by French designer Gael Langevin, there’s no way of customising their components or appearance.

    Their fixed expressions, gestures and plastic body make them difficult to adapt to different user needs or applications, such as helping at home or in healthcare. This again reduces their usefulness from a research point of view.

    Addressing these concerns, the Aldebaran spokesperson said:

    Spare parts availability on Nao is very good, [barring] the normal supply chain issues, and these were exacerbated during COVID like the rest of the commercial world. Pepper is more limited as it has not been in production for some time, but we are generally able to solve any customer issues.

    Nao is still very active as a product, with production continuing along with software upgrades. We recently launched Nao Activities, a major software upgrade that provides generative AI capabilities for Nao.

    The spokesperson added that are were no plans to switch off AI cloud support for Nao or Pepper, and that the robots are not difficult to use in robotics research, “testament of which is the thousands of units being used in that environment”.

    What can be done?

    If Pepper and Nao do become unusable for research, universities will have to either scrap them or try to redevelop them with custom parts and components. It’s possible they could be hacked and gutted, replacement parts could be 3D-printed, new microprocessors installed and the software made local and open source, which may be enough to get the robots back up and working again.

    However, it probably makes sense for researchers to look forwards instead. But towards what? At a time when university finances are very tight, there may be a reluctance to buy new machines with potentially limited shelf lives. Robots from alternative providers such as Futhat and Unitree are supported by similar cloud-based AI systems.

    Some institutions may consider reallocating vital funding to other departments, with a significant impact across robotics research and education. Universities are at the heart of robotics research, upholding high ethical standards and rigorously testing machines without the conflicts of interest that manufacturers can have.

    Universities can also bring together diverse disciplines like computer science, engineering and cognitive science, fostering collaboration that encourages innovation. With the UK number one globally for research quality in this field, these are the training grounds for the next generation of roboticists at a time when there is a growing skills shortage.

    A different way forward would be for universities to start building and programming robots from scratch. For the cost of a new research robot, say £15,000, you could buy several high-spec 3D printers, hardware and components.

    This wouldn’t be about building entire humanoid robots but prototypes of key aspects such as facial expressiveness or skin, human gestures or emotions. This would allow students to gain important hands-on engineering and programming skills, while conducting novel research exploring current gaps in the field.

    It would make personalising them easier and repairing them quicker and cheaper, if you could 3D-print parts or use parts that could be easily replaced off-the-shelf.

    If universities are to remain relevant in this rapidly evolving field, it’s vital that they learn from their difficulties with Pepper and Nao. At a time when robots are starting to be perceived as reliable and cost-effective support for people, this is a cautionary tale for all.

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

    – ref. Universities face getting stuck with thousands of obsolete robots – here’s how to avoid a research calamity – https://theconversation.com/universities-face-getting-stuck-with-thousands-of-obsolete-robots-heres-how-to-avoid-a-research-calamity-256829

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why is it so hard for young people to get jobs?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Farooq Mughal, Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor), Management Strategy & Organisation, University of Bath

    antoniodiaz/Shutterstock

    For generations, young people have been told the path to opportunity is clear. Study hard, get a degree, and success will follow. This promise – central to the idea of “meritocracy” – has shaped the aspirations and investments of millions (though in reality, access to university and employment is also shaped by factors like family income, schooling and geography).

    Today, however, many graduates in the UK and elsewhere find they are struggling to land a job – and it’s a problem which extends far beyond roles that match their qualifications. In some cases, graduates are being turned down for roles in supermarkets or warehouses – not because they’re unqualified, but because they’re seen as overqualified, too risky or surplus to requirements.

    In terms of the UK economy, this isn’t just a problem of job shortages. It signals a deeper breakdown in the social contract – the long-held promise that education leads to opportunity. And it exposes how the connection between learning and labour is coming undone.

    As the focus of employers, higher education providers and the state has shifted towards the notion of “employability” – the skills and attitudes that help people get and keep jobs – labour markets have become highly competitive and spoilt for choice.

    At the same time, it’s worth remembering that while employment remains a key concern, the value of education extends far further – shaping personal growth and civic engagement, for example.


    This article is part of Quarter Life, a series about issues affecting those of us in our twenties and thirties. From the challenges of beginning a career and taking care of our mental health, to the excitement of starting a family, adopting a pet or just making friends as an adult. The articles in this series explore the questions and bring answers as we navigate this turbulent period of life.

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    Five tips from an expert for choosing a self-help book that will actually work

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    Employability places the burden squarely on young people to become work-ready while ignoring the wider barriers they face. These include hiring algorithms, labour market saturation as graduate numbers remain high while vacancies dry up, and uneven access to opportunity.

    Even with degrees and internships, many young people are finding themselves locked out of meaningful work. Research I undertook with colleagues on education-to-work transitions shows how graduates often invest heavily in becoming employable through a mix of soft skills, adaptability and professionalism. But these efforts now rarely guarantee a job.

    Instead, graduates frequently enter a labour market that is both oversaturated and under-responsive. Over the past two decades, the number of graduates in the UK has grown sharply. This surge has intensified competition, pushing many into roles below their qualification level.



    Read more:
    Britain has almost 1 million young people not in work or education – here’s what evidence shows can change that

    The UK government’s Get Britain Working white paper recognises this disconnect. It also highlights the legacy effects of the COVID pandemic, especially among young people aged 16–24 who are not in education, employment or training (Neets) – of which there are now estimated to be 987,000, and rising.

    But while the government’s proposed youth guarantee scheme offers basic training and apprenticeships, it does little for those already in the labour market.

    What’s blocking the way?

    Despite the emphasis on developing skills, many young people – both graduates and non-graduates – struggle to progress in the labour market. For example, the number of entry-level roles in retail, hospitality and logistics is shrinking due to rising costs, automation and algorithmic hiring systems that privilege some over others.

    Recent increases to employer national insurance contributions and the national minimum wage are putting pressure on payrolls, reducing already limited opportunities for young people.

    UK chancellor Rachel Reeves’s 2024 budget contained some shocks for employers.
    Fred Duval/Shutterstock

    This highlights the limits of the popular narrative that effort always leads to reward. The idea that young people just need to try harder collapses under the weight of such constraints.

    Businesses are also facing tight margins, as well as the problems that come with high staff turnover due to a lack of career development opportunities, as rising costs make it harder to invest in staff. But our research shows that even highly motivated graduates – those who network, gain skills, take internships and are adaptable – can struggle to get a foot in the door.

    The UK employment rights bill, which is making its way through parliament, is designed to curb exploitative labour market practices. But professional bodies and trade associations warn that some employers may respond by cutting staff and reducing flexible work.

    While reforms such as reframing the purpose of Jobcentres are critical in making unemployment seem unattractive, they are likely to fall short of creating sustained opportunities.

    Policy paradox

    All of this reveals a paradox. In trying to clamp down on job precarity, the UK government may be shutting young people out of the entry points they need, skilled or otherwise. Well-intentioned policies such as the youth guarantee and employment rights bill risk failure when the labour market often rewards privilege over merit.

    Today’s labour market can penalise young people twice over. First, they’re expected to be employable with the right skillset. Yet even when they are, many find the door shut.

    In my view, the way forward is to create new, accessible roles that reflect a broader duty of care on the part of employers, universities and policymakers. This includes building skills pathways along the lines of the Youth Futures Foundation programme, which works in deprived areas to create pathways that connect young people with support and jobs.

    It also means embedding hiring practices that ensure a closer focus on someone’s potential, such as blind recruitment or diverse hiring panels.

    Incentivising employers to hire and value young talent could be transformative, as could forging partnerships between universities and industry which focus on building the skills needed for employment.

    Government initiatives such as the Trailblazers scheme, which identifies young people at risk of falling out of education or employment, are a good start. But they could be more effective alongside a combination of digital tools that bring together mobile apps for tracking career progress, a skills dashboard, and AI career advice.

    Restoring the social contract means sharing responsibility. Our research finds that employers should regularly review how they assess talent and design career pathways.

    Universities should collaborate with industry to ensure graduate skills align with employer expectations. And the government must address deep-seated inequalities shaped by region, class, race and institutional prestige.

    Ignoring these issues mean they will continue to largely dictate who gets in, who gets ahead, and who gets left out. A collective responsibility ensures that education is recognised not just as a route to employment, but as a cornerstone of a fair, thoughtful and inclusive society.

    Farooq Mughal works for the University of Bath. He is also a Trustee and Director in a non-executive capacity for the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution.

    – ref. Why is it so hard for young people to get jobs? – https://theconversation.com/why-is-it-so-hard-for-young-people-to-get-jobs-256532

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The psychology of climate traps and how to avoid them

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Lucrezia Nava, Assistant Professor, Climate Psychology, Carbon Dioxide Removals, Business School, University of Exeter

    Victor Guerrero Diez/Shutterstock

    Each year, the world loses around 5 million hectares of forest, with 95% of this deforestation occurring in tropical regions. South America is a major hotspot, with Brazil in particular facing severe forest loss — much of it driven by cattle ranching, which accounts for more than 70% of all Amazon deforestation.

    Many of these clearings are carried out by farmers, particularly smallholders, who are trying to cope with intensifying drought and other effects of climate change. This leads to a paradox: the people most exposed to climate threats are often pushed by survival pressures to make choices that further degrade the environment.

    Imagine standing in a field of dry, cracked soil, watching the crops you planted with hope fail to grow. It hasn’t rained in months. You know that planting trees could help protect your land and water sources in the long run. But you need food next week.

    So instead, you clear some forest to sell timber and raise a few cows — a choice that might get you through the season, even if it further reduces soil moisture and water retention on your own farm.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    As one farmer told me: “The problem is: does the agricultural producer die now, or does he die later? Now, he dies of hunger. Later, he dies of thirst. He prefers to die later of thirst.”

    This is what my team of environmental researchers calls a “climate trap”: a vicious cycle where short-term survival decisions deepen long-term climate vulnerability. Our recent study investigates this phenomenon among smallholder cocoa producers in the south of the Brazilian state of Bahia.

    We tracked more than 3,000 farms over four years and conducted dozens of interviews with farmers. One of our most striking findings was that those most affected by droughts were less likely to employ adaptive strategies such as reforestation, and more likely to make environmentally harmful choices such as clearing forest for pasture.

    This contrasts sharply with research from high-income countries, where more exposure to climate risks typically encourages protective action. Why the difference?

    The answer, according to our research, lies in emotion. Many farmers spoke of fear and hopelessness. One told us: “We plant, replant and it dies. Plant, replant, it dies. There’s no rain! Everything we took care of, everything we watered, everything we did with love. It’s no use!”

    These emotions influence decisions. When fear and hopelessness set in, people naturally narrow their focus to the short term — what can I control today?

    Climate shocks such as drought trigger emotional distress, which can lead to environmentally harmful choices that increase vulnerability.
    Scott Book/Shutterstock

    The future becomes too uncertain, too frightening to plan for. As one farmer explained: “Today, I work more in the short term. I’m worried about today’s drought, okay? I’m not starting to think about next year’s drought or in two years’ time.”

    Even when farmers understand that long-term strategies like reforestation would help, those solutions can feel unattainable under emotional and economic stress.

    We call this a maladaptive feedback loop: climate shocks trigger emotional distress, which limits long-term thinking, leading to environmentally harmful choices that further increase vulnerability to future shocks. And the cycle repeats.

    Learning from the loop

    Climate traps are real and probably more widespread than many people realise. Similar dynamics have been reported in parts of Africa, Asia and across the developing world. These are the communities facing the brunt of climate change with the fewest resources to respond.

    To spot climate traps, businesses and governments need to recognise when short-term incentives are driving long-term harm. If a decision solves an immediate problem but increases climate risk over time, it may be part of a trap.

    They need to watch out for indicators such as repeated deforestation after droughts, or a shift from sustainable crops to quick-fix options such as cattle pasture. In areas heavily affected by climate change, these responses often signal a deeper cycle of short-term survival and long-term vulnerability.

    Also, listen out for resignation. Phrases like “there’s no point” and “we just survive however we can” or “there’s nothing we can do except pray for a change” may signal emotional fatigue — which points to a loss of agency and diminished belief in the usefulness of long-term action.

    When people no longer believe their efforts can make a difference, even the best technical solutions are likely to be ignored.

    Climate adaptation is about more than just providing technical solutions. In our study, producers were well aware of the pros and cons of their practices. The real barriers were emotional.

    We believe interventions need to address fear and hopelessness directly — through the use of safety nets, financial buffers and community-led support systems, as well as narratives that rebuild a sense of control and agency. Reducing hopelessness requires not just money but presence. Trusted advisors, peer learning networks and visible examples of successful adaptation can all help.

    Avoiding climate traps isn’t easy. But for climate adaptation to succeed — especially where it’s needed most — we have to stop treating emotions as a side issue. They’re central. The solutions we offer must speak to both the mind and the heart.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Lucrezia Nava 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. The psychology of climate traps and how to avoid them – https://theconversation.com/the-psychology-of-climate-traps-and-how-to-avoid-them-255832

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council leaders visit Portakabin HQ to champion local skills and apprenticeships

    Source: City of York

    The Deputy Leader of City of York Council, alongside senior council officers, recently visited the Portakabin head office in York.

    Portakabin, the market leader in the manufacture and construction of modular buildings, is one of York’s largest employers, with over 1,000 people working across its head office and manufacturing facility in the city. The company has proudly called York home for more than 60 years.

    As a globally recognised brand, Portakabin recently welcomed local leaders to its York headquarters to discuss future growth opportunities, the importance of strong public-private partnerships, and to reflect on recent successes, including a thriving apprenticeship scheme that is opening skilled career paths for young people across the region.

    The apprenticeship scheme at Portakabin offers its people development opportunities, with 98% of apprentices offered a full-time career with the company once their apprenticeship completes.

    Apprenticeships range from the required skills for modular building construction such as electrical apprenticeships, to product design, quantity surveying, finance, and marketing.

    Councillor Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader of the Council with responsibility for Economy and Culture, said:

    I was delighted to accept the invitation from Portakabin to visit their head office and hear about the work taking place to provide skilled and well-paid jobs.

    “York is a fantastic place to do business, we have a highly skilled population, and it is a great place to live.

    “A key priority of this council is for the city to have a fair, thriving, green economy for all, which provides opportunities and well-paid jobs. Portakabin are one of many amazing businesses in York who will help us to achieve that ambition. It was particularly good to hear so much about their apprenticeship schemes and how that is turning into long-term careers for our young people.”

    Dan Ibbetson, CEO at Portakabin said:

    We were delighted to welcome Councillor Pete Kilbane to our Head Office here in York. We are proud to be a York based business, delivering exceptional spaces across the UK and Northern Europe from our home here in Huntington.

    “Our successes are testament to the people that work here, the highly skilled and motivated teams that deliver a meaningful impact both in work and the wider York community. It was a pleasure to give Councillor Kilbane and other senior leaders from the council an insight into the people, community and spaces we deliver here at Portakabin.” 

    For businesses big and small there’s lots of support available to help your business prosper and thrive through the council’s Growth Managers. For more information visit:  https://www.york.gov.uk/GrowYourBusiness or email economicgrowth@york.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Foreign Minister Meets Afghan Acting Foreign Minister in Beijing /detailed version-1/

    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

    BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Beijing on Wednesday.

    Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, welcomed A.H. Muttaqi’s visit, which coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He stressed that China and Afghanistan, as traditional friendly neighbors, always support and understand each other.

    “China respects the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, as well as the independent choice of the Afghan people,” Wang said, stressing that China will continue to support the Afghan government in achieving long-term peace and stability in the country at an early date.

    Wang Yi added that China is willing to work with the Afghan side to develop traditional friendship, strengthen political mutual trust and deepen practical cooperation so as to bring more benefits to the two countries and their peoples, and contribute to regional peace and stability.

    According to him, China is ready to increase cooperation with Afghanistan in the areas of economy and trade, agriculture, energy, mining, poverty reduction, disaster prevention, personnel training, healthcare, law enforcement and security.

    The Chinese side intends to increase imports of high-quality Afghan products and provide all possible support in restoring Afghanistan’s economy and improving the living conditions of its population, the minister said.

    A.H. Muttaqi, in turn, thanked China for its valuable assistance in developing Afghanistan and improving the living conditions of the Afghan people over a long period of time, as well as for its advocacy of justice for Afghanistan in the international arena.

    He stressed that the Afghan government values the traditional friendship between Afghanistan and China, attaches great importance to relations with China in its foreign policy, and will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China principle and firmly oppose interference in China’s internal affairs.

    A. H. Muttaqi noted that the Afghan side is ready to deepen mutual trust with China and contribute to achieving greater positive results in cooperation in various areas. “Afghanistan attaches great importance to China’s security issues and will under no circumstances allow Afghan territory to be used for activities that threaten China’s security,” he stressed.

    Afghanistan is ready to step up cooperation with China in the security sphere, jointly combat violent crimes and ensure security and stability in the region, added A.H. Muttaqi. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China and ASEAN Complete Negotiations on CAFTA Version 3.0 /Detailed Version-1/

    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

    BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) — China and 10 ASEAN countries have fully concluded negotiations on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) 3.0, the Ministry of Commerce said Wednesday.

    The achievement was announced on Tuesday during a special online meeting of China-ASEAN economy and trade ministers.

    CAFTA 3.0 will send a strong signal in support of free trade and open cooperation, the Commerce Ministry official said, noting that it will bring greater certainty to regional and global trade and play a guiding and exemplary role for different countries in upholding the principles of openness, inclusiveness and mutually beneficial cooperation.

    Negotiations on CAFTA version 3.0, which began in November 2022, were substantially concluded in October 2024 after nine rounds of formal negotiations.

    Version 3.0 contains nine new chapters covering areas such as the digital economy, green economy and supply chain connectivity, according to the ministry.

    CAFTA 3.0 will create an inclusive, modern, comprehensive and mutually beneficial free trade agreement. The new additions will provide the parties with the opportunity to advance regional economic integration in a broader and deeper manner and effectively facilitate the deep integration of their production and supply chains in the new environment.

    Moreover, CAFTA 3.0 will provide important institutional guarantees for the construction of the China-ASEAN mega market, thereby giving a steady impetus to the building of a China-ASEAN community with a shared future and promoting the common prosperity and development of both sides, the MOC noted.

