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Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI: BitMart to Host Seine & Crypto Connect — An Unmissable Paris Blockchain Week Afterparty on April 8

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Mahe, Seychelles, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Paris Blockchain Week 2025 draws near, BitMart is excited to announce Seine & Crypto Connect, an exclusive afterparty hosted in collaboration with Paybis, MetaEra, and other esteemed partners. The event will take place on April 8, 2025, from 7 PM to 11 PM CET at Les Jardins du Pont Neuf, a private waterfront venue along the iconic Seine River.

    Seine & Crypto Connect will bring together top leaders, investors, and innovators from the blockchain space for a night of strategic networking and high-level discussions. Co-hosted by Paybis, a leading cryptocurrency platform operating across the US, UK, and Europe; MetaEra, a pioneering Web3 news platform; and sponsored by Blockdaemon, the institutional gateway to Web3; and ZetaChain, a universal EVM-compatible Layer 1 bringing cross-chain interoperability to the blockchain ecosystem, this event will provide unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

    What to Expect at Seine & Crypto Connect:

    • Exclusive Venue – Guests will enjoy a private riverside reception, offering an elegant atmosphere and stunning views of Paris.
    • Gourmet Experience – Attendees will indulge in premium wines, artisanal cheese, and expertly crafted hors d’oeuvres, creating a sophisticated setting for networking.
    • Engaging Entertainment – A live DJ and ambient lighting will add to the immersive atmosphere, providing a lively backdrop for the evening.
    • High-Impact Networking – Attendees will connect with industry leaders, investors, and innovators shaping the future of Web3, Crypto, and Blockchain technology.
    • Exclusive Seine Cruise – A limited opportunity to board a 20-minute scenic tour along the Seine River directly from the venue, offering a unique Parisian experience.

    This exclusive event serves as an opportunity to engage with some of the most influential players in the blockchain and digital assets space, fostering collaboration and sparking meaningful conversations in a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.

    To join the event, please RSVP here: https://lu.ma/a97zotmk

    Proudly Co-Hosted by:

    • Paybis – A leading cryptocurrency platform offering secure, compliant services across the US, UK, and Europe.
    • MetaEra – A Web3 news pioneer shaping the next wave of tech innovation.

    Sponsored by:

    • Blockdaemon – The institutional gateway to Web3, trusted by 400+ institutions and securing over $110B in digital assets.
    • ZetaChain – A universal EVM-compatible L1 bringing cross-chain interoperability to Solana, Bitcoin, and beyond. 

    Come for the innovation. Stay for the magic of Paris.

    About BitMart
    BitMart is the premier global digital asset trading platform. With millions of users worldwide and ranked among the top crypto exchanges on CoinGecko, it currently offers 1,700+ trading pairs with competitive trading fees. Constantly evolving and growing, BitMart is interested in crypto’s potential to drive innovation and promote financial inclusion. To learn more about BitMart, visit their Website, follow their X (Twitter), or join their Telegram for updates, news, and promotions. Download BitMart App to trade anytime, anywhere.

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

    The MIL Network –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: April is Second Chance Month: Exploring North Dakota’s Collaborative Approach to Reentry Success for Justice-Involved Individuals

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Reentering society after incarceration presents a host of challenges, from securing stable housing and employment to accessing health care and recovery resources. In North Dakota, a robust partnership between multiple state agencies and community organizations is making a tangible difference in the lives of justice-involved individuals. Through collaboration between the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR), North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS), Job Service North Dakota (JSND), the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), and various community partners, providers, nonprofits and faith-based organizations, reentry efforts are more coordinated and effective than ever before.

    “Reentry isn’t just about leaving incarceration—it’s about having the right support in place to build a stable future,” said Reentry and Recovery Commissioner Jonathan Holth. “By working together, we’re creating stronger pathways for people to succeed.”

    In recognition of Second Chance Month this April, here’s a deeper look into the collaborative network supporting reentry success and an effort to reduce new victims of crime in North Dakota.

    Breaking Down Barriers

    DOCR’s reentry initiatives are built on the principle that successful reintegration requires a network of support. Affordable housing, overcoming the stigma of a criminal record, and maintaining engagement with support services post-release are ongoing hurdles this public-private network collaborates on together to address. By bridging gaps in housing, employment, healthcare, and recovery services, these initiatives aim to reduce recidivism and promote long-term success. The commitment of these agencies and organizations ensures that justice-involved individuals have the tools they need to rebuild their lives.

    According to DOCR Reentry Manager Robyn Schmalenberger there’s both an evidence-based approach and personalized aspect to support reentry success for each individual.

    “Every person has a different pathway into the choices they make, and every person is going to have somewhat of a different pathway out of it,” said Schmalenberger. “This underscores the need for flexible, personalized services and support systems.”

    The Power of Partnerships

    DOCR Community Resource Manager Travis Collins joins Schmalenberger in supporting DOCR and the state’s reentry efforts. Collins underscores the importance of early intervention as a key factor in reentry success for justice-involved individuals.
    “By bringing services into the facilities, we’re not just preparing people for release—we’re helping them build relationships and access the resources they need to succeed from day one,” said Collins.

    Collins’ work includes numerous initiatives to connect with external businesses and organizations. For example, he regularly hosts resource fairs held inside correctional facilities. These events connect individuals with service providers before release, easing their transition back into the community.

    HHS is one agency that plays a significant role in a variety of initiatives by sending team members into correctional facilities to establish these early connections with individuals, increasing the likelihood of post-release follow-through with programs that support housing, job training and medical care.

    NDDOT plays a crucial role in ensuring individuals leaving incarceration have proper identification. Without a state-issued ID, securing employment, housing, and other essential services becomes significantly more difficult. NDDOT staff visit correctional facilities to process ID applications before release, reducing barriers and helping individuals transition more smoothly into society.

    Healthcare

    Ensuring access to healthcare upon release is a critical component of successful reentry. Through a collaborative effort between DOCR and HHS, incarcerated individuals can apply for Medicaid before their release. For eligible participants, this ensures uninterrupted access to essential medical and behavioral health services. This proactive approach helps individuals secure necessary medications, continue treatment for chronic conditions, and access mental health or substance use support as they transition back into the community. By eliminating gaps in coverage, this initiative reduces the risk of health-related setbacks that could contribute to recidivism, promoting stability and long-term success.

    Employment Support

    JSND plays a vital role in supporting both justice-involved individuals and the employer community. Through career readiness classes, JSND support reentry by providing essential job search skills, including resume building, interview techniques, and strategies for addressing justice involvement. Within 90 days of release, participants can attend job fairs to connect with potential employers. Those who complete the Career Readiness class and meet specific criteria may be referred by DOCR to the Job Placement Pilot Program (JP3). Launched in July 2023, JP3 helps individuals secure and retain employment by providing assessments, goal planning, and support services to remove barriers to work. Additional programs, such as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), offer training for in-demand jobs in North Dakota.

    JSND’s efforts are yielding strong results, with program participants achieving employment rates of 75-80%. Data through September 2024 shows that individuals who complete the program earn an average of $9,480 per quarter—significantly higher than those who did not complete it ($2,928) or those who never enrolled ($3,902).

    “The positive impact of this program is evident, not just for individuals but for North Dakota’s workforce as a whole,” said Amy Arenz, JSND Bismarck workforce center manager.

    To further support employers, JSND offers resources such as Federal Bonding, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, and funding for on-the-job training. Additionally, JSND provides education on hiring justice-involved individuals, recently hosting the webinar, “Breaking Barriers: Hiring Justice-Involved Individuals,” where experts and employers shared insights on creating second-chance employment opportunities for a stronger workforce and community.

    The HHS Vocational Rehabilitation program partners with DOCR to support individuals preparing for release by offering vocational assessments, job search training, and career counseling. Services begin three to six months before release to ensure a smooth transition into employment.

    Additionally, DOCR’s Rough Rider Industries (RRI) program provides incarcerated individuals with employment and skill-building opportunities. Those who engage in RRI for at least six months have a significantly lower recidivism rate of 7.9%, compared to the overall DOCR recidivism rate of 37.2%.

    Child Support

    North Dakota Child Support, administered through HHS, recognizes the financial challenges that can arise when a parent is incarcerated and unable to earn income. To support successful re-entry and reduce long-term barriers, HHS pursued a law change that ensures that a parent’s child support obligation is automatically terminated if they are sentenced to 180 days or more. This change helps parents reintegrate and regain financial stability upon release, ultimately benefiting their children in the long run.

    Additionally, an HHS agency rule provides a six-month adjustment period after release before child support obligations are reinstated, allowing time for parents to secure employment and establish financial stability. These updates aim to create a fair and supportive path forward for families while balancing the needs of both parents and children.

    JSND administers the Parental Responsibility Initiative for the Development of Employment (PRIDE) working with individuals referred from child support who are non-custodial parents. This program helps individuals obtain employment or better paying jobs to meet child support obligations.

    Housing, Basic Needs and Recovery Support

    Helping individuals secure stable housing to prevent homelessness upon reentry is another critical dimension of wellness that supports success.

    The Recovery Housing Assistance Program (RHAP) is an HHS state-funded program that provides up to 12 weeks of housing expenses for individuals in recovery, paid directly to participating providers, to help them access safe and stable living environments. Working with a network of approved RHAP providers, the program aims to increase the number of supportive recovery housing environments available in North Dakota, establish and reinforce evidence-based best practices in recovery housing, reduce homelessness, expand individual options for recovery experiences, and provide housing stability, which indirectly impacts employment.

    Recovery housing aims to provide a safe, structured, and supportive environment with peer support, access to community resources, and opportunities for personal growth and recovery.

    Launched in 2018, Free Through Recovery (FTR) is a partnership between HHS and DOCR. The program is designed to increase access to recovery support services for individuals engaged with the criminal justice system who have behavioral health concerns. Participants engage with a Care Coordinator and Peer Support Specialist who help them identify their needs and find creative, effective ways to meet them. Peer support specialists—many of whom have lived experience—serve as mentors, offering guidance and motivation as individuals rebuild their lives.

    Heather Brandt, HHS manager behavioral health community supports, emphasizes the role of recovery services in successful reintegration.

    “Having stable housing and recovery support in place can be the difference between success and returning to the system,” noted Brandt. “Our goal is to create a bridge that helps people find the services and supports.”

    Faith-based organizations and nonprofits also play a vital role in this ecosystem, offering support services, mentorship, and community-based reentry meals at places like Trinity Lutheran Church. DOCR also hosts reentry simulations to give policymakers and community members a firsthand look at the challenges faced by individuals upon release, highlighting the need for structured support systems.

    “Collaboratively, all of these programs are foundational to supporting basic needs, critical dimensions of wellness and overall success,” said Schmalenberger. “Through collaboration, we’re not just reducing recidivism—we’re giving people real opportunities to rebuild their lives.”

    DOCR Director Colby Braun echoed this sentiment.

    “When people return to our communities with the right resources in place, it benefits everyone as it leads to stronger families, safer communities, and better outcomes for all. Successful reentry is more than the success of an individual, it is the success of a community. This is public safety,” said Braun.

    For more information on North Dakota’s reentry initiatives, visit docr.nd.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Thank you to everyone who defends our country”: HSE Academic Council meeting held at the Victory Museum

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Before the meeting, university veterans and members Academic Council laid wreaths and flowers at the sculpture group “Sorrow” in the Hall of Memory and Sorrow. In addition, they took part in the ceremony of transferring 185 stories of students and employees of the Higher School of Economics about their loved ones during the Great Patriotic War to the All-People’s Historical Project “Faces of Victory“.

    In memory of the defenders of the Fatherland

    The official ceremony of handing over the stories was opened by the General Director of the Victory Museum, Alexander Shkolnik. He recalled that the museum and the university had recently signed an agreement on partnership and cooperation. “After all, we are doing one big thing – raising new generations of real citizens of our country. And they can only be real when they know the history of their country, honor and remember its heroes,” he emphasized.

    Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Nikita Anisimov noted that those who have no past cannot be responsible for the future, and the university is responsible for the future. The transfer of stories of students and employees of the HSE about their heroic ancestors to the Faces of Victory project is the university’s contribution to perpetuating the memory of the defenders of the Fatherland.

    “We are grateful to the Victory Museum for the opportunity to pay tribute to the memory and say words of gratitude to the heroes who defended our country in difficult years, and also to hold the Academic Council of the Higher School of Economics here. And we are happy to hand over to the museum 185 stories collected by our students and staff as part of the Faces of Victory project. We are a young university, but many of the HSE students have something in their families that is connected with the Great Patriotic War, they have a story of their heroes. And I also want to say thank you to everyone who is defending our country now. Among them are students and staff of the Higher School of Economics. And their names, I am sure, will be on the next pages of the memorial materials that we are compiling today,” said Nikita Anisimov.

    The hero of one of these stories is the first rector of the Moscow Institute of Electronic Engineering (now Moscow Institute of Electronics and Mathematics Yevgeny Armensky, who volunteered for the front after receiving his high school diploma and ended the war in Prague, was a member of the HSE. Nikita Anisimov noted that he created the glory of Russian engineering education and that it is important to remember this now, when it is being revived in Russia.

    Preservation of historical memory

    After the ceremonial meeting, the Academic Council met. The names of 11,695 Heroes of the Soviet Union are immortalized on the marble pylons of the Hall of Fame, where it was held, and a 10-meter figure of a victorious soldier is installed in the center.

