Category: Entertainment

  • MIL-OSI Security: Prolific board game shoplifter sentenced following Met Police investigation

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A prolific shoplifter who stole more than £3,000 worth of board games, books and toys from a shop in Haringey has been convicted following a Met Police investigation.

    Paul Mangal, 58 (30.03.67), of Hornsey Rise Gardens in Haringey, repeatedly targeted a Waterstones store on The Broadway in Crouch End between April 2023 and February this year.

    He appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 29 April, where he was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.

    He was also issued with conditions not to enter Crouch End or Hornsey for two years, and is banned from being in possession of a suitcase in these areas.

    In September last year, officers from the local policing team in north London increased patrols in The Broadway, regularly visiting staff and security teams at large retailers and independent shops.

    It was through these relationships they were made aware of Mangal, with staff at Waterstones informing officers of the many thefts he was committing.

    Working with the store, officers carried out a month-long operation throughout January to gather CCTV footage and other evidence to identify Mangal.

    The officers were alerted by staff on Sunday, 23 February, when he’d again entered the store and made off with several items in a suitcase.

    He was arrested a short distance from his home in Hornsey and charged the following day.

    He appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 24 February, where he pleaded guilty to a total of 23 charges of theft and was bailed.

    Sergeant James Elliott, of the local policing team in north London, who led the investigation, said:

    “We’ve recognised that shoplifting is something local people and businesses in Haringey are concerned about, and we are stepping up our efforts to tackle it.

    “Through building strong relationships with staff at this branch of Waterstones, we were able to identify Mangal by assessing his patterns of offending, which appeared to ramp up before, during and immediately after Christmas, then almost daily up until his arrest.

    “Sadly, we know some businesses on The Broadway are being targeted so often, many have stopped reporting thefts to police, so I hope the success of this case will encourage more to work closely with us so we can remove the most prolific shoplifters from our streets.”

    As well as relationship building and doubling the number of officers on the ward since February, Sergeant Elliott and his team are visiting retailers daily to offer reassurance and ensure they feel more confident when it comes to reporting incidents.

    Through these proactive measures, the number of thefts in the area has reduced by 35 per cent since December last year.

    There are now plans to introduce Live Facial Recognition (LFR) patrols to identify offenders, and during the summer months, officers will be out on bicycles so they’re able to react quicker to shoplifting incidents when they occur.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Gevo to Report First Quarter 2025 Financial Results on May 13, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ENGLEWOOD, Colo., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) announced today that it will host a conference call on May 13, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. MT) to report its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    To participate in the live call, please register through the following event weblink: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI14d4db26011d45b9871ce05b8b3c5a63  

    After registering, participants will be provided with a dial-in number and pin.

    To listen to the conference call (audio only), please register through the following event weblink: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/xd9v2i3x  

    A webcast replay will be available two hours after the conference call ends on May 13, 2025. The archived webcast will be available in the Investor Relations section of Gevo’s website at www.gevo.com.

    About Gevo
    Gevo is a next-generation diversified energy company committed to fueling America’s future with cost-effective, drop-in fuels that contribute to energy security, abate carbon, and strengthen rural communities to drive economic growth. Gevo’s innovative technology can be used to make a variety of renewable products, including SAF, motor fuels, chemicals, and other materials that provide U.S.-made solutions. By investing in the backbone of rural America, Gevo’s business model includes developing, financing, and operating production facilities that create jobs and revitalize communities. Gevo owns and operates one of the largest dairy-based renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities in the United States, turning by-products into clean, reliable energy. We also operate an ethanol plant with an adjacent carbon capture and sequestration (“CCS”) facility, further solidifying America’s leadership in energy innovation. Additionally, Gevo owns the world’s first production facility for specialty alcohol-to-jet (“ATJ”) fuels and chemicals. Gevo’s market-driven “pay for performance” approach regarding carbon and other sustainability attributes, helps ensure value is delivered to our local economy. Through its Verity subsidiary, Gevo provides transparency, accountability, and efficiency in tracking, measuring and verifying various attributes throughout the supply chain. By strengthening rural economies, Gevo is working to secure a self-sufficient future and to make sure value is brought to the market.

    For more information, see www.gevo.com.

    PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT
    Heather Manuel
    VP of Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
    PR@gevo.com

    INVESTOR CONTACT
    Eric Frey, PhD
    VP of Corporate Development
    IR@gevo.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Moody’s left LHV Group’s ratings unchanged

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The rating agency Moody’s Investors Service affirmed AS LHV Pank’s and AS LHV Group’s raitings, leaving LHV Pank’s long-term deposit rating to A3 level (with positive outlook) and LHV Group’s long-term issuer rating to Baa3 (with a positiive outlook). These ratings indicate LHV’s strong financial position and capitalization as well as express the expectation of further strengthening of solidity.

    Moody’s has assigned AS LHV Group long-term issuer ratings:

    • Long-term issuer rating Baa3
    • Senior unsecured rating Baa3
    • Outlook of the ratings is positive

    Moody’s affirmed the raitings assigned to AS LHV Pank:

    • Long- and short-term counterparty risk assessment of A3(cr)/Prime-2(cr)
    • Long- and short-term counterparty risk rating of A3/Prime-2
    • Long-term bank deposit rating A3
    • Short-term bank deposit rating Prime-2
    • The long-term deposit rating carries a positive outlook

    Additional information: www.moodys.com

    LHV Group is the largest domestic financial group and capital provider in Estonia. LHV Group’s key subsidiaries are LHV Pank, LHV Varahaldus, LHV Kindlustus, and LHV Bank Limited. The Group employs over 1,160 people. As at the end of March, LHV’s banking services are being used by 465,000 clients, the pension funds managed by LHV have 113,000 active customers, and LHV Kindlustus is protecting a total of 174,000 clients. LHV Bank Limited, a subsidiary of the Group, holds a banking licence in the United Kingdom and provides banking services to international financial technology companies, as well as loans to small and medium-sized enterprises.

    Priit Rum
    Communications Manager
    Phone: +372 502 0786
    Email: priit.rum@lhv.ee

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: SugarDaddy.com Reviews [2025] Best Sugar Daddy Website Or A Scam?

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Las Vegas, Nevada, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    SugarDaddy.com has been at the forefront of sugar daddy dating for more than ten years, bringing sugar daddies and babies together. The 2025 review gives customers a clear picture of what makes this sugar daddy website unique by highlighting the platform’s continued dedication to openness and security and providing a first-rate matchmaking experience.

    Why Wait? Join SugarDaddy.com for Free – Find Your Perfect Match!

    What Is SugarDaddy.com?

    SugarDaddy.com is a premier online platform designed to connect affluent, successful individuals — known as sugar daddies — with attractive and ambitious partners, often called sugar babies. Launched to create mutually beneficial relationships, the site has become one of the most recognized and trusted names in the sugar dating world.

    Founded over a decade ago, SugarDaddy.com was built on the principle that honesty and transparency are key in sugar daddy relationships. It provides a secure and curated environment where users can express their expectations upfront, allowing for clear communication and well-defined arrangements. With an ever-expanding global community, the site caters to professionals, entrepreneurs, models, students, and others looking to connect with like-minded individuals in a respectful, luxury-driven setting.

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    What sets sugardaddy.com apart from many other sugar daddy websites is its streamlined design, responsive customer support, and dedication to user verification. The platform emphasizes safety and discretion — essential elements for anyone exploring this unique dating style.

    With easy navigation, a robust matching algorithm, and tools designed to enhance compatibility, sugardaddy.com is more than just a dating site — it’s a lifestyle hub for those seeking high-value connections. Whether you’re exploring sugar daddy dating for the first time or are a returning member, the platform continues to lead the industry in innovation and reliability.

    Users can also easily access their accounts through the sugardaddy.com login portal, making account management and communication quick and seamless.

    Find Meaningful Sugar Relationships on SugarDaddy.com

    SugarDaddy.com Reviews: What Are Users Saying?

    Regarding sugardaddy.com reviews, one thing is clear — the platform has made a positive impression on many users. From experienced sugar daddies to newcomers in the sugar dating scene, the feedback paints a compelling picture of trust, efficiency, and success.

    Real User Testimonials

    “I was initially skeptical, but SugarDaddy.com completely changed how I view online dating. I met someone genuine within two weeks!” — Melissa, 27, Miami

    “I’ve been on several sugar daddy websites, and none have matched the class and quality of sugardaddy.com. It’s the real deal.” — David, 49, Los Angeles

    “I appreciate the verification process and how easy it is to filter who I want to meet. I feel safe and in control.” — Tyra, 22, Atlanta

    These reviews are not uncommon. 88% of users polled in SugarDaddy.com’s 2025 internal satisfaction survey stated that they found the site “easy to use and trustworthy.”

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    What Users Love

    • High-quality matches – The platform doesn’t just boast numbers. It ensures that its user base is genuine and well-curated.
    • Discretion & Safety – Privacy settings and a strong moderation team make users feel protected.
    • Efficiency – Many users report finding compatible matches in less than a month.

    Balanced Perspectives

    Not all feedback is perfect — and that’s a good thing. Some users mention that while the sugardaddy.com free version is functional, unlocking the whole experience often requires upgrading. Others wish for more regional filters or additional profile customization tools. Still, the overall satisfaction remains high, especially when compared to anonymous or unmoderated platforms.

    The wide range of sugardaddy.com reviews also speaks to the diversity of experiences. Some seek mentorship and career advice, while others focus on romance, travel, or long-term arrangements. The platform caters to all of these needs with a user-centric approach.

    Whether you’re wondering how to find a sugar daddy or a benefactor seeking a rewarding connection, the feedback from real users shows that sugardaddy.com offers the tools and support needed to succeed.

    With thousands of success stories and a growing user base, SugarDaddy.com ranks among the most talked-about and trusted platforms in the sugar dating community.

    Find Real Sugar Daddies and Sugar Babies – Sign Up at SugarDaddy.com!

    Key Features & How It Works 

    Navigating a new dating platform can be overwhelming, but SugarDaddy.com is designed to make the experience intuitive, secure, and tailored to your unique relationship goals.

    Easy Sign-Up & Verified Profiles

    Getting started is simple. Users can create profiles, add photos, write a brief bio, and define what they seek with a few quick steps. The sugardaddy.com login process is streamlined for desktop and mobile users, ensuring fast access from anywhere.

    To reduce fake accounts and enhance safety, sugardaddy.com employs a verification system that reviews photos and profile content before full access is granted. It helps maintain a respectful community focused on genuine connections.

    Explore the SugarDaddy.com App

    The official sugardaddy.com app offers the same features as the desktop version — with the added convenience of chatting, browsing, and updating your profile. Available for iOS and Android, the app enhances mobility without sacrificing quality.

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    Advanced Search & Matching Tools

    Users can search by:

    • Age range
    • Income level
    • Interests and lifestyle
    • Location
    • Relationship goals

    These filters help users efficiently connect with compatible matches — saving time and reducing frustration.

    Find Your Perfect Arrangement on SugarDaddy.com

    Messaging & Interaction

    Once a connection is made, messaging is seamless and secure. The in-app communication tools support private chats, media sharing, and even scheduled date planning — all within a safe environment.

    Membership Options

    While the site offers free sign-up and browsing features, a premium membership unlocks full functionality, including:

    • Unlimited messaging
    • Priority profile visibility
    • Advanced match suggestions

    Many users find that upgrading enhances their success rate significantly, making it a worthwhile investment for serious seekers.

    Create Your Free Profile on SugarDaddy.com and Start Connecting!

    Accessibility

    Whether using the mobile app or logging in through a browser, sugardaddy.com is designed for speed and usability. The sugardaddy login page is responsive and user-friendly, even for those new to online dating.

    In short, SugarDaddy.com combines form and function, offering a beautiful, easy-to-use platform without compromising features or privacy.

    Is SugarDaddy.com Legit or a Scam?

    Trust and legitimacy are paramount in online dating, especially in the sugar daddy and sugar dating niche. With the rise of online dating platforms, users often question the credibility of these services. It leads to the burning question: Is SugarDaddy.com legit or a scam?

    SugarDaddy.com: A Trusted Platform

    SugarDaddy.com has built its reputation over the years by creating a safe and secure environment for sugar daddies and babies. It’s not just a platform for casual connections — it’s a carefully curated space for people serious about forming mutually beneficial relationships.

    The first and most crucial aspect that sets SugarDaddy.com apart from other sugar daddy websites is its commitment to user verification. Unlike many dating sites, SugarDaddy.com employs a rigorous user verification process. It includes photo verification and manual checks to ensure that profiles are genuine, reducing the risk of encountering scammers or fake accounts. As a result, users can feel confident interacting with real people who share similar relationship goals.

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    Security Measures

    When it comes to online dating, security is a top priority. SugarDaddy.com takes every precaution to protect its users’ personal information and ensure that private conversations and financial arrangements remain confidential. The site uses advanced encryption technology, safeguarding sensitive data and protecting users from identity theft.

    Moreover, SugarDaddy.com provides features that allow users to report suspicious behavior or scammers, creating a community-driven atmosphere of accountability. If you ever feel uncomfortable or encounter someone who seems untrustworthy, the platform offers clear steps for reporting and blocking users.

    Scam Protection

    One of the most significant concerns for those exploring sugar dating is the potential risk of scams or fraudulent activity. Fortunately, SugarDaddy.com offers several scam-protection measures. These include:

    • Profile verification: Ensuring that the members are real and actively seeking connections.
    • Moderation of content: The platform’s team closely monitors user activity to flag inappropriate or suspicious behavior.
    • Clear guidelines: The site has detailed terms of service and user conduct rules that prohibit fraudulent activities, including soliciting money or gifts under pretenses.

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    User Reviews and Feedback

    Looking at sugardaddy.com reviews, the consensus is clear: the platform has earned a strong reputation for being safe, secure, and reliable. Users consistently report positive experiences, citing the security features, ease of use, and genuine profiles as the primary reasons they trust the site. With robust measures to protect against scams and fraud, SugarDaddy.com has become one of the most trusted names in the sugar dating industry.

    While no online platform is without occasional hiccups, SugarDaddy.com goes above and beyond to address any concerns promptly. The website’s attention to user safety and commitment to maintaining a positive environment has contributed significantly to its strong reputation.

    Legitimate Dating Experience

    So, is SugarDaddy.com a scam? The answer is clear: no. With its comprehensive security measures, verified profiles, customer service, and commitment to providing a legitimate dating experience, SugarDaddy.com is firmly established as a trusted platform for those exploring sugar daddy dating.

    Unlike other sugar daddy websites, SugarDaddy.com stands out for its transparency, user protection policies, and consistent feedback from satisfied members. Whether you’re a first-time user wondering how to get a sugar daddy or someone experienced looking for a serious arrangement, SugarDaddy.com provides an authentic and safe environment to meet like-minded individuals.

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    Expert Tips for New Users

    Entering the world of sugar dating can feel intimidating, especially if you’re new to the concept of connecting with a sugar daddy or sugar baby. Whether you’re looking for a casual arrangement or a more long-term connection, SugarDaddy.com offers a range of resources to help you get started and confidently navigate the platform. Here are some expert tips to ensure that your experience is enjoyable, safe, and successful:

    1. Craft a Genuine, Thoughtful Profile

    When it comes to online dating, your profile is your first impression. The key to attracting genuine connections on SugarDaddy.com is authenticity. Be honest about your intentions, what you’re looking for in a partner, and what you have to offer. A well-crafted profile will set you apart from others and give potential matches a clear understanding of your desires and expectations.

    • For sugar daddies: Highlight your success, lifestyle, and what you seek in a sugar baby. Be clear about your interests and relationship goals.
    • For sugar babies: Express your goals, aspirations, and what you’re looking for in a mutually beneficial relationship. Sharing your hobbies, career ambitions, and interests will help attract the correct type of partner.

    2. Take Advantage of Profile Verification

    To build trust and ensure a safer experience, always take advantage of the sugardaddy.com verification process. It not only proves you’re a genuine user, but it also boosts your visibility on the platform. Verified profiles are more likely to receive attention from other high-quality members, whether you’re searching for a sugar daddy or a sugar baby.

    Connect with Successful Singles on SugarDaddy.com

    3. Use the Advanced Search Filters

    SugarDaddy.com offers a variety of filters to help you connect with the right people. Use these tools to narrow your search by interests, relationship type, age, income level, and location. The more specific you are about what you’re looking for, the better your chances of finding a compatible match.

    4. Respect Boundaries and Communication

    Building trust is essential in sugar dating. Always communicate openly and respectfully with your potential matches. Be upfront about your expectations, desires, and limits. Likewise, make sure to listen and respect the boundaries of your match. Whether it’s about finances, time commitments, or the nature of the relationship, clear communication will help you establish a strong foundation.

    Avoid being too forward or overly aggressive when you send a message or initiate contact on SugarDaddy.com. Start with a friendly introduction and express your interest thoughtfully. A good conversation can pave the way for a meaningful connection.

    Discover the Best Sugar Dating Experience on SugarDaddy.com

    5. Practice Safety First

    Safety should always be a top priority, as with any online dating platform. SugarDaddy.com offers several features to protect your personal information, but taking precautions is always smart.

    • Avoid sharing personal details such as your full address or financial information early on.
    • Arrange to meet in public places for initial dates, especially if you’re unsure about the person you’re meeting.
    • Trust your instincts — if something feels off, don’t hesitate to block or report a user.

      Sign Up on SugarDaddy.com – Discreet & Secure

    6. Upgrade for More Features

    While SugarDaddy.com offers free membership, upgrading to a premium plan provides access to enhanced features like unlimited messaging, priority profile visibility, and advanced matchmaking. If you’re serious about sugar dating, investing in a premium membership can significantly increase your chances of finding a quality match.

    Many users find that upgrading to premium speeds up the process and allows them to connect with higher-quality, serious members. Whether you’re looking for a sugar daddy or a sugar baby, a premium membership provides more tools to help you succeed.

      Find a Mutually Beneficial Relationship with SugarDaddy.com

    Pros and Cons of SugarDaddy.com

    When evaluating any online platform, especially in the sugar dating world, it’s essential to consider the advantages and potential drawbacks. SugarDaddy.com is a widely trusted platform, but like any service, it has strengths and areas that may need improvement. Here, we break down the pros and cons of using SugarDaddy.com to help you make an informed decision.

    Pros of SugarDaddy.com 

    1. Verified Profiles and Enhanced Security

    One of the most significant advantages of SugarDaddy.com is its commitment to user safety and profile verification. The site uses a verification process to ensure the people you connect with are real. It significantly reduces the risk of encountering fake profiles, which is a common issue on less regulated sugar daddy websites.

    Furthermore, the platform takes privacy and security seriously, with data encryption and moderation to prevent scams. The ability to report suspicious users adds an extra layer of protection for members.

    2. User-Friendly Interface

    SugarDaddy.com is designed with the user in mind. The layout is sleek and intuitive, making it easy for sugar daddies and babies to navigate the platform. The process is straightforward, whether you’re signing up, uploading photos, or browsing profiles. Additionally, the sugardaddy.com app mirrors the site’s functionality, offering convenience and flexibility for users on the go.

    Find a Successful Sugar Daddy at SugarDaddy.com!

    3. A Large and Diverse Community

    With an extensive international user base, SugarDaddy.com gives you access to thousands of potential matches. Whether you’re a sugar daddy seeking companionship or a sugar baby looking for mentorship, there are numerous opportunities to connect with people with similar interests and goals. The diverse community has people from various backgrounds, careers, and relationship expectations.

    4. Robust Matching and Search Features

    The advanced search and matchmaking tools on SugarDaddy.com allow users to find matches that meet their specific criteria. Filters based on location, age, income level, and relationship goals make connecting with people who align with your desires easy. The platform’s algorithm enhances your chances of meeting someone compatible, streamlining the search process.

    5. Flexible Membership Options

    While the platform offers a free version with basic features, SugarDaddy.com also provides premium memberships that unlock additional functionalities. These include unlimited messaging, advanced search tools, and priority profile visibility. For those serious about finding a connection, the paid membership options provide greater flexibility and enhanced matchmaking.

    6. Real User Reviews and Testimonials

    Another significant benefit is the wealth of positive sugardaddy.com reviews and testimonials from users who have found success on the platform. Many report genuine, long-term connections, which speaks to the credibility and effectiveness of the site in fostering sugar-dating relationships.

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    Cons of SugarDaddy.com

    1. Premium Membership Costs

    While SugarDaddy.com offers free access to its basic features, the more advanced capabilities require a premium membership. Some users may find the premium plans costly, especially for those just starting or uncertain about the value of upgrading. However, considering the increased functionality and enhanced visibility a premium account provides, it may be worth the investment for serious users.

    2. Limited Customization for Profiles

    Though the platform offers a user-friendly interface, some users have mentioned that profile customization options are somewhat limited. You might feel restricted if you want to add more detailed personal information or express yourself creatively. The layout is clean and straightforward, but some may prefer more flexibility in designing their profiles.

    3. It’s Not for Everyone

    SugarDaddy.com is specifically designed for those interested in sugar dating — which may not be appealing to everyone. If you’re seeking conventional dating, this platform may not fit your needs best. The site’s focus on mutually beneficial relationships may not suit everyone’s preferences, and newcomers to the sugar daddy lifestyle may need some time to adjust to the dynamics of these types of connections.

    Find Your Perfect Arrangement on SugarDaddy.com

    Why SugarDaddy.com Leads the Sugar Dating Movement

    SugarDaddy.com offers a safe and structured space to pursue this modern dating model among the various sugar daddy websites. It’s more than just a platform — a community built around mutual respect and genuine connections.

    By providing detailed profiles, verified users, and strong moderation, the site helps ensure that sugar dating relationships begin on a foundation of trust and clarity. Users can confidently state what they seek — luxury travel, business mentorship, emotional support, or lifestyle enhancement — and find a match that appreciates and respects those desires.

    How to Get a Sugar Daddy on SugarDaddy.com

    If you’re new to the concept and wondering how to get a sugar daddy, SugarDaddy.com offers all the tools you need to succeed. Here are a few tips to get started:

    • Create a compelling profile: Be clear about your goals, interests, and what you seek in a relationship.
    • Be honest and upfront: Sugar dating works best when expectations are clear.
    • Use filters wisely: The site allows you to narrow your search based on income, location, lifestyle, and relationship goals.
    • Stay active: Keep your profile updated, engage in conversations, and remain responsive.

    Thousands of users have found success through the platform, and sugardaddy.com reviews consistently reflect positive experiences from sugar daddies and babies.

    Experience Elite Sugar Dating at SugarDaddy.com

    Who Is SugarDaddy.com Best For?

    Whether you’re new to sugar dating or have prior experience navigating this unique relationship style, choosing the right platform that aligns with your goals is essential. SugarDaddy.com caters to a diverse audience, but it especially shines for people who value clarity, mutual respect, and meaningful connections in a sugar daddy dynamic.

    So, who exactly is SugarDaddy.com best for?

    1. Successful Professionals Seeking Companionship

    SugarDaddy.com is ideal for high-earning individuals who are financially established and don’t have the time or interest in traditional dating. Many sugar daddies on the platform are:

    • CEOs, executives, or entrepreneurs
    • Investors or public figures
    • High-income professionals seeking discretion and emotional fulfillment

    These users want companionship that complements their lifestyle — without the guesswork or drama that can come with conventional dating. Sugar dating is a conscious choice for them: an arrangement based on transparency and mutual benefit.

    Start Meeting Successful Sugar Daddies Today

    2. Ambitious Sugar Babies with Goals

    On the flip side, SugarDaddy.com is a top destination for driven individuals — especially sugar babies who know what they want. Many are:

    • College students seeking financial help or mentorship
    • Creatives, models, or influencers aiming to grow personally and professionally
    • Adventurous individuals looking for travel opportunities or luxury experiences

    What unites them is a shared interest in connecting with partners who appreciate their energy, beauty, and ambition. SugarDaddy.com gives them a voice and a platform to express what they want — whether it’s support with tuition, emotional mentorship, or lifestyle enhancement.

    3. People Who Value Clear Relationship Terms

    If you’re someone who dislikes ambiguity in relationships, SugarDaddy.com is built for you. The platform is structured around honest communication, and most users state their intentions from the beginning.

    Whether you’re a sugar baby looking for financial stability and guidance or a sugar daddy offering support in exchange for companionship, SugarDaddy.com is where these relationships flourish — free from judgment and filled with mutual understanding.

    Explore Premium Sugar Dating Opportunities

    4. Those Who Want a Premium Sugar Dating Experience

    If you’re tired of cluttered apps, fake profiles, and low-effort interactions, SugarDaddy.com offers a premium sugar dating environment. Verified members, top-notch security, and elite-level design create a space that feels more like a luxury lounge than a basic dating site.

    For those wondering how to find a sugar daddy or attract the right sugar baby, SugarDaddy.com is optimized for success. With features that elevate matchmaking, visibility, and safety, it’s the ideal platform for anyone seeking a serious arrangement built on respect, clarity, and generosity.

    Unlock Luxury Dating – Join SugarDaddy.com

    How to Get Started with SugarDaddy.com

    If you’re ready to explore the world of sugar dating and want a smooth, secure, and high-quality experience, getting started on SugarDaddy.com is easy. Whether you’re searching for a generous sugar daddy or a charming, ambitious sugar baby, the platform makes it simple to take the first step.

    Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to dive into the sugar dating scene with confidence and clarity.

    Step 1: Create Your Free Account

    Visit SugarDaddy.com and click the “Join Now” or “Sign Up” button. The sign-up process is quick and user-friendly. You’ll be asked to provide basic information such as:

    • Username
    • Gender and the type of relationship you’re looking for
    • Age and location
    • A short bio or introduction

    Whether you’re a sugar daddy or sugar baby, this is your opportunity to make a strong first impression. Keep it authentic and honest!

    Sign Up and Meet Genuine Sugar Daddies Now

    Step 2: Complete Your Profile and Upload Photos

    Once you’ve created your account, it’s time to build your profile. Add a high-quality photo that represents your personality and style. Write a clear, compelling bio that outlines your goals, interests, and what you’re looking for in a sugar dating relationship.

    Don’t be vague — transparency makes the SugarDaddy.com experience so unique. Want mentorship? Financial support? Travel companionship? Say it proudly.

    Step 3: Verify Your Profile

    To gain credibility and stand out from the crowd, verify your profile. Verification adds a badge to your account and builds trust with other users. This step is highly recommended for both sugar daddies and sugar babies and helps reduce the chances of running into fake accounts.

    It is why sugardaddy.com reviews consistently praise the platform for offering a safe and authentic dating space.

    Step 4: Browse and Connect

    Use the powerful search filters to browse through potential matches. You can sort by age, location, lifestyle preferences, and relationship goals. Did you find someone interesting? Send a message or a wink to break the ice. Premium membership gives you unlimited messaging access and more profile insights.

    Looking to explore while you’re on the move? Download the sugardaddy.com app for instant access on your phone, and stay connected with your matches 24/7.

    Discover Exclusive Sugar Dating Connections

    Final Tip

    Your success on SugarDaddy.com comes down to honesty, intention, and presentation. Whether new to the concept or experienced in the sugar dating scene, this platform is designed to give you the tools to build honest, respectful, and beneficial connections.

    Upgrade Your Lifestyle – Join SugarDaddy.com

    FAQ

    Is SugarDaddy.com a legitimate dating site?

    Yes, SugarDaddy.com is a legitimate sugar dating platform designed to connect successful individuals (sugar daddies/mommies) with attractive companions (sugar babies). It offers profile verification tools and premium features that enhance user safety and experience. However, as with any dating site, users should practice caution and follow safety guidelines when engaging with others.

    How does SugarDaddy.com work?

    SugarDaddy.com allows users to create profiles, browse potential matches, and communicate through messaging tools. Users can specify relationship expectations and preferences, making it easier to find compatible connections. Premium memberships unlock additional features such as unlimited messaging and advanced search filters.

    Is SugarDaddy.com free to use?

    While creating a basic profile on SugarDaddy.com is free, many of the platform’s best features—such as sending messages and viewing full profiles—require a paid membership. Both sugar daddies and sugar babies may choose to upgrade to get the most out of the platform.

    Is SugarDaddy.com safe?

    SugarDaddy.com has various safety features, including profile moderation and a block/report system. While these measures improve safety, users should always remain vigilant, avoid sharing personal or financial information too early, and meet in public places when connecting in person.

    Who should use SugarDaddy.com?

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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Coastal Financial Corporation Announces First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EVERETT, Wash., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Coastal Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: CCB) (the “Company”, “Coastal”, “we”, “our”, or “us”), the holding company for Coastal Community Bank (the “Bank”), through which it operates a community-focused bank segment (“community bank”) with an industry leading banking as a service (“BaaS”) segment (“CCBX”), today reported unaudited financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, including net income of $9.7 million, or $0.63 per diluted common share, compared to $13.4 million, or $0.94 per diluted common share, for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and $6.8 million, or $0.50 per diluted common share, for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

    Management Discussion of the First Quarter Results

    “First quarter of 2025 was impacted by elevated expenses related to the onboarding and implementation costs of several new partnerships and products within CCBX and investments in technology, however, we anticipate that the revenue and earnings from these investments will be highly valuable over the long-term,” stated CEO Eric Sprink. “We saw high quality deposit growth of $205.9 million during the first quarter, and our CCBX program fee income continued to increase, up 55.2% compared to the same period in 2024.”

    Key Points for First Quarter and Our Go-Forward Strategy

    • Positive Growth Trends within CCBX Continue. As of March 31, 2025 we had two partners in testing, three in implementation/onboarding, one signed LOI and have an active pipeline of new partners and new products with existing partners for the balance of 2025 and into 2026. Total BaaS program fee income was $6.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, an increase of $724,000, or 13.0%, from the three months ended December 31, 2024. We remain fully indemnified against fraud and 98.8% indemnified against credit risk with our CCBX partners as of March 31, 2025.
    • Investments for Growth Continues. Total noninterest expense of $72.0 million was up $4.6 million, or 6.8%, as compared to $67.4 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2024, mainly driven by higher salaries and employee benefits, legal and professional expenses and BaaS loan expense partially offset by lower BaaS fraud expense. As we increase the number of new CCBX partners and products with existing partners launching in 2025, we expect that expenses will tend to be front-loaded with a focus on compliance and operational risk before any new programs or products generate significant revenues. We remain focused on building our future revenue sources.
    • Strong Deposit Growth, Off Balance Sheet Activity Update. Total deposits of $3.79 billion, an increase of $205.9 million, or 5.7%, over the quarter ended December 31, 2024, driven primarily by growth in CCBX partner programs. On April 1, 2025 we launched the T-Mobile deposit program and those deposits will be reflected in the second quarter deposit totals. During the first quarter of 2025, we sold $744.6 million of loans, the majority of which were credit card receivables. We retain a portion of the fee income on sold credit card loans. As of March 31, 2025 there were 237,024 credit cards with fee earning potential, an increase of 54,575 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2024 and an increase of 210,723 from March 31, 2024.

    First Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights

    The tables below outline some of our key operating metrics.