    The parties will actively advance their respective internal signature and ratification procedures with a view to formally signing the CAFTA Modernization Protocol version 3.0 by the end of this year, the department added. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: HTX Celebrates Crypto Loans 2.0 Launch with Unprecedented Lending Benefits

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HTX, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, unveiled its next-generation “Crypto Loans 2.0” product on May 19. This enhanced version brings a refined structure and superior user experience, featuring multi-asset collateral, a smart dynamic Loan-to-Value (LTV) model, instant fund access, flexible repayment options, and zero fees. To mark this significant launch, HTX has rolled out two exclusive promotions: “Borrow & Earn” #7, where users can share a massive 5,000,000,000 $HTX prize pool, and the “Millions in Rewards Plus Margin Power-up” event, which provides BTC loan interest rates as low as 0.09% and an extra 10% discount on USDT loans.

    Unlock Multiple Benefits with HTX Loan Products

    To celebrate the grand launch of Crypto Loans 2.0 and commemorate the 15th anniversary of Bitcoin Pizza Day, HTX is simultaneously launching “Borrow & Earn” #7 and an exclusive limited-time margin promotion, delivering substantial rewards to our valued users.

    “Borrow & Earn” #7 runs from May 19 at 02:00 (UTC) to June 2 at 15:59 (UTC), featuring a total prize pool of 5,000,000,000 $HTX. Users simply need to borrow USDT using the Crypto Loans Flexible product during the event to earn a share of the $HTX prize pool, based on the interest paid — the more interest paid, the greater the rewards. Rewards will be credited to winners’ Spot accounts within 7 working days after the event ends.

    Concurrently, HTX has launched an exclusive margin promotion, “Millions in Rewards Plus Margin Power-up”, active from May 20 at 10:00 (UTC) to June 2 at 10:00 (UTC). For a single USDT loan of $1,000,000 or more, users can enjoy an extra 10% interest rate discount! This brings the annual interest rate down to as low as 3.9% (or 0.01% daily). There is no limit on borrowing frequency and each qualifying loan benefits from this generous discount.

    Don’t miss the Pizza Day 15th Anniversary Bonus! During the event, the top 10 users by cumulative loan volume will share 264,000,000 $HTX (worth $500). Register via the provided link to participate. Leverage these ultra-low interest rates to maximize potential returns and aim for substantial gains.

    Optimized Borrowing Experience with Multi-Asset Collateral

    Loan efficiency and asset liquidity have always been two major user-focused concerns. As a key highlight of this upgrade, HTX’s “Crypto Loans 2.0” introduces a multi-asset collateral mechanism, supporting over 20 mainstream cryptocurrencies as collateral assets, including USDT, BTC, ETH, TRX, DOGE, XRP, SOL, and AVAX. This significantly boosts users’ asset utilization efficiency.

    To further enhance the borrowing experience, HTX has expanded its loanable assets to include SOL, TON, and USDC, with USDC also available as a collateral option. Unlike the traditional single-asset collateral model, the multi-asset collateral mechanism allows users to unlock liquidity from their holdings while effectively reducing the risk of forced liquidation due to single-asset volatility.

    Another standout feature of this upgrade is HTX’s limited-time offer: an ultra-low 0.09% annual interest rate for BTC Flexible Loans, with borrowing limits up to 100 BTC. This remarkable rate represents a 555-fold reduction from the previous annual rate of over 5.0%, making it an exceptional deal. For example, borrowing BTC equivalent to approximately 1,000,000 USDT would incur a mere 2.37 USDT in daily interest — a truly remarkable saving.

    Crypto Loans 2.0 also offers the following advantages:

    • Smart Dynamic LTV Mechanism: Interest rates adjust in real time based on market conditions, ensuring industry-leading competitiveness. Annualized interest rates for Flexible Loans include 3.9% for USDT, 2.4% for ETH, and as low as 0.09% for BTC.
    • Flexible Term Options: Supports flexible configuration for both flexible and fixed terms (7/30/45/90 days).
    • Instant Fund Access & Flexible Repayment: Borrowed funds are delivered instantly, interest accrues every hour, and users enjoy the freedom to repay at any time, ensuring optimal fund efficiency.
    • Institutional-Grade Risk Control: Supports overcollateralized loans with leverage capped under 1X and tiered liquidation to safeguard accounts. Users retain all remaining collateral assets.
    • Personalized 1-on-1 VIP Service: Delivers customized loan limits, flexible currency selections, and special discounted interest rates for SVIP users.

    Crypto Loans 2.0 is now live! Users can access it via the HTX website by clicking “Loans” > “Crypto Loans”, or through the HTX App by tapping “More” > “Crypto Loans”. Here’s how to get started:

    HTX’s Crypto Loans 2.0 leads the industry with its ability to boost capital efficiency, lower liquidation risk, provide flexible investment options, and allow multi-asset collateral. Moving forward, HTX will continue to enhance its lending products, pushing the platform’s financial services toward greater efficiency, lower barriers, and broader diversification. Try Crypto Loans 2.0 now to enjoy seamless borrowing, ultra-low interest rates, and access to massive prize pools. Make every digital asset your strategic liquidity advantage on the road to financial freedom.

    About HTX

    Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.
    As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.
    To learn more about HTX, please visit HTX Square or https://www.htx.com/, and follow HTX on X, Telegram, and Discord.

    For further inquiries, please contact Ruder Finn Asia ,glo-media@htx-inc.com.

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by HTX. 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.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/14b88ed3-a6c4-4385-a159-c4c19897c5fe

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘Shine your light’: responding to challenges facing the charity sector

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    ‘Shine your light’: responding to challenges facing the charity sector

    Charity Commission Chief Executive David Holdsworth delivers keynote speech at Charity Times’ Annual Conference 2025.

    Thank you Srabani and good morning everyone / bore da pawb.

    It’s a privilege to be speaking to at this conference for the first time as the Commission’s CEO, after rejoining the organisation last summer.

    I probably don’t need to explain to this audience why I returned to work with the charity sector.

    Current operating environment and challenges 

    The Charity Commission stands at a unique vantage point, where the perspectives of charities, government, the public and donors meet.

    From this position, we see three trends.

    First, an incredibly challenging economic environment for the sector.

    Like other sectors, charities face inflationary pressures and rising operational costs.

    But charities are also dealing with increased demands for their services.

    The cumulative impact of these trends on charities is, in some cases, extremely challenging.

    Second, charities, like other organisations, are contending with rapid technological and social change.

    Some tech innovations, notably in the space of AI, offer tools that can help charities do more with less and increase their impact.

    But looking ahead, these technologies potentially challenge the very role of organisations and institutions in the traditional sense.

    Notably when coupled with changing attitudes, especially among younger people, whose allegiances are increasingly to causes, not ‘bricks and mortar’ or brands and institutions and where technology platforms offer alternatives of direct giving to those in need.  

    Thirdly – global conflicts, geo political shifts and instability. The shocking invasion of Ukraine and conflicts in the middle east have seen demands on and need of charity increase significantly. Whilst at the same time the once seemingly immovable, solid post war geo political system is shifting, creating uncertainty and instability. This makes responding to increased global need more difficult and challenging to navigate.

    Impact and Potential

    Despite those challenges the sector has never been more important – and let’s be clear what charities achieve for society is astonishing, both in terms of scale and impact.

    Based on Annual Returns submitted to the Commission for 2023’s accounts, the sector had an annual income of over £96 billion – up around 7% on the previous year.

    We registered just over 5,000 new charities last year, having assessed a record 9,840 applications – a 9% increase on the previous year.

    And there are around 700,000 trustees who collectively steward the sector though good times and bad, and whose work often goes unrecognised and uncelebrated – though we at the Commission are all too aware of their service and contribution.

    But numbers alone don’t tell of the human impact of charity. Of the positive difference charities make in transforming or enriching communities, our environment, our wildlife, heritage, culture as well as saving and improving countless individual lives.

    It is that impact that charities, their amazing trustees, volunteers and employees have – that we must not lose sight of – nor let the challenges shroud.

    There are so many examples to tell.

    Like the Felix Project which had a landmark year, providing 38 million meals through its network of 1,264 community organisations and schools by growing its network of collaborations. Building on that success it has launched its Multibank, which has seen 1.46 million non-food essential items distributed to try and ensure no Londoner in need goes without.

    Welsh Women’s Aid and its partners helped 739 survivors access refuge-based support. That is life-saving intervention happening every day, across the country – offering not just physical shelter but a sense of home and safety when people need it most.

    That the osprey – that magnificent bird of prey – which was once driven to near extinction in the UK – is now thriving, with over 250 nesting pairs living in Britain today, is thanks to charities.

    And it is thanks to charity that, on average, two lives are saved at sea every single day by RNLI volunteers.  

    Also I know from my last CEO role at the Animal and Plant Health Agency, thanks to animal welfare charities’ campaigning work over decades, the UK now has one of the most advanced legal frameworks protecting animal health and welfare.

    These a just a few examples of what has been made possible by the charity sector.

    Potential and Opportunity

    So whilst I don’t underestimate for one moment the challenges charities face – and which I have seen first hand on my many visits – I would urge you not to let those challenges dim nor shroud the huge impact you are having, everyday.

    I also firmly believe that as Albert Einstein once said:

    in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.

    Arguably, the bigger the challenge, the greater the opportunity. Ideas previously rejected as too radical; innovation that once felt too big; conversations which felt too challenging can suddenly feel possible – and necessary.

    Take for example, the city I call home, Liverpool. Which is incidentally also the Commission’s main home, where most of our staff are based.

    I grew up in Liverpool in the 1980s. It was a time when the city felt like it had lost its way, with ever increasing challenges and ever dwindling opportunity and resources.

    Today my home city is transformed. And that transformation happened through collaboration – a combination of philanthropic investments, national and local government investment, alongside renewed community action notably in the arts, culture and tourism which acted as catalysts for wider renewal.

    Each individual project mattered, but what made for game-changing transformation was the cumulative impact of collaborative and complementary efforts from a number of actors. And that is true across the sector today.

    Take for example, Fareshare. Working collaboratively, supporting other charities in their network, they’ve helped distribute 92% more food over the last year, and made their budgets go 78% further.

    This resulted in them distributing a whopping 135 million meals, reaching nearly 1 million people.

    If you’ll allow me to return once more to my hometown.

    In late 2024, Zoe’s Place, a hospice in Liverpool which provides care to children, faced an uncertain future. The community of Liverpool, supported by business leaders and politicians, as well as a fellow charity the Institute of our Lady of Mercy, fellow hospice Claire’s Place and regional media collectively rallied to save Zoe’s Place, with the Commission playing a key facilitating role.

    Now, ownership has been transferred to the newly registered Liverpool Zoe’s Place. The charity’s trustees have also finalised plans to build the charity’s new home, securing the continuation of the former charity’s legacy.

    The hospice had been helping families through the unimaginable since 1995 – to see that vital service disappear would have been gutting for the community, and a huge blow to the families who rely on the organisation’s support.

    Instead, by reawakening their community’s passion and pride in the service, the charity will now continue to provide that support for years to come.

    In addition to this kind of public appeal, forging new corporate partnerships is another option being explored by many charities. Indeed, the Charities Aid Foundation estimates that UK businesses contribute around £4 billion to the sector.

    Take one example – a mere stone’s throw from here: national homelessness charity, Shelter.

    The organisation has partnered with clothing brand, Lucy and Yak. Last year they held a successful pop-up shop in Kings Cross, and now, they’ve launched donation boxes in several Lucy and Yak shops across the country encouraging customers to donate clothing.

    Shelter has responded to competition facing charity shops with the rise of preloved selling platforms in an agile and innovative way. Through this partnership, they’ve added a funding stream to their ‘bow’ and potentially reached new supporters.

    But I appreciate that public appeals and new corporate partnerships won’t work for everyone.  

    As a result of the Covid pandemic, many charities needed to re-evaluate their financial resilience and ability to weather further storms – many had dipped into their reserves, while others had little to fall back on.

    With the same desire to ensure services do not come to an end, some charities with similar goals turned to mergers – combining resources to create something more sustainable.

    For example, Community Integrated Care, one of the largest social care providers in the UK, merged with Inspire, a social care provider based in Scotland, in 2023. The charities saw how funding shortfalls, economic pressures and workforce shortages were impacting social care more broadly and chose to secure their future together rather than struggle through apart. And it paid off.

    Community Integrated Care’s income increased by £22 million in the year after the merger, and the charities reported publicly that the merger was a good strategic fit. These charities found strength in unity while continuing to provide that sense of belonging their beneficiaries depend on.

    Mergers are not the answer for all – and I don’t underestimate the work that can be involved in navigating a successful transition. But where you decide a merger is the best way forward, the Commission is on hand.

    Conclusion: strength in collaboration

    I’ve touched upon a few examples today to evidence my underlying confidence in this sector’s collective power. Just as no home is built by a single pair of hands, no lasting social change comes from isolated efforts.

    Our dear late Queen, Elizabeth II, once said:

    On our own, we cannot end wars or wipe out injustice, but the cumulative impact of thousands of small acts of goodness can be bigger than we imagine.

    In the year of the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe and Victory in Japan we should remember those words and that out of darkness can come something brighter and better than before.

    From the darkness of tyranny, fascism and unfathomable loss came a renewed determination for peace, democracy and equality. That which charities had long fought for then came forward in the form of the NHS, welfare state, expansion of access to higher education, and workers’ rights.

    While the challenges facing society may be less existential, I believe this sector can again play a transformational role across communities, across government, local and national, with businesses and philanthropists to once again tackle our biggest issues with joint purpose.

    There is no greater charity sector in the world than here and my message is clear.

    Keep shining a light, charities.

    Shine a light on your charitable purpose.

    Shine a light of hope, and of refuge to those in need.

    Shine a light on your innovation and impact.

    And always remember that you not only stand on the shoulders of giants, but you too are now building that better brighter future for the next generation.

    Thank you. I look forward to hearing your thoughts, and taking your questions.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK stands ready to send more aid to Gaza as Minister pledges further support

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK stands ready to send more aid to Gaza as Minister pledges further support

    Minister for Development announces new UK support for Gaza on first visit in her role to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

    • extra UK aid announced today will support organisations on the ground seeking to get food, water and medicine to those who need it
    • Minister Chapman will call Israel’s decision to allow just a basic amount of food into Gaza ‘abominable’ after an ‘indefensible’ 11-week blockade.
    • on her first visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories in her role, the Minister also emphasises the need to release all Israeli hostages held by Hamas and works towards a two-state solution

    Vulnerable Gazans must urgently be given full access to aid, UK Minister for Development, Jenny Chapman said today [Wednesday 21 May] on her first visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories in her role. 

    Following the Government’s calls, together with partners, for restrictions on aid access to be lifted, the UK has announced £4m of new UK humanitarian support for Gazans as the Minister reaffirms the UK’s commitment to driving peace in the region.

    The visit comes the day after Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced new sanctions hitting violent West Bank settlers, paused free trade agreement negotiations with Israel and called the Government of Israel’s actions ‘egregious’ and ‘intolerable’. 

    On her visit the Development Minister will say the limited restart of aid deliveries into Gaza is ‘simply not enough’ and she will urge the Israeli government to allow the unhindered provision of aid. She will say the blockade has been appalling and indefensible, particularly following an IPC report noting the entire population of Gaza is experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity.

    The Minister will announce new UK support during a visit to a Red Crescent centre, highlighting that the UK stands ready to provide the urgent aid to those who desperately need it, while expressing frustration much of it cannot yet reach them.

    Backing up words with action, the new UK support would cover essential medicines and medical supplies for up to 32,000 people, safe drinking water for up to 60,000 people, and food parcels for up to 14,000 people.

    Minister for Development, Jenny Chapman said:

    The lack of aid reaching ordinary Gazans is appalling. The Israeli government’s failure to allow full humanitarian access to aid workers is abhorrent. Far too few trucks are crossing into Gaza. The UN has warned nearly half a million Palestinians, including children, are facing starvation.

    The UK is clear – Israel will not achieve security through prolonging the suffering of the Palestinian people.

    I have heard first hand from aid workers today of the abominable impact of this behaviour on real families. The UK has today pledged new support for Gazans but the brutal reality is most of it is stuck in limbo.

    We need to see an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, a surge of aid, and a path towards long-term peace.

    During the first day of her visit (Wednesday, May 21), Minister Chapman has met with Palestinian Justice Minister Sharhabeel al-Zaeem, and talked to UNRWA representatives on resolving the challenges in getting aid to Palestinian communities.

    Tomorrow, she is due to meet the families of hostages cruelly held by Hamas, where she will highlight the importance of an immediate ceasefire and a negotiated end to the conflict which secures their urgent release. This is the only way to deliver long-term stability in the region, and at home, as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.

    Background

    • The £4 million contribution announced today will be made to the British Red Cross to deliver humanitarian relief in Gaza through their partner the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. This support has been allocated from the £101 million set aside for the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) in financial year 2025-26, announced during the official visit of Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa to the UK.
    • UK support to the OPTs since October 7, 2023, has so far provided 405,000 patient consultations across Gaza, food aid to at least 647,000 people, and improved water, sanitation and hygiene services to almost 300,000 people. 
    • Photos from the visit will be available on FCDO Flickr
    • See here for the Foreign Secretary’s statement announcing sanctions on West Bank violence network and the pause on negotiations for a free trade agreement.
    • See here for joint statement from the leaders of the UK, France and Canada on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank delivered on 19/05/2025.
    • See here for joint statement from UK and 26 other humanitarian partners delivered on 19/05/2025.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Home Sales Forecast Upgraded in May Outlook

    Source: Fannie Mae

    WASHINGTON, DC – Total single-family home sales are expected to close 2025 at 4.92 million units, with existing home sales accounting for 4.24 million of those units, according to the May 2025 Economic and Housing Outlook from the Fannie Mae (FNMA/OTCQB) Economic and Strategic Research (ESR) Group. Revisions to the home sales forecast were driven in part by the ESR Group’s lower expectations for mortgage rates, which it now forecasts to end 2025 and 2026 at 6.1% and 5.8%, respectively. The latest outlook also projects real gross domestic product growing at 0.7% in 2025 and 2.0% in 2026 on a Q4/Q4 basis.

    Visit the Economic and Strategic Research site at fanniemae.com to read the full May 2025 Economic and Housing Outlook, including the Economic Developments Commentary, Economic Forecast, and Housing Forecast. To receive email updates with other housing market research from Fannie Mae’s Economic and Strategic Research Group, please click here.

