Category: Entertainment

  • MIL-OSI: BexBack Launches 100x Leverage, No KYC, $50 Welcome Bonus and Double Deposit Rewards – Start Trading Today!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin continues to trade below $90,000 and analysts predict that the crypto market will remain volatile, holding spot positions may not generate short-term profits. Recent economic shifts, including policy announcements such as President Trump’s tariff decisions, have brought some stabilization, but the volatility remains. For investors seeking to maximize returns in these uncertain times, BexBack Exchange offers a powerful solution. With 100x leverage, a 100% deposit bonus, and a $50 welcome bonus for new users, BexBack empowers traders to seize market opportunities. And with no KYC requirements, it provides a seamless and efficient way to trade.

    100x Leverage: Make Doubling or Even 10x Gains in a Single Day Possible

    What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?

    Simply put, 100x leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with less capital. For example:

    Suppose the Bitcoin price is $60,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.

    One day later, if the price rises to $63,000, your profit will be (63,000 – 60,000) * 100 BTC / 60,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.

    With BexBack’s deposit bonus

    BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.

    Note: Although leveraged trading can magnify profits, you also need to be wary of liquidation risks.

    How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work?
    The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.

    About BexBack?

    BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform that offers 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, XRP, and more than 50 other major altcoins. Headquartered in Singapore, with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina, BexBack holds a US MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by over 500,000 traders worldwide. The platform accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe, and offers no deposit fees, along with exceptional customer service, including 24/7 support.

    Why recommend BexBack?

    No KYC Required: Start trading immediately without complex identity verification.

    100% Deposit Bonus: Double your funds, double your profits.

    High-Leverage Trading: Offers up to 100x leverage, maximizing investors’ capital efficiency.

    Demo Account: Comes with 10 BTC and 1M USDT in virtual funds, perfect for practicing leveraged trading without risk.

    Comprehensive Trading Options: Feature-rich trading available via Web and mobile applications.

    Convenient Operation: No slippage, no spread, and fast, precise trade execution.

    Global User Support: Enjoy 24/7 customer service, no matter where you are.

    Lucrative Affiliate Rewards: Earn up to 50% commission, perfect for promoters.

    Take Action Now—Don’t Miss Another Opportunity!

    If you missed the previous crypto bull run, this could be your chance. With BexBack’s 100x leverage and 100% deposit bonus and $50 bonus for new users (complete one trade within one week of registration), you can be a winner in the new bull run.

    Sign up on BexBack now, claim your exclusive bonus and start accumulating more BTC today!

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

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

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

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/79407705-26b3-4d2a-bfda-97c63787ef7f

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/553f712e-f71c-4a4a-9819-e0c799ad1aa8

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ca7f67e5-026e-4ff3-8382-70443dadc0a9

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/34e3583f-bf8f-4c28-82f5-80a782ee3f1f

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-Evening Report: Caitlin Johnstone: Every day the Gaza holocaust continues, the empire tells the truth about itself

    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific.

    COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone

    Every day the Gaza holocaust continues, the Western empire tells the truth about itself.

    The US government is telling you the truth about itself.

    Israel is telling you the truth about itself.

    Their Western allies are telling you the truth about themselves.

    The Western media are telling you the truth about themselves.

    One of the most important stages when preparing to leave an abusive relationship is the information-gathering stage. This is when you begin quietly observing and making note of your partner’s abusive behaviour, letting them tell you the truth about themselves with their actions rather than their words.

    The information-gathering stage is important because long-term abusive relationships are usually very confusing for the victim; if the abuse were simple and easy to understand, the relationship wouldn’t have continued into the long term.


    Every day the Gaza holocaust continues . . .    Video/audio: Caitlin Johnstone

    It’s therefore often helpful to cultivate a clear understanding of the lay of the land before trying to navigate your way out of it, especially if your abuser is particularly manipulative and adept at confusing you. This ensures that you will be able to view their manipulations with distrust, so you won’t get sucked in by them.


    As infuriating as it is to watch this genocide drag out month after bloody month, it would be a mistake to believe everyone is just passively witnessing it all.

    If you watched someone you love in the information-gathering stage prior to leaving an abusive relationship, you might get frustrated by what appears to be inertia and passivity on their part when what you want to see is them sprinting for the door with a suitcase. But they’re not inert or passive  —  they’re gathering information.

    Westerners are in a psychologically abusive relationship with the empire. Our minds are hammered with propaganda indoctrination from as soon as we are old enough to start learning about our world to ensure our compliance with the power structure that rules over us.