      Three Months Ended
    (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data; unaudited) March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Income Statement Data:                  
    Interest and dividend income $ 104,907     $ 102,448     $ 105,165     $ 97,422     $ 91,742  
    Interest expense   28,845       30,071       32,892       31,250       29,536  
    Net interest income   76,062       72,377       72,273       66,172       62,206  
    Provision for credit losses   55,781       61,867       70,257       62,325       83,158  
    Net interest (expense)/ income after provision for credit losses   20,281       10,510       2,016       3,847       (20,952 )
    Noninterest income   63,477       74,100       78,790       69,138       86,176  
    Noninterest expense   71,989       67,411       64,424       57,964       56,509  
    Provision for income tax   2,039       3,832       2,926       3,425       1,915  
    Net income   9,730       13,367       13,456       11,596       6,800  
                       
      As of and for the Three Month Period
      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Balance Sheet Data:                  
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 624,302     $ 452,513     $ 484,026     $ 487,245     $ 515,128  
    Investment securities   46,991       47,321       48,620       49,213       50,090  
    Loans held for sale   42,132       20,600       7,565             797  
    Loans receivable   3,517,359       3,486,565       3,413,894       3,321,813       3,195,101  
    Allowance for credit losses   (183,178 )     (176,994 )     (171,674 )     (148,878 )     (139,941 )
    Total assets   4,339,282       4,121,208       4,064,472       3,959,549       3,863,062  
    Interest bearing deposits   3,251,599       3,057,808       3,047,861       2,949,643       2,888,867  
    Noninterest bearing deposits   539,630       527,524       579,427       593,789       574,112  
    Core deposits (1)   3,321,772       3,123,434       3,190,869       3,528,339       3,447,864  
    Total deposits   3,791,229       3,585,332       3,627,288       3,543,432       3,462,979  
    Total borrowings   47,923       47,884       47,847       47,810       47,771  
    Total shareholders’ equity   449,917       438,704       331,930       316,693       303,709  
                       
    Share and Per Share Data (2):                  
    Earnings per share – basic $ 0.65     $ 0.97     $ 1.00     $ 0.86     $ 0.51  
    Earnings per share – diluted $ 0.63     $ 0.94     $ 0.97     $ 0.84     $ 0.50  
    Dividends per share                            
    Book value per share (3) $ 29.98     $ 29.37     $ 24.51     $ 23.54     $ 22.65  
    Tangible book value per share (4) $ 29.98     $ 29.37     $ 24.51     $ 23.54     $ 22.65  
    Weighted avg outstanding shares – basic   14,962,507       13,828,605       13,447,066       13,412,667       13,340,997  
    Weighted avg outstanding shares – diluted   15,462,041       14,268,229       13,822,270       13,736,508       13,676,917  
    Shares outstanding at end of period   15,009,225       14,935,298       13,543,282       13,453,805       13,407,320  
    Stock options outstanding at end of period   163,932       186,354       198,370       286,119       309,069  

    See footnotes that follow the tables below

      As of and for the Three Month Period
      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Credit Quality Data:                  
    Nonperforming assets (5) to total assets   1.30 %     1.52 %     1.63 %     1.34 %     1.42 %
    Nonperforming assets (5) to loans receivable and OREO   1.60 %     1.80 %     1.94 %     1.60 %     1.72 %
    Nonperforming loans (5) to total loans receivable   1.60 %     1.80 %     1.94 %     1.60 %     1.72 %
    Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans   325.0 %     282.5 %     257.2 %     278.6 %     254.3 %
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans receivable   5.21 %     5.08 %     5.03 %     4.45 %     4.35 %
    Gross charge-offs $ 53,686     $ 61,585     $ 53,305     $ 55,207     $ 58,994  
    Gross recoveries $ 5,486     $ 5,223     $ 4,516     $ 2,254     $ 2,036  
    Net charge-offs to average loans (6)   5.57 %     6.56 %     5.60 %     6.54 %     7.30 %
                       
    Capital Ratios:                  
    Company                  
    Tier 1 leverage capital   10.67 %     10.78 %     8.40 %     8.31 %     8.24 %
    Common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital   12.13 %     12.04 %     9.24 %     9.03 %     8.98 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital   12.22 %     12.14 %     9.34 %     9.13 %     9.08 %
    Total risk-based capital   14.73 %     14.67 %     11.89 %     11.70 %     11.70 %
    Bank                  
    Tier 1 leverage capital   10.57 %     10.64 %     9.29 %     9.24 %     9.19 %
    Common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital   12.12 %     11.99 %     10.34 %     10.15 %     10.14 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital   12.12 %     11.99 %     10.34 %     10.15 %     10.14 %
    Total risk-based capital   13.42 %     13.28 %     11.63 %     11.44 %     11.43 %
    (1)  Core deposits are defined as all deposits excluding brokered and time deposits.
    (2) Share and per share amounts are based on total actual or average common shares outstanding, as applicable.
    (3) We calculate book value per share as total shareholders’ equity at the end of the relevant period divided by the outstanding number of our common shares at the end of each period.
    (4) Tangible book value per share is a non-GAAP financial measure. We calculate tangible book value per share as total shareholders’ equity at the end of the relevant period, less goodwill and other intangible assets, divided by the outstanding number of our common shares at the end of each period. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is book value per share. We had no goodwill or other intangible assets as of any of the dates indicated. As a result, tangible book value per share is the same as book value per share as of each of the dates indicated.
    (5) Nonperforming assets and nonperforming loans include loans 90+ days past due and accruing interest.
    (6) Annualized calculations.
       

    Key Performance Ratios

    Return on average assets (“ROA”) was 0.93% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to 1.30% and 0.73% for the quarters ended December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively.  ROA for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, decreased 0.37% and increased 0.19% compared to December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively. Noninterest expenses were higher for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2024 largely due to higher salaries and employee benefits, due to annual pay increases and for new hires that contribute to our continued investments in growth, technology and risk management, legal and professional expenses and increased BaaS loan expense, which is directly related to interest earned on CCBX loans. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in BaaS fraud expense. Noninterest expenses were higher than the quarter ended March 31, 2024 due primarily to an increase in salaries and employee benefits, data processing and software licenses and legal and professional expenses, all of which are related to the growth of Company and investments in technology and risk management.

    Legal and professional fees in first quarter were elevated in multiple areas including compliance, BSA, audit, legal and projects as we prepare for new partners, and we may experience a similar level of expenses again in second quarter before returning to a more historical level in third quarter 2025.

    Yield on earning assets and yield on loans receivable increased 0.07% and 0.23%, respectively, for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2024. Average loans receivable as of March 31, 2025 increased $92.2 million compared to December 31, 2024 as net CCBX loans continue to grow, despite selling $744.6 million in CCBX loans during the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    The following table shows the Company’s key performance ratios for the periods indicated.  

        Three Months Ended
    (unaudited)   March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
                         
    Return on average assets (1)     0.93 %     1.30 %     1.34 %     1.21 %     0.73 %
    Return on average equity (1)     8.91 %     14.90 %     16.67 %     15.22 %     9.21 %
    Yield on earnings assets (1)     10.32 %     10.24 %     10.79 %     10.49 %     10.21 %
    Yield on loans receivable (1)     11.33 %     11.12 %     11.44 %     11.22 %     11.01 %
    Cost of funds (1)     3.11 %     3.24 %     3.62 %     3.60 %     3.52 %
    Cost of deposits (1)     3.08 %     3.21 %     3.59 %     3.58 %     3.49 %
    Net interest margin (1)     7.48 %     7.23 %     7.42 %     7.12 %     6.92 %
    Noninterest expense to average assets (1)     6.87 %     6.54 %     6.42 %     6.05 %     6.10 %
    Noninterest income to average assets (1)     6.06 %     7.19 %     7.85 %     7.22 %     9.30 %
    Efficiency ratio     51.59 %     46.02 %     42.65 %     42.84 %     38.08 %
    Loans receivable to deposits (2)     93.89 %     97.82 %     94.33 %     93.75 %     92.29 %
    (1)   Annualized calculations shown for quarterly periods presented.
    (2)   Includes loans held for sale.
       

    Management Outlook; CEO Eric Sprink

    “Looking ahead to the balance of 2025, elevated onboarding activity is expected to continue into the second quarter as our CCBX pipeline remains very robust with high quality and potentially impactful opportunities. We plan to continue to invest in and enhance our technology and risk management infrastructure to support our next phase of CCBX growth. Our risk reduction efforts, namely our fraud and credit indemnifications via our partners, continued to function as expected despite the volatile macroeconomics conditions towards the end of first quarter. These efforts, plus additional growth in noninterest income should help mitigate the uncertainties associated with fluctuating interest rates and provide a stable, recurring income source.” said CEO Eric Sprink.

    Coastal Financial Corporation Overview

    The Company has one main subsidiary, the Bank, which consists of three segments: CCBX, the community bank and treasury & administration.  The CCBX segment includes all of our BaaS activities, the community bank segment includes all community banking activities and the treasury & administration segment includes treasury management, overall administration and all other aspects of the Company.  

    CCBX Performance Update

    Our CCBX segment continues to evolve, and we have 25 relationships, at varying stages, including two partners in testing, three in implementation/onboarding, one signed LOI as of March 31, 2025.  We continue to refine the criteria for CCBX partnerships, exploring relationships with larger more established partners, with experienced management teams, existing customer bases and strong financial positions. We also will consider promising medium and smaller sized partners that align with our approach and terms including financial wherewithal and will continue to exit relationships where it makes sense for us to do so.

    While we explore relationships with new partners we continue to expand our product offerings with existing CCBX partners. As we become more proficient in the BaaS space we aim to cultivate new relationships that align with our long-term goals. We believe that a strategy of adding new partnerships and launching new products with existing partners allows us to expand and grow our customer base with a modest increase in regulatory risk given our operational history with them. Increases in partner activity/transaction counts is positively impacting noninterest income and we expect this trend to continue as current products grow and new products are introduced . We plan to continue selling loans as part of our strategy to balance partner and lending limits, and manage the loan portfolio and credit quality. We retain a portion of the fee income for our role in processing transactions on sold credit card balances, and will continue this strategy to provide an on-going and passive revenue source with no on balance sheet risk or capital requirement.

    On April 1, 2025, we went live with the T-Mobile deposit program and our second quarter deposits will include those balances. As we build our deposit base, we will be able to sweep deposits off and on the balance sheet as needed. This deposit sweep capability allows us to better manage liquidity and deposit programs. At March 31, 2025 we swept off $406.3 million in deposits for FDIC insurance and liquidity purposes. We are also launching a new suite of deposit products with RobinHood, which are expected to launch in the back half of 2025. The introduction of theses products are expected to increase deposits.

    The following table illustrates the activity and evolution in CCBX relationships for the periods presented.

      As of
    (unaudited) March 31, 2025   December 31,
    2024
      March 31, 2024
    Active 19   19   19
    Friends and family / testing 2   1   1
    Implementation / onboarding 3   1   1
    Signed letters of intent 1   3   0
    Total CCBX relationships 25   24   21
               

    CCBX loans increased $47.2 million, or 2.9%, to $1.65 billion despite selling $744.6 million in loans during the three months ended March 31, 2025. In accordance with the program agreement for one partner, effective April 1, 2024, the portion of the CCBX portfolio that we are responsible for losses on decreased from 10% to 5%. At March 31, 2025 the portion of this portfolio for which we are responsible represented $19.9 million in loans.

    The following table details the CCBX loan portfolio:

    CCBX   As of
        March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total
    Commercial and industrial loans:                        
    Capital call lines   $ 133,466       8.1 %   $ 109,017       6.8 %   $ 135,671       10.3 %
    All other commercial & industrial loans     29,702       1.8       33,961       2.1       47,160       3.6  
    Real estate loans:                        
    Residential real estate loans     285,355       17.3       267,707       16.7       265,148       20.2  
    Consumer and other loans:                        
    Credit cards     532,775       32.2       528,554       33.0       505,706       38.6  
    Other consumer and other loans     670,026       40.6       664,780       41.4       358,528       27.3  
    Gross CCBX loans receivable     1,651,324       100.0 %     1,604,019       100.0 %     1,312,213       100.0 %
    Net deferred origination (fees) costs     (498 )         (442 )         (394 )    
    Loans receivable   $ 1,650,826         $ 1,603,577         $ 1,311,819      
    Loan Yield – CCBX (1)(2)     16.88 %         16.81 %         17.74 %    
                             
    (1) CCBX yield does not include the impact of BaaS loan expense.  BaaS loan expense represents the amount paid or payable to partners for credit enhancements and originating & servicing CCBX loans. See reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures at the end of this earnings release for the impact of BaaS loan expense on CCBX loan yield.
    (2) Loan yield is annualized for the three months ended for each period presented and includes loans held for sale and nonaccrual loans.
       

    The increase in CCBX loans in the quarter ended March 31, 2025, includes an increase of $24.4 million, or 22.4%, in capital call lines as a result of normal balance fluctuations and business activities, an increase of $17.6 million, or 6.6%, in residential real estate loans and an increase of $9.5 million or 0.8%, in other consumer and other loans. We continue to monitor and manage the CCBX loan portfolio, and sold $744.6 million in CCBX loans during the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to sales of $845.5 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2024. We continue to reposition ourselves by managing CCBX credit and concentration levels in an effort to optimize our loan portfolio earnings and generate off balance sheet fee income. CCBX loan yield increased 0.07% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2024.

    The following chart shows the growth in credit card accounts that generate fee income. This includes accounts with balances, which are included in our loan totals, and accounts that have been sold and have no corresponding balance in our loan totals, and that generate fee income.

    The following table details the CCBX deposit portfolio:

    CCBX   As of
        March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total
    Demand, noninterest bearing   $ 58,416       2.6 %   $ 55,686       2.7 %   $ 58,669       2.9 %
    Interest bearing demand and money market     2,145,608       94.6       1,958,459       94.9       1,964,942       96.8  
    Savings     16,625       0.7       5,710       0.3       5,338       0.3  
    Total core deposits     2,220,649       97.9       2,019,855       97.9       2,028,949       100.0  
    Other deposits     46,359       2.1       44,233       2.1              
    Total CCBX deposits   $ 2,267,008       100.0 %   $ 2,064,088       100.0 %   $ 2,028,949       100.0 %
    Cost of deposits (1)     4.01 %         4.19 %         4.93 %    
    (1) Cost of deposits is annualized for the three months ended for each period presented.
       

    CCBX deposits increased $202.9 million, or 9.8%, in the three months ended March 31, 2025 to $2.27 billion as a result of growth and normal balance fluctuations. This excludes the $406.3 million in CCBX deposits that were transferred off balance sheet for increased Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance coverage and sweep purposes, compared to $273.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. Amounts in excess of FDIC insurance coverage are transferred, using a third-party facilitator/vendor sweep product, to participating financial institutions.

    Community Bank Performance Update

    In the quarter ended March 31, 2025, the community bank saw net loans decrease $16.5 million, or 0.9%, to $1.87 billion, as a result of normal balance fluctuations.

    The following table details the Community Bank loan portfolio:

    Community Bank   As of
        March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total
    Commercial and industrial loans   $ 149,104       8.0 %   $ 150,395       8.0 %   $ 154,395       8.2 %
    Real estate loans:                        
    Construction, land and land development loans     166,551       8.9       148,198       7.8       160,862       8.5  
    Residential real estate loans     202,920       10.8       202,064       10.7       231,157       12.2  
    Commercial real estate loans     1,340,647       71.6       1,374,801       72.8       1,342,489       71.0  
    Consumer and other loans:                        
    Other consumer and other loans     13,326       0.7       13,542       0.7       1,447       0.1  
    Gross Community Bank loans receivable     1,872,548       100.0 %     1,889,000       100.0 %     1,890,350       100.0 %
    Net deferred origination fees     (6,015 )         (6,012 )         (7,068 )    
    Loans receivable   $ 1,866,533         $ 1,882,988         $ 1,883,282      
    Loan Yield(1)     6.53 %         6.53 %         6.46 %    
    (1) Loan yield is annualized for the three months ended for each period presented and includes loans held for sale and nonaccrual loans.
       

    Community bank loans decreased $34.2 million in commercial real estate loans, $1.3 million in commercial and industrial loans and $216,000 in consumer and other loans, partially offset by an increase of $18.4 million in construction, land and land development loans, during the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    The following table details the community bank deposit portfolio:

    Community Bank   As of
        March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total
    Demand, noninterest bearing   $ 481,214       31.5 %   $ 471,838       31.0 %   $ 515,443       35.9 %
    Interest bearing demand and money market     560,416       36.8       570,625       37.5       834,725       58.2  
    Savings     59,493       3.9       61,116       4.0       68,747       4.8  
    Total core deposits     1,101,123       72.2       1,103,579       72.5       1,418,915       99.0  
    Other deposits     407,391       26.7       400,118       26.3       1       0.0  
    Time deposits less than $100,000     5,585       0.4       5,920       0.4       7,199       0.5  
    Time deposits $100,000 and over     10,122       0.7       11,627       0.8       7,915       0.6  
    Total Community Bank deposits   $ 1,524,221       100.0 %   $ 1,521,244       100.0 %   $ 1,434,030       100.0 %
    Cost of deposits(1)     1.76 %         1.86 %         1.66 %    
    (1)   Cost of deposits is annualized for the three months ended for each period presented.
       

    Community bank deposits increased $3.0 million, or 0.2%, during the three months ended March 31, 2025 to $1.52 billion as result of normal balance fluctuations. The community bank segment includes noninterest bearing deposits of $481.2 million, or 31.5%, of total community bank deposits, resulting in a cost of deposits of 1.76%, which compared to 1.86% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, largely due to the decreases in the Fed funds rate late in the third quarter and during the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Net Interest Income and Margin Discussion

    Net interest income was $76.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, an increase of $3.7 million, or 5.1%, from $72.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, and an increase of $13.9 million, or 22.3%, from $62.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. Net interest income compared to December 31, 2024, was higher due to an increase in average loans receivable, an increase in loan yield and a decrease in cost of funds. The increase in net interest income compared to March 31, 2024 was largely related to growth in higher yielding loans, partially offset by an increase in cost of funds relating to higher interest rates and growth in interest bearing deposits.  

    Net interest margin was 7.48% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 7.23% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, largely due to higher loan yield and lower cost of deposits. Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense, (a reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures are set forth in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this earnings release) was 4.28% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 4.16% for the three months ended December 31, 2024. Net interest margin was 6.92% for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase in net interest margin for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024 was largely due to an increase in loan yield, partially offset by higher interest rates on interest bearing deposits. Interest and fees on loans receivable increased $2.6 million, or 2.7%, to $98.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $95.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, as a result of loan growth. Interest and fees on loans receivable increased $12.3 million, or 14.3%, compared to $85.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, due to an increase in outstanding balances and higher interest rates. Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense (a reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures are set forth in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this earnings release) increased 0.12% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to the three months ended December 31, 2024 and increased 0.26% compared the three months ended March 31, 2024.

    The following tables illustrate how net interest margin and loan yield is affected by BaaS loan expense:

    Consolidated   As of and for the Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   March 31
    2025
      December 31
    2024
      March 31
    2024
    Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense:        
    Net interest margin (1)     7.48 %     7.23 %     6.92 %
    Earning assets     4,124,065       3,980,078       3,613,769  
    Net interest income (GAAP)     76,062       72,377       62,206  
    Less: BaaS loan expense     (32,507 )     (30,720 )     (26,107 )
    Net interest income, net of BaaS loan expense(2)   $ 43,555     $ 41,657     $ 36,099  
    Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense (1)(2)     4.28 %     4.16 %     4.02 %
    Loan income net of BaaS loan expense divided by average loans:    
    Loan yield (GAAP)(1)     11.33 %     11.12 %     11.01 %
    Total average loans receivable   $ 3,511,724     $ 3,419,476     $ 3,137,271  
    Interest and earned fee income on loans (GAAP)     98,147       95,575       85,891  
    BaaS loan expense     (32,507 )     (30,720 )     (26,107 )
    Net loan income(2)   $ 65,640     $ 64,855     $ 59,784  
    Loan income, net of BaaS loan expense, divided by average loans (1)(2)     7.58 %     7.55 %     7.66 %
    (1) Annualized calculations shown for periods presented.
    (2) A reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures are set forth at the end of this earnings release.
       

    Average investment securities decreased $974,000 to $47.2 million compared to the three months ended December 31, 2024 and decreased $68.2 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024 as a result of principal paydowns and maturing securities.

    Cost of funds was 3.11% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, a decrease of 13 basis points from the quarter ended December 31, 2024 and a decrease of 42 basis points from the quarter ended March 31, 2024. Cost of deposits for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was 3.08%, compared to 3.21% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, and 3.49% for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The decreased cost of funds and deposits compared to December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024 were largely due to the recent reductions in the Fed funds rate.

    The following table summarizes the average yield on loans receivable and cost of deposits:

      For the Three Months Ended
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
      Yield on
    Loans (2)
      Cost of
    Deposits (2)
      Yield on
    Loans (2)
      Cost of
    Deposits (2)
      Yield on
    Loans (2)
      Cost of
    Deposits (2)
    Community Bank   6.53 %     1.76 %     6.53 %     1.86 %     6.46 %     1.66 %
    CCBX (1)   16.88 %     4.01 %     16.81 %     4.19 %     17.74 %     4.93 %
    Consolidated   11.33 %     3.08 %     11.12 %     3.21 %     11.01 %     3.49 %
    (1) CCBX yield on loans does not include the impact of BaaS loan expense.  BaaS loan expense represents the amount paid or payable to partners for credit and fraud enhancements and originating & servicing CCBX loans. To determine Net BaaS loan income earned from CCBX loan relationships, the Company takes BaaS loan interest income and deducts BaaS loan expense to arrive at Net BaaS loan income which can be compared to interest income on the Company’s community bank loans. See reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures at the end of this earnings release for the impact of BaaS loan expense on CCBX loan yield.
    (2) Annualized calculations for periods presented.
       

    The following table illustrates how BaaS loan interest income is affected by BaaS loan expense resulting in net BaaS loan income and the associated yield:

        For the Three Months Ended
        March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    (dollars in thousands, unaudited)   Income / Expense   Income /
    expense divided
    by average
    CCBX loans
    (2)
      Income / Expense   Income /
    expense divided
    by average
    CCBX loans
    (2)
      Income / Expense   Income /
    expense divided
    by average
    CCBX loans
    (2)
    BaaS loan interest income   $ 67,855       16.88 %   $ 64,532       16.81 %   $ 55,839       17.74 %
    Less: BaaS loan expense     32,507       8.09 %     30,720       8.00 %     26,107       8.29 %
    Net BaaS loan income (1)   $ 35,348       8.79 %   $ 33,812       8.81 %   $ 29,732       9.45 %
    Average BaaS Loans(3)   $ 1,630,088         $ 1,527,178         $ 1,265,857      
    (1) A reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures are set forth at the end of this earnings release.
    (2) Annualized calculations shown for the periods presented.
    (3) Includes loans held for sale.
       

    Noninterest Income Discussion

    Noninterest income was $63.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, a decrease of $10.6 million from $74.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, and a decrease of $22.7 million from $86.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024.  The decrease in noninterest income for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 as compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2024 was primarily due to a decrease of $10.8 million in total BaaS income.  The $10.8 million decrease in total BaaS income included an $8.4 million decrease in BaaS credit enhancements related to the provision for credit losses and a $3.1 million decrease in BaaS fraud enhancements partially offset by an increase of $724,000 in BaaS program income. The $724,000 increase in BaaS program income is largely due to higher reimbursement of CCBX partner expenses and an increase in transaction and interchange fees and servicing and other BaaS fees, (see “Appendix B” for more information on the accounting for BaaS allowance for credit losses and credit and fraud enhancements).

    The $22.7 million decrease in noninterest income over the quarter ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to a $25.1 million decrease in BaaS credit and fraud enhancements and an increase of $2.2 million in BaaS program income.

    Noninterest Expense Discussion

    Total noninterest expense increased $4.6 million to $72.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $67.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, and increased $15.5 million from $56.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The $4.6 million increase in noninterest expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, as compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2024, was primarily due to a $3.5 million increase in salaries and benefits, $1.9 million increase in legal and professional fees, and $1.8 million increase in BaaS loan expense, partially offset by a $3.1 million decrease in BaaS fraud expense. The salaries and benefits and legal and professional fees increases were part of our continued investments in growth, technology and risk management. BaaS loan expense represents the amount paid or payable to partners for credit enhancements, fraud enhancements, and originating & servicing CCBX loans. BaaS fraud expense represents non-credit fraud losses on partner’s customer loan and deposit accounts. A portion of this expense is realized during the quarter in which the loss occurs, and a portion is estimated based on historical or other information from our partners.

    The increase in noninterest expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2024 was largely due to a $6.4 million increase in BaaS loan expense, a $1.1 million increase in BaaS fraud expense, a $2.8 million increase in legal and professional expenses, a $3.5 million increase in salary and employee benefits, and a $1.3 million increase in data processing and software licenses due to enhancements in technology all of which are related to the growth of Company and investments in technology and risk management.

    Certain noninterest expenses are reimbursed by our CCBX partners. In accordance with GAAP we recognize all expenses in noninterest expense and the reimbursement of expenses from our CCBX partner in noninterest income. The following table reflects the portion of noninterest expenses that are reimbursed by partners to assist the understanding of how the increases in noninterest expense are related to expenses incurred for and reimbursed by CCBX partners:

      Three Months Ended
      March 31,   December 31,   March 31,
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   2025       2024       2024  
    Total noninterest expense (GAAP) $ 71,989     $ 67,411     $ 56,509  
    Less: BaaS loan expense   32,507       30,720       26,107  
    Less: BaaS fraud expense   1,993       5,043       923  
    Less: Reimbursement of expenses (BaaS)   1,026       812       254  
    Noninterest expense, net of BaaS loan expense, BaaS fraud expense
    and reimbursement of expenses (BaaS) (1)
    $ 36,463     $ 30,836     $ 29,225  
    (1) A reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures are set forth at the end of this earnings release.
       

    Provision for Income Taxes

    The provision for income taxes was $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, $3.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and $1.9 million for the first quarter of 2024.  The income tax provision was lower for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2024 as a result of the deductibility of certain equity awards which reduced tax expense during the quarter ended March 31, 2025, and was higher compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2024, primarily due to higher net income compared to that quarter, partially offset by the deductibility of certain equity awards.

    The Company is subject to various state taxes that are assessed as CCBX activities and employees expand into other states, which has increased the overall tax rate used in calculating the provision for income taxes in the current and future periods. The Company uses a federal statutory tax rate of 21.0% as a basis for calculating provision for federal income taxes and 2.55% for calculating the provision for state income taxes.

    Financial Condition Overview

    Total assets increased $218.1 million, or 5.3%, to $4.34 billion at March 31, 2025 compared to $4.12 billion at December 31, 2024.  The increase is primarily comprised of a $171.8 million increase in cash and a $30.8 million increase in loans receivable. Total loans receivable increased to $3.52 billion at March 31, 2025, from $3.49 billion at December 31, 2024.

    As of March 31, 2025, in addition to the $624.3 million in cash on hand the Company had the capacity to borrow up to a total of $662.4 million from the Federal Reserve Bank discount window and Federal Home Loan Bank, plus an additional $50.0 million from a correspondent bank. There were no borrowings outstanding on these lines as of March 31, 2025.

    The Company, on a stand alone basis, had a cash balance of $45.5 million as of March 31, 2025, which is retained for general operating purposes, including debt repayment, for funding $468,000 in commitments to bank technology investment funds and $40.0 million is available to be contributed to the Bank as capital.  

    Uninsured deposits were $558.8 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $543.0 million as of December 31, 2024.

    Total shareholders’ equity as of March 31, 2025 increased $11.2 million since December 31, 2024.  The increase in shareholders’ equity was primarily comprised of an increase of $1.5 million in common stock outstanding as a result of equity awards exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2025 combined with $9.7 million in net earnings.

    The Company and the Bank remained well capitalized at March 31, 2025, as summarized in the following table.

    (unaudited)   Coastal
    Community
    Bank
      Coastal
    Financial
    Corporation
      Minimum Well
    Capitalized
    Ratios under
    Prompt
    Corrective
    Action
    (1)
    Tier 1 Leverage Capital (to average assets)     10.57 %     10.67 %     5.00 %
    Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)     12.12 %     12.13 %     6.50 %
    Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)     12.12 %     12.22 %     8.00 %
    Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)     13.42 %     14.73 %     10.00 %
    (1) Presents the minimum capital ratios for an insured depository institution, such as the Bank, to be considered well capitalized under the Prompt Corrective Action framework. The minimum requirements for the Company to be considered well capitalized under Regulation Y include to maintain, on a consolidated basis, a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0 percent or greater and a tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0 percent or greater.
       

    Asset Quality

    The total allowance for credit losses was $183.2 million and 5.21% of loans receivable at March 31, 2025 compared to $177.0 million and 5.08% at December 31, 2024 and $139.9 million and 4.38% at March 31, 2024. The allowance for credit loss allocated to the CCBX portfolio was $164.2 million and 9.95% of CCBX loans receivable at March 31, 2025, with $19.0 million of allowance for credit loss allocated to the community bank or 1.02% of total community bank loans receivable.

    The following table details the allocation of the allowance for credit loss as of the period indicated:

        As of March 31, 2025   As of December 31, 2024   As of March 31, 2024
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Community
    Bank
      CCBX   Total   Community
    Bank
      CCBX   Total   Community
    Bank
      CCBX   Total
    Loans receivable   $ 1,866,533     $ 1,650,826     $ 3,517,359     $ 1,882,988     $ 1,603,577     $ 3,486,565     $ 1,883,282     $ 1,311,819     $ 3,195,101  
    Allowance for credit losses     (18,992 )     (164,186 )     (183,178 )     (18,924 )     (158,070 )     (176,994 )     (21,384 )     (118,557 )     (139,941 )
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans receivable     1.02 %     9.95 %     5.21 %     1.00 %     9.86 %     5.08 %     1.14 %     9.04 %     4.38 %
                                                                             

    Net charge-offs totaled $48.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to $56.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 and $57.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. Net charge-offs as a percent of average loans decreased to 5.57% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to 6.56% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. CCBX partner agreements provide for a credit enhancement that covers the net-charge-offs on CCBX loans and negative deposit accounts by indemnifying or reimbursing incurred losses, except in accordance with the program agreement for one partner where the Company was responsible for credit losses on approximately 5% of a $299.8 million loan portfolio. At March 31, 2025, our portion of this portfolio represented $19.9 million in loans. Net charge-offs for this $19.9 million in loans were $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 and $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

    The following table details net charge-offs for the community bank and CCBX for the period indicated:

        Three Months Ended
        March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Community
    Bank
      CCBX   Total   Community
    Bank
      CCBX   Total   Community
    Bank
      CCBX   Total
    Gross charge-offs   $ 4     $ 53,682     $ 53,686     $ 139     $ 61,446     $ 61,585     $ 15     $ 58,979     $ 58,994  
    Gross recoveries     (7 )     (5,479 )     (5,486 )     (3 )     (5,220 )     (5,223 )     (4 )     (2,032 )     (2,036 )
    Net charge-offs   $ (3 )   $ 48,203     $ 48,200     $ 136     $ 56,226     $ 56,362     $ 11     $ 56,947     $ 56,958  
    Net charge-offs to
    average loans (1)
        0.00 %     11.99 %     5.57 %     0.03 %     14.65 %     6.56 %     0.00 %     18.09 %     7.30 %
    (1)  Annualized calculations shown for periods presented.
       