    Opinions, analyses, estimates, forecasts, beliefs, and other views of Fannie Mae’s Economic and Strategic Research (ESR) Group included in these materials should not be construed as indicating Fannie Mae’s business prospects or expected results, are based on a number of assumptions, and are subject to change without notice. How this information affects Fannie Mae will depend on many factors. Although the ESR Group bases its opinions, analyses, estimates, forecasts, beliefs, and other views on information it considers reliable, it does not guarantee that the information provided in these materials is accurate, current, or suitable for any particular purpose. Changes in the assumptions or the information underlying these views could produce materially different results. The analyses, opinions, estimates, forecasts, beliefs, and other views published by the ESR Group represent the views of that group as of the date indicated and do not necessarily represent the views of Fannie Mae or its management.

    About the ESR Group
    Fannie Mae’s Economic and Strategic Research Group, led by Chief Economist Mark Palim, studies current data, analyzes historical and emerging trends, and conducts surveys of consumer and mortgage lenders to inform forecasts and analyses on the economy, housing, and mortgage markets.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Development Bank’s Adesina Warns of Economic Shockwaves from United States (U.S.) Tariffs, Calls for Strategic Global Engagement

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, May 21, 2025/APO Group/ —

    As the United States imposes higher tariffs with global ramifications, African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has warned that these measures could trigger significant economic disruptions across Africa, affecting numerous nations and accelerating a strategic shift in global partnerships. 

    In an exclusive interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, Dr Adesina revealed that 47 of Africa’s 54 countries will be impacted directly by the new U.S. trade policies, with potential declines in export revenues and foreign exchange reserves. 

    “When those currencies weaken, two things will happen: first, you will find that most of these countries are import-dependent. So, you’re going to find that high inflation becomes a problem,” said Adesina. “And secondly, you find that the cost of actually servicing a lot of their debt, which is foreign currency debt, but in local currencies, is going to get worse.” 

    Almost all African countries have been hit by higher tariffs announced by the Trump administration, with at least 22 nations facing up to a whopping 50 percent for almost all their products. Among the hardest hit countries are Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Botswana, Angola, Algeria, and South Africa. 

    The impacts of these higher tariffs are further exacerbated by significant cuts to USAID programs, which have already begun affecting access to essential medical supplies and humanitarian services in many countries, raising serious concerns about the future trajectory of U.S.-Africa relations. 

    Africa’s Strategic Response 

    Despite the challenges, Adesina emphasized that Africa cannot afford a trade confrontation with the United States, noting that the continent accounts for only 1.2 percent (approximately $34 billion) of America’s global trade—with a trade surplus of just $7.2 billion. 

    Instead, he proposed a pragmatic three-point strategy for the continent: Engage the U.S. through flexible and constructive trade negotiations, diversify export markets to reduce dependency on any single partner, and accelerate the African Continental Free Trade Area implementation to unlock the potential $3.4 trillion market. 

    He stressed the need to expand Africa’s domestic market and boost domestic savings to develop consumption as a bigger share of its GDP, leveraging its massive population growth. More importantly, the continent must take advantage of the increasing external interest in its natural resources, such as cobalt and lithium, to negotiate a better trade and investment deal. 

    Addressing speculation that Africa may shift more decisively toward China in response to the higher U.S. tariffs, Adesina dismissed any notion of binary alignment. “U.S is a key ally of Africa—and so is China,” he stated. “Africa is building bridges, not isolating itself.” 

    He stressed that Africa seeks balanced, transparent, and mutually beneficial partnerships with all major global players, including the U.S., China, the European Union, and the Gulf states. “I think at the end of the day, we want to make sure that whatever deals that are being done with Africa are transparent, fair, equitable, and led by Africa and in Africa’s interests,” Adesina reiterated. 

    Beyond Aid: Driving Africa’s Self-Reliance 

    Dr. Adesina, who concludes his second and final term as president of the Bank in September, firmly rejected the long-standing paradigm of foreign aid dependency. “The era of aid as we’ve known it is completely gone,” he declared, calling instead for bold investments in domestic resource mobilization, infrastructure, and value-added industrialization. 

    He said aid must be turned into concessional financing to allow multilateral financial institutions like the African Development Bank to do more for the continent by mobilizing more private capital to develop and derisk projects.  

    While Africa represents nearly 20 percent of the global population and under three percent of global GDP, the Bank Group chief pointed to a resilient and transformative growth narrative: ten of the world’s twenty fastest-growing economies are in Africa. 

    He highlighted flagship initiatives under the African Development Bank’s “High 5” agenda that have impacted more than 565 million people through investments in power, food security, industrialization, regional integration, and initiatives to improve the quality of life of the people of Africa. 

    Over the past decade, the African Development Bank has invested more than $55 billion in infrastructure to bolster economic integration across Africa, alongside other critical investments to drive inclusive growth. It is by far the largest financier of infrastructure across Africa. 

    Adesina also cited the great potential of the Mission 300 project, a joint initiative by the World Bank and the African Development Bank to connect 300 million people in Africa to electricity by 2030.  “Because without electricity, what can you do? You can’t industrialize, you can’t add value, you can’t be competitive in the dark,” he said. 

    He highlighted the achievements of the Africa Investment Forum, launched in 2018 by the Bank and eight other partners, saying it has since mobilized more than $225 billion in investment interest to the continent. The Forum is a multi-stakeholder, multi-disciplinary platform that advances projects to bankable stages, raises capital, and accelerates deals to financial closure. 

    Adesina believes that despite its challenges, Africa is the largest greenfield investment destination in the world, and it remains “the investor’s dream.” 

    “We got hydropower. We have a massive youth population that can become the labor force of the world. Sixty-five percent of the arable land left in the world to feed almost 9.5 billion people by 2050 is in Africa, so what Africa does with it will determine the future of food in the world,” he affirmed. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: 19th-century Catholic teachings, 21st-century tech: How concerns about AI guided Pope Leo’s choice of name

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Nathan Schneider, Assistant Professor of Media Studies, University of Colorado Boulder

    An 1878 photograph of Pope Leo XIII and members of his court, taken by Jules David. Wikimedia Commons

    When Robert Francis Prevost chose the papal name Leo XIV, it could have meant many things. There were 13 Leos before him: The first, Leo the Great, was a fifth-century theologian who helped heal the doctrinal divisions among early Christians; Leo X, a member of the powerful Medici family, helped provoke the Protestant Reformation with his lavish lifestyle and sale of indulgences.

    Two days after his election, the new pope affirmed the most likely inference: that his name was a tribute to the most recent Leo, Pope Leo XIII, who died in 1903. Less obvious, however, was what inspired his choice: the rise of artificial intelligence.

    As the new pope told the College of Cardinals on May 10, 2025, he was inspired by his namesake’s teachings about economic justice during another time of radical technological change. Leo XIII applied Catholic tradition to the Industrial Revolution in a historic encyclical called Rerum Novarum, which became the founding document of modern Catholic economics.

    “In our own day,” Leo XIV said, “the Church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and to developments in the field of artificial intelligence that pose new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice and labor.”

    I am a scholar of economic thought around technology and religion, and so the invocation of the previous Leo had immediate resonance for me. What lessons is the current pope drawing from his predecessor? What would Leo XIII say about AI?

    19th-century teachings

    Some might imagine that the answer is some kind of outright rejection. The Catholic Church has a sometimes earned reputation for denouncing the modern world in favor of its centuries-old traditions.

    One aspect of the reign of Leo XIII, who became pope in 1878, was an attack on modern individualism, which he denounced as “Americanism.” But his relationship with modernity was far from simply rejecting it. Leo XIII was the first pope captured on film, for instance, and he blessed the camera that recorded him.

    Leo XIII was the first pope to appear on film.

    In Rerum Novarum, which appeared in 1891, Leo responded to the roiling struggles between Gilded Age capitalists and the industrial workers they systematically exploited. The “teeming masses of the laboring poor” received “a yoke little better than that of slavery itself,” he wrote.

    The 19th-century pope refused to endorse either the capitalists’ wait-and-see promise of progress or the communists’ longing for a dictatorship of the proletariat. Instead, he offered a vision that became the cornerstone of modern Catholic social teaching.

    Leo XIII’s prescription for the Industrial Revolution of his time was to embrace private property, like the capitalists, but to spread it out far more widely among workers. Rerum Novarum contends it is “just and right that the results of labor should belong to those who have bestowed their labor.” If workers become owners, he explained, they can have a part in stewarding the gifts of God.

    Leo XIII’s writings have formed the foundation of modern Catholic social thought.
    L’Illustrazione Italiana via Wikimedia Commons

    The pope further called for public policy that would spread wealth and power in the industrial economy through widespread ownership: “The law, therefore, should favor ownership, and its policy should be to induce as many as possible of the people to become owners.”

    This was a radical position then, as it is now. Following Leo XIII’s call, many Catholics searched for ways to share ownership of industry more widely. This movement gave birth to cooperative businesses around the world, from the North American credit union system to the Mondragon Corporation in the Basque region of Spain, an industrial behemoth owned and governed by its workers.

    But for most of the world, Leo’s plea was forgotten in the capitalist-versus-communist Cold War.

    21st-century tech

    Today, we inhabit yet another Gilded Age. Wealth inequality in the United States has reached similar levels as in Leo XIII’s time, once again thanks to technological disruptions that funnel the benefits to a small elite. AI threatens to put the platform economy on steroids, upending work with the bots that only a few companies can afford to build.

    Policy debates about AI tend to be limited to what the big tech CEOs should or shouldn’t do. The Biden administration was poised to enshrine a few powerful companies as the arbiters of AI, handing them and the government power to determine what is and isn’t ethical. Now, the Trump administration is pulling out all the stops to compete with China. “The AI future is not going to be won by hand-wringing about safety,” Vice President JD Vance, who is Catholic, told a major AI summit soon after taking office. “It will be won by building.”

    Channeling Leo XIII to confront the AI revolution, however, means looking past prevailing ideas, as he did in his time. His teachings suggest that the people who create and use AI should be the ones who actively own and govern it.

    This could take many forms. For instance, already there are workers organizing to shape how AI is deployed in their workplaces. In other contexts, cooperative businesses such as Land O’Lakes have worked with farmer-owners to use the data that farm machines produce to improve their practices. People do not have to be merely passive users of AI tools; when they have well-organized democratic power through unions and co-ops, they can make the technology more accountable to them.

    AI companies themselves can spread ownership and governance more widely. Fears about the dangers that powerful AI could pose if it gets out of hand have already prompted some founders to adopt unusual corporate structures. Anthropic, the company behind the AI assistant Claude, is a public-benefit corporation, which means that it can prioritize long-term social benefit above shareholder profits. OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, is owned by a nonprofit – an arrangement that has resisted efforts to turn it into a more conventional kind of company.

    Dario Amodei, CEO and co-founder of Anthropic, middle, speaks on a panel at an event about AI safety in 2024.
    AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

    But these structures still assume that AI’s future should be in the hands of an aristocracy of business and technical elites. Leo XIII, on the other hand, argued that everyone who participates in an enterprise should have a stake in it.

    For AI, that could include not only company employees but also the users who train the models, the communities that share their water and power with data centers, the workers who mine the raw materials for high-performance chips, and the creators who contribute to the systems’ knowledge.

    Early research has suggested that ordinary people are very concerned about turning power over to machines that they do not yet understand. They see consequences of AI in their lives that engineers in Silicon Valley are less likely to consider, from racial discrimination to workplace surveillance. Also, as a wonderful story by the science fiction writer Cadwell Turnbull suggests, people will likely use and trust AI more if they know it is truly accountable to them.

    In January 2025, the Vatican released a document calling for a “renewed appreciation of all that is human” in the age of AI. It warned against what Pope Francis called the “technocratic paradigm”: the mindset that gives up humans’ role as stewards of God’s creation and hands power over to systems, whether they are stock markets or computer programs.

    By taking the name Leo, I believe the new pope is suggesting something similar. The important question is not whether new technologies are good or bad. What matters far more is whether we can learn to share the responsibility of stewardship – whether we can all be partners in what this new industrial revolution is making possible.

    Nathan Schneider identifies as a Roman Catholic.

    – ref. 19th-century Catholic teachings, 21st-century tech: How concerns about AI guided Pope Leo’s choice of name – https://theconversation.com/19th-century-catholic-teachings-21st-century-tech-how-concerns-about-ai-guided-pope-leos-choice-of-name-256645

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Welfare reform: Speech to the IPPR by Work and Pensions Secretary

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Welfare reform: Speech to the IPPR by Work and Pensions Secretary

    Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Rt Hon Liz Kendall MP speech to the IPPR setting out the case for welfare reform.

    I’m very grateful to my former employer IPPR for hosting us and to all of you for taking the time to come along, I’m especially grateful to Dominic for sharing his experiences, and I thought that was really important to hear today – about the benefits work brings to you, and the struggles you have faced, and your hopes for the future.

    I want to talk about the Government’s welfare reforms.

    How they will transform people’s lives, as part of our Plan for Change.

    [Political content removed]

    How these reforms will help ensure our welfare state is sustainable for the future.

    [Political content removed]

    Now Getting Britain Working is central to the Government’s Plan for Change.

    It is vital to delivering higher living standards in every part of Britain. 

    And it’s vital to achieving the number one mission of this Government, which is growing the economy.

    But Getting Britain Working is about so much more than this.

    It’s about giving people the dignity and self respect that we know good work brings.

    The purpose and belonging that Dominic spoke about so powerfully.

    It’s about improving the health of the nation, because we know good work is good for people’s mental and physical health – and can help reduce pressure on the NHS.

    And Getting Britain Working is critical to driving down child poverty and ensuring every child starts school ready to learn – perhaps the single most important step to transforming equality and opportunity in this country.

    And the scale and urgency of our task is there for all to see. 

    Nearly 1 in 10 people of working age are now on at least one sickness or disability benefit.  

    A near record 2.8 million people are out of work due to long-term sickness. 

    1 million young people are not in education, employment or training – that’s more than 1 in 8 of our young people – with all the long-term consequences this brings for their future health, job prospects and earnings potential.

    And 300,000 people with health conditions are falling out of work every single year, piling up even greater problems for the future.

    The result is millions of people who could work written off and denied the chance to build a better life …

    … with all these challenges far worse in parts of the Midlands and the North, whose economies were decimated in the 80s and 90s when whole industries closed, and who have never been given the investment, support and opportunity they need to recover.

    [Political content removed]

    … with the benefits bill for sickness and disability up £20 billion since the pandemic and set to rise by a further £18 billion by the end of this Parliament, unless we change course. 

    And the truth is … it doesn’t have to be this way.

    We are the only economy in the G7 whose employment rate still hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels.

    And spending on sickness and disability benefits in most other comparable countries is either stable or falling since the pandemic … yet ours continues to inexorably rise.  

    [Political content removed]

    And there is nothing inevitable about Britain’s future path, if we have the courage and conviction to act.

    We must start shifting so much spending from the costs of “failure” to investing in the jobs, skills and public services that people need to build a better life.

    This requires leadership and it requires reform. 

    Now the truth is, welfare reform is never easy. And it is rarely popular. 

    [Political content removed]

    So we will reform the welfare state.

    [Political content removed]

    Changing it to meet the social and demographic challenges of today and tomorrow and delivering the fairness, equality and opportunity people need and deserve.

    [Political content removed]

    Reforming the welfare state to offer them the same rights and chances to work as anybody else.

    When the welfare state was created, average life expectancy was 65, and the most common cause of illness and death was infectious diseases and accidents. 

    Now, average life expectancy is around 80. And 1 in 7 babies born today is likely to live to 100.

    Back then, disability was the exception. Now, 1 in 4 of us self-reports as disabled. And 1 in 3 of us will have a long-term health condition.

    But the welfare state has simply not kept pace with these changes.

    Our benefit system in particular forces too many sick and disabled people into a binary choice of can or can’t work – when we know many people’s physical and mental health conditions fluctuate, and many sick and disabled people want to and need to work.

    The system then writes people off, and traps them … without offering any help or support.

    The number of people on the health top up of Universal Credit is set to rise by 50 per cent to 3 million by the end of the decade. 

    And the number of people on Personal Independence Payments is set to more than double to 4.3 million.

    There are now 1,000 new PIP awards every single day. That’s the equivalent of adding a city the size of Leicester every single year.

    This is not sustainable or fair – for the people who need support and for taxpayers.

    So unless we reform the system to help those who can work to do so…

    Unless we get social security spending on a more sustainable footing…

    And unless we ensure public money is focused on those with the greatest need and is spent in ways that have the best chance of improving people’s lives…

    …the risk is the welfare state won’t be there for people who really need it in future.

    That is why we are grasping the nettle of welfare reform. 

    Not for the sake of it, but to ensure the welfare state lasts for generations to come.

    Now we have already made huge strides in getting Britain working and growing again. 

    We are improving the quality of work and making work pay, with our landmark Employment Rights Bill.

    We are creating more good jobs in every part of the country – from clean energy to construction and through our modern industrial strategy.

    And we are investing an additional £26 billion this year to drive down NHS waiting lists, because getting people back to health is crucial to getting them back to work.

    But we also need big changes in our system of social security and employment support to deliver greater fairness and opportunity.

    Our plans are based on three clear objectives. 

    First, overhauling the system to help those who can work, get into work and stay in work.

    Last autumn our Get Britain Working white paper kicked off the biggest reforms to employment support in a generation, backed by and additional £240 million…

    … overhauling our Jobcentres to create a new national jobs and careers service, and shift the focus away from benefit administration alone.

    … investing in 16 new trailblazing programmes across the country – led by Mayors and local areas – to join up work, health and skills support, ensure every young person is earning or learning and to tackle the scar of economic inactivity.

    This year, we announced a further £1 billion a year in our new ‘Pathways to Work’ offer.

    Along with programmes like WorkWell, Connect to Work – which is being rolled out to the whole of England and Wales by December – and freeing up 1,000 work coaches to support sick and disabled people….

    …. Pathways to Work will guarantee a comprehensive offer of health, work and skills support for anyone who needs it. 

    … rolling out from next April when our benefit changes start to come in… 

    …. the biggest ever package of support for sick and disabled people.

    To underpin these changes in employment support, we are also creating a more pro-active, pro-work system. 

    We are consulting on a new Unemployment Insurance to provide a higher rate of time-limited income protection for people who lose their job but have paid into the system.

