Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor lights up Council buildings to raise awareness for Foster Care Fortnight

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Mayor lights up Council buildings to raise awareness for Foster Care Fortnight

    9 May 2025

    The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council will light up civic buildings on Monday 12th May to celebrate Foster Care Fortnight.

    The week commencing Monday 12th May until Sunday 25th May 2025 is Foster Care Fortnight which is used to shine a light on fostering and shows how foster care transforms lives.

    HSC NI Foster Care proudly celebrate their foster carers during this time, and everything they do to support children and young people, giving them the opportunity to grow and succeed.

    Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr, said she was delighted to light up Council buildings and The Alley Theatre in turquoise and yellow to raise awareness of such an important time.

    “Every child deserves to live in a stable and loving home, where they feel valued and safe; where they can grow, learn and thrive. But unfortunately, the number of children currently in foster care within our city and district continues to grow. I am delighted to be supporting such an important cause and lighting up our civic buildings to raise awareness for Foster Care Fortnight.

    “I would encourage everyone to have the discussion at home and consider becoming foster carers. By opening your home to a child or young person in need, you could transform their life all for the better. HSC NI Foster Care offer a wealth of knowledge and support to those considering becoming foster carers. If you are truly considering it, please reach out to those who can offer you guidance and advice to make that next step in changing someone’s life.”

    The theme of this year’s awareness fortnight is The Power of Relationships. Whether it’s the bond between a foster carer and a child, the support of social workers, the friendships built within fostering communities, or the connections with birth families, these relationships shape lives, create stability and open up new possibilities for the future.

    There are 3,359 children currently living in foster care in Northern Ireland and as this number continues to rise, HSC NI Foster Care are asking people to consider opening their hearts and homes to a child or young person in need.

    “HSC NI foster carers come from various walks of life, offering diverse skills and experience to meet the individual needs of each child/young person. If you’re a good listener, patient, understanding, and compassionate you already have many of the qualities to make a great foster carer.

    “You can foster whether you are single, married or have a partner; have children of your own or not; are employed or claiming benefits or own or rent your home. HSC NI Foster Care welcomes enquiries from people from all backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, language, culture, gender, disability, age or sexual orientation,” said a spokesperson from HSC NI Foster Care.

    There are different ways to get involved depending on your lifestyle and personal circumstances as not all foster care requires a full-time commitment.

    HSC NI foster carers receive ongoing support, tailored training and development opportunities, financial allowances and access to family activities and support groups.

    To find out more call HSC NI Foster Care on 0800 0720 137 or visit adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net

    HSC NI Foster Care host a range of information events throughout the year across Northern Ireland, both in-person and virtual. Keep up to date on social media.

    Facebook: @HSCAdoptionAndFosterCare

    X: @HSCAdopt_Foster

    Instagram: @hscni_adoption_fostercare

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Crowd Street Sponsors Premier Venture Capital Event To Showcase Momentum in Self-Directed Private Market Investing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Crowd Street, the direct-access private market investment platform dedicated to helping members reach their financial ambitions, today announced its sponsorship of Beyond Summit 2025. Beyond Summit, which runs from May 19-21 in Carlsbad, Calif., is an annual event hosted by Allocate, a leading technology platform transforming private market investing for wealth advisors and family offices. The conference is a premier gathering designed to bring together leading limited partners, fund managers, venture and technology leaders to discuss the future of innovation and private markets investing.

    As the world of private market investing enters an increasingly exciting inflection point, Crowd Street’s goal is to help individual investors gain access to private market opportunities that have historically been reserved for institutions and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Through its presence at Beyond Summit, Crowd Street is reinforcing its commitment to providing more access and education across various asset classes in an effort to reimagine wealth-building strategies for a new generation of investors.

    “Private markets are no longer a niche segment of the investment landscape – it is a thriving ecosystem with the potential to redefine how individual investors diversify their portfolios and work to build wealth,” said John Imbriglia, CEO of Crowd Street. “Our mission is to help inspire and empower the millions of individual investors in this country who want to realize their financial goals through a self-directed platform. We have admired what Allocate has been building since it first started, so it makes sense to support them at the Beyond Summit. We believe the rising tide of private market investing will lift all boats. We currently have tens of thousands of accredited investors who are actively investing in real estate through our platform. As more and more people understand the potential for wealth creation in private markets, we expect our member base to grow significantly, especially as we work to expand our investment offerings to more asset classes such as private equity and private credit.”

    “Like Crowd Street, we have seen the growing interest in Private Market investing from family offices and registered investment advisors,” said Samir Kaji, CEO of Allocate. “We’re grateful to have Crowd Street as a premier sponsor for this event. We are thrilled to share the energizing trajectory of our industry with Crowd Street – a company that appears to have what it takes to meet the moment and shape the future. Through the lens of Venture Capital, we have been at the forefront of all of this increased interest in private market investing. It feels like the demand that has been bubbling beneath the surface in recent years is getting ready to explode. So, it’s a very exciting moment for Allocate and Crowd Street to stay closely connected.”

    The invite-only event will bring together over 200 of the most influential minds in the industry to explore the rising potential of private market investing. Last year’s event welcomed more than 200 family offices, representing 13 countries and 70 cities, and included 70+ venture general partners.

    According to Allocate, attendees will hear from some of the most insightful investors in private markets and the innovation economy from leading companies such as OpenAI, Kleiner Perkins, Forerunner and more. These leaders will discuss what it takes to implement succession planning at a top-tier venture capital franchise and explore how private capital – coupled with a multi-asset investment approach from one of the world’s largest family offices – is driving impactful societal and environmental change. Most importantly, attendees will receive unique insights into private market investments, gain greater education into the private market ecosystem, and understand the opportunity in self-directed access to private market investing.

    Together, Crowd Street and Allocate are committed to the larger purpose of giving access to self-directed investors to the expansive private market ecosystem that has an $87 trillion market opportunity (Blue Owl, February 2025). By providing the tools, education, and connections needed to navigate the private markets, individual investors will have the necessary understanding to explore various asset classes with confidence. As self-directed private market investing continues to gain traction, this collaboration is a testament to how the future of wealth-building may be rooted in shared access.

    This sponsorship follows Crowd Street’s latest brand-building initiatives, which demonstrate the company’s broader vision of providing self-directed access to private market investments that have typically been reserved for institutions and wealth managers. To learn more about Crowd Street’s new vision that will help empower the next generation of private market investors, visit https://new.crowdstreet.com/.

    About Crowd Street
    Crowd Street empowers its members to reach their financial ambitions through self-directed private market investments. The platform offers a carefully selected marketplace of alternative investment opportunities that have historically only been available to a small group of people. In addition to providing advanced tools, research, and insights to help investors confidently explore these exclusive opportunities, Crowd Street is also building a member experience rooted in trust and experience – further bridging the gap between investment opportunities and true financial wealth. Learn more at https://www.crowdstreet.com/.

    Media Contact
    LaunchSquad
    CrowdStreet@launchsquad.com

    CrowdStreet, Inc. (“Crowd Street”) offers investment opportunities and financial services on its website. Broker dealer services provided in connection with an investment are offered through CrowdStreet Capital LLC (“Crowd Street Capital”), a registered broker dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through CrowdStreet Advisors, LLC (“Crowd Street Advisors”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crowd Street and a federally registered investment adviser. Investment opportunities available through Crowd Street are speculative and involve substantial risk. You should not invest unless you can sustain the risk of loss of capital, including the risk of total loss of capital. All investors should consider their individual factors in consultation with a professional advisor of their choosing when deciding if an investment is appropriate.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Vantage Drilling International Ltd. Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Dubai, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vantage Drilling International Ltd. (“Vantage” or the “Company”) reported a net loss attributable to shareholders of approximately $18.9 million or $1.42 per diluted share for the three months ended March 31, 2025, based on the weighted average shares outstanding, as compared to a net loss attributable to shareholders of approximately $2.9 million or $0.22 per diluted share for the three months ended March 31, 2024. 

    As of March 31, 2025, Vantage had approximately $76.4 million in cash. This total includes $15.5 million in pre-funding for upgrading the Tungsten Explorer, $3.3 million in restricted cash and $5.8 million pre-funded by our Managed Services customers for near-term obligations. In comparison, as of March 31, 2024, Vantage had $67.0 million in cash, including $10.8 million of restricted cash and $11.1 million pre-funded by our Managed Services customers for near-term obligations.

    Ihab Toma, CEO, commented: “The Company is pleased to have received a Conditional Letter of Award for the Platinum Explorer for work later this year. We continue to remain focused on completing the sale of the Tungsten Explorer and are pleased to expand the Managed Services segment through the execution of a marketing agreement with Eldorado Drilling.”

    Vantage, a Bermuda exempted company, is an offshore drilling contractor. Vantage’s primary business is to contract drilling units, related equipment and work crews primarily on a dayrate basis to drill oil and natural gas wells globally for major, national and independent oil and gas companies. Vantage also markets, operate and provides management services in respect of third party-owned drilling units. For more information about the Company, please refer to the Company’s website, www.vantagedrilling.com. 

    The information above includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions identified above or as disclosed from time to time in the Company’s reports or filings posted to its website or otherwise made available to its investors or creditors. As a result of these factors, actual results may differ materially from those indicated or implied by such forward-looking statements. Vantage disclaims any intention or obligation to update publicly or revise such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Non-GAAP Measures

    We report our financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States. However, in our earnings release and during our earnings calls we may reference company information that does not conform to GAAP. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s performance, financial position, or cash flows that exclude or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Management believes that an analysis of this data is meaningful to investors because it provides insight with respect to ongoing operating results of the Company and allows investors to better evaluate the financial results of the Company. However, these measures should not be viewed as an alternative to or substitute for GAAP measures of performance, and these non-GAAP measures may not be consistent with previously published Company reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. Non-GAAP measures we may reference have been reconciled to the nearest GAAP measure in the tables entitled Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures below.

    This information is subject to disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Hedra raises $32M to build the leading generative media platform for digital characters

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Francisco, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In the fight for audience attention, video wins – but producing it remains out of reach for most companies. Hedra, the AI video generation platform behind over 10 million lifelike videos, has raised $32 million to bring AI-powered video creation to enterprise marketers. 

    The series A funding round was led by Andreessen Horowitz’s Infrastructure fund (a16z Infra), with participation from existing investors, including a16z speedrun, Abstract, and Index Ventures. This round brings the company’s total funding to $44 million since its last announced fundraise in 2024. 

    Video production is mired in lengthy timelines and production costs that can spike up to thousands of dollars per minute. While over 2.5 million users have already generated millions of videos with Hedra,  the company is now bringing this creative superpower to enterprise marketers (and beyond) who need to produce character-driven video content at scale. Whether it’s a seasonal campaign or a response to a real-time cultural moment, Hedra allows teams to create high-quality content fast featuring lifelike digital characters – so they can meet their audience where they are, when it matters most.

    Hedra founder Michael Lingelbach.

    Hedra’s origin is deeply personal for founder and CEO Michael Lingelbach. Before pursuing a PhD at Stanford, he spent years on stage as a theatre actor. That experience shaped his belief that characters are the heart of every story, and that believable digital characters would unlock the next era of storytelling. “We’re building the next generation of storytelling technology to empower content creators and enterprise marketers to tell narratives at scale on their own. Getting over the uncanny valley of compelling performance is the hardest frontier in video, and with our Character-3 foundation model, we’re devoted to crossing it,” said Michael Lingelbach, Founder and CEO of Hedra.

    At the heart of Hedra’s magic is Character-3, the first omnimodal foundation model that seamlessly blends text, image, and audio to create character performance videos. Whether you need a professional spokesperson explaining your product, an animated brand mascot, or even an animal-style character, the model works across any style and framing — from cinematic full-body shots to intimate close-ups. This breakthrough technology powers Hedra Studio, where users can transform simple ideas into compelling visual stories with just a few clicks.

    Video creation in motion with Hedra.

    Since launching in 2024, Hedra has seen explosive growth, attracting a wide range of users, from social media creators to enterprise teams looking to streamline video production – including Jon LaJoie and Reid Hoffman. As marketing teams face pressure to do more with less, and as consumers grow increasingly discerning in a tighter economic climate, the ability to produce content quickly — and with emotional impact — has become a competitive necessity. With Hedra, brands can speak to the moment, respond to cultural conversations in real time, and cut through the noise with high-quality videos that resonate.

    “This kind of creative agility is no longer just a nice-to-have — it’s essential for capturing attention in an increasingly crowded digital landscape,” added Michael Lingelbach. Unlike competitors focused solely on avatars or narrow use cases, Hedra delivers a unified solution that integrates story, sound, and video generation into one seamless workflow. Teams can create customizable digital characters with unique appearances, voices, and personalities and place them into dynamic scenes — empowering them to scale content production without sacrificing quality or originality.

    Team Hedra is bringing creative superpowers to enterprise marketers (and beyond) who need to produce character-driven video content at scale.

    “Hedra is building foundational technology for the next generation of media,” said Matt Bornstein, Partner at Andreessen Horowitz who had joined the Hedra board. “Character-3 is a breakthrough model that integrates text, video, and audio to create highly controllable, expressive characters. If you want to create AI-driven actors, it’s the best model in the market by far. And that capability unlocks use cases across the creator economy, enterprise marketing, entertainment, and more. We’re absolutely thrilled to back Michael and the Hedra team as they build the foundation model for generative characters.”

    As AI-powered storytelling continues to evolve, Hedra is investing heavily in pushing the next frontier of quality and controllable model quality — ensuring that its technology not only performs at the cutting edge, but solves real-world creative challenges. The team has grown to 20 employees, with plans to triple headcount by year’s end.

    Looking ahead, Hedra is poised to become the creative canvas for the next generation of media creators – from individuals to global brands. By combining cutting-edge AI models with intuitive creation tools, the company is democratizing video production and enabling a future where compelling visual narratives are limited only by imagination, not by budget or technical expertise. As the line between human and AI-generated content continues to blur, Hedra is ensuring that the art of storytelling remains vibrant, accessible, and deeply human at its core.