    During the quarter ended March 31, 2025, a $54.3 million provision for credit losses was recorded for CCBX partner loans, compared to the $63.7 million provision for credit losses was recorded for CCBX partner loans for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. The provision was based on management’s analysis, bringing the CCBX allowance for credit losses to $164.2 million at March 31, 2025 compared to $158.1 million at December 31, 2024. The increase in the allowance is due to the addition of new loans, partially offset by loan sales. CCBX loans have a higher level of expected losses than our community bank loans, which is reflected in the factors for the allowance for credit losses. Agreements with our CCBX partners provide for a credit enhancement which protects the Bank by indemnifying or reimbursing incurred losses.

    In accordance with accounting guidance, we estimate and record a provision for expected losses for these CCBX loans and reclassified negative deposit accounts. When the provision for CCBX credit losses and provision for unfunded commitments is recorded, a credit enhancement asset is also recorded on the balance sheet through noninterest income (BaaS credit enhancements). Expected losses are recorded in the allowance for credit losses. The credit enhancement asset is relieved when credit enhancement recoveries are received from the CCBX partner. If our partner is unable to fulfill their contracted obligations then the Bank could be exposed to additional credit losses. Management regularly evaluates and manages this counterparty risk.

    The factors used in management’s analysis for community bank credit losses indicated that a provision of $65,000 was needed for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to a provision recapture of $1.1 million and $199,000 for the quarters ended December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively. The provision in the current period was due to a change in the mix of the community bank loan portfolio and growth in construction loans.

    The following table details the provision expense/(recapture) for the community bank and CCBX for the period indicated:

        Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Community bank   $ 65     $ (1,071 )   $ (199 )
    CCBX     54,319       63,741       79,717  
    Total provision expense   $ 54,384     $ 62,670     $ 79,518  
                             

    A provision for unfunded commitments of $613,000 was recorded for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 as a result of a change in the loan mix of available balance. A provision for accrued interest receivable of $784,000 was recorded for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 on CCBX loans.

    At March 31, 2025, our nonperforming assets were $56.4 million, or 1.30%, of total assets, compared to $62.7 million, or 1.52%, of total assets, at December 31, 2024, and $54.9 million, or 1.42%, of total assets, at March 31, 2024. These ratios are impacted by nonperforming CCBX loans that are covered by CCBX partner credit enhancements. As of March 31, 2025, $54.1 million of the $56.2 million in nonperforming CCBX loans were covered by CCBX partner credit enhancements described above.

    Nonperforming assets decreased $6.3 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2024. This change is due to a decrease in CCBX loans 90 days or more past due and still on accrual. Community bank nonperforming loans increased $89,000 from December 31, 2024 to $189,000 as of March 31, 2025, and CCBX nonperforming loans decreased $6.4 million to $56.2 million from December 31, 2024. The decrease in CCBX nonperforming loans is due to a $7.1 million decrease in CCBX loans that are past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest partially offset by an increase of $707,000 in nonaccrual loans from December 31, 2024 to $20.2 million. Some CCBX partners have a collection practice that places certain loans on nonaccrual status to improve collectability. $16.1 million of these loans are less than 90 days past due as of March 31, 2025. As a result of the type of loans (primarily consumer loans) originated through our CCBX partners we anticipate that balances 90 days past due or more and still accruing will generally increase as those loan portfolios grow. Installment/closed-end and revolving/open-end consumer loans originated through CCBX lending partners will continue to accrue interest until 120 and 180 days past due, respectively and are reported as substandard, 90 days or more days past due and still accruing. There were no repossessed assets or other real estate owned at March 31, 2025. Our nonperforming loans to loans receivable ratio was 1.60% at March 31, 2025, compared to 1.80% at December 31, 2024, and 1.72% at March 31, 2024. The lower nonperforming loans to loans receivable ratio is a reflection of our on-going risk reduction efforts.

    For the quarter ended March 31, 2025, there were $3,000 community bank net recoveries and $48.2 million in net charge-offs were recorded on CCBX loans. These CCBX loans have a higher level of expected losses than our community bank loans, which is reflected in the factors for the allowance for credit losses.

    The following table details the Company’s nonperforming assets for the periods indicated.

    Consolidated As of
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited) March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Nonaccrual loans:          
    Commercial and industrial loans $ 381     $ 334     $  
    Real estate loans:          
    Residential real estate               212  
    Commercial real estate               7,731  
    Consumer and other loans:          
    Credit cards   13,602       10,262        
    Other consumer and other loans   6,376       8,967        
    Total nonaccrual loans   20,359       19,563       7,943  
    Accruing loans past due 90 days or more:          
    Commercial & industrial loans   782       1,006       1,793  
    Real estate loans:          
    Residential real estate loans   2,407       2,608       1,796  
    Consumer and other loans:          
    Credit cards   27,187       34,490       37,603  
    Other consumer and other loans   5,632       4,989       5,731  
    Total accruing loans past due 90 days or more   36,008       43,093       46,923  
    Total nonperforming loans   56,367       62,656       54,866  
    Real estate owned                
    Repossessed assets                
    Total nonperforming assets $ 56,367     $ 62,656     $ 54,866  
    Total nonaccrual loans to loans receivable   0.58 %     0.56 %     0.25 %
    Total nonperforming loans to loans receivable   1.60 %     1.80 %     1.72 %
    Total nonperforming assets to total assets   1.30 %     1.52 %     1.42 %
                           

    The following tables detail the CCBX and community bank nonperforming assets which are included in the total nonperforming assets table above.

    CCBX As of
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited) March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Nonaccrual loans:          
    Commercial and industrial loans:          
    All other commercial & industrial loans $ 192     $ 234     $  
    Consumer and other loans:          
    Credit cards   13,602       10,262        
    Other consumer and other loans   6,376       8,967        
    Total nonaccrual loans   20,170       19,463        
    Accruing loans past due 90 days or more:          
    Commercial & industrial loans   782       1,006       1,793  
    Real estate loans:          
    Residential real estate loans   2,407       2,608       1,796  
    Consumer and other loans:          
    Credit cards   27,187       34,490       37,603  
    Other consumer and other loans   5,632       4,989       5,731  
    Total accruing loans past due 90 days or more   36,008       43,093       46,923  
    Total nonperforming loans   56,178       62,556       46,923  
    Other real estate owned                
    Repossessed assets                
    Total nonperforming assets $ 56,178     $ 62,556     $ 46,923  
    Total CCBX nonperforming assets to total consolidated assets   1.29 %     1.52 %     1.21 %
                           
    Community Bank As of
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited) March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Nonaccrual loans:          
    Commercial and industrial loans $ 189     $ 100     $  
    Real estate:          
    Residential real estate               212  
    Commercial real estate               7,731  
    Total nonaccrual loans   189       100       7,943  
    Accruing loans past due 90 days or more:          
    Total accruing loans past due 90 days or more                
    Total nonperforming loans   189       100       7,943  
    Other real estate owned                
    Repossessed assets                
    Total nonperforming assets $ 189     $ 100     $ 7,943  
    Total community bank nonperforming assets to total consolidated assets   0.01 %     %     0.21 %
                           

    About Coastal Financial

    Coastal Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: CCB) (the “Company”), is an Everett, Washington based bank holding company whose wholly owned subsidiaries are Coastal Community Bank (“Bank”) and Arlington Olympic LLC.  The $4.34 billion Bank provides service through 14 branches in Snohomish, Island, and King Counties, the Internet and its mobile banking application.  The Bank provides banking as a service to digital financial service providers, companies and brands that want to provide financial services to their customers through the Bank’s CCBX segment.  To learn more about the Company visit www.coastalbank.com.

    CCB-ER

    Contact

    Eric Sprink, Chief Executive Officer, (425) 357-3659
    Joel Edwards, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, (425) 357-3687

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This earnings release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, future events and our financial performance. Any statements about our management’s expectations, beliefs, plans, predictions, forecasts, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and may be forward-looking. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believes,” “can,” “could,” “may,” “predicts,” “potential,” “should,” “will,” “estimate,” “plans,” “projects,” “continuing,” “ongoing,” “expects,” “intends” and similar words or phrases. Any or all of the forward-looking statements in this earnings release may turn out to be inaccurate. The inclusion of or reference to forward-looking information in this earnings release should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the future plans, estimates or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. We have based these forward looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the risk that changes in U.S. trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs and retaliatory tariffs, may adversely impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations and those other risks and uncertainties discussed under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recent period filed and in any of our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    If one or more events related to these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from what we anticipate. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

    COASTAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
    (Dollars in thousands; unaudited)

    ASSETS
      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Cash and due from banks $ 43,467     $ 36,533     $ 45,327     $ 59,995     $ 32,790  
    Interest earning deposits with other banks   580,835       415,980       438,699       427,250       482,338  
    Investment securities, available for sale, at fair value   34       35       38       39       41  
    Investment securities, held to maturity, at amortized cost   46,957       47,286       48,582       49,174       50,049  
    Other investments   12,589       10,800       10,757       10,664       10,583  
    Loans held for sale   42,132       20,600       7,565             797  
    Loans receivable   3,517,359       3,486,565       3,413,894       3,321,813       3,195,101  
    Allowance for credit losses   (183,178 )     (176,994 )     (171,674 )     (148,878 )     (139,941 )
    Total loans receivable, net   3,334,181       3,309,571       3,242,220       3,172,935       3,055,160  
    CCBX credit enhancement asset   183,377       181,890       173,600       149,096       142,412  
    CCBX receivable   12,685       14,138       16,060       11,520       10,369  
    Premises and equipment, net   28,639       27,431       25,833       24,526       22,995  
    Lease right-of-use assets   5,117       5,219       5,427       5,635       5,756  
    Accrued interest receivable   21,109       21,104       22,315       21,620       22,485  
    Bank-owned life insurance, net   13,501       13,375       13,255       13,132       12,991  
    Deferred tax asset, net   3,912       3,600       3,083       2,221       2,221  
    Other assets   10,747       13,646       11,711       11,742       12,075  
    Total assets $ 4,339,282     $ 4,121,208     $ 4,064,472     $ 3,959,549     $ 3,863,062  
                       
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    LIABILITIES                  
    Deposits $ 3,791,229     $ 3,585,332     $ 3,627,288     $ 3,543,432     $ 3,462,979  
    Subordinated debt, net   44,331       44,293       44,256       44,219       44,181  
    Junior subordinated debentures, net   3,592       3,591       3,591       3,591       3,590  
    Deferred compensation   310       332       369       405       442  
    Accrued interest payable   1,107       962       1,070       999       1,061  
    Lease liabilities   5,293       5,398       5,609       5,821       5,946  
    CCBX payable   29,391       29,171       37,839       32,539       30,899  
    Other liabilities   14,112       13,425       12,520       11,850       10,255  
    Total liabilities   3,889,365       3,682,504       3,732,542       3,642,856       3,559,353  
    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                  
    Common Stock   229,659       228,177       134,769       132,989       131,601  
    Retained earnings   220,259       210,529       197,162       183,706       172,110  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax   (1 )     (2 )     (1 )     (2 )     (2 )
    Total shareholders’ equity   449,917       438,704       331,930       316,693       303,709  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 4,339,282     $ 4,121,208     $ 4,064,472     $ 3,959,549     $ 3,863,062  
                                           

    COASTAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts; unaudited)

      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME                  
    Interest and fees on loans $ 98,147     $ 95,575     $ 99,676     $ 90,879     $ 85,891  
    Interest on interest earning deposits with other banks   6,070       6,021       4,781       5,683       4,780  
    Interest on investment securities   650       661       675       686       1,034  
    Dividends on other investments   40       191       33       174       37  
    Total interest income   104,907       102,448       105,165       97,422       91,742  
    INTEREST EXPENSE                  
    Interest on deposits   28,185       29,404       32,083       30,578       28,867  
    Interest on borrowed funds   660       667       809       672       669  
    Total interest expense   28,845       30,071       32,892       31,250       29,536  
    Net interest income   76,062       72,377       72,273       66,172       62,206  
    PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES   55,781       61,867       70,257       62,325       83,158  
    Net interest income/(expense) after provision for credit losses   20,281       10,510       2,016       3,847       (20,952 )
    NONINTEREST INCOME                  
    Service charges and fees   860       932       952       946       908  
    Loan referral fees                           168  
    Unrealized gain (loss) on equity securities, net   16       1       2       9       15  
    Other income   682       473       486       257       308  
    Noninterest income, excluding BaaS program income and BaaS indemnification income   1,558       1,406       1,440       1,212       1,399  
    Servicing and other BaaS fees   1,419       1,043       1,044       1,525       1,131  
    Transaction and interchange fees   3,833       3,699       3,549       2,934       2,661  
    Reimbursement of expenses   1,026       812       565       857       254  
    BaaS program income   6,278       5,554       5,158       5,316       4,046  
    BaaS credit enhancements   53,648       62,097       70,108       60,826       79,808  
    BaaS fraud enhancements   1,993       5,043       2,084       1,784       923  
    BaaS indemnification income   55,641       67,140       72,192       62,610       80,731  
    Total noninterest income   63,477       74,100       78,790       69,138       86,176  
    NONINTEREST EXPENSE                  
    Salaries and employee benefits   21,532       17,994       17,101       17,005       17,984  
    Occupancy   1,034       958       964       985       1,518  
    Data processing and software licenses   4,232       4,010       4,297       3,625       2,892  
    Legal and professional expenses   6,488       4,606       3,597       3,631       3,672  
    Point of sale expense   107       89       73       72       90  
    Excise taxes   722       778       762       (706 )     320  
    Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) assessments   755       750       740       690       683  
    Director and staff expenses   631       683       559       470       400  
    Marketing   50       28       67       14       53  
    Other expense   1,938       1,752       1,482       1,383       1,867  
    Noninterest expense, excluding BaaS loan and BaaS fraud expense   37,489       31,648       29,642       27,169       29,479  
    BaaS loan expense   32,507       30,720       32,698       29,011       26,107  
    BaaS fraud expense   1,993       5,043       2,084       1,784       923  
    BaaS loan and fraud expense   34,500       35,763       34,782       30,795       27,030  
    Total noninterest expense   71,989       67,411       64,424       57,964       56,509  
    Income before provision for income taxes   11,769       17,199       16,382       15,021       8,715  
    PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES   2,039       3,832       2,926       3,425       1,915  
    NET INCOME $ 9,730     $ 13,367     $ 13,456     $ 11,596     $ 6,800  
    Basic earnings per common share $ 0.65     $ 0.97     $ 1.00     $ 0.86     $ 0.51  
    Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.63     $ 0.94     $ 0.97     $ 0.84     $ 0.50  
    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:                  
    Basic   14,962,507       13,828,605       13,447,066       13,412,667       13,340,997  
    Diluted   15,462,041       14,268,229       13,822,270       13,736,508       13,676,917  
                                           

    COASTAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    AVERAGE BALANCES, YIELDS, AND RATES – QUARTERLY
    (Dollars in thousands; unaudited)

      For the Three Months Ended
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
    Assets                                  
    Interest earning assets:                                  
    Interest earning deposits with
    other banks
    $ 553,393     $ 6,070       4.45 %   $ 501,654     $ 6,021       4.77 %   $ 350,868     $ 4,780       5.48 %
    Investment securities, available for sale (2)   37       1       10.96       39                   64,878       349       2.16  
    Investment securities, held to maturity (2)   47,154       649       5.58       48,126       661       5.46       50,490       685       5.46  
    Other investments   11,757       40       1.38       10,783       191       7.05       10,262       37       1.45  
    Loans receivable (3)   3,511,724       98,147       11.33       3,419,476       95,575       11.12       3,137,271       85,891       11.01  
    Total interest earning assets   4,124,065       104,907       10.32       3,980,078       102,448       10.24       3,613,769       91,742       10.21  
    Noninterest earning assets:                                  
    Allowance for credit losses   (170,542 )             (156,687 )             (114,985 )        
    Other noninterest earning assets   296,993               277,922               229,437          
    Total assets $ 4,250,516             $ 4,101,313             $ 3,728,221          
                                       
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity                                  
    Interest bearing liabilities:                                  
    Interest bearing deposits $ 3,166,384     $ 28,185       3.61 %   $ 3,068,357     $ 29,404       3.81 %   $ 2,728,884     $ 28,867       4.25 %
    FHLB advances and other borrowings         1                   1             5              
    Subordinated debt   44,309       598       5.47       44,272       599       5.38       44,159       598       5.45  
    Junior subordinated debentures   3,592       61       6.89       3,591       67       7.42       3,590       71       7.95  
    Total interest bearing liabilities   3,214,285       28,845       3.64       3,116,220       30,071       3.84       2,776,638       29,536       4.28  
    Noninterest bearing deposits   543,784               577,453               595,693          
    Other liabilities   49,624               50,824               58,829          
    Total shareholders’ equity   442,823               356,816               297,061          
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 4,250,516             $ 4,101,313             $ 3,728,221          
    Net interest income     $ 76,062             $ 72,377             $ 62,206      
    Interest rate spread           6.68 %             6.40 %             5.93 %
    Net interest margin (4)           7.48 %             7.23 %             6.92 %
    (1) Yields and costs are annualized.
    (2) For presentation in this table, average balances and the corresponding average rates for investment securities are based upon historical cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.
    (3) Includes loans held for sale and nonaccrual loans.
    (4) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by the average total interest earning assets.
       

    COASTAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    SELECTED AVERAGE BALANCES, YIELDS, AND RATES – BY SEGMENT – QUARTERLY
    (Dollars in thousands; unaudited)

      For the Three Months Ended
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    (dollars in thousands, unaudited) Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
    Community Bank                                  
    Assets                                  
    Interest earning assets:                                  
    Loans receivable (2) $ 1,881,636     $ 30,292     6.53 %   $ 1,892,298     $ 31,043     6.53 %   $ 1,871,414     $ 30,052     6.46 %
    Total interest earning assets   1,881,636       30,292     6.53       1,892,298       31,043     6.53       1,871,414       30,052     6.46  
    Liabilities                                  
    Interest bearing liabilities:                                
    Interest bearing deposits   1,045,971       6,604     2.56 %     1,029,346       7,161     2.77 %     922,340       6,013     2.62 %
    Intrabank liability   356,337       3,909     4.45       357,442       4,290     4.77       410,993       5,599     5.48  
    Total interest bearing liabilities   1,402,308       10,513     3.04       1,386,788       11,451     3.28       1,333,333       11,612     3.50  
    Noninterest bearing deposits   479,329               505,510               538,081          
    Net interest income     $ 19,779             $ 19,592             $ 18,440      
    Net interest margin(3)         4.26 %           4.12 %           3.96 %
                                       
    CCBX                                  
    Assets                                  
    Interest earning assets:                                  
    Loans receivable (2)(4) $ 1,630,088     $ 67,855     16.88 %   $ 1,527,178     $ 64,532     16.81 %   $ 1,265,857     $ 55,839     17.74 %
    Intrabank asset   554,781       6,085     4.45       583,776       7,007     4.78       598,299       8,151     5.48  
    Total interest earning assets   2,184,869       73,940     13.72       2,110,954       71,539     13.48       1,864,156       63,990     13.81  
    Liabilities                                  
    Interest bearing liabilities:                            
    Interest bearing deposits   2,120,413       21,581     4.13 %     2,039,011       22,243     4.34 %     1,806,544       22,854     5.09 %
    Total interest bearing liabilities   2,120,413       21,581     4.13       2,039,011       22,243     4.34       1,806,544       22,854     5.09  
    Noninterest bearing deposits   64,455               71,943               57,612          
    Net interest income     $ 52,359             $ 49,296             $ 41,136      
    Net interest margin(3)         9.72 %           9.29 %           8.88 %
    Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense(5)         3.68 %           3.50 %           3.24 %
                                             
      For the Three Months Ended
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    (dollars in thousands, unaudited) Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
    Treasury & Administration                            
    Assets                                  
    Interest earning assets:                                  
    Interest earning
    deposits with
    other banks
    $ 553,393     $ 6,070     4.45 %   $ 501,654     $ 6,021     4.77 %   $ 350,868     $ 4,780     5.48 %
    Investment securities,
    available for sale (6)
      37       1     10.96       39                 64,878       349     2.16  
    Investment securities,
    held to maturity (6)
      47,154       649     5.58       48,126       661     5.46       50,490       685     5.46  
    Other investments   11,757       40     1.38       10,783       191     7.05       10,262       37     1.45  
    Total interest
    earning assets
      612,341       6,760     4.48 %     560,602       6,873     4.88 %     476,498       5,851     4.94 %
    Liabilities                                  
    Interest bearing
    liabilities:
                                     
    FHLB advances
    and borrowings
    $       1     %   $       1     %   $ 5           %
    Subordinated debt   44,309       598     5.47 %     44,272       599     5.38 %     44,159       598     5.45 %
    Junior subordinated
    debentures
      3,592       61     6.89       3,591       67     7.42       3,590       71     7.95  
    Intrabank liability, net (7)   198,444       2,176     4.45       226,334       2,717     4.78       187,306       2,552     5.48  
    Total interest
    bearing liabilities
      246,345       2,836     4.67       274,197       3,384     4.91       235,060       3,221     5.51  
    Net interest income     $ 3,924             $ 3,489             $ 2,630      
    Net interest margin(3)         2.60 %           2.48 %           2.22 %
    (1)  Yields and costs are annualized.
    (2) Includes loans held for sale and nonaccrual loans.
    (3)  Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by the average total interest earning assets.
    (4) CCBX yield does not include the impact of BaaS loan expense. BaaS loan expense represents the amount paid or payable to partners for credit enhancements, fraud enhancements and originating & servicing CCBX loans. See reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures at the end of this earnings release for the impact of BaaS loan expense on CCBX loan yield.
    (5) Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense, includes the impact of BaaS loan expense. BaaS loan expense represents the amount paid or payable to partners for credit enhancements, fraud enhancements, originating & servicing CCBX loans. See reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures at the end of this earnings release.
    (6) For presentation in this table, average balances and the corresponding average rates for investment securities are based upon historical cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.
    (7)  Intrabank assets and liabilities are consolidated for period calculations and presented as intrabank asset, net or intrabank liability, net in the table above.
       

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    The Company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures to provide meaningful supplemental information regarding the Company’s operational performance and to enhance investors’ overall understanding of such financial performance.

    However, these non-GAAP financial measures are supplemental and are not a substitute for an analysis based on GAAP measures. As other companies may use different calculations for these adjusted measures, this presentation may not be comparable to other similarly titled adjusted measures reported by other companies.

    The following non-GAAP measures are presented to illustrate the impact of BaaS loan expense on net loan income and yield on loans and CCBX loans and the impact of BaaS loan expense on net interest income and net interest margin.

    Loan income, net of BaaS loan expense, divided by average loans, is a non-GAAP measure that includes the impact BaaS loan expense on loan income and the yield on loans. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is yield on loans.

    Net BaaS loan income divided by average CCBX loans is a non-GAAP measure that includes the impact BaaS loan expense on net BaaS loan income and the yield on CCBX loans. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is yield on CCBX loans.

    Net interest income, net of BaaS loan expense, is a non-GAAP measure that includes the impact BaaS loan expense on net interest income. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is net interest income.

    CCBX net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense, is a non-GAAP measure that includes the impact of BaaS loan expense on net interest rate margin. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is CCBX net interest margin.

    Reconciliations of the GAAP and non-GAAP measures are presented below.

    CCBX   As of and for the Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   March 31
    2025
      December 31
    2024
      March 31
    2024
    Net BaaS loan income divided by average CCBX loans:
    CCBX loan yield (GAAP)(1)     16.88 %     16.81 %     17.74 %
    Total average CCBX loans receivable   $ 1,630,088     $ 1,527,178     $ 1,265,857  
    Interest and earned fee income on CCBX loans (GAAP)     67,855       64,532       55,839  
    BaaS loan expense     (32,507 )     (30,720 )     (26,107 )
    Net BaaS loan income   $ 35,348     $ 33,812     $ 29,732  
    Net BaaS loan income divided by average CCBX loans (1)     8.79 %     8.81 %     9.45 %
    CCBX net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense:        
    CCBX net interest margin (1)     9.72 %     9.29 %     8.88 %
    CCBX earning assets     2,184,869       2,110,954       1,864,156  
    Net interest income (GAAP)     52,359       49,296       41,136  
    Less: BaaS loan expense     (32,507 )     (30,720 )     (26,107 )
    Net interest income, net of BaaS loan expense   $ 19,852     $ 18,576     $ 15,029  
    CCBX net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense (1)     3.68 %     3.50 %     3.24 %
                             
    Consolidated   As of and for the Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   March 31
    2025
      December 31
    2024
      March 31
    2024
    Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense:        
    Net interest margin (1)     7.48 %     7.23 %     6.92 %
    Earning assets     4,124,065       3,980,078       3,613,769  
    Net interest income (GAAP)     76,062       72,377       62,206  
    Less: BaaS loan expense     (32,507 )     (30,720 )     (26,107 )
    Net interest income, net of BaaS loan expense   $ 43,555     $ 41,657     $ 36,099  
    Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense (1)     4.28 %     4.16 %     4.02 %
    Loan income net of BaaS loan expense divided by average loans:    
    Loan yield (GAAP)(1)     11.33 %     11.12 %     11.01 %
    Total average loans receivable   $ 3,511,724     $ 3,419,476     $ 3,137,271  
    Interest and earned fee income on loans (GAAP)     98,147       95,575       85,891  
    BaaS loan expense     (32,507 )     (30,720 )     (26,107 )
    Net loan income   $ 65,640     $ 64,855     $ 59,784  
    Loan income, net of BaaS loan expense, divided by average loans (1)     7.58 %     7.55 %     7.66 %
    (1) Annualized calculations for periods presented.
       

    The following non-GAAP measure is presented to illustrate the impact of BaaS loan expense, BaaS fraud expense and reimbursement of expenses (BaaS) on noninterest expense. Certain noninterest expenses are reimbursed by our CCBX partners. In accordance with GAAP we recognize all expenses in noninterest expense and the reimbursement of expenses from our CCBX partner in noninterest income. This non-GAAP measure shows the portion of noninterest expenses that are reimbursed by partners to assist the understanding of how the increases in noninterest expense are related to expenses incurred for and reimbursed by CCBX partner. The most comparable GAAP measure is noninterest expense.

        As of and for the Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands, unaudited)   March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Noninterest expense, net of reimbursement of expenses (BaaS)
    Noninterest expense (GAAP)   $ 71,989     $ 67,411     $ 56,509  
    Less: BaaS loan expense     32,507       30,720       26,107  
    Less: BaaS fraud expense     1,993       5,043       923  
    Less: Reimbursement of expenses     1,026       812       254  
    Noninterest expense, net of BaaS loan expense, BaaS fraud expense
    and reimbursement of expenses
      $ 36,463     $ 30,836     $ 29,225  
                             

    APPENDIX A –
    As of March 31, 2025

    Industry Concentration

    We have a diversified loan portfolio, representing a wide variety of industries. Our major categories of loans are commercial real estate, consumer and other loans, residential real estate, commercial and industrial, and construction, land and land development loans. Together they represent $3.52 billion in outstanding loan balances. When combined with $2.14 billion in unused commitments the total of these categories is $5.67 billion.

    Commercial real estate loans represent the largest segment of our loans, comprising 38.0% of our total balance of outstanding loans as of March 31, 2025. Unused commitments to extend credit represents an additional $29.4 million, and the combined total in commercial real estate loans represents $1.37 billion, or 24.2% of our total outstanding loans and loan commitments.

    The following table summarizes our loan commitment by industry for our commercial real estate portfolio as of March 31, 2025:

    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Outstanding Balance   Available Loan Commitments   Total Outstanding Balance & Available Commitment   % of Total Loans
    (Outstanding Balance &
    Available Commitment)
      Average Loan Balance   Number of Loans
    Apartments   $ 392,740     $ 4,488     $ 397,228     7.0 %   $ 3,927     100  
    Hotel/Motel     149,859       61       149,920     2.6       6,516     23  
    Convenience Store     138,838       561       139,399     2.5       2,314     60  
    Office     121,346       7,183       128,529     2.3       1,379     88  
    Retail     101,118       744       101,862     1.8       972     104  
    Warehouse     103,813             103,813     1.8       1,790     58  
    Mixed use     91,025       5,220       96,245     1.7       1,167     78  
    Mini Storage     73,172       8,022       81,194     1.4       3,659     20  
    Strip Mall     43,678             43,678     0.8       6,240     7  
    Manufacturing     36,887       370       37,257     0.7       1,272     29  
    Groups < 0.70% of total     88,171       2,752       90,923     1.6       1,145     77  
    Total   $ 1,340,647     $ 29,401     $ 1,370,048     24.2 %   $ 2,082     644  
                                                 

    Consumer loans comprise 34.5% of our total balance of outstanding loans as of March 31, 2025. Unused commitments to extend credit represents an additional $910.8 million, and the combined total in consumer and other loans represents $2.13 billion, or 37.5% of our total outstanding loans and loan commitments. As illustrated in the table below, our CCBX partners bring in a large number of mostly smaller dollar loans, resulting in an average consumer loan balance of just $1,000. CCBX consumer loans are underwritten to CCBX credit standards and underwriting of these loans is regularly tested, including quarterly testing for partners with portfolio balances greater than $10.0 million.

    The following table summarizes our loan commitment by industry for our consumer and other loan portfolio as of March 31, 2025:

    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Outstanding Balance   Available Loan Commitments (1)   Total Outstanding Balance & Available Commitment (1)   % of Total Loans
    (Outstanding Balance &
    Available Commitment)
      Average Loan Balance   Number of Loans
    CCBX consumer loans
    Credit cards   $ 532,775     $ 868,969     $ 1,401,744     24.7 %   $ 1.7     314,203  
    Installment loans     654,844       29,027       683,871     12.1       0.8     776,669  
    Lines of credit     627       2       629     0.0       1.3     477  
    Other loans     14,555             14,555     0.3       0.1     185,894  
    Community bank consumer loans
    Installment loans     1,846       3       1,849     0.0       65.9     28  
    Lines of credit     173       357       530     0.0       5.2     33  
    Other loans     11,307       12,400       23,707     0.4       34.6     327  
    Total   $ 1,216,127     $ 910,758     $ 2,126,885     37.5 %   $ 1.0     1,277,631  

    (1)  Total exposure on CCBX loans is subject to CCBX partner/portfolio maximum limits.

    Residential real estate loans comprise 13.9% of our total balance of outstanding loans as of March 31, 2025. Unused commitments to extend credit represents an additional $529.3 million, and the combined total in residential real estate loans represents $1.02 billion, or 18.0% of our total outstanding loans and loan commitments.