    At the beginning of the meeting, Nikita Anisimov awarded honorary certificates to university veterans: Boris Gerenrot, professor Faculty of Law, and Vladimir Gavrilov, head of the rector’s secretariat from 1998 to 2000. Boris Gerenrot was 15 years old in 1941, he was called up to the front in 1944, and Vladimir Gavrilov survived the war as a child – he was driven away with his family to Germany, and his mother was shot before his eyes.

    The honorary guest of the Academic Council was the scientific director of the Russian Military Historical Society (RMHS) Mikhail Myagkov. He gave a report on the topic “Memory of the Liberators of Europe in the 21st Century”, emphasizing the role of the Soviet Union in the defeat of Nazi Germany.

    Mikhail Myagkov, in particular, said that in Prague, Marshal Konev lost control of the advanced units of the 1st Ukrainian Front for some time because the Praguers surrounded the soldiers and rocked them in their arms. More than 4 thousand monuments and memorials were erected in Europe, and, for example, 90% of the French considered the USSR’s role in the victory decisive, although France was liberated by the armies of the allies.

    Today, in Europe and the USA, the winners are considered to be primarily the British and Americans, history is falsified to suit politics, and American textbooks devote two lines to the Battle of Stalingrad. At the same time, Mikhail Myagkov emphasized, the decisive contribution of the USSR to the victory in the war is confirmed by indisputable facts and figures. On the Soviet-German front, 607 enemy divisions were destroyed, and on the Western front, only 176.

    The speaker answered questions from members of the Academic Council.

    Focus on technology leadership

    The second issue on the agenda of the Academic Council meeting was the participation of HSE in major federal projects and programs.

    Recently, the HSE team successfully defended the university development program before the Council for Support of Development Programs for Higher Education Organizations, taking second place among the participants of the Priority 2030 program. Vice-Rector Elena Odoevskaya presented a new model for implementing this program at the university, emphasizing that the emphasis in it is on technological leadership. In the near future, it is necessary to develop a KPI model for university departments to ensure their contribution to achieving the program’s target indicators.

    First Vice-Rector Leonid Gokhberg reported on the results of the work Center for Artificial Intelligence HSE University, created in 2021 following a large-scale competition. The most significant results: 31 publications at A* conferences and 23 articles in Q1 journals, 31 projects for industrial partners, 45 registered RIAs. More than 1,000 students have completed 34 AI courses created by the center. This year, the university applied for a new competition, the results of which will be announced soon.

    Vice-Rector Sergey Roshchin presented the main findings of the analytical report “The Position of HSE Graduates in the Russian Labor Market”. It notes HSE’s leading positions in terms of graduates’ salaries in most areas of training: IT, business informatics, economics, management, etc. Key employers for HSE graduates are leading bigtech and fintech companies.

    After the meeting, members of the Academic Council, accompanied by tour guides, visited the Victory Museum exhibitions “The Feat of the People” and “The Battle for Moscow. The First Victory.”

    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 –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: The Last Dwarfs Announces Play-to-Invest Web3 Game Merging Strategy, Action, and Crypto Utility

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Last Dwarfs, an innovative Web3 gaming project, is reshaping how users interact with blockchain ecosystems by introducing a fully live Play-to-Invest platform. Positioned at the intersection of strategy gaming and decentralized finance, The Last Dwarfs offers a new kind of crypto experience—one where users play, earn, and grow inside an evolving token-based economy.

    As blockchain gaming gains traction across global markets, The Last Dwarfs is emerging as one of the most operationally advanced projects in the space, with over 300,000 users already onboarded and integrated directly into Telegram and the TON blockchain.

    The Last Dwarfs – A Kingdom in Ruins, A Heroic Mission

    Set in a once-prosperous dwarven kingdom devastated by a Mole invasion, players take on the role of the last surviving dwarves, tasked with rebuilding their homeland through combat, mining, and resource management.

    The game combines interactive action mechanics, like the fast-paced whack-the-mole minigame, with deeper strategy elements. Players collect and refine materials such as Stone, Bronze, Gold, Moonstone, and Sunstone, and use them to craft tools, open Mystery Boxes, upgrade pickaxes, and enhance their mining power.

    Every in-game action generates xTLD, a point-based system that reflects a player’s overall performance, efficiency, and commitment. These points unlock exclusive in-game benefits and offer users an engaging way to build their influence in the ecosystem.

    From Telegram to Treasure: How the Game Works

    Unlike most Web3 games that require complex onboarding, The Last Dwarfs is designed for frictionless access. The game runs natively as a Telegram mini-app, allowing users to jump in with just one tap—no extensions, wallets, or downloads required.

    Once inside, players can mine resources, craft items, and level up their dwarves to unlock new gameplay features and increase their strategic potential. As players progress, they gain access to exclusive systems like the Gamified Launchpad, which connects users with real blockchain opportunities through interactive challenges and future integrations.

    Crafting and Strategy – Not Just Clicks, But Choices

    Progressing in The Last Dwarfs isn’t about grinding mindlessly. It’s about smart resource management and making meaningful decisions.

    Players can:

    • Craft Mystery Boxes containing gems, extra pickaxe durability, or bonus diamonds.
    • Upgrade pickaxes to mine more efficiently and access rarer materials.
    • Balance combat, mining, and crafting to optimize their growth and unlock new tools.

    This creates a dynamic loop where strategic choices amplify progress, making the game both satisfying for casual players and deeply engaging for those who enjoy optimization and planning.

    Final Thoughts – Why The Last Dwarfs Is More Than Just Play-to-Earn

    By blending gameplay, token mechanics, and investment strategy, The Last Dwarfs is building an entirely new genre in the blockchain space: Play-to-Invest. This model transforms traditional gaming incentives into strategic, crypto-powered progress, empowering users not just to play, but to build real value.

    With ongoing updates, new features in development, and a growing user base already in place, The Last Dwarfs is poised to become one of the most disruptive and accessible projects in Web3 gaming.

    For More Information:

    Website: https://thelastdwarfs.com

    Whitepaper: https://whitepaper.thelastdwarfs.com

    Telegram: https://t.me/TheLastDwarfsCommunity

    Twitter: https://x.com/TheLastDwarfs

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

    The MIL Network –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: McGovern, Brown, Hayes Introduce Bill Blocking GOP Plan To Cut SNAP Benefits For Tax Cuts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)

    ** VIDEO: Press Conference Announcing The Hunger Free Future Act **

     

    WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Tuesday, Representatives James P. McGovern (D-MA), Shontel Brown (D-OH), and Jahana Hayes (D-CT) introduced The Hunger Free Future Act to protect the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from backdoor benefit cuts. 

    The legislation has 56 cosponsors in the House. 

    The Hunger Free Future Act requires that any updates to the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) do not result in an increase in hunger among low-income families. The USDA uses the Thrifty Food Plan to determine benefit size. SNAP maximum allotments (benefit amounts) are updated each year based on the cost of the Thrifty Food Plan in June, taking effect on Oct. 1. The Thrifty Food Plan is the cost of groceries needed to provide a healthy, budget-conscious diet for a family of four. 

    The House Republican budget resolution, which passed in February, calls for $230 billion in cuts to SNAP. According to reporting by Politico, Congressional Republicans are primarily targeting changes to the Thrifty Food Plan to execute these cuts. 

    “SNAP helps make sure children, seniors, veterans, and Americans with disabilities have enough food to stay healthy. Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress are going after these very modest benefits –about $2 per meal – to pay for tax breaks for billionaires. It’s a special kind of cruel to take food out of the mouths of hungry people to fund yet another tax break for the richest people in this country,” said Congressman James P. McGovern, Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and a senior Member of the Committee on Agriculture. “Our bill is simple: it will protect modest SNAP benefits and make sure future updates don’t make hunger worse.”  

    “Donald Trump and Elon Musk: take your hands off SNAP. This bill sends a loud and clear message: we won’t let Republicans gut food assistance to fund tax handouts to billionaires,” said Congresswoman Shontel Brown, Vice Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture. “I’m proud to introduce the Hunger Free Future Act with two relentless anti-hunger champions, Congressman McGovern and Congresswoman Hayes, backed by over 50 of our colleagues. Our bill would block Republican efforts to fund tax cuts for the wealthy by making backdoor cuts to SNAP benefits through so-called reforms to the Thrifty Food Plan. Slashing SNAP to help the ultra-wealthy buy another yacht isn’t just wrong—it’s heartless, gutless, and shameless. We will fight this every step of the way.”

    “Forty-seven million food insecure Americans are too many. Yet at every chance House Republicans continue to push for crush feeding programs,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture. “SNAP is our most effective anti-hunger tool ensuring children, families, and seniors get the nutritious food they need to live healthy lives. Efforts to shrink the program will devastate our most vulnerable communities. I am pleased to join Rep. Brown and Rep. McGovern in introducing the Hunger-Free Future Act to block any changes that would compromise SNAP or exacerbate food insecurity in our country.”

    “At a time when some Congressional leaders are threatening to cut federal nutrition programs, we are pleased to see Reps. Brown, Hayes, and McGovern take a stand for the more than 42 million Americans relying on SNAP to keep food on the table. The Hunger-Free Future Act keeps future benefit adjustments for the Thrifty Food Plan, the basis for determining a household’s monthly SNAP allotment, ensuring that children, older adults, people with disabilities, veterans and those living in rural areas, can continue to afford the food they need for an adequate diet,” said Crystal FitzSimons, interim president of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). “We want a country where children thrive, families have what they need, and our economy works for everyone, and that vision requires protecting and strengthening SNAP. We urge Congress to reject proposals that would weaken SNAP and instead focus on strengthening this nutrition lifeline.” 

    Bill text available here.

    In addition to bill sponsor Brown and co-leads McGovern and Hayes, the following members are cosponsors of the Hunger Free Future Act: Rep. Adams (NC-12), Rep. Ansari (AZ-03), Rep. Beatty (OH-03), Rep. Bell (MO-01), Rep. Bishop (GA-02), Rep. Carson (IN-07) Rep. Carter (LA-02), Rep. Chu (CA-28), Rep. Cohen (TN-09), Rep. Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Rep. Davis (IL-07), Rep. McClain Delaney (MD-06), Rep. DelBene (WA-01), Rep. Dingell (MI-06), Rep. Fields (LA-06), Rep. Figures (AL-02), Rep. Goldman (NY-10), Rep. Gottheimer (NJ-05), Rep. Jacobs (CA-51), Rep. Jackson (IL-01), Rep. Johnson (GA-04), Rep. Johnson (TX-32), Rep. Kelly (IL-02), Rep. Khanna (CA-17), Rep. Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Rep. Landsman (OH-01), Rep. Latimer (NY-16), Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Rep. McIver (NJ-10), Rep. Meng (NY-06), Rep. Moore (WI-04), Rep. Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Rep. Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Rep. Pingree (MA-01), Rep. Pressley (MA-07), Rep. Ramirez (IL-03), Rep. Riley (NY-19), Rep. Rivas (CA-29) Rep. Salinas (OR-06), Rep. Scanlon (PA-05), Rep. Smith (WA-09), Rep. Sorenson (Il-17), Rep. Soto (FL-09), Rep. Stevens (MI-03), Rep. Stickland (WA-10), Rep. Sykes (OH-13), Rep. Thanedar (MI-13), Rep. Thompson (MS-02), Rep. Tlaib (MI-12), Rep. Tonko (NY-20), Rep. Titus (NV-01), Rep. Tokuda (HI-02), Rep. Vargas (CA-52), Rep. Velazquez (NY-07)

    Additional Background

    1. In 2021, the Biden Administration updated the Thrifty Food Plan, providing the first real increase in SNAP purchasing power in decades. For more information on possible Republican cuts to the Thrifty Food Plan, click here.
    2. According to the USDA, 21% of households in Congresswoman Brown’s district, OH-11 (75,000 households total) rely on SNAP benefits, including 31% of Black households. The percentage of households in OH-11 that depend on SNAP is the highest for a congressional district in Ohio. 
    3. Congresswoman Brown has made fighting for SNAP recipients a priority. Brown invited the President of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank as her guest to President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress. She also recently took part in the SNAP Challenge, attempting to purchase a week’s worth of groceries on a budget of $42, reflecting that the average daily benefit for SNAP is just six dollars. 
    4. On March 17, Brown and McGovern joined all Agriculture Committee Democrats in a letter led by Ranking Member Hayes to Committee Chairman Thompson urging bipartisan negotiations on the farm bill and opposing harmful cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Decarbonising homes and buildings

    Source: Scottish Government

    Revised Heat in Buildings Bill to be brought forward

    A revised Heat in Buildings Bill will set a new target for decarbonising heating systems by 2045 alongside continuing work to reduce fuel poverty.

    Acting Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan today confirmed the Scottish Government’s intention to bring forward a revised Bill for consideration by the Scottish Parliament later in 2025, to include:

    • A target for decarbonising heating systems by 2045, sending a strong signal to homeowners, landlords and other building owners on the need to prepare for change while outlining collective actions to help do this.
    • Provisions to boost heat network development by developing requirements for large, non-domestic premises, including powers to require public sector buildings to connect to district heating when available.
    • Powers to set minimum energy efficiency standards for owner/occupier and non-domestic properties, subject to further consideration. Regulations will be progressed under existing powers to introduce a minimum energy efficiency standard in the private rented sector.

    Dr Allan said:

    “It is vital that we find the right balance both to reach net zero by 2045, and reduce fuel poverty.