    We are scrapping the failed Work Capability Assessment [Political content removed] to help end the binary can/can’t work divide.

    We are reforming Universal Credit to encourage people to find work, and not stay on benefits…

    … reducing the health top up for new claims from April 2026, alongside active help to find work.

    …. and bringing in a sustained above inflation increase to the standard allowance in Universal Credit for the first time ever, delivering a cash increase of £725 a year by the end of the Parliament. 

    We’re introducing a new ‘right to try work’ by legislating to guarantee that work in and of itself will never lead to someone being called in for a benefit assessment to give people the confidences to take the plunge and try work. 

    To underpin our Youth Guarantee we are consulting on delaying access to the health top up in Universal Credit until someone is aged 22, with the savings reinvested into work support and training opportunities. 

    And we will support employers to recruit and retain more disabled people and people with health conditions through our Keep Britain Working review, led by the former boss of John Lewis, Sir Charlie Mayfield.  

    The second objective of our plans is to protect those who cannot work. 

    Those with the most severe, life-long conditions that will never improve and who can never work will have their Universal Credit protected – including young people aged under 22. 

    And we will guarantee they will never be reassessed in future, removing totally unnecessary stress, anxiety and uncertainty.

    To improve trust, we will also fundamentally overhaul our safeguarding approach to ensure all our processes and training are of the highest possible quality and to protect and support vulnerable people.

    Our third objective is to focus Personal Independence Payments on those with higher needs and to review the PIP assessment to ensure it is fair and fit for purpose.

    I know the concerns that have been raised about our proposals. I am listening carefully to all the points people raise.

    But 9 out of 10 people claiming PIP at the point when the changes come into force in November 2026 will not be affected by the end of the Parliament.

    And even with the changes we are making…

    … there will still be 750,000 more people receiving PIP by the end of this Parliament than there were at the start.

    … and spending will be £8 billion higher than it is now: rising faster than GDP, and faster than spending on public services.

    In making our changes, we are preserving PIP as a vital cash benefit that makes a contribution towards the extra cost of living with a disability. [Political content removed]

    We are consulting on how best to support those who will no longer be eligible, including so their health and care needs are met. 

    We will improve the experience of those going through the PIP assessment, switching back to more face-to-face assessments and recording them as standard.

    And we have begun the first review of the PIP assessment, in more than a decade – including the descriptors, and in consultation with disabled people and the organisations that represent them – to ensure it is fair and fit for purpose. 

    Taken together, our measures will reform the system to support those who can work to do so, to protect those who cannot, and to help ensure our welfare state lasts for generations to come.

    I want to finish by saying this.

    When I travel around the country, I know the places with the highest levels of economic inactivity and the largest number of people on sickness and disability benefits…

    … are the same places with the worst health, lowest life expectancy and fewest opportunities.

    The villages, towns and cities, especially in parts of the Midlands and North whose economies have still not recovered from the 80s and 90s, where economic demand remains weakest.

    Places that are full of talent and ambition but which need the investment – in jobs, infrastructure, skills, and public services – to build a better life for themselves and their communities.

    People in this country rightly demand change.

    [Political content removed]

    They need real hope built on real solutions.

    [Political content removed]

    Change of this scale isn’t easy.

    But it is possible.

    [Political content removed]

    That we will create the jobs, opportunities and public services people want and deserve. 

    Because a future dependent on benefits alone is not good enough for people in Blackpool, Birkenhead or Blaenau Gwent. 

    I am confident we will deliver. 

    Because all the evidence shows hundreds of thousands of sick and disabled people want to work.

    When they have a government that is on their side and provides the right support, they get work. 

    And that this can transform their lives. 

    Our task is urgent. 

    [Political content removed]

    So now let’s get on with the job.

    ENDS

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Record pension scheme funding means up to £160 billion ready to boost growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Record pension scheme funding means up to £160 billion ready to boost growth

    The reforms will support the Government’s Plan for Change by boosting economic growth and securing the financial future of millions of UK savers.

    • Funding levels in the Defined Benefit (DB) pension sector have hit a record high, with three in four now in surplus and deficit payments down by over £10 billion a year
    • Increased resilience follows years of businesses creating security for members through building a larger surplus.
    • New freedoms to safely release surplus funding will unlock investments and benefit savers as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.

    Working people, pension scheme members and businesses are set to benefit from record highs in pension scheme funding. 

    The majority of DB schemes are now running at a surplus which means the value of their assets exceed that of the promised pension benefits due to members.

    Thanks to the forthcoming Pension Schemes Bill – trustees and employers will soon be able to safely release part of this surplus to boost investment and benefit scheme members. 

    Funding levels for DB pension schemes, sometimes known as “Final Salary” pensions, are current in their strongest ever financial position with the number of DB schemes sufficiently financed tripling since 2010. 

    Minister for Pensions, Torsten Bell, said:

    The record funding levels for Defined Benefit pension schemes is excellent news for Britain’s employers and workers.

    Fast falling deficit payments offer employers a cashflow boost of over £10 billion a year, that can support higher wages and investment. 

    And growing scheme surpluses can also be used productively. Currently some trustees are held back from sharing the benefits of a surplus, but our plans will allow all schemes to safely do so, delivering greater investment across firms and benefits for savers.

    In 2019, just 600 Defined Benefit schemes were financed sufficiently, meaning businesses could meet the costs associated with their schemes without dipping into operational budgets – by 2024 that figure had tripled to over 1,800.

    Because of this robust financial position, the additional payments businesses have had to pay to plug pension deficits has fallen from £16 billion in 2010 to under £5 billion in 2024. This is delivering an immediate cashflow benefit to firms and should support higher levels of investment and wages. 

    The funding position of schemes in deficit has improved significantly, from a collective deficit of £500bn in 2019 to a deficit of just £140bn in 2024. Schemes running at a surplus have seen their collective surplus now rise to more than £160bn. Currently, many schemes cannot access their surplus – but the forthcoming Pension Schemes Bill will allow Pension trustees and the sponsoring employers to safely release some surplus to invest back into their businesses and unlock more money for pension scheme members. The upcoming changes will focus on member protection, and trustees will continue to be required to fulfil their duties towards scheme beneficiaries. 

    These changes form part of a package of reforms in the upcoming Pension Schemes Bill that will secure the financial future of millions of UK savers and drive long-term economic prosperity.

    Additional Information

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP News: Ripple Whales monitor as Nimanode set to Kick-off $NMA token Presale

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEEDS, United Kingdom, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The highly anticipated $NMA token presale for Nimanode is officially scheduled to commence on May 22nd, 2025 at 3 PM UTC.

    Excitement grows in the XRPL ecosystem as the first-of-its-kind No-Code AI Agent builder platform announces the date for their presale. As it is anticipated to be the most impactful in XRP history. Get Early Access

    Whales on the XRPL Ecosystem are positioned and interested in becoming the front-runners as XRPL, a blockchain in desperate need for real innovation, witnesses its first tilt towards Blockchain Infrastructure.

    Nimanode introduces a convergence of On-Chain execution and Off-chain intelligence to create AI agents that can execute smart contracts, automate DeFi strategies, integrate APIs, monitor NFTs, manage tasks across chains, and evolve over time — all without writing a single line of code.

    Why Nimanode is Stealing the Spotlight?

    Nimanode is creating the future of work through AI Agents, offering a no-code gateway to advanced agent-driven ecosystems, making it a game-changer for both developers and non-technical users.

    This AI-powered platform is built on the XRP Ledger for high speed, low cost, and unmatched scalability. With its zero-code agent builder and decentralized agent marketplace, Nimanode is unlocking real-world utility for creators, developers, and businesses alike.

    Whether you’re launching a dApp, managing RWA, automating your smart contracts, or building Institutional workflows, Nimanode is the only toolkit you’ll need.

    Join Telegram Community

    An Ecosystem Powered By $NMA

    At the heart of Nimanode ecosystem lies $NMA, the utility and governance token that powers agent deployment, upgrades, voting etc, designed with a deflationary mechanism in mind to promote scarcity and long term value. Offering various utilities such as

    Agent Builder: NMA will serve as fuel for the creation and deployment of AI agents on the platform.
    Agent Marketplace: Holders of NMA will be able to access discounts and purchase agents on Nimanode’s Agent marketplace.
    Governance Participation: Holders are offered a position in the DAO to participate in Governance and vote on proposals.
    Staking & Reward: Staking $NMA will serve as a means of passive income to holders. Revenue generated on the platform will also be shared to holders.

    Visit Presale Page

    Rising Momentum Indicates Massive Potential

    The Nimanode community is rapidly gaining momentum, with early supporters, XRP whales, developers, and AI enthusiasts rallying around its bold vision of an autonomous agent-driven Web3.

    Whales are already positioned and ready to partake in the Presale which could deliver exceptional returns as a 25% return on DEX Listing is already planned for $NMA.

    Do not Miss Out!

    $NMA token launch is more than just a token sale, it’s a leap toward ownership of intelligent, automated blockchain infrastructure.

    With a limited 30-day window beginning on March 22nd, early birds are getting an edge and advantage in what could be the most impactful Presale towards innovation on the XRP ecosystem.

    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/b41e8484-b81f-4a4a-b19f-803976fcfcfa

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Gabelli U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund Achieves Top Ranking by iMoneyNET™ (EPFR)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RYE, N.Y., May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gabelli Funds, LLC is proud to announce that the Gabelli U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund (the “Fund”) (NASDAQ: GABXX) has earned two top honors from iMoneyNet™ (EPFR). The Fund was ranked #1 Money Market Fund in the 100% U.S. Treasury Retail category as of March 31, 2025, and also achieved the highest 12-month total return among 95 funds in the Government Retail category as of April 30, 2025. With $5.6 billion in assets under management, this recognition underscores the Fund’s commitment to a low-cost, tax-efficient strategy focused solely on U.S. Treasury securities, reinforcing its position as a leading choice for investors seeking safety, liquidity, and attractive after-tax returns.

    Since its launch in 1992, the Gabelli U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund has consistently ranked among the top in its category, led by Co-Portfolio Managers Judith Raneri and Ronald Eaker for over 32 years. “For more than three decades, investors have relied on the Gabelli U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund for safety, liquidity, and competitive yield—especially during periods of market volatility,” said Judith Raneri. “Our consistent performance reflects a disciplined investment strategy and a strong commitment to delivering a stable, high-quality cash management solution,” added Ron Eaker.

    The Gabelli U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund, managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC (a subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc., OTCQX: GAMI), invests solely in U.S. Treasury securities. With expenses capped at 0.08% and tax-exempt dividends, the Fund provides a secure, liquid, and tax-efficient cash management solution.

    For more information regarding the Fund, visit our website or call:

    Judith A. Raneri Ronald S. Eaker
    914-921-5417 914-921-5413

    iMoneyNet™ (a service of EPFR) is a leading source of money market fund data and analysis, widely recognized as an authoritative benchmark for institutional and retail investors worldwide.

    An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund. There is no guarantee that the Fund can achieve its investment objective. The Fund’s sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the Fund, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the Fund at any time. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the fund carefully before investing. The prospectus contains more complete information about this and other matters and should be read carefully before investing. You can obtain a prospectus by calling Gabelli Funds, LLC at 1-800-GABELLI (1-800-422-3554).

    Distributed by G.distributors, LLC, a registered broker dealer and member of FINRA.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ed61c4f3-8b80-41ca-a30e-7401c02353f8.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BitMart Research: Rising Stars in MEME Token Platforms: An In-Depth Look at the Mechanisms and Outlook of Believe and LetsBonk.fun

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Mahe, Seychelles, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BitMart Research, the research arm of BitMart Exchange, has released a comprehensive analysis spotlighting two rapidly emerging forces in the MEME token issuance landscape: Believe and LetsBonk.fun. As competition in the meme economy intensifies, these platforms are reshaping token creation through innovative launch mechanics, deep community integrations, and disruptive incentive structures. The report examines Believe’s algorithmic, social-influence–driven token generation on X, and LetsBonk.fun’s seamless in-app token deployment rooted in the Solana ecosystem. With explosive user growth, increasing market capitalizations, and novel monetization models, both platforms are challenging incumbents like Pumpfun and setting new standards for community-led, creator-first Web3 ecosystems.

    1.Believe

    Introduction to Believe

    Believe is a MEME token issuance platform founded by Ben Pasternak. Formerly known as Clout.me—with a “celebrity token” model—the project rebranded to focus squarely on “social assetization.” Its core mechanism allows any user to tweet on X in the format $TICKER+NAME and mention @launchcoin. The system then uses an algorithm to assess the user’s social influence and, if criteria are met, automatically triggers a smart-contract–based token deployment. Approved tokens first enter a bonding-curve issuance phase and receive a $10,000 seed fund from the platform to support the founding team. Once a token’s market capitalization surpasses $100,000, it moves into a liquidity-enhancement phase by migrating to the Meteora protocol for deep market-making support.

    According to the official economic model, the platform applies a 2% transaction fee: 1% is awarded to the token creator as an incentive, 0.1% goes to community evangelists, and the remaining 0.9% funds platform maintenance. This tiered revenue structure both safeguards creators’ core interests and fuels community-driven early promotion, while providing the financial foundation for sustainable platform growth.

    Popular Projects on Believe

    1. LaunchCoin

    As the flagship token of the Believe ecosystem, LaunchCoin is an upgraded iteration of Ben Pasternak’s early PASTERNAK token, fully embodying the brand evolution from Clout.me to the Believe platform. On its first day of trading, LaunchCoin reached a $80 million market capitalization. After weathering market fluctuations, it began a strong recovery on May 11 and has since grown to a $330 million market cap—40× its launch valuation—with over 27,000 unique holders.

    1. Dupe

    Dupe is the ecosystem token for the furniture-affordable–search engine Dupe.com. The platform’s official Instagram boasts 367,000 followers, and its monthly active user base exceeds 1 million. Dupe’s market cap peaked at $70 million and currently hovers around $34 million.

    1. Goonc

    Issued by Pata van Goon—an engineer from the OpenAI tech team—GOONC quickly went viral thanks to its technical-elite endorsement. The token’s market cap once surged to $70 million and now steadies in the $45.5 million range.

    2. LetsBonk.fun

    Introduction to LetsBonk.fun

    LetsBonk.fun is a meme token issuance platform co-launched by BONK—the leading meme project in the Solana community—and Raydium. Positioned as Solana’s LaunchPad + creator-incentive hub, the platform went live on April 26. Its popularity has recently exploded thanks to meme projects like Hosico, Useless, and IKUN. Token issuance is as simple as clicking “Create Token” within the app, though a minimum 2 SOL of liquidity must be provided before the token can be listed for trading on Raydium.

    LetsBonk.fun Revenue Model

    Every trade on the platform incurs a 1% fee, which is allocated to the development fund, BONKsol validators, and BONK buy-and-burn. Specifically:

    • 35% of revenue is used to buy back and burn BONK, implementing a deflationary mechanism
    • 30% is used to purchase and stake BONKsol to secure and provide liquidity for the network
    • 19.2% is directed to an ecosystem development fund
    • 7.6% goes into strategic reserves
    • 7.6% is allocated for technical development and operations (split equally among hiring, growth & development, and integrations)
    • 12% is dedicated to user incentives and marketing, broken down into 4% BonkRewards, 4% marketing, and 4% community-governance support (SBR)

    Between April 29 and May 15, daily revenue surged from roughly 2,000 SOL to 24,000 SOL—a more than 12× increase—while token issuance spiked to nearly 50,000 tokens on May 15 (a 233% rise over average).

    Popular Projects on LetsBonk.fun

    1. Hosico

    Inspired by the Instagram-famous cat with 1.8 million followers and rendered in a Ghibli-style AI aesthetic, Hosico’s token launched at 4 AM and reached a $10 million market cap within its first hour. It later peaked at $60 million and currently sits at around $22 million.

    1. USELESS

    Born from a tweet by BONKGUY on X—“This is a useless currency; it shouldn’t be pumped”—USELESS rode its nihilistic, emotionally charged narrative to rapid fame. Since launch on BONK, its market cap soared to $34 million and now stabilizes at approximately $24 million.

    3. Competitive Analysis: Believe, LetsBonk.fun, Pumpfun, and Others

    Believe’s distinct advantage lies in its X-based token issuance mechanism: projects cannot pre-sell tokens before launch and must rely on secondary-market trading or social-tag purchases. It charges no listing fee, but requires a relatively high entry barrier of roughly 85 SOL, which may slow initial liquidity. In contrast, LetsBonk.fun supports dual issuance both on its own platform and via X, and is tightly integrated with the BONK token; it even returns 10% of fees to liquidity providers upon exit to incentivize deployment. 

    Overall, neither model represents a revolutionary departure from existing MEME-token platforms; they primarily optimize issuance methods and add ancillary features. Although both have recently captured some of Pumpfun’s daily issuance volume, they still lag significantly behind Pumpfun’s overall scale.

    Daily new MEME issuance

    4. Future Outlook

    The MEME-token space is currently crowded with largely homogeneous issuance platforms. While platforms like Believe and LetsBonk.fun may siphon off some of Pumpfun’s short-term hype, long-term sustainability—once speculative capital recedes—will be the market’s true test. To date, Believe has greatly simplified the MEME-token launch process via X, and LetsBonk.fun has created strong ecosystem synergy through deep BONK integration. As market enthusiasm cools and new competitors emerge, their ability to maintain momentum will hinge on whether they can introduce fresh innovations or incubate genuinely “wealth-creating” MEME assets.

    Read the full research article here: 

    About BitMart

    BitMart is the premier global digital asset trading platform. With millions of users worldwide and ranked among the top crypto exchanges on CoinGecko, it currently offers 1,700+ trading pairs with competitive trading fees. Constantly evolving and growing, BitMart is interested in crypto’s potential to drive innovation and promote financial inclusion. New users can register here to unlock an $8,000+ welcome bonus.

    Risk Warning:

    The information provided is for reference only and should not be considered a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any financial asset. All information is provided in good faith. However, we make no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of such information.

    All cryptocurrency investments (including returns) are highly speculative in nature and involve significant risk of loss. Past, hypothetical or simulated performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. The value of digital currencies may rise or fall, and there may be significant risks in buying, selling, holding or trading digital currencies. You should carefully consider whether trading or holding digital currencies is suitable for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial situation and risk tolerance. BitMart does not provide any investment, legal or tax advice.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese FM meets Afghan acting foreign minister in Beijing

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

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Beijing on Wednesday.

    Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, welcomed Muttaqi’s visit to China on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Afghanistan. He called the two countries traditional friendly neighbors that understand and support each other.

    China respects Afghanistan’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the independent choices made by the Afghan people, Wang said, noting that China will, as always, support the government of Afghanistan in achieving long-term peace and stability in the country at an early date.

    China stands ready to carry forward traditional friendship, enhance political mutual trust and deepen practical cooperation with the Afghan side, to bring more benefits to the two countries and the two peoples, and contribute to regional peace and stability, Wang added.

    Wang said that China is willing to expand cooperation with Afghanistan in areas such as economy and trade, agriculture, energy and minerals, poverty reduction, disaster prevention and mitigation, talent cultivation, healthcare, law enforcement and security.

    He said China will import more quality products from Afghanistan, and provide support and assistance within its capacity for Afghanistan’s reconstruction and development as well as the improvement of people’s lives.

    Echoing Wang’s remarks, Muttaqi expressed his gratitude to China for providing long-term valuable assistance to Afghanistan’s national development and improvement of people’s lives, and for upholding justice for Afghanistan in the international arena.

    He said that the Afghan government values the traditional friendship between Afghanistan and China, places friendship with China in an important position in its foreign policy, and will continue to firmly abide by the one-China principle and oppose interference in China’s internal affairs.

    Muttaqi noted that the Afghan side is willing to deepen mutual trust with China and push for more positive achievements in their cooperation across various fields. The Afghan side attaches great importance to China’s security concerns and will never allow any force to use Afghan territory to engage in activities that harm China.

    Afghanistan is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in the security field, combat violent crimes, safeguard China’s interests in Afghanistan, and jointly maintain regional security and stability, Muttaqi added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘Shine a light’: responding to challenges facing the charity sector

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    ‘Shine a light’: responding to challenges facing the charity sector

    Charity Commission Chief Executive David Holdsworth delivers keynote speech at Charity Times’ Annual Conference 2025.

    Thank you Srabani and good morning everyone / bore da pawb.

    It’s a privilege to be speaking to at this conference for the first time as the Commission’s CEO, after rejoining the organisation last summer.

    I probably don’t need to explain to this audience why I returned to work with the charity sector.

    Current operating environment and challenges 

    The Charity Commission stands at a unique vantage point, where the perspectives of charities, government, the public and donors meet.

    From this position, we see three trends.

    First, an incredibly challenging economic environment for the sector.

    Like other sectors, charities face inflationary pressures and rising operational costs.

    But charities are also dealing with increased demands for their services.

    The cumulative impact of these trends on charities is, in some cases, extremely challenging.

    Second, charities, like other organisations, are contending with rapid technological and social change.

    Some tech innovations, notably in the space of AI, offer tools that can help charities do more with less and increase their impact.

    But looking ahead, these technologies potentially challenge the very role of organisations and institutions in the traditional sense.

    Notably when coupled with changing attitudes, especially among younger people, whose allegiances are increasingly to causes, not ‘bricks and mortar’ or brands and institutions and where technology platforms offer alternatives of direct giving to those in need.  

    Thirdly – global conflicts, geo political shifts and instability. The shocking invasion of Ukraine and conflicts in the middle east have seen demands on and need of charity increase significantly. Whilst at the same time the once seemingly immovable, solid post war geo political system is shifting, creating uncertainty and instability. This makes responding to increased global need more difficult and challenging to navigate.

    Impact and Potential

    Despite those challenges the sector has never been more important – and let’s be clear what charities achieve for society is astonishing, both in terms of scale and impact.

    Based on Annual Returns submitted to the Commission for 2023’s accounts, the sector had an annual income of over £96 billion – up around 7% on the previous year.

    We registered just over 5,000 new charities last year, having assessed a record 9,840 applications – a 9% increase on the previous year.

    And there are around 700,000 trustees who collectively steward the sector though good times and bad, and whose work often goes unrecognised and uncelebrated – though we at the Commission are all too aware of their service and contribution.

    But numbers alone don’t tell of the human impact of charity. Of the positive difference charities make in transforming or enriching communities, our environment, our wildlife, heritage, culture as well as saving and improving countless individual lives.

    It is that impact that charities, their amazing trustees, volunteers and employees have – that we must not lose sight of – nor let the challenges shroud.

    There are so many examples to tell.

    Like the Felix Project which had a landmark year, providing 38 million meals through its network of 1,264 community organisations and schools by growing its network of collaborations. Building on that success it has launched its Multibank, which has seen 1.46 million non-food essential items distributed to try and ensure no Londoner in need goes without.

    Welsh Women’s Aid and its partners helped 739 survivors access refuge-based support. That is life-saving intervention happening every day, across the country – offering not just physical shelter but a sense of home and safety when people need it most.

    That the osprey – that magnificent bird of prey – which was once driven to near extinction in the UK – is now thriving, with over 250 nesting pairs living in Britain today, is thanks to charities.

    And it is thanks to charity that, on average, two lives are saved at sea every single day by RNLI volunteers.  

    Also I know from my last CEO role at the Animal and Plant Health Agency, thanks to animal welfare charities’ campaigning work over decades, the UK now has one of the most advanced legal frameworks protecting animal health and welfare.

    These a just a few examples of what has been made possible by the charity sector.

    Potential and Opportunity

    So whilst I don’t underestimate for one moment the challenges charities face – and which I have seen first hand on my many visits – I would urge you not to let those challenges dim nor shroud the huge impact you are having, everyday.

    I also firmly believe that as Albert Einstein once said:

    in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.

    Arguably, the bigger the challenge, the greater the opportunity. Ideas previously rejected as too radical; innovation that once felt too big; conversations which felt too challenging can suddenly feel possible – and necessary.

    Take for example, the city I call home, Liverpool. Which is incidentally also the Commission’s main home, where most of our staff are based.

    I grew up in Liverpool in the 1980s. It was a time when the city felt like it had lost its way, with ever increasing challenges and ever dwindling opportunity and resources.

    Today my home city is transformed. And that transformation happened through collaboration – a combination of philanthropic investments, national and local government investment, alongside renewed community action notably in the arts, culture and tourism which acted as catalysts for wider renewal.

    Each individual project mattered, but what made for game-changing transformation was the cumulative impact of collaborative and complementary efforts from a number of actors. And that is true across the sector today.

    Take for example, Fareshare. Working collaboratively, supporting other charities in their network, they’ve helped distribute 92% more food over the last year, and made their budgets go 78% further.

    This resulted in them distributing a whopping 135 million meals, reaching nearly 1 million people.

    If you’ll allow me to return once more to my hometown.

    In late 2024, Zoe’s Place, a hospice in Liverpool which provides care to children, faced an uncertain future. The community of Liverpool, supported by business leaders and politicians, as well as a fellow charity the Institute of our Lady of Mercy, fellow hospice Claire’s Place and regional media collectively rallied to save Zoe’s Place, with the Commission playing a key facilitating role.

    Now, ownership has been transferred to the newly registered Liverpool Zoe’s Place. The charity’s trustees have also finalised plans to build the charity’s new home, securing the continuation of the former charity’s legacy.

    The hospice had been helping families through the unimaginable since 1995 – to see that vital service disappear would have been gutting for the community, and a huge blow to the families who rely on the organisation’s support.

    Instead, by reawakening their community’s passion and pride in the service, the charity will now continue to provide that support for years to come.

    In addition to this kind of public appeal, forging new corporate partnerships is another option being explored by many charities. Indeed, the Charities Aid Foundation estimates that UK businesses contribute around £4 billion to the sector.

    Take one example – a mere stone’s throw from here: national homelessness charity, Shelter.

    The organisation has partnered with clothing brand, Lucy and Yak. Last year they held a successful pop-up shop in Kings Cross, and now, they’ve launched donation boxes in several Lucy and Yak shops across the country encouraging customers to donate clothing.

    Shelter has responded to competition facing charity shops with the rise of preloved selling platforms in an agile and innovative way. Through this partnership, they’ve added a funding stream to their ‘bow’ and potentially reached new supporters.

    But I appreciate that public appeals and new corporate partnerships won’t work for everyone.  

    As a result of the Covid pandemic, many charities needed to re-evaluate their financial resilience and ability to weather further storms – many had dipped into their reserves, while others had little to fall back on.

    With the same desire to ensure services do not come to an end, some charities with similar goals turned to mergers – combining resources to create something more sustainable.

    For example, Community Integrated Care, one of the largest social care providers in the UK, merged with Inspire, a social care provider based in Scotland, in 2023. The charities saw how funding shortfalls, economic pressures and workforce shortages were impacting social care more broadly and chose to secure their future together rather than struggle through apart. And it paid off.

    Community Integrated Care’s income increased by £22 million in the year after the merger, and the charities reported publicly that the merger was a good strategic fit. These charities found strength in unity while continuing to provide that sense of belonging their beneficiaries depend on.

    Mergers are not the answer for all – and I don’t underestimate the work that can be involved in navigating a successful transition. But where you decide a merger is the best way forward, the Commission is on hand.

    Conclusion: strength in collaboration

    I’ve touched upon a few examples today to evidence my underlying confidence in this sector’s collective power. Just as no home is built by a single pair of hands, no lasting social change comes from isolated efforts.

    Our dear late Queen, Elizabeth II, once said:

    On our own, we cannot end wars or wipe out injustice, but the cumulative impact of thousands of small acts of goodness can be bigger than we imagine.

    In the year of the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe and Victory in Japan we should remember those words and that out of darkness can come something brighter and better than before.

    From the darkness of tyranny, fascism and unfathomable loss came a renewed determination for peace, democracy and equality. That which charities had long fought for then came forward in the form of the NHS, welfare state, expansion of access to higher education, and workers’ rights.

    While the challenges facing society may be less existential, I believe this sector can again play a transformational role across communities, across government, local and national, with businesses and philanthropists to once again tackle our biggest issues with joint purpose.

    There is no greater charity sector in the world than here and my message is clear.

    Keep shining a light, charities.

    Shine a light on your charitable purpose.

    Shine a light of hope, and of refuge to those in need.

    Shine a light on your innovation and impact.

    And always remember that you not only stand on the shoulders of giants, but you too are now building that better brighter future for the next generation.

    Thank you. I look forward to hearing your thoughts, and taking your questions.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Beeline Holdings Reports Q1 2025 Results: First Quarter as Public Company Highlights AI-Led Growth, Record Originations, and Transformational Fintech Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PROVIDENCE, R.I., May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beeline Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLNE), a fintech-focused mortgage and title company, today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    Q1 2025 Highlights

    • Breakout debut quarter as a newly public company, with Beeline repositioned as a next-gen AI-powered mortgage lender and title agent
    • Loan originations increased 38% year-over-year, outpacing industry growth (~9%) with April performance believed to be best in three years, signaling momentum despite macro headwinds
    • Surpassed $1 billion in cumulative loan originations since inception
    • AI-mortgage agent “Bob 2.0” drove 6x lead conversion and 8x full application volume—at near-zero marginal cost—validating Beeline’s proprietary automation strategy
    • Workflow engine Hive & Task based model reduced closing timelines to 14–21 days, approximately twice as fast as traditional lenders
    • Expanded distribution through key partnerships, including RedAwning, Rabbu, CredEvolv, and
    • MagicBlocks has 16 clients in Beta and BlinkQC out of Beta and Live in Beeline’s production eliminating third party QC costs.
    • Reduced debt by $2 million
    • Development of a new equity product with features exclusive to Beeline.
    • Early-stage net loss aligned with growth investments; company targets operating leverage as loan volume and platform efficiencies scale

    A Foundational Quarter for Beeline

    “Q1 marked our first as a public company and showed the full power of our AI-driven platform taking hold,” said Nick Liuzza, Co-Founder and CEO of Beeline Holdings. “Despite continued market challenges, our performance validates the core strengths of our business and lays the groundwork for transformational growth. We’re especially excited about our upcoming equity product launch, which is interest-rate neutral and designed to unlock liquidity in a constrained housing market.”

    Financial Performance

    Beeline reported total net revenues of $1.8 million in Q1 2025 with over 70% of revenue driven by mortgage and title operations, including $1.0 million in lending revenue and $0.4 million in title revenue; the remaining $0.4 million came from its legacy spirits business. Mortgage-related metrics showed strong year-over-year growth, with the average loan amount up 24%, revenue per loan up 28%, and title revenue up 93%. Operating expenses totaled $6.8 million, including $2.3 million in salaries and benefits, $1.2 million in professional fees (primarily non-recurring costs), $0.6 million in marketing, and $0.8 million in depreciation and amortization. The company reported an operating loss of $4.9 million and a net loss from continuing operations of $6.9 million, which includes $1.9 million in interest expense.

    In Q1 2025, Beeline Financial Holdings originated $39.8 million in residential mortgage loans, generating $1.4 million in revenue and reporting a net loss of $2.3 million.

    As of quarter-end, Beeline had $1.5 million in cash and approximately $0.5 million in available warehouse line capacity. Following the close of Q1, the company completed additional equity raises. During the quarter, it used $1.5 million in operating cash, generated $1.8 million from net financing activities, and ended with a net cash increase of $0.3 million.

    Looking ahead, Beeline plans to launch its interest-rate neutral equity product in the third quarter, supported by a stablecoin partner. This new offering is designed to fund real estate transactions outside of traditional mortgage channels, expanding access to capital and enabling greater market participation.

    The company also expects to announce new strategic partnerships and continue advancing its SaaS innovation initiatives through Beeline Labs. These efforts are aimed at enhancing the customer experience and expanding the company’s reach across the real estate and fintech ecosystems.

    In parallel, Beeline will remain focused on reducing losses and moving toward sustainable profitability, while continuing to invest in its core technology and customer acquisition infrastructure.

    “We’ve built the foundation for a scalable, AI-first fintech mortgage platform with accelerating performance,” said CFO Chris Moe. “While early-stage losses are expected, we believe Q1 reflects the beginning of a structural transformation in both our financial profile and market position.”

    About Beeline Holdings, Inc.

    Beeline Holdings is a technology-forward mortgage and title platform designed to simplify home financing for a new generation of buyers. By combining AI, automation, and modern UX, Beeline offers faster, more accessible, and more transparent home loan experiences for real estate investors and primary homebuyers alike. For more, visit www.makeabeeline.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding anticipated trends in the mortgage loan industry and the company’s prospective new technology offerings and strategic partnerships including a planned new innovative equity product and advances to its SaaS innovation initiatives, as well as the anticipated or potential benefits of these efforts. Forward-looking statements are prefaced by words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “plan,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “intend,” “seem,” “potential,” “appear,” “continue,” “future,” “believe,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” and similar words. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. We caution you, therefore, against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. Our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including, without limitation, the Risk Factors contained in our Form 10-K filed April 15, 2025. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this presentation speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    Investor Contact:
    investors@makeabeeline.com

    Media Contact:
    press@makeabeeline.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Lord Mayor and Sheriff of Norwich appointed at full council meeting

    Source: City of Norwich

    A new Lord Mayor and Sheriff of Norwich have officially taken up their ceremonial roles following yesterday’s (Tuesday 20 May) full council meeting at City Hall.

    Councillor Paul Kendrick has been appointed Lord Mayor of Norwich for the coming civic year, taking over from Councillor Vivien Thomas. Stuart Wright has been named the new Sheriff of Norwich, succeeding Sirajul Islam.

    The positions of Lord Mayor and Sheriff are historic and ceremonial roles, representing the city at civic and public events, supporting local charities, and acting as ambassadors for city.

    Lord Mayor of Norwich – Councillor Paul Kendrick

    Councillor Paul Kendrick has served as a councillor on Norwich City Council since 2011, representing the Catton Grove ward. For the past nine years, he has held the position of cabinet member for finance, playing a key role in maintaining the council’s sound financial position.

    Under his stewardship, Norwich City Council has remained one of the few local authorities in the country to retain a 100% Council Tax reduction scheme for its lowest-income residents and has continued its commitment to being a Living Wage employer.

    Before moving to Norwich, Cllr Kendrick was active in local government across the south-east, serving on Hastings Borough Council, East Sussex County Council, and Kent County Council. During his time as chairman of Kent’s Highways Committee, he oversaw a major infrastructure programme linked to the Channel ports – managing the largest highways capital budget in the county at the time.

    Cllr Kendrick is 66 years old and has three children – James, Joanne and Daniel. His daughter Joanne will serve as Lady Mayoress during his term of office.

    Sheriff of Norwich – Stuart Wright

    Stuart Wright has a long-standing connection with the city and brings a wealth of experience from both public service and the private sector.

    He began his career as an officer in the Royal Engineers, where he trained as a military and civil engineer. After 20 years in the Army, he moved into the corporate world, holding senior leadership roles at PA Consulting and Aviva. At Aviva, his focus was on the planning, design and delivery of shared services across the UK and Europe.

    Stuart later led Aviva’s global net zero strategy, overseeing carbon reduction efforts across all operations, subsidiaries and joint ventures. His commitment to sustainability and social responsibility has also seen him champion the real Living Wage – chairing the UK Living Wage Foundation Advisory Council from 2016 to 2021 and currently serving as a trustee of Citizens UK.

    Stuart lives near Hingham and enjoys gardening, restoring a vintage tractor, and spending time with his three grown-up children and granddaughter, all of whom live locally.

    This year, the Lord Mayor’s civic charity is Norfolk & Waveney Mind, a local mental health charity that provides vital support, advice and services to help people experiencing mental health difficulties across the region.

    You can find out more about the roles of the Lord Mayor and the Sheriff of Norwich by visiting https://bit.ly/NorwichMayorAndSheriff

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Avoid disruptions – Alectra customers encouraged to go paperless amid postal uncertainty

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With a potential Canada Post strike approaching on May 22, Alectra Utilities is encouraging customers to switch to paperless billing for uninterrupted, secure access to their account information.

    “Switching to paperless billing means never worrying about a missing bill or delayed payment,” said Kerry Lakatos-Hayward, Director, Customer Operations, Alectra Utilities. “It’s a fast, secure way to keep your account up to date and avoid late fees, all while reducing paper waste.”