    Ends

    Media images can be found here

    About Hedra
    Hedra is at the forefront of combining artificial intelligence with creative video production making digital creation as accessible and engaging as it should be. Their platform is designed to democratize video creation, making it easier and faster for users to produce high-quality content with complex narratives and personalized characters. Hedra’s developments are set to transform how brands and individual creators engage with audiences, providing new avenues for storytelling in the digital age. More for information please visit https://www.hedra.com/ or follow via LinkedIn, X or TikTok

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: TAB Bank Provides $3 Million Factoring Line of Credit for CNC Precision Machine

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OGDEN, Utah, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TAB Bank has structured a $3 million factoring line of credit for CNC Precision Machine Inc. to improve cash flow for inventory and working capital.

    CNC Precision Machine is a leading manufacturer of world-class hydraulic fittings serving the aerospace, transportation and machinery industries. The company, headquartered in Parkman, Ohio, was founded in 2002, and manufactures high-quality hydraulic fittings in its state of the art 100,000 square feet of flexible manufacturing space. The company’s in-house experts assist customers with complex design challenges, offering custom orders to meet specific project needs.

    “I’ve closed similar loans in the past, but my TAB Bank experience has been, by far, the best,” said Marc Karyo, CFO of CNC Precision Machine. “Natasha, our underwriter, was always available and kept the process rolling where others would have let it stall. Everyone on the TAB Bank team seemed to take a personal interest in our account and wanted to ensure that our transition went smoothly. Also, I love the small bank attention and service we’ve gotten from our Relationship Manager, LilyAnn. This is the banking team that we’ve been looking for!”

    TAB Bank offers tailored financial solutions to small and mid-sized businesses across various industries, including manufacturing, specializing in asset-based lending, equipment financing and working capital solutions. Leveraging the right financial tools to match a company’s objective solves financial challenges and unlocks access to working capital for operations and growth.

    “Our partnership with CNC Precision Machine is an example of how our pillar of hiring, developing and retaining ‘Extraordinary People’ builds value for our customers,” said Justin Hatch, Chief Lending Officer at TAB Bank. “We look forward to helping CNC Precision Machine use the right financial tools to grow its business to its 25th Anniversary and beyond.”

    About TAB Bank
    At TAB Bank, our mission is to unlock dreams with bold financial solutions that empower individuals and businesses nationwide. We are committed to making financial success accessible to everyone through our innovative banking products. Our dedication drives us to continuously improve, ensuring that we meet the evolving needs of our clients with excellence and agility. For over 25 years, we have remained steadfast in offering tailored, technology-enabled solutions designed to simplify and enhance the banking experience. 

    For more information about how we can help you achieve your financial dreams, visit www.TABBank.com.

    Contact Information:
    Trevor Morris
    Director of Marketing
    801-710-6318
    trevor.morris@tabbank.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Altai Announces Senior Management Addition

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Altai Resources Inc. (TSXV: ATI) (“Altai” or the “Company”) announced today that the Company has added Yana Silina to the senior management team, in the role of Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”). Ms. Silina is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over 15 years of experience in financial reporting, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance, primarily within the venture capital and resource sectors.

    Ms. Silina holds a Diploma in Management Studies from Thompson Rivers University and is currently a Senior Accountant at Da Costa Management Corp., where she provides financial consulting and outsourced CFO services to both public and private companies.

    Ms. Silina also serves as the CFO of StimCell Energetics Inc., Stuhini Exploration Ltd., Tocvan Ventures Corp, and Cascade Copper Corp. In addition, she is a Director of Kesselrun Resources Ltd.

    ABOUT ALTAI
    Altai Resources Inc. is a Toronto, Ontario based resource company with a producing oil property in Alberta, an exploration gold property in Quebec, and a Canadian investment portfolio comprised of cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities. Additional information about Altai is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on Altai’s website at www.altairesources.com.

    For further information, please contact:
    Kursat Kacira, Chairman & CEO/President
    T: (647) 282-8324, E: kursatkacira@altairesources.ca

    Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Advancing Science and Technology Research

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul celebrated the groundbreaking of Farmingdale State College’s new state-of-the-art Computer Sciences Center, a part of the Governor’s efforts to advance science and technology research and economic opportunities for New Yorkers. The project is made possible by a $30 million investment through Empire State Development’s Long Island Investment Fund and $45 million in Capital funding from SUNY.

    “In New York, we are shaping our students to be the next generation of leaders,” Governor Hochul said. “Our SUNYs and CUNYs provide an exceptional and well-rounded education for New Yorkers to explore science and technology research — the groundbreaking of the Computer Sciences Center at Farmingdale will uncover technological advancements and advance economic opportunities in our state; that’s how we build a better New York.”

    SUNY Chancellor John B. King said, “Our SUNY campuses play an integral role in preparing the next generation of skilled professionals for New York’s advancing STEM sector. We applaud Governor Hochul’s vision and commitment, and we are thankful for our partnership with Empire State Development, which has made the Computer Sciences Center at Farmingdale a reality.”

    The SUNY Board of Trustees said, “Congratulations to Farmingdale State College on the groundbreaking of their Computer Sciences Center. Today’s event marks a monumental milestone in SUNY’s work, alongside Governor Hochul and state leaders, to ensure students passionate about research and technological advancements have the resources they need to achieve their goals.”

    Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Today’s groundbreaking at Farmingdale State College represents a transformative step forward for Long Island’s technology sector. This project will catalyze economic growth across the region by connecting talented students directly with industry partners who need their skills. As businesses and academia collaborate in innovative ways, we’ll see accelerated technological advancement, a more robust talent pipeline, and a stronger, more competitive New York economy ready to lead in tomorrow’s technology landscape.”

    Empire State Development Board Chairman Kevin Law said, “Today we’re breaking ground on more than just a building—we’re establishing a cornerstone for Long Island’s technological advancement. This center represents a critical investment in our regional economy, creating both immediate construction jobs and long-term opportunities in high-growth sectors. The ripple effects will benefit communities across Long Island as graduates fill skilled positions, businesses find innovative solutions to their challenges, and our region strengthens its competitive position in the global marketplace.”

    The Computer Sciences Center will include new classrooms, computer labs, seminar spaces and a collaborative space for industry-related vendors. It will support Farmingdale’s rapidly growing computer and information science programs, which have experienced a 40 percent increase in enrollment over the last five years. The Computer Sciences Center will be the campus’ first Zero Net Carbon Ready building with an approximate total square footage of 52,000.

    President of Farmingdale State College Robert S. Prezant said, “We are beyond grateful to Governor Hochul, the Empire State Development Corporation, the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council, and the State University of New York for their support in the development of the Computer Sciences Center building on the Farmingdale State College campus. So much more than a building, the center will provide a hub of advanced technology education and programming, enabling interdisciplinary and collaborative innovation, research, and learning. It will also allow us to support increasing enrollment in our technology programs with a focus on workforce development.”

    State Senator Monica R. Martinez said, “Technological advancements continue to move the world and our region forward, and Farmingdale State College’s Center for Computer Science and Information Technology will prepare students for success in these dynamic fields. It is here where a hub for the development of Long Island’s next generation of digital pioneers will soon flourish, and it will be here where the highly skilled workforce essential to fueling this region’s high-tech economy will begin their academic journeys. We are excited for this groundbreaking and for the future, when those who come through this center help shape the breakthroughs that move our world forward.”

    Assemblymember Kwani O’Pharrow said, “This week, we broke ground on a new facility that is envisioned as a dynamic center for collaboration and innovation, bringing together diverse stakeholders like students, educators, and local businesses to foster the development of future technologies, creative ideas, and positive community impact. It emphasizes that this building is not just a physical structure but a symbol of a forward-thinking approach to education, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.”

    Suffolk County Minority Leader Jason Richberg said, “The groundbreaking at Farmingdale State College is more than the start of a new building — it’s the foundation for Long Island’s future. The Center for Computer Science and Information Technology represents a critical investment in education, workforce development, and regional innovation. By bringing together students, local businesses, and community organizations under one roof, we’re not just preparing the next generation of tech leaders — we’re creating pathways to opportunity for all. This is a smart win for taxpayers, leveraging $45 million in SUNY Construction Fund dollars and money from the State’s Long Island Investment Fund to build a cutting-edge facility that will return real value to our region. It exemplifies how public-private partnerships and forward-thinking use of government resources can shape a stronger, more equitable future for Long Island.”

    Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer said, “This state-of-the-art facility will not only enhance educational opportunities but also serve as a catalyst for economic growth, ensuring that Long Island remains at the forefront of technological innovation. We are proud to support initiatives that invest in our community’s future and provide our residents with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”

    About The State University of New York
    The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state’s only college of optometry, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.4 million students amongst its entire portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.16 billion in fiscal year 2024, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit www.suny.edu.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Phillips 66 announces agreement to divest majority interest in Germany and Austria retail marketing business

    Source: Phillips

    HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) announced today that its subsidiary, Phillips 66 Continental Holding GmbH, has entered into a definitive agreement to divest a 65 percent interest in its Germany and Austria retail marketing business, including JET-branded sites, to a consortium owned by subsidiaries of investment firms Energy Equation Partners and Stonepeak. Phillips 66 will retain a non-operated 35 percent interest in the business through a newly formed joint venture.
    “This transaction advances our strategy to optimize our portfolio and enhances long-term shareholder value,” said Mark Lashier, chairman and CEO of Phillips 66. “The newly formed joint venture allows us to monetize this non-core asset while retaining the ability to benefit from its future growth.”
    The transaction values the Germany and Austria retail marketing business at an enterprise value of approximately €2.5 billion (approximately $2.8 billion), representing an implied Enterprise Value/EBITDA multiple of 9.1x based on expected 2025 EBITDA. Phillips 66 expects to receive pre-tax cash proceeds of approximately €1.5 billion (approximately $1.6 billion), after customary purchase price adjustments. The proceeds will be used to support the company’s strategic priorities, including debt reduction and shareholder returns.
    In connection with the transaction, Phillips 66 will enter into a multi-year agreement to continue to supply the business with products from the Mineraloelraffinerie Oberrhein GmbH & Co. KG (MiRO) Refinery.
    The Germany and Austria retail business includes 970 sites, of which 843 are JET-branded sites. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.
    About Phillips 66
    Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) is a leading integrated downstream energy provider that manufactures, transports and markets products that drive the global economy. The company’s portfolio includes Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, Marketing and Specialties, and Renewable Fuels businesses. Headquartered in Houston, Phillips 66 has employees around the globe who are committed to safely and reliably providing energy and improving lives while pursuing a lower-carbon future. For more information, visit phillips66.com or follow @Phillips66Co on LinkedIn.
    Cautionary Statement for the Purposes of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 — This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as “anticipated,” “estimated,” “expected,” “planned,” “scheduled,” “targeted,” “believe,” “continue,” “intend,” “will,” “would,” “objective,” “goal,” “project,” “efforts,” “strategies,” “priorities” and similar expressions that convey the prospective nature of events or outcomes generally indicate forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements included in this news release are based on management’s expectations, estimates and projections as of the date they are made. These statements are not guarantees of future events or performance, and you should not unduly rely on them as they involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include: the possibility that Phillips 66 may not fully realize the expected benefits of the announced transaction; the risk of any unexpected costs or expenses resulting from the announced transaction; changes in governmental policies relating to NGL, crude oil, natural gas, refined petroleum or renewable fuels products pricing, regulation or taxation, including exports; the company’s ability to timely obtain or maintain permits, including those necessary for capital projects; fluctuations in NGL, crude oil, refined petroleum products, renewable fuels, renewable feedstocks and natural gas prices, and refined product, marketing and petrochemical margins; the effects of any widespread public health crisis and its negative impact on commercial activity and demand for the company’s products; changes to government policies relating to renewable fuels and greenhouse gas emissions that adversely affect programs including the renewable fuel standards program, low carbon fuel standards and tax credits for biofuels; liability resulting from pending or future litigation or other legal proceedings; liability for remedial actions, including removal and reclamation obligations under environmental regulations; unexpected changes in costs or technical requirements for constructing, modifying or operating the company’s facilities or transporting its products; the company’s ability to successfully complete, or any material delay in the completion of, any asset disposition, acquisition, shutdown or conversion that it may pursue, including receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals or permits related thereto; unexpected technological or commercial difficulties in manufacturing, refining or transporting the company’s products, including chemical products; the level and success of producers’ drilling plans and the amount and quality of production volumes around the company’s midstream assets; risks and uncertainties with respect to the actions of actual or potential competitive suppliers and transporters of refined petroleum products, renewable fuels or specialty products; changes in the cost or availability of adequate and reliable transportation for the company’s NGL, crude oil, natural gas and refined petroleum or renewable fuels products; failure to complete definitive agreements and feasibility studies for, and to complete construction of, announced and future capital projects on time or within budget; the company’s ability to comply with governmental regulations or make capital expenditures to maintain compliance; limited access to capital or significantly higher cost of capital related to the company’s credit profile or illiquidity or uncertainty in the domestic or international financial markets; damage to the company’s facilities due to accidents, weather and climate events, civil unrest, insurrections, political events, terrorism or cyberattacks; domestic and international economic and political developments including armed hostilities, such as the war in Eastern Europe, instability in the financial services and banking sector, excess inflation, expropriation of assets, and changes in fiscal policy, including interest rates; international monetary conditions and exchange controls; changes in estimates or projections used to assess fair value of intangible assets, goodwill and properties, plants and equipment and/or strategic decisions or other developments with respect to the company’s asset portfolio that cause impairment charges; substantial investments required, or reduced demand for products, as a result of existing or future environmental rules and regulations, including greenhouse gas emissions reductions and reduced consumer demand for refined petroleum products; changes in tax, environmental and other laws and regulations (including alternative energy mandates) applicable to our business; political and societal concerns about climate change that could result in changes to the company’s business or increase expenditures, including litigation-related expenses; the operation, financing and distribution decisions of joint ventures that the company does not control; the potential impact of activist shareholder actions or tactics, and other economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting the company’s businesses generally as set forth in Phillips 66’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Phillips 66 is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information — This news release includes the term “EBITDA,” which, as used in this release, is a forward-looking non-GAAP financial measure. EBITDA is defined as estimated net income plus estimated net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Net income is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. EBITDA estimates depend on future levels of revenues and expenses, which are not reasonably estimable at this time. Accordingly, we cannot provide a reconciliation between projected 2025 EBITDA to net income without unreasonable effort.

    Source: Phillips 66

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI: Redwood Services Announces 19th Partnership With New Jersey-Based Guaranteed Service

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Redwood Services (“Redwood”), an established home services firm focused on investing in leading HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services companies in growing U.S. markets, announced that it has partnered with Guaranteed Service (“Guaranteed”). This partnership marks Redwood’s nineteenth platform investment, highlighting the company’s ongoing growth and commitment to expansion.