    “Many households, families and businesses are facing difficult circumstances right now and it is simply unaffordable for many building owners to make great changes in the near future – particularly for those in rural and island locations, whose needs and circumstances we must continue to consider carefully. 

    “Our plan to deliver a revised Bill responds to the legitimate reservations and concerns raised since our consultation completed, including the risk of exacerbating fuel poverty and burdening every individual householder with an overly onerous responsibility as we decarbonise.

    “Instead of placing prohibitions on every homeowner, we will establish targets for Government to reach. Rather than looking at action through the lens of decarbonising alone, we will also commit to doing everything within our power to reduce costs for people.”

    The proposed Bill will remain technology-neutral, reflecting that different properties and people will require different solutions – for example, clean heating solutions in some remote and rural areas may vary from urban areas.

    The Bill would accompany related work on a Social Housing Net Zero Standard and reform of Energy Performance Certificates under existing powers.

    Dr Allan also welcomed the second report by the independent Green Heat Finance taskforce, published today. This also takes a collective approach, focusing on options for financing place-based solutions, heat networks and social housing retrofit.

    He added:

    “This report makes a very important contribution to our understanding of the work we need to do to boost clean heat demand amongst consumers and instil market confidence to develop new products, including financing solutions.

    “It also identifies key steps the UK Government needs to take to stimulate the clean heat market and reduce fuel poverty, in particular emphasising the importance of rebalancing relative gas and electricity prices, which we continue to push for.”

    Background

    Responses to consultation on proposals for a Heat in Buildings Bill undertaken in 2023-24 

    Green Heat Finance Taskforce Report: part 2

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Grigorenko: 28 Russian regions have started using the “governor’s dashboard”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    April 3, 2025

    Dmitry Grigorenko held a meeting of the State Council commission on “Communications, communications, digital economy”

    28 Russian regions have completed testing of the digital management panel, the so-called governor’s dashboard. With the help of this system, the Government provides the subjects of the Russian Federation with information on key areas of activity of each region. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister – Chief of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko during a meeting of the State Council Commission on Communications, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy.

    The Governor’s dashboard presents current indicators on key areas of the region’s work and its interaction with the federal center:

    ● work with federal orders and legislative initiatives;

    ● execution of federal and regional budgets;

    ● implementation of national projects;

    ● information on the implementation of construction plans in the region (schools, hospitals, kindergartens, etc.);

    ● federal ratings, etc.

    “The implementation of the system allows us to significantly increase the speed and quality of management decisions. Thus, the “governor’s dashboard” presents up-to-date data on key areas of the region’s work and its interaction with the federal center. They are the same for both governors and federal authorities. Our common goal is to improve the quality of life of citizens. A unified approach to information analysis, common metrics throughout the country allow us to build effective interaction at all levels, minimize errors due to unreliability or inaccuracy of data,” noted Dmitry Grigorenko.

    The Governor’s Dashboard is part of the digital public administration system, which is used at the federal level. One of the key results of connecting pilot subjects of the Russian Federation to the digital analytical panel is the elimination of discrepancies between regional and federal data sources. Integration with the electronic document management system of the Government Office has also been completed. This gave regions prompt, direct access to federal instructions, the status of appeals to the Government, and regulatory activities. As a result, all data that was previously distributed across various electronic systems began to be displayed in a single window with the ability to track indicators in real time.

    The pilot project for the implementation of digital panels in regional management includes the Nizhny Novgorod Region, the Republic of Buryatia, the Komi Republic, the Republic of Mordovia, the Udmurt Republic, Khabarovsk Krai, Amur Region, Arkhangelsk Region, Volgograd Region, Irkutsk Region, Kaliningrad Region, Kaluga Region, Kamchatka Krai, Kurgan Region, Kursk Region, Magadan Region, Orenburg Region, Ryazan Region, Samara Region, Saratov Region, Sakhalin Region, Tomsk Region, Tyumen Region, Zabaykalsky Krai, Yaroslavl Region, St. Petersburg, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. It is planned that the remaining regions will implement dashboards in their management by the end of the year.

    The dashboard prototype was developed on the basis of the state analytical automated system “Management”, which is used to monitor the activities of the Government, the implementation of national projects, state programs and the achievement of national development goals of the country. At the same time, each governor can set up a system for monitoring specific projects or tasks, the implementation of which is most urgently needed by the region.

    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 –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Bio-Convert Receives Positive Feedback from The Danish Medicine Agency (DKMA) on its Lead Drug Candidate, QR-02 for Oral Leukoplakia

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BEVERLY HILLS, California, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bio-Convert A/S (“Bio-Convert”), a subsidiary of Nordicus Partners Corporation (OTCQB: NORD) (“Nordicus” or the “Company”), a financial consulting company specializing in supporting Nordic and U.S. life sciences companies in establishing themselves in the U.S. market, announces it has received positive and constructive feedback from the Danish Medicine Agency (“DKMA”) for its lead drug candidate, QR-02 for the treatment of oral leukoplakia.

    DKMA’s feedback paves the way toward a First in Human trial, with a high likelihood of animal studies rendered dispensable for the proposed formulation and route of application.

    Allan Wehnert, CEO and Founder of Bio-Convert commented: “DKMA gave valuable and clear guidance, providing us with a clear pathway towards the initiation of the First in Human trial with QR-02 which is expected to start end of 2025.”

    Bio-Convert has developed a unique and proprietary mucoadhesive oral topical formulation for the treatment of oral leukoplakia with moderate to severe dysplasia.

    The unique feature of the gel formulation (QR-02) is its ability to stay in the oral cavity for 12-24 hours, which is significantly longer than conventional gel formulations which only stay in the oral cavity for 15-20 minutes due to the large washout effect caused by mouth saliva. The active ingredient is imiquimod which is approved for the treatment of Actinic Keratosis, External Genital Warts and Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma (sBCC).

    The goal for QR-02 is to cure and reduce the level of dysplasia so patients with oral leukoplakia potentially can be cured from their disorder.

    For further information, contact:
    Mr. Henrik Rouf
    Chief Executive Officer
    hr@nordicuspartners.com
    Tel +1 310 666 0750

    About Bio-Convert
    Bio-Convert’s mission is to develop the preferred treatment for oral leukoplakia. Our innovative therapeutic agent, QR-02, uses a novel drug delivery technology, that enables more precise, effective and efficient treatment.

    About Nordicus Partners Corporation
    Nordicus Partners Corporation is the only U.S. publicly traded business accelerator and holding company for Nordic life sciences companies. Leveraging decades of combined management experience in domestic and global corporate sectors, Nordicus excels in corporate finance activities including business and market development, growth strategies, talent acquisition, partnership building, capital raising, and facilitating company acquisitions and sales. In 2024, Nordicus acquired 100% of Orocidin A/S, a Danish preclinical-stage biotech company developing next-generation therapies for periodontitis and 100% of Bio-Convert A/S, a Danish preclinical-stage biotech company dedicated to revolutionizing the treatment of oral leukoplakia. For more information about Nordicus, please visit: www.nordicuspartners.com, and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Threads and BlueSky.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:
    This press release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue” or “believe” or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. You should read statements that contain these words carefully because they discuss our plans, strategies, prospects and expectations concerning our business, operating results, financial condition and other similar matters. We believe that it is important to communicate our future expectations to our investors. There may be events in the future, however, that we are not able to predict accurately or control. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release speaks only as of the date on which we make it. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. 

    The MIL Network –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Investico.com Implements Advanced Encryption Protocols to Secure Data

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Investico.com, a name in the financial industry, operated by Faraz Financial Services (PTY) Limited, offers CFD trading. As a company focused on financial solutions, it offers a range of tools designed to simplify financial-related activities and enhance efficiency, security, and accessibility for users. In its commitment to security, the Company implements advanced encryption protocols to protect sensitive user data. This is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance its security measures, ensuring a safer environment for all involved in CFD operations. By prioritizing data protection, it continues to build trust with its users and demonstrates its dedication to maintaining a high level of security.

    As concerns regarding data security have become more prevalent, Investico.com recognizes the importance of safeguarding the information entrusted to it by its users. The company has chosen to implement a series of robust encryption techniques that are designed to provide users with an additional layer of protection against potential threats. These encryption protocols are intended to prevent unauthorized access and to ensure that financial information is safely transmitted over the internet.

    As a third party, it is acknowledged that security has always been a priority for the company. This proactive move aims to address growing concerns around online privacy, ensuring that user data remains protected at all times.

    The company’s efforts reflect a clear understanding of the challenges and risks associated with handling sensitive financial information. By incorporating these encryption protocols, it aims to minimize the likelihood of data breaches and other vulnerabilities. This move highlights the company’s dedication to staying ahead of emerging cyber threats and ensuring that users can have confidence in the protection of their data.

    As part of the broader digital finance landscape, the company is aware of the need to maintain trust and reliability. This is a step forward in safeguarding the interests of its users and ensuring that their personal and financial data is protected from potential cyber threats. With these encryption measures in place, the company offers a secure environment and continues to build trust within the digital finance community.

    The integration of these advanced encryption protocols will help the company address concerns about data protection and build even more trust with its growing user base. As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the user experience, the company is committed to continuously improving its protective measures to stay ahead of the latest threats and to maintain a secure platform for all.

    In conclusion, the company’s implementation of advanced encryption protocols marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts to improve safety and protect user data. With a focus on delivering a secure financial environment, it remains dedicated to the needs of its users, striving to offer peace of mind when it comes to data protection.

    This content is based on observations and serves as an independent perspective on the company’s support structure and user engagement.

    About Investico.com

    Investico.com provides a CFD trading platform under Faraz Financial Services (PTY) Limited, a company regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority in South Africa with license number 45518. It focused on ensuring secure financial transactions and safeguarding sensitive data. Known for its commitment to implementing the best practices, it provides users with a secure environment for their financial activities. With a strong emphasis on protecting personal and financial data, the company continually enhances its security infrastructure to ensure users’ peace of mind.

    From a third-party perspective, it is observed that the company has been recognized for its efforts to integrate advanced technology into its services, making sure that security is never compromised. The company’s approach includes adopting encryption protocols and other measures designed to keep data safe from unauthorized access. This shows its dedication to meeting the highest standards of privacy, which are essential for users in the digital financial landscape.

    Company Details

    Company Name: Faraz Financial Services (PTY) Limited
    Email Address: info@investico.com
    Company Address: Unit 9, 31 First Avenue East, Parktown North, Johannesburg, Gauteng 2193, South Africa.
    Company Website: https://www.investico.com/international/

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Investico.com. 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. 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. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    The MIL Network –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Slams President Trump’s Newly Announced Tariffs That Will Raise Prices For Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    April 02, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement after President Trump unveiled his latest round of tariffs, which will raise prices for Americans, unleash a global trade war, and harm our economy:
    “The President is risking a recession with this national sales tax he calls tariffs—while needlessly alienating our closest allies. When American families see what this does to the price of goods, such as cars, groceries, and gas, it is going to create a negative economic force across this country and cost a lot of American jobs. President Trump seems enamored with tariffs, but he’s going to have a heck of a time explaining how this is going to help reduce the cost of living for Americans.”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Over £12m invested to improve city’s urban infrastructure

    Source: City of Derby

    The Council’s investment in building and maintaining urban infrastructure has been highlighted in a new report going to Cabinet on Wednesday 9 April.

    Over £12m has been invested across Derby to deliver wide ranging improvements across the city’s green and grey urban infrastructure. This includes almost 25km of road and over 12km of pavement maintenance as we look to improve the condition of our travel infrastructure.

    The environment has been at the heart of many of these schemes as we look to build a greener, more sustainable city, including large signal replacement schemes to improve efficiency, and the continued work of our Transforming Cities Programme.

    This green push goes beyond delivering physical infrastructure. We worked to decarbonise our highway maintenance operations and employed innovative in-situ recycling techniques to reduce lorry movements and minimise waste.

    Several schemes have also improved safety on roads around the city, including traffic calming measures, School Safe Havens, and ensuring over 200 sets of traffic signals and crossings have been maintained.

    To allow further improvements over the next year, Cabinet will be asked to formally accept over £15m of funding from the East Midlands Combined County Authority and approve a £9.5m capital programme for City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, Bus Service Improvement Plan, and Active Travel Fund.

    The City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement was allocated to Mayoral Combined Authorities following the cancellation of HS2 and would not have been accessible without the creation of EMCCA.

    The report also sets out the proposed capital programmes for a number of key strategic areas including Highways and Transport (£9.4m), Vehicle Plant and Equipment (£5.2m), Flood Defence (£0.25m), and Parks and Open Spaces (£0.3m).

    Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport, and Sustainability, said:

    Our urban infrastructure plays a huge part in the lives of our citizens; from the roads and paths they travel on to the parks where they relax and exercise. Over the past year we’ve worked hard to make sure these assets are in the best condition, and I am confident that this will continue over the next year.

    This isn’t without it’s challenges, and demand for new infrastructure and maintenance continues to escalate, which all costs money. However, I am delighted that funding has been offered from EMCCA to allow such works to continue.

    This influx of funding is good news for Derby. While it’s no secret that we’re navigating a tricky financial situation, I’m glad that we are still able to support these important programmes which are connecting communities, making our streets safer, and our city greener.

    By approving these programmes prior to the start of the financial year means that the schemes, projects and initiatives are delivered in the best possible way and achieve value for money.