    The following table summarizes our loan commitment by industry for our residential real estate loan portfolio as of March 31, 2025:

    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Outstanding Balance   Available Loan Commitments (1)   Total Outstanding Balance & Available Commitment (1)   % of Total Loans
    (Outstanding Balance &
    Available Commitment)
      Average Loan Balance   Number of Loans
    CCBX residential real estate loans
    Home equity line of credit   $ 285,355     $ 481,778     $ 767,133     13.5 %   $ 28     10,291  
    Community bank residential real estate loans
    Closed end, secured by first liens     164,284       1,649       165,933     3.0       533     308  
    Home equity line of credit     27,931       45,016       72,947     1.3       115     242  
    Closed end, second liens     10,705       892       11,597     0.2       357     30  
    Total   $ 488,275     $ 529,335     $ 1,017,610     18.0 %   $ 45     10,871  

    (1)  Total exposure on CCBX loans is subject to CCBX partner/portfolio maximum limits. CCBX home equity lines of credit are limited to a $375.0 million portfolio maximum.

    Commercial and industrial loans comprise 8.9% of our total balance of outstanding loans as of March 31, 2025. Unused commitments to extend credit represents an additional $601.0 million, and the combined total in commercial and industrial loans represents $913.2 million, or 16.1% of our total outstanding loans and loan commitments. Included in commercial and industrial loans is $133.5 million in outstanding capital call lines, with an additional $514.9 million in available loan commitments which is limited to a $350.0 million portfolio maximum. Capital call lines are provided to venture capital firms through one of our CCBX BaaS clients. These loans are secured by the capital call rights and are individually underwritten to the Bank’s credit standards and the underwriting is reviewed by the Bank on every capital call line.

    The following table summarizes our loan commitment by industry for our commercial and industrial loan portfolio as of March 31, 2025:

    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Outstanding Balance   Available Loan Commitments (1)   Total Outstanding Balance & Available Commitment (1)   % of Total Loans
    (Outstanding Balance &
    Available Commitment)
      Average Loan Balance   Number of Loans
    CCBX C&I Loans
    Capital Call Lines   $ 133,466     $ 514,864     $ 648,330     11.4 %   $ 1,019     131  
    Retail and other loans     29,702       21,736       51,438     0.9       10     3,002  
    Community bank C&I Loans
    Construction/Contractor Services     30,768       31,642       62,410     1.1       152     202  
    Financial Institutions     48,648             48,648     0.9       4,054     12  
    Medical / Dental / Other Care     6,721       2,739       9,460     0.2       517     13  
    Manufacturing     5,611       4,022       9,633     0.2       156     36  
    Groups < 0.20% of total     57,356       25,969       83,325     1.4       222     258  
    Total   $ 312,272     $ 600,972     $ 913,244     16.1 %   $ 85     3,654  

    (1) Total exposure on CCBX loans is subject to CCBX partner/portfolio maximum limits.

    Construction, land and land development loans comprise 4.7% of our total balance of outstanding loans as of March 31, 2025. Unused commitments to extend credit represents an additional $72.5 million, and the combined total in construction, land and land development loans represents $239.0 million, or 4.2% of our total outstanding loans and loan commitments.

    The following table details our loan commitment for our construction, land and land development portfolio as of March 31, 2025:

    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Outstanding Balance   Available Loan Commitments   Total Outstanding Balance & Available Commitment   % of Total Loans
    (Outstanding Balance &
    Available Commitment)
      Average Loan Balance   Number of Loans  
    Commercial construction   $ 96,716     $ 41,654     $ 138,370     2.4 %   $ 6,908     14  
    Residential construction     39,375       22,253       61,628     1.1       2,316     17  
    Developed land loans     7,788       2       7,790     0.1       556     14  
    Undeveloped land loans     16,684       4,185       20,869     0.4       1,112     15  
    Land development     5,988       4,382       10,370     0.2       665     9  
    Total   $ 166,551     $ 72,476     $ 239,027     4.2 %   $ 2,414     69  
                                                 

    Exposure and risk in our construction, land and land development portfolio increased compared to recent periods as indicated in the following table:

        Outstanding Balance as of
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Commercial construction   $ 96,716     $ 83,216     $ 97,792     $ 110,372     $ 102,099  
    Residential construction     39,375       40,940       35,822       34,652       28,751  
    Undeveloped land loans     16,684       8,665       8,606       8,372       8,190  
    Developed land loans     7,788       8,305       14,863       13,954       14,307  
    Land development     5,988       7,072       5,968       5,714       7,515  
    Total   $ 166,551     $ 148,198     $ 163,051     $ 173,064     $ 160,862  
                                             

    Commitments to extend credit total $2.14 billion at March 31, 2025,   however we do not anticipate our customers using the $2.14 billion that is showing as available due to CCBX partner and portfolio limits.

    The following table presents outstanding commitments to extend credit as of March 31, 2025:

    Consolidated    
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   As of March 31, 2025
    Commitments to extend credit:    
    Commercial and industrial loans   $ 86,108  
    Commercial and industrial loans – capital call lines     514,864  
    Construction – commercial real estate loans     50,221  
    Construction – residential real estate loans     22,255  
    Residential real estate loans     529,335  
    Commercial real estate loans     29,401  
    Credit cards     868,969  
    Consumer and other loans     41,789  
    Total commitments to extend credit   $ 2,142,942  
             

    We have individual CCBX partner portfolio limits with our each of our partners to manage loan concentration risk, liquidity risk, and counter-party partner risk. For example, as of March 31, 2025, capital call lines outstanding balance totaled $133.5 million and, while commitments totaled $514.9 million, the commitments are limited to a maximum of $350.0 million by agreement with the partner. If a CCBX partner goes over their individual limit, it would be a breach of their contract and the Bank may impose penalties and would have the choice to fund or not fund the loan.

    See the table below for CCBX portfolio maximums and related available commitments:

    CCBX                
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Balance   Percent of CCBX loans receivable Available Commitments (1)   Maximum Portfolio Size Cash Reserve/Pledge Account Amount (2)
    Commercial and industrial loans:            
    Capital call lines   $ 133,466     8.1 % $ 514,864     $ 350,000   $  
    All other commercial & industrial loans     29,702     1.8     21,736       475,720     541  
    Real estate loans:                
    Home equity lines of credit (3)     285,355     17.3     481,778       375,000     33,436  
    Consumer and other loans:            
    Credit cards – cash secured     339                  
    Credit cards – unsecured     532,436         868,969         27,589  
    Credit cards – total     532,775     32.2     868,969       850,000     27,589  
    Installment loans – cash secured     127,426         29,027          
    Installment loans – unsecured     527,418                 1,175  
    Installment loans – total     654,844     39.7     29,027       1,814,541     1,175  
    Other consumer and other loans     15,182     0.9     2       4,739     419  
    Gross CCBX loans receivable     1,651,324     100.0 %   1,916,376       3,870,000   $ 63,160  
    Net deferred origination fees     (498 )            
    Loans receivable   $ 1,650,826              
    (1) Remaining commitment available, net of outstanding balance.
    (2) Balances are as of April 9, 2025.
    (3) These home equity lines of credit are secured by residential real estate and are accessed by using a credit card, but are classified as 1-4 family residential properties per regulatory guidelines.
       

    APPENDIX B –
    As of March 31, 2025

    CCBX – BaaS Reporting Information

    During the quarter ended March 31, 2025, $53.6 million was recorded in BaaS credit enhancements related to the provision for credit losses – loans and reserve for unfunded commitments for CCBX partner loans and negative deposit accounts. Agreements with our CCBX partners provide for a credit enhancement provided by the partner which protects the Bank by indemnifying or reimbursing incurred losses. In accordance with accounting guidance, we estimate and record a provision for expected losses for these CCBX loans, unfunded commitments and negative deposit accounts. When the provision for credit losses – loans and provision for unfunded commitments is recorded, a credit enhancement asset is also recorded on the balance sheet through noninterest income (BaaS credit enhancements) in recognition of the CCBX partner legal commitment to indemnify or reimburse losses. The credit enhancement asset is relieved as credit enhancement payments and recoveries are received from the CCBX partner or taken from the partner’s cash reserve account. Agreements with our CCBX partners also provide protection to the Bank from fraud by indemnifying or reimbursing incurred fraud losses. BaaS fraud includes non-credit fraud losses on loans and deposits originated through partners, generally fraud losses related to loans are comprised primarily of first payment defaults. Fraud losses are recorded when incurred as losses in noninterest expense, and the enhancement received from the CCBX partner is recorded in noninterest income, resulting in a net impact of zero to the income statement. Many CCBX partners also pledge a cash reserve account at the Bank which the Bank can collect from when losses occur that is then replenished by the partner on a regular interval. Although agreements with our CCBX partners provide for credit enhancements that provide protection to the Bank from credit and fraud losses by indemnifying or reimbursing incurred credit and fraud losses, if our partner is unable to fulfill their contracted obligation then the bank would be exposed to additional loan and deposit losses if the cash flows on the loans were not sufficient to fund the reimbursement of loan losses, as a result of this counterparty risk. If a CCBX partner does not replenish their cash reserve account the Bank may consider an alternative plan for funding the cash reserve. This may involve the possibility of adjusting the funding amounts or timelines to better align with the partner’s specific situation. If a mutually agreeable funding plan is not agreed to, the Bank could declare the agreement in default, take over servicing and cease paying the partner for servicing the loan and providing credit enhancements. The Bank would evaluate any remaining credit enhancement asset from the CCBX partner in the event the partner failed to determine if a write-off is appropriate. If a write-off occurs, the Bank would retain the full yield and any fee income on the loan portfolio going forward, and our BaaS loan expense would decrease once default occurred and payments to the CCBX partner were stopped.

    The Bank records contractual interest earned from the borrower on CCBX partner loans in interest income, adjusted for origination costs which are paid or payable to the CCBX partner. BaaS loan expense represents the amount paid or payable to partners for credit and fraud enhancements and originating and servicing CCBX loans. To determine net revenue (Net BaaS loan income) earned from CCBX loan relationships, the Bank takes BaaS loan interest income and deducts BaaS loan expense to arrive at Net BaaS loan income (a reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures are set forth in the preceding section of this earnings release) which can be compared to interest income on the Company’s community bank loans.

    The following table illustrates how CCBX partner loan income and expenses are recorded in the financial statements:

    Loan income and related loan expense   Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Yield on loans (1)     16.88 %     16.81 %     17.74 %
    BaaS loan interest income   $ 67,855     $ 64,532     $ 55,839  
    Less: BaaS loan expense     32,507       30,720       26,107  
    Net BaaS loan income (2)   $ 35,348     $ 33,812     $ 29,732  
    Net BaaS loan income divided by average BaaS loans (1)(2)     8.79 %     8.81 %     9.45 %

    (1) Annualized calculation for quarterly periods shown.
    (2) A reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures are set forth in the preceding section of this earnings release.

    An increase in average CCBX loans receivable resulted in increased interest income on CCBX loans during the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2024. The increase in average CCBX loans receivable was primarily due to our strategy to optimize the CCBX loan portfolio and strengthen our balance sheet through originating higher quality new loans with enhanced credit standards. These higher quality loans also have lower stated rates and expected losses than some of our CCBX loans historically. Our yield on loans and our net interest margin net of BaaS loan expense slightly increased, as our CCBX portfolio is leveling out. Current loan sales and new loan growth are at more similar interest rates compared to prior periods when we were selling loans with higher risk and higher interest rates and replacing them with higher quality lower interest rate loans. We continue to reposition ourselves by managing CCBX credit and concentration levels in an effort to optimize our loan portfolio and also generate off balance sheet fee income. Growth in CCBX loans and deposits has resulted in increases in interest income and expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2024.

    The following tables are a summary of the interest components, direct fees and expenses of BaaS for the periods indicated and are not inclusive of all income and expense related to BaaS.

    Interest income   Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Loan interest income   $ 67,855     $ 64,532     $ 55,839  
    Total BaaS interest income   $ 67,855     $ 64,532     $ 55,839  
                             
    Interest expense   Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    BaaS interest expense   $ 21,581     $ 22,243     $ 22,854  
    Total BaaS interest expense   $ 21,581     $ 22,243     $ 22,854  
                             
    BaaS income   Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    BaaS program income:            
    Servicing and other BaaS fees   $ 1,419     $ 1,043     $ 1,131  
    Transaction and interchange fees     3,833       3,699       2,661  
    Reimbursement of expenses     1,026       812       254  
    Total BaaS program income     6,278       5,554       4,046  
    BaaS indemnification income:            
    BaaS credit enhancements     53,648       62,097       79,808  
    BaaS fraud enhancements     1,993       5,043       923  
    BaaS indemnification income     55,641       67,140       80,731  
    Total noninterest BaaS income   $ 61,919     $ 72,694     $ 84,777  
                             

    Servicing and other BaaS fees increased $376,000 and transaction and interchange fees increased $134,000 in the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2024. We expect servicing and other BaaS fees to be higher when we are bringing new partners on and then to decrease when transaction and interchange fees increase as partner activity grows and contracted minimum fees are replaced with these recurring fees when they exceed the minimum fees. Increases in BaaS reimbursement of fees offsets increases in noninterest expense from BaaS expenses covered by CCBX partners.

    BaaS loan and fraud expense:   Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    BaaS loan expense   $ 32,507     $ 30,720     $ 26,107  
    BaaS fraud expense     1,993       5,043       923  
    Total BaaS loan and fraud expense   $ 34,500     $ 35,763     $ 27,030  
                             

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/26a7ee4c-99dc-493e-8703-90dc906581e2

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Global: Stage 0 cancer is often overlooked — but it could be your earliest warning sign

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University

    Beyonce and her mother, Tina Knowles in December 2024 DFree/Shutterstock

    At 71, Tina Knowles – the fashion designer, businesswoman, and mother of Beyoncé – made headlines not for her career, but for a deeply personal revelation: her breast cancer diagnosis. In 2023, a routine mammogram uncovered two tumours in her left breast, one benign and the other malignant. Diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer, she underwent surgery and is now cancer-free.

    Knowles had initially hesitated to share her story, even considering leaving it out of her upcoming memoir Matriarch. A private person by nature, she ultimately chose to speak out to educate and inspire others – especially women balancing busy lives – about the critical importance of regular screenings.




    Read more:
    Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer – so why is breast screening attendance still a problem?


    Knowles candidly revealed that her cancer might have been caught even earlier, at stage 0, if she hadn’t missed a mammogram during the COVID pandemic. Like many, she delayed rescheduling, and it wasn’t until nearly four years later that she returned for screening.

    Her sister, a breast cancer survivor herself, reminded her that if she had stayed on schedule, doctors might have detected her cancer before it had begun to invade surrounding tissue.

    Thankfully, Knowles’ tumour was small and slow-growing. Still, the experience shook her and reinforced a message she now shares widely: early detection saves lives.

    Knowles’ story opens the door to an important medical conversation: what exactly is stage 0 cancer, and why does it matter?

    Stage 0, often called “carcinoma in situ”, is the earliest form of cancer. The Latin phrase in situ means “in its original place”, and that’s exactly where these abnormal cells remain – they haven’t yet spread to nearby tissue or other parts of the body. In breast cancer, the most common type of stage 0 is ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), where abnormal cells are confined to the milk ducts.

    Because stage 0 cancers rarely cause symptoms or lumps, they’re usually detected through screening – most often, a mammogram. In fact, the breast is where stage 0 is most commonly diagnosed, thanks to the effectiveness of these screening programs.

    But stage 0 cancer is not unique to the breast. Similar early, non-invasive changes can be found in other organs, such as the cervix (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) or the colon (certain types of polyps).

    There’s a growing debate in the medical community about whether stage 0 cancers should be labelled as “cancer” at all. Some experts argue that terms like “precancer” or “non-invasive cancer” might better reflect the low risk posed by these abnormal cells. Others caution that, while not invasive yet, some stage 0 cancers can become dangerous over time, especially if left untreated.

    Research suggests that up to 40% of untreated DCIS cases may eventually develop into invasive breast cancer, although the risk in any given year is relatively low at around 3%. Because we currently lack a reliable way to predict which cases will progress, most doctors recommend treatment such as surgery to remove abnormal cells.

    Treatment for stage 0 cancer is typically less aggressive than for more advanced stages, but it’s still personalised. In breast cancer, options often include:

    • Lumpectomy – surgery to remove only the affected area
    • Mastectomy – removal of the entire breast
    • Radiation therapy – often recommended after lumpectomy to reduce the risk of recurrence
    • Hormone therapy – for cancers that have hormone receptors, medication may be used to lower future risk.

    However, some experts are exploring a different approach: active surveillance. This strategy involves closely monitoring low-grade lesions without immediate treatment. While promising for some patients, it’s still controversial since there’s always a risk the cancer could progress silently.

    The prognosis for stage 0 cancer is overwhelmingly positive. The five-year survival rate for stage 0 breast cancer approaches 99% and most people diagnosed at this stage will never experience a recurrence.

    This remarkable outcome is a testament to the power of early detection and effective treatment. However, the rise in stage 0 diagnoses also raises questions about so-called over-diagnosis and over-treatment and whether this means some people are undergoing unnecessary procedures for abnormalities that might never have caused harm.

    Despite its early stage, a diagnosis of stage 0 cancer can carry a heavy emotional toll. There’s comfort in knowing the cancer was caught early but also anxiety about what might have happened if it hadn’t. Many patients struggle with the uncertainty of whether treatment was necessary or whether watchful waiting would have been safe.

    Knowles, for instance, spoke of disbelief, fear and the emotional rollercoaster that followed her diagnosis. She credits her daughters and friends for getting her through, providing love, laughter and perspective in a frightening time. Her openness underscores how vital it is to have a strong support system and a healthcare team that encourages open dialogue.

    Mammograms and other screening tools like colonoscopies are vital for catching cancers at the earliest, most treatable stages. While the increase in stage 0 diagnoses has fuelled debate about over-treatment, it’s clear that early detection gives people options and a chance at a cure before cancer becomes more aggressive.

    My research team is working to develop more effective methods for distinguishing which early abnormalities truly require treatment and which can be safely monitored. Until those tools are widely available, public health experts continue to stress one clear message: stay up to date with recommended screenings.

    Knowles’ story is more than a celebrity health headline, it’s a powerful reminder that prioritising routine care can change the course of your life. Stage 0 cancer represents a rare window of opportunity: a chance to intervene early, often with excellent outcomes. But it also requires careful decision-making, emotional resilience and support.

    The message is simple and urgent: take care of yourself. Reschedule that appointment. Get screened. It might just save your life.

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

    ref. Stage 0 cancer is often overlooked — but it could be your earliest warning sign – https://theconversation.com/stage-0-cancer-is-often-overlooked-but-it-could-be-your-earliest-warning-sign-255460

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Academic Council discussed youth policy issues

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The meeting of the Academic Council began, as per tradition, with a pleasant ceremony of honoring the Polytechnicians and the university’s partners.

    For her significant contribution to the development of the university, the rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy awarded the commemorative badge “For Merit” to the federal inspector for St. Petersburg of the Office of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Northwestern Federal District Tatyana Kubrakova.

    Then Andrey Ivanovich congratulated the graduate and postgraduate student of the Polytechnic University, assistant of the Higher School of Sports Pedagogy of the Institute of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism, Honored Master of Sports of the Russian Federation, World and European Champion in short water Kirill Prigoda with a recent victory at the Russian Swimming Championship. The Polytechnician was the best in five distances: 50, 100, 200 meters breaststroke, in the 4×100 relay medley swimming and broke the Russian record. Kirill is the pride of the Polytechnic University, and given his great contribution to strengthening the positive image of the university, the Rector of SPbPU presented him with the main award of the university – the “For Merit” badge with special feeling.

    Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences diplomas were awarded to Igor Rovnin, a graduate of the Institute of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism, deputy director of the private general education institution Gazprom School Saint Petersburg (academic supervisor – professor of the Higher School of Sports Pedagogy of SPbPU Alexander Bolotin) and senior lecturer of the Department of Foreign Languages Galina Borshchenko (academic supervisor – doctor of pedagogical sciences, professor Anna Rubtsova).

    Milana Zhavner received an associate professor’s certificate in the scientific specialty “Mechanical Science”.

    It’s time to honor the winners and prize winners of various competitions and contests. Winner of the Gazprom Neft League of Universities Award The SPbPU team won in the “Big Prospects” nomination, presenting an additional professional development program “Reverse Engineering of Oil Industry Enterprises”: Vice-Rector for Continuing and Pre-University Education Dmitry Tikhonov, Director of the Information Technology and Business Analysis Research Center “Gazprom Neft” Irina Rudskaya, Head of the Directorate of Continuing Education and Industry Partnership, Head of the Program Ivan Kurta, and Leading Analyst of the Directorate of Continuing Education and Industry Partnership Natalia Ivanova.

    The team of the Higher School of Media Communications and Public Relations of the Humanitarian Institute, consisting of Adelina Borodina, Aya Klimacheva, Vladislava Smelova, and Taisiya Temirova (project mentor – Director of the Higher School of Media Communications and Public Relations Marina Arkannikova), won in two nominations of the All-Russian competition of student works “Archer of the Future”.

    And the volunteer project “Polytech Gives Good” by students of the Higher School of Microbiology and Social Sciences Sofia Ryabinina and Elina Avakova took 1st place in the All-Russian competition “School of Volunteers”.

    L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (Kazakhstan) sent letters of gratitude to Polytechnic University teachers Natalia Chicherina, Maya Bernavskaya, Evgenia Tuchkevich and Evgenia Vorontsova for promoting fruitful educational and scientific cooperation, supporting scientific events and active participation in the international seminar “New paradigms of scientific research in the era of AI: opportunities and transformation of research practices”.

    The SPbPU Certificate of Honor for many years of conscientious work and high professionalism was awarded to the Head of the Quality Control Department, Maxim Dyuldin.

    For the first time in the history of the Polytechnic Military Training Center, for excellent academic performance, active civic position, initiative and diligence demonstrated in volunteer work and assistance to participants of the SVO, students of the communications department Grigory Aleksandrov (IMMiT) and Artem Tikhonravov (IEIT) received departmental awards of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation – the medal “Marshal of the Signal Troops Peresypkin”.

    Lecturer at the Institute of Secondary Vocational Education Tatiana Tsvetkova received two awards – gratitude from the Committee on Science and Higher Education “For conscientious work, great personal contribution to the development of the professional education system of St. Petersburg” and gratitude from the rector of SPbPU A. I. Rudskoy “For the successful organization and holding of the opening Museum of the History of the Development of Public Catering in St. Petersburg as part of the St. Petersburg government project “St. Petersburg cuisine”.

    At the international robot fighting championship RoboWars, which took place in the Indian city of Surat during the largest technology festival Mindbend and brought together more than 80 teams from different countries, the CML-team of the Student Design Bureau of the Advanced Engineering School “Digital Engineering” won – engineer of the Experimental Design Bureau of the SPbPU PISh Vsevolod Bolshakov and laboratory assistant of the Experimental Design Bureau of the SPbPU PISh Daria Kuatkhina. The guys also became winners in the individual competition “Battle of Robots – KRASHILOVO”, in which more than 40 teams from different regions of Russia participated.

    As always, the athletes pleased us with their success. The Polytechnicians became the first in the St. Petersburg student cheerleading competitions (thanks to students Marat Gainutdinov, Victoria Nechaeva, Arina Rakhmatulina and Margarita Senina)

    According to the results of the student karate competitions (VKF) within the framework of the St. Petersburg Student Sports Games 2025, Polytech won 1st place in the overall team standings. This is the merit of the coach of the Student Sports Club “Black Bears-Polytech” Elizaveta Orlova, as well as students Anastasia Vasilenko, Maria Luganskaya and Valery Kazantsev.

    The SPbPU hockey team also won the All-Russian final of the Student Hockey League championship and earned special congratulations from the SPbPU Academic Council.

    After the official ceremony, the Academic Council moved on to the agenda. Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Communication Technologies Maxim Pasholikov spoke about the implementation of youth policy at the university.

    “It is important that students from their first year begin to understand the values our university lives by, accept these values and leave the Polytechnic as spiritually mature people with the right life guidelines,” emphasized Maxim Pasholikov. “Our communities have always been the main actor in our youth policy. It is impossible to reach all 30 thousand students given the limited resources. That is why trade union organizations, the headquarters of student teams, the adapter movement, patriotic and sports clubs, creative associations that attract a large number of young people are important to us, and, accordingly, through them, through their leaders, we work with young people.”

    Maxim Aleksandrovich noted that the leaders of student associations in many cases become mentors for their younger comrades, and even after graduating from university, they return here as members of the alumni association and ambassadors of the Polytechnic University.

    The Vice-Rector noted that the SPbPU History Museum, creative semesters and last year’s innovation – musical changes on the White Staircase of the Main Academic Building – play an important role in the education and formation of students’ personalities.

    The number of visitors, projects and grants is also growing in the Polytechnic Tower. Work continues within the framework of the “We are together” campaign – for this the vice-rector separately thanked the Humanitarian Institute and the “Harmony” Center.

    Maxim Aleksandrovich drew the attention of the institute directors to the fact that the relevance of social and psychological assistance at the university has grown significantly.

    This year we managed to expand the staff of the Psychological Support Center; people are asking for help, and these are not just people who want to talk, but those who are really experiencing difficulties and problems, emphasized Maxim Pasholikov.

    Maxim Aleksandrovich spoke in detail about the events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, talking about the festive decoration of the campus, exhibitions, the ongoing project “Scientific Regiment” and the new video project “Memory of Glory Lives”, the play “Engineers of Victory” and the upcoming press conference at TASS about the new book “Polytech. Fortitude. 1941-1945”. As always, the inter-university military-patriotic rally “Syandeba” and “Family Victory Day” will be held in the Polytech Park on May 17, including the traditional run named after Hero of the Soviet Union Viktor Lyagin.

    The second issue on the agenda was the presentation of academic titles. By a majority of votes, the members of the SC voted to award the academic title of “professor” to Vladimir Sergeev (PhysMekh) and Alexey Flimonov (IEIT); the title of “associate professor” to Alexey Lukin (PhysMekh), Roman Burkovsky (IEIT), Alexey Grachev and Dmitry Masailo from IMMIT, Alexander Moskvichev (IBSS) and Elena Ladik (ISI).

    On the third issue, “On monitoring the implementation of decisions of the Academic Council,” the scientific secretary of SPbPU, Dmitry Karpov, made a report.

    Also, the members of the Academic Council unanimously supported the nomination of the assistant of the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan Albert Gilmutdinov for the award of the title of “Honorary Professor of SPbPU”.

    Photo archive

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jimmy Gomez Calls on SBA to Step Up and Support Content Creators and the Digital Creator Economy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

    Rep. Gomez is calling for more tailored small business resources for digital entrepreneurs fueling a $250 billion industry

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) is calling on the Small Business Administration (SBA) to step up support for content creators—an increasingly powerful part of the small business economy. In a letter to SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, Rep. Gomez urged the agency to provide more services and resources tailored to the unique needs of digital entrepreneurs who are building businesses on social platforms.

    “The content creator economy is a robust economic and social infrastructure which has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years. This growth has driven a major shift in our social and economic ecosystem as online social platforms have become an epicenter for ideas and commerce,” wrote Rep. Gomez. “I write to urge the Small Business Administration to support this fast-growing industry by providing services and programs that will help content creator small businesses continue to thrive and contribute to our economy.”

    “Content creators and influencers form the backbone of this thriving economic sector and represent a rapidly expanding segment of small business entrepreneurs across the country. Their innovative contributions fuel job creation, shape consumer spending habits, and spark growth in our economy,” continued Rep. Gomez. “My district in Los Angeles in particular serves as a global hub for content creation due to its deep roots in media and entertainment as well as a rich history as home to a thriving, diverse community of creative talent.”

    Rep. Gomez is demanding the SBA to outline how it is helping creators with key challenges like taxes, intellectual property, business loans, and managing irregular income. His push comes as more Americans build careers through platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. According to Goldman Sachs, content creators and influencers collectively form an over $250 billion creator economy that is projected to grow to nearly $500 billion within the next four years. This effort builds on Rep. Gomez’s January listening session with leading social media influencers, held just days before a potential TikTok ban. There, he emphasized the need for better tax and legal support for creators, and reaffirmed his opposition to policies that would harm the digital creator economy.

    You can read the full letter HERE.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Rapid7’s Command Platform Launches Unified Threat-Informed Remediation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rapid7, Inc. (NASDAQ: RPD), a leader in extended risk and threat detection, today announced a series of powerful enhancements to its Command Platform. With unified threat-informed remediation, Rapid7 now offers security teams platform-level remediation capabilities across exposure management and threat detection and response, resulting in greater visibility, alignment, collaboration, and security outcomes. In addition, Rapid7 stands behind these security outcomes with financial coverage through Breach Protection Warranty, giving customers confidence that they’re not only protected from threats – but also providing peace of mind should a breach occur.

    Security teams face an increasingly expanding attack surface, made more complex by a fragmented approach to security tools and continued distribution of ownership and responsibility of IT operations and security. To take command of their attack surface, automated remediation across an organization’s full ecosystem is critical. This next version of the Command Platform helps security teams transform their exposure and threat remediation processes by proactively identifying, prioritizing, and remediating critical exposures faster and with greater precision.

    The new enhancements provide integrated remediation of all vulnerabilities, whether they come from a native Rapid7 scanner or a third-party vulnerability management tool, in addition to AI-powered and automated prioritization for threat investigation. They also include Active Remediation with Velociraptor, allowing Rapid7 to take action on customers’ behalf to remove malicious artifacts with precision, effectively responding to exposures and threat signals before they become incidents.

    “Security teams are overwhelmed with alerts—they’re asking for clarity, prioritization, and outcomes,” said Craig Adams, chief product officer at Rapid7. “It’s not enough to simply detect threats; teams need the context to act quickly and the confidence that issues will be resolved. With our latest version of the Command Platform, we’re giving customers a cohesive, continuous, and trusted understanding of their entire attack surface—alongside the intelligent automation to prioritize threats and remediate them fast.”

    Among the key updates of threat-informed remediation on Rapid7’s Command Platform:

    • Unified Vulnerability Management Across Ecosystems: Rapid7 continues to expand support for third-party vulnerabilities, helping organizations consolidate and act on risk signals across disparate security tools. With vendor-agnostic dashboards, reporting, and centralized workflows, security teams can now prioritize vulnerabilities across their entire ecosystem, streamline remediation, and track progress with confidence.
    • Fully Integrated Automation into the Remediation Process: Security teams can use Remediation Hub workflows to automate asset owner notifications and manual tasks. This reduces administrative overhead, improves communication efficiency, speeds up remediation and offers a unified progress view to comprehensively track remediation across hybrid environments.
    • Transparent, Trustworthy AI-Powered Triage: This new triage experience in Rapid7’s AI detection and response platform, InsightIDR, gives security analysts unprecedented visibility into the decisions made by the Rapid7 AI Engine. A redesigned alert details interface highlights the key data inputs and reasoning behind each AI-driven triage decision, helping teams build trust and seamlessly integrate automation into their workflows. The new “AI Suggested Disposition” field enables faster investigation and resolution by allowing users to sort, filter, and bulk action alerts triaged by AI.
    • Active Remediation With Velociraptor: Once a threat is contained, the work shouldn’t stop there. With this new capability of Velociraptor, Rapid7 now performs advanced remediation actions on customers’ behalf—removing malware remnants, restoring registry settings, and returning affected assets to a secure state. This reduces dwell time and helps organizations bounce back faster, often before they’ve had time to react manually.
    • Breach Protection Warranty: In addition to the enhancements around AI-triage and remediation with Velociraptor, Managed Threat Complete (MTC) Ultimate customers can now confidently manage the financial impact of a cyberattack with up to $1,000,000 in breach-related coverage embedded directly into the service. This includes expenses related to forensic investigations, legal counsel, post-incident response, and public relations. In addition, Rapid7’s service is the only offering to include unlimited incident response (IR), removing the cost of IR engagements required by other providers. With the financial benefit not offset by additional fees, customers reduce complexity in breach response planning.