    Founded in May 2018 by Helmi Ben Flah, Guaranteed has quickly grown into one of New Jersey’s premier home service companies, specializing in plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical work. Known for its outstanding customer care, the company has earned thousands of 5-star reviews and serves a customer base of tens of thousands of loyal homeowners. With a team of over 80 dedicated professionals, Guaranteed delivers exceptional service across New Jersey, driven by a culture of excellence, professionalism, and unwavering customer focus.

    “Guaranteed Service lives up to its name by delivering on its promise in every interaction — whether with customers or team members,” said Richard Lewis, CEO of Redwood Services. “Their commitment to excellence across New Jersey has earned them a deeply loyal customer base, and we’re eager to begin supporting their continued growth and success.”

    The Guaranteed Service team will continue to operate and manage the business under its banner and name, while Redwood will provide operational, strategic, and financial support to enhance the company’s growth. Helmi Ben Flah will retain a significant minority ownership stake as part of the investment.

    “At Guaranteed Service, we’re extremely committed to building a culture that prioritizes personal growth, celebrates team wins, and promotes mutual respect and accountability across the board,” said Ben Flah. “That strong internal foundation shines through in every customer interaction, driving the kind of experiences that lead to thousands of five-star reviews and lasting relationships. Partnering with Redwood will only strengthen our ability to grow, thrive as a business, and continue exceeding customer expectations.”

    About Redwood Services
    Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Memphis, Redwood Services is a nationwide people-focused platform dedicated to empowering elite contractors in the essential home services industry. Redwood provides world-class resources, coaching, and strategic partnerships to 19 leading companies across the United States, enabling its Partners to deliver exceptional HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services to residential customers. Redwood’s mission is to unleash the full potential of its Partners, supporting them in providing high-quality service and building lasting relationships with customers. For more information, visit www.redwoodservices.com.

    From left to right: Raj Midha, David Katz, Lisa White, Richard Lewis, Helmi Ben Flah, John Conway, Sandra Koblas, Lauren Pelkey

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cc970928-9df8-4127-99f9-92753ec8539a

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China International Fair for Trade in Services to be held in Beijing in September

    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 15 (Xinhua) — The 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services will open in Beijing on Sept. 10, Zhao Qizhou, an official with the Beijing Bureau of Commerce, announced at a press conference on Thursday.

    Starting this year, the fair will be held annually on the second Wednesday of September, he added.

    The upcoming fair will be held in the 3 square kilometer Shougang Park, the venue for the 2022 Winter Olympics.

    The fair’s honorary guest country will be Australia. The event will last only five days – the first three days are for professional visitors, and the last two – for the general public.

    The fair is organized by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and the People’s Government of Beijing. The event covers sectors such as finance, culture, tourism, education, sports, supply chain and medical services.

    The China International Fair for Trade in Services, which was first held in 2012, brings together enterprises from all over the world.

    Last year, it was attended by representatives of more than 450 Fortune 500 companies, other leading global companies, representatives of 85 countries and international organizations. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: Vocodia Secures Up to $3 Million to Advance Digital Asset Strategy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOCA RATON, Fla., May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vocodia Holdings Corp. (OTC: VHAI), a provider of AI-powered customer engagement solutions, today announced it has secured up to $3 million in funding to support the company’s entry into the digital asset space.

    The capital will be used to acquire select digital assets, aligning with Vocodia’s long-term technology and investment strategy. The company’s proprietary Predictive AI tools, developed in collaboration with strategic partners, will guide asset selection and risk management to build a diversified portfolio.

    “This funding enhances our ability to strategically enter the digital asset space in a way that aligns with our core competencies in AI and data analysis,” said Brian Podolak, CEO of Vocodia. “We’re not just speculating—we’re applying real technology to make informed decisions and drive long-term value.”

    About Vocodia Holdings Corp.
    Vocodia is an AI software company that develops practical AI solutions, making them easily accessible for businesses through cloud-based platforms. These solutions are cost-effective and scalable to enterprise levels. Vocodia specializes in conversational AI, providing scalable enterprise-level AI sales and customer service solutions. Their Digital Intelligent Sales Agents (DISAs) are designed to sound and feel human, performing tasks that require human-like conversation, thereby reducing labor costs and enhancing communication effectiveness. For more information, please visit: http://www.vocodia.com

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,”, “should,” “will” and similar references to future periods. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the risks and uncertainties more fully in the section captioned “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 related to the public offering (SEC File No. File No. 333-269489) and other reports we file with the SEC. As a result of these matters, changes in facts, assumptions not being realized or other circumstances, our actual results may differ materially from the expected results discussed in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date and undertake no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

    Investor Relations Contact: 
    ir@vocodia.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Tenable Powers AI-Driven Exposure Management with Third-Party Data Connectors and Unified Dashboards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COLUMBIA, Md., May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tenable®, the exposure management company, today announced powerful new enhancements to its flagship platform, Tenable One, with the introduction of Tenable One Connectors and customizable risk dashboards. These advancements — powered by Tenable ExposureAI™ and built on the Tenable Data Fabric — make Tenable One the most advanced exposure management solution available today. With third-party data connectors, organizations unlock a contextualized view of all their security risk data in one place, regardless of the security products they use.

    In today’s fragmented security landscape, large organizations juggle an average of 83 disconnected tools1, leading to siloed operations and critical blind spots. The result is scattered data and operational inefficiencies across the attack surface. Tenable One addresses this complexity by consolidating exposure insights from both native and third-party tools into a unified, contextual view, transforming fragmented data into business-aligned intelligence.

    Tenable One now features a vast and rapidly expanding ecosystem of out-of-the-box Connectors, enabling seamless integration with widely used third-party tools for endpoint detection and response (EDR), cloud security, vulnerability management, operational technology security, ticketing systems and more. With new Connectors launching throughout Q2 2025 and beyond, Tenable unifies security data across the enterprise, delivering a comprehensive and actionable view of organizational risk.

    At the core of the platform is the Tenable Exposure Data Fabric, a scalable, cloud-native architecture that ingests, normalizes, and connects data across the security ecosystem. This foundation feeds Tenable ExposureAI, the platform’s machine learning engine that surfaces toxic risk combinations and hidden attack paths, and prioritizes actions based on potential business impact.

    New unified risk dashboards further elevate the platform’s impact. Designed to eliminate time-consuming manual reporting, these dashboards offer fully customizable views that align to specific business roles and priorities. With flexible report configurations and powerful visualization options, security teams can deliver insights and communicate risks faster and with greater business impact.

    “The cybersecurity market is saturated with point solutions that operate in isolation, slowing security efforts and leaving organizations vulnerable,” said Steve Vintz, co-chief executive officer and chief financial officer, Tenable. “The power of Tenable One enables organizations to view risks across security tools in context and focus remediation efforts on the exposures that matter most.”

    These innovations mark a major milestone following Tenable’s acquisition of Vulcan Cyber and reinforce Tenable’s commitment to lead the exposure management market with unmatched breadth, intelligence and operational scale.

    Additional Information:

    1 IBM report, “Capturing the cybersecurity dividend”, January 2025

    About Tenable
    Tenable® is the exposure management company, exposing and closing the cybersecurity gaps that erode business value, reputation and trust. The company’s AI-powered exposure management platform radically unifies security visibility, insight and action across the attack surface, equipping modern organizations to protect against attacks from IT infrastructure to cloud environments to critical infrastructure and everywhere in between. By protecting enterprises from security exposure, Tenable reduces business risk for approximately 44,000 customers around the globe. Learn more at tenable.com.

    Media Contact:
    Tenable
    tenablepr@tenable.com

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements and represent our views as of the date of this press release. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “will” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of assumptions and risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond our control that could affect our financial results. These risks and uncertainties are detailed in the sections titled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 as well as other filings that we make from time to time with the SEC, which are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the future events and trends discussed in this press release may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in any forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we are under no obligation to update these forward-looking statements subsequent to the date of this press release, or to update the reasons if actual results differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Drone as a Service Market Well Poised for Sustained Growth in Commercial, Industrial and Civic Usage

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Industry experts are expecting the Drone Service market to flourish. One such report from FACT.MR projected that the drone services market is valued at USD 8.66 billion in 2025 and the industry will grow at a CAGR of 14.3% and reach USD 32.96 billion by 2035. The report said: “In 2024, the drone services industry recorded dynamic shifts fueled by regulatory clarity, commercial adoption, and end-user digitization efforts. Fact.MR analysis found that demand surged notably in the precision agriculture segment, particularly across North America and Western Europe, as growers adopted drone-based imaging and multispectral analysis to improve field-level decision-making. In the mining as well as construction sectors, companies increased use of aerial mapping, which provided real-time volumetric analysis as well as site safety compliance. At the same time, drone-enabled monitoring made substantial progress in city policing and border security, with large pilot schemes initiated in the Middle East and South Asia. Commercial media organizations, event producers, and property agents also ramped up drone-based photography as well as filming in anticipation of increasing visual content needs. These trends reinforced a larger move away from use-case limitations toward operational adoption across industries.”   Active Companies in the drone industry today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL), Unusual Machines, Inc. (NYSE American: UMAC), NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA), Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR).

    FACT.MR continued: “As the sector moves into 2025, the environment is on the cusp of increased scalability. Business drone fleets are moving from pilot to standard operations, particularly in logistics and asset inspection. Fact.MR indicates that increasing adoption of AI-driven navigation, enhanced battery density, and BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) capabilities will drastically enhance service accuracy and cost-effectiveness. Valued at USD 8.66 billion in 2025 and expected to reach USD 32.96 billion by 2035 at a CAGR of 14.3%, the industry is well placed for sustained growth in industrial and civic usage. To stay ahead, companies must immediately pivot toward building integrated drone service platforms that combine AI-enabled flight autonomy, sector-specific analytics, and BVLOS capabilities. This intelligence highlights a shift from isolated deployments to enterprisescale drone ecosystems, requiring the client to reprioritize R&D toward modular, scalable solutions for logistics, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) Reports Nearly Double Revenue Year-Over-Year for the First Quarter of 2025 – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, announces financial results for the first quarter 2025.

    First Quarter 2025 Highlights:

    • Total revenues for the first quarter of 2025 were $1.13 million, up 92% compared to $591,379 for the first quarter of 2024 primarily due to acquisitions and organic growth.
    • ZenaTech’s new Drone as a Service or DaaS segment grew from completing two acquisitions of land survey drone servicing companies ─ Oregon-based Weddle Surveying and Florida-based KJM Land Surveying. The Company also signed five LOIs (Letter of Intent) for additional acquisitions during the quarter.
    • The company acquired Othership, a UK workplace management software company supporting its enterprise SaaS software segment, where it plans to leverage workplace AI and quantum computing productivity solutions targeting business and government customers.
    • The company made investments in longer term growth and in new segment development that caused general and administrative expenses to increase to $5.75 million in Q1 2025 versus about $0.7 million in Q1 of 2024. This primarily consisted of sales and marketing activities, new hires, professional services, and finance expenses.
    • ZenaTech made investments in its subsidiary ZenaDrone’s UAE manufacturing capabilities during the quarter, including hiring 35 new engineers and technicians. Also announced was the opening of a drone testing facility in Turkey for beyond-the-line-of-sight drone testing.
    • Drone product highlights in Q1 include finalizing the third-generation design and “production model” of the ZenaDrone 1000 drone that will enable the start of scaling up of production. The company also announced the IQ Square drone has moved from prototype to manufacturing stage.
    • The commence of work on a heavy-lift gas-powered ZD 1000 model for longer fight times for US defense applications took place during the quarter. Testing also commenced on a new high-density drone battery and a proprietary communications system for this drone.
    • The company reported that ZenaDrone is preparing for Green UAS followed by Blue UAS certification required to sell to the US Military. Additionally, it is reviewing and putting in place cybersecurity practices, documentation, and internal controls necessary to apply for this certification.
    • ZenaTech further expanded its Taiwan drone component manufacturer─ Spider Vision Sensors, adding additional engineering and business development staff. It also announced the first Blue UAS-certifiable drone sensors are under development.

    “The first quarter of 2025 was a very strong and encouraging start to the year as revenue nearly doubled, up 92% primarily due to acquisitions and organic growth across both our software and drone segments,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D. “During the first quarter we launched our Drone as a Service or DaaS business segment with a vision to have a national footprint in the US and globally.”

    “Although expenses increased during the first quarter, these are investments intended to grow the company over the long-term, namely in marketing, manufacturing, product development and testing capacity, which we believe will yield future rewards.

    “We believe that this quarter’s performance demonstrates that our strategy to disrupt legacy businesses like land surveys via a DaaS business model is on track. Our momentum is strong, and we are well positioned to expand our range of drone services with a pipeline of over 20 acquisitions over the next 12 months,” concluded Dr. Passley. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    In Additional ZENA News: ZenaTech’s (NASDAQ:ZENA) Expands Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) Exterior Building Power Washing to Dubai Tapping into a Global Drone Cleaning Services Market Growing to USD 13 Billion by 2030 – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, announced it is expanding its United Arab Emirates (UAE) presence by establishing a new office to sell Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) offerings based in Dubai. Initially this office will focus on delivering drone-powered cleaning services for building exteriors using the IQ Square drone tethered to a water pipe and electrical cord. The company is currently obtaining a permit from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority to begin power wash testing and operations. Supporting this expansion, ZenaTech will hire two business development managers and up to four additional drone pilots, with drones supplied from its subsidiary ZenaDrone which has a manufacturing hub in nearby Sharjah.

    The global drone power washing market falls under a broader drone cleaning services market category that was valued at approximately USD 4.36 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 13.2 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of almost 17% according to market analyst Valuates Reports , fueled by increasing demand for safe, efficient and cost-effective maintenance solutions.

    “With rising demand for tech-enabled and efficient maintenance solutions, whether for power washing buildings, renewable energy assets, or public spaces, we believe AI-powered drones will bring new safety standards, cost-efficiency, and greater environmental sustainability to maintenance tasks. UAE’s openness to innovative technology makes it an ideal launchpad for these DaaS solutions that we hope to expand to all seven emirates in addition to the US and Europe,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.   Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.zenatech.com/newsroom/

    Other recent developments in the drone industry include:

    Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL), a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering electric aviation, recently provided an operating update and released financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. The first quarter 2025 results filing is accessible on the Company’s investor relations website.