    2025/26 will be the first year to be supported through direct investment by EMCCA, which is now the majority funder of Derby City Council’s capital programme. This investment will be subject to appropriate EMCCA strategic plans, governance, assurance and performance processes.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: International Marketing: SUM to Train the Specialists of the Future

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    The State University of Management announces the launch of a new English-language Master’s program in international marketing “International Marketing and Brand Management” in the “Management” program.

    The international English-language program combines academic knowledge, practical cases, and work with real industry experts – key components of preparing a successful marketing director for an international company. Graduates will learn how to enter new markets, create unique promotion strategies, and increase business competitiveness.

    The program was prepared by the Department of Marketing of Services and Brand Management, which has extensive experience working with foreign students.

    The training involves an emphasis on digital technologies and ESG marketing, a focus on developing partnerships and promoting key brand values. Graduates will learn how to enter new markets, create unique promotion strategies, increase business competitiveness and develop sales.

    The developers are confident that the program will be of interest not only to foreign but also to Russian applicants planning to engage in marketing in the foreign economic environment, who are passionate about digital technologies and interested in improving their English language proficiency.

    The program will be implemented in cooperation with the University’s International Service and partners of the Institute of Marketing.

    “I am sure that graduates of the program will be in demand in various sectors of the economy. There is always a consistently high demand for quality marketers. And if they also know how to win in the competitive struggle in foreign markets, know how to communicate with foreign colleagues – such professionals are extremely rare. The demand for them is growing very quickly. We took on the task of training “international” marketers as a result of studying the demand of large and well-known employers in Russia and abroad. They are waiting for such specialists,” noted the Director of the Institute of Marketing, Professor G.L. Azoev.

    Graduates of the program will be able to apply for career positions: marketing director, head of the brand management department, head of the company’s regional division, communications manager, brand analyst, etc. The best students will receive offers to do internships already in their first year of study.

    Details about the program can be found on the official page.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 04/03/2025

    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 –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: Developers – participants of the SEZ are entering the active phase of housing construction

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    In Donetsk and Lugansk, an active phase of building houses has begun at a number of construction sites for new residential complexes. One of the necessary stages in this life cycle of projects is the installation of tower cranes, reported Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    “Construction has a multiplier effect: building materials are purchased, jobs are created, tax deductions are generated for the budget, and the infrastructure of populated areas is updated. Therefore, in order to grow the economy of new regions and update the housing stock there, the task is to “shake up” investment construction. Today, a number of developers in the reunited regions have entered the active phase of constructing facilities. For example, a 50-meter tower crane has already been installed on the territory of the future large-scale residential area on Lineva Street in Lugansk for the construction of a 9-story building with 80 apartments, and a crane has been brought to the construction site of the first new residential complex in Donetsk in ten years and is being prepared for assembly,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    Both developers are participants in the free economic zone, which is managed by the Development Fund of Territories.

    “Currently, a new microdistrict is being built in Lugansk on a land plot of 31.9 hectares. The living area of the houses will be 368.8 thousand square meters. It is planned that already in 2026, more than 6 thousand families will be able to improve their living conditions. And in Donetsk, a 22-storey building with 105 apartments is being built. The residential complex will have its own parking lot, as well as sports and children’s playgrounds, recreation areas. All necessary construction materials – concrete, reinforcement, crushed stone and cement – are purchased, including from local manufacturers, which supports the development of local enterprises,” added FRT General Director Ilshat Shagiakhmetov.

    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 –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The EU subsidiaries of third country players account for 10% of total EU assets. Their presence is more significant in the derivatives market, the EBA Report finds

    Source: European Banking Authority

    The European Banking Authority (EBA) today published two Reports on the market share of subsidiaries of non-EU banks in the EU, as well as on EU banks’ assets and liabilities in foreign currencies. The market share of EU subsidiaries of third country banking groups amounts to 10.17% of total assets as of December 2023, mostly owing to exposures towards credit institutions and other financial corporations in the EU. Of the individual asset categories, the market share of third country players is highest in derivatives while their largest sources of income are fees and commission income and interest income from credit institutions and other financial corporations.

    As of December 2023, the market share of third country players was 10.17% of total assets, and accounted for 33.73% in derivatives, 8.17% in loans and 6.06% in debt securities. More than 70% of loans and derivatives were granted to counterparties domiciled outside the home country. The market share of third country players mostly owed to exposures towards credit institutions and other financial corporations in the EU, amounting to 30.79% and 22.44% of total assets of all counterparties, respectively.

    As of December 2023, the assets reported by subsidiaries of third country banking groups towards credit institutions and other financial corporations accounted for 78% of total assets. Moreover, 80% of these assets were located outside of the country where the subsidiaries were domiciled.

    In relation to the P&L items, the market share of subsidiaries of third country banking groups represented 5.16% of interest income, 1.85% of dividend income, 12.22% of fee and commission income and 32.28% of other operating income. Subsidiaries of third country banking groups enjoyed a high market share on fee income originating from commodities (77.34%), fiduciary transactions (48.74%), central bank administrative services for collective investment (30.57%), corporate finance (30.19%), custody (25.68%) and foreign exchange (19.73%).

    Finally, in terms of the assets involved in the services provided, the market share of subsidiaries of third country banking groups is high in central administrative services for collective investment (53.11%), fiduciary transactions (28.87%) and custody assets (20.55%).

    The Reports also show that EU/EEA banks hold nearly 30% of their exposures in foreign currencies, while they receive 21% of total funding in foreign currencies (without including foreign subsidiaries of EU banks). Foreign currency funding consists of funding in Euro (4% of total funding), other EEA currencies (1.9% of total funding) and other foreign currencies (14.7% of total funding). The US dollar is the main contributor to funding in other foreign currencies (12% of total funding).

    On wholesale funding, EU/EEA banks mainly tap markets of foreign currency funding. Unsecured wholesale funding represents two thirds of total foreign currency funding, followed by repurchase agreements (13% of foreign currency funding). More than half of unsecured wholesale funding in foreign currencies comes from financial customers, while non-financial customers provide less than a third of unsecured wholesale funding in foreign currencies.

    On net stable funding ratio (NSFR), EU banks’ buffers remain comfortably above the minimum requirement both for the total NSFR ratio and for the NSFR in the main significant currencies. The average foreign currency NSFR is below 100% only for Norwegian krone and Japanese yen. The average NSFR in USD stood at 107.2% as of December 2023,  higher than the level observed in June 2021 (83%). However, the NSFR in USD remains below 100% for 60 banks out of the 267 banks reporting USD as a significant currency.

    Note to the editors

    1. The identification of non-EU entities and operators was made based on the country of domicile of the ultimate parent.
    2. The EBA relied on different data sources to carry out the analyses included in the Report. The analysis on funding structure and assets and liabilities in foreign currency is based on EBA supervisory reporting data. The investigation of the market share relies mainly on FINREP templates, available at the EBA for banking groups (i.e. institutions that report on a consolidated basis). However, only a limited number of subsidiaries of third country banking groups have established a banking group in the EU and report on a consolidated basis, while the majority of the subsidiaries operate on a solo basis and report FINREP individual templates. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Standard Premium Finance Holdings, Inc. Announces Execution of Employment Agreements with CEO and CFO

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, FL, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Standard Premium Finance Holdings, Inc. (OTCQX: SPFX) (the “Company” or “Standard”) today announced that on March 31, 2025, it entered into employment agreements with William Koppelmann, its President and Chief Executive Officer, and Brian Krogol, its Chief Financial Officer. The agreements, approved by the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors, provide for a five-year term, securing the brain trust and proprietary trade secrets of the Company, and establish the compensation framework for the Company’s top executives.

    The agreements follow a Management by Objectives (MBO) approach, tying executive compensation directly to key performance indicators that drive shareholder value, including growth targets, profitability metrics and the uplisting of the Company’s common stock to the NASDAQ Stock Market. Mr. Koppelmann and Mr. Krogol will receive competitive compensation packages, including a base salary, performance-based incentives, and equity grants.

    “The execution of these agreements reflects our confidence in the leadership team of Bill Koppelmann and Brian Krogol,” said Carl C. Hoechner, Chairman of the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. “Their expertise and commitment have been instrumental in the Company’s continued success, and we look forward to their leadership in the years ahead.”

    About Standard Premium Finance Holdings, Inc.

    Standard Premium Finance Holdings, Inc. (OTCQX: SPFX) is an industry-specific holding company pursuing merger and acquisition opportunities of synergistic businesses to take advantage of the economies of scale within the specialty finance industry. SPFX companies have provided financing solutions in excess of $2 Billion to businesses and individuals securing coverage for their property and casualty insurance policies. SPFX companies currently operate in more than thirty-five states throughout the U.S. With a market exceeding $80 Billion in total premiums financed annually, SPFX continuously seeks advantages of roll-up opportunities in a historically consolidating industry while providing maximum value for its shareholders.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, statements regarding our outlook on the future performance of Standard. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate”, “expect”, “will”, “opportunity” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition; macroeconomic factors; plans; objectives; growth opportunities; assumptions; risks; future performance; business; and results of operations, including revenue, and net income. Neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. Standard undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.

    All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those that we expected. More information about factors that could affect our results of operations and risks and uncertainties are provided in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which may be obtained by visiting our investor relations website at www.standardpremium.com/investors or the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    For more information, contact Media Relations at info@standardpremium.com

    The MIL Network –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Uganda’s speedy motorbike taxis will slow down for cash – if incentives are cleverly designed

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Claude Raisaro, Assistant Professor, International Economics, Graduate Institute – Institut de hautes études internationales et du développement (IHEID)

    Every day, 10 people die on the roads of Kampala, Uganda’s capital.

    Road accidents cost Uganda US$1.2 billion annually, which is about 5% of its GDP. The cost typically arises from healthcare spending. Families face crippling medical bills and businesses lose workers.

    Motorbike taxis, which are popular in Uganda, are a leading cause of accidents. They are responsible for 64% of all recorded accidents – mostly as a result of speeding.

    Why do so many motorbike taxi drivers in Uganda speed? The common wisdom suggests that they do it for financial reasons. Higher speed translates to more trips, and more trips mean more income.

    But a closer look reveals a more complex reality: speeding isn’t just a money decision – it’s about social pressure among motorbike taxi drivers and the need to adhere with behaviours that signal masculinity. Most drivers are male.

    Uganda’s current approaches to counter speeding include fines and awareness campaigns. There is little evidence that these methods have been effective.

    My recent study in Kampala challenges these traditional road safety approaches, which often fail to change behaviour. I am a behavioural economist, and my findings show offering financial incentives can work – but only if these incentives provide drivers with a socially acceptable reason to slow down.

    Financial incentives need to be made public, and only work when they allow motorbike taxi drivers to justify safer behaviour to their peers. This is key, because getting road safety incentives right saves lives. It also reduces healthcare costs, lowers fuel consumption and emissions, and helps shift harmful social norms that encourage reckless driving.

    Why drivers speed

    My research finds that speeding among motorbike taxi drivers isn’t just a financial decision in Uganda, it’s a social one. Drivers work in tight-knit communities where reputation matters as much as income.

    I collected data from a representative sample of 386 passengers and found commuters prefer safer drivers and are willing to pay up to 8% more for careful driving. Yet, speeding remains the norm.

    The reason? Driving fast is a status symbol for motorbike taxi drivers.

    I carried out an experiment to test whether drivers who speed are perceived more positively by their co-workers. Results are clear: fast drivers are perceived as more skilled and have a higher social status, measured as their ability to influence decisions at their taxi stations.

    This presents a policy challenge: how can financial incentives encourage safer driving without making drivers feel like they are losing respect among their peers?

    To test how financial incentives could encourage safer driving, I conducted an experiment in which a research team offered 360 drivers two options:

    1. a contract that paid them a daily incentive of UGSh6,000 (US$1.64) – roughly a third of their daily income – for observing speed limits

    2. or an equivalent lump sum cash payment with no conditions attached, including limiting a driver’s speed.

    But the framing of these choices mattered.

    • Some drivers knew their decision would be private, meaning no one else would know if they took the safe-driving contract.

    • Others knew that only the safe-driving contract would be public, while the alternative lump sum cash option remained private – giving them a socially acceptable reason to slow down.

    • A third group knew their decision would be fully public, meaning their peers would see if they chose the safe-driving contract over the lump sum.

    The results were clear. Twice as many drivers accepted the safe-driving contract when it was public and provided a justification for slower speeds.

    Why? Because when the incentive was visible but also justified, drivers could explain their decision as a financial one:

    I’m not driving slower because I’m scared, I’m doing it because I’m getting paid.

    The design of this experiment allowed me to answer the question: what mechanism favours socially desirable behaviours when incentives are offered?

    But would the drivers actually slow down?

    Did it work?

    To see whether these contracts actually changed driving behaviour, I conducted an impact experiment, offering incentives for two weeks and tracking drivers for six months.

    Drivers were randomly offered one of the following contracts:

    1. a private safe-driving contract – where only the driver knew about the financial reward

    2. a public safe-driving contract – where their peers knew they were being paid to slow down

    3. a control group – who received a contract consisting of a simple cash payment with no conditions.

    The results were striking. While both safe-driving contracts reduced speeding, the public contract was nearly twice as effective as the private one. The most significant reductions were seen in extreme speeding (occurrences of 80km/h or more) – the kind most likely to cause severe accidents.

    The key takeaway is that visibility makes incentives work, but only when it provides justification. If a driver had to publicly choose the safe-driving contract over another cash offer, it lost effectiveness. But when structured as a justifiable contract, it allowed drivers to slow down without social consequences.