    To further prepare for postal delays, customers are advised to use one of the following payment methods:

    • Online or telephone banking
    • In person at a financial institution
    • Pre-authorized payments
    • Credit card

    With the postal disruption, customers who receive their monthly bills by mail remain responsible for paying their bills on time to avoid late fees. Customers can view their balance and due date by:

    • Visiting My Alectra to view account balances, download bills and register for paperless billing.
    • Calling our Contact Centre line at 1-833-253-2872, then selecting option ‘2’, then “1”. Please have your account number available. You’ll get details about your last payment made and next payment due.
    • Signing up for Text Alerts. Go to My Alectra ‘preferences’ to start receiving your monthly balance and due date at your preferred mobile number.

    For more information and to register for e-billing, visit alectrautilities.com.

    About Alectra Utilities

    Serving more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is now the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative energy solutions. Our mission is to be an energy ally, helping our customers and the communities we serve to discover the possibilities of tomorrow’s energy future.

    X: https://x.com/alectranews
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alectranews/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alectranews/?hl=en
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/16178435/admin/
    Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/alectranews.bsky.social
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/alectranews

    Media Contact

    Ashley Trgachef, Media Spokesperson | Email: ashley.trgachef@alectrautilities.com | Telephone: 416.402.5469 | 24/7 Media Line: 1-833-MEDIA-LN

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9106159f-873d-4513-9632-3794e7737dd2

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Duos Edge AI to Launch Edge Data Center in Victoria, TX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Duos Technologies Group, Inc. (“Duos” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: DUOT), through its operating subsidiary Duos Edge AI, Inc. (“Duos Edge AI”), a provider of adaptive, versatile and streamlined Edge Data Center (“EDC”) solutions tailored to meet evolving needs in any environment, today announced a strategic partnership with Region 3 Education Service Center (ESC) to deploy a new EDC in Victoria, Texas. This marks the latest execution in Duos Edge AI’s national rollout strategy, reflecting continued traction in rural markets and reinforcing the Company’s presence in the education sector.

    The Victoria-based EDC will serve as a highly secure, scalable, local computing hub supporting 37 school districts in the Region 3 footprint. Built on Duos Edge AI’s modular architecture—engineered to SOC 2 Type II compliance and backed by N+1 power redundancy and dual generators—the facility will enable low-latency access to mission-critical workloads including AI-based learning platforms, telemedicine, and EHR systems. This project exemplifies Duos Edge AI’s ability to rapidly deploy infrastructure that meets both community needs and commercial growth objectives.

    Dr. Morris Lyon, Executive Director of Region 3 ESC, commented: “We are proud to partner with Duos Edge AI, Inc. to bring secure, innovative data solutions to the greater Victoria area. The commitment to community-based technology aligns with our mission to support the 37 districts we serve across Region 3. Together, we’re creating a safer, smarter foundation that helps schools and the community focus on what matters most—educating students.”

    Doug Recker, President and Founder of Duos Edge AI, added: “This installation strengthens our position in the education vertical while demonstrating our ability to deliver digital infrastructure in underserved regions. Our partnership with Region 3 ESC accelerates digital equity, expands our market footprint, and contributes to sustainable long-term revenue. We’re also proud to bring new job opportunities to the area and look forward to collaborating with local businesses as we continue investing in the economic and technological future of the Victoria region.”

    This deployment is part of Duos Edge AI’s 2025 roadmap, which targets 15 contracted EDCs by year-end. With nine sites commercially identified and additional real estate and contractual negotiations underway, the Company is on track to deliver scalable edge solutions across Texas, the Southeast, and Midwest -meeting the increasing demand for localized, low-latency compute infrastructure.

    To learn more about Duos Edge AI, visit: www.duosedge.ai   
    To learn more about Region 3 Education Service Center (ESC), visit https://www.esc3.net/
    To learn more about Duos Technologies, visit www.duostechnologies.com   

    About Duos Edge AI, Inc.

    Duos Edge AI, Inc. is a subsidiary of Duos Technologies Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DUOT). Duos Edge AI’s mission is to bring advanced technology to underserved communities, particularly in education, healthcare and rural industries, by deploying high-powered edge computing solutions that minimize latency and optimize performance. Duos Edge AI specializes in high-function Edge Data Center (“EDC”) solutions tailored to meet evolving needs in any environment. By focusing on providing scalable IT resources that seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure, its solutions expand capabilities at the network edge, ensuring data uptime onsite services. With the ability to provide 100 kW+ per cabinet, rapid 90-day deployment, and continuous 24/7 data services, Duos Edge AI aims to position its edge data centers within 12 miles of end users or devices, significantly closer than traditional data centers. This approach enables timely processing of massive amounts of data for applications requiring real-time response and supporting current and future technologies without large capital investments. For more information, visit www.duosedge.ai.

    About Region 3 Education Service Center (ESC)
    The Region 3 Education Service Center is proud to support our 37 public school districts, 52,000+ students, and hundreds of campuses across 11 counties: Calhoun, Colorado, DeWitt, Goliad, Jackson, Karnes, Lavaca, Matagorda, Refugio, Victoria, and Wharton. Spanning over 10,800 square miles, Region 3 ESC is more than a service provider — we’re a committed partner in delivering excellence to every classroom, every educator, and every child we serve. From across our region, our mission remains clear: to improve the performance of all learners. With programs that strengthen instruction, build leadership capacity, support student needs, and fuel innovation, Region 3 is here to help schools thrive — because when our schools succeed, our communities do too. For more information, visit https://www.esc3.net/.

    About Duos Technologies Group, Inc.
    Duos Technologies Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DUOT), based in Jacksonville, Florida, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Duos Technologies, Inc., Duos Edge AI, Inc., and Duos Energy Corporation, designs, develops, deploys and operates intelligent technology solutions for Machine Vision and Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) applications including real-time analysis of fast-moving vehicles, Edge Data Centers and power consulting. For more information, visit www.duostech.com, www.duosedge.ai and www.duosenergycorp.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, regarding, among other things, our plans, strategies and prospects — both business and financial. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or realize these plans, intentions or expectations. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this news release may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “will,” “may,” “intend,” “estimated” and “potential,” among others. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this news release include market conditions and those set forth in reports or documents that we file from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law. All forward-looking statements attributable to Duos Technologies Group, Inc. or a person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary language.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: 
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5fc60761-3dad-4ddc-ae4d-f12a7b296d09

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Diamond Equity Research Releases Update Note on Almonty Industries, Inc. (TSX: AII) (ASX: AII) (OTCQX: ALMTF)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diamond Equity Research, a leading equity research firm with a focus on small capitalization public companies has released an Update Note Almonty Industries, Inc. (TSX: AII) (ASX: AII) (FWB: ALI) (OTCPK: ALMT.F). The update note includes detailed information on the Almonty Industries’ business model, services, industry overview, financials, valuation, management profile, and risks.

    The full research report is available below.

    Almonty Industries Update Note May 2025

     Highlights from the report include:

    • Almonty Industries Secures Strategic Three-Year Offtake Agreement for Tungsten Oxide with Tungsten Parts Wyoming; Provides Predictable Revenue and Strengthens Strategic Alliances within U.S. and Allied Defense Networks: Almonty Industries Inc. recently announced a binding offtake agreement with Tungsten Parts Wyoming, Inc. (TPW), a prominent U.S.-based defense contractor, and Metal Tech (MT), an Israel-based tungsten processor, significantly enhancing its strategic position within the critical materials supply chain for U.S. defense applications. Under the agreement, TPW commits to purchasing at least 40 metric tons of tungsten oxide monthly from Almonty, exclusively for use in critical defense applications, including missiles, drones, and ordnance systems. MT will process the supplied tungsten oxide into tungsten metal powder in Israel or the U.S., exclusively for TPW’s defense production programs. Notably, the arrangement includes a hard floor price with no ceiling, providing revenue predictability and substantial upside potential. The initial term of the agreement spans three years from the commencement of deliveries, with provisions for automatic annual renewal thereafter. This offtake agreement is strategically significant for Almonty, ensuring predictable revenues and deepening its integration into defense-oriented supply chains. Management has highlighted the importance of securing long-term demand specifically tied to high-value defense programs, emphasizing the company’s ability to align commercial interests with strategic national security priorities. It should be that that these substantial offtake commitments signal strong confidence in Almonty’s asset quality and operational delivery capabilities. Investors tend to place a premium on predictable revenues and consistent cash flows, making this agreement particularly valuable from a market valuation perspective. We view this development positively, as it further solidifies Almonty’s competitive advantage in supplying critical materials to allied defense markets.
    • Q1 2025 Financial Results Reflect Stable Revenue, Enhanced Mining Margins, and Elevated Non-Cash Charges: In the first quarter of 2025, Almonty Industries reported a 1.3% year-over-year revenue increase to $7.9 million, driven by higher tungsten concentrate pricing under long-term contracts. Income from mining operations rose significantly by 24.1% to $0.75 million, supported by favorable pricing dynamics and increased output at the Panasqueira mine. Operating expenses rose substantially to $9.5 million from $4.3 million in the prior year quarter, largely due to higher non-cash share-based compensation, losses related to the revaluation of embedded derivative liabilities, and increased expenditures associated with the company’s planned redomiciling. The company reported a net loss of $34.6 million, compared to $3.8 million in the prior-year period, primarily due to a non-cash loss of $25.8 million arising from the revaluation of warrant liabilities. Adjusted EBITDA came in at $(3.5) million compared to $(1.3) million in the same quarter of the previous year, reflecting a 169.2% increase on a non-IFRS basis. As of March 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents totaled $16.9 million, up from $7.8 million at year-end 2024, primarily due to the receipt of $8.7 in equity placement proceeds and $3.3 million from the exercise of warrant, partially offset by ongoing investments in the Sangdong Project in South Korea. Post the quarter-end, Almonty secured an additional $3.6 million through further warrant exercises. 
    • Valuation: The forthcoming commercialization of the high-grade Sangdong project, now construction-complete and in its final pre-production phase, is anticipated to serve as a key catalyst for Almonty’s growth trajectory and potential valuation re-rating. Strong operational performance at Panasqueira and a robust cash position of nearly $17 million provide a solid foundation for near-term execution. Strategic advancements, including a binding offtake agreement with a U.S. defense contractor and expanded partnerships with American Defense International and MZ Group, further reinforce Almonty’s position as a critical supplier within the allied tungsten value chain. Rolling over our financial model while incorporating the latest quarterly results and updated shares outstanding, we arrive at a valuation of $4.00 per share, contingent upon successful execution by the company.

    About Almonty Industries, Inc.  

    Almonty Industries Inc. is a global leader in tungsten mining, with strategically positioned assets in geopolitically stable regions including South Korea, Portugal, and Spain. The company is set to become the largest tungsten producer outside China upon the commissioning of its flagship Sangdong Mine. 

    About Diamond Equity Research

    Diamond Equity Research is a leading equity research and corporate access firm focused on small capitalization companies. Diamond Equity Research is an approved sell-side provider on major institutional investor platforms.

    For more information, visit https://www.diamondequityresearch.com.

    Disclosures:

    Diamond Equity Research LLC is being compensated by Almonty Industries, Inc. for producing research materials regarding Almonty Industries, Inc. and its securities, which is meant to subsidize the high cost of creating the report and monitoring the security, however the views in the report reflect that of Diamond Equity Research. All payments are received upfront and are billed for research engagement. As of 05/22/25 the issuer had paid us $50,000 for our company sponsored research services, which commenced 03/07/2025 and is billed annually. Diamond Equity Research LLC may be compensated for non-research related services, including presenting at Diamond Equity Research investment conferences, press releases and other additional services. The non-research related service cost is dependent on the company, but usually do not exceed $5,000. The issuer has not paid us for non-research related services as of 05/22/2025. Issuers are not required to engage us for these additional services. Additional fees may have accrued since then. Although Diamond Equity Research company sponsored reports are based on publicly available information and although no investment recommendations are made within our company sponsored research reports, given the small capitalization nature of the companies we cover we have adopted an internal trading procedure around the public companies by whom we are engaged, with investors able to find such policy on our website public disclosures page. This report and press release do not consider individual circumstances and does not take into consideration individual investor preferences. Statements within this report may constitute forward-looking statements, these statements involve many risk factors and general uncertainties around the business, industry, and macroeconomic environment. Investors need to be aware of the high degree of risk in small capitalization equities including the complete loss of their investment. Investors can find various risk factors in the initiation report and in the respective financial filings for Almonty Industries, Inc.

    Contact:
    Diamond Equity Research
    research@diamondequityresearch.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Diamond Equity Research Releases Update Note on BioHarvest Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ: BHST)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diamond Equity Research, a leading equity research firm with a focus on small capitalization public companies has released an Update Note on BioHarvest Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ: BHST). The update note includes detailed information on the BioHarvest Sciences’ financial results, operational updates, business model, management commentary, valuation, and risks.

    The update note is available below.

    BioHarvest Sciences May 2025 Update Note

     Highlights from the note include:      

    • Q1 Results Surpass Expectations on VINIA Strength and Operating Efficiencies:  BioHarvest Sciences reported robust financial performance for the first quarter of 2025, with revenue rising 47% year-over-year to $7.9 billion, surpassing both management guidance and our estimates of $7.82 million. The growth was primarily driven by continued momentum in the VINIA product line, which exceeded 50,000 active subscribers as of February 2025. Gross Profit rose 53% to $4.6 million, with gross margins improving to 58.5% from 56.2% in Q1 2024, benefiting from increased manufacturing scale and better yields. Operating expenses increased to $6.3 million from $4.4 million due to higher marketing spend and expanded CDMO operations, though marketing as a percentage of revenue declined to 46.8% from 48.0% in Q1 2024. General and administrative expenses increased 67% year-over-year but declined 6% as compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, reflecting improved operating efficiency. The company reported a net loss of $2.3 million, or $0.13 per share, representing a notable improvement over the prior-year loss of $6.6 million and exceeding our expectation of a loss of $0.16 per share. The company concluded the quarter with an improved cash position of $3.4 million, compared to $2.4 million at the end of 2024, supported by $3.9 million in debt financing secured primarily from existing investors. Looking ahead, management guided for second quarter 2025 revenues of at least $8.5 million and anticipates reaching adjusted EBITDA break-even in the second half of the year.
    • Expanding VINIA® Product Lines and Accelerating CDMO Pipeline with Robust Near-term Targets: BioHarvest plans to further extend its “VINIA® Inside” strategy by introducing new product lines, including VINIA® SuperFood Tea in K Cup® compatible pods, VINIA® Espresso in Nespresso®-compatible pods, and the forthcoming VINIA® 2X Formula Daily Chews, aimed at capturing incremental revenues from a younger, high-growth consumer segment. To support these launches, the company is expanding into new marketing channels, such as podcast integrations, TikTok, and Health & Wellness influencer programs. The company is also progressing its Olive Cell initiative, which has shown promising in vitro results in reducing liver fat accumulation, with commercial launch as a nutraceutical product targeted for 2026. Within its CDMO division, BioHarvest is advancing projects rapidly, leveraging robust laboratory infrastructure and proprietary AI-driven R&D processes to develop sustainable, plant-based, non-GMO biologic compounds for pharma, nutraceutical, nutrition, and cosmetics industries. Recent achievements include the progression of a pharma CDMO contract into Stage 2 and the initiation of Stage 1 tissue-culture activities with Tate & Lyle to co-develop next-generation plant-based sweeteners. BioHarvest anticipates signing several additional CDMO agreements by year-end, supported by a strong near-term contract pipeline across targeted industry verticals. In our view, BioHarvest’s clearly defined roadmap for new product launches and an active CDMO pipeline enhance visibility on near-term growth drivers, reinforcing our confidence in the company’s ability to execute its strategic vision effectively.
    • BioHarvest Sciences Successfully Completes Stage 1 of Key CDMO Contract with Nasdaq-Listed Pharmaceutical Company, Validating Versatile Botanical Synthesis Platform: BioHarvest Sciences announced the successful completion of Stage 1 of its previously disclosed CDMO contract with a Nasdaq-listed pharmaceutical client, advancing the project into Stage 2. Stage 1 involved isolating and multiplying the target plant cells required to produce an approved drug compound, leveraging BioHarvest’s proprietary Botanical Synthesis technology. Progression to Stage 2 involves optimizing biomass growth conditions in liquid media and delivering biomass samples suitable for client testing, ultimately paving the way for commercial-scale production. Contract size and commercial potential typically increase significantly in Stage 2 of CDMO engagements. This development significantly validates the versatility and commercial applicability of BioHarvest’s Botanical Synthesis platform across diverse molecule types, positioning the company as a trusted provider of scalable, cost-effective solutions in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors. The successful transition to Stage 2 notably reduces technical risks, significantly increases the probability of success, and demonstrates BioHarvest’s strengthened analytical and AI capabilities developed through this engagement. In our view, this milestone emphasizes the strategic value and broad applicability of BioHarvest’s technology, potentially accelerating additional CDMO opportunities and providing a robust validation of its ability to execute technically demanding pharmaceutical projects.
    • Valuation: The company is well-positioned for continued growth, driven by expansion in the VINIA product line, a growing subscriber base, and new CDMO partnerships. Its proprietary Botanical Synthesis platform is well-positioned to benefit from rising global demand for health and wellness solutions. With a strategic focus on profitable growth, the company’s scalable model provides meaningful opportunities for margin expansion supported by inherent operating leverage. Reflecting the strong Q1 2025 financial performance and encouraging management guidance, we have marginally adjusted our operating expense estimates and reassessed our comparable company analysis, yielding a valuation of $18.45 per share, contingent on successful execution by the company.

    About BioHarvest Sciences Inc.  

    BioHarvest Sciences Inc. specializes in botanical and cellular-based health solutions through its patented Botanical Synthesis technology, focusing on nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and CDMO services.

    About Diamond Equity Research

    Diamond Equity Research is a leading equity research and corporate access firm focused on small capitalization companies. Diamond Equity Research is an approved sell-side provider on major institutional investor platforms.

    For more information, visit https://www.diamondequityresearch.com.