    It happens in school. It happens with the mass media. It happens with the Silicon Valley platforms we look to for information.

    And it gets confusing. All the information about our world and our place in it is distorted by mass-scale psychological manipulation for the benefit of the powerful. It’s hard for someone who’s been raised in such an environment to navigate their mind out of its indoctrination. It’s hard to know the truth.

    But in Gaza, the empire is telling us the truth. It’s exposing itself in all its naked loathsomeness.

    Our rulers murder children.

    Our rulers sponsor genocide and ethnic cleansing.

    Our rulers lie to us and manipulate us.

    Our rulers work to censor, silence, marginalise and deport anyone who criticises their criminality.

    We do not live in a free society that is guided by truth and morality. We live under the most murderous and tyrannical power structure on the face of this planet. And we should distrust everything about it.

    That’s what they’re showing us with the Gaza holocaust. More and more people are opening their eyes to it every day.

    And when enough eyes open, leaving the abusive relationship once and for all becomes a real possibility.

    Caitlin Johnstone is an Australian independent journalist and poet. Her articles include The UN Torture Report On Assange Is An Indictment Of Our Entire Society. She publishes a website and Caitlin’s Newsletter. This article is republished with permission.

    This article was first published on Café Pacific.

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI: Baltic Horizon Fund publishes its NAV for March 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The net asset value (NAV) per unit of the Baltic Horizon Fund (the Fund) decreased to EUR 0.6769 at the end of March 2025 (0.6826 as of 28 February 2025). The month-end total net asset value of the Fund was EUR 97.2 million (EUR 98.0 million as of 28 February 2025). The EPRA NRV as of 31 March 2025 stood at EUR 0.7209 per unit.

    In March 2025, the consolidated net rental income of the Fund remained at the same level, amounting to EUR 1.0 million (EUR 1.0 million in February 2025).

    At the end of March 2025, the Fund’s consolidated cash and cash equivalents amounted to EUR 12.8 million (28 February 2025: EUR 8.3 million).

    As of 31 March 2025, the total consolidated assets of the Fund were EUR 243.2 million (28 February 2025: EUR 255.0 million).

    On 13 March 2025 the Fund sold Meraki office building. Disposal proceeds were used to repay the outstanding BH Meraki UAB loan amounting to EUR 10.3 million and to repay early part of the bonds in the amount of EUR 3 million. The remaining amount will be used for investments into existing properties.

    For additional information, please contact:

    Tarmo Karotam
    Baltic Horizon Fund manager
    E-mail tarmo.karotam@nh-cap.com
    www.baltichorizon.com

    The Fund is a registered contractual public closed-end real estate fund that is managed by Alternative Investment Fund Manager license holder Northern Horizon Capital AS. 

    Distribution: GlobeNewswire, Nasdaq Tallinn, Nasdaq Stockholm, www.baltichorizon.com

    To receive Nasdaq announcements and news from Baltic Horizon Fund about its projects, plans and more, register on www.baltichorizon.com. You can also follow Baltic Horizon Fund on www.baltichorizon.com and on LinkedIn, FacebookX and YouTube.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Beyond Crypto: BTCC Exchange to Power TOKEN2049 Dubai with Slam Dunk Energy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VILNIUS, Lithuania, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BTCC, one of the world’s longest-serving cryptocurrency exchanges, is set to create a standout presence at TOKEN2049 Dubai with an interactive basketball-themed booth combining entertainment with community engagement as a gold sponsor. The sleek design, featuring the exchange’s professional navy blue and white color scheme, is expected to be a popular destination at the event when TOKEN2049 takes place from April 30 to May 1, 2025 in Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.

    Slam Dunk Experience

    Located at booth P51, the BTCC’s distinctive basketball arena design will offer attendees an immersive and entertaining experience through the BTCC Basketball Challenge. Complete with a dedicated selfie wall, the booth will create numerous opportunities for engagement and memorable moments.

    “We’ve designed our TOKEN2049 booth to reflect the energy and excitement of the crypto community,” said Aaryn Ling, Head of Branding at BTCC Exchange. “The basketball theme represents the precision, strategy, and team spirit that drives both sports and cryptocurrency trading.”

    The BTCC Basketball Challenge will invite visitors to test their shooting skills for a chance to win exclusive merchandise, including custom stickers, Nakamon plush toys, and premium BTCC branded items. To participate, attendees will simply need to engage with BTCC’s social media and take a photo at the booth using the hashtag #BTCCatTOKEN2049.