    Reframing safe driving as a smart decision, not just a rule, is important. Featuring respected drivers in safety programmes can potentially help shift perceptions of what makes a “good” driver.

    Finally, drivers operate in tight social networks. Policies should be developed with their input rather than imposed externally. Programmes that actively engage drivers will be more widely accepted and successful.

    Rethinking how incentives shape behaviour

    Speeding is often framed as a problem of reckless individuals making bad choices. My research shows that’s rarely the case – rather it’s about social incentives and peer influence.

    A poorly designed financial incentive may slow drivers down temporarily, but it won’t change long-term behaviour. Incentives that help drivers escape the social pressure of adopting risky behaviours may shift norms – creating lasting improvements in road safety, economic efficiency and environmental impact.

    Claude Raisaro receives funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation (grant no. 195266), the Forschungskredit of the University of Zurich (grant no. FK-22-020), the Swiss Re Foundation for Research in Development Economics, and SurveyCTO. He is affiliated with Mistra Center for Sustainable Markets at Stockholm School of Economics.

    – ref. Uganda’s speedy motorbike taxis will slow down for cash – if incentives are cleverly designed – https://theconversation.com/ugandas-speedy-motorbike-taxis-will-slow-down-for-cash-if-incentives-are-cleverly-designed-249608

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Mining Week Unveils 2025 Program, Connecting Investors to African Projects

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

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 3, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The African Mining Week (AMW) conference and exhibition has officially launched its 2025 program, unveiling key topics and lucrative opportunities across Africa’s mining value chain. The three-day program will foster collaboration on investment, value addition, local content development and industrialization. Bringing together African regulators, key mining stakeholders and global partners, AMW serves as a critical platform for shaping the future of African mining.

    Download the program here: https://apo-opa.co/42kb940

    Scheduled for October 1–3 in Cape Town, AMW takes place under the theme, From Extraction to Beneficiation: Unlocking Africa’s Mineral Wealth. The event is co-located with the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies conference, providing attendees a strategic opportunity to gain insight into opportunities across both the energy and mining sectors in Africa.

    The AMW program features the Ministerial Forum, where African and global mining ministers will connect to showcase investment opportunities, discuss regulatory frameworks and highlight efforts to drive local beneficiation and value addition. Through policy revitalization and strategic partnerships, African markets are increasingly positioning themselves as attractive destinations for global investors.

    A series of Country Spotlights will offer a deep dive into Africa’s diverse mineral wealth, featuring insights into Botswana and Angola’s diamond resources, Zambia’s copper reserves and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s cobalt market. Spotlights will also examine the latest developments within South Africa’s platinum group metals, Zimbabwe’s lithium, Mali’s uranium and Malawi and Tanzania’s rare earths industries.

    AMW’s Critical Minerals Track will explore emerging trends and opportunities within a sector that is crucial to the global energy transition. With Africa holding 30% of the world’s critical minerals, the continent is attracting substantial interest from international players eager to unlock its vast potential. AMW will spotlight Africa’s growing role in mineral diplomacy, as countries strengthen investment ties and infrastructure collaboration with global partners, including China, the U.S., Canada, the UAE, Australia and the European Union. Meanwhile, AMW Roundtables will facilitate deal signings and enhanced cooperation among African stakeholders and international investors.

    Innovation will take center stage at the Technology Forum, set to explore the transformative role of digital technologies, AI and machine learning in modernizing mineral exploration and production. African markets are increasingly leveraging advanced tools to accelerate exploration, with companies such as Botswana Diamonds utilizing AI-driven solutions to diversify beyond traditional diamond mining. Meanwhile, KoBold Metals is using AI to unlock new copper discoveries in Zambia, supporting the country’s ambition to ramp up production to 3.1 million tons annually by 2031.

    The Investment Track will bring together global investors, including public financiers and international development finance institutions to explore funding opportunities across the mining value chain. Discussions will focus on optimizing financial mechanisms, such as loans, private placements and equity funding, to maximize capital flows to Africa’s mining sector. Additionally, the Junior Miners Forum will provide a platform for small-scale mining firms to pitch their projects to investors, potential partners and industry experts, enhancing their contributions to the sector’s growth. Join AMW 2025 today and be part of the discussion on Africa’s mining future.

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

    MIL OSI Africa –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Uganda’s speedy motorbike taxis will slow down for cash – if incentives are cleverly designed

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Claude Raisaro, Assistant Professor, International Economics, Graduate Institute – Institut de hautes études internationales et du développement (IHEID)

    Every day, 10 people die on the roads of Kampala, Uganda’s capital.

    Road accidents cost Uganda US$1.2 billion annually, which is about 5% of its GDP. The cost typically arises from healthcare spending. Families face crippling medical bills and businesses lose workers.

    Motorbike taxis, which are popular in Uganda, are a leading cause of accidents. They are responsible for 64% of all recorded accidents – mostly as a result of speeding.

    Why do so many motorbike taxi drivers in Uganda speed? The common wisdom suggests that they do it for financial reasons. Higher speed translates to more trips, and more trips mean more income.

    But a closer look reveals a more complex reality: speeding isn’t just a money decision – it’s about social pressure among motorbike taxi drivers and the need to adhere with behaviours that signal masculinity. Most drivers are male.

    Uganda’s current approaches to counter speeding include fines and awareness campaigns. There is little evidence that these methods have been effective.

    My recent study in Kampala challenges these traditional road safety approaches, which often fail to change behaviour. I am a behavioural economist, and my findings show offering financial incentives can work – but only if these incentives provide drivers with a socially acceptable reason to slow down.

    Financial incentives need to be made public, and only work when they allow motorbike taxi drivers to justify safer behaviour to their peers. This is key, because getting road safety incentives right saves lives. It also reduces healthcare costs, lowers fuel consumption and emissions, and helps shift harmful social norms that encourage reckless driving.

    Why drivers speed

    My research finds that speeding among motorbike taxi drivers isn’t just a financial decision in Uganda, it’s a social one. Drivers work in tight-knit communities where reputation matters as much as income.

    I collected data from a representative sample of 386 passengers and found commuters prefer safer drivers and are willing to pay up to 8% more for careful driving. Yet, speeding remains the norm.

    The reason? Driving fast is a status symbol for motorbike taxi drivers.

    I carried out an experiment to test whether drivers who speed are perceived more positively by their co-workers. Results are clear: fast drivers are perceived as more skilled and have a higher social status, measured as their ability to influence decisions at their taxi stations.

    This presents a policy challenge: how can financial incentives encourage safer driving without making drivers feel like they are losing respect among their peers?

    To test how financial incentives could encourage safer driving, I conducted an experiment in which a research team offered 360 drivers two options:

    1. a contract that paid them a daily incentive of UGSh6,000 (US$1.64) – roughly a third of their daily income – for observing speed limits

    2. or an equivalent lump sum cash payment with no conditions attached, including limiting a driver’s speed.

    But the framing of these choices mattered.

    • Some drivers knew their decision would be private, meaning no one else would know if they took the safe-driving contract.

    • Others knew that only the safe-driving contract would be public, while the alternative lump sum cash option remained private – giving them a socially acceptable reason to slow down.

    • A third group knew their decision would be fully public, meaning their peers would see if they chose the safe-driving contract over the lump sum.

    The results were clear. Twice as many drivers accepted the safe-driving contract when it was public and provided a justification for slower speeds.

    Why? Because when the incentive was visible but also justified, drivers could explain their decision as a financial one:

    I’m not driving slower because I’m scared, I’m doing it because I’m getting paid.

    The design of this experiment allowed me to answer the question: what mechanism favours socially desirable behaviours when incentives are offered?

    But would the drivers actually slow down?

    Did it work?

    To see whether these contracts actually changed driving behaviour, I conducted an impact experiment, offering incentives for two weeks and tracking drivers for six months.

    Drivers were randomly offered one of the following contracts:

    1. a private safe-driving contract – where only the driver knew about the financial reward

    2. a public safe-driving contract – where their peers knew they were being paid to slow down

    3. a control group – who received a contract consisting of a simple cash payment with no conditions.

    The results were striking. While both safe-driving contracts reduced speeding, the public contract was nearly twice as effective as the private one. The most significant reductions were seen in extreme speeding (occurrences of 80km/h or more) – the kind most likely to cause severe accidents.

    The key takeaway is that visibility makes incentives work, but only when it provides justification. If a driver had to publicly choose the safe-driving contract over another cash offer, it lost effectiveness. But when structured as a justifiable contract, it allowed drivers to slow down without social consequences.

    Reframing safe driving as a smart decision, not just a rule, is important. Featuring respected drivers in safety programmes can potentially help shift perceptions of what makes a “good” driver.

    Finally, drivers operate in tight social networks. Policies should be developed with their input rather than imposed externally. Programmes that actively engage drivers will be more widely accepted and successful.

    Rethinking how incentives shape behaviour

    Speeding is often framed as a problem of reckless individuals making bad choices. My research shows that’s rarely the case – rather it’s about social incentives and peer influence.

    A poorly designed financial incentive may slow drivers down temporarily, but it won’t change long-term behaviour. Incentives that help drivers escape the social pressure of adopting risky behaviours may shift norms – creating lasting improvements in road safety, economic efficiency and environmental impact.

    – Uganda’s speedy motorbike taxis will slow down for cash – if incentives are cleverly designed
    – https://theconversation.com/ugandas-speedy-motorbike-taxis-will-slow-down-for-cash-if-incentives-are-cleverly-designed-249608

    MIL OSI Africa –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Huffman, Van Hollen Reintroduce Bicameral Legislation to Fully Fund Special Education

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

    April 03, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02)and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) reintroduced the bicameral IDEA Full Funding Act to ensure all children with disabilities can access a free, high-quality public education.In 1975, Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) to provide these essential educational opportunities, and this legislation ensures that Congress fulfills its commitment.

    Under IDEA, the federal government committed to pay 40 percent of the average per pupil expenditure for special education. However, that pledge has never been met, and current funding is below 13 percent. The IDEA Full Funding Act would require regular, mandatory increases in IDEA spending to finally meet our obligation to America’s children and schools. It is cosponsored by more than 30 Senators and over 60 House members. Text of the IDEA Full Funding Act can be viewed here.

    “While we’ve made substantial progress to fund special education services in recent years, we still have important work left to do to live up to the original commitment Congress made,” said Rep. Jared Huffman. “All children – no matter their zip code, race, disability, or any other factor – should be able to access a full, exceptional education, and this legislation will help school districts provide thenecessary resources to make this vision a reality. The current chronic underfunding leaves an unfair burden on students, teachers, schools, and families.Our bill holds up the federal government’s end of the bargain to fully fund special education services on apermanent basis and set all students up for long-term success.”

    “Fifty years ago, Congress passed the IDEA Act, and with it, made a promise to children with disabilities and their families – but we have fallen short of that promise every year since. While Donald Trump and Elon Musk are illegally gutting public education in America, we are fighting to strengthen it. Our bill will ensure that Congress finally meets its commitment to fully fund IDEA, putting us closer to delivering equal access to high-quality education for every student in this country,” said Senator Van Hollen.

    Rep. Huffman requested $16.3 million for IDEA Part B Grants to States in FY2024, taking a key step toward securing full federal funding. He will continue to advocate for more federal funding in the upcoming FY2025 appropriations cycle, ensuring that every child can access the resources they need to succeed.

    This bill is co-led in the House by Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Angie Craig (MN-02), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Don Bacon (NE-02), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), and Mike Bost (IL-12). 

    “As the Trump Administration slashes support for students with disabilities by dismantling the Department of Education, I am proud to join my colleagues in advancing legislation that mandates increased IDEA funding. Together with parents, teachers, and education advocates, we will hold the President accountable for his reckless attacks on accessible education and make sure every kid has the chance to learn, grow, and–ultimately–succeed,” said House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse.

    “This bipartisan legislation is fulfilling a long overdue promise made by the federal government to support students with disabilities by funding 40% of the cost of special education,” said Rep. Don Bacon. “For far too long that commitment has gone unfulfilled, and now we are taking action to deliver on that promise. I’m honored to co-lead the reintroduction of the IDEA Full Funding Act.”

    “For too long, the federal government has fallen short on its commitment to share the cost of education with states for individuals with special needs, placing an unfair burden on schools, teachers, and families,” said Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson. “The IDEA Full Funding Act reaffirms our promise and makes IDEAwhole over the next 10 years. This is a positive step toward ensuring every student with disabilities receives the support and resources they need to thrive.

    “As the mother of a child who benefited from special education, I know firsthand just how lifechanging these programs can be for Minnesota students and their families,” said Rep. Angie Craig. “I’m proud to be co-leading this bipartisan legislation to fully fund special education programs and ensure our special educators and paraprofessionals have the resources they need to keep up this critical work.”

    “Every child, regardless of ability, deserves access to a high-quality education and a fair opportunity to succeed,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. “For too long, the federal government has fallen short of its commitment to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), leaving schools and families to shoulder the burden. We’re working to change that through the bipartisan, bicameral IDEA Full Funding Act—legislation that will ensure students in Bucks and Montgomery counties, and across the nation, have access to the full range of resources, support, and high-quality education they need to reach their fullest potential.”

    “Parents of kids with special needs are fresh off of fighting for their kids during COVID, and we won’t stop. We know that every kid has needs – and gifts. No one is disposable and we’re tired of having to fight for the crumbs. Fully fund IDEA. Now,” said Rep. Janelle Bynum.