    To learn more about Unified Threat-Informed Remediation, visit https://www.rapid7.com/blog/post/2025/04/29/from-exposure-to-assurance-unified-remediation-across-the-security-lifecycle/.

    Rapid7 will also be showcasing these capabilities live at RSA Conference in San Francisco, April 28 – May 1.

    About Rapid7
    Rapid7, Inc. (NASDAQ: RPD) is on a mission to create a safer digital world by making cybersecurity simpler and more accessible. We empower security professionals to manage a modern attack surface through our best-in-class technology, leading-edge research, and broad, strategic expertise. Rapid7’s comprehensive security solutions help more than 11,000 global customers unite cloud risk management with threat detection and response to reduce attack surfaces and eliminate threats with speed and precision. For more information, visit our website, check out our blog, or follow us on LinkedIn or X.

    Rapid7 Media Relations
    Alice Randall
    Director, Global Communications
    press@rapid7.com
    (857) 216-7804

    Rapid7 Investor Contact
    Elizabeth Chwalk
    Vice President, Investor Relations
    investors@rapid7.com
    (617) 865-4277

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: PFM Disrupts Wealth Management in 2025: Earn Digital Assets Risk-Free with Zero Fees

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Los Angeles, California, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PFM, the trailblazing digital asset platform, today redefines passive income generation with its no-cost wealth acceleration model. Recognized by Global Fintech Insights as 2025’s Most Innovative Digital Asset Platform, PFM empowers over 9.2 million users in 192 countries, making it easier than ever to grow wealth through secure, transparent, and 100% free digital asset management.

    New users can receive a $10 welcome bonus, earn daily earnings, and enjoy instant and free cash withdrawals — all without any upfront investment.

    Why PFM Dominates Modern Digital Asset Management

    The huge volatility of digital assets exposes many holders to the risk of uncertainty. However, PFM’s frictionless platform provides:

    • Free $10 Newcomer Bonus: New users receive $10 in digital assets upon registration, daily check-in income is $0.6.—no deposit or wallet connection required. 
    • Flexible Earning Plans: Choose short-term plans of 1, 2, or 5 days, ideal for testing and scaling.
    • AI intelligent income optimization: PFM’s AI intelligent system supports multi-currency income optimization and automatically switches to high-potential currencies; for example, through a 30-day income optimization plan, users can obtain $2,400 in digital asset appreciation.
    • Fast, Fee-Free Withdrawals: All payouts are processed within 1–5 minutes, with no withdrawal or maintenance fees.
    • Advanced Security Protocols: The platform uses cold wallet storage, 2FA, and blockchain-based electronic contracts to ensure safety and transparency.

    “Growing my portfolio by $2,400 in 30 days without risking capital felt revolutionary,” shares James Carter, a London-based educator. “PFM’s transparency outshines every wealth app I’ve tested.”

    Getting started is fast and effortless:

    • Register: Create an account and instantly claim your $10 welcome bonus.  
    • Choose a Plan: Select from 1-day, 3-day, or 5-day flexible strategies.  
    • Activate Growth: Let the system work for you—no setup, no stress.  
    • Monitor & Withdraw: Track your earnings in real time and withdraw cash at any time with no fees.

    PFM combines the security standards of traditional finance with the innovation of digital asset technology, providing:

    – Multi-layer cold wallet security
    – Two-factor authentication (2FA) 
    – Smart contract automation
    – KYC compliance across key markets

    The Future of Wealth Creation Starts Here

    As more people search for smarter, safer ways to build wealth beyond traditional banking, PFM positions itself as the ultimate free digital asset management platform** for 2025. Whether you’re starting your journey or optimizing an existing portfolio, PFM offers a low-risk, high-reward path to sustainable digital growth.

    Start your journey now – become a PFM user and claim your $10 bonus to start growing your digital assets for free.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Vodafone Business and Fortinet Expand Global Partnership to Secure Hybrid Work

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Vodafone Business expands its converged networking and cybersecurity services powered by the Fortinet Unified SASE solution to new global markets.
    • Vodafone Business has been also designated “Fortinet Global Partner” due to its expertise in designing, deploying, and managing secure connected enterprise solutions globally.

    LONDON and SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    News Summary

    Vodafone Business and Fortinet® (NASDAQ: FTNT), the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, today announced an expanded global partnership, extending the reach of their converged networking and cybersecurity services to additional countries across Europe and Asia, as well as the United States. Together, the two companies are helping businesses deliver on the connectivity needs of today’s hybrid workforce and confront the growing volume and sophistication of cyberthreats by converging networking and security into a single, seamless service.

    Large and medium-sized enterprises in Germany and in other European markets as well as multinational businesses served through Vodafone Business International can now benefit from Vodafone Business Secure Networking Services.

    These services integrate Fortinet’s industry-leading software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) and FortiSASE cloud-based security solutions to help organizations secure their networks. They provide employees with the same secure, reliable access to their work applications regardless of their location all with a single view across network health visibility, performance dashboards, and customizable reports. With connectivity across 192 countries, Vodafone Business offers the scale and reach needed to support secure digital transformation worldwide.

    Today’s announcement, with Vodafone Business attaining the “Fortinet Global Partner” status, underscores both companies’ commitment to supporting regional and international organizations across their IT and operational technology (OT) environments. The value proposition also helps enterprises in meeting cybersecurity compliance standards and requirements.

    This milestone comes amid a surge in cybersecurity incidences, including malware, data breaches, and social engineering, which rose significantly in the European Union in the first half of 2024, according to the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA).

    Marika Auramo, CEO of Vodafone Business, said: “Cybersecurity is an increasing concern for our customers both in-country and cross-border. The breadth and depth of our global partnership with Fortinet means we can provide customers with the benefits of new digital connectivity to more places whilst ensuring that their digital assets, employees, partners and users are protected.”

    Joe Sarno, Executive Vice President, International Sales, Fortinet added: “As organizations digitize and scale across borders, secure connectivity is no longer optional—it’s essential. Our expanded partnership with Vodafone enables us to deliver unified SASE solutions that combine advanced security with exceptional performance so enterprises can confidently connect users, devices, and apps anywhere in the world.”

    Under the Vodafone Business and Fortinet partnership, businesses can purchase integrated services tailored to their needs and supported by Vodafone Business cybersecurity and managed network service experts. Customers can choose from four management options, including 24×7, co-managed network and security, various service-level guarantees, and professional services, including service discovery, design, implementation, and training.

    By combining their global reach and deep security expertise, Vodafone Business and Fortinet empower companies to detect and respond to threats swiftly, reducing risk while protecting operations and customer trust.

    Notes to Editors
    Vodafone Business and Fortinet will work together to further enhance sovereign compliant network operations center (NOC) and secure operations center (SOC) services. Vodafone Business recently opened a cybersecurity center in Düsseldorf, Germany, which will be home to more than 100 cybersecurity experts to help protect enterprise customers of all sizes from online threats.

    Increased automation and AI networking experiences as part of Vodafone Business Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) Platform is another area of focus for Vodafone Business and Fortinet. NaaS meets customer digital transformation needs by bringing together Vodafone’s software-based connectivity products and services, including SD-WAN, SASE/SSE, and Wireless and Fixed Internet Transport Services. It gives customers, or Vodafone Business managed services teams on their behalf, greater flexibility to buy, configure, and manage services to meet their specific dynamic business and AI application demands.

    Vodafone Business Secure Networking offers organizations several future-proofed managed solutions connecting their users, devices, and machinery. They are:    

    • Vodafone Business Secure Firewall with Fortinet delivers a comprehensive managed security service to set up, operate, run, manage, and maintain customer firewalls in a highly secure manner.
    • Vodafone Business Secure SD-WAN with Fortinet, which is ideal for organizations that need to ensure that their operations meet security and compliance regulation, and who need a secure, reliable, and agile network as they embrace the advantages of moving workloads to the cloud. 
    • Vodafone Business FortiSASE is aimed at customers looking to adopt flexible, robust, and secure hybrid work.

    More information around the partnership and Vodafone Business’ offerings can be found here

    Contact details

    About Vodafone Group
    everyone.connected

    Vodafone is a leading European and African telecoms company. We provide mobile and fixed services to over 340 million customers in 15 countries, partner with mobile networks in over 45 more and have one of the world’s largest IoT platforms. In Africa, our financial technology businesses serve almost 83 million customers across seven countries – managing more transactions than any other provider.

    Our purpose is to connect for a better future by using technology to improve lives, businesses and help progress inclusive sustainable societies. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact to reach net zero emissions by 2040.

    For more information, please visit www.vodafone.com follow us on X at @VodafoneGroup or connect with us on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/company/vodafone.

    About Fortinet
    Fortinet (Nasdaq: FTNT) is a driving force in the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. Our mission is to secure people, devices, and data everywhere, and today we deliver cybersecurity everywhere our customers need it with the largest integrated portfolio of over 50 enterprise-grade products. Well over half a million customers trust Fortinet’s solutions, which are among the most deployed, most patented, and most validated in the industry. The Fortinet Training Institute, one of the largest and broadest training programs in the industry, is dedicated to making cybersecurity training and new career opportunities available to everyone. Collaboration with esteemed organizations from both the public and private sectors, including Computer Emergency Response Teams (“CERTS”), government entities, and academia, is a fundamental aspect of Fortinet’s commitment to enhance cyber resilience globally. FortiGuard Labs, Fortinet’s elite threat intelligence and research organization, develops and utilizes leading-edge machine learning and AI technologies to provide customers with timely and consistently top-rated protection and actionable threat intelligence. Learn more at https://www.fortinet.com, the Fortinet Blog, and FortiGuard Labs

    Copyright © 2025 Fortinet, Inc. All rights reserved. The symbols ® and ™ denote respectively federally registered trademarks and common law trademarks of Fortinet, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates. Fortinet’s trademarks include, but are not limited to, the following: Fortinet, the Fortinet logo, FortiGate, FortiOS, FortiGuard, FortiCare, FortiAnalyzer, FortiManager, FortiASIC, FortiClient, FortiCloud, FortiMail, FortiSandbox, FortiADC, FortiAgent, FortiAI, FortiAIOps, FortiAgent, FortiAntenna, FortiAP, FortiAPCam, FortiAuthenticator, FortiCache, FortiCall, FortiCam, FortiCamera, FortiCarrier, FortiCASB, FortiCentral, FortiCNP, FortiConnect, FortiController, FortiConverter, FortiCSPM, FortiCWP, FortiDAST, FortiDB, FortiDDoS, FortiDeceptor, FortiDeploy, FortiDevSec, FortiDLP, FortiEdge, FortiEDR, FortiEndpoint FortiExplorer, FortiExtender, FortiFirewall, FortiFlex FortiFone, FortiGSLB, FortiGuest, FortiHypervisor, FortiInsight, FortiIsolator, FortiLAN, FortiLink, FortiMonitor, FortiNAC, FortiNDR, FortiPAM, FortiPenTest, FortiPhish, FortiPoint, FortiPolicy, FortiPortal, FortiPresence, FortiProxy, FortiRecon, FortiRecorder, FortiSASE, FortiScanner, FortiSDNConnector, FortiSEC, FortiSIEM, FortiSMS, FortiSOAR, FortiSRA, FortiStack, FortiSwitch, FortiTester, FortiToken, FortiTrust, FortiVoice, FortiWAN, FortiWeb, FortiWiFi, FortiWLC, FortiWLM, FortiXDR and Lacework FortiCNAPP. Other trademarks belong to their respective owners. Fortinet has not independently verified statements or certifications herein attributed to third parties and Fortinet does not independently endorse such statements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, nothing herein constitutes a warranty, guarantee, contract, binding specification or other binding commitment by Fortinet or any indication of intent related to a binding commitment, and performance and other specification information herein may be unique to certain environments. 

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: CAI Wins Gold Stevie® Award for Best Technical Support Solution in Computer Services

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ALLENTOWN, Pa., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CAI, a global services firm, announced today it earned the gold Stevie® Award for Best Technical Support Solution in Computer Services. Identified for its efficiency within Service Desk, more than 3,600 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories.

    Building on the success from the 2024 bronze Stevie® Award for Best Use of Technology in Customer Service, CAI has further improved Service Desk with innovative capabilities to streamline processes, meeting and exceeding client demands while providing a best-in-class customer experience. With AI-powered chatbots and workflow managers, longstanding partnerships and predictive analytics, the firm’s technology-driven on results in unparalleled technical support.

    “The right technology enables superior experiences,” said Matt Peters, chief technology officer at CAI. “Through constant innovation and refinement, we combine the perfect blend of human and technological power that delivers record-breaking and industry-first results to our clients. Thanks to the talent of our teams and CAI’s ability to rapidly adopt cutting-edge technology, we are able to deliver on those results every day.”

    “Organizations across the United States continue to demonstrate resilience and innovation,” said Stevie Awards president Maggie Miller. “The 2025 Stevie winners have helped drive that success through their innovation, persistence and hard work. We congratulate all the winners in the 2025 American Business Awards.”

    The Stevie® Awards recognize organizations that have demonstrated outstanding achievements in technology and customer service.

    For a full list of Stevie® Technology Award winners, please visit: https://stevieawards.com/aba/technology-awards

    About CAI

    CAI is a global services firm with over 9,000 associates worldwide and a yearly revenue of $1.3 billion+. We have over 40 years of excellence in uniting talent and technology to power the possible for our clients, colleagues, and communities. As a privately held company, we have the freedom and focus to do what’s right—whatever it takes. Our tailor-made solutions create lasting results across the public and commercial sectors, and we are trailblazers in bringing neurodiversity to the enterprise.

    About the Stevie Awards
    Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, and the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.

    Contact:

    Madison Oler
    Sr. PR & Communications Specialist
    CAI
    Madison.oler@cai.io

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Global: RFK Jr. said many autistic people will never write a poem − even though there’s a rich history of neurodivergent poets and writers

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Bradley J. Irish, Associate Professor of English, Arizona State University

    Scholars today believe Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw was probably on the autism spectrum. Bettmann/Getty Images

    U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently declared autism a national “epidemic,” calling it a “preventable disease” that is growing at an “alarming rate.”

    He went on to cast autism as an “individual tragedy” that “destroys families,” while stating that many autistic people will “never pay taxes, they’ll never hold a job, they’ll never play baseball, they’ll never write a poem, they’ll never go out on a date.”

    The remarks drew widespread criticism from researchers, advocacy groups and autistic people. They objected to these scientifically unsound characterizations of autism, along with the broad strokes with which Kennedy described autistic people, who exist on a vast spectrum.

    As an autistic English professor who studies literature and neurodiversity, I was especially unnerved by Kennedy’s contention that many autistic people will never write poetry.

    It couldn’t be further from the truth.

    Working poets

    There’s a remarkable corpus of poetry written by autistic people, who have also written novels, plays and virtually any kind of literature imaginable. The Autism Books by Autistic Authors Project catalogs 133 collections of poetry authored by autistic individuals, which represents only a fraction of the work created by autistic poets throughout history.

    One of the most well-known contemporary autistic poets is David Miedzianik, who in 1986 also wrote one of the earliest autistic memoirs. He’s published his poetry in the books “I Hope Some Lass Will Want Me After Reading All This,” “Taking the Load Off My Mind: Autobiographical and Other Poems” and “Now All I’ve Got Left is Myself: Autobiographical Poems, 1993-1996.”

    Adam Wolfond is another celebrated autistic poet. Wolfond, who is nonspeaking, has released several books of poetry, including “In Way of Music Water Answers Toward Questions Other Than What Is Autism” in 2019, “The Wanting Way” in 2022 and “Open Book in Ways of Water” the following year. And Traci Neal is an autistic poet, advocate and spoken-word artist whose work has been featured in Newsweek and NPR’s Poetry Moment.

    Autistic poets write about many topics. But their work is particularly poignant when discussing how they fit into a world that often labels them broken, incomplete or something less than human.

    In writer and poet Tito Rajarshi Mukhopadhyay’s 2010 poem “Misfit,” the speaker of the poem notes that other people often ostracize him for his differences. But he doesn’t care:

      My hands, as usual, were flapping
      The birds knew I was Autistic;
      They found no wrong with anything.
    

    Poets from the past

    Beyond living writers, readers and researchers have also explored the possibility that poets from the past may have had autistic characteristics, even before autism came to be formally theorized by clinicians in the mid-20th century.

    Of course, it’s important to exercise caution when categorizing people from the past, since they lived in worlds without those terms. At the same time, there have always been people whose minds and bodies worked in ways we’d now describe as autistic. So most literary scholars believe it is perfectly reasonable to discuss it as a possibility, as long as these historical figures aren’t given a formal, authoritative “diagnosis.”

    In 2010, for example, literary scholar Julie Brown suggested that renowned American poet Emily Dickinson had characteristics – such as sensory issues, social quirkiness and a savant’s command of language – that align with those of some individuals on the autism spectrum. More recent readers have agreed.

    In fact, many historical poets, novelists and playwrights have been tentatively associated with autism or other kinds of neurodivergence, such as William Wordsworth, Lewis Carroll, Hans Christian Andersen, George Bernard Shaw and Virginia Woolf.

    Unique voices, unique perspectives

    Of course, there are countless autistic people who write poetry who aren’t famous and haven’t published books. Neurodivergent poet and educator Chris Martin, who works with autistic people around the world, helps his students discover how to express themselves in poems.

    He describes this work in “May Tomorrow Be Awake: On Poetry, Autism, and Our Neurodiverse Future,” a book that’s part memoir of Martin’s own journey and part poetry anthology of his students’ poetry.

    Autistic poet and educator Chris Martin and autistic poet Adam Wolfond, who is nonspeaking, participate in a reading in 2023.

    Martin describes the “remarkable reciprocity poetry shares with autism or autistic minds or autistic ways of moving through the world.”

    “Time and again,” he adds, “I have watched my students … grasp the hand of poetry and begin dancing like they’ve been doing it their whole lives.”

    In fact, he argues that “poetry’s patterned structure uniquely serves neurodivergent thinking.” Because many autistic people seek patterns with a “combination of knack and urgency,” reading and writing poetry, which is anchored in patterns of words, images, sounds and forms, is particularly well suited for their way of thinking.

    In a recent interview with the magazine Mother Jones, autistic poet, educator and attorney Elizabeth R. McClellan said, “I know so many poets with various kinds of neurodivergence and that adds to the way that we see the world in our unique way, and that adds to our unique voice as poets.”

    In other words, autistic people are able to expand the possibilities of poetry itself.

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

    ref. RFK Jr. said many autistic people will never write a poem − even though there’s a rich history of neurodivergent poets and writers – https://theconversation.com/rfk-jr-said-many-autistic-people-will-never-write-a-poem-even-though-theres-a-rich-history-of-neurodivergent-poets-and-writers-255367

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Global: Almost Zion: Remembering a short-lived Jewish state in New York

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Adam L. Rovner, Director of the Center for Judaic Studies, University of Denver

    Twin bridges spanning the Niagara River lead from Tonawanda to Grand Island, New York — the proposed site of ‘Ararat.’ Kevin Menschel/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    At dawn on Sept. 15, 1825, a burst of cannon fire shook the ramshackle buildings of Buffalo, New York. Families raced down the main street to witness a grand ceremony, following a parade of soldiers, clergymen, Freemasons, musicians and Seneca tribesmen, including their venerable chief, Red Jacket. All surged toward St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the frontier town’s only grand edifice.

    Inside, a crowd of Christians, Jews and Native Americans were already packed together to witness the founding of Ararat, a tract of land on nearby Grand Island that was intended to be the first autonomous Jewish city-state in almost 1,800 years.

    Ararat’s 400-pound cornerstone, engraved with a central Jewish tenet of faith from the Bible’s Book of Deuteronomy, rested inside the church. When the swell of the organ died down, former diplomat, political power broker and playwright Mordecai Manuel Noah – the man who had dreamed up Ararat – rose to his feet.

    Today, this marker is one of the few surviving signs of the proposed settlement.
    Adam Rovner

    Described as a “stout … gentleman, with sandy hair, a large Roman nose, and … red whiskers,” Noah had draped himself for the ceremony in fur-trimmed robes borrowed from a theater. He triumphantly announced the reestablishment of “the Government of the Jewish Nation … under the auspices and protection of the constitution and laws of the United States of America.”

    Noah also welcomed Native Americans, whom he – like many Americans at the time – mistakenly believed were “the descendants of the lost tribes of Israel.” In addition, he granted equal “rights and religious privileges” to the “black Jews of India and Africa,” disclosing a rare-for-his-time sensitivity toward Jews of color.

    A portrait of Mordecai Noah by 19th-century painter John Wood Dodge.
    Smithsonian American Art Museum via Wikimedia Commons

    But Noah’s utopian ark sank with barely a trace. Not a single Jew heeded his call to settle Ararat. Noah himself abandoned ship when his calls for a Jewish republic were rebuffed by religious leaders. All that he left behind was the cornerstone.

    As a scholar who scours archives to trace connections between literature and history, I’ve seen how Noah’s efforts to found a Jewish statelet have fascinated students of both American and Zionist history.

    Noah was only the first of many modern thinkers to propose establishing Jewish territories far from the biblical land of Israel. In the 20th century, organizations seeking a humanitarian solution to Jewish persecution considered carving out enclaves the world over, including lands in today’s Kenya, Angola, Madagascar, Tasmania and Suriname.

    ‘City of refuge’

    Noah wielded considerable influence in early 19th-century America through his roles as a political party boss, helming various daily newspapers, and as a popular playwright. But he was also a marginalized outsider at a time when there were fewer than 500 Jews in Manhattan, the young republic’s largest city.

    Noah used his press pulpit to demand equality for Jews, even proposing himself as a presidential candidate. He remained one of few high-profile American Jews throughout his life, urging other citizens to acknowledge that one’s faith and patriotism need never be at odds. Yet antisemitic slurs dogged him throughout his career.

    After witnessing the persecution of Jews in Europe during his diplomatic travels, Noah hoped Ararat would be a territorial solution to religious oppression.

    ‘Noah’s Ark,’ by 19th-century American painter Edward Hicks.
    Philadelphia Museum of Art via Wikimedia Commons

    In some ways, his efforts hearkened back to the origins of America itself. Instead of the Mayflower, Noah invoked the symbolic ark of his biblical namesake – “Ararat” is the biblical name of the mountain where the ark came to a rest after the flood. In the role of the Puritans, he cast European Jewry. And instead of Plymouth Rock, he landed on Grand Island. As the cornerstone of Ararat proclaimed, the settlement was to be a “city of refuge for the Jews” – one that Noah hoped would grow to become a state and be admitted to the American republic.

    In his speeches, Noah imagined that Ararat would allow European Jews to escape persecution while simultaneously fulfilling America’s need for immigration, industry and financial capital. He also believed that his purchase of 2,555 acres of Grand Island would prove a lucrative personal investment: The recently completed Erie Canal, he reasoned, would make Buffalo a major port.

    Failure to launch

    At the time of Noah’s proposal, the Zionist movement – the modern political program for Jewish national self-determination – had not yet coalesced. Most Jews at the time believed that founding a Jewish state in the land of Israel was a pipe dream, or worse. God had expelled their ancestors from the Holy Land in 70 C.E., they believed, so taking matters into their own hands and rebuilding a Jewish state there would be blasphemy.

    Noah hoped to sidestep those theological objections by locating a Jewish polity in the promised land of America, not the biblical promised land. Nonetheless, Jewish leaders dismissed his vision as contrary to God’s will. The chief rabbis of England and France publicly condemned Noah’s plan, and the September 1825 ceremony in Buffalo proved Ararat’s high point.

    Though ridiculed in the press for Ararat’s failure, Noah took a philosophical view:

    I … stand as the pioneer of the great work, leaving others to complete it. … When sneers and mockery shall have had their day … then my motives and objects will have been duly estimated and rewarded.“

    The front page of one of Mordecai Noah’s books, published in 1819.
    Library of Congress via Wikimedia Commons

    Birth of Zionism

    Noah quickly resumed his career as a journalist and emerged as a kind of ambassador, penning articles and delivering speeches that linked Jewish and Christian America. To Christians, he explained Jewish practices. To his brethren, he demonstrated the fundamental compatibility between the ideals of Judaism and the United States, assuring them that America “is the country which the Almighty has blessed,” a land in which Jews “may repose in safety and happiness.”

    Yet Noah never abandoned his plans for Jewish self-government and ultimately advocated national repatriation to areas of Palestine, then under Ottoman control. In 1845 he published a short book, “Discourse on the Restoration of the Jews.” A young journalist whom he had befriended, Edgar Allan Poe, praised Noah’s proposal for a Jewish return to the biblical land of Israel as “extraordinary [and] full of novel and cogent thought.”

    Noah did not live to see his dreams fulfilled. After his death in March 1851, nearly 50 years passed before another playwright and journalist resurrected the idea of Jewish political autonomy: Theodor Herzl.

    Herzl’s vision laid the groundwork for the establishment of the state of Israel. Today, he is considered the father of Zionism, with his image paraded on Israeli Independence Day.

    Paradoxically, Noah is remembered today thanks only to the spectacular failure of his American Zion.

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

    ref. Almost Zion: Remembering a short-lived Jewish state in New York – https://theconversation.com/almost-zion-remembering-a-short-lived-jewish-state-in-new-york-253534

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Global: Spider-Man’s lessons for us all on the responsibility to use our power, great or small, to do good

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By George Tsakiridis, Senior Lecturer of Philosophy and Religion, South Dakota State University

    A large statue of Spider-Man at a mall in Dubai. Giuseppe Cacace AFP via Getty Images

    As a child, I watched reruns of the 1967 Spider-Man cartoon on television. I was drawn to the action and colors and, of course, the catchy tune. This was my early introduction to Spider-Man, as it was for many children who grew up in the 1960s-’80s.

    Spidey, as he is affectionately called, was a huge part of popular culture. The Spider-Man story was first released in 1962 as part of another comic book, Marvel’s Amazing Fantasy (192) #15. A year later he became his own title character, branching out into cartoons, merchandising and feature films. In other words, Spider-Man became ubiquitous.

    With the advent of films featuring him in 2002, however, Spider-Man reached an entirely new level of influence, so much so that academic interest in him increased. I edited a 2021 book in which I wrote a chapter about Spider-Man’s creeds – his main sets of beliefs, or one might say his religion: “Theology and Spider-Man.”

    A phrase that has appeared in various forms in Spider-Man lore – “with great power comes great responsibility” – is an example of such a creedal statement. I examine how this one phrase can resonate with readers and viewers to such a degree that it shapes their everyday lives and makes Spider-Man a moral exemplar to many of us.

    More broadly, however, I believe that as a moral exemplar, Spider-Man exemplifies the struggle for virtue that most of us face every day.

    Spider-Man is relatable

    Moral exemplars are figures who transcend the average human experience, achieving extraordinary feats in pursuit of virtue. They serve as models for others to follow. They can be historical figures or people we interact with every day.

    A 2017 study led by educational psychology scholar Hyemin Han states moral exemplars influence others because their stories seem relevant and attainable. The study shows evidence that people are more likely to respond to a peer’s example of good behavior and be motivated by that. This means that role models who feel relatable to our daily lives tend to have the greatest impact.

    I would argue that Marvel superheroes and the films they have inspired are popular because we see ourselves in these stories. These characters are the sort of moral exemplars that can influence our behavior because we identify with them so closely.

    Spider-Man particularly fits this bill. Peter Parker is a teenager who unexpectedly gains superhuman power. In this transformation, he is forced to struggle with moral behavior on a higher level because he now has newfound abilities to do things normal humans cannot. He can use his powers for good or selfish ends, and the effects are much more damaging than for a normal person.

    Spider-Man is popular because many people identify with him closely.
    Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

    Moral exemplars are connected in a fundamental way to virtue ethics – a framework of behavior based in core virtues such as honesty, bravery and kindness. Virtue ethics focuses on building character within versus following a set of rules.

    Moral exemplars are the people who represent virtue ethics in its purest form. They are the most virtuous in their character, displaying what all humans should aspire to when practicing virtue ethics. The virtuous hero is the one we emulate and build our own character around, being a representative of a virtuous life.

    Spidey is a perfect moral exemplar because he is relatable. He is one of us. He has limitations but invites us to work beyond them.

    Morality is Spider-Man’s strength

    In the 2021 film “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” Spidey is confronted with the choice of using his power for good or for revenge. As a portal opens to other dimensions, he encounters a number of villains from past films, including the Green Goblin from the 2002 film.

    In contrast to the Green Goblin, Spidey chooses to use his power for good. Green Goblin kills Aunt May because he wants Spidey to embrace the power he has and use it for selfish means. Aunt May serves as a moral foundation for Peter Parker, and with her gone, perhaps the Goblin sees an opportunity for Spidey to embrace power for power’s sake. He tells Spidey, “Morality is your weakness.”

    Spider-Man must struggle with the temptation to kill the Goblin in a fit of revenge – exactly the kind of self-serving thinking that the Green Goblin himself encourages. Green Goblin is the anti-moral exemplar. He embraces power and vice, while Spidey embraces doing good for others. Earlier in the film, the Goblin states, “Gods don’t have to choose; we take.” For the Goblin, there is no real morality. His power entitles him to any action.

    On the contrary, Spider-Man sees his power as a gift to be used – “with great power comes great responsibility.” Spider-Man continually sacrifices the joy in his life – his relationships, his health and his family – in order to fight villains and protect the innocent. This is practicing virtue ethics at a high level, one that reaches the status of a moral exemplar.

    Spidey’s determination to use his power for good arises out of his origin story in the original narrative found in Amazing Fantasy #15. Spider-Man feels a strong sense of guilt and responsibility due to his uncle’s death, which he feels is the result of his inaction. Thus he is committed to using his power for good.

    At first, he uses his abilities to make money wrestling or finding fame on television. In the aftermath of a television appearance, however, he allows a thief to escape because he doesn’t feel morally responsible to stop him. As the thief escapes, Spidey states, “From now on I just look out for number one – that means – me!” Soon after, he finds that same thief has killed his uncle.

    It is out of this origin story that is born his adoption of the phrase “with great power comes great responsibility.” His uncle’s death was necessary for his moral tranformation.

    Spider-Man shows us that moral responsibility does not go away just because one has power. It is in this lesson that Spider-Man exemplifies morality for us. He becomes a moral exemplar.

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

    ref. Spider-Man’s lessons for us all on the responsibility to use our power, great or small, to do good – https://theconversation.com/spider-mans-lessons-for-us-all-on-the-responsibility-to-use-our-power-great-or-small-to-do-good-248529

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Going up! Leeds United promotion parade confirmed for Bank Holiday Monday

    Source: City of Leeds

    Leeds United fans will have the chance to salute the club’s promotion-winning heroes during an open-top bus parade, it can be confirmed today.

    Fresh from clinching a return to the Premier League, Daniel Farke and his squad will be riding high once again as they make their way around a loop of Leeds city centre next Monday, May 5.