    Stuart Simpson, CEO at Vertical, said: “2025 is on pace to be a transformational year for Vertical as we advance our piloted flight test programme and move into the final flight test phases. With the announcement of our hybrid-electric programme – opening up new high-value markets – and the expansion of our partnership with Honeywell to certify critical flight systems, we are deepening our technical and commercial edge. With growing regulatory confidence in the VX4 and a strong team behind us, we’re well positioned to deliver a scalable, certifiable aircraft to the global market.”

    Unusual Machines, Inc. (NYSE American: UMAC) (“Unusual Machines” or the “Company”), a leading U.S. manufacturer of drone components, recently announced it will exhibit at AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2025, the premier event for autonomy and uncrewed systems, taking place May 20-22, 2025, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.

    Unusual Machines will host a booth on the expo floor, where the Company will feature its new U.S.-made FPV motors and its growing portfolio of Blue UAS Framework-approved drone components. These offerings underscore Unusual Machines’ commitment to delivering high-performance, NDAA-compliant drone technology for defense, commercial, and public safety applications.

    Attendees are invited to visit the booth for product demonstrations and to meet with representatives from Unusual Machines. The Company will be actively engaging with integrators, OEMs, and procurement professionals throughout the event and will be ready to take orders on-site.

    Vision software company Foresight Autonomous Holdings has integrated NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA) Jetson Orin generative AI computing modules into its 3D-perception system.

    Foresight is using Nvidia’s Jetson Orin Nano and Jetson AGX Orin modules to improve the capabilities of its perception systems deployed in various use cases, with a major focus on autonomous drones and unmanned aerial vehicles.

    The Jetson modules, which are used in generative AI, computer vision and advanced robotics, upgrade Foresight’s vision system with the computing power needed for autonomous drones and UAVs, according to Foresight.

    Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) recently announced operating and financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. The Company issued a shareholder letter discussing those results, as well as its second quarter 2025 estimates.

    Commenting on first quarter 2025 results, Adam Goldstein, Archer’s founder and CEO, said: “Archer’s pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and reshaping the future of aviation for years to come. This quarter, the team made strong progress across our civil and defense efforts as we continue to deepen our strategic partner relationships and prepare for commercialization in the UAE later this year.”

    About FN Media Group:

    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

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    DISCLAIMER:  FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated fifty one hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

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    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Karnataka Central Co-operative Bank Ltd, Dharwad, Karnataka

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated May 09, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹2.00 lakh (Rupees Two Lakh only) on The Karnataka Central Co-operative Bank Ltd, Dharwad, Karnataka (the bank) for contravention of provisions of Section 20 read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act). This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the BR Act.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of contravention of statutory provisions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said provisions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had sanctioned director related loans.

    This action is based on deficiencies in statutory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/336

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Mangalore Co-operative Town Bank Ltd., Mangalore, Karnataka

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated May 09, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1.00 lakh (Rupees One Lakh only) on Mangalore Co-operative Town Bank Ltd., Mangalore, Karnataka (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Loans and advances to directors, their relatives, and firms /concerns in which they are interested’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had sanctioned director related loans.

    This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/335

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Shimoga District Co-operative Central Bank Ltd., Karnataka

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated May 09, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1.00 lakh (Rupees One Lakh only) on The Shimoga District Co-operative Central Bank Ltd., Karnataka (the bank) for contravention of provisions of Section 20 read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act). This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the BR Act.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of contravention of statutory provisions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said provisions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had sanctioned director related loans.

    This action is based on deficiencies in statutory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/334

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Global: US safety net helps protect children from abuse and neglect, and some of those programs are threatened by proposed budget cuts

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Todd Herrenkohl, Professor of Social Work, University of Michigan

    Safety net programs protect children in many ways. Energy/E+ via Getty Images

    President Donald Trump and Republicans in the House of Representatives have put forward budget proposals that would slash spending by hundreds of millions of dollars over the next decade on several programs that support low-income U.S. families with children.

    If those cuts are in the version of the 2026 budget that clears Congress, and Trump signs it into law, funding for early childhood education, support for grocery purchases and an array of programs that help keep children fed, housed and cared for would decline sharply.

    As professors who conduct research about child welfare, we are alarmed by these proposed cuts and concerned about their potential impact on children and families. We are particularly concerned that steps taken to reduce costs will make children less safe and more susceptible to the consequences of abuse and neglect.

    Help for low-income families

    Our research has shown that increasing access to programs that support low-income families decreases child abuse and neglect while improving parents’ well-being. Examples of these programs include subsidies for child care and the earned-income tax credit, which supplements the earnings of many low- and moderate-income Americans.

    Other researchers have found further evidence that policies that help low-income families put food on the table, keep a roof over their heads and obtain health care also provide for children’s basic needs, such as food and education, and keep children safe.

    The proposed budget cuts could cost all taxpayers down the line because child abuse and neglect is costly for not only the people who are mistreated as kids but also for society.

    What’s more, a series of cost-benefit studies have found that providing a safety net for families not only helps the families who receive assistance but also society as a whole.

    Child abuse and neglect

    In 2023, child protection agencies received 4.4 million reports for suspected abuse and neglect, and 546,159 cases were confirmed. As high as these numbers are, they drastically underestimate the number of abused and neglected children in the U.S. because many acts of abuse and neglect are never reported.

    Research documenting the consequences and costs of child abuse and neglect has led many experts, including us, to recommend programs and policies that can reduce risks.

    Without attempts to reduce these risks, more children would suffer or die. The U.S Department of Health and Human Services found that 2,000 children died from abuse and neglect in 2023. Nearly half of these fatalities were among children under the age of 1.

    Parents experiencing high levels of stress can be more prone to abusing their kids.
    salim hanzaz/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    Risks tied to poverty

    Some of the most helpful programs to prevent child abuse and neglect focus on reducing poverty.

    Poverty can place children at risk of abuse and neglect. When families can’t afford the bare necessities, it can add to the stress that makes parenting more difficult.

    Poverty isn’t the only cause of child abuse and neglect, but it is high on the list of risk factors. And its harms can be hard to reverse.

    A recent campaign by Prevent Child Abuse America, a nonprofit, posits that child abuse and neglect are not a “bad parent problem” but rather “a lack of resource problem.” Researchers have found that child abuse and neglect often come from the social and economic issues that lead families into crises.

    For example, parenting stress rises and children’s basic needs can go unmet when parents don’t have jobs, lack high-quality child care and generally struggle to make ends meet.

    When families’ basic needs are met, children are safer.
    Jackyenjoyphotography/Moment via Getty Images

    Government programs that help everyone

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that improving public health requires government programs that can reduce harm to children and promote childhood development and well-being.

    These programs include efforts to improve parenting skills, expand access to high-quality child care and early education, and strengthen the financial resilience of families.

    And yet the Trump administration initially sought to eliminate Head Start, a successful federally funded preschool program for low-income children, and dismantle many essential services. Evidence indicates that children who participate in Head Start are more likely to finish high school and college, which is important for employment and financial security.

    The CDC and our own review of the research point to big improvements in children’s health and fewer cases of child abuse and neglect with economic policies such as the earned-income tax credit, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

    We believe these programs are worth investing in because children’s lives are at stake. Especially when the economy appears to be in trouble, the consequences of weakening the safety net are dire.

    Todd I. Herrenkohl has received research funding from the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Justice, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He is affiliated with the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect and serves as an editor for Child Abuse & Neglect and the Journal for the Society for Social Work and Research.

    Kathryn Maguire-Jack receives funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, Triple P America, and Wisconsin Children’s Hospital.

    Rebeccah Sokol receives funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health.

    ref. US safety net helps protect children from abuse and neglect, and some of those programs are threatened by proposed budget cuts – https://theconversation.com/us-safety-net-helps-protect-children-from-abuse-and-neglect-and-some-of-those-programs-are-threatened-by-proposed-budget-cuts-255763

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Global: Hurricane disaster planning with aging parents should start now, before the storm: 5 tips

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Lee Ann Rawlins Williams, Clinical Assistant Professor of Education, Health and Behavior Studies, University of North Dakota

    When I lived in Florida, I had a neighbor named Ms. Carmen. She was in her late 70s, fiercely independent and lived alone with her two dogs and one cat, which were her closest companions.

    Each hurricane season, she would anxiously ask if I would check on her when the winds began to pick up. She once told me: I’m more afraid of being forgotten than of the storm itself. Her fear wasn’t just about the weather; it was about facing it alone.

    When hurricanes hit, we often measure the damage in downed power lines, flooded roads and wind-torn homes. But some of the most serious consequences are harder to see, especially for older adults who may struggle with mobility, chronic health problems and cognitive decline.

    Emergency preparedness plans too often overlook the specific needs of elders in America’s aging population, many of whom live alone. For people like Ms. Carmen, resilience needs to start long before the storm.

    The number of older adults in the U.S. and the percentage of the population age 65 and older have been rising.
    US Census Bureau

    I study disaster preparations and response. To prepare for hurricane season, and any other disaster, I encourage families to work with their older adults now to create an emergency plan. Preparing can help ensure that older adults will be safe, able to contact relatives or others for help, and will have the medications, documents and supplies they need, as well as the peace of mind of knowing what steps to take.

    Recent hurricanes show the gaps

    In 2024, Hurricanes Helene and Milton put a spotlight on the risks to older adults.

    The storms forced thousands of people to evacuate, often to shelters with little more than food supplies and mattresses on the floor and ill-equipped for medical needs.

    Flooding isolated many rural homes, stranding older adults. Power was out for weeks in some areas. Emergency systems were overwhelmed.

    A tornado tore into a senior community in Port St. Lucie, Florida, during Milton, killing six people. Some long-term care facilities lost power and water during Helene.

    At the same time, some older adults chose to stay in homes in harm’s way for fear that they would be separated from their pets or that their homes would be vandalized.

    At least 700 people stayed in chairs or on air mattresses at River Ridge Middle/High School in New Port Richey, Fla., during Hurricane Milton.
    AP Photo/Mike Carlson

    These events are not just tragic, they are predictable. Many older adults cannot evacuate without assistance, and many evacuation centers aren’t prepared to handle their needs.

    How to prepare: 5 key steps

    Helping older adults prepare for emergencies should involve the entire family so everyone knows what to expect. The best plans are personal, practical and proactive, but they will contain some common elements.

    Here are five important steps:

    1. Prepare an emergency folder with important documents.

    Disasters can leave older adults without essential information and supplies that they need, such as prescription lists, financial records, medical devices and – importantly – contact information to reach family, friends and neighbors who could help them.

    Many older adults rely on preprogrammed phone numbers. If their phone is lost or the battery dies, they may not know how to reach friends or loved ones, so it’s useful to have a hard copy of phone numbers.

    Consider encouraging the use of medical ID bracelets or cards for those with memory loss.

    Critical documents like wills, home deeds, powers of attorney and insurance records are frequently kept in physical form and may be forgotten or lost in a sudden evacuation. Use waterproof storage that’s easy to carry, and share copies with trusted caregivers and family members in case those documents are lost.

    2. Have backup medications and equipment.

    Think about that person’s assistive devices and health needs. Having extra batteries on hand is important, as is remembering to bring chargers and personal mobility aids, such as walkers, canes, mobility scooters or wheelchairs. Do not forget that service animals support mobility, so having supplies of their food will be important during a hurricane or evacuation.

    Ask doctors to provide an emergency set of medications in case supplies run low in a disaster.

    If the person is staying in their home, prepare for at least 72 hours of self-sufficiency in case the power goes out. That means having enough bottled water, extra pet food and human food that doesn’t need refrigeration or cooking.

    3. Map evacuation routes and shelter options.

    Identify nearby shelters that will likely be able to support older adults’ mobility and cognitive challenges. If the person has pets, make a plan for them, too – many areas will have at least one pet-friendly shelter, but not all shelters will take pets.

    An older woman crosses a street flooded by torrential rain from Tropical Storm Hilary on Aug. 20, 2023, in Thousand Palms, Calif.
    AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

    Figure out how the person will get to a shelter, and have a backup plan in case their usual transportation isn’t an option. And decide where they will go and how they will get there if they can’t return home after a storm.

    If your loved one lives in a care facility, ask to see that facility’s hurricane plan.

    4. Create a multiperson check-in system.

    Don’t rely on just one caregiver or family member to check on older adults. Involve neighbors, faith communities or local services such as home-delivered meals, transportation assistance, support groups and senior centers. Redundancy is crucial when systems break down.

    5. Practice the plan.

    Go through evacuation steps in advance so everyone knows what to do. Executing the plan should be second nature, not a scramble during a disaster or crisis.

    Planning with, not just for, older adults

    Emergency planning isn’t something done for older adults – it’s something done with them.

    Elders bring not only vulnerability but also wisdom. Their preferences and autonomy will have to guide decisions for the plan to be successful in a crisis.

    That means listening to their needs, honoring their independence and making sure caregivers have realistic plans in place. It’s an important shift from just reacting to a storm to preparing with purpose.

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

    ref. Hurricane disaster planning with aging parents should start now, before the storm: 5 tips – https://theconversation.com/hurricane-disaster-planning-with-aging-parents-should-start-now-before-the-storm-5-tips-254917

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Global: Unprecedented cuts to the National Science Foundation endanger research that improves economic growth, national security and your life

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Paul Bierman, Professor of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Vermont

    The National Science Foundation funds America’s next great innovations, including space-related research. Heritage Space/Heritage Images/Getty Images

    Look closely at your mobile phone or tablet. Touch-screen technology, speech recognition, digital sound recording and the internet were all developed using funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation.

    No matter where you live, NSF-supported research has also made your life safer. Engineering studies have reduced earthquake damage and fatalities through better building design. Improved hurricane and tornado forecasts reflect NSF investment in environmental monitoring and computer modeling of weather. NSF-supported resilience studies reduce risks and losses from wildfires.

    Using NSF funding, scientists have done research that amazes, entertains and enthralls. They have drilled through mile-thick ice sheets to understand the past, visited the wreck of the Titanic and captured images of deep space.