    Trade to Win Campaign Results

    Ahead of TOKEN2049, BTCC has concluded its Trade to Win campaign featuring TOKEN2049 prizes, including event tickets, skydiving experiences, and helicopter rides in Dubai. The campaign generated a total futures trading volume of over 68 billion USDT, with BTCC distributing a prize pool of 1 million USDT to 1,000 qualifying participants.

    Expanding Network Through Exclusive Side Events

    Surrounding TOKEN2049, BTCC will host two exclusive side events designed to strengthen relationships with influencers and expand its network within the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

    The Dubai Safari Day Tour on April 29 will offer not only desert adventures but also create an informal setting for meaningful discussions with influential crypto personalities. The exclusive KOL Yacht Party on May 2 is expected to attract prominent industry figures, providing BTCC with valuable opportunities to build strategic partnerships and showcase its vision for the future of cryptocurrency trading.

    These curated experiences will complement BTCC’s TOKEN2049 presence, reinforcing the exchange’s commitment to community building and industry collaboration.

    About BTCC Exchange

    Founded in 2011, BTCC is one of the leading crypto exchanges that has operated for over a decade. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of trading products, including spot and futures trading with up to 500x leverage. With a commitment to security and user experience, BTCC continues to innovate in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency landscape.

    Official Website: https://www.btcc.com/en-US

    X: https://x.com/BTCCexchange

    Media contact: press@btcc.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c7a7d97d-6f4f-4e0f-84f9-f0a0afd27c1f

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Winners of Inaugural Atlantic Canada Cleantech Awards Showcase East Coast Excellence

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HALIFAX, Canada, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Foresight Canada announced the winners of the inaugural Atlantic Canada Cleantech Awards at last night’s sold-out ceremony in Halifax. The event celebrated the region’s innovators, funders, adopters, and supporters collectively accelerating clean technology adoption, catalyzing economic resilience, and advancing net zero goals. This year’s award winners exemplify the region’s capability to turn visionary ideas into tangible progress.

    Driven by breakthroughs in ocean technology and increased adoption of renewable energy, the East Coast’s growing cleantech sector is well-positioned to increase efficiency and productivity of key industries and lead a more sustainable, economically prosperous future. In 2024 alone, the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), invested $72M in 166 cleantech projects, anticipated to generate 100,000 new clean energy jobs in Atlantic Canada by mid-century. This projected growth underscores the momentum of Atlantic Canada’s cleantech sector. Foresight Canada is proud to establish this new tradition on the East Coast, celebrating leaders whose dedication and ingenuity are shaping a resilient and sustainable economy.

    Meet the Winners

    Adopter of the Year: City of Summerside

    Summerside has emerged as a Canadian leader in community-driven sustainability. By expanding its smart grid, integrating renewable energy sources, and introducing innovative programs for energy efficiency and clean transportation, the city is paving the way toward a more sustainable future. Additionally, Summerside supports cleantech business growth through its Eco Park, a dedicated space that encourages clean economic development in the region.

    Supporter of the Year: Dalhousie University

    Researchers at Dalhousie University are developing clean, carbon-free technologies that will facilitate the transition to a more sustainable future. Their work encompasses engineering and commercializing innovative breakthroughs, including clean fuels, chemicals and materials, and long-life batteries for electric mobility. Dalhousie is playing a key role in advancing battery innovation through the establishment of Canada’s first university-based battery prototyping and testing facility, set to open in fall 2025.

    Funder of the Year: Carbon to Sea

    Carbon to Sea is the leading nonprofit evaluating ocean alkalinity enhancement for CO₂ removal at scale. Its work is aligned with key scientific bodies, such as IPCC and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. As the world’s foremost organization pursuing ocean alkalinity enhancement, Carbon to Sea funds exceptional researchers to close knowledge gaps and build a responsible sector.

    Startup Venture of the Year: pHathom Technologies

    pHathom is advancing a breakthrough carbon removal technology through its Accelerated Weathering of Limestone (AWL) process, which uses seawater and limestone to capture biogenic CO₂ while helping to reduce ocean acidification. The company aims to launch a commercial demonstration by 2027, with the potential to remove gigatons of carbon and unlock substantial revenue opportunities.

    Scaleup Venture of the Year: CarbonRun

    CarbonRun’s innovative river restoration method permanently removes CO₂ from the atmosphere and improves river health simultaneously. By adding limestone to rivers, they enhance natural carbon absorption and restore salmon habitats. With commitments from large corporate buyers for its credits, and a robust pipeline of projects that are being developed, CarbonRun is poised to make a major impact on global CDR goals.