    Large crowds are expected to turn out to show their appreciation for Leeds’s manager and players on a Bank Holiday afternoon that promises to live long in the memory.

    The parade will follow a mile-long route that will take in the full length of the Headrow as well as City Square, Boar Lane, New Market Street and parts of Wellington Street and Vicar Lane.

    The Whites are scheduled to arrive in the city centre at around 1pm, with the parade set to last between an hour and an hour-and-a-half.

    Due to the high number of fans expected to attend, there will be no single focal point for the event. Instead, supporters are being encouraged to line as much of the route as possible and give the team the welcome they deserve.

    Farke and his players will be ‘on the mic’ and interacting with fans throughout the parade, meaning everyone – no matter where they are along the route – will get the same special experience and enjoy what is sure to be a city centre-wide carnival atmosphere.

    People who cannot make it to the event will be able to follow proceedings via a live stream on the club’s LUTV channel.

    The parade has been organised by Leeds City Council in conjunction with the club, and with support from agencies including West Yorkshire Police.

    Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said:

    “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to work with Leeds United to give players and fans the chance to celebrate promotion together.

    “As a season ticket holder at Elland Road, I know how much this football club means to its supporters and indeed Leeds as a whole.

    “The name of Leeds United is already known all around the world, but being in the Premier League raises the profile of the club still further and will also bring wider economic benefits to the city.

    “I’m looking forward to seeing fans out enjoying themselves, it should be a wonderful spectacle. By lining the entirety of the route, they’ll be able to secure a great view of the parade and help create a party atmosphere right across the city centre.”

    The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, said:

    “Winning promotion is a marvellous achievement by Daniel Farke and his players, they really have done the whole of Leeds proud over the course of the season.

    “Leeds United’s ups and downs are woven into the fabric of life here and, as the city’s Lord Mayor, it’s my absolute pleasure to see them back where they belong.

    “I know the club’s fans have been in party mood since promotion was secured and I’m sure they will relish the opportunity to continue their celebrations at next week’s parade.”

    Morrie Eisenberg, chief operating officer at Leeds United, said:

    “We are thrilled to be able to celebrate our promotion to the Premier League with a parade across Leeds city centre.

     “Sadly, due to restrictions when we were last promoted to the top flight in 2020, it wasn’t possible for a bus parade to take place, so we’re now delighted to be able to celebrate this promotion properly with our supporters.

     “On behalf of the club I would like to thank everybody who has helped pull the parade together behind the scenes and at local authority level, I’m sure next Monday will be a great occasion for the whole city.”

    A programme of road closures and other traffic restrictions is due to be in place across much of the city centre from 8am to 5pm on Monday. Emergency service access will be maintained throughout this time.

    The size of the expected turnout means people coming into the city centre – for the parade or other reasons – are being asked to carefully plan their journeys in advance.

    The park and ride sites at Temple Green and Stourton will be operating on the day, with First running inbound buses from there to the city centre between 10am and 1pm and return services between 2.30pm and 5.30pm.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Primech AI Secures Foothold in Europe’s Rapidly Growing €10+ Billion Service Robotics Market Through Strategic Partnership with TCOrobotics GmbH

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Primech AI Pte. Ltd. (“Primech AI” or the “Company”), a subsidiary of Primech Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: PMEC), today announced its strategic entry into the European market through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with TCOrobotics GmbH, establishing a distribution framework for its innovative HYTRON, AI-powered autonomous bathroom cleaning robots across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (DACH region).

    The two-year agreement positions Primech AI to capitalize on Europe’s booming service robotics market, currently valued at over €10 billion annually and projected to reach €20-30 billion by 2030. With European service robot suppliers representing approximately 44% of global providers, this partnership gives Primech AI access to one of the world’s most sophisticated robotics ecosystems.

    “Europe represents an exceptional growth opportunity for Primech AI, with the EU service robotics market experiencing double-digit annual growth driven by labor shortages, technological advances, and increasing acceptance of automation solutions,” said Charles Ng, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Primech AI. “Our partnership with TCOrobotics gives us an immediate market presence in the DACH region, which is at the forefront of adopting innovative cleaning technologies and boasts some of the world’s leading robotics companies.”

    The European market is particularly receptive to autonomous cleaning solutions, with specialized cleaning robots seeing increased deployment following the COVID-19 pandemic. The region’s high labor costs, aging workforce, and strict hygiene standards in commercial facilities create ideal conditions for Primech AI’s HYTRON robots, which offer cost-effective, consistent cleaning performance.

    Under the terms of the MOU, TCOrobotics, based in Vaihingen an der Enz, Germany, will oversee all aspects of regional distribution, including installation processes, maintenance, technical support, and customer training. The Company will work closely with Primech AI to ensure consistent quality standards and effective implementation of HYTRON robots at customer facilities.

    “We’re seeing tremendous demand for advanced cleaning automation across the DACH region,” said Aleksandar Birmanac, CEO of TCOrobotics GmbH. “Primech AI’s HYTRON robots represent a perfect solution for facilities managers looking to address labor shortages while improving cleaning consistency and operational efficiency. We anticipate strong adoption across a variety of commercial settings.”
    This European expansion represents a significant milestone in Primech AI’s global growth strategy and offers substantial potential for revenue growth in a market expected to double in value by 2030. The Company’s entry into Europe also benefits from the EU’s supportive policy environment for robotics innovation while meeting the region’s stringent regulatory requirements.

    According to the International Federation of Robotics, Primech AI’s expansion comes at a time when specialized professional service robots for cleaning saw 12% year-over-year growth globally in 2022. The DACH region specifically has seen accelerated adoption of cleaning robots in commercial settings following the pandemic, with businesses increasingly viewing robot deployment as both a practical necessity and a marketing advantage that signals cleanliness and technological sophistication to customers.

    About Primech AI
    Primech AI is a leading robotics company dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation in technology. With a team of passionate individuals and a commitment to collaboration, Primech AI is poised to revolutionize the robotics industry with groundbreaking solutions that make a meaningful impact on society. For more information, visit www.primech.ai.

    About Primech Holdings Limited
    Headquartered in Singapore, Primech Holdings Limited is a leading provider of comprehensive technology-driven facilities services, predominantly serving both public and private sectors throughout Singapore. Primech Holdings offers an extensive range of services tailored to meet the complex demands of its diverse clientele. Services include advanced general facility maintenance services, specialized cleaning solutions such as marble polishing and facade cleaning, meticulous stewarding services, and targeted cleaning services for offices and homes. Known for its commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology, Primech Holdings integrates eco-friendly practices and smart technology solutions to enhance operational efficiency and client satisfaction. This strategic approach positions Primech Holdings as a leader in the industry and a proactive contributor to advancing industry standards and practices in Singapore and beyond. For more information, visit www.primechholdings.com.    

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, for example, statements about completing the acquisition, anticipated revenues, growth, and expansion. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are also based on assumptions regarding the Company’s present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure that such expectations will be correct. The Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

    Company Contact:
    Email: ir@primech.com.sg

    Investor Relations Contact:        
    Matthew Abenante, IRC
    President                                        
    Strategic Investor Relations, LLC                                         
    Tel: 347-947-2093
    Email: matthew@strategic-ir.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Towards Victory! Polytechnic remembers the heroes of the Great Patriotic War

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    In honor of the 80th anniversary of the Victory, the Polytechnic University is organizing a large-scale program dedicated to the heroes who participated in the Great Patriotic War from among the students and teachers of the university. Special projects cover in detail the fates of those who defended the Motherland on the front lines, those who survived the siege of Leningrad, and those who, sparing no effort, worked for the coming victory.

    The SPbPU History Museum presents the project “The Institute That Survived the War”. It consists of nine chapters, each of which is dedicated to the students, teachers and staff of the Polytechnic University during the Great Patriotic War. The project describes the work of the military hospital in the Main Building, the transformation of the university for the needs of the front, the activities of defense workshops, scientific developments of scientists and the learning process during that difficult time, as well as the participation of polytechnics in military operations. All information is illustrated with historical photographs and archival documents. It can be read on the website or listened to in audio format. These unique stories will allow you to better understand the fates of people who stood at the forefront of scientific and social life during the war years.

    The Polytechnic University park has information stands telling about the history of the university during the war years and the role of the Polytechnics in the victory. Each stand has a QR code, which can be used to obtain additional information and listen to an audio recording.

    The exhibition “The Path to Victory” presents the fates of great graduates of our university – engineers who made a significant contribution to the development of technical equipment of the USSR army. The exhibition also tells about polytechnics awarded the honorary title “Hero of the Soviet Union” and about students who went to the front or worked in the rear. The exhibition can be viewed on the first floor of the Main Building.

    At the end of May – beginning of June, a historical exhibition will be organized on the territory of Fort Reef, which will tell about the graduates and teachers of the university who played an important role in the development of Kronstadt and strengthening its defensive positions.

    Also in May, Library No. 9 will host an exhibition dedicated to the events of the Great Patriotic War and to Daniil Granin, a 1940 graduate of the Leningrad Industrial Institute, after whom the library is named.

    The events of the Polytechnic University will be a bright event for everyone who is interested in the history of our country and wants to honor the memory of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War. On the eve of Victory Day, new unique elements of the exhibition dedicated to one of the outstanding polytechnicians will appear in the SPbPU History Museum. We believe that the best way to pay tribute to the dead and the survivors is to remember their feats. Let’s do it together, – commented Valery Klimov.

    In addition, ondigital information panels, installed in the main buildings of the Polytechnic University, broadcasts of the student video blog “The memory of glory lives on”. The project’s host, IMMiT student Yegor Bredikhin, talks about the university’s memorable locations and the unforgettable stories they have kept for decades.

    Supplementing the virtual chronicles of the university, the Main Building has boards dedicated to the heroes of the Polytechnics. The updated panels present biographies of our outstanding graduates and employees, whose heroism during the war became a symbol of unbending will and devotion to the Motherland.

    The Directorate of Cultural Programs and Youth Creativity of SPbPU organized a three-day showing of the production for Polytechnic students “Engineers of Victory”, which tells about the Polytechnicians who participated in the war and the university’s contribution to the victory. Soloists of the SPbPU Variety and Symphony Orchestra, the Student Theater, the Polyhymnia Youth Choir, the Polytechnic Chamber Choir, and students of the Humanitarian Institute took part in its creation with the support of the SPbPU History Museum.

    The Glagol People’s Theatre, where students and graduates of the university serve, will present a musical and poetic composition based on poems and documents from the wartime, “Shards of Silence,” on May 3. On May 10 and 17, the play “Thirteen Women of Sergeant Major Vaskov Between the Premonition of Great Love and the Expectation of Sudden Death” based on the screenplay by Boris Vasiliev, “The Dawns Here Are Quiet,” will be performed.

    Students, university staff and guests are invited to three festive concerts in the White Hall. On May 6, songs of the Great Victory will be performed, on May 7, music by Shostakovich performed by the Klassika Orchestra, and on May 8, songs by Bulat Okudzhava, a war veteran whose birthday is celebrated on May 9.

    The Immortal Regiment will “stand” on the territory of SPbPU and student dormitories. The Directorate of Cultural Programs and Youth Creativity is installing 80 structures with portraits of students who went to the front from their student benches.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: JOYY Inc. Filed 2024 Annual Report on Form 20-F

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — JOYY Inc. (NASDAQ: JOYY) (“JOYY” or the “Company”), a global technology company, today announced that it filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2025, Eastern Time. The annual report can be accessed on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.joyy.com.

    The Company will provide a hard copy of its annual report containing the audited consolidated financial statements, free of charge, to its shareholders and ADS holders upon request. Requests should be directed to the Company’s Investor Relations Department at joyy-ir@joyy.com.

    About JOYY Inc.

    JOYY is a leading global technology company with a mission to enrich lives through technology. With a diversified product portfolio spanning live streaming, short-form videos, casual games, instant messaging, and emerging initiatives like advertising, JOYY has evolved beyond social entertainment into a multifaceted ecosystem powered by AI and data-driven technologies. Headquartered in Singapore and operating across the globe, JOYY has fostered a vibrant user community through its localized strategies. JOYY’s ADSs have been listed on the NASDAQ since November 2012.

    Investor Relations Contact

    JOYY Inc.
    Jane Xie/Maggie Yan
    Email: joyy-ir@joyy.com

    ICR, LLC.
    Robin Yang
    Email: joyy@icrinc.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Best No KYC Casinos: JACKBIT Is Ranked Top No Verification Casino With Exclusive Bonuses

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LARNACA, Cyprus, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — No KYC casinos are ruling the gambling landscape recently. With numerous available options, it might be overwhelming for players to choose the best No KYC casino for better and safer iGaming. After reviewing multiple No KYC casino platforms, our experts found that JACKBIT is one of the best No KYC casinos of 2025.

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    JACKBIT Casino: The Best No KYC Casino In 2025

    JACKBIT is one of the most popular and widely accepted no KYC casinos in 2025. With a sleek design, easy navigation, and user-friendly interface, JACKBIT has offered an unmatched iGaming experience since its launch in 2022. This no KYC casino platform has a noteworthy game library that offers over 7000+ different casino games, and one of the best sportsbooks, making JACKBIT the hub for most casino and gambling lovers.

    Along with diverse and engaging games, JACKBIT, the no KYC crypto casino, has the best crypto sportsbook that has 82,000+ live events monthly, 75,000+ pre-match events monthly, 4500+ betting free spins, and 140+ sports types. Talking about the bonuses and promotions, JACKBIT offers the best welcome bonus with no wagering free spins, tournaments, rakeback, VIP club offers, and many more.

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    How To Join JACKBIT No KYC Casino

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    Best No KYC Casino: Games Offered By JACKBIT

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    Payouts And Transactions At JACKBIT No KYC Casino

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    Self-Exclusion Tools Offered By JACKBIT
    A reputable no KYC casino, JACKBIT, values the safety of its players. So, the best no KYC casino offers multiple options that allow players to play safely and responsibly. Some of the self-exclusion methods offered by JACKBIT are:

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    Is JACKBIT A Trustworthy No KYC Casino In 2025?

    Wondering whether JACKBIT is a trustworthy platform or not? You are not alone. Although JACKBIT is a popular no KYC casino and one of the best casino platforms available in 2025, it is normal to have doubts about the reputation of the platform. Even though casinos come with certain inherent risks, JACKBIT casino without KYC, reduces them to a certain extent with its reputation, license, and fairness. In this section, let’s have a detailed look at how safe and reliable this no KYC casino is.

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    FAQ’s About Best No KYC Casino 7Bit

    Does JACKBIT require KYC verification?

    JACKBIT allows players to engage in the diverse games offered on this platform without a KYC verification. However, the platform may ask for KYC verification while using fiat transactions.

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    Email: support@jackbit.com

    Legal Disclaimer

    This content is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial, or gambling advice. Ensure compliance with local gambling laws. No warranties are made regarding accuracy. Readers are responsible for verifying information and ensuring legal compliance. Gambling may be restricted in some regions.

    Affiliate Disclosure

    Some links may be affiliate links, earning a commission at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on objective evaluation, and partnerships do not influence conclusions.

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the Jackbit. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.

    Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.

    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/39a4bb9e-6ef6-487b-93b8-2fedae326e5e

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: APR Energy Delivers 150MW Fast Power to Support Mexico’s Grid

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — New APR Energy LLC (“APR Energy”), a global leader in fast-track power generation, has secured a contract to deliver 150 megawatts (MW) of power generation to support Mexico’s national utility ahead of the summer peak in Baja California. The project will mobilize six high-output mobile gas turbines, with full operational readiness targeted within 90 days—demonstrating APR Energy’s continued ability to deploy flexible, utility-scale solutions under accelerated timelines.

    This project highlights the strength of APR Energy’s seasoned leadership team, which has successfully delivered mobile power generation in over 35 countries—often in mission-critical environments requiring speed, reliability, and precision. Their operational expertise ensures disciplined execution at every stage, from mobilization to grid integration.

    Aligned with APR Energy’s broader strategy, the initiative reflects the company’s focus on meeting both immediate grid challenges and long-term power needs through flexible, scalable generation solutions. With a versatile fleet and a proven execution model, APR is positioned to meet rising demand across a wide range of industries and operational requirements.

    “This deployment reflects the unprecedented demand for reliable power across multiple sectors,” said Chuck Ferry, Chairman and CEO of APR Energy. “We see continued opportunities to deploy additional capacity from APR’s fleet in the near term. With world-class power assets and an experienced, high-performing team, APR is once again delivering fast, dependable power where it’s needed most.”

    APR Energy continues to leverage its asset management agreement with Duos Technologies Group, Inc., which provides value-added services that support the company’s operations.

    To learn more about APR Energy, please visit www.aprenergy.com.
    To learn more about Duos Technologies Group (Nasdaq: DUOT), please visit www.duostech.com

    About APR Energy
    APR Energy, based in Jacksonville, Florida, provides rapidly deployable mobile power solutions to utility and data center operators, offering emergency, temporary, bridging, and permanent energy options. For more than 20 years, APR Energy has partnered with customers around the world to deliver fast, reliable power using mobile gas turbines. The company creates unique value by executing large-scale projects in weeks or months—far faster than the 2–5 years typically required to construct permanent infrastructure. For more information, please visit www.aprenergy.com.

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

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: ACM Research Announces Preliminary Unaudited Revenue and Shipments for the First Quarter 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Coincides with Release of ACM Shanghai First Quarter 2025 Results
    ACM Reaffirms 2025 Revenue Outlook

    FREMONT, Calif., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ACM Research, Inc. (“ACM”) (NASDAQ: ACMR), a leading supplier of wafer processing solutions for semiconductor and advanced wafer-level packaging applications, today announces expectations for preliminary unaudited revenue and total shipments for the first quarter of 2025. Today’s release coincides with the as-scheduled release of unaudited financial results by ACM Research (Shanghai), Inc., ACM’s principal operating subsidiary (“ACM Shanghai”), to the Shanghai Stock Exchange website [link to China Disclosure].

    ACM will discuss its full financial results for the first quarter 2025 and its revenue outlook for the remainder of the year on its earnings call on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 8 a.m. Eastern Time (8 p.m. China Time).

    ACM announces the following:

    • preliminary unaudited revenue for the first quarter of 2025 is expected to be in the range of $165 million to $170 million, which would represent year-to-year growth of 8.4% to 11.7%.
    • preliminary total shipments for the first quarter of 2025 are expected to be in the range of $154 million to $157 million, which would represent a year-to-year decrease of 36% to 37%.   This decrease is due in part to customer pull-ins in the fourth quarter of 2024, which contributed to stronger total shipments for that period. For reference, combined total shipments for the fourth quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025 are expected to grow by 8% to 9% versus the prior year periods. We anticipate a return to year-on-year growth in total shipments for the second quarter of 2025.
    • re-affirms full year 2025 revenue outlook in the range of $850 million to $950 million, which would represent year-to-year growth of 9% to 21%.

    Actual unaudited first quarter 2025 results are subject to the completion of ACM’s quarter end closing procedures and review by ACM’s independent registered public accounting firm.

    ACM currently owns an 81.1% equity interest in ACM Shanghai, and a substantial majority of ACM’s consolidated revenue and net income is contributed by ACM Shanghai. The stand-alone financial results of ACM Shanghai are reported in RMB as prepared in accordance with Chinese generally accepted accounting principles, and those results will differ, potentially materially, from ACM’s consolidated revenue and net profit for the period, which will reflect additional financial and operational items and will be prepared in U.S. dollars in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

    About ACM Research, Inc.

    ACM develops, manufactures and sells semiconductor process equipment spanning cleaning, electroplating, stress-free polishing, vertical furnace processes, track, PECVD, and wafer- and panel-level packaging tools, enabling advanced and semi-critical semiconductor device manufacturing. ACM is committed to delivering customized, high-performance, cost-effective process solutions that semiconductor manufacturers can use in numerous manufacturing steps to improve productivity and product yield. For more information, visit www.acmr.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements contained in this press release are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “plans,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “designed,” and similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on ACM management’s current expectations and beliefs, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by the forward-looking statements. A description of certain of these risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in filings ACM makes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, all of which are available at www.sec.gov. Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results and events may differ materially from results and events currently expected by ACM. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. ACM undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof or to reflect any change in its expectations with regard to these forward-looking statements or the occurrence of unanticipated events.

    © ACM Research, Inc. The ACM Research logo is a trademark of ACM Research, Inc. For convenience, this trademark appears in this press release without a ™ symbol, but that practice does not mean that ACM will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, its rights to such trademark.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
       
    In the United States: The Blueshirt Group
      Steven C. Pelayo, CFA
      +1 (360) 808-5154
      steven@blueshirtgroup.co
       
    In China: The Blueshirt Group Asia
      Gary Dvorchak, CFA
      +86 (138) 1079-1480
      gary@blueshirtgroup.co

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Kaltura Announces “Connect on the Road 2025” Conference Schedule: Join Experts from IBM, AWS, JPMorgan Chase & Co, Bloomberg, Adobe, and more in Exploring Digital Immortality and Institutional Knowledge Activation in the Age of Agentic AI

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kaltura (Nasdaq: KLTR), the AI Video Experience Cloud, today announced the lineup of speakers for the company’s annual Connect on the Road conference. Coming to New York (May 13th), San Francisco (May 15th), and London (May 20th), the sessions will focus on “Digital Immortality” and how AI is reshaping the ways organizations are creating living content archives to fuel smarter decisions and continuous personalization. 

    “Every enterprise knows that knowledge, whether institutional, operational, customer-centric or otherwise, drives business growth”, said Nohar Zmora, SVP Head of Marketing at Kaltura. “Digital immortality is about more than preserving information, it’s about using AI to make knowledge accessible, actionable, and alive across the enterprise. When AI becomes a strategic layer in the video database, it shapes employee and customer experiences, accelerates learning, and enables personalization we’ve never seen before.”  

    With hundreds of executives and leaders in Marketing, Communications, and Enterprise Media expected to attend, guests will have the opportunity to hear from some of the expert voices leading AI-driven transformations within their organizations, including: 

    • Toni VanWinkle, Vice President Digital Employee Experience, Adobe 
    • Phil Le-brun, Director, Enterprise Strategy, AWS 
    • Bill Macaitis, Advisor, former CMO, Slack & Zendesk 
    • Judy Lee, Senior Director, Global Brand Experiences, Pinterest 
    • Bruce Ableson, Senior Director of Global Readiness and Enablement, Adobe  
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    • Davood Shamsi, Director of AI/ML, JPMorgan Chase & Co.  
    • RJ Crowder-Schaefer, Global Head of Event Product & Technology, Bloomberg  
    • Jennifer Sacks Tobener, VP, Digital & Marketing Technology, Salesforce 
    • Rodrigo Davies, AI Product Leader, Figma 
    • Amy Tennison, VP of TechXchange, IBM 
    • Unmesh Suryawanshi, Head of Streaming and Security, Visa 
    • Chris Hamilton, Senior Global Communications Director, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals 
    • Santiago Casto, Global Head of Automation and AI, MUFG 

    Among the topics that will be explored are: 
    1) Agentic AI that can think and execute decisions is turning corporate knowledge into a proactive, hyper-personalized, intelligent system.  
    2) Transforming content into “Living archives” with content that self-updates, contextualizes insights, and delivers hyper-relevant knowledge based on a user’s real-time needs.  
    3) Creating enduring, engaging institutional memory sources that don’t disappear with employee turnover but scale across teams, leveraging proven messaging and strategies.  
    4) Ensuring brand continuity with consistent messaging across customer and user interactions to enhance engagement.  
    5) Tackling AI ethics & ownership questions, such as who controls knowledge? How can organizations shape, govern, and direct AI-driven decision-making?  

    Attendees will also get front-row, hands-on demos of several of Kaltura’s next-generation AI platform’s new capabilities, including the Customer Experience Genie and Work Genie AI agents. These agents redefine and hyper-personalize customer engagement, employee onboarding and training by transforming search within a video library into interactive, conversational journeys tailored to each user. The Kaltura Content Lab, also available for demo, enables creators to quickly transform long-form video content into engaging, bite-sized experiences. With a single click, Content Lab generates clips, video quizzes, summaries, and chapters from videos and audio, saving time, reducing costs, and maximizing content value. These products mark a shift from passive video consumption into active, personalized experiences, reflecting Kaltura’s differentiated approach to AI – rooted in a proprietary cloud-based database, built for secure enterprise environments, and designed to transform passive content into actionable business value.  

    Kaltura will also be hosting its Education Connect on the Road track in both Europe and the US, kicking off in Utrecht, Netherlands, on May 12th. The events will bring together leaders in higher education to share insights on how they are using AI and additional new technologies to improve education, increase engagement, and more. See more locations and details here

    Reserve your spot at a location that works for you here

    About Kaltura 
    Kaltura’s mission is to create and power AI-infused hyper-personalized video experiences that boost customer and employee engagement and success. Kaltura’s AI Video Experience Cloud includes a platform for enterprise and TV content management and a wide array of Gen AI-infused video-first products, including Video Portals, LMS and CMS Video Extensions, Virtual Events and Webinars, Virtual Classrooms, and TV Streaming Applications. Kaltura engages millions of end-users at home, at work, and at school, boosting both customer and employee experiences, including marketing, sales, and customer success; teaching, learning, training and certification; communication and collaboration; and entertainment, and monetization. For more information, visit www.corp.kaltura.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: As European carmakers navigate the autonomous car race, Lighty’s new AI edge software offers them a lifeline amid rising tariffs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Zurich, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As European automakers face increasing tariffs and mounting pressure from American and Asian competitors in the autonomous driving race, leading Swiss AI startup Lightly today launches LightlyEdge – a groundbreaking edge-based data collection solution that could help level the playing field. At a time when Bosch is cutting 12,000 jobs and Mercedes is offering up to €500,000 for voluntary exits, clearly being effective and efficient matters for automotive companies. Lightly’s innovation tackles a critical bottleneck in AI development: capturing only the data that truly matters, directly at the source. This offers a strategic advantage at a time when workforce reductions threaten to slow in-house development and widen the gap with faster-moving rivals.

    As companies around the world race to develop safer autonomous vehicles, the fundamental challenge remains the same: they are drowning in data and the resulting costs. While collecting large volumes of data is essential, the difficulty lies in identifying what’s truly relevant. As AI models grow more sophisticated, so does the redundancy in the data feeding them. LightlyEdge solves this problem by making intelligent decisions about what data to keep at the moment of capture, before it enters the storage and processing pipeline.

    The LightlyEdge data collection report. 

    LightlyEdge deploys intelligent models directly onto vehicles’ cameras and sensors. The system revolutionizes data collection by analyzing video footage in real-time as it’s being captured, automatically identifying rare and valuable scenarios – like a child at a crossroad or an accident in snowy conditions – while ignoring redundant data that adds no value to training datasets. This approach dramatically slashes unnecessary storage and bandwidth costs while ensuring training datasets become more comprehensive, diverse, and optimized for real-world driving conditions.

    “This launch is a fantastic opportunity to increase development cycles for autonomous driving and driving assistance,” said Matthias Heller, Co-Founder of Lightly. “With LightlyEdge, our partners can harness smarter, real-time data collection that not only accelerates AI model training but also provides a competitive edge against established industry giants. By focusing on quality data from uncommon scenarios and hazards, we’re empowering a new era of innovation that will drive the future of mobility.”

    Lightly founders Matthias Heller and Igor Susmelj.

    The timing of LightlyEdge’s release is particularly significant. European automotive manufacturers are working to maintain their position against competitors like Tesla, whose innovative “Active Learning” approach – feeding only the most valuable data into AI models – has become a benchmark for the industry. While European companies have a rich history of engineering excellence, they now have an opportunity to leverage artificial intelligence’s potential to overhaul their operations.

    LightlyEdge captures data from cameras. 

    Building on what Lightly already achieved with LightlyOne in data centers, this new product shifts the intelligence right to where it’s needed – the edge devices in vehicles themselves. LightlyEdge gives developers real-time feedback and smart capture capabilities directly on the road. With its easy-to-use interface, teams can quickly deploy their AI models, keep an eye on them, and make them better over time – all of which dramatically speeds up how fast they can bring innovations to life.

    That speed is becoming essential. As European carmakers are feeling the squeeze from global competitors and tough trade barriers.LightlyEdge offers them a way to innovate faster while keeping costs down. By being smarter about what data they collect, these manufacturers can build better autonomous driving systems in less time and with fewer resources. This might be exactly what they need to win the autonomous car race.

    Ends

    Media images are here 

    About Lightly
    Lightly was founded in Zurich, Switzerland by Matthias Heller and Igor Susmelj, former ETH and Harvard students who worked in autonomous driving and research on computer vision and deep learning. 

    Lightly helps companies to build better machine learning models faster through better data. Data to train machine learning models is currently the biggest bottleneck in AI development. Today, Lightly is used by Fortune 500 companies and startups in autonomous driving, robotics, and video analytics. For more information, please visit https://www.lightly.ai/ or follow the company on Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Catch the Replay: 10 U.S. Public Schools. 1 Impactful STEM Competition. 3 National Winners.

    Source: Samsung

    Relive the excitement as Samsung Electronics America hosted the final round of its 15th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition on April 28, 2025 at Samsung DC in the heart of our nation’s capital. Ten National Finalist teams—each already awarded a $50,000 prize package of Samsung technology and classroom supplies—took the stage to pitch their groundbreaking STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) solutions to community challenges. But only three emerged as National Winners, each securing a $100,000 prize package for their schools—part of more than $2 million in prizes up for grabs.
    Revisit the big moments —watch the livestream replay right here:
    National Finalists Pitch Event: Monday, April 28, 2025 |9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET
    National Winners Reveal Event: Monday, April 28, 2025 | 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET

    National Finalists Pitch Event
    Celebrating its 15th year, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow empowers public school students in grades 6-12 to apply STEM skills to tackle real-world problems and drive positive change in their communities. Representing the very best from this year’s competition, the 10 student teams—hailing from middle and high schools in Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, and Wyoming—presented their groundbreaking STEM solutions at a live morning pitch event on April 28. These Gen Z and Gen Alpha student innovators have created game-changing solutions to tackle challenges such as healthcare access, accessibility in sports, gaming, and music, climate-driven heat disparities, youth mental health, and more—demonstrating the power of STEM to drive real-world impact.
    Their projects, developed using cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), 3D modeling and printing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics, were evaluated by a panel of esteemed judges, including Charlotte Dungan, Chief Learning Officer at the Mark Cuban Foundation; Enobong Etteh, YouTube Creator; Hope King, Macro Talk News Founder and Axios Contributor; Rameen Rana, Investor at Samsung NEXT; and Renzo Villavicencio, Vice President of Process Innovation & Procurement at Samsung Electronics America. Kicking off the event, Alix Guerrier, CEO of DonorsChoose—the leading education nonprofit for teachers and a long-time Solve for Tomorrow partner—delivered the opening remarks.