    NSF funding supports research to help minimize risk and harm from natural hazards, including wildfires.
    FEMA/Michael Mancino

    NSF investments have made America and American science great. At least 268 Nobel laureates received NSF grants during their careers. The foundation has partnered with agencies across the government since it was created, including those dealing with national security and space exploration. The Federal Reserve estimates that government-supported research from the NSF and other agencies has had a return on investment of 150% to 300% since 1950, meaning for every dollar U.S. taxpayers invested, they got back between $1.50 and $3.

    However, that funding is now at risk.

    Since January, layoffs, leadership resignations and a massive proposed reorganization have threatened the integrity and mission of the National Science Foundation. Hundreds of research grants have been terminated. The administration’s proposed federal budget for fiscal year 2026 would cut NSF’s funding by 55%, an unprecedented reduction that would end federal support for science research across a wide range of discipines.

    At my own geology lab, I have seen NSF grants catalyze research and the work of dozens of students who have collected data that’s now used to reduce risks from earthquakes, floods, landslides, erosion, sea-level rise and melting glaciers.

    I have also served on advisory committees and review panels for the NSF over the past 30 years and have seen the value the foundation produces for the American people.

    American science’s greatness stemmed from war

    In the 1940s, with the advent of nuclear weapons, the space race and the intensification of the Cold War, American science and engineering expertise became increasingly critical for national defense. At the time, most basic and applied research was done by the military.

    Vannevar Bush, an electrical engineer who oversaw military research efforts during World War II, including development of the atomic bomb, had a different idea.

    He articulated an expansive scientific vision for the United States in Science: The Endless Frontier. The report was a blueprint for an American research juggernaut grounded in the expertise of university faculty, staff and graduate students.

    The National Science Foundation funded some of the earliest weather equipment on satellites. The gold sphere is the Navy Vanguard (SLV-3) satellite, launched in 1958 to monitor cloud cover.
    Bettmann/Getty Images

    On May 10, 1950, after five years of debate and compromise, President Harry Truman signed legislation creating the National Science Foundation and putting Bush’s vision to work. Since then, the foundation has become the leading funder of basic research in the United States.

    NSF’s mandate, then as now, was to support basic research and spread funding for science across all 50 states. Expanding America’s scientific workforce was and remains integral to American prosperity. By 1952, the foundation was awarding merit fellowships to graduate and postdoctoral scientists from every state.

    There were compromises. Control of NSF rested with presidential appointees, disappointing Bush. He wanted scientists in charge to avoid political interference with the foundation’s research agenda.

    NSF funding matters to everyone, everywhere

    Today, American tax dollars supporting science go to every state in the union.

    The states with the most NSF grants awarded between 2011 and 2024 include several that voted Republican in the 2024 election – Texas, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania – and several that voted Democratic, including Massachusetts, New York, Virginia and Colorado.

    More than 1,800 public and private institutions, scattered across all 50 states, receive NSF funding. The grants pay the salaries of staff, faculty and students, boosting local employment and supporting college towns and cities. For states with major research universities, those grants add up to hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Even states with few universities each see tens of millions of dollars for research.

    As NSF grant recipients purchase lab supplies and services, those dollars support regional and national economies.

    When NSF budgets are cut and grants are terminated or never awarded, the harm trickles down and communities suffer. Initial NSF funding cuts are already rippling across the country, affecting both national and local economies in red, blue and purple states alike.

    An analysis of a February 2025 proposal that would cut about US$5.5 billion from National Institutes of Health grants estimated the ripple effect through college towns and supply chains would cost $6.1 billion in GDP, or total national productivity, and over 46,000 jobs.

    An uncertain future for American science

    America’s scientific research and training enterprise has enjoyed bipartisan support for decades. Yet, as NSF celebrates its 75th birthday, the future of American science is in doubt. Funding is increasingly uncertain, and politics is driving decisions, as Bush feared 80 years ago.

    A list of grants terminated by the Trump administration, collected both from government websites and scientists themselves, shows that by early May 2025, NSF had stopped funding more than 1,400 existing grants, totaling over a billion dollars of support for research, research training and education.

    Most terminated grants focused on education – the core of science, technology and engineering workforce development critical for supplying highly skilled workers to American companies. For example, NSF provided 1,000 fewer graduate student fellowships in 2025 than in the decade before − a 50% drop in support for America’s best science students.

    American scientists are responding to NSF’s downsizing in diverse ways. Some are pushing back by challenging grant terminations. Others are preparing to leave science or academia. Some are likely to move abroad, taking offers from other nations to recruit American experts. Science organizations and six prior heads of the NSF are calling on Congress to step up and maintain funding for science research and workforce development.

    If these losses continue, the next generation of American scientists will be fewer in number and less well prepared to address the needs of a population facing the threat of more extreme weather, future pandemics and the limits to growth imposed by finite natural resources and other planetary limits.

    Investing in science and engineering is an investment in America. Diminishing NSF and the science it supports will hurt the American economy and the lives of all Americans.

    Paul Bierman receives funding from the National Science Foundation.

    ref. Unprecedented cuts to the National Science Foundation endanger research that improves economic growth, national security and your life – https://theconversation.com/unprecedented-cuts-to-the-national-science-foundation-endanger-research-that-improves-economic-growth-national-security-and-your-life-256556

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Global: Congress began losing power decades ago − and now it’s giving away what remains to Trump

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Charlie Hunt, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Boise State University

    Where did Congress go? Julia Nikhinson/Bloomberg Creative via Getty Images

    Republicans in Congress have been making behind-the-scenes efforts to pass major domestic legislation via the federal budget process. They include potential cuts to Medicaid and extending the 2017 Trump tax cuts.

    But even though it’s Congress’ job to pass a budget and set tax policy, most media outlets have been content to frame key elements of the legislation as being driven not by Congress but by the president.

    So the news media say that the purpose of the bill is to “deliver Trump’s agenda” or to pass the “Trump tax cuts.” Many have even adopted President Donald Trump’s trademark name for the legislation: his “big, beautiful bill.”

    Along with Casey Burgat and SoRelle Wyckoff Gaynor, I am co-author of a textbook titled “Congress Explained: Representation and Lawmaking in the First Branch.” In that book, it was important to us to highlight Congress’ clear role as the preeminent lawmaking body in the federal government.

    But since Trump’s inauguration, Congress has ceded huge swaths of its policymaking responsibility to the president. That makes the media’s focus on Trump unsurprising. And there’s no denying that Trump has had enormous impact during his first 100 days in office.

    During that time, Congress has been unwilling to assert itself as an equal branch of government. Beyond policymaking, Congress has been content to hand over many of its core constitutional powers to the executive branch. As a Congress expert who loves the institution and profoundly respects its constitutionally mandated role, this renunciation of responsibility has been difficult to watch.

    And yet, Congress’ path to irrelevance as a body of government did not begin in January 2025.

    It is the result of decades of erosion that created a political culture in which Congress, the first branch of government listed in the Constitution, is relegated to second-class status.

    President Donald Trump holds one of the many executive orders he has signed during his second term.
    Alex Wroblewski/AFP via Getty Images

    The Constitution puts Congress first

    The 18th-century framers of the Constitution viewed Congress as the foundation of republican governance, deliberately placing it first in Article 1 to underscore its primacy. Congress was assigned the pivotal tasks of lawmaking and budgeting because controlling government finances was seen as essential to limiting executive power and preventing abuses that the framers associated with monarchy.

    Alternatively, a weak legislature and an imperial executive were precisely what many of the founders feared. With legislative authority in the hands of Congress, power would at least be decentralized among a wide variety of elected leaders from different parts of the country, each of whom would jealously guard their own local interests.

    But Trump’s first 100 days turned the founders’ original vision on its head, leaving the “first branch” to play second fiddle.

    Like most recent presidents, Trump came in with his party in control of the presidency, the House and the Senate. Yet despite the lawmaking power that this governing trifecta can bring, the Republican majorities in Congress have mostly been irrelevant to Trump’s agenda.

    Instead, Congress has relied on Trump and the executive branch to make changes to federal policy and in many cases to reshape the federal government completely.

    Trump has signed more than 140 executive orders, a pace faster than any president since Franklin D. Roosevelt. The Republican Congress has shown little interest in pushing back on any of them. Trump has also aggressively reorganized, defunded or simply deleted entire agencies, such as the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

    These actions have been carried out even though Congress has a clear constitutional authority over the executive branch’s budget. Again, Congress has shown little to no interest in reasserting its power, even during recent budget talks.

    Many causes, no easy solutions

    Even so, Congress’ weakening did not begin with Trump. There’s no one culprit but instead a collection of factors that have provided the ineffectual Congress of today.

    One overriding factor is a process that has unfolded over the past 50 or more years called political nationalization. American politics have become increasingly centered on national issues, parties and figures rather than more local concerns or individuals.

    This shift has elevated the importance of the president as the symbolic and practical leader of a national party agenda. Simultaneously, it weakens the role of individual members of Congress, who are now more likely to toe the party line than represent local interests.

    A participant holds a sign during a GOP town hall meeting with U.S. Reps. Celeste Maloy and Mike Kennedy on March 20, 2025, in Salt Lake City.
    AP Photo/Rick Egan

    As a result, voters focus more on presidential elections and less on congressional ones, granting the president greater influence and diminishing Congress’ independent authority.

    The more Congress polarizes among its members on a party-line basis, the less the public is likely to trust the legitimacy of their opposition to a president. Instead, congressional pushback − sometimes as extreme as impeachment − can thus be written off not as principled or substantive but as partisan or politically motivated to a greater extent than ever before.

    Congress has also been been complicit in giving away its own power. Especially when dealing with a polarized Congress, presidents increasingly steer the ship in budget negotiations, which can lead to more local priorities – the ones Congress is supposed to represent – being ignored.

    But rather than Congress staking out positions for itself, as it often did through the turn of the 21st century, political science research has shown that presidential positions on domestic policy increasingly dictate – and polarize – Congress’ own positions on policy that hasn’t traditionally been divisive, such as funding support for NASA. Congress’ positions on procedural issues, such as raising the debt ceiling or eliminating the filibuster, also increasingly depend not on bedrock principles but on who occupies the White House.

    In the realm of foreign policy, Congress has all but abandoned its constitutional power to declare war, settling instead for “authorizations” of military force that the president wants to assert. These give the commander in chief wide latitude over war powers, and both Democratic and Republican presidents have been happy to retain that power. They have used these congressional approvals to engage in extended conflicts such as the Gulf War in the early 1990s and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan a decade later.

    What’s lost with a weak Congress

    Americans lose a lot when Congress hands over such drastic power to the executive branch.

    When individual members of Congress from across the country take a back seat, their districts’ distinctly local problems are less likely to be addressed with the power and resources that Congress can bring to an issue. Important local perspectives on national issues fail to be represented in Congress.

    Even members of the same political party represent districts with vastly different economies, demographics and geography. Members are supposed to keep this in mind when legislating on these issues, but presidential control over the process makes that difficult or even impossible.

    Maybe more importantly, a weak Congress paired with what historian Arthur Schlesinger called the “Imperial Presidency” is a recipe for an unaccountable president, running wild without the constitutionally provided oversight and checks on power that the founders provided to the people through their representation by the first branch of government.

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

    ref. Congress began losing power decades ago − and now it’s giving away what remains to Trump – https://theconversation.com/congress-began-losing-power-decades-ago-and-now-its-giving-away-what-remains-to-trump-254984

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI USA: EIA forecasts world oil consumption growth to slow amid less economic activity

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    May 15, 2025

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), May 2025, and Oxford Economics
    Note: Excludes 2020 and 2021 as outlier years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    We forecast consumption growth of crude oil and other liquid fuels will slow over the next two years, driven by a slowdown in economic growth, particularly in Asia, in our May Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO).

    The world economy, measured by GDP, increases 2.8% in 2025 and 2026 in our forecast. Excluding the years of global economic contraction in 2020 and 2009, these economic growth rates would be the lowest since 2008. Considerable uncertainty over world trade, manufacturing, and investment points to downside risk in economic growth, which has a direct effect on oil consumption.

    Economic activity uses energy. Increases in population, individual mobility, the shipping of goods, and industrial output result in more oil consumption. Since the year 2000, annual oil consumption growth has been the lowest during the years when the world economy grew by less than 3%. World oil consumption was around 103 million barrels per day (b/d) last year based on preliminary estimates.

    The tariffs announced on U.S. trading partners in early April may have already slowed global trade in physical goods, based on preliminary container vessel departure data from Bloomberg. Less global trade will lead to fewer shipments of goods on vessels as well as fewer trucking deliveries and could affect employment and leisure travel as well. All these factors weigh on oil consumption growth.

    Although oil consumption will still grow, we forecast it will grow by less than 1 million b/d in 2025 and 2026, which would be three consecutive years below 1 million b/d. During the two decades before the pandemic, world oil consumption grew by an average of 1.3 million b/d.


    The biggest forecast slowdown in oil consumption growth is in Asia. Compared with our January STEO, when we forecasted oil consumption growth in Asia to average 0.7 million b/d over 2025 and 2026, we now expect consumption growth will slow to average 0.5 million b/d over those years.

    We forecast smaller changes in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Globally, we revised our world oil consumption growth forecasts down by 0.4 million b/d from the January STEO for 2025 and by 0.1 million b/d for 2026.


    Our forecast remains highly uncertain and subject to change. Leading economic indicators including vessel traffic, truck tonnage, and airport passenger throughput can provide insight into real-time economic activity and provide clues to global oil consumption trends. Market participants can also follow our Weekly Petroleum Status Report for trends in U.S. petroleum consumption (as measured by product supplied). The United States accounts for about one-fifth of world oil consumption.

    Principal contributor: Jeff Barron

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Denis Manturov: Russian mechanical engineering sectors demonstrate stability

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Denis Manturov took part in a joint meeting of the bureau of the Union of Mechanical Engineers and the association “League for Assistance to Defense Enterprises”

    First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov took part in a joint meeting of the bureau of the Union of Mechanical Engineers and the League for Assistance to Defense Enterprises association.

    The event was also attended by the Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov, the Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov, the Chairman of the Union of Mechanical Engineers of Russia, General Director of the Rostec State Corporation Sergey Chemezov, the First Deputy Chairman of the Union, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Industry and Trade Vladimir Gutenev, General Director of the Roscosmos State Corporation Dmitry Bakanov, heads of regions, members of the bureau – heads of corporations and large industrial enterprises.

    Welcoming the participants of the meeting, Denis Manturov noted that today the Russian mechanical engineering industries are demonstrating resilience and readiness to respond to the most difficult challenges.