    “For many parents, raising a child with a disability is a full-time job. Every child, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, deserves the opportunity to develop skills that will help them lead fulfilling lives. That’s why I’m a proud co-lead of the IDEA Full Funding Act,” said Rep. Eric Swalwell. “Parents have to fight too damn hard to get their child the resources they need, and Congress has fallen short of our promise to support all students as they learn essential skills for adulthood. This bill would require regular mandatory increases in spending to match the needs of America’s classrooms. Fully funding IDEA is a big step in bringing down barriers and stepping up our students for success.”

    “For too long, the federal government has fallen short of its funding commitment to students with special needs, forcing schools to subsidize rising special education costs with general education funds,” said Rep. Pete Stauber. “This leaves every student at a disadvantage. As the parent of a child with special needs, I am proud to continue the fight to ensure Congress fulfills its promise to our special needs students and their parents, so our educators can strengthen special education services while meeting the needs of every American student.”

    This legislation is supported by a broad and diverse group of over 70nationaland localorganizations, including by theSchool Superintendents Association (AASA), theAssociation of School Business Officials International (ASBO), and the Council for Exceptional Children.

    “I see firsthand the critical role special education plays in shaping the future of our students. With the growing needs of students with disabilities, it is more important than ever that we fully fund IDEA. Every child, regardless of ability, deserves access to the education and support they need to thrive. I urge Congress to please find it in their hearts to vote this critical legislation through and support all our beautiful children across this great nation,” said Jaime Green, Superintendent of Trinity Alps Unified School District (TAUSD).

    “AASA is proud to support the IDEA Full Funding Act being introduced today. We strongly support this legislation as a key priority in strengthening our nation’s schools and supporting them in their work to ensure all students—regardless of ability—have an opportunity to access a high-quality education. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) represents a critical commitment to help level the playing field for historically disadvantaged populations, students with disabilities. We are proud to endorse the IDEA Full Funding Act, being introduced in both the House and Senate this week, for its work to hold Congress accountable and create a clear path and plan of action. We thank Senator Van Hollen and Representatives Thompson and Huffman for their leadership on this important issue,” said AASA Executive Director Dr. David R. Schuler.

    “School districts everywhere are facing significant financial strain as they strive to educate and serve all students, including those with disabilities. Fully funding IDEA would help schools keep up with rising costs to effectively assess and respond to increasing needs, attract and retain specialized instructional support personnel, and provide assistive equipment and technology to help students learn and succeed,” said Elleka Yost, ASBO Director of Advocacy & Research.

    “As the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) turns 50 years old this year, now is the perfect time for Congress to make good on its pledge to fully fund IDEA,” said Chad Rummel, executive director of the Council for Exceptional Children. “We thank Sen. Van Hollen, Reps. Huffman and Thompson, and all the bill cosponsors for introducing this bill to provide the resources needed to support the infants, toddlers, children and youth served under IDEA,” said Kuna Tavalin, Senior Advisor at the Council for Exceptional Children.

    Additional cosponsors in the House include Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Mike Bost (IL-12), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Sean Casten (IL-06), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Judy Chu (CA-28), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11), Jim Costa (CA-21), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jason Crow (CO-06), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Jim Himes (CT-04), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson Jr. (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), John Mannion (NY-22),Lucy McBath (GA-06), Sarah McBride (DL-AL), LisaMcClain (MI-09), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Joseph Morelle (NY-25), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Scott Peters (CA-50), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07),Chellie Pingree (ME-01),Mark Pocan (WI-02), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jamie Raskin (MD-08),Josh Riley (NY-19),AndreaSalinas (OR-06), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), PeteStauber (MN-08), Marilyn Strickland(WA-10), Eric Swalwell, (CA-14),Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Juan Vargas (CA-52), NikemaWilliams (GA-05), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).

    The legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    The bill is also supported by: TheSchool Superintendents Association (AASA), AFT, AFL-CI”, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Occupational Therapy Association, American PsychologicalAssociation, Assistive Technology Industry Association, Association of Educational Service Agencies, Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators, Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE), Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), Autism Society of America, Autism Speaks, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, CAST, Center for Learner Equity, Coalition for Adequate Funding for Special Education, Coalition for Community Schools, Consortium of State School Boards Associations (COSSBA), Council for Exceptional Children, Council for Learning Disabilities, Council of Administrators of Special Education, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, EDGE Consulting Partners, EdTrust, Education Reform Now, First Focus Campaign for Children, Higher Education Consortium for Special Education, Institute for Educational Leadership, Learning Disabilities Association of America, NAESPA (NationalAssociation of ESEA State Program Administrators), NationalAssociation for Music Education, NationalAssociation for Pupil Transportation, NationalAssociation of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, NationalAssociation of Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS), NationalAssociation of Private Special Education Centers, NationalAssociation of School Psychologists, NationalAssociation of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPEID), National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), National Down Syndrome Congress, National Down Syndrome Society, National Education Association, National PTA, National Rural Education Association (NREA), NBJC, Teach For America, TheAdvocacy Institute, TheArc of the United States, TNTP.

    The bill is also supported by these local and state organizations: ABC SELPA, ABC Unified School District, ACSA Region 5, Albany Unified School District, Anaheim Elementary SELPA, Antelope Valley SELPA, Arcadia Unified School District, Association of CaliforniaSchool Administrators, Berryessa Union School District, Bonny Doon Union Elementary School District, Briggs Elementary School District, Butte County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), CaliforniaAssociation of School Business Officials, CaliforniaSchool Boards Association, Clovis Unified School District, CTA, Duarte Unified School District, East San Gabriel Valley SELPA, EDGE Consulting Partners, El Dorado County Charter SELPA, El Monte Union High School District, Emery Unified School District, Fillmore Unified School District, Foothill SELPA, Franklin McKinley School District, Fresno County Charter SELPA, Fresno County SELPA, Garden Grove Unified School District, Garvey Elementary School District, Glendale Unified School District, Gonzales Unified School District, Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, Humboldt-Del Norte SELPA, Kern High School District SELPA, King City Union School District, La Cañada Unified School District, Las Virgenes Unified School District, Live Oak School District, Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles Unified School District, Marin County SELPA, Merced County Office of Education, Merced County SELPA, Millbrae Elementary School District, Milpitas Unified School District, Monrovia Unified School District, Monterey County Office of Education, Monterey County SELPA, Moorpark Unified School District, Moreno Valley Unified School District, Mountain Elementary School District, Mountain View School District, MPUSD, NCCSE SELPA, North Monterey County Unified School District, North Region SELPA Director, North Santa Cruz County SELPA, North West SELPA, Oak Grove School District, Oak Park Unified School District, Oakland Education Association, Oakland Unified School District, Oakland Unified Special Education Department, Ocean View School District, Oceanside Unified School District, Office of the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Ojai Unified School District, Orange Unified SELPA, OUSD, Oxnard School District,Pacific Elementary School District, Pacific Grove Unified School District, Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, Placer County SELPA, Pleasant Valley School District, Rancho Santa Fe School District, Ravenswood City School District, Riverside Unified School District SELPA, RuralSchools Association of New York, Salinas Union High School District, San Antonio Union School District, San Diego Unified School District, San Gabriel Unified, San Joaquin County Office of Education,San Juan Unified School District, San Lorenzo Valley USD, San Luis Coastal Unified School District, San Luis Obispo County Office of Education, San Luis Obispo County SELPA, San Marino Unified School District, San Mateo Adult & Career Education, San Mateo County Office of Education, San Mateo County SELPA, San Miguel Joint Union School District, San Ramon Valley Unified School District/SELPA, Santa Barbara County SELPA, Santa Clara County Office of Education, Santa Clara Elementary School District, Santa Clarita Valley SELPA, Santa Cruz County Office of Education, Santa Paula Unified School District, Scotts Valley Unified School District, SELPAAdministrators of CA, Shandon Joint Unified School District, Sierra Sands SELPA, Simi Valley Schools, Simi Valley Unified School District, Siskiyou County Office of Education, SMCOE, Solana Beach School District, Sonoma County SELPAand Sonoma County Charter SELPA, Soquel Union Elementary School District, South East Santa Clara SELPA, South Monterey County JUHSD, South Orange County Special Education Local Plan Area, South Pasadena Unified School District, Special Education Teacher and Administrator, Spreckels Union School District, SUESD, Sunset Elementary School, Tehama County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) and Tehama County Department of Education (TCDE), Temple City Unified School District, Tri-City SELPA (Culver City, Santa Monica-Malibu, Beverly Hills Unified School Districts), Tri-Valley SELPA, Tuolumne County SELPA, VCOE, Ventura County Office of Education, Ventura County SELPA, West Contra Costa SELPA, West Contra Costa Unified School District, West San Gabriel Valley SELPA, Yolo County SELPA, Yuba County Office of Education.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Easy ways for Canberrans to reduce waste

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Getting involved in neighbourhood initiatives like community gardens can help make a positive difference.

    If you avidly use your household recycling bin, upcycled old furniture, or received something from a “buy nothing” group in your community, you’ve been a part of the circular economy.

    It’s a system that’s designed to minimise waste and maximise the use of resources. It promotes the repurposing, recycling and reuse of materials so nothing goes to waste.

    The circular economy reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, but it’s also a pretty useful way to save money.

    There are lots of ways that Canberrans can get involved in the circular economy.

    Recycle correctly

    If you can’t reduce or reuse, then recycling is the best choice.

    Not everything that can be recycled can go in your yellow recycling bin.

    Recycle these in your recycling bin:

    • aluminium and steel cans
    • glass bottles and jars
    • paper and flat cardboard
    • plastic bottles and containers

    For other items, the Recyclopaedia is your go-to guide for recycling.

    For example, batteries aren’t accepted in household bins. However, there are over 60 local collection points for the safe disposal of batteries.

    Choose alternatives to single-use plastics

    Choose reusable alternatives to single-use items such as water bottles, shopping bags and food containers to reduce waste.

    Support local sustainable businesses

    Look for local businesses that prioritise sustainability by offering products made from recycled materials or following eco-friendly production practices.

    Some examples of sustainable businesses in Canberra include:

    • Thor’s Hammer
    • Soft Landing
    • repair businesses
    • local charity shops.

    Get things repaired

    Instead of automatically replacing broken or damaged items, consider repairing them.

    Explore local repair cafes, workshops, or DIY repair tutorials to extend the lifespan of products and minimise waste.

    A great place to start is the Tuggeranong Repair Café or the Hawker Community Repair Café.

    The handy team of volunteers can help fix a range of items including household electrical items, clothing, laptops, tablets and mobile phones and more.

    Find out more about the Tuggeranong Repair Café or learn more about the Hawker Community Repair Café.

    Connect with your community

    Get involved in local community initiatives focused on waste reduction and circular economy practices. These might include:

    • neighbourhood clean-up events
    • clothing swaps
    • community gardens
    • composting and food waste reduction.

    By working together, Canberrans can create positive change on a larger scale.

    Live in an apartment building? Consider working with a local collection and composting service.

    Do your research

    Make informed choices about what to buy and where to buy it. Prioritise products that are:

    • durable
    • energy-efficient
    • made from recycled or renewable materials.

    Shop second-hand

    Buying your items second-hand helps reduce waste to landfill and is typically more affordable.

    Ways to buy second-hand goods include:

    • local charity shops
    • vintage stores or boutiques
    • markets, such as the Old Bus Depot Markets
    • Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace.

    Make your own

    Your Libraries ACT card comes with access to Creativebug, an online platform with art and craft video classes. There are classes on making and repairing clothes, knitting, and crocheting. There are also courses on how to make home décor or craft projects that make brilliant gifts for friends and family.

    Keep an eye on the Tuggeranong Repair Café and Hawker Community Repair Café who sometimes offer repair workshops where you can learn skills from local volunteers.

    Growing your own produce is another way to prevent food wastage and resources. New to gardening? Learn how to grow veggies at home in Canberra.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: GAO’s Comptroller General Inducted into the Government Hall of Fame

    Source: US Government Accountability Office

    WASHINGTON (April 3, 2025) The Honorable Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), is a 2025 Government Hall of Fame inductee. Government Executive created the Government Hall of Fame in 2019 to recognize individuals who have profoundly shaped the federal government and helped serve the American people. Dodaro is one of two honorees in this year’s class. He joins a cohort of esteemed individuals honored for their unwavering dedication and excellence in public service.

    “It is a great honor to be inducted to the Government Hall of Fame alongside many dedicated public servants,” said Dodaro. “Throughout my career, I have remained motivated by GAO’s mission to help the Congress improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the federal government to make it work better for the American people.”

    Dodaro began his distinguished career as an auditor with GAO more than 50 years ago and is the first career civil servant to serve as Comptroller General of the United States. Throughout his 15-year term, he has successfully leveraged the agency’s resources to review spending and improve program management across the federal government. These efforts have resulted in more than $1 trillion in financial benefits to American taxpayers and an average return on investment of $133 for every $1 invested in GAO.

    For example, in service of the Congress and the nation, Dodaro directed GAO’s efforts to highlight current and emerging issues that warrant attention from policymakers through GAO’s High Risk List. Since 1990, this list, updated every 2 years, has identified government programs with serious vulnerabilities to fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, or in need of transformation. The High Risk List has yielded significant savings for the American taxpayer, totaling $759 billion so far—an average of $40 billion per year.