    Learn more about all our 2025 Canada Cleantech Awards finalists and winners.

    Quotes

    “For the City of Summerside, being nominated for and receiving this award is like a boost of clean tech energy—fueling our momentum and reaffirming our path forward. Over the past 20 years, we’ve been deeply committed to validating and scaling solutions in the innovation and clean tech space. Along the way, we’ve learned that real progress takes a united effort—it takes a community to move mountains. The work we do with our partners can be complex, but it’s incredibly rewarding. By leveraging our infrastructure, collaborating with leading businesses, and cultivating a thriving ecosystem for change, Summerside is proud to lead and support Canada’s transition toward a sustainable future. Driving innovation, clean tech solutions and economic growth isn’t just our mission—it’s our passion.” — Mike Thususka, Director of Economic Development, City of Summerside

    “We are extremely honoured to be recognized by the Atlantic Canada Cleantech community. We are thankful for the support of our partners and the broader network in helping us get to this stage, and we hope to live up to your expectations by continuing to fight climate change while also restoring and enhancing the ecosystems we depend on.” — Dr. Halfyard, Co-Founder and CTO, CarbonRun

    “We’re capturing CO₂ right at the source and using natural ocean chemistry to lock it away safely for thousands of years. It’s high-integrity carbon removal, rooted in science, and it’s happening right here in Atlantic Canada. We’re honoured to accept this award and proud to be doing that work here, in a region that understands resilience, collaboration, and bold ideas.” — Kim Gilbert, CEO, pHathom Technologies

    “Nova Scotia’s growing reputation as a home for innovation makes it a great location to advance ocean climate science, and Carbon to Sea is proud to play a role in that. As the world grapples with the need to remove billions of tons of carbon from the atmosphere safely in the coming decades, we look forward to deepening our work here. We’re grateful to Foresight for this recognition, and for all they do to support climate innovation across Canada.” — Miriam Zitner, Canadian General Manager, Carbon to Sea Initiative

    “A heartfelt congratulations to the winners of the inaugural Atlantic Canada Cleantech Awards! Your innovative spirit is propelling the region’s cleantech growth in exciting new directions. We celebrate your vision and look forward to witnessing the ecosystem thrive and the significant contributions you’ll make in transforming East Coast industries.” — Jeanette Jackson, CEO, Foresight Canada

    “Marking a pivotal moment, the first Atlantic Canada Cleantech Awards celebrated the remarkable strength and innovation thriving within our region. The achievements of this year’s winners pave the way for a future where Atlantic Canada is a true leader in clean technology, and I can’t wait to see what comes next in East Coast innovation.” — Lindsay Murray, Sr. Manager, Partnerships, Foresight Canada

    About Foresight Canada

    ​​Foresight Canada helps the world do more with less, sustainably. As Canada’s largest cleantech innovation and adoption accelerator, they connect public and private sectors to the world’s best clean technologies, de-risking and simplifying the adoption of innovative solutions that improve productivity, profitability, and economic competitiveness, all while addressing today’s most urgent climate challenges.

    Contact:
    Heather Kingdon
    Manager, Communications
    hkingdon@foresightcac.com

    The Atlantic Canada Cleantech Awards are presented by Foresight and Bloom Funding with support from Bonsai Growth, MNP, Springboard Atlantic, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). Event hosted in partnership with Smart Energy Halifax.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c628c430-d0e3-4bef-905a-fd0639b1317d

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Global: The Stolen Girl: Disney+ drama is an intriguing companion piece to Netflix’s Adolescence

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rachel Moseley, Co-founder of the Centre for Television History, Heritage and Memory Research, University of Warwick

    From the opening moments of the new Disney+ series The Stolen Girl, you could be forgiven for thinking that you’ve happened upon a Scandi-noir crime drama.

    From the air, we follow a dark Volvo estate driving a dusty road through a tree-lined mountainous landscape. The palette is cool and desaturated, the music underpinned by a distorted electronic buzz. After the sound of a zip, light picks out the face of a child who seems to have been transported in the cramped and claustrophobic boot of the Volvo, that emblem of (Scandinavian) family road safety. “Who are you?” the child asks.

    Unlike Scandi-noir, however, there is no elevated title sequence and the five-episode thriller is set between the north of England and the south of France. We cut to the latter rapidly, to a brightly lit balcony, from which Elisa Blix (Denise Gough), private jet flight crew and the mother of the eponymous girl, looks out at the Côte D’Azur.