    “The development of a number of strategic areas depends on the dynamics of qualitative changes in this sector of industry. I mean, first of all, the country’s defense capability, its energy and food security, transport connectivity, and sovereignty in the field of space services. In the same vein, we consider the importance of mechanical engineering for the fundamental renewal of the production base of the entire industrial sector,” the First Deputy Prime Minister noted.

    The implementation of specialized national projects contributes to the enhancement of the technological status of the designated areas. Hundreds of mechanical engineering enterprises participate in them, ensuring the development of components and the supply of finished products, forming new cooperation chains.

    “In the current challenges, Russia continues to demonstrate high resilience. Enterprises are coping with the tasks set by our President. Manufacturing production in the first quarter showed growth of 4.7% in annual terms. The tasks of strengthening the economy, increasing industrial potential, ensuring the country’s defense capability are not just a priority for the near future. These are permanent, strategic goals that determine our development for years to come,” said Sergey Chemezov.

    The report was delivered by the president of the league, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Industry and Trade Vladimir Gutenev. The parliamentarian emphasized that the union and the league are in constant dialogue with the real sector and the expert community, and the Government is considering initiatives aimed at supporting defense industry enterprises. Among them is a draft law on deferment from military service for graduates who have found jobs in the defense industry in targeted areas, as well as a law on protecting accounts involved in state defense procurement from automatic write-offs based on writs of execution.

    Anton Alikhanov drew attention to the current issues of providing the industries with personnel. “We are well aware of the main obstacle to the rapid replenishment of personnel. This is the extremely low level of employment in the specialty of university graduates and the claims of enterprises to the level of their training. We have well-established work with the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Education on advanced engineering schools and educational and industrial clusters. Therefore, I propose that those companies that have their own corporate universities and basic departments provide an opportunity to train specialists at the request of the cooperative enterprises. We can consider the possibility of creating industry databases under the wing of Soyuzmash, connecting potential employers and applicants. Such a resource already works well in the military-industrial complex,” the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade noted.

    The Minister of Education and Science, Valery Falkov, outlined systemic steps aimed at developing engineering education at universities and higher education in general. According to the Minister, today 42% of budget places are allocated for engineering and technical specialties. In order to improve the quality of education, work is underway to revise the list of specialties and areas of training, the mechanism of targeted admission is being improved, and a pilot project for industrial postgraduate studies will begin this year. Also, on the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the flagship project of the Ministry of Education and Science, Advanced Engineering Schools, has been continued. Valery Falkov noted that from this year, only those applicants who are applying for priority specialties, including engineers, will be able to use a preferential educational loan at a rate of 3%.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 05/15/2025 will be held the deposit auction of the MFI Fund of Financing

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

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    Parameters
    Date of the deposit auction 05/15/2025
    Placement currency Rub
    Maximum amount of funds placed (in placement currency) 40,000,000.00
    Placement period, days 35
    Date of deposit 05/16/2025
    Refund date 06/20/2025
    Minimum placement interest rate, % per annum 21.00
    Conditions of imprisonment, urgent or special Urgent
    Minimum amount of funds placed for one application (in placement currency) 40,000,000.00
    Maximum number of applications from one Participant, pcs. 1
    Auction form, open or closed Open
    Basis of the Treaty General Agreement
     
    Schedule (Moscow time)
    Preliminary applications from 14:10 to 14:20
    Applications in competition mode from 14:20 to 14:30
    Setting a cut-off percentage or declaring the auction invalid until 14:40
       
    Additional terms  

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: Morien Announces Results of Annual and Special Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Morien Resources Corp. (“Morien” or the “Company“) (TSX-V:MOX) is pleased to announce its shareholders voted in favour of all items of business brought before them at the Company’s Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders (“AGM”) held in Halifax on May 14, 2025.

    Election of Directors

    The number of directors was set by the Board at four, with John Budreski, Dawson Brisco, Mary Ritchie, and Beau White re-elected to the Company’s Board for the ensuing year.

    Following the AGM, the Board confirmed the appointment of Morien’s executive officers, namely: Executive Chairman – John Budreski; President and Chief Executive Officer – Dawson Brisco; Chief Financial Officer – Susanne Willett; and Corporate Secretary – Suzan Frazer.

    Appointment of Auditor

    MNP LLP was re-appointed as the Company’s auditor to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until its successor is duly appointed, at a remuneration to be fixed by the Board.

    Approval of Stock Option Plan

    The shareholders also re-approved the Company’s 10% rolling incentive stock option plan in accordance with the rules and policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSX-V”).

    Continuance of Shareholder Rights Plan

    Shareholders approved the reconfirmation and continuance of the Company’s shareholder rights plan (“Rights Plan”), originally approved by shareholders in 2019. Under the terms of the Rights Plan, shareholders must affirm the Rights Plan every three years. The purpose of the Rights Plan is to provide the Board and shareholders with sufficient time to properly consider any future take-over bids made for the Company. The Rights Plan will mitigate undue pressure on the Board and shareholders, allow time for competing bids and alternative proposals to emerge, and ensure that all shareholders will be treated fairly and equally in any potential take-over bid made for the Company. The Rights Plan was not adopted, nor reconfirmed, in response to any proposal to acquire control of the Company.

    About Morien

    Morien is a Nova Scotia based, mining development company created in 2012 to be a vehicle of direct prosperity for Nova Scotians, its largest shareholder group. Led by Nova Scotians, Morien’s primary assets are a royalty on the sale of coal from the Donkin Mine in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, and a royalty on the sale of aggregate from the permitted Black Point Project, in Guysborough County, Nova Scotia. Morien’s management team exercises ruthless discipline in managing both the assets and liabilities of the Company. The Company’s management and its Board of Directors consider shareholder returns to be paramount over corporate size, number or scale of assets and industry recognition. The Company has 51,292,000 issued and outstanding common shares and a fully diluted position of 53,992,000. Further information is available at www.MorienRes.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Some of the statements in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” as defined under applicable securities laws. These statements reflect Morien’s current expectations of future revenues and business prospects and opportunities and are based on information currently available to Morien. Morien cautions that actual performance will be affected by a number of factors, many of which are beyond its control, and that future events and results may vary substantially from what Morien currently foresees. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties described in documents filed by Morien with the Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) from time to time. Morien cautions that its royalty revenue will be based on production by third party property owners and operators who will be responsible for determining the manner and timing for the properties forming part of Morien’s royalty portfolio. These third party owners and operators are also subject to risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted herein including: volatility in financial markets or general economic conditions; capital requirements and the need for additional financing; fluctuations in the rates of exchange for the currencies of Canada and the United States; prices for commodities including coal and aggregate; unanticipated changes in production, mineral reserves and mineral resources, metallurgical recoveries and/or exploration results; changes in regulations and unpredictable political or economic developments; loss of key personnel; labour disputes; and ineffective title to mineral claims or property. There are other business risks and hazards associated with mineral exploration, development and mining. Although Morien believes that the forward-looking information contained herein is based on reasonable assumptions (including assumptions relating to economic, market and political conditions, the Company’s working capital requirements and the accuracy of information supplied by the operators of the properties in which the Company has a royalty interest), readers cannot be assured that actual results will be consistent with such statements. Morien expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information in this news release, whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All dollar values discussed herein are in Canadian dollars. Any financial outlook or future-oriented financial information in this news release, as defined by applicable securities laws, has been approved by management of Morien as of the date of this news release. Such financial outlook or future-oriented financial information is provided for the purpose of providing information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such outlook or information should not be used for purposes other than for which it is disclosed in this news release.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    For more information, please contact:

    Dawson Brisco, President & CEO
    Phone: (902) 403-3149
    dbrisco@MorienRes.com
    or
    John P.A. Budreski, Executive Chairman
    Phone: (416) 930-0914
    www.MorienRes.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: DTST Reports 2025 First Quarter Financial Results and Provides Business Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Strong Q1 2025 Performance Driven by 14% YoY Revenue Growth in Cloud Infrastructure and Disaster Recovery Services
    • CloudFirst International Expansion Accelerated Through Strategic Partnership with Pulsant
    • Conference Call to be held today at 11:00 am ET

    MELVILLE, N.Y., May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Data Storage Corporation (Nasdaq: DTST) (“DSC” and the “Company”), a leading provider of multi-cloud hosting, managed cloud services, disaster recovery, cybersecurity, and IT automation, with direct connection to AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, today provided a business update and reported financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

    First Quarter 2025 Highlights

    • Revenue was $8.1 million, driven by 14% year-over-year growth in Cloud Infrastructure and Disaster Recovery services
    • Gross profit totaled $2.86 million, maintaining consistent margin levels
    • Adjusted EBITDA* reached $497,000, reflecting operational discipline
    • Cash and marketable securities were $11.1 million, with no long term debt

    “We are pleased to report our first quarter results, which reflect both solid financial performance and strategic progress,” said Chuck Piluso, CEO of Data Storage Corporation. “Specifically, CloudFirst Technologies continues to operate profitably on a standalone basis and serves as a scalable, recurring revenue engine. To support our international strategy, we recently partnered with Pulsant, a leading U.K. edge data center provider, enabling us to extend our IBM Power-based cloud offerings across their national footprint. This collaboration positions us to serve regulated and enterprise clients more effectively throughout the U.K. and Europe.”

    “Furthermore, CloudFirst recently completed a major infrastructure upgrade for a long-time enterprise client in the food distribution sector. We migrated legacy systems to high-performance IBM processors, allowing for direct connections with leading providers including AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud—enhancing scalability, security, and cost-efficiency. This contract is an example of how our expertise in delivering complex IT transformations sets us apart in the market and fosters strong client loyalty, with customers consistently returning to us as their trusted partner.”

    Chris Panagiotakos, CFO of Data Storage Corporation, added, “Financially, our core cloud infrastructure and disaster recovery services remain strong performers, evidenced by a 14% year-over-year revenue increase. Our total revenue had a modest decline due to reduced equipment sales, however this aligns with our strategic focus to continue to build a stable high-margin, recurring revenue client base. Our adjusted EBITDA reached $497,000 for the quarter, reflecting our ongoing commitment to operational efficiency and margin discipline. Backed by a strong balance sheet and a growing client base, we are well-positioned to scale our platform, expand our market presence, and create sustained long-term value.”

    Mr. Piluso added, “Overall, we remain focused on growing our high-margin, recurring cloud revenue base, expanding our global partner ecosystem, and delivering the modernization, compliance, and resilience our clients require. These priorities reflect our long-term vision to build a scalable, differentiated platform in the enterprise multi-cloud space.”

    Conference Call

    The Company will host a conference call at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, May 15, 2025, to discuss the Company’s progress and the financial results for the first quarter of 2025, which ended March 31, 2025.

    The conference call will be available via telephone by dialing toll-free 877-407-9219 for U.S. callers or for international callers +1-412-652-1274. A webcast of the call may be accessed at  DSC Q1 2025 Earnings Call or on the Company’s News & Events section of the website,  www.dtst.com/news-events.

    A webcast replay of the call will be available on the Company’s website (www.dtst.com/news-events) through November 15, 2025. A telephone replay of the call will be available approximately three hours following the call, through May 22, 2025, and can be accessed by dialing 877-660-6853 for U.S. callers or + 1-201-612-7415 for international callers and entering conference ID: 13753165. 

    About Data Storage Corporation
    Data Storage Corporation (Nasdaq: DTST) through its subsidiaries is a leading provider of multi-cloud hosting, fully managed cloud services, disaster recovery, cybersecurity, IT automation, and voice & data solutions.

    Recognizing that data migration is a critical step in transitioning from on-premises systems to the cloud, DSC provides comprehensive migration services to ensure seamless, secure, and efficient data transfer, minimizing downtime and optimizing performance.

    Built on IBM Power servers, DTST’s subsidiary owns their cloud platform manages the platform with the Company’s 24×7 technical team. The Company delivers high-performance, scalable, and secure cloud solutions with interoperability across its infrastructure partners, AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

    With data centers supporting its CloudFirst platform deployments across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, DSC provides mission-critical solutions to a diverse clientele, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, educational institutions, and healthcare organizations.

    As a leader in the multi-billion-dollar cloud hosting and business continuity market, DTST is recognized for its expertise in cloud infrastructure, IT modernization, and data migration, enabling clients to transition to their cloud infrastructure with confidence and operational continuity.

    For more information, please visit www.dtst.com or follow us on X @DataStorageCorp.

    *Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure and should not be considered as a substitute for GAAP. Please refer to the Company’s financial disclosures at the end of this press release for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

    Safe Harbor Provision

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created thereby. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “projects,” “estimates,” “plans” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “may” and “could” are generally forward-looking in nature and not historical facts, although not all forward-looking statements include the foregoing. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can provide no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and include statements regarding CloudFirst Technologies continuing to operate profitably on a standalone basis and serving as a scalable, recurring revenue engine; the collaboration with Pulsant positioning the Company to serve regulated and enterprise clients more effectively throughout the U.K. and Europe; and being well-positioned to scale the Company’s platform, expand its market presence, and create sustained long-term value; the Company building a scalable, differentiated platform in the enterprise cloud space; and the opportunities ahead and the potential to drive continued growth and success. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include CloudFirst Technologies’ ability to continue to operate profitably; the Company’s ability to grow its presence in the U.K and Europe, the Company ability to create sustained long-term value and drive continued growth and success. These risks should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read together with the other cautionary statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was initially made. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.