    Throughout his distinguished career, Dodaro has remained steadfast in his commitment to responsible stewardship of GAO. He has fostered a work culture where people strive to develop, excel, and serve the American people and the Congress with trust and dedication. Under his leadership, GAO has been consistently recognized as the top mid-sized agency in the “Best Places to Work.”

    “Gene is the model civil servant, and I—along with the rest of GAO—am thrilled he is being recognized as a Hall of Fame inductee,” said Orice Williams Brown, Chief Operating Officer at GAO. “His contributions to our nation throughout his career have reached every corner of the federal government, and his lasting impact still resonates as he continues to serve the Congress and the American public.”

    In addition to being inducted to the Government Hall of Fame, Dodaro has earned numerous honors throughout his career, including the National Public Service Award for the American Society for Public Administration and the National Academy of Public Administration, Administrator of the Year Award from the Romney Institute, BYU Marriott School of Business, the John Glenn Excellence in Public Service Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arthur S. Flemming Commission and George Washington University.

    For more information, contact Sarah Kaczmarek, Managing Director of GAO Public Affairs at media@gao.gov.

    #####

    The Government Accountability Office, known as the investigative arm of Congress, is an independent, nonpartisan agency that exists to support Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities. GAO also works to improve the performance of the federal government and ensure its accountability to the American people. The agency examines the use of public funds; evaluates federal programs and policies; and provides analyses, recommendations, and other assistance to help Congress make informed oversight, policy, and funding decisions. GAO provides Congress with timely information that is objective, fact-based, nonideological, fair, and balanced. GAO’s commitment to good government is reflected in its core values of accountability, integrity, and reliability.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Helping Tenants Have A Fair Chance at Affordable Housing

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today highlighted her support for New York City’s FARE Act, which will prohibit landlords from passing brokers’ fees onto tenants when the law goes into effect this June. The State filed an amicus brief to affirm that State law does not interfere with the tenant-protective FARE Act. The FARE Act complements Governor Hochul’s historic FY25 Enacted Budget that supports tenants and renters, including by enshrining in law landmark protections from price gouging and unfair eviction practices.

    “New Yorkers deserve a fair chance at affordable housing, and the FARE Act advances that critical goal,” Governor Hochul said. “Renters should not have to face the burden of paying thousands of dollars up front for an apartment, especially when they often are not requesting the services. Come this June, renters will be able to keep their hard-earned money in their pockets which will help them afford to live in the greatest city in the world.”

    New York City Councilmember Chi Ossé said, “I thank the Governor for her support. As New Yorkers already know, the lawsuit is a meritless attempt to delay relief for the renters of our city. It is bad-faith and will fail. Come summer, the abusive system of forced broker fees will end.”

    The Fairness in Apartment Rentals Expense (FARE) Act prohibits landlords from passing the fees of brokers they hire onto prospective tenants in New York City. Brokers fees contribute to thousands of dollars in upfront costs that New York City tenants often must shoulder before being able to rent an apartment even when they have not requested the brokers’ services. New York City is one of the only housing markets in the country where this practice is common.

    The Governor also provided critical assistance, helping New York City renters access affordable homes in December 2024 by providing essential support to ensure the passage of “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity,” the most pro-housing zoning proposal in New York City history. As the city confronts a generational housing crisis with a 1.4 percent rental vacancy rate, the citywide rezoning will enable the creation of 80,000 new homes over the next 15 years and invest $5 billion, which will include $1 billion in State funding that the Governor has proposed in this year’s budget, towards critical infrastructure updates and housing. The City of Yes proposal alone exceeds all the housing created from rezonings during any mayoral administration of the last 50 years, including all of the 12 years of the Bloomberg administration and all eight years of the de Blasio administration.

    New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “For far too long, excessive brokers’ fees have exacerbated the housing crisis by imposing undue financial barriers on individuals and families looking to rent an apartment. The FARE Act is a game changer for tens of thousands of renters who will find a whole new landscape in June that gives them a better chance at securing an apartment without having to worry about undue brokers’ fees that were baked into a lease. We are thankful that Governor Hochul and our partners in New York City continue to work in concert to make our state more affordable and livable for all.”

    Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal said, “Tenants are not revolving ATMs for big real estate. It’s simple: there is nothing in state law that requires tenants to cover the cost of their landlord’s real estate broker, and New York City’s FARE Act makes clear that the landlord is responsible for the broker’s fee. With one in four New Yorkers already struggling to stay financially afloat in the Big Apple, tacking on thousands of extra dollars in unnecessary fees is nothing more than an extra barrier to securing safe, stable housing. This law will undoubtedly put money back in the pockets of cash-strapped New Yorkers who already face increasingly unaffordable rents.”

    Governor Hochul’s Housing Agenda
    Governor Hochul is committed to addressing New York’s housing crisis and making the State more affordable and more livable for all New Yorkers. As part of the FY25 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a landmark agreement to increase New York’s housing supply through new tax incentives for Upstate communities, new incentives and relief from certain state-imposed restrictions to create more housing in New York City, a $500 million capital fund to build up to 15,000 new homes on State-owned property, an additional $600 million in funding to support a variety of housing developments statewide and new protections for renters and homeowners. In addition, as part of the FY23 Enacted Budget, the Governor announced a five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. More than 55,000 homes have been created or preserved to date.

    The FY25 Enacted Budget also strengthened the Pro-Housing Community Program which the Governor launched in 2023. Pro-Housing Certification is now a requirement for localities to access up to $650 million in discretionary funding. Nearly 300 communities have been certified, including all five boroughs of New York City.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Trust Stamp Selected for CyberBoost Catalyse Program to Accelerate Global Growth in Cybersecurity in Singapore and APAC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trust Stamp (Nasdaq: IDAI), the Privacy-First Identity Company™, has been selected to participate in the prestigious CyberBoost Catalyse program, an initiative led by the CyberSG Talent, Innovation and Growth (TIG) Collaboration Centre, powered by Plexal, and supported by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) and the National University of Singapore (NUS). This competitive international program supports high-growth cybersecurity companies looking to expand their impact across Singapore, APAC the UK, and key global markets.

    Trust Stamp’s selection reflects its innovation in privacy-preserving, AI-powered identity verification technologies, and its proven ability to solve critical challenges in digital security, fraud prevention, and data privacy, without compromising usability or interoperability—key considerations for both governments and enterprises. Through CyberBoost Catalyse, Trust Stamp will participate in intensive boot camps, expert-led sessions, and one-on-one mentoring to further develop its market strategies, engage with global investors, and scale its solutions in international markets.

    The program offers participants a unique opportunity to gain deep market insights, build strategic partnerships, and engage with cybersecurity leaders in Singapore and beyond. Trust Stamp will leverage this platform to explore new opportunities across the Asia Pacific region and accelerate the adoption of its privacy-first biometric authentication technologies in sectors such as financial services, government, healthcare, and digital infrastructure.

    “This opportunity to participate in CyberBoost Catalyse marks a key milestone in our global expansion strategy. Singapore is a world leader in cybersecurity innovation, and being part of this program enables us to refine our market approach while building meaningful partnerships across Asia and beyond. We look forward to collaborating with the CSA, Plexal, NUS, and fellow participants to bring scalable, secure, and privacy-enhancing identity solutions to new markets,” said Ajmir Safi, Vice President, APAC, Trust Stamp.

    Through CyberBoost Catalyse, Trust Stamp aims to accelerate its mission of empowering individuals and organizations with ethical, privacy-first identity solutions that drive digital inclusion and resilience across borders.

    For more information about Trust Stamp and its initiatives, visit www.truststamp.ai.

    Inquiries
    Trust Stamp                                                   Email: Shareholders@truststamp.ai

    Ajmir Safi

    Vice President, Trust Stamp APAC  

    About Trust Stamp

    Trust Stamp is a global provider of AI-powered services for use in multiple sectors including banking and finance, regulatory compliance, government, healthcare, real estate, communications, and humanitarian services. Its technology empowers organizations via advanced solutions that reduce fraud, tokenize and secure data, securely authenticate users while protecting personal privacy, reduce friction in digital transactions, and increase operational efficiency, enabling customers to accelerate secure financial inclusion and reach and serve a broader base of users worldwide.

    With team members from twenty-two nationalities in eight countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, Trust Stamp trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market (Nasdaq: IDAI).

    Safe Harbor Statement: Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Remarks 

    All statements in this release that are not based on historical fact are “forward-looking statements” including within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The information in this announcement may contain forward-looking statements and information related to, among other things, the company, its business plan and strategy, and its industry. These statements reflect management’s current views with respect to future events-based information currently available and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. The company does not undertake any obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after such date or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

    The MIL Network –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Digital Wealth Partners Launches Fund Enabling Income & Growth Strategies for XRP Holders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Dallas, Texas, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Digital Wealth Partners has launched their Income Fund and Growth Fund, two investment options that let qualified investors utilize XRP directly. Digital assets like XRP have typically not produced income, leaving investors with few ways to use their holdings. The Income and Growth Funds allow investors to keep their XRP exposure while benefiting from institutional strategies. Qualified investors can now use their XRP to access investment strategies that aim to generate income and growth, with a strong focus on risk management.

    Digital Wealth Partners

    “We’re excited to launch these funds. This offers XRP holders a fresh way to interact with their assets,” said Matthew Snider, CIO at Digital Wealth Partners. “Our team has worked hard to create strategies. We balance potential returns with careful risk management. We look forward to helping our investors reach their financial goals.””

    The Income Fund aims to provide regular income by investing in a mix of income-generating assets. The Growth Fund, on the other hand, seeks to grow capital with investments in growth-focused opportunities. Both funds are available exclusively to accredited and qualified investors.

    “We are deeply grateful to our early partners and investors for their trust and support,” added Snider. “These funds aim to meet investor needs. They blend opportunity with institutional discipline and a risk-aware approach.””

    About Digital Wealth Partners:

    Digital Wealth Partners is a Registered Investment Advisor dedicated to providing investment solutions for digital asset holders. With a focus on risk management and client-centric strategies, Digital Wealth Partners manages the Income and Growth Funds. Visit www.digitalwealthpartners.net for more information.

    This communication release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Investments in the Income and Growth Funds are speculative and involve a high degree of risk, including the loss of principal. Offers are made solely pursuant to formal offering documents and only to accredited and qualified investors under applicable securities laws.

    About Digital Wealth Partners

    Digital Wealth Partners is a Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) that specializes in digital assets (crypto/blockchain)

    Press inquiries

    Digital Wealth Partners
    https://www.digitalwealthpartners.net
    Max Avery
    max.avery@digitalwealthpartners.net
    307-396-0295 

    The MIL Network –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: First Merchants Corporation to Report First Quarter 2025 Financial Results, Host Conference Call and Webcast

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MUNCIE, Ind., April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Merchants Corporation (Nasdaq:FRME) will report first quarter 2025 financial results on April 24, 2025. The Corporation will host a first quarter 2025 earnings conference call and webcast at 11:30 a.m. (ET) on Thursday, April 24, 2025.

    To access via phone, participants will need to register using the following link where they will be provided a phone number and access code: (https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI4ae3a07cb07a47258d30e4f3dba2448b)

    In order to view the webcast and presentation slides, please go to (https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/uqvoojku) during the time of the call. A replay of the webcast will be available until April 24, 2026.  

    About First Merchants Corporation

    First Merchants Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Muncie, Indiana. The Corporation has one full-service bank charter, First Merchants Bank. The Bank also operates as First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors (as a division of First Merchants Bank).

    First Merchants Corporation’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market System under the symbol FRME. Quotations are carried in daily newspapers and can be found on the company’s Internet web page (http://www.firstmerchants.com).

    FIRST MERCHANTS and the Shield Logo are federally registered trademarks of First Merchants Corporation.

    For more information, contact:
    Nicole M. Weaver, Vice President and Director of Corporate Administration
    765-521-7619
    http://www.firstmerchants.com

    The MIL Network –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Stobix Launches Privacy-First Crypto Platform With High-Yield Investments and Lightning-Fast Futures Trading

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Tortola, British Virgin Islands, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stobix, a next-generation crypto trading platform, today announces the official launch of its all-in-one solution designed for users seeking greater privacy, flexibility, and performance in digital asset trading. The platform blends a seamless onboarding experience with high-yield investment products, up to 100x leveraged futures, and intuitive tools — all built for clarity, speed, and smarter decision-making.

    As demand grows for accessible, high-performance crypto platforms, Stobix delivers a user-centric alternative that lowers entry barriers while offering professional-grade features. With streamlined wallet-based onboarding via Wallet Connect, Google, Twitter, or Web3 options, users can start trading in seconds — no complicated verification processes, no friction.

    “Stobix is built for users who want control — not complexity,” said a company spokesperson. “We’re creating an environment where crypto trading is fast, intuitive, and private — without sacrificing power or performance.”

    At the core of the platform is Stobix Futures, enabling lightning-fast crypto derivatives trading with up to 100x leverage. Backed by deep liquidity and smart risk management features, this offering caters to active traders who need real-time execution and responsive tools to navigate volatile markets confidently.

    ​​For those seeking consistent returns with less exposure, Dual Investment provides an easy-to-use, passive income product offering highly competitive APRs across major assets including BTC, ETH, SOL, and ADA. Whether users are holding long-term or hedging short-term, Stobix offers clear, structured ways to grow portfolios without active trading.

    The Stobix Wallet supports over 100 digital assets and provides fast, secure access for deposits, withdrawals, and portfolio management. Its interface is built for simplicity — removing complexity while ensuring full control over funds.