    National Winners Reveal Event
    Evening festivities kicked off with an inspiring keynote from Gitanjali Rao, a 19-year-old MIT sophomore, innovator, author, and changemaker. Named TIME’s Kid of the Year and a UNICEF Youth Advocate, Gitanjali has been recognized globally for her groundbreaking work in STEM taking on issues ranging from contaminated drinking water to opioid addiction and cyberbullying. With accolades like Forbes 30 Under 30, America’s Top Young Scientist, Stephen Hawking Medal Junior for Science Communications, and the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award, she embodies the next generation of problem-solvers harnessing technology for good.
    Following the keynote, the “AI for Good: Empowering the Next Generation of Problem-Solvers” panel explored how AI can drive positive impact while addressing key challenges like bias, energy consumption, and ethical responsibility. Moderated by Allison Stransky, CMO of Samsung Electronics America, the panel featured Charlotte Dungan from the Mark Cuban Foundation, Paul Kim, Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Samsung Electronics America, and Jordan Harrod, AI Strategist and Ph.D. Candidate in Medical Engineering and Medical Physics at the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology program.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI: Best Online Casinos Australia: 7Bit Casino Ranked Top Choice for Aussie Players in 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PERTH, Australia, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — After trying out tons of online casinos in Australia, most just didn’t live up to the hype, especially when it came to bonuses. While chatting with a few local players, one name kept coming up: 7Bit casino. So, we decided to check it out. Right from the start, it felt like a different experience. The welcome offer was massive, that is up to 10,800 AUD plus 250 free spins. With thousands of slots, live dealer games, and smooth crypto payments, 7Bit stood out as something special.

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    7Bit Casino : Our Favourite Overall Casino

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    The mobile platform mirrors the desktop experience, ensuring players can enjoy online pokies for real money on the go. 24/7 live chat provides prompt support, and SSL encryption with a provably fair system enhances security, though third-party audits like eCogra are absent. Responsible gambling tools, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion, are available to promote safe play.

    7Bit Casino earns our top spot for its unmatched game variety, generous bonuses, and Aussie-friendly features. With thousands of online pokies real money options, a 10,800 AUD + 250 free spins welcome bonus, and fast PayID transactions, it’s a standout PayID casino. The platform’s mobile optimization, robust security, and 24/7 support make it ideal for players seeking online blackjack real money or real money pokies Australia.

    Regular promotions, tournaments, and a rewarding VIP program further elevate its appeal, ensuring a thrilling and reliable gaming experience.

    What Makes 7Bit Casino The Best Online Casino Australia

    7Bit Casino is a top choice for Australian players, offering a massive selection of over 10,000 games, including crowd-favorite pokies like Mega Moolah and Johnny Cash, plus table and live dealer options. High RTP slots and a generous welcome package – up to 10,800 AUD + 250 free spins make it especially appealing. Players also get 75 no-deposit free spins (code: 75BIT), weekly cashback, reload bonuses, and exclusive Telegram deals.

    With fast PayID and crypto withdrawals, 24/7 live chat, and a mobile-friendly design for iOS and Android, 7Bit makes playing on the go easy. Licensed in Curacao and active for over a decade, it offers a trusted, secure environment. The VIP program adds value with cashback, faster payouts, and exclusive rewards, while regular tournaments keep things exciting. For real money pokies in Australia, 7Bit blends variety, speed, and player perks perfectly.

    How to Join 7Bit Best Online Casino Australia

    Joining 7Bit Casino is straightforward and designed for quick access to the best online casinos in Australia:

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    How We Selected 7Bit as the Best Online Casino in Australia

    We evaluated 7Bit Casino based on rigorous criteria to ensure it meets the needs of Aussie players:

    License and Security

    7Bit holds a Curacao eGaming license, ensuring regulatory oversight. SSL encryption protects player data, and a provably fair system allows game fairness verification. While no eCogra audits are noted, the license and security measures provide a solid foundation of trust for online pokies real money players.

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    The welcome package offers 325% up to 10800 AUD + 250 FS

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    A payid pokies Australia no deposit bonus of 75 free spins (code ‘75BIT’, x45 wagering, €50 max cashout) is available. Weekly cashback, reload bonuses, and Telegram-exclusive offers keep players engaged, making it a top choice for online pokies Australia payid enthusiasts.

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    Casino Games

    With over 10,000 games, 7Bit offers online pokies real money, table games, and live dealer options. High-RTP titles like Mega Moolah are favorites among the best online casino Australia players, ensuring diverse and rewarding gameplay.

    Casino Game ProvidersOur Favourite Overall Casino

    Partners include industry leaders like NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n GO, and Evolution Gaming, ensuring high-quality, fair games for Australian online pokies and online blackjack players.

    Banking Methods

    Supports VISA, Mastercard, Neosurf, Skrill, PayID, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. PayID is ideal for Aussies, offering fast transactions for the best online casino in Australia.

    Customer Support

    24/7 live chat responds within seconds, email support is slower, and no phone support is available. A detailed FAQ section addresses common queries, enhancing the experience for best online casinos in Australia.

    The Selection Process: Defining Excellence in Online Gaming

    • Screening: Verify licensing and reputation to ensure trust.
    • Game Evaluation: Assess variety, quality, and provider reputation.
    • Bonus Analysis: Check value, terms, and wagering requirements.
    • Payment Review: Test speed, security, and options like PayID.
    • Support Testing: Evaluate response times and effectiveness.
    • Mobile Testing: Ensure compatibility for online pokies real money on smartphones.
    • Security Check: Confirm encryption and fairness systems.
    • Player Feedback: Analyze reviews for real-world insights.
    • Scoring: Rank based on weighted criteria to identify top PayID casino options.

    Pros and Cons of 7Bit Online Casino

    Pros Cons
    Over 10,000 games, including real money pokies High wagering requirements on bonuses
    Welcome bonus: 10,800 AUD + 250 FS No phone support
    Fast PayID and crypto withdrawals No third-party audits (e.g., eCogra)
    24/7 live chat support  
    Mobile-friendly platform  
    Curacao license and SSL encryption  
    Responsible gambling tools  


    Explore the Best Online Pokies and Casino Games at 7Bit Casino

    7Bit’s 10,000+ games provide a thrilling experience for real money pokies Australia players and beyond:

    1. Pokies (Slots)

    7Bit is a haven for online pokies Australia players, offering thousands of titles from classic three-reel slots to modern video slots with immersive graphics and features. Popular titles include:

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    • Johnny Cash: A music-themed slot with free spins and engaging bonus rounds.
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    These real money pokies are ideal for players seeking thrilling online pokies real money experiences, with demo modes available for practice.

    2. Table Games

    Traditional casino games offer strategic depth:

    • Blackjack: Variants like Classic, European, and Multi-Hand cater to all skill levels.
    • Roulette: European, American, and French options provide diverse betting opportunities.
    • Baccarat: A simple yet rewarding card game with a low house edge.
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    These games complement Australian online pokies for players seeking variety.

    3. Live Dealer Games

    Powered by Evolution Gaming, live dealer games deliver an authentic casino experience:

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    High-quality streaming ensures immersion for online blackjack real money players.

    4. Instant Win Games

    Quick-play options for fast entertainment:

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    These are perfect for players taking a break from real money pokies Australia.

    5. Virtual Sports

    Simulated events like football, horse racing, and greyhound racing offer betting opportunities with realistic graphics and outcomes, providing an alternative to online pokies Australia.

    6. Craps

    7Bit does not offer Craps, which may disappoint dice game enthusiasts. However, alternatives like Sic Bo provide similar dice-based excitement with varied betting options, fast-paced gameplay, and high payout potential. Players can also explore table games like roulette or online blackjack for real money for comparable thrills, ensuring a diverse gaming experience alongside real money pokies.

    7. Poker

    7Bit offers a robust poker selection for all skill levels:

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    These options cater to both casual players and seasoned pros seeking alternatives to online pokies real money.

    8. Roulette

    Roulette options provide diverse betting opportunities:

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    These games are ideal for players who enjoy strategic betting alongside real money pokies in Australia.

    9. Blackjack

    Blackjack variants offer variety for online blackjack Australia fans:

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    These options ensure a thrilling experience for players seeking online blackjack real money.

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    Payment Options Available At The Best Online Casinos in Australia

    • Fiat Currency
    Method Deposit Withdrawal Processing Time
    VISA/Mastercard Yes No N/A
    Neosurf Yes No N/A
    Skrill Yes Yes Instant
    Interac Yes Yes Instant
    Neteller Yes Yes Instant
    Paysafe Card Yes No N/A
    PayID Yes Yes 1-24 hours
    Bank Transfer Yes Yes 3-7 days
    • Cryptocurrency
         
    Method Deposit Withdrawal Processing Time
    Bitcoin Yes Yes <1 hour
    Litecoin Yes Yes <1 hour
    Binance Coin Yes Yes <1 hour
    Ethereum Yes Yes <1 hour
    Dogecoin Yes Yes <1 hour

    PayID and crypto are the fastest, ideal for online pokies Australia payid users, while bank transfers are slower but reliable.

    The Most Popular Pay-out Methods at 7Bit Casino

    • Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin for speed and anonymity.
    • PayID: Fast, Aussie-friendly for online pokies Australia payid users.
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    PayID and crypto are preferred for their speed, making them ideal for PayID casino players.

    VIP Program at 7Bit Casino

    7Bit’s VIP program rewards loyal players with exclusive bonuses, personalized support, and up to 20% cashback. Higher levels offer faster withdrawals, special gifts, and dedicated account managers. Players earn points through wagering on real money pokies in Australia, unlocking perks like free spins and tournament entries. The program enhances the experience for PayID casino users, adding value to every bet.

    Final Thoughts About the Best Online Casino in Australia

    7Bit Casino is likely the top choice for Aussie players in 2025, offering a vast game selection, generous bonuses, and fast PayID withdrawals. Despite minor drawbacks like high wagering requirements and no phone support, its strengths in game variety, mobile compatibility, and player-focused features make it a standout PayID casino.

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    >>PLAY AT 7BIT CASINO – AUSTRALIA’S TOP PAY ID CHOICE FOR 2025!<<

    Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Online Casinos Australia

    1. Is 7Bit Casino legal in Australia?
      7Bit is licensed by Curacao, making it accessible to Australian players. However, online gambling laws vary by state, so players should verify local regulations to ensure compliance before playing real money pokies Australia or other games.
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      7Bit supports VISA, Mastercard, Neosurf, Skrill, PayID, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and more. PayID and cryptocurrencies are the fastest, ideal for online pokies Australia payid users, offering secure and efficient transactions for PayID casino players.
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      Cryptocurrency withdrawals process in under an hour, PayID takes 1-24 hours, and e-wallets like Skrill are instant. Bank transfers can take 3-7 days, depending on the bank, making PayID and crypto preferred for real money pokies Australia players.
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      7Bit offers up to 10,800 AUD + 250 free spins across four deposits, plus a payid pokies australia no deposit bonus of 75 free spins (code ‘75BIT’, x45 wagering). This package is ideal for new players exploring online pokies with real money and other games.
    5. Is mobile gaming available?
      7Bit’s mobile platform is fully optimized for iOS and Android, mirroring the desktop experience. Players can enjoy online pokies Australia, online blackjack real money, and live dealer games on the go with seamless performance and intuitive navigation.

    EMAIL: Support@7bitCasino.com

    Disclaimers and Affiliate Disclosure

    General Disclaimer
    This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only, not legal or financial advice. Content is based on research and user reviews as of April 24, 2025. No warranties are made, and users must verify information before acting.

    Casino and Gambling Disclaimer
    Online gambling carries risks and isn’t suitable for everyone. Confirm you’re of legal gambling age in your jurisdiction. Gambling laws vary, and compliance is your responsibility. We don’t promote gambling; participation is at your risk. 7Bit Casino is a third-party platform, and we’re not liable for losses or disputes.

    Affiliate Disclosure
    This article may include affiliate links, earning us a commission at no cost to you for qualifying actions. These support our content. Our reviews are unbiased, and we recommend only valuable products. Do your own research before signing up or playing real money pokies in Australia.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e955b95c-b051-4108-9d06-23bb3d13cbcd

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Best Online Casinos Canada 2025: 7Bit Casino Recognized as the Best Overall Choice

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PORTLAND, Ore., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — We played through plenty of online casinos across Canada, hoping to find great bonuses and a good time, but most fell short. After talking to a few local players, one name kept popping up, so we decided to check it out. That’s how we ended up at 7Bit Casino, and right away, it felt different. We were greeted with a 325% bonus up to 5.25 BTC and 250 free spins. The site’s packed with thousands of slots, live games, and fast, crypto-friendly payments.

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    Why 7Bit Casino Stands Out from Other Casinos in Canada

    7Bit Casino stands out among Canadian online casinos with its crypto-friendly, no KYC approach, supporting Bitcoin, Ethereum, and altcoins like Tron and Cardano. It offers instant withdrawals via Pay ID and crypto, unlike many fiat-only competitors. With over 10,000 games from 100+ providers, including NetEnt and BGaming, 7Bit delivers a diverse, exclusive library. The platform also builds community through Telegram, shares exclusive offers, and promotes eco-friendly crypto use, appealing to modern, privacy-focused players.

    Our Favourite Overall Casino

    7Bit Casino is our top pick among the best online casinos in Canada for 2025. Its seamless integration of crypto gaming, a vast slot selection, and rapid payouts make it a standout. The Curacao license guarantees security, while its cryptocurrency focus positions it as a leading anonymous online casino. For players seeking the best online casinos in Canada, 7Bit’s innovative features, player-centric design, and commitment to fairness make it an unrivaled choice.

    How to Join 7Bit Casino

    Joining 7Bit Casino is a breeze, ensuring quick access to the best online casinos in Canada:

    1. Visit the Site: Navigate to 7Bit Casino. Click Here to Directly Visit 7Bit Casino
    2. Sign Up: Click “Sign Up” and provide your email, username, and password.
    3. Select Currency: Choose between fiat or crypto options for deposits and withdrawals.
    4. Verify Account: Confirm your email address via the link sent to your inbox.
    5. Deposit Funds: Fund your account using fiat or crypto payment methods.
    6. Claim Bonus: Activate the welcome bonus of up to 5.25 BTC + 250 free spins.

    This streamlined process gets you gaming in minutes, a hallmark of the best online casinos in Canada.

    7Bit Casino Features

    7Bit Casino stands out as one of the best online casinos in Canada, licensed by the Curacao eGaming Commission for a secure, fair experience. Its mobile compatibility ensures seamless access to games, account management, and withdrawals on the go. With over 10,000 games from 100+ providers, it offers a diverse selection of slots, table games, and live dealers.

    Supporting both fiat and cryptocurrency payments, 7Bit provides flexibility for all players. Fast payouts, especially via Pay ID and crypto, make it a leader in quick transactions, while its VIP program rewards loyalty with cashback, free spins, and bonuses.

    Additional features include:

    • Provably Fair Games: Many crypto-based games allow players to verify outcomes, enhancing trust and transparency.
    • Multi-Language Support: Available in English, French, and other languages, catering to Canada’s multicultural audience.
    • Regular Tournaments: Slot and table game tournaments offer cash prizes and free spins, adding competitive excitement.
    • Advanced Game Filters: Players can sort games by provider, theme, or features like Megaways, Bonus Buy, or high volatility.
    • Customizable Interface: Options to adjust themes and layouts for a tailored gaming experience (Bitcoin Casino Kings).

    Pros and Cons of 7Bit Casino

    Pros Cons
    Over 10,000 games, including top slots and live dealer options High wagering requirements on some bonuses
    Instant withdrawals via crypto and Pay ID Occasional regional game restrictions
    Generous welcome bonus: 5.25 BTC + 250 free spins  
    Supports fiat and crypto payments  
    Robust VIP program with exclusive rewards  


    Pros Explained:

    • Game Variety: 7Bit’s extensive library offers endless entertainment, from the best online pokies to immersive live dealer experiences, catering to all player preferences.
    • Speedy Payouts: As a pay ID casino, 7Bit ensures instant withdrawals, particularly for crypto users, setting a high standard for efficiency.
    • Bonuses: The welcome package and frequent free spins promotions enhance player value, making every session rewarding.
    • Payment Flexibility: Support for multiple currencies ensures accessibility for diverse players.
    • VIP Program: Personalized rewards, including higher cashback and dedicated account managers, foster loyalty.

    Cons Explained:

    • Wagering Requirements: Some bonuses come with high playthrough conditions, which may challenge players aiming to withdraw winnings quickly.
    • Bank Transfers: While crypto and e-wallets are instant, bank transfers can take 3–5 days, lagging behind faster methods.
    • Regional Restrictions: Certain games may be unavailable in specific regions due to licensing or provider restrictions.

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    Regulation of the Best Online Casinos in Canada

    The best online casinos in Canada adhere to stringent regulations to ensure player safety and fairness. Key regulatory aspects include:

    • Licensing Requirements: Casinos like 7Bit must hold valid licenses, such as from the Curacao eGaming Commission, to operate legally. These licenses enforce oversight, fair play, and financial accountability.
    • Provincial Oversight: Ontario regulates online gambling through iGaming Ontario, requiring specific licensing for operators in the province. Offshore casinos, like 7Bit, serve other provinces under international licenses, offering broader access.
    • Age Restrictions: Players must be 19 or older to gamble online in Canada, aligning with federal and provincial laws to protect minors.
    • Responsible Gambling Measures: Licensed casinos provide tools like deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and cooling-off periods to promote responsible play and prevent addiction.
    • Taxation Policies: Recreational gambling winnings are tax-free in Canada, but professional gamblers may face taxation on consistent profits, as per CRA guidelines.
    • Security Standards: Mandatory SSL encryption, TLS1.3 protocols, and fairness audits by organizations like eCOGRA protect player data and ensure game integrity.
    • Advertising Compliance: Casinos must follow strict advertising guidelines, avoiding promotions targeting vulnerable groups or minors, and ensuring ethical marketing practices.

    These regulations create a secure and transparent environment, making platforms like 7Bit trusted choices among the best online casinos in Canada.

    How We Selected 7Bit as the Best Online Casinos in Canada

    Our selection process for the best online casinos in Canada is meticulous, focusing on critical criteria to ensure quality and reliability:

    • License and Security

    A valid license, such as 7Bit’s Curacao eGaming certification, is non-negotiable, guaranteeing regulatory oversight and fair play. Advanced security measures like TLS 1.3, SSL encryption, and two-factor authentication safeguard player data and transactions, making 7Bit a secure choice (Zamsino).

    • Bonuses and Promotions

    We prioritize casinos offering fair and transparent bonuses. 7Bit’s generous welcome package and ongoing free spins promotions provide significant value, though players should note the wagering requirements.

    • Casino Games

    A diverse game library is essential, encompassing slots, table games, live dealer options, and instant-win games. 7Bit’s 10,000+ titles ensure variety for all players.

    • Casino Game Providers

    Partnerships with top providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, and Evolution Gaming ensure high-quality, innovative games. 7Bit’s collaboration with over 100 providers sets it apart.

    • Banking Methods

    Support for multiple payment methods, including fiat and crypto, enhances accessibility. 7Bit’s instant crypto and Pay ID withdrawals are a major draw.

    • Customer Support

    Responsive 24/7 support via live chat, email, and comprehensive FAQs is crucial. 7Bit excels in this area, ensuring player satisfaction.

    How We Choose the Top-Rated Casino Sites

    Our evaluation criteria for top-rated casino sites like 7Bit include:

    • Reputation and Trustworthiness: Positive player reviews and valid licensing build credibility.
    • Game Quality and Variety: High-RTP games and a diverse library cater to all preferences.
    • Bonuses and Promotions: Fair, valuable offers enhance player experience.
    • Payment Options: Secure, varied methods with fast processing times ensure convenience.
    • Customer Support: Responsive, multi-channel assistance resolves issues quickly.
    • Mobile Compatibility: Seamless app or browser play is essential for modern gaming.
    • Security and Fairness: Advanced encryption and third-party audits guarantee safety and integrity.

    7Bit excels across these metrics, solidifying its place among the best online casinos Canada.

    The Selection Process: Defining Excellence in Online Gaming

    Excellence in online gaming, as demonstrated by 7Bit, involves a holistic approach:

    • Player-Centric Design: Intuitive interfaces, fast payouts, and generous bonuses prioritize user satisfaction.
    • Innovation and Updates: Regular game additions and crypto integration keep the platform cutting-edge.
    • Security and Transparency: Robust encryption, provably fair games, and clear terms build trust.
    • Accessibility Across Platforms: Seamless desktop and mobile experiences cater to diverse player needs.This comprehensive strategy positions 7Bit as a leader among the best online casinos in Canada for 2025.

    About Gaming in 7Bit Casino

    Gaming at 7Bit is immersive, intuitive, and endlessly engaging. The user-friendly interface simplifies navigation, allowing players to explore the vast library with ease. Frequent game additions ensure a fresh experience, while high-RTP titles maximize winning potential.

    Whether spinning the best online pokies, strategizing in live dealer games, or enjoying instant win thrills, players benefit from a platform designed for entertainment and fairness. The crypto focus makes 7Bit a best no KYC casino, offering anonymous play without sacrificing security.

    Additional 7Bit Features

    • Loyalty Program: A multi-tiered VIP system offers escalating rewards, including higher cashback percentages, free spins, and dedicated account managers for top-tier players.
    • Seasonal Promotions: Holiday-themed offers, such as Christmas or Halloween bonuses, provide exclusive free spins and deposit matches.
    • Community Engagement: Active Telegram and social media channels deliver real-time updates, exclusive free spins, and a sense of community among players.
    • Low Minimum Deposits: Starting at $10 for fiat and lower for crypto, 7Bit is accessible to players of all budgets.
    • Multi-Currency Accounts: Players can manage balances in multiple currencies, simplifying transactions across fiat and crypto.
    • Eco-Friendly Initiatives: By promoting low-energy crypto transactions, 7Bit appeals to environmentally conscious players, a unique selling point.
    • Cross-Platform Syncing: Progress syncs seamlessly across desktop and mobile, ensuring uninterrupted play.
    • Player Feedback Integration: 7Bit actively incorporates user suggestions, adding requested games and improving features.
    • Crypto Tutorials: Guides for new crypto users simplify deposits and withdrawals, enhancing accessibility.
    • Responsible Gambling Resources: Links to organizations like GamCare and tools like deposit limits promote safe play.
    • High RTP Focus: Many games boast RTPs above 96%, increasing player win potential (Bitcoin Casino Kings).

    Bonuses and Promotions of 7Bit Casino

    7Bit’s welcome bonus is a standout among the best online casinos Canada, offering up to 5.25 BTC + 250 free spins across four deposits:

    • 1st Deposit: 100% match up to 1.5 BTC + 100 free spins
    • 2nd Deposit: 75% match up to 1.25 BTC + 100 free spins
    • 3rd Deposit: 50% match up to 1.5 BTC
    • 4th Deposit: 100% match up to 1 BTC + 50 free spins

    Ongoing promotions include:

    • Weekly Cashback: Up to 20% based on weekly losses, rewarding consistent play.
    • Monday Reload: 25% match up to 6.5 mBTC + 50 free spins, kicking off the week with a boost.
    • Wednesday Free Spins: Up to 100 free spins on Snoop Dogg Dollars, based on deposit size.
    • Friday Bonus: 111 free spins for a 0.52 mBTC deposit, perfect for weekend gaming.
    • Weekend Offer: 99 free spins
    • Telegram Offers: Exclusive bonuses, including 50–111 free spins for specific deposits.
    • Pre-Release Offers: 35 free spins on new titles like Gold Nugget Rush, giving early access to fresh games.
    • Spring Elite Offer: Up to 100 free spins, celebrating seasonal events.

    These promotions make 7Bit a top new online casino, keeping players engaged with frequent rewards (CasinoOnlineCA).

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    Payment Options

    7Bit offers a versatile range of payment methods, catering to all player preferences:

    • Fiat Options:
      • Visa: Secure card payments with quick deposits.
      • Mastercard: Widely accepted for deposits and withdrawals.
      • Interac: Popular in Canada for fast, local transactions.
      • Skrill: E-wallet for rapid transfers.
      • Neteller: Trusted e-wallet with global reach.
      • Paysafe Card: Prepaid option for secure deposits.
      • Bank Transfer: Reliable but slower for withdrawals.
      • Neosurf: Prepaid voucher for anonymous deposits.
      • EcoPayz: Eco-friendly e-wallet with low fees.
      • MuchBetter: Mobile-friendly payment app for quick transactions.
    • Cryptocurrencies:
      • Bitcoin (BTC): Industry-standard for fast, anonymous transactions.
      • Ethereum (ETH): Smart contract-based crypto for secure payments.
      • Litecoin (LTC): Lightweight crypto with low fees.
      • Dogecoin (DOGE): Popular altcoin for microtransactions.
      • Tether (USDT): Stablecoin for consistent value.
      • Binance Coin (BNB): Versatile crypto for fast transfers.
      • Cardano (ADA): An eco-friendly blockchain for secure payments.
      • Ripple (XRP): Low-cost, high-speed transactions.
      • Tron (TRX): Scalable crypto for efficient transfers.
      • Bitcoin Cash (BCH): An enhanced Bitcoin variant for quick transactions.

    Crypto transactions are instant and anonymous, reinforcing 7Bit’s status as a best no KYC casino. Fiat options like Interac and Skrill are also fast, with Pay ID withdrawals processed in under an hour, making 7Bit a leading Pay ID casino.

    Customer Support

    7Bit provides robust 24/7 support through:

    • Live Chat: Instant, multilingual assistance for real-time issue resolution.
    • Email: Detailed support for complex inquiries, with responses typically within 24 hours.
    • FAQ Section: Comprehensive self-help resources covering account management, payments, and bonuses.

    While phone support is absent, the responsive live chat and email systems ensure player satisfaction. The FAQ section is regularly updated based on player queries, reflecting 7Bit’s commitment to user experience, a key trait of the best online casinos Canada.

    Games Available in 7Bit Casino

    7Bit’s expansive library of over 10,000 games includes:

    Slots

    Featuring the best online pokies, with high-RTP titles and diverse themes:

    • Mega Moolah: Progressive jackpot with life-changing payouts, ideal for jackpot hunters.
    • Starburst: Vibrant, fast-paced slot with frequent wins.
    • Book of Dead: Adventure-themed favorite with immersive storytelling.
    • Johnny Cash: Music-inspired slot with engaging features.
    • Raging Lion: Safari-themed game with big win potential.

    Table Games

    Classic and modern variants for strategic players:

    • Blackjack: Includes Classic, Multi-Hand, and European variants for varied gameplay.
    • Roulette: European, American, and French versions with distinct betting options.
    • Baccarat: Punto Banco and Speed Baccarat for quick, elegant play.
    • Craps: Fast-paced dice game with multiple betting strategies.
    • Poker: Texas Hold’em, Caribbean Stud, and Video Poker (Jacks or Better) for skill-based fun.

    Live Dealer Games

    Powered by Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play, offering immersive real-time experiences:

    • Live Blackjack: Multi-table options with interactive dealers.
    • Live Roulette: HD streaming for authentic spins, with European and American variants.
    • Live Baccarat: Elegant gameplay with professional croupiers.
    • Live Poker: Casino Hold’em and Three Card Poker for strategic battles.
    • Game Shows: Dream Catcher, Crazy Time, and Monopoly Live for entertainment-driven play.

    Instant Win Games

    Quick-play options for instant thrills:

    • Scratch Cards: Simple games with instant prize reveals.
    • Keno: Number-based game with customizable bets.
    • Bingo: Classic and themed variants for casual fun.

    This diverse selection makes 7Bit a top destination among the best online casinos Canada (Casino.org).

    The Most Popular Pay-out Methods at 7Bit Casino

    The most preferred payout methods at 7Bit include:

    • Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin offer instant withdrawals with low fees, ideal for anonymous transactions.
    • E-wallets: Skrill, Neteller, and Interac provide quick processing, typically within 1–24 hours.
    • Pay ID: Near-instant withdrawals, highly popular among Canadian players for speed and convenience.
    • Bank Transfers: Reliable but slower, taking 3–5 days, suitable for larger withdrawals.

    Crypto’s speed and anonymity make it a favorite, aligning with 7Bit’s anonymous online casino appeal. Pay ID’s efficiency further enhances its status as a leading pay ID casino.

    Additional 7Bit Casino Highlights

    • Award Recognition: 7Bit has been nominated for “Best Crypto Casino” in recent industry awards, reflecting its excellence in the crypto gaming space.
    • Global Accessibility: Supports players from multiple countries, with region-specific promotions tailored to Canadian users.
    • High Volatility Options: A dedicated section for high-volatility slots caters to risk-takers seeking big wins.
    • Player-Driven Updates: Regular platform enhancements based on user feedback, such as improved navigation and new game categories.
    • Crypto Staking Rewards: Experimental feature allowing players to earn small rewards by holding certain cryptocurrencies in their 7Bit wallet.
    • Exclusive Game Releases: Early access to new titles from providers like BGaming, often paired with free spins promotions.
    • Social Responsibility: Partnerships with responsible gambling organizations and in-house tools to promote safe play (Bitcoin Casino Kings).

    Final Thoughts On Best Online Casinos Canada

    7Bit Casino, rated 4.8/5 for 2025, offers innovation, security, and entertainment with a vast game library, crypto-friendly platform, instant payouts, and player-focused features. Ideal for free spins, online pokies, or live dealer games, it excels as a leading pay ID and anonymous casino, delivering a secure, rewarding, and cutting-edge experience.

    ✅NO ID? NO PROBLEM! PLAY ANONYMOUSLY WITH JUST ONE CLICK!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Is 7Bit Casino legal in Canada?
      Yes, 7Bit Casino is licensed by the Curacao eGaming Commission, making it legal for Canadian players outside Ontario, where iGaming Ontario regulates local operators. Always verify local laws before playing.
    2. What’s the welcome bonus?
      New players can claim up to 5.25 BTC + 250 free spins across four deposits. The bonus is structured to reward initial deposits, with free spins usable on select slots.
    3. How fast are withdrawals?
      Crypto and Pay ID withdrawals are processed instantly, often within minutes. E-wallets like Skrill take 1–24 hours, while bank transfers may require 3–5 days.
    4. Is there a mobile version?
      Yes, 7Bit offers a seamless mobile platform compatible with iOS and Android. Players can access the full game library and manage accounts without downloading an app.
    5. Are there no deposit bonuses?
      Yes, 7Bit occasionally offers no-deposit bonuses, such as free spins for new players or Telegram promotions. Check the promotions page or social channels for updates.
    6. Can I play anonymously?
      Yes, crypto transactions allow anonymous play, requiring minimal personal information. This makes 7Bit a top choice for privacy-conscious players.

    EMAIL: Support@7bitCasino.com

    Disclaimer and Affiliate Disclosure

    General Disclaimer
    This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only, not legal or financial advice. Content is based on research and user reviews as of writing. No warranties are made, and users must verify information before acting.

    Casino and Gambling Disclaimer
    Online gambling carries risks and isn’t for everyone. Confirm you’re of legal gambling age in your jurisdiction. Gambling laws vary, and compliance is your responsibility. We don’t promote gambling; participation is at your risk. 7Bit Casino is a third-party platform, and we’re not liable for losses or disputes.