    Contact:
    Crescendo Communications, LLC
    212-671-1020
    DTST@crescendo-ir.com

    DATA STORAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
             
        March 31, 2025 (Unaudited)   December 31, 2024
    ASSETS                
    Current Assets:                
    Cash   $ 705,557     $ 1,070,097  
    Accounts receivable (less allowance for credit losses of
    $17,121 and $31,472 as of March 31, 2025, and December
    31, 2024, respectively)
        5,413,282       2,225,458  
    Marketable securities     10,406,912       11,261,006  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     858,490       859,502  
    Total Current Assets     17,384,241       15,416,063  
                     
    Property and Equipment:                
    Property and equipment     9,684,825       9,598,963  
    Less—Accumulated depreciation     (6,456,000 )     (6,159,307 )
    Net Property and Equipment     3,228,825       3,439,656  
                     
    Other Assets:                
     Goodwill     4,238,671       4,238,671  
     Operating lease right-of-use assets     550,653       575,380  
     Other assets     168,120       183,439  
     Intangible assets, net     1,360,220       1,427,006  
    Total Other Assets     6,317,664       6,424,496  
                     
    Total Assets   $ 26,930,730     $ 25,280,215  
                     
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT                
    Current Liabilities:                
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses   $ 4,550,524     $ 3,183,379  
    Deferred revenue     290,827       212,390  
    Finance leases payable           17,641  
    Finance leases payable related party           33,879  
    Operating lease liabilities short term     102,246       98,860  
    Total Current Liabilities     4,943,597       3,546,149  
                     
    Operating lease liabilities     496,691       523,070  
    Deferred Tax Liability     39,031       39,031  
    Total Long-Term Liabilities     535,722       562,101  
                     
    Total Liabilities     5,479,319       4,108,250  
                     
    Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)                
                     
    Stockholders’ Equity:                
    Preferred stock, par value $.001; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 1,401,786 designated as Series A Preferred Stock, par value $.001; 0 shares issued and outstanding at March 31,2025 and December 31, 2024            
    Common stock, par value $.001; 250,000,000 shares authorized; 7,123,227 and 7,045,108 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively     7,123       7,045  
    Additional paid in capital     40,644,000       40,417,813  
    Accumulated deficit     (18,958,511 )     (18,982,589 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)     3,579       (23,214 )
    Total Data Storage Corporation Stockholders’ Equity     21,696,191       21,419,055  
    Non-controlling interest in consolidated subsidiary     (244,780 )     (247,090 )
    Total Stockholders’ Equity     21,451,411       21,171,965  
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity   $ 26,930,730     $ 25,280,215  
    DATA STORAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (UNAUDITED)
        Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025   2024
             
    Sales   $ 8,083,756     $ 8,235,747  
                     
    Cost of sales     5,223,860       5,269,275  
                     
    Gross Profit     2,859,896       2,966,472  
                     
    Selling, general and administrative     2,952,405       2,752,677  
                     
    Income (loss) from Operations     (92,509 )     213,795  
                     
    Other Income (Expense)                
    Interest income     120,906       143,369  
    Interest expense     (2,009 )     (11,260 )
    Total Other Income     118,897       132,109  
                     
    Income before provision for income taxes     26,388       345,904  
                     
    Provision for income taxes            
                     
    Net Income     26,388       345,904  
                     
    Gain (loss) in Non-controlling interest in consolidated subsidiary     (2,310 )     11,198  
                     
    Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders   $ 24,078     $ 357,102  
                     
    Earnings per Share – Basic   $     $ 0.05  
    Earnings per Share – Diluted   $     $ 0.05  
    Weighted Average Number of Shares – Basic     7,077,913       7,090,389  
    Weighted Average Number of Shares – Diluted     7,405,672       7,259,472  
    DATA STORAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (UNAUDITED)
             
        Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025   2024
    Cash Flows from Operating Activities:                
    Net income   $ 26,388     $ 345,904  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:                
    Depreciation and amortization     363,379       295,198  
    Stock based compensation     226,265       171,325  
    Change in expected credit losses     (6,995 )      
                     
    Changes in Assets and Liabilities:                
    Accounts receivable     (3,180,822 )     (3,177,694 )
    Other assets     15,319        
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     2,936       (153,782 )
    Right of use asset     24,727       26,821  
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses     1,373,552       2,226,932  
    Deferred revenue     78,437       (26,078 )
    Operating lease liability     (22,993 )     (27,250 )
    Net Cash Used in Operating Activities     (1,099,807 )     (318,624 )
    Cash Flows from Investing Activities:                
    Capital expenditures     (67,519 )     (358,637 )
    Purchase of marketable securities     (120,906 )     (143,369 )
    Sale of marketable securities     975,000       200,000  
    Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities     786,575       (302,006 )
    Cash Flows from Financing Activities:                
    Repayments of finance lease obligations related party     (33,879 )     (66,280 )
    Repayments of finance lease obligations     (17,641 )     (101,078 )
    Net Cash Used in Financing Activities     (51,520 )     (167,358 )
                     
    Effect of exchange rates on cash     212        
                     
    Net decrease in Cash     (364,540 )     (787,988 )
                     
    Cash, Beginning of Period     1,070,097       1,428,730  
                     
    Cash, End of Period   $ 705,557     $ 640,742  
    Supplemental Disclosures:                
    Cash paid for interest   $ 489     $ 8,855  
    Cash paid for income taxes   $     $  
    Non-cash investing and financing activities:                

    The following table shows the Company’s reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted EBITDA for the months ended March 31, 2025, and 2024:

    For the three months ended March 31, 2025
                         
        CloudFirst
    Technologies
      CloudFirst
    Europe Ltd.
      Nexxis Inc.   Corporate   Total
                         
    Net income (loss)   $ 1,077,591     $ (455,971 )   $ (7,243 )   $ (587,989 )   $ 26,388  
                                             
    Non-GAAP adjustments:                                        
    Depreciation and amortization     333,615       29,235       209       320       363,379  
                                             
    Interest income                       (120,906 )     (120,906 )
    Interest expense     2,009                         2,009  
    Provision for income tax                              
    Stock-based compensation     89,665             6,429       130,171       226,265  
                                             
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 1,502,880     $ (426,736 )   $ (605 )   $ (578,404 )   $ 497,135  
    For the three months ended March 31, 2024
                         
        CloudFirst
    Technologies
      CloudFirst
    Europe Ltd.
      Nexxis Inc.   Corporate   Total
                         
    Net income   $ 914,372     $     $ (62,941 )   $ (505,527 )   $ 345,904  
                                             
    Non-GAAP adjustments:                                        
    Depreciation and amortization     294,793             211       194       295,198  
    Interest income                       (143,369 )     (143,369 )
    Interest expense     11,260                         11,260  
    Stock-based compensation     52,969             6,671       111,685       171,235  
                                             
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 1,273,394     $     $ (56,059 )   $ (537,017 )   $ 680,318  

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: North America Drone Market Size Expected Reach $31 Billion By 2034 as Revenue Opportunities Jump

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The Drones-As-A Service market is expected to continue substantial growth in the coming years. The adoption of advanced technologies in drones, such as thermal imaging, gas detection, and loudspeakers, is increasing, particularly in public safety and emergency response. Drones equipped with these technologies are used extensively by fire departments, search and rescue teams, and law enforcement to manage disasters and enhance surveillance​. The primary reasons for the adoption of these technologies include the need for enhanced operational efficiency and safety in executing complex tasks such as infrastructure inspections, disaster management, and agricultural monitoring. The ability of drones to provide high-resolution imagery and real-time data is invaluable in these contexts, enabling better decision-making and resource allocation​. A report from Market.us projected that the North America Drone Market size is expected to be worth around USD 31,062.9 Million By 2034, from USD 11,445.1 Million in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 10.5% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.The U.S. Drone market was estimated at USD 10,869.4 Million in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.4% from 2025 to 2034. The report said: “The primary reasons for the adoption of these technologies include the need for enhanced operational efficiency and safety in executing complex tasks such as infrastructure inspections, disaster management, and agricultural monitoring. The ability of drones to provide high-resolution imagery and real-time data is invaluable in these contexts, enabling better decision-making and resource allocation​.”   Active Companies in the drone industry today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS), Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO), AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV).

    The Market.us report continued: “The North America drone market is characterized by a significant presence of small and medium-sized enterprises, with a considerable portion being small drone companies. This market is seeing growth in diversity with the entry of major tech companies like Alphabet and Intel. The integration of cutting-edge technologies by companies such as DJI, which recently introduced a LiDAR system for professional surveying, exemplifies the ongoing innovation within this sector. Several key drivers are propelling the North America drone market. Regulatory developments have played a crucial role, especially with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) updating rules to allow more extensive commercial drone operations, including beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights​. Additionally, technological advancements in drone hardware and software are enhancing their capabilities, making them more appealing for commercial applications​.” It concluded: “The US Drone Market is valued at approximately USD 10,869 Million in 2024 and is predicted to increase from USD 11,999 Million in 2025 to approximately USD 29,233.5 Million by 2034, projected at a CAGR of 10.4% from 2025 to 2034. The presence of supportive government policies and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations has facilitated controlled commercial drone operations, especially in areas such as logistics, agriculture, and infrastructure inspection. Moreover, consistent investment by the U.S. Department of Defense in military drones has further strengthened the market.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) Reports Nearly Double Revenue Year-Over-Year for the First Quarter of 2025 – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, announces financial results for the first quarter 2025.

    First Quarter 2025 Highlights:

    • Total revenues for the first quarter of 2025 were $1.13 million, up 92% compared to $591,379 for the first quarter of 2024 primarily due to acquisitions and organic growth.
    • ZenaTech’s new Drone as a Service or DaaS segment grew from completing two acquisitions of land survey drone servicing companies ─ Oregon-based Weddle Surveying and Florida-based KJM Land Surveying. The Company also signed five LOIs (Letter of Intent) for additional acquisitions during the quarter.
    • The company acquired Othership, a UK workplace management software company supporting its enterprise SaaS software segment, where it plans to leverage workplace AI and quantum computing productivity solutions targeting business and government customers.
    • The company made investments in longer term growth and in new segment development that caused general and administrative expenses to increase to $5.75 million in Q1 2025 versus about $0.7 million in Q1 of 2024. This primarily consisted of sales and marketing activities, new hires, professional services, and finance expenses.
    • ZenaTech made investments in its subsidiary ZenaDrone’s UAE manufacturing capabilities during the quarter, including hiring 35 new engineers and technicians. Also announced was the opening of a drone testing facility in Turkey for beyond-the-line-of-sight drone testing.
    • Drone product highlights in Q1 include finalizing the third-generation design and “production model” of the ZenaDrone 1000 drone that will enable the start of scaling up of production. The company also announced the IQ Square drone has moved from prototype to manufacturing stage.
    • The commence of work on a heavy-lift gas-powered ZD 1000 model for longer fight times for US defense applications took place during the quarter. Testing also commenced on a new high-density drone battery and a proprietary communications system for this drone.
    • The company reported that ZenaDrone is preparing for Green UAS followed by Blue UAS certification required to sell to the US Military. Additionally, it is reviewing and putting in place cybersecurity practices, documentation, and internal controls necessary to apply for this certification.
    • ZenaTech further expanded its Taiwan drone component manufacturer─ Spider Vision Sensors, adding additional engineering and business development staff. It also announced the first Blue UAS-certifiable drone sensors are under development.

    “The first quarter of 2025 was a very strong and encouraging start to the year as revenue nearly doubled, up 92% primarily due to acquisitions and organic growth across both our software and drone segments,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D. “During the first quarter we launched our Drone as a Service or DaaS business segment with a vision to have a national footprint in the US and globally.”

    “Although expenses increased during the first quarter, these are investments intended to grow the company over the long-term, namely in marketing, manufacturing, product development and testing capacity, which we believe will yield future rewards.

    “We believe that this quarter’s performance demonstrates that our strategy to disrupt legacy businesses like land surveys via a DaaS business model is on track. Our momentum is strong, and we are well positioned to expand our range of drone services with a pipeline of over 20 acquisitions over the next 12 months,” concluded Dr. Passley.   Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    In Additional ZENA News: ZenaTech’s (NASDAQ:ZENA) Expands Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) Exterior Building Power Washing to Dubai Tapping into a Global Drone Cleaning Services Market Growing to USD 13 Billion by 2030 – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, announced it is expanding its United Arab Emirates (UAE) presence by establishing a new office to sell Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) offerings based in Dubai. Initially this office will focus on delivering drone-powered cleaning services for building exteriors using the IQ Square drone tethered to a water pipe and electrical cord. The company is currently obtaining a permit from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority to begin power wash testing and operations. Supporting this expansion, ZenaTech will hire two business development managers and up to four additional drone pilots, with drones supplied from its subsidiary ZenaDrone which has a manufacturing hub in nearby Sharjah.

    The global drone power washing market falls under a broader drone cleaning services market category that was valued at approximately USD 4.36 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 13.2 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of almost 17% according to market analyst Valuates Reports , fueled by increasing demand for safe, efficient and cost-effective maintenance solutions.

    “With rising demand for tech-enabled and efficient maintenance solutions, whether for power washing buildings, renewable energy assets, or public spaces, we believe AI-powered drones will bring new safety standards, cost-efficiency, and greater environmental sustainability to maintenance tasks. UAE’s openness to innovative technology makes it an ideal launchpad for these DaaS solutions that we hope to expand to all seven emirates in addition to the US and Europe,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.   Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.zenatech.com/newsroom/

    Other recent developments in the drone industry include:

    Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, recently reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 and provides a corporate update.

    Recent Operational Highlights:

    • Announced the expansion of our multi-domain Family of Systems with a new line of Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs). This strategic move marks Red Cat’s official entry into the rapidly evolving maritime autonomy market and reinforces its position as a provider of comprehensive, interoperable unmanned systems for air, land, and sea operations.
    • Expanded our Red Cat Futures Industry Consortium to include Palantir and Palladyne to boost AI capabilities in contested environments, including visual navigation.
    • Introducing Black Widow™ and Edge 130 drones to the Latin American market at LAAD 2025 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil in April 2025.
    • Introduced our Black Widow™ short-range reconnaissance drone and Edge 130 Tricopter to the Middle East market at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Feb 17-21, 2025.
    • Introduced Black Widow™ to the Asia Pacific Market at the AISSE conference in Putrajaya, Malaysia in January 2025.
    • Announced that the Black Widow drone and FlightWave Edge 130 were included on the list of 23 platforms and 14 unique components and capabilities selected as winners of the Blue UAS Refresh. The platforms will undergo National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) verification and cyber security review with the ultimate goal of joining the Blue UAS List.
    • Partnered with Palantir to deploy Warp Speed, Palantir’s manufacturing OS. This collaboration will transform our supply and manufacturing operations with Palantir’s AI enabled monitoring, process flow enhancement and comprehensive data analysis. Palantir’s Warp Speed will optimize Red Cat’s production and streamline its supply chain, change management, and quality assurance, ultimately reducing costs and improving margins.

    AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS), a leading provider of advanced drone and aerial imaging solutions, recently announced the sale of 20 high-performance RedEdge-P cameras to Wingtra, a global leader in vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone surveying technology.