    Disclosures:

    Diamond Equity Research LLC is being compensated by BioHarvest Sciences Inc. for producing research materials regarding BioHarvest Sciences Inc. and its securities, which is meant to subsidize the high cost of creating the report and monitoring the security, however the views in the report reflect that of Diamond Equity Research. As of 05/21/25, Diamond Equity Research LLC has been paid $35,000 ($34,980 post bank charges) for research services, which commenced 04/30/24, payable in two installments for the initial year and not applicable to renewals. The first installment of $17,500 ($17,490 post bank charges) was paid within a month after signing the agreement. The second installment of $17,500 ($17,490 post bank charges) was paid after a management content draft version of the initiation of coverage report was provided electronically to BioHarvest Sciences Inc., but prior to the release of the actual initiation of coverage. No further research payments have been made after the first-year term as of the date of this note. Diamond Equity Research LLC may be compensated for non-research related services, including presenting at Diamond Equity Research investment conferences, press releases and other additional services. The non-research related service cost is dependent on the company, but usually do not exceed $5,000. The issuer has not paid us for non-research related services as of 05/21/2025. Issuers are not required to engage us for these additional services. Additional fees may have accrued since then. Although Diamond Equity Research company sponsored reports are based on publicly available information and although no investment recommendations are made within our company sponsored research reports, given the small capitalization nature of the companies we cover we have adopted an internal trading procedure around the public companies by whom we are engaged, with investors able to find such policy on our website public disclosures page. This report and press release do not consider individual circumstances and does not take into consideration individual investor preferences. Statements within this report may constitute forward-looking statements, these statements involve many risk factors and general uncertainties around the business, industry, and macroeconomic environment. Investors need to be aware of the high degree of risk in small capitalization equities including the complete loss of their investment. Investors can find various risk factors in the initiation report and in the respective financial filings for BioHarvest Sciences Inc. Please review update report attached for full disclosure page.    

    Contact:

    Diamond Equity Research
    research@diamondequityresearch.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: LPL Financial Expands Wealth Planning Leadership with New EVP Tara Thompson Popernik

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial LLC, a leading wealth management firm, has appointed Tara Thompson Popernik as Executive Vice President and Head of Wealth Planning. Additionally, Monte Tomasino has joined the company as Executive Vice President of Service Digital Enablement, further solidifying LPL’s commitment to delivering top-tier wealth planning and service solutions.

    Tara Thompson Popernik: Elevating Wealth Planning
    Thompson Popernik will lead a team of highly specialized professionals to expand and evolve LPL’s wealth planning offering. In her new position, she will oversee LPL’s Financial Planning, High-Net-Worth and Product Management teams. Her role will focus on enhancing the firm’s ability to serve high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients more effectively.

    “Tara’s extensive experience and deep understanding of the unique needs of high-net-worth clients will be invaluable as we continue to grow and refine our wealth planning value, ensuring we provide personalized and sophisticated advice to all our clients,” said Aneri Jambusaria, Group Managing Director of Wealth Management at LPL Financial.

    Most recently, Thompson Popernik served as Senior Vice President of the Wealth Strategies team at Bernstein Private Wealth, where she spent 21 years in various leadership roles. Her expertise in managing complex financial needs and her commitment to client-centric solutions will be instrumental in elevating LPL’s client experience and thought leadership in the industry. Thompson Popernik holds a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature from Dartmouth College and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). She holds FINRA Series 7, 63, 9, and 10 licenses. Additionally, she is a member of CHIEF, a leading professional network for women executives.

    Monte Tomasino: Driving Digital Transformation in Service
    Monte Tomasino is an experienced service executive with a strong background in strategic planning, digital transformation and operational delivery. He joins LPL from Dell Technologies, where he most recently served as Vice President of Digital Enablement and Engagement. Prior to that, he managed all Dell contact centers and technical support services. Tomasino is a former U.S. Army Aviation Commander and a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

    These appointments underscore LPL Financial’s commitment to providing elevated wealth planning and service solutions, ensuring that financial advisors and their clients receive top-tier resources and support.

    About LPL Financial

    LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace, LPL supports over 29,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,200 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $1.8 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of approximately 7 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit www.lpl.com.

    Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment adviser and broker-dealer. Member FINRA/SIPC.

    Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial.

    We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “Investor Relations” or “Press Releases” section of our website.

    Media Contact: 
    Media.relations@LPLFinancial.com 
    (402) 740-2047 

    Tracking #: 743016 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Lelantos Energy Unveils Strategic Initiatives for 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TUCSON, Ariz., May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via IBN — Lelantos Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lelantos Holdings, Inc. (OTC PINK: LNTO) (“Lelantos” or the “Company”), is pleased to announce its 2025 strategic initiatives focused on expanding access to renewable energy, working with underserved communities, and driving innovation in tax credit and renewable credit monetization.

    Powering Progress: Commercial Solar Expansion

    Lelantos Energy has solidified its partnership with NeRD Power to provide a comprehensive turnkey solution for commercial solar projects. From small businesses to utility-scale developments, the collaboration brings together expert engineering, financing, and installation capabilities. The partnership is exploring further integration to broaden its impact in the commercial solar sector.

    Honoring Veterans: Free Solar 4 Veterans Program

    In an initiative to support U.S. veterans, Lelantos Energy has launched the Free Solar 4 Veterans program in partnership with The Warrior Up Foundation and NeRD Power. This initiative will begin by providing free solar installations to disabled veterans and the widows of fallen soldiers, promoting energy independence and reducing financial burdens. A pilot project is already underway, and a media campaign is being planned to attract broader support and funding. More information can be found at freesolar4vets.org.

    Empowering Communities: Government and Municipal Partnerships

    Lelantos Energy is spearheading a Sustainable Community Network program with its strategic partner, SEDC Solar, for the Washington D.C. Housing Authority. This initiative will provide green energy systems at no cost to over 550 low-income households, supported by a coalition of finance partners and tax-credit incentives.

    In addition, Lelantos is executing a Memorandum of Understanding to form a joint venture with a GSA-certified agency and NeRD Power to develop government-funded solar projects, marking a strategic move into the federal renewable energy space.

    Driving Financial Innovation: Investment Tax Credit Monetization

    As the exclusive sales partner of Coulomb Capital, Lelantos Energy is scaling its Investment Tax Credit (ITC) monetization efforts. With access to a robust network of high-net-worth and institutional buyers, Lelantos has already begun managing high-value ITC transactions. A multichannel marketing strategy is underway to deepen executive outreach and grow the sales pipeline.

    First-Mover Advantage: Carbon and Renewable Energy Credit Platform

    In collaboration with Carbontricity and Electryone Advisors, Lelantos Energy has been given access to a digital platform for the automated issuance and monetization of renewable energy and carbon credits. Compliant with global standards such as M-RETS and I-REC, the platform utilizes blockchain and NFT technology for secure, transparent transactions.

    Holding exclusive rights to this platform in North America through Electryone Advisors, Lelantos is poised to become a first-mover in the next evolution of global carbon trading.

    About Lelantos Holdings

    Founded in the spirit of “Solution Hunting,” Lelantos Holdings’ innovative business structure is purpose-built to acquire or joint venture with established entities in strategic market sectors. With a focus on sustainable energy, Lelantos Holdings has a mission of being at the forefront of innovation in a dynamic industry, and the goal of operating as a vertically integrated entity to reduce overhead and increase service offerings. Their management team is dedicated to fostering innovation and advancing technological developments.

    Lelantos Holdings website: www.Lelantosholdings.io

    About Lelantos Energy

    INNOVATIVE. STRATEGIC. SOLUTION ORIENTED.

    Lelantos Energy offers a forward-thinking solution and a comprehensive approach to adapt to the dynamic landscape of commercial solar, residential solar, microgrid design, energy storage architecture, and EV supercharging. The company has strategically joined forces with experienced and leading industry professionals as well as dedicated lending resources to create a model that will seek to manage project risks, pursue favorable returns (though no guarantees can be made) and support the Company’s efforts to enhance the deployment of renewable energy projects.

    Lelantos Energy website: www.LNTO.Energy

    About the Free Solar 4 Vets Program

    POWERING UP THE LIVES OF OUR VETERANS

    Dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of our nation’s heroes, the mission of our program is to help veterans secure energy independence and a renewed sense of purpose through programs that empower them economically and socially. Powered by a joint venture among Lelantos Energy, a veteran’s foundation, and a large-scale solar installer, the program aims to utilize donations and a tax equity fund to provide free solar systems for veterans and widows of fallen soldiers.

    Free Solar 4 Vets Program website: https://www.freesolar4vets.org/

    FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

    Certain information set forth in this press release contains “forward-looking information,” including “future-oriented financial information” and “financial outlook,” within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as forward-looking statements). Except for statements of historical fact, the information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements and includes, but is not limited to, the (i) projected financial performance of the Company; (ii) completion of, and the use of proceeds from, the sale of the shares being offered hereunder; (iii) the expected development of the Company’s business, projects and joint ventures; (iv) execution of the Company’s vision and growth strategy, including with respect to future M&A activity and global growth; (v) sources and availability of third-party financing for the Company’s projects; (vi) completion of the Company’s projects that are currently underway, in development or otherwise under consideration; (vii) renewal of the Company’s current customer, supplier and other material agreements; and (viii) future liquidity, working capital and capital requirements. Forward-looking statements are provided to allow potential investors the opportunity to understand management’s beliefs and opinions in respect to the future so they may use such beliefs and opinions as one factor in evaluating an investment. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and undue reliance should not be placed on them. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although forward-looking statements contained in this presentation are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has provided guidance to issuers regarding the use of social media to disclose material nonpublic information. In this regard, investors and others should note that we announce material financial information on our company website, www.LelantosHoldings.io, in addition to SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. We also use social media to communicate with the public about our company, our services and other issues. It is possible that the information we post on social media could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, in light of the SEC’s guidance, we encourage investors, the media and others interested in our company to review the information we post on the Company website.

    CONTACT INFORMATION

    Lelantos Holdings, Inc.
    info@Lelantos.Group

    Wire Service Contact:
    IBN
    Austin, Texas
    www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com
    512.354.7000 Office
    Editor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GraniteShares launches new YieldBoost ETFs on NVIDIA (NVYY) and Bitcoin (XBTY)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GraniteShares, an ETF issuer specializing in high conviction ETFs, announced that it is launching two ETFs to add to its existing YieldBOOST lineup – the GraniteShares YieldBOOST NVDA ETF (NVYY) and the GraniteShares YieldBOOST Bitcoin ETF (XBTY).

    The GraniteShares YieldBOOST NVDA ETF (NVYY) is designed to generate income from options1 strategies linked to 2x Long NVDA Daily ETF. To generate income, NVYY sells put options2 on leveraged ETFs linked to 2x Long NVDA Daily ETF.

    The GraniteShares YieldBOOST Bitcoin ETF (XBTY) is designed to generate income from options1 strategies linked to 2x Long Bitcoin Daily ETF. To generate income, XBTY sells put options2 on leveraged ETFs linked to 2x Long Bitcoin Daily ETF.

    FUND NAME TICKER CUSIP
    GraniteShares YieldBOOST NVDA ETF NVYY 38747R637
    GraniteShares YieldBOOST Bitcoin ETF XBTY 38747R421
         

    “We are excited to launch the newest additions to our YieldBOOST options income suite,” said Will Rhind, Founder and CEO of GraniteShares. “The GraniteShares YieldBOOST NVDA ETF (NVYY) and the GraniteShares YieldBOOST Bitcoin ETF (XBTY) will seek to generate income from selling put options on their respective underlying leveraged ETFs.”

    Other existing YieldBOOST ETFs include the GraniteShares YieldBOOST SPY ETF (YSPY), the GraniteShares YieldBOOST QQQ ETF (TQQY) and the GraniteShares YieldBOOST TSLA ETF (TSYY).

    For more information, please visit: www.graniteshares.com.

    About GraniteShares:

    GraniteShares is an entrepreneurial ETF provider focused on high-conviction investment solutions. The firm offers a range of ETFs spanning leveraged, inverse, and high-yield strategies, empowering investors with differentiated tools for portfolio construction. Founded in 2016, GraniteShares has grown rapidly by delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to modern market needs. For more information, visit www.graniteshares.com.

    Source: GraniteShares

    1An option is a contract that gives the holder the right, but not the obligation to buy or sell a specific asset at a predetermined price on or before a specified date. Options are a type of derivative, meaning their value is derived from the underlying asset.

    2A put option is a contract that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to sell an underlying asset at a specified price by or on a specific date.

    RISK FACTORS & IMPORTANT INFORMATION

    Please see the funds’ prospectus for more details – https://graniteshares.com/media/u5odudej/graniteshares-etf-trust-prospectus-yb.pdf.

    Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. For a prospectus or summary prospectus with this and other information about the Funds, please call (844) 476 8747 or visit www.graniteshares.com. Read the prospectus or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

    The investment program of the Funds is speculative, entails substantial risks and include asset classes and investment techniques not employed by more traditional mutual funds.

    PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

    The principal risks of investing in the Fund are summarized below. As with any investment, there is a risk that you could lose all or a portion of your investment in the Fund. Each risk summarized below is considered a “principal risk” of investing in the Fund, regardless of the order in which it appears. Some or all of these risks may adversely affect the Fund’s net asset value per share (“NAV”), trading price, yield, total return and/or ability to meet its investment objectives. For more information about the risks of investing in the Fund, see the section in the Fund’s Prospectus titled “Additional Information About the Fund — Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund.”

    The Underlying NVDA ETF Risk. The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Underlying NVDA ETF shares. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the Underlying NVDA ETF, even though it may not. By virtue of the Fund’s investments in options contracts that are based on the value of the Underlying NVDA ETF shares, the Fund may also be subject to the following risks:

    Effects of Compounding and Market Volatility Risk. The Underlying NVDA ETF shares’ performance for periods greater than a trading day will be the result of each day’s returns compounded over the period, which is likely to differ from 200% of the Underlying Stock’s performance, before fees and expenses. Compounding has a significant impact on funds that are leveraged and that rebalance daily. The impact of compounding becomes more pronounced as volatility and holding periods increase and will impact each shareholder differently depending on the period of time an investment in the Underlying NVDA ETF is held and the volatility of the Underlying Stock during the shareholder’s holding period of an investment in the Underlying NVDA ETF.

    Leverage Risk. The Underlying NVDA ETF obtains investment exposure in excess of its net assets by utilizing leverage and may lose more money in market conditions that are adverse to its investment objective than a fund that does not utilize leverage. An investment in the Underlying NVDA ETF is exposed to the risk that a decline in the daily performance of the Underlying Stock will be magnified. This means that an investment in the Underlying NVDA ETF will be reduced by an amount equal to 2% for every 1% daily decline in the Underlying Stock, not including the costs of financing leverage and other operating expenses, which would further reduce its value. The Underlying NVDA ETF could lose an amount greater than its net assets in the event of an Underlying Stock decline of more than 50%.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. Investing in derivatives may be considered aggressive and may expose the Underlying NVDA ETF to greater risks, and may result in larger losses or smaller gains, than investing directly in the reference assets underlying those derivatives, which may prevent the Underlying NVDA ETF from achieving its investment objective.

    Counterparty Risk. If a counterparty is unwilling or unable to make timely payments to meet its contractual obligations or fails to return holdings that are subject to the agreement with the counterparty resulting in the Underlying NVDA ETF losing money or not being able to meet its daily leveraged investment objective.

    Industry Concentration Risk. The performance of the Underlying Stock, and consequently the Underlying NVDA ETF’s performance, is subject to the risks of the semiconductor industry. The Underlying Stock is subject to many risks that can negatively impact its revenue and viability including, but are not limited to price volatility risk, management risk, inflation risk, global economic risk, growth risk, supply and demand risk, operations risk, regulatory risk, environmental risk, terrorism risk and the risk of natural disasters. The Underlying Stock performance may be affected by NVIDIA Corporation’s ability to identify new products, technologies or services, global competition and business conditions, its dependence on third-party product manufacturers, product defect issues, cybersecurity breaches, and customer concentration. The Underlying Stock may also be affected by risks that affect the broader technology industry, including: government regulation; dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for qualified personnel; heavy dependence on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability; and a small number of companies representing a large portion of the technology sector as a whole. The Fund’s daily returns may be affected by many factors but will depend on the performance and volatility of the Underlying Stock.

    Indirect Investments in the Underlying NVDA ETF. Investors in the Fund will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the Underlying NVDA ETF but will be subject to declines in the performance of the Underlying NVDA ETF. Although the Fund invests in the Underlying NVDA ETF only indirectly, the Fund’s investments are subject to loss as a result of these risks.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds, interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions. The use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The use of derivatives may result in larger losses or smaller gains than directly investing in securities. When the Fund uses derivatives, there may be an imperfect correlation between the value of the Underlying NVDA ETF and the derivative, which may prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objectives. Because derivatives often require only a limited initial investment, the use of derivatives may expose the Fund to losses in excess of those amounts initially invested. In addition, the Fund’s investments in derivatives are subject to the following risks:

    • Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events. For the Fund, in particular, the value of the options contracts in which it invests is substantially influenced by the value of the Underlying NVDA ETF. Selling put options exposes the Fund to the risk of potential loss if the market value of the Underlying NVDA ETF falls below the strike price before the option expires. The Fund may experience substantial downside from specific option positions and certain option positions held by the Fund may expire worthless. As an option approaches its expiration date, its value typically increasingly moves with the value of the underlying instrument. However, prior to such date, the value of an option generally does not increase or decrease at the same rate at the underlying instrument. There may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in values of options contracts and the underlying instrument, and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain options contracts. The value of the options held by the Fund will be determined based on market quotations or other recognized pricing methods. Additionally, the Fund’s practice of “rolling” may cause the Fund to experience losses if the expiring contracts do not generate proceeds enough to cover the costs of entering into new options contracts. Rolling refers to the practice of closing out one options position and opening another with a different expiration date and/or a different strike price. Further, if an option is exercised, the seller (writer) of a put option is obligated to purchase the underlying asset at the strike price, which can result in significant financial and regulatory obligations for the Fund if the market value of the asset has fallen substantially. Furthermore, when the Fund seeks to trade out of puts, especially near expiration, there is an added risk that the Fund may be required to allocate resources unexpectedly to fulfill these obligations. This potential exposure to physical settlement can significantly impact the Fund’s liquidity and market exposure, particularly in volatile market conditions.
    • Swap Risk: Swaps are subject to tracking risk because they may not be perfect substitutes for the instruments they are intended to hedge or replace. Over the counter swaps are subject to counterparty default. Leverage inherent in derivatives will tend to magnify the Fund’s losses. The swap agreements may reference standardized exchange-traded, FLEX, European Style or American Style put options contracts that are based on the values of the price returns of the Underlying ETF. that generate specific risks.