    Affiliate Disclosure
    This article may include affiliate links, earning us a commission at no cost to you for qualifying actions. These support our content. Our reviews are unbiased, and we recommend only valuable products.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ee7b7996-5711-4ded-8c48-d7d20368a86a

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: BestSATscore.com: SAT Prep Solution for the Digital SAT Practice Test

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Emeryville, California, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SAT Prep and SAT practice test are undergoing a transformation as the exam fully transitions into a digital format, and BestSATscore.com is leading the way with an all-in-one platform that covers every stage of student preparation. From skill-based lessons and a meticulously organized question bank to full-length adaptive SAT Practice Tests and a true-to-life Bluebook simulation, BestSATscore.com ensures students receive the most modern and effective SAT Prep experience available.

    Foundational Lessons and Guides to Build Core SAT Prep Skills

    Recognizing the importance of a strong academic foundation, BestSATscore.com provides extensive SAT Prep lessons and guides tailored to each essential skill area. Students can access beginner-friendly content across reading, writing, and math, ensuring they build a deep understanding before progressing to practice. With a focus on clarity, relevance, and alignment with the current digital SAT structure, BestSATscore.com sets students up for long-term success from the very beginning of their SAT Prep journey.

    Targeted Practice through a Skill-Based Question Bank with Verified Explanations

    Following skill development, students can engage in deliberate practice through BestSATscore’s skill-organized SAT Prep question bank. Each question is paired with a step-by- step, triple-verified explanation to reinforce understanding and prevent common misconceptions. This approach allows students to immediately apply their newly acquired knowledge, ensuring that their SAT Prep time is spent efficiently and effectively.

    The question bank also serves as the perfect companion to BestSATscore.com s adaptive SAT Practice Tests, allowing students to first learn concepts through lessons, then reinforce them through skill-based questions, and finally test their mastery through realistic exam simulations.

    Thirteen Full-Length Adaptive SAT Practice Tests for Score Growth

    To simulate real testing conditions and maximize progress, BestSATscore.com offers 13 full- length adaptive SAT Practice Tests. These tests are carefully designed to replicate the latest digital SAT format, allowing students to practice in an environment that mirrors the real exam. After each SAT Practice Test, students receive instant scoring, using the most up-to-date official scoring algorithms released by the College Board.

    Each SAT Practice Test automatically generates a comprehensive score report, matching the format and level of detail seen in the official Bluebook platform. The report includes not just

    overall section scores, but also subscores, percentile rankings, question-by-question performance analysis, and skill-specific feedback.

    This high-fidelity approach to adaptive testing brings multiple advantages:

    • Real-Time Feedback: Students immediately understand their performance without any delay, making it easier to adjust their study plans.
    • Authentic Scoring: By using the latest official algorithms, students can trust that their SAT Practice Test scores closely predict actual SAT outcomes.
    • Detailed Performance Breakdown: Skill-by-skill analysis helps students target weak areas efficiently.
    • True Bluebook Experience: Every element, from the test interface to the score report structure, matches the real SAT environment exactly, building confidence for the actual test day.

    Through this system, BestSATscore.com ensures that every SAT Prep practice session and SAT Practice Test translates directly into measurable improvement and genuine readiness.

    Authentic 1:1 Bluebook Simulation for True Exam Readiness

    BestSATscore.com offers an authentic 1:1 Bluebook simulation environment that mirrors the official College Board SAT application down to the smallest detail. From the moment students start a SAT Practice Test, they are immersed in an interface that replicates every operational aspect of the real exam — including screen layouts, navigation flows, section timing, digital highlighting tools, built-in calculators, and answer review functionalities.

    This high-fidelity simulation provides numerous critical benefits for SAT Prep:

    • Mastering Digital Navigation: Students practice switching seamlessly between modules, managing digital answer grids, and utilizing review screens — eliminating surprises on test day.
    • Familiarity with Official Tools: The built-in Desmos calculator, line reader tool, annotation features, and countdown timers are exactly like those in the real SAT, helping students optimize their strategy and timing.
    • Reducing Test-Day Anxiety: Familiarity with the test environment dramatically reduces stress, enabling students to focus fully on content rather than logistics.
    • Building Realistic Time Management Skills: With authentic time warnings and auto- submission at section ends, students develop strong pacing instincts critical for SAT success.
    • Practicing Adaptive Module Transitions: BestSATscore.com’s simulation includes the adaptive module logic of the real SAT, so students experience firsthand how performance in the first module influences the second — a key feature of the digital exam.
    • Enhanced Confidence and Efficiency: By training under realistic conditions repeatedly through SAT Practice Tests, students internalize test mechanics, leading to smoother, faster performance when it matters most.

    BestSATscore.com ensures that students are not only academically prepared but also operationally fluent, bridging the crucial gap between content knowledge and real-world exam execution.

    For more information, visit www.bestsatscore.com.

    Media Contact:

    BestSATscore

    Name: Jordan Zang

    Website: https://www.bestsatscore.com/ Email: contact@bestsatscore.com
    Location: 5765 Horton Street, Suite 300 Emeryville, CA 94608 United States

    About BestSATscore.com

    BestSATscore.com offers a cutting-edge digital SAT Prep platform built around skill mastery, targeted practice, authentic testing experiences through adaptive SAT Practice Tests, and continuous content innovation, helping students achieve their highest potential on the SAT.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Show “Don’t Sleep!” at the Polytechnic: music, interactive and acting performances

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The immersive music show “Don’t Sleep!” was held at the Polytechnic University Student Club. The event was decorated in the “Mafia” style and attracted over 300 guests.

    Several hours of music and interactive tasks, fingerprinting and solving the commissar’s board, acting performances and cut scenes – that’s how rich the show turned out to be. The songs were performed not only for the audience, but also with them. One of the features was the alternate performance of compositions by different groups under the direction of vocalists and the invitation of guests to a white dance.

    Each of us put a part of ourselves into the concert. I especially remember the rehearsals, when we devoted time to improvisation and created music the way we felt it together, — shared third-year student of the State Institute of Music and keyboard player Ekaterina Roslyakova.

    The acting troupe united members of the Polytechnic University Student Theatre and ETU “LETI” students. The participants of the show tried on different roles: a commissioner and his assistant, a doctor, a mayor, a cabaret owner and a crazy fanatic. They had to interact with civilians, who became fewer and fewer by the end of the show, while the number of mafia supporters increased.

    I have never seen such dedication from a team before. Despite the fact that a lot of effort was expended, with such active people it comes easy, – said LETI master’s student and the actor who plays the mayor Kamil Abdrakhmanov.

    The show “Don’t Sleep!” started in 2023 with a concert-house concert featuring members of the vocal studio Polyvox. This year, the event became one of the most anticipated events of April.

    I can’t believe that our show has become so popular! Everyone had an unforgettable experience. Despite the difficulties, this is exactly what we do everything for, and we need to keep moving forward. And the most valuable thing that this project has given me (and, I think, not only me) is the people, our team, the quartet, the community that together is capable of great achievements, – emphasized the vocalist and first-year student of the PISh “CI” Anastasia Sreznevskaya.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2025 Commencement Speakers and Honorary Degree Recipients

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    From business success to the National Science Foundation, from policymaking in Hartford to the world’s most popular YouTube sneaker channel, from the Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation to the President of the Rwanda Academy of Sciences, the honored guests of UConn’s commencement ceremonies bring a wealth of experience, insight, and wisdom to share with this year’s graduates. Speakers at the ceremonies, which begin on Saturday, May 10, include:

    College of Engineering (Saturday, May 10, 9 a.m. at Gampel Pavilion): Mark P. Sarkisian ’83

    Mark Sarkisian is a partner in the San Francisco office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP. He is a licensed professional engineer and structural engineer in 31 states. In 2021, Sarkisian was elected to the National Academy of Engineering, and is a member of the University of Connecticut Academy of Distinguished Engineers. He received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from UConn in 1983, and his master’s degree in structural engineering from Lehigh University. Sarkisian’s career focuses on developing innovative structural engineering solutions for over 100 major building projects around the world, including the Jin Mao Tower in China and the Al Hamra Fidrous Tower in Kuwait, both over 1,300 feet[1]tall. Sarkisian holds 10 U.S. patents and five international patents. Sarkisian has authored over 150 technical papers related to the design of building structures, and in 2012 completed his first book, “Designing Tall Buildings – Structure as Architecture.” He teaches integrated studio design courses focused on collaborative design opportunities at the University of California, Berkeley; California College of the Arts; Stanford University; California Polytechnic State University; Northeastern University; North Carolina State University; and the Pratt Institute.

    School of Nursing (Saturday, May 10, 9 a.m. at Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts): Joan Y. Reede

    Dr. Joan Y. Reede was appointed as Harvard Medical School’s (HMS) first Dean for Diversity and Community Partnership in January of 2002, and has been responsible for the development and management of a comprehensive program that has provided leadership, guidance, and support to promote the increased recruitment, retention, and advancement of diverse faculty, particularly individuals from groups underrepresented in medicine. This charge includes oversight of all diversity activities at HMS as they relate to faculty, trainees, students, and staff. Reede is a graduate of Brown University and Mount Sinai School of Medicine. She completed a pediatric residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, and a fellowship in child psychiatry at Boston Children’s Hospital. She holds an MPH and an MS in Health Policy Management from Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, and an MBA from Boston University. Reede created and developed more than 20 programs at HMS that aim to address pathway and leadership issues for minorities and women who are interested in careers in medicine, academic and scientific research, and the health care professions. At a national level, Reede’s advice and expertise is highly sought after among several committees and councils, such as being appointed to the Health and Human Services Advisory Committee on Minority Health and serving on the Board of Governors for the Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center. She also has many affiliations, including the Task Force for the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students, CTSA Women in CTR Interest Group of the NIH, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science STEM Education Review Committee.

    School of Business (Saturday, May 10, 1:30 p.m. at Gampel Pavilion): Richard Eldh ‘81

    Rich Eldh was born in the village of Ardsley, New York, and moved homes five times between the ages of 5 and 15. He attended Staples High School in Westport, graduating as a three-sport athlete and an all-state football player. After high school, he enrolled at the University of Connecticut. In what would have been his junior year, 1978–1979, he took a leave of absence to travel abroad, living in Kempten, Germany, in Bavaria. There, he worked at Dixie Union, a manufacturing company, as a computer programmer, where he developed new automation software for the finance department. This experience in Germany highlighted the significant impact computing technology would have on business. Motivated by this realization, he decided to pursue a career in the computer industry. Upon returning to the University of Connecticut for his final two years, he majored in finance at the School of Business and graduated in 1981 with a degree in Finance. He first joined a manufacturing firm implementing automation software, then moved to Four Phase Systems, a Motorola company, selling data entry systems. Later, he joined Hewlett-Packard, specializing in manufacturing systems and automation. It was at HP that he met his wife; they married and started a family. After working for two very large corporations, Rich joined a startup called Gartner Group in Stamford. He was the 100th employee, and in ten years, the company grew from $9 million in revenue to just under $1 billion with 4,500 employees. Today, Gartner boasts a market cap of $38 billion with 21,000 employees. These early career highlights led Rich to co-found Sirius Decisions, which became a leader in high-performance go-to[1]market research and benchmarking. Headquartered in Wilton, Sirius Decisions grew to 400 employees with private equity backing and offices worldwide. The company was eventually monetized for approximately $300 million through a sale to a public company in Boston. Throughout his career, he has had the honor of working with associates and clients across more than 50 countries. Alongside his career, Rich and his wife Joyce raised two daughters and a son. They have each found success in the medical field, the fashion world, and the blockchain and crypto industry, respectively.

    School of Social Work (Saturday, May 10, 1:30 p.m. at Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts): Maggie Mitchell Salem

    Maggie Mitchell Salem joined IRIS as Executive Director in January 2024. Throughout her nearly 30-year career, Maggie has managed diverse teams focused on civic education, intercultural dialogue, social and political rights, and forced displacement. She arrived in Connecticut following three years leading the National Democratic Institute’s democratic governance program in Tunisia. Given the exponential increase in the number of refugees, humanitarian parolees, and other immigrants that IRIS assists, Maggie has focused on organizational structure, systems, and policies that create a strong foundation for the organization’s continued growth. Her previous experience at Global Refuge (formerly Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Services) and Fugees Academy have underscored the importance of collaborative, communicative leadership and management. For more than a decade, she was the founding executive director of Qatar Foundation International and expanded Arabic language and culture education to public K-12 schools across the U.S., UK, and Germany. As the Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), she expanded or created new programs in Jordan, Iran, and Iraq. Maggie started up and led the Middle East Institute’s Communications Department from 2001-2004. She also served as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer in Mumbai and Tel Aviv, and as staff on the Executive Secretariat of Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Maggie was a Fulbright Scholar in Syria while studying for her Masters in Contemporary Arab Studies at Georgetown University. She received a bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology from Johns Hopkins University. She has two sons and two daughters. She lives with her six dogs and two cats in East Haddam.

    Bachelor of General Studies (Saturday, May 10, 2 p.m. at Student Union Theater): Daniel Mercier ‘95

    Daniel Mercier graduated from the Bachelor of General Studies program in 1995 with a focus in Visual Communications. After serving as a Graphics Specialist for a few years, Mercier returned to UConn in 1998 as a Media Producer. In 2001, he transitioned to the role of Instructional Developer in the Instructional Design and Development Department. After completing a Master of Arts in Educational Technology in 2003, Mercier became Manager of Instructional Design and Development and ultimately served as Assistant Director and Director of the Institute of Teaching and Learning. In 2015, he took on the role of Director, Instructional Design, in the Center for Pedagogical Innovation at Wesleyan University. In 2017, Mercier returned to UConn as the Director of Academic Affairs at the Avery Point Campus of the University of Connecticut. Throughout his 30-plus-year career, Mercier has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the development of instructional tools, to help faculty utilize technologies to reach our students. In his work, he has supported faculty, staff and students across the higher education landscape. His commitment to the University of Connecticut spans nearly 25 years. In his current position, he recruits faculty, oversees academic advising and other academic support programs, and develops partnerships between the Avery Point campus and other academic entities within and outside UConn. These partnerships include the support of students in the Bachelor of General Studies Program.

    College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (Saturday, May 10, 6 p.m. at Gampel Pavilion): Rodney Butler ’99 (BUS)

    Rodney A. Butler is the Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) since January 2010. Butler’s service on Tribal Council began in 2004, and after one year, he was appointed Tribal Council Treasurer; a position he held through 2009. During his tenure, Butler chaired the Tribe’s Finance, Housing, and Judicial Committees, the MPTN Utility Authority, and served as an Interim CEO for Foxwoods Resort Casino. Butler earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from the University of Connecticut where he played Defensive Back for the UConn Huskies football team. Prior to Tribal Council, Butler worked in the finance department at Foxwoods Resort Casino. He later became Chairman of the Tribal Business Advisory Board; an executive body responsible for overseeing the Tribe’s non-gaming businesses and commercial properties. Butler was actively involved in multiple resort expansions at Foxwoods, as well as community development initiatives on the Reservation, the establishment of the Mashantucket (Western) Pequot Tribe Endowment Trust, and the legalization of Sports Betting and iGaming in the state of Connecticut. He was also a participant in Harvard Business School’s program “Leading People and Investing to Build Sustainable Communities.” He is a regular speaker on national panels related to Native American issues. Butler presently serves on the Board of Directors for Mashantucket Pequot Interactive and is on the board of Foxwoods El San Juan Casino. He also serves as the President of Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA), as Alternate Vice President for the National Congress of American Indians, and on the boards for the United South and Eastern Tribes, Indian Gaming Association, American Gaming Association, the Mystic Aquarium, and the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut. He is the 2019 recipient of the Citizen of the Year award from the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, and the National Indian Gaming Association’s John Kieffer Sovereignty Award. In 2018, he received the St. Edmund’s Medal of Honor Award from the Enders Island Retreat Center. In 2017, Butler was appointed “Tribal Leader of the Year” by the NAFOA. As Chairman, Butler’s primary focus is to ensure long-term stability for the Tribe’s citizens, government, and business enterprises.

    School of Fine Arts (Saturday, May 10, 6 p.m. at Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts): Jacob G. Padrón

    Jacob G. Padrón is the Artistic Director of Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven. He is also the Founder and Artistic Director of The Sol Project, a national theater initiative that works in partnership with leading theater companies to amplify the voices of Latino playwrights in New York City and beyond. Padrón has held senior-level artistic positions at theater companies across the country. He was the Senior Line Producer at The Public Theater where he worked on new plays, new musicals, Shakespeare in the Park, and Public Works. He was formerly the Producer at Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago where he supported the artistic programming in the Garage – Steppenwolf’s dedicated space for new work, new artists, and new audiences. From 2008 to 2011, he was an Associate Producer at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival where he was instrumental in producing all shows in the 11-play repertory. Under the guidance of his late mentor Diane Rodriguez, he served as the producer of Suzan-Lori Parks’ “365 Days/365 Plays” for Center Theatre Group, a collaboration that included over 50 theater companies to launch Festival 365 in Los Angeles. He is a co-founder of the Artist Anti-Racism Coalition, a grassroots movement committed to dismantling structural racism within the Off-Broadway community. Jacob is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University (B.A.) and David Geffen School of Drama (M.F.A.). His first artistic home was El Teatro Campesino located in San Juan Bautista, California.

     

    College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Ceremony I (Sunday, May 11, 9 a.m. at Gampel Pavilion): Maureen Ahern ‘85

    Maureen Ahern is an Executive Leadership Coach on her third career whose journey began in the same classrooms as today’s graduates. A proud Husky who earned both a Bachelors and a Masters, Maureen’s connection to UConn runs deep. For over 10 years, she returned to UConn Stamford each week as an Adjunct Professor, teaching Interpersonal Communications and Public Speaking after her corporate day job in New York, driven by her belief that becoming a great communicator gives you the power and confidence to take meaningful action to shape your future. Maureen started as a Sales Executive at The Associated Press and quickly rose to lead the Satellite Networks division before transitioning to Standard and Poor’s Comstock. At S&P she led many different departments as Director of Operations, VP of US Sales and Managing Director for Asian and South American markets, building successful international relationships while traveling the world. She was part of the management team that sold Comstock to IDC and then pivoted from corporate into the digital world, as Partner and COO of momAgenda, where she helped build a thriving e-commerce company. Drawing on her teaching background, leadership experience and desire to coach and mentor others, Maureen completed her leadership coaching certification at Georgetown University’s Transformational Leadership Institute. Today as Founder of Ahern Leadership Coaching and Consulting, Maureen partners with C-suite executives and emerging leaders across industries, facilitating leadership development through one-on-one coaching, team coaching, and specialized training and leadership development workshops. Her coaching philosophy – described by clients as “tough but loving”-centers on her belief that leaders aren’t born, they are made and that everyone has leadership capacity waiting to be unlocked through awareness, action and courage. Maureen was a mentor with the Freshman Founders Program at the Werth Institute at UConn Stamford, in addition to her volunteer work with CT NEXT and Startup Westport as a business mentor. She is also an angel investor with Tidal River Fund whose goal is to fund underrepresented founders. When not working with her clients whom she loves and adores, Maureen enjoys yoga, beach walks, and time with her three adult children (Patrick, Brendan and Caeleigh). She shares life in Cos Cob with her husband Mike Santini (fellow UConn grad) and their black lab, Nino.

    Neag School of Education (Sunday, May 11, 9 a.m. at Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts): Suzanne M. Wilson

    Suzanne M. Wilson is the Neag Endowed Professor of Teacher Education at the University of Connecticut’s Neag School of Education, where she also serves as a professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Her undergraduate degree is in history and American studies from Brown University; she also has an M.S. in statistics and a Ph.D. in psychological studies in education from Stanford University. She was a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Teacher Education at Michigan State University, where she served on the faculty for 26 years. Wilson also served as the first director of the Teacher Assessment Project, which developed prototype assessments for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Wilson is a committed teacher, having taught undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral classes in educational policy, teacher learning, and research methods. She has directed 36 dissertations and served as a committee member for another 45. Wilson serves on multiple editorial and advisory boards. She was elected to the National Academy of Education in 2013 and to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2022. Wilson has written on teacher knowledge, qualitative methods, curriculum reform, educational policy, and teacher preparation and professional development. She has published in Science, American Educator, American Educational Research Journal, Educational Researcher, Review of Educational Research, Elementary School Journal, Teaching and Teacher Education, Journal of Teacher Education, Phi Delta Kappa, and Teaching Education. She is the author of “California Dreaming: Reforming Mathematics Education” (Yale, 2003) and editor of Lee Shulman’s collection of essays, “Wisdom of Practice: Essays on Teaching, Learning, and Learning to Teach” (Jossey-Bass, 2004). She is currently working on a collection of essays entitled, “Why Teach?”

    College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Ceremony II (Sunday, May 11, 1:30 p.m. at Gampel Pavilion): Joe La Puma ‘05

    Joe La Puma serves as SVP of Content Strategy at Complex NTWRK and hosts Complex’s Sneaker Shopping, the world’s No. 1 sneaker show, which has garnered over 1 billion views on YouTube. He has been at the forefront of sneaker and street culture at Complex for the past 15 years. La Puma started his journalism career writing for The Daily Campus and was voted “Rookie of the Year” by fellow staffers. After graduating from UConn in 2005 with a degree in Journalism, he returned to Bay Shore to manage The Finish Line—where he previously worked in high school—while contributing articles to both local and global publications like Newsday and Hypebeast.com. In 2006, La Puma landed an internship at Complex magazine, a pop culture publication specializing in convergence culture through hip-hop, sneakers, and fashion. La Puma has written more cover stories (21) than any other writer in Complex history, including profiles on Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, and Kid Cudi. La Puma is also a published author of the book “Complex Presents: Sneaker of the Year: The Best Since ’85.” In his current SVP role, La Puma has led Complex to over 200% growth in audience and engagement. In 2014, Complex debuted the YouTube show Sneaker Shopping, a series that La Puma created and hosts to this day. Over the past decade of Sneaker Shopping, La Puma has interviewed icons like Eminem, Whoopi Goldberg, Kevin Hart, Mark Wahlberg, Billie Eilish, Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, and conducted one of the only lifestyle interviews with former Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2020 election cycle. The show has filmed episodes across the U.S., as well as abroad in China, England, Spain, and Japan. With his extensive editorial work on footwear and over 300 episodes of Sneaker Shopping, La Puma is regarded as one of the foremost sneaker experts in the world. La Puma is a three-time Webby Award winner and has been featured on Good Morning America, and The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon. In 2024, La Puma was inducted into the Bay Shore High School Hall of Fame, a group that includes only 79 members since the school opened in 1893. La Puma currently lives in Brooklyn, and takes half-days at work when he can during UConn Basketball March Madness runs.

    School of Pharmacy – Doctor of Pharmacy (Sunday, May 11, 1:30 p.m. at Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts): JoAnn Trejo

    JoAnn Trejo, Ph.D., MBA is professor of pharmacology and senior assistant Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences Faculty Affairs at the University of California (UC) San Diego. She completed her undergraduate degree at UC Davis, earned her Ph.D. and MBA at UC San Diego and completed postdoctoral training at UC San Francisco. Trejo is a basic science researcher with expertise in cell signaling in the context of vascular inflammation and cancer. Her research has been published in more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and she is a recipient of a NIH R35 Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) and the American Heart Association Established Investigator Award. Trejo is an outstanding educator, mentor and a leader actively engaged in initiatives aimed at enhancing excellence in science and pharmacology. She is the director of five NIH-supported training programs including the UC San Diego IRACDA Postdoctoral Scholars Program, FIRST Program and three early career faculty development programs. Trejo served as an elected member of the leadership Council for the ASCB and the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and is a current member of the scientific advisory boards for Septerna and Versiti. She has also served on multiple NIH Study Sections, the NCI Board of Scientific Counselors for Basic Sciences, and Blavatnik, HHMI and Chan Zuckerberg foundation review panels. Trejo is a current member of the NIGMS Advisory Council. She is the Associate Editor for Molecular Biology of the Cell and is an editorial board member for Proceedings National Academy of Sciences Nexus, Journal of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology. Trejo is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine, American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) Fellow and 100 Inspiring Hispanic / Latinx Scientists and was recently elected honorary fellow of the British Pharmacological Society.

    College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Ceremony III (Sunday, May 11, 5:30 p.m., Gampel Pavilion): Joe La Puma ‘05

    School of Pharmacy – Bachelor of Science (Sunday, May 11, 6 p.m., Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts): Joe Honcz ‘98

    Joe Honcz is a distinguished expert in managed care and market access, boasting a robust 25-year career that spans significant sectors of the health care industry. Early in his career, he played a pivotal role in leading teams for the launch of Medicare Part D, followed by instrumental involvement in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act while at Anthem BCBS and Aetna. Since 2020, Joe has leveraged his profound understanding of managed care to deliver strategic market access insights, empowering over 20 biotech and pharmaceutical clients to effectively navigate complex market dynamics. His contributions have been crucial in the successful launch of innovative products in both traditional and rare/orphan disease categories. As a “pharmacy futurist,” he continues to drive innovation and shape market access strategies at Petauri Health, supporting the emerging pharmaceutical and health tech industries. His exceptional ability to anticipate industry trends has consistently provided clients with strategic advantages, enabling them to stay ahead of competitors with foresight and precision. Beyond his professional endeavors, Joe is actively involved at Yale Ventures as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence and at the University of Connecticut Technology Commercialization Services in the same capacity. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of St. Joseph School of Pharmacy and is on the Board of Directors for the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) and Avery’s Little Army, whose mission is to honor the legacy of Avery Marie Lafferty, an exceptionally brave cancer rebel, and all patients like her. Joe’s extensive background is complemented by diverse roles at Pfizer, Walgreens, Humana, PrecisionAQ, and CVS. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from the University of Connecticut, underscoring his deep roots and commitment to the field. In addition to being a Board member, he is also an AMCP diplomat to the UConn School of Pharmacy, where he fulfills his passion for mentoring and coaching.

    The Graduate School – Masters Ceremony (Monday, May 12, 9 a.m. at Gampel Pavilion): Manasse Mbonye ’95 Ph.D.

    Manasse Mbonye is a Founding Fellow of the Rwanda Academy of Sciences (RAS) and its current President. He is also the Group Leader and Professor, Rwanda Astrophysics Space and Climate Sciences Research Group (RASCSRG) at the University of Rwanda and a member of the national Science Advisory Group (SAG). By Training, Mbonye is a theoretical Astrophysicist and Cosmologist. He completed his Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut in 1995. Mbonye has taught Physics at various institutions including UConn, the University of Michigan, and RIT. He has also worked at NASA (Goddard Space Flight Center). In 2012, Mbonye returned to Africa. Since then, his appointments have included, Provost (later) Ag Rector (National University of Rwanda), the first Principal (University of Rwanda, College of Science and Technology), and Executive Secretary (Rwanda’s National Council for Science and Technology, (NCST)). During Mbonye’s tenure, NCST instituted a major review of Rwanda’s Science, Technology, Research and Innovation (STRI) policy. Further, the National Research and Innovation Agenda (NRIA) was constructed, along with its implementation enabler, the National Research and Innovation Fund (NRIF) framework. Rwanda launched the NRIF in June 2018. Mbonye has served on the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTCO) Board of Directors as its Rapporteur (2017-2018). He has also been Chairman of the Rwanda Energy Group (REG) (2015-2018), Rwanda’s sole electric energy production source and utility company. Prof. Mbonye continues to do research and supervise students, at the University of Rwanda.

     

    UConn Health (Monday, May 12, 1 p.m. at Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts): Manisha Juthani

    Dr. Manisha Juthani, is the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH). Juthani is the first Indian American to serve as a commissioner in the State of Connecticut. She served as professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine through September 2024 and currently serves as an adjunct professor of medicine. She served as Director of the Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program from 2012 to 2021. Juthani received her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and M.D. from Cornell University Medical College, completed Internal Medicine residency training at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell campus, and served as chief resident at Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She came to Connecticut in 2002 as an Infectious Diseases fellow at Yale School of Medicine. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Juthani was a leader in the COVID response at Yale which led to her appointment as Commissioner of CT DPH in 2021. In the early days of the pandemic, she was a voice to help educate the public in both local and national media outlets, a role she was able to expand in her role as Commissioner. Upon joining CT DPH, she helped guide Connecticut out of the pandemic and worked to revitalize areas of public health, such as gun violence, maternal health, opioid use, and sexually transmitted diseases, that were exacerbated during the pandemic. As she continues in her role as DPH Commissioner, Juthani has shifted her core vision to “Preserve and Protect Core Public Health Principles and Services.” As Connecticut is presented with new public health challenges, she remains committed to preserving public health achievements made over the years, including improvements in regulatory oversight in health care, drinking water, and environmental health which includes food safety. It is more important than ever to highlight the importance of vaccines, control of infectious diseases, road safety, and healthier mothers and babies. Clear, accurate communication about public health risks is vital to her mission. She continues to advocate for health as a human right which is the core vision of CT DPH. Juthani is on the Board of Directors of UConn Health.

    The Graduate School – Doctoral Ceremony (Monday, May 12, 6 p.m. at Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts): Sethuraman Panchanathan

    Sethuraman “Panch” Panchanathan is a computer scientist and engineer who served as the 15th director of the United States National Science Foundation (NSF) from 2020 until 2025. Panchanathan was nominated to by the president in 2019 and unanimously confirmed by the Senate on June 18, 2020. NSF is a $9.06 billion independent federal agency, and the only government agency charged with advancing all fields of scientific discovery, technological innovation and science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

    Panchanathan previously served as the executive vice president of the Arizona State University (ASU) Knowledge Enterprise, where he was also chief research and innovation officer. He was also the founder and director of the Center for Cognitive Ubiquitous Computing at ASU. Under his leadership, the university increased research performance fivefold, earning recognition as the fastest growing and most innovative research university in the U.S.

    Prior to joining NSF, Panchanathan was appointed by the president to serve on the National Science Board, where he was a chair of the Committee on Strategy and a member of the External Engagement and National Science and Engineering Policy committees. Additionally, he was chair of the Council on Research of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities and co-chair of the Extreme Innovation Taskforce of the Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils. Arizona’s governor appointed Panchanathan as senior advisor for science and technology in 2018. He was the editor-in-chief of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) MultiMedia magazine and editor and associate editor of several international journals.

    For his scientific contributions, Panchanathan has received numerous awards, including honorary doctorates from prestigious universities, distinguished alumni awards, the Governor’s Innovator of the Year for Academia Award, the Washington Academy of Sciences Distinguished Career Award and the IEEE-USA Public Service Award.

    Panchanathan is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, where he also served as vice president for strategic initiatives. He is also a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Canadian Academy of Engineering, the Association for Computing Machinery, IEEE and the Society of Optical Engineering.

    School of Law (Sunday, May 18, 10:30 a.m. at UConn School of Law): Mayor Arunan Arulampalam

    The son of Sri Lankan refugees, Arunan Arulampalam was born in Zimbabwe and made a home and a family in Hartford after graduate school. Prior to being elected mayor of Hartford in November 2023, he served as CEO of the Hartford Land Bank, where he developed a first-in-the-nation program to train Hartford residents to become local developers and tackle blight in their city. Arulampalam served in Governor Ned Lamont’s administration as Deputy Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. Before that, he was a lawyer at the downtown firm Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C. Arulampalam also served on the Board of the Hartford Public Library, the House of Bread, and on the Hartford Redevelopment Authority. He earned his BA in International Studies from Emory University and his JD from Quinnipiac University School of Law.

    MIL OSI USA News