    This transaction strengthens the partnership between AgEagle and Wingtra, combining AgEagle’s advanced camera technology with Wingtra’s innovative drone platforms to deliver unparalleled aerial mapping and surveying solutions. The cameras are designed for precision agriculture and environmental monitoring, water management, and geospatial applications, and support Wingtra’s ability to provide high-quality data collection for its customers worldwide.

    Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO), an award-winning, industry-leading drone solutions and systems developer, recently announced its first quarter financial results. Key Financial and Operational Highlights for Q1 2025:

    • Revenue for the first quarter of 2025 was $1,547,715 which represents a 16% year over year increase. Product sales of $1,541,811 were up 24.5% over the same period last year.  
    • Gross profit for Q1 2025 was $310,088 up 10.7% from $280,011 for the same period last year. Gross margin percentage for Q1 2025 was 20.0% compared to 21.1% in Q1 2024. Gross profit would have been $271,422 and gross margin would have been 17.5%, not including a one-time non-cash recovery of a write down of inventory of $38,666. The decrease is due to the sales mix of the products sold.  
    • The comprehensive loss for the period of $3,433,712 includes non-cash changes comprised of a positive change in fair value derivative of $157,830, a recovery of a write down of inventory of $38,666, and an impairment gain on notes receivable of $25,951 and would otherwise be a comprehensive loss of $3,656,159 vs an adjusted comprehensive loss of $3,559,976 for the same period last year. Contributors to the slight year-over-year increase are increased research and development, office and miscellaneous, professional fees, share based payments, and wages offset by change in derivative liability.

    AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) recently announced a new contract with the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) to modernize the Netherlands’ Puma™ UAS fleet with expanded capabilities for enhanced situational awareness and operational effectiveness.

    Under the contract, the Dutch MoD is modernizing its Puma 3 AE UAS fleet with advanced capabilities that empower forces to carry out mission-critical operations autonomously and securely—even in GPS-denied and contested environments. Upgrades will boost survivability, strengthen communications and add the option for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) to maximize operational agility. Deliveries are underway, with the upgraded systems set for rapid deployment at the squad and platoon levels.

    Additionally, the Netherlands is expanding its UAS portfolio with the acquisition of Puma LE, which delivers extended endurance and range. Both Puma 3 AE and Puma LE provide scalable ISR capabilities for tactical formations and civilian missions.

    About FN Media Group:

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    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated fifty one hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

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    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: LPL Financial Asks What If You Could? in New Brand Campaign

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial LLC launched today a strategic marketing campaign designed to reach new audiences and elevate the firm’s brand strength by asking the simple yet provocative question, What If You Could? 

    Featuring actor Anna Kendrick, the first-of-its-kind campaign for the company launches this month and includes a series of video, social, out-of-home, print and digital ads that will run across business, sports and lifestyle outlets throughout the country.    

    “Our business was founded on the aspiration of broadening access to personalized financial advice for all who need it,” said Rich Steinmeier, LPL Financial Chief Executive Officer. “We’ve been quietly delivering on that purpose ever since, focusing on the technology, services and breadth of capabilities that today empower more financial professionals than any other firm in the industry.*   

    “Based on advisor feedback, we’re introducing LPL Financial to the consumer market for the first time, establishing a connection with the people who rely on LPL advisors and affiliated institutions to help them reach their goals,” he added. “Through this investment, we’re ready for our brand to be as powerful as the services we provide.”   

    Formed in 1989 as an accessible alternative to traditional Wall Street firms, LPL Financial is now among the most successful companies in wealth management. Through the company’s vast network of independent financial advisors as well as advisors affiliated with financial institutions, including banks, credit unions and insurance companies, LPL now services and custodies approximately $1.8 trillion in assets on behalf of approximately 7 million Americans.   

    “We’re stepping into the spotlight to embrace the same ambition of our founders,” said Christa Carone, managing director, chief marketing and communications officer at LPL Financial. “For a company that operates in service of helping people realize their dreams, we believe the only question really should be, What If You Could? It’s through this innovative spirit that LPL is taking ownership of its market position, amplifying our brand presence to align with the firm’s growing scale and success.”   

    In partnering with Anna Kendrick, LPL’s storytelling brings a fresh perspective to wealth management marketing, creating memorable moments that spark curiosity and encourage aspiration.    

    What If You Could? is such a powerful question that provokes endless possibilities for everyone,” said Kendrick. “Just imagine the potential when the greener grass is always on your side. LPL is in a position to make this happen. It’s really cool to partner with the company that is helping people see all that their future can hold.”   

    To review the creative assets for the campaign, including a behind-the-scenes video from the TV shoot with Anna Kendrick, visit whatifyoucould.com.   

    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 advisor 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.   

    * U.S. Broker/Dealer Marketplace 2024 and 2024 RIA Marketplace report   

    Media Contact:    
    Media.relations@LPLFinancial.com    

    Tracking #736574

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: StrikePoint to Present at the Precious Metals & Critical Metals Hybrid Investor Conference on May 22nd

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — StrikePoint Gold (SKP: TSX.V) (STKXF: OTCQB) based in Vancouver, BC, with gold assets in Nevada, today announced that CEO Michael G. Allen will present live at the Precious Metals & Critical Metals Hybrid Investor Conference, hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on May 22nd, 2025.

    DATE: May 22nd, 2025

    TIME: 10:00 AM ET

    LINK: REGISTER HERE

    This will be a live, interactive in-person and online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If you would like to attend in-person, please email johnv@otcmarkets.com for an attendee pass. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

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

    Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

    Recent Company Highlights

    • May 8 StrikePoint Signs Definitive Agreement to Sell BC Property for C$1.1 Million
    • May 5 StrikePoint Drills Broad Zones of Near Surface Oxide Gold at the Hercules Gold Project, Nevada
    • April 28 StrikePoint Drills Near-Surface High Grade Oxide Gold at the Hercules Gold Project, Nevada
    • March 3 StrikePoint Reports Exploration Target on Hercules Gold Project

    About Strikepoint Gold

    Headed by CEO Michael G. Allen, StrikePoint is a multi-asset gold exploration company focused on building precious metals resources in the Western United States and in Canada.

    Mr. Allen has been working in the Walker Lane for the last 15 years, with multiple transactions completed in that timeframe including the acquisition of the Sterling Gold Project, located near Beatty, Nevada, and the sale of Northern Empire to Coeur Mining for approximately $120 million. The Sterling Gold Project is now part of AnglogGold Ashanti’s “Expanded Silicon” project. In addition, Mr. Allen was the past President and CEO of Elevation Gold Mining Corporation, which operated Arizona’s largest gold mine.

    The Management and Board of StrikePoint has strong expertise in exploration, finance and engineering.

    StrikePoint is rapidly becoming one of the largest holders of mineral claims within the Walker Lane of Nevada with approximately 145 square kilometers of prospective geology under claim, encompassing two district scale projects, the Hercules Gold Project and the Cuprite Gold Project.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®

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

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

    Qualified Person Statement

    All technical data, as disclosed in this press release, has been verified by Michael G. Allen, P. Geo, President and CEO of the Company. Mr. Allen is a qualified person as defined under the terms of National Instrument 43-101.

    CONTACTS:

    Strikepoint Gold Inc.

    Knox Henderson
    T: (604) 551-2360
    E: kh@strikepointgold.com 
    W: www.strikepointgold.com 

    Virtual Investor Conferences

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

    Cautionary Statement on Forward Looking Information

    Certain statements made and information contained herein may constitute “forward looking information” and “forward looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. These statements and information are based on facts currently available to the Company and there is no assurance that actual results will meet management’s expectations. Forward-looking statements and information may be identified by such terms as “anticipates”, “believes”, “targets”, “estimates”, “plans”, “expects”, “may”, “will”, “speculates”, “could” or “would”.

    All of the forward-looking statements made in this document are qualified by these cautionary statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, forecast or intended and readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking information. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate and forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance. Readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein speaks only as of the date of this document. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forward–looking information or to explain any material difference between such and subsequent actual events, except as required by applicable law.

    Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Solaris Launches Enterprise-Grade Security Framework Ahead of Nova App Release

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TALLINN, Estonia, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Solaris has officially rolled out its enterprise-grade security framework, establishing the technical foundation for the upcoming Nova App launch and broader public participation in its blockchain ecosystem. Designed for scale, speed, and verifiability, this framework represents a critical step in the project’s roadmap toward secure global adoption.

    Dual-Layer Architecture for Proven Resilience

    At the heart of Bitcoin Solaris is a dual-layer blockchain system tailored to meet the evolving demands of decentralized infrastructure. The architecture divides responsibilities between two dedicated layers to optimize both security and performance:

    • The Base Layer secures the ledger through a hybrid consensus mechanism that combines Proof-of-Stake (PoS)with Proof-of-Capacity (PoC). This structure promotes decentralization while reducing energy consumption and preserving data integrity.
    • The Solaris Layer supports smart contract execution and high-throughput transaction processing using Proof-of-History (PoH) and Proof-of-Time (PoT). This allows the network to achieve sub-2-second finality and scale to over 10,000 transactions per second, accommodating real-time applications across DeFi, gaming, and identity solutions.

    This layered approach is designed to operate at the protocol level—not as an external scalability patch—delivering consistent, auditable performance under load.

    Independent Security Audits and Full KYC Verification

    Bitcoin Solaris has taken proactive steps to validate its security claims with independent third-party audits and verified project governance. Key milestones include:

    • Cyberscope Audit evaluated the entire smart contract stack for logical flaws, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors.
    • Freshcoins Audit examined token logic, emissions, and compliance with common Solidity standards.
    • KYC Verification confirmed the identity of the core team—an increasingly rare and important factor for trust.

    These audits were conducted as part of the network’s build phase, ensuring security measures are embedded in the protocol itself rather than applied reactively post-launch.

    Security at the Edge: Mobile Mining via Nova App

    In parallel with its enterprise-grade backend, Bitcoin Solaris is finalizing the launch of the Nova App, a smartphone-based mining application. Designed for accessibility, the app enables users to allocate unused device resources—such as idle CPU and storage—to participate in token mining.

    The system runs in the background with no need for staking, validator setup, or private key handling. All mining logic and reward calculations are processed through the same audited smart contracts that govern the Solaris Layer, providing a secure and transparent user experience from end to end.

    Fixed Supply and Predictable Emissions

    Bitcoin Solaris maintains a fixed supply of 21 million BTC-S tokens, following a halving-based emission model similar to traditional sound money systems. There is no inflation, and token creation is governed entirely by protocol logic.

    The project is currently in Presale Phase 3, with BTC-S priced at 3 USDT. Only 4.2 million tokens (20%) are allocated for this phase, and the price will rise to 4 USDT in Phase 4. This structured release supports long-term stability while rewarding early network participants.

    In a detailed video walkthrough, Crypto Chino explores how Bitcoin Solaris’s security framework stacks up against projects like Dogecoin, which have cultural appeal but minimal infrastructure oversight. The video highlights the architectural design, Nova App integration, and why formal audits are more than just paperwork — they’re essential to building user trust.

    Built for Trust, Designed for Growth

    Bitcoin Solaris is building a blockchain ecosystem that aligns with the demands of real-world use—security, speed, transparency, and accessibility. From its dual-consensus architecture to its audited smart contract layer and mobile-first mining app, the project aims to deliver infrastructure that is both future-ready and user-friendly.

    With the Nova App set to roll out in the coming weeks and public participation expanding rapidly, Bitcoin Solaris is establishing itself as a secure, scalable platform for the next generation of blockchain users.

    Website: https://bitcoinsolaris.com
    X (Twitter): https://x.com/BitcoinSolaris
    Telegram: https://t.me/Bitcoinsolaris

    Media Contact:
    Xander Levine
    info@bitcoinsolaris.com

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Bitcoin Solaris. 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.
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    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9c5eba49-6baa-48dd-8328-4b81ad6cefe6

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2442c88f-ef34-4855-8bcb-94b1e509528b

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8979d398-26a6-4044-819d-5f7940742235

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/10cdb880-35fe-4b90-9347-0d53efe70dfb

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Fold Introduces the Most Convenient Way to Buy and Share Bitcoin with New Bitcoin Gift Card

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PHOENIX, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fold Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLD) (“Fold”), the first publicly traded bitcoin financial services company, is revolutionizing how consumers acquire and share bitcoin with the launch of the Fold Bitcoin Gift Card. Built with Fold’s proprietary technology, this innovative new offering makes buying and gifting bitcoin as simple as purchasing a traditional gift card.

    Gift cards represent an over $300 billion market, with 84% of consumers transacting with them annually. Inspired by the success of alternative financial assets in retail, such as Costco’s $200 million in monthly gold sales, Fold is paving the way for bitcoin to be integrated into the traditional gift card market.

    “Our mission is to make bitcoin simple and approachable for everyone. The Bitcoin Gift Card brings bitcoin to millions of Americans in a familiar way,” said Will Reeves, Chairman and CEO of Fold. “Available at the places people already shop, the Bitcoin Gift Card is the best way to gift bitcoin to others.”

    Starting today, the Fold Bitcoin Gift Card is available through Fold’s website at FoldApp.com/bitcoin-gift-card. In the coming months, Fold will expand the availability of the product to online and physical retail locations nationwide, making bitcoin accessible at the stores consumers know and trust.

    Fold’s Bitcoin Gift Card was developed in partnership with Totus. With access to over 150,000 points of distribution nationwide, Totus will enable Fold to distribute its Bitcoin Gift Card broadly across the nation’s retail footprint.

    About Fold

    Fold (NASDAQ: FLD) is the first publicly traded bitcoin financial services company, making it easy for individuals and businesses to earn, save, and use bitcoin. With over 1,485 BTC in its treasury, Fold is at the forefront of integrating bitcoin into everyday financial experiences. Through innovative products like the Fold App, Fold Credit Card, Bitcoin Gift Card, and Fold Card, the company is building the bridge between traditional finance and the bitcoin-powered future.

    About Totus

    Totus is the leading provider of gift card issuance and program management services for digitally native, consumer-obsessed retailers. Through the Totus Gift Card Network, retailers can reach new customers, reward existing ones, and get their brand in places it’s never been before without having to take on any of the risks or complexity.

    For investor inquiries, please contact:
    Orange Group
    Samir Jain, CFA
    FoldIR@orangegroupadvisors.com

    For media inquiries, please contact:
    Elev8
    Jessica Starman, MBA
    media@foldapp.com

    The MIL Network