    Affiliated Fund Risk. In managing the Fund, the Adviser has the ability to select the Underlying NVDA ETF and substitute the Underlying NVDA ETF with other ETFs that it believes will achieve the Fund’s objective. The Adviser may be subject to potential conflicts of interest in selecting the Underlying NVDA ETF and substituting the Underlying NVDA ETF with other ETFs because the fees paid to the Adviser by some Underlying NVDA ETF may be higher than the fees charged by other Underlying NVDA ETF.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members. In cleared derivatives positions, the Fund will make payments (including margin payments) to and receive payments from a clearing house through their accounts at clearing members. Customer funds held at a clearing organization in connection with any options contracts are held in a commingled omnibus account and are not identified to the name of the clearing member’s individual customers. As a result, assets deposited by the Fund with any clearing member as margin for options may, in certain circumstances, be used to satisfy losses of other clients of the Fund’s clearing member. In addition, although clearing members guarantee performance of their clients’ obligations to the clearing house, there is a risk that the assets of the Fund might not be fully protected in the event of the clearing member’s bankruptcy, as the Fund would be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds segregated on behalf of the clearing member’s customers for the relevant account class. The Fund is also subject to the risk that a limited number of clearing members are willing to transact on the Fund’s behalf, which heightens the risks associated with a clearing member’s default. If a clearing member defaults the Fund could lose some or all of the benefits of a transaction entered into by the Fund with the clearing member. If the Fund cannot find a clearing member to transact with on the Fund’s behalf, the Fund may be unable to effectively implement its investment strategy. In addition, a counterparty (the other party to a transaction or an agreement or the party with whom the Fund executes transactions) to a transaction (including repurchase transaction) with the Fund may be unable or unwilling to make timely principal, interest or settlement payments, or otherwise honor its obligations.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of in-the-money put options contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in increases in value experienced by the Underlying NVDA ETF over the Call Period. This means that if the Underlying NVDA ETF experiences an increase in value above the strike price of the sold put options during a Call Period, the Fund will likely not experience that increase to the same extent and may significantly underperform the Underlying NVDA ETF over the Call Period. Additionally, because the Fund is limited in the degree to which it will participate in increases in value experienced by the Underlying NVDA ETF over each Call Period, but has full exposure to any decreases in value experienced by the Underlying NVDA ETF over the Call Period, the NAV of the Fund may decrease over any given time period. The Fund’s NAV is dependent on the value of each options portfolio, which is based principally upon the performance of the Underlying NVDA ETF. The degree of participation in the Underlying NVDA ETF gains the Fund will experience will depend on prevailing market conditions, especially market volatility, at the time the Fund enters into the sold put options contracts and will vary from Call Period to Call Period. The value of the options contracts is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of the Underlying NVDA ETF, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Underlying NVDA ETF and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. As the price of the Underlying NVDA ETF share changes and time moves towards the expiration of each Call Period, the value of the options contracts, and therefore the Fund’s NAV, will change. However, it is not expected for the Fund’s NAV to directly correlate on a day-to-day basis with the returns of the Underlying NVDA ETF share price. The amount of time remaining until the options contract’s expiration date affects the impact of the potential options contract income on the Fund’s NAV, which may not be in full effect until the expiration date of the Fund’s options contracts. Therefore, while changes in the price of the Underlying NVDA ETF share will result in changes to the Fund’s NAV, the Fund generally anticipates that the rate of change in the Fund’s NAV will be different than that experienced by the Underlying NVDA ETF share price.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current monthly income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given month. If the Fund makes distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next. Additionally, the monthly distributions, if any, may consist of returns of capital, which would decrease the Fund’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment.

    NAV Erosion Risk Due to Distributions. When the Fund makes a distribution, the Fund’s NAV will typically drop by the amount of the distribution on the related ex-dividend date. The repeated payment of distributions by the Fund, if any, may significantly erode the Fund’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment.

    Put Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s put writing strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in the positive price returns of the Underlying NVDA ETF and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold put options and over longer time periods. 187 If, for example, the Fund were to sell 10% in-the-money put options having a one-month term, the Fund’s participation in the positive price returns of the Underlying NVDA ETF will be capped at 10% for that month. However, over a longer period (e.g., a three-month period), the Fund should not be expected to participate fully in the first 30% (i.e., 3 months x 10%) of the positive price returns of the Underlying NVDA ETF, or the Fund may even lose money, even if the Underlying NVDA ETF share price has appreciated by at least that much over such period, if during any particular month or months over that period the Underlying NVDA ETF had a return less than 10%. This example illustrates that both the Fund’s participation in the positive price returns of the Underlying NVDA ETF and its returns will depend not only on the price of the Underlying NVDA ETF but also on the path that the Underlying NVDA ETF takes over time.

    If, for example, the Fund were to sell 5% out-of-the-money put options having a one-week term, the Fund’s downward protection against the negative price returns of the Underlying NVDA ETF will be capped at 5% for that week. However, over a longer period (e.g., a four-week period), the Fund should not be expected to be protected fully in the first 25% (i.e., 4 weeks x 5%) of the negative price returns of the Underlying NVDA ETF, and the Fund may lose money, even if the Underlying NVDA ETF share price has appreciated over such period, if during any particular week or weeks over that period the Underlying NVDA ETF share price had decreases by more than 5%. This example illustrates that both the Fund’s protection against the negative price returns of the Underlying NVDA ETF and its returns will depend not only on the price of the Underlying NVDA ETF but also on the path that the Underlying NVDA ETF takes over time.

    Under both cases the Fund may be fully exposed to the downward movements of the Underlying NVDA ETF, offset only by the premiums received from selling put contracts. The Fund does not seek to offer any downside protection, except for the fact that the premiums from the sold options may offset some or all of the Underlying NVDA ETF’s decline.

    Option Market Liquidity Risk. The trading activity in the option market of the Underlying NVDA ETF may be limited and the option contracts may trade at levels significantly different from their economic value. The lack of liquidity may negatively affect the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective. This risk may increase if the portfolio turnover is elevated, for instance because of frequent changes in the number of Shares outstanding, and if the net asset value of the Underlying NVDA ETF is modest. For the 12-month period ending September 30, 2024, the net asset value of the Underlying NVDA ETF ranged from $0.6m to $5,986m.

    Concentration Risk. To the extent that the Underlying NVDA ETF concentrates its investments in a particular industry, the Fund will be subject to the risks associated with that industry.

    ETF Risks.

    Authorized Participants, Market Makers, and Liquidity Providers Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that are authorized to purchase and redeem Shares directly from the Fund (known as “Authorized Participants” or “APs”). In addition, there may be a limited number of market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occur, Shares may trade at a material discount to NAV and possibly face delisting: (i) APs exit the business or otherwise become unable to process creation and/or redemption orders and no other APs step forward to perform these services; or (ii) market makers and/or liquidity providers exit the business or significantly reduce their business activities and no other entities step forward to perform their functions.

    Cash Redemption Risk. The Fund currently expects to affect a significant portion of its creations and redemptions for cash, rather than in-kind securities. Paying redemption proceeds in cash rather than through in-kind delivery of portfolio securities may require the Fund to dispose of or sell portfolio securities or other assets at an inopportune time to obtain the cash needed to meet redemption orders. This may cause the Fund to sell a security and recognize a capital gain or loss that might not have been incurred if it had made a redemption in-kind. As a result, the Fund may pay out higher or lower annual capital gains distributions than ETFs that redeem in-kind. The use of cash creations and redemptions may also cause the Fund’s Shares to trade in the market at greater bid-ask spreads or greater premiums or discounts to the Fund’s NAV. Furthermore, the Fund may not be able to execute cash transactions for creation and redemption purposes at the same price used to determine the Fund’s NAV. To the extent that the maximum additional charge for creation or redemption transactions is insufficient to cover the execution shortfall, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.

    Costs of Buying or Selling Shares. Due to the costs of buying or selling Shares, including brokerage commissions imposed by brokers and bid-ask spreads, frequent trading of Shares may significantly reduce investment results and an investment in Shares may not be advisable for investors who anticipate regularly making small investments.

    Shares May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV. As with all ETFs, Shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. Although it is expected that the market price of Shares will approximate the Fund’s NAV, there may be times when the market price of Shares is more than the NAV intra-day (premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (discount) due to supply and demand of Shares or during periods of market volatility. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility, periods of steep market declines, and periods when there is limited trading activity for Shares in the secondary market, in which case such premiums or discounts may be significant.

    Trading. Although Shares are listed on a national securities exchange, such as The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC (the “Exchange”), and may be traded on U.S. exchanges other than the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for the Shares will develop or be maintained or that the Shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange. This risk may be greater for the Fund as it seeks to have exposure to a single underlying stock as opposed to a more diverse portfolio like a traditional pooled investment. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of Shares may begin to mirror the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings, which can be significantly less liquid than Shares. Shares trade on the Exchange at a market price that may be below, at or above the Fund’s NAV. Trading in Shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange “circuit breaker” rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. In the event of an unscheduled market close for options contracts that reference a single stock, such as the Underlying NVDA ETF’s securities being halted or a market wide closure, settlement prices will be determined by the procedures of the listing exchange of the options contracts. As a result, the Fund could be adversely affected and be unable to implement its investment strategies in the event of an unscheduled closing.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses. Frequent trading may also cause adverse tax consequences for investors in the Fund due to an increase in short-term capital gains.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil. This risk is greater for the Fund as it will hold options contracts on a single security, and not a broader range of options contracts. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, epidemics/pandemics, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the United States. Illiquid securities may be difficult to value, especially in changing or volatile markets. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid security at an unfavorable time or price, the Fund may be adversely impacted. Certain market conditions or restrictions, such as market rules related to short sales, may prevent the Fund from limiting losses, realizing gains or achieving a high correlation with the Underlying NVDA ETF. There is no assurance that a security that is deemed liquid when purchased will continue to be liquid. Market illiquidity may cause losses for the Fund.

    Management Risk. The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. In managing the Fund’s investment portfolio, the portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not produce the desired result. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective.

    Money Market Instrument Risk. The Fund may use a variety of money market instruments for cash management purposes, including money market funds, depositary accounts and repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements are contracts in which a seller of securities agrees to buy the securities back at a specified time and price. Repurchase agreements may be subject to market and credit risk related to the collateral securing the repurchase agreement. Money market instruments, including money market funds, may lose money through fees or other means.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund. As a result, a decline in the value of an investment in a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers could cause the Fund’s overall value to decline to a greater degree than if the Fund held a more diversified portfolio.

    Operational Risk. The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund’s service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund, Adviser, and Sub-Adviser seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.

    Recent Market Events Risk. U.S. and international markets have experienced significant periods of volatility in recent years and months due to a number of economic, political and global macro factors including the impact of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, which has resulted in a public health crisis, disruptions to business operations and supply chains, stress on the global healthcare system, growth concerns in the U.S. and overseas, staffing shortages and the inability to meet consumer demand, and widespread concern and uncertainty. The global recovery from COVID-19 is proceeding at slower than expected rates due to the emergence of variant strains and may last for an extended period of time. Continuing uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, political events, rising government debt in the U.S. and trade tensions also contribute to market volatility. Conflict, loss of life and disaster connected to ongoing armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia in Europe and Israel and Hamas in the Middle East could have severe adverse effects on the region, including significant adverse effects on the regional or global economies and the markets for certain securities. The U.S. and the European Union have imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. The war has contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment vehicle which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security (the Underlying NVDA ETF), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Tax Risk. The Fund intends to elect and to qualify each year to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its net investment income and net capital gain that it distributes to Shareholders, provided that it satisfies certain requirements of the Code. If the Fund does not qualify as a RIC for any taxable year and certain relief provisions are not available, the Fund’s taxable income will be subject to tax at the Fund level and to a further tax at the shareholder level when such income is distributed. To comply with the asset diversification test applicable to a RIC, the Fund will attempt to ensure that the value of the derivatives it holds is never 25% of the total value of Fund assets at the close of any quarter. If the Fund’s investments in the derivatives were to exceed 25% of the Fund’s total assets at the end of a tax quarter, the Fund, generally, has a grace period to cure such lack of compliance. If the Fund fails to timely cure, it may no longer be eligible to be treated as a RIC. In addition, distributions received by the Fund from the Underlying NVDA ETF may generate “bad income” that could prevent the Fund from meeting the “Income Requirement” of Subchapter M of the Code, which may cause the Fund to fail to qualify as a RIC.

    Investing in U.S. Equities Risk. Investing in U.S. issuers subjects the Fund to legal, regulatory, political, currency, security, and economic risks that are specific to the U.S. Certain changes in the U.S., such as a weakening of the U.S. economy or a decline in its financial markets, may have an adverse effect on U.S. issuers.

    U.S. Government and U.S. Agency Obligations Risk. The Fund may invest in securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. Government obligations include securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, such as the U.S. Treasury. Payment of principal and interest on U.S. Government obligations may be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States or may be backed solely by the issuing or guaranteeing agency or instrumentality itself. In the latter case, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, which agency or instrumentality may be privately owned. There can be no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities (including government-sponsored enterprises) where it is not obligated to do so.

    Fixed Income Securities Risk. The market value of Fixed Income Securities will change in response to interest rate changes and other factors, such as changes in the effective maturities and credit ratings of fixed income investments. During periods of falling interest rates, the values of outstanding Fixed Income Securities and related financial instruments generally rise. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the values of such securities and related financial instruments generally decline. Fixed Income Securities are also subject to credit risk.

    Investments in Fixed Income Securities may also involve the following risks, depending on the instrument involved:

    • Asset-Backed/Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk – The market value and yield of asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities can vary due to market interest rate fluctuations and early prepayments of underlying instruments.
    • Credit Risk – An investment in the Fund also involves the risk that the issuer of a Fixed Income Security that the Fund holds will fail to make timely payments of interest or principal or go bankrupt, or that the value of the securities will decline because of a market perception that the issuer may not make payments on time, thus potentially reducing the Fund’s return.
    • Event Risk – Event risk is the risk that corporate issuers may undergo restructurings, such as mergers, leveraged buyouts, takeovers, or similar events financed by increased debt. As a result of the added debt, the credit quality and market value of a company’s bonds and/or other debt securities may decline significantly.
    • Extension Risk – Payment on the loans underlying Fixed Income Securities held by the Fund may be made more slowly when interest rates are rising.
    • Interest Rate Risk – Generally, the value of Fixed Income Securities will change inversely with changes in interest rates. As interest rates rise, the market value of Fixed Income Securities tends to decrease. Conversely, as interest rates fall, the market value of Fixed Income Securities tends to increase. This risk will be greater for long-term securities than for short-term securities. In recent periods, governmental financial regulators, including the U.S. Federal Reserve, have taken steps to maintain historically low interest rates. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk. Changes in government intervention may have adverse effects on investments, volatility, and illiquidity in debt markets.
    • Prepayment Risk – When interest rates are declining, issuers of Fixed Income Securities held by the Fund may prepay principal earlier than scheduled.

    The Fund is distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc, which is not affiliated with GraniteShares or any of its affiliates ©2024 GraniteShares Inc. All rights reserved. GraniteShares, GraniteShares Trusts, and the GraniteShares logo are registered and unregistered trademarks of GraniteShares Inc., in the United States and elsewhere. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

    Media Contact:
    GraniteShares Inc.
    Attn: Media Relations
    222 Broadway, 21st Floor
    New York, NY 10038
    844-476-8747
    info@graniteshares.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Proto Hologram Inventor named to TIME100 Health List

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, New York, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TIME has named David Nussbaum, Founder and Chairman of Proto Inc., to its 2025 TIME100 Health list in the “Innovators” category, recognizing his pioneering work creating hologram and AI technology to expand access to healthcare. The annual list honors the 100 most influential figures shaping global health.

    Featured in the May 26 print edition, TIME praised Proto Hologram for its impact on rural healthcare access by “beaming” doctors into clinics, its real-time AI translation tools, HIPAA-compliant systems, and newly reduced cost—making the technology more accessible than ever. Read the story here.

    Nussbaum shares the honor with leaders such as Alice Walton, Bill Nye, and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

    “Nothing is more important than connecting with your doctor in person to create that emotional, physical connection—especially when you’re talking about something as important as cancer or Parkinson’s or life-altering news,” Nussbaum told TIME.

    Dr. Sylvia Richie of West Cancer Center beams live across the country to talk with Proto Founder David Nussbaum. West Cancer and Proto launched the first real doctor-patient hologram appointments in 2024. 

    The first company to install Proto technology to beam doctors to patients for real appointments was West Cancer Center in Tennessee. Since then many major clinics have launched pilot programs to bring the solution to the shortage of caregivers to more underserved populations. Proto is also in use in higher education medical and healthcare programs including the University of Central Florida CHPS program, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the University of Minnesota’s Hormal Institute and the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. 

    “This honor of being on the Time100 Health list really belongs to the entire Proto team,” said Nussbaum.”Their belief, talent, hustle and heart have built this company and this incredible technology. A spotlight on any of us is a reflection on all of us. I’m so grateful that I get to work with this team every single day. This is also a tribute to the companies and organizations that have been brave and imaginative enough to take the leap – the doctors and nurses and patients and executives who are putting Proto’s hologram communication and AI tools in action to help people everywhere.” 

    West Cancer Center’s Dr. Sylvia Richie demonstrates live hologram medical appointments by beaming from Tennessee to Los Angeles to be present in a Proto Luma. 

    Proto is the original, patented hologram communications and AI spatial compute platform in use around the world by dozens of Fortune 500 companies, 50 universities, and stadiums, airports, hospitals and malls everywhere. In addition to healthcare, Proto is active in education, finance, retail, hospitality, sports and entertainment. Proto has been recognized previously as the inventor of the technology by the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, TechCrunch, the Today Show, CNN and the BBC.

    The full 2025 TIME100 Health list appears in the May 26, 2025 print issue of TIME and at time.com/time100health.

    See Proto in action on Instagram.

    Media inquiries: owen@protohologram.com

    About Proto Inc.: Proto Inc. is the patented leader in hologram technology and AI spatial computing. Proto devices and its platform are in use across enterprise, finance, healthcare, education, retail, hospitality, sports and entertainment. Invented in Los Angeles and with showrooms and distribution partners around the globe, Proto distributes the large Proto Epic and Proto Luma, the desktop-sized Proto M2, and a suite of hologram AI and spatial computing services. Learn more at protohologram.com

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    The MIL Network –