    As part of its product roadmap, Stobix is preparing to release Pulse AI, a proprietary trading signal suite designed to support more informed, timely trading decisions. Built to complement — not replace — user strategies, Pulse helps traders spot trends, gauge sentiment, and respond faster.

    By integrating artificial intelligence into its trading suite, Stobix gives its users a competitive edge, allowing them to act quickly and intelligently—whether they’re trading futures or making investment decisions.

    To strengthen long-term engagement, the platform also features a crypto rewards system that incentivizes activity across the ecosystem — from asset holding to community participation and task completion.

    Designed with a privacy-first philosophy, Stobix empowers users in both developed and emerging markets to access advanced financial tools without unnecessary data disclosure. The platform’s global scalability and modular architecture make it a compelling option for traders and investors seeking a smarter, cleaner alternative to legacy exchanges.

    Stobix is now live. Visit https://stobix.com to explore the platform and experience the future of crypto trading — faster, simpler, and on your terms.

    The MIL Network –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Search for new lease of life for Pounds House

    Source: City of Plymouth

    A search is on for a sympathetic new owner who can revive and restore a Grade II listed mansion house in the heart of Plymouth.

    Pounds House in Central Park is in need of a new lease of life and the Council, which owns the building, has looked extensively at options but has not identified a use for it and has now decided to open up its future to other interested parties.

    Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member with responsibility for assets said:
    “We constantly review our properties and assets to make sure they provide value in meeting the needs of our services to residents and helping us deliver priorities for the city.

    “This involves both buying and selling properties to best meet the needs of the residents we serve.

    “We have not identified a Council use for the building that would warrant large scale investment and need to focus our efforts elsewhere. It is a shame, but we need to be pragmatic and offer this as an opportunity which we hope others will grasp. We want this building to be loved for the long term.”

    The Council has a large portfolio of assets, from land to office blocks, retail parks and shops, which support the local economy and thousands of jobs. As a landowner it keeps its properties under constant review, assessing them on whether they are used, the cost of upkeep, whether it fits in with the Council’s and the city’s priorities. As well as disposing assets, it also acquires them, depending on needs of the city, its economy and its residents.

    In the last five years the Council has spent £490,787 on the property, including work to the roof and rainwater goods, security, electrical installations, gas and water hygiene inspections/testing and insurance. Removing the property from the Council’s books would remove a substantial liability for maintenance. The mansion house has been empty since 2017 and significant external work is needed.

    The future of the house has had a number of false starts. Investigation works were due to start in 2020 but were put on hold to allow the building to be used as part of the Mayflower 400 celebrations. There were further delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021 some work carried out to address more pressing issues including repairs to very old window frames.

    The house is expected to be sold at auction in the next few months. As there is a small area around the boundary of the house that will form part of the disposal package, the Council is placing a Loss of Public Open Space legal notice in the Herald and on the Council’s website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Industry leaders launch new hospitality sector hiring toolkit

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Industry leaders launch new hospitality sector hiring toolkit

    Safeguarding industry experts have collaborated to launch an industry best practice ‘Better Hiring Toolkit’ for the hospitality sector.

    The Disclosure and Barring Service has collaborated with The Better Hiring Institute (BHI), along with other safeguarding industry experts, to launch a free to use industry best practice ‘Better Hiring Toolkit’ for the hospitality sector.

    The resource provides best practice advice and guidance on how to hire quickly, fairly, and safely, and to tackle modern slavery in the sector.

    BHI has collaboratively created the toolkit, alongisde DBS and experts at the Gangmasters & Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), the Institute of Hospitality, Disclosure Scotland, and Reed Screening.

    The new toolkit – which can be accessed here – provides practical, simplified guidance to support hospitality businesses with hiring new employees by utilising UK best practice.

    It provides advice on vetting potential new recruits including checking and verifying their qualifications, as well as information for employers on their obligations when it comes to issues like modern slavery.

    Helen Chandler, Acting Associate Director of Strategy and Business Development for the Disclosure and Barring Service, said: “The Disclosure and Barring Service helps employers make safer recruitment decisions, and our collaboration with Better Hiring Institute represents important steps forward in supporting the hospitality industry in safeguarding best practice.

    “The toolkit provides guidance for employers and highlights how incorporating Basic checks into recruitment practices can be a tool to build trust, safety and reliability across the workforce.”

    Keith Rosser, Chair of the Better Hiring Institute and Director of Reed Screening, said: “I am delighted to have worked collaboratively with key bodies to provide the hospitality industry with this best practice guide to help hard working organisations who are facing multiple challenges on a daily basis.

    “The hospitality industry is vital to the UK economy and I hope that the toolkit will assist organisations to hire to the best possible standard. My thanks go to the Institute of Hospitality and our Hospitality subcommittee for their valuable insights and feedback to create this industry standard.”

    Those responsible for recruitment within hospitality organisations are being urged to download, implement and share the toolkit within the hiring community: Access the Better Hiring Toolkit here.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 3 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Govt holds ‘two sessions’ seminar

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today held a seminar to enable participants to have a deeper understanding of the essence of the “two sessions” and its significance to Hong Kong.

    The third session of the 14th National People’s Congress and the third session of the 14th National Committee (NPC) of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) were concluded successfully in March.

    Hosted by Chief Executive John Lee, the seminar was attended by more than 320 participants including principal officials, Hong Kong SAR deputies to the NPC and members of the National Committee of the CPPCC as well as Executive Council and Legislative Council members.

    Sharing his views at the event, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR Zheng Yanxiong said that Hong Kong has to grasp the spirit of the “two sessions” focusing on seven aspects.

    They are: grasping deeply the spirit of the important speech of General Secretary Xi Jinping in the “two sessions”; significant achievements of the country on all fronts over the past year; bright prospects in national economic and social development; overall requirements and major tasks for economic and social development this year; key initiatives in the government work report; significance of amending the Law on Deputies; and key plans for Hong Kong as highlighted by the “two sessions”.

    The government work report pointed out boosting innovation and the radiating effect of the Greater Bay Area, striving for solid progress in high-quality Belt & Road co-operation, and speeding up the process to join the Comprehensive & Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

    These plans are closely related to Hong Kong and deserve a high degree of attention, in particular the emphasis on “deepening international exchanges and co-operation and better integration into the national development”, highlighting the importance for Hong Kong to capitalise on its advantages as an international city and integrate into the overall national development, Mr Cheng said.

    It also highlights the dialectical relationship between Hong Kong’s connection to the Mainland and to the world, he added.

    Expressing gratitude to Mr Zheng for his sharing that deepened the participants’ understanding of the spirit of the “two sessions”, the Chief Executive said the central government firmly supports Hong Kong’s development.

    “The Hong Kong SAR Government will fully implement the spirit of the ‘two sessions’ to unite society to deepen reforms comprehensively, proactively identify, adapt to, and drive change, pursue economic development and improve people’s livelihood, fully leverage the institutional strengths of ‘one country, two systems’ and align with national development strategies, deepen international collaboration and capitalise on Hong Kong’s role to link with the Mainland and the world.

    “Hong Kong will vigorously develop new quality productive forces, accelerate its development into an international innovation and technology centre, consolidate and enhance its status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, actively build an international hub for high-calibre talent, and take forward the Northern Metropolis and the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone,” Mr Lee said.

    “Apart from strengthening economic and trade ties with traditional markets, Hong Kong will deepen exchanges and co-operation with new markets such as the Middle East, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Central Asia, contribute to the Belt & Road Initiative, and tell the good stories of China and Hong Kong,” he added.

    The Chief Executive encouraged government officials and the community to work hard and stay united to contribute to the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong and the well-being of its people, and meet the challenges ahead with greater confidence and determination to build a better future.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Tunisia’s rap revolution: 5 women who are redefining hip-hop

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Jyhene Kebsi, Director of Learning & Teaching (Gender Studies), Macquarie University

    Women rappers were not really a feature of Tunisia’s typically masculine and chauvinist hip-hop scene until the revolution that overthrew Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali in 2011.

    Now there are several politically conscious female voices rising in the rap scene. Gender studies scholar Jyhene Kebsi has published a research paper on how their lyrics highlight the multiple inequalities that women in Tunisia – and the world – must overcome.

    How have male Tunisian rappers generally treated women in their songs and videos?

    The gender politics of Tunisian men’s rap is complex, but we can talk about one of its tendencies. Although there are men who’ve supported their female colleagues and collaborated with them on songs, their portrayals tend to lump women into one of two groups: virtuous or promiscuous; madonnas or whores.

    Read more: Senegal’s female rappers aren’t letting obstacles get in their way – who the rising voices are

    This is clear in their use of obscene words that aim to degrade the “fallen” women they rap about. Their sexual references can be seen as a way to debase the “easy girls and immoral women” who challenge patriarchal norms.

    This is in sharp contrast to the love and indebtedness they express towards their mothers and sisters. In contrast to western rap, the mother figure is central in Tunisian rap.

    The sacredness of the mother in Tunisian Muslim culture is seen in songs full of gratitude towards those who brought them into the world.

    Their reliance on this male-centred division between “respectable” and “unrespectable” women spreads a toxic masculinity that supports harmful gender stereotypes.

    This strengthens men’s social dominance and their policing of women’s bodies. Having said that, it is very important to highlight that sexism is not limited to the Arab rap scene. As I explain in my paper, many western male rappers objectify, humiliate and degrade women in their songs too.

    Who are the four female rappers you discuss?

    The four Tunisian women rappers I analyse are Sabrina, Medusa, Queen Nesrine and Tuny Girl.

    There’s a common perception that Medusa was Tunisia’s first female rapper. In reality, Sabrina began performing rap in 2007 and Tunisia’s other female artists joined the rap scene after the 2011 revolution.

    Medusa is Tunisia’s most famous female rapper in the west – her migration to France boosted her international profile. Although Tuny Girl and Queen Nesrine have not gained the fame of Medusa or Sabrina, they’ve released powerful feminist songs that criticise the status quo in post-revolutionary Tunisia.

    These artists have mainly relied on digital media to share their songs with the public through social platforms like YouTube and Facebook. Unfortunately, all four of them have faced opposition because they’re women.

    Rap is considered a masculine musical genre. Tunisian women’s initial entry into this male-dominated world was not easily accepted. Attitudes towards female rappers have evolved thanks to women’s gradual success in attracting a larger fan base.

    But these four artists share a strong resistance to sexism. Most importantly, while being aware of patriarchal pressures, they’re conscious of the many different forms of oppression that intersect to keep women less equal than men.

    This is evident in their songs, which reflect a strong awareness of intersectionality.

    What is intersesectionality?

    The black US feminist Kimberle Crenshaw coined the term “intersectionality” in 1989 to describe the double discrimination of sexism and racism faced by black women. So, she used the term to discuss the multiple forms of inequality that compound themselves and create interlocking obstacles that shape black women’s experiences of discrimination.

    Intersectionality highlights the experiences of multiple forms of discrimination when these categories of social identity interact with and shape one another.

    We see an understanding of intersectionality in a song like Hold On, where Medusa raps about illiteracy, political struggle and motherhood:

    I am watching the floating misery / Illiteracy has spread and made us go from one extreme to the other / Where is the freedom for which activists struggled? / I am the free Tunisian who exposed their chest to bullets / I am the mother, the mother of the martyr who has not gotten his revenge.

    Or, in her song Arahdli, Sabrina raps about a range of social ills:

    Leave me alone / The police catch you and harm you / Don’t believe the corrupt state / Unemployment and poverty will not make you happy.

    I found that what Medusa, Sabrina, Queen Nesrine and Tuny Girl have in common is their rejection of, as Crenshaw puts it, the “single-axis framework”. The one-sided narrative that reduces women’s problems solely to men and patriarchy.

    Instead, these artists highlight the damaging impact – for women – of the intersection of gender inequality, political corruption, unjust laws, ineffective local policies, the collapse of Tunisia’s economy and the country’s weak position in the global geopolitical landscape.

    Their songs are united in their recognition that Tunisian women’s lives are shaped by all these overlapping power structures, exposing them to marginalisation and discrimination.

    So, their songs identify hidden, interrelated structural barriers to their freedom. Misogyny is just one element that needs to be considered alongside other local and global issues when we discuss gender politics in Tunisia.

    What other new trends are female rappers ushering in?

    Women are at the forefront of innovation in Tunisian rap. Take Lully Snake. She’s a Tunisian-Algerian rapper based in Tunisia. This 24-year-old artist was previously a breakdancer. Her passion for hip-hop culture and her love for US artists like Tupac, Kool G Rap, Queen Latifah and Foxy Brown led her to start rapping.

    Like all Tunisian women rappers, she considers her entry into rap to have been a long and difficult journey. Starting in 2019, her first song was only released in 2024.

    Lully Snake first uploaded her debut song Zabatna Kida on Instagram. Its uniqueness lies in its combination of rap and mahraganat, an Egyptian street music that emerged in Cairo’s ghettos. Its success encouraged her to carry on rapping in both Tunisian and Egyptian, alongside other western languages and Maghrebi dialects.

    Lully Snake’s experimentation proves that female rappers are innovating while spreading messages that empower women. This has ultimately enriched Tunisian rap.

    – Tunisia’s rap revolution: 5 women who are redefining hip-hop
    – https://theconversation.com/tunisias-rap-revolution-5-women-who-are-redefining-hip-hop-253066

    MIL OSI Africa –

    April 4, 2025
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