    In the first episode, Elisa and her husband, criminal lawyer Fred (Jim Sturgess) realise that their eldest child, Lucia, has been kidnapped while on a hastily arranged sleepover at a new school friend’s house.


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    A number of stylistic motifs contribute to the sense of unease which pervades The Stolen Girl. The camera peers around corners into dark, claustrophobic spaces. It creeps along the ground, or tracks slowly towards buildings. In the opening sequence, for example, it drifts through lush, dark foliage towards stone steps, offering a glimpse of a doorway at their apex.

    The significance of this repeated shot doesn’t become clear until near the end of the series. Similarly, motifs from the elaborate décor of the Blixes’ “perfect” home are disturbingly echoed later in the setting of the French villa. As the drama proceeds, flashbacks and memories provide the opportunity to reassess and reinterpret, for the characters and the viewer.

    The Stolen Girl trailer.

    The Stolen Girl is meticulously constructed to unsettle and intrigue the viewer, from sound design and imagery to narrative organisation.

    For the most part, we discover and interpret clues along with another main character – doggedly persistent journalist Selma Desai (Ambika Mod). Her grasp of social media and pop psychology leads her to solve the case ahead of the detectives working it.

    I found myself having light-bulb moments with, and occasionally just before, Selma – an effective and carefully designed immersion technique which, along with frequent reversals and twists, keeps us guessing until near the very end. It’s clever, and satisfying for the attentive viewer as the whole-series release in the UK makes it easily bingeable and easy to pick up clues.

    The series was adapted for television by Catherine Moulton from Alex Dahl’s 2020 novel Playdate. It centres on two mothers and a female journalist, with a young female victim at the centre. This makes it a fascinating companion piece to the much-discussed recent Netflix drama Adolescence, which has been critiqued for its focus on the young male perpetrator and his family.




    Read more:
    Adolescence in schools: TV show’s portrayal of one boyhood may do more harm than good when used as a teaching tool


    There are very clear references to the Madeleine McCann case in The Stolen Girl. Not just in the similarly posed “victim ID” photo of Lucia, but also in the persistent blame directed at her mother Elisa. Described as a “jet-set mum-fluencer”, her decision in a harried moment between work and home facilitated the abduction of her daughter. “She spent half her childhood with me while you were up in the air”, claims her mother-in-law.

    The drama unfolds and the mystery is revealed through a highly screen-literate pastiche of gothic, noir and horror tropes. Central characters are narrated through a costume story told in shirts: tucked in, tied at the waist, over-sized, striped, floral and tailored. The mise-en-scène of The Stolen Girl is simultaneously presented as aspirational (I spotted a number of well-known fancy brands) and carefully crafted to present an unreliable façade, as the perfect life of the white middle-class family at the series’ centre is systematically unpicked.

    As it unravels, a nexus of trauma, infidelity, financial insecurity, lies and secrets are revealed. Like Adolescence, the programme identifies social media as a factor in facilitating crime, but also, through Selma, as an instrument of solving it.

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

    ref. The Stolen Girl: Disney+ drama is an intriguing companion piece to Netflix’s Adolescence – https://theconversation.com/the-stolen-girl-disney-drama-is-an-intriguing-companion-piece-to-netflixs-adolescence-254513

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI: White River Bancshares Co. Reports Net Income of $2.63 million, or $1.07 Per Diluted Share, for the First Quarter of 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — White River Bancshares Company (OTCQX: WRIV), (the “Company”) the holding company for Signature Bank of Arkansas (the “Bank”), today reported net income increased to $2.63 million, or $1.07 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $509,000, or $0.26 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2024. The Company reported net income of $1.83 million, or $0.75 per diluted share, for the prior quarter. All financial results are unaudited and all per share data has been adjusted to reflect the two-for-one stock split effected September 4, 2024.

    “Thanks to a solid start to the year, we produced the strongest first quarter earnings in our Bank’s history,” said Gary Head, Chairman and CEO. “Loan portfolio growth contributed to an increase in net interest income compared to the first quarter of 2024. This is exactly the kind of excitement I’ve been ‘banking on’ as we head into the second quarter and celebrate the Bank’s 20 year anniversary. I am confident in our team’s capability and enthusiasm to build upon this momentum for the rest of the year.”

    “Expanding our deposit base to fund new loan growth remains our top priority, and also our biggest challenge as a community bank,” said Scott Sandlin, Chief Strategy Officer. “The Company has made deposit gathering the primary focus and our team has done an excellent job of expanding existing client relationships as well as attracting new customers to the Bank. As a result, total deposits increased 9.9% during the first quarter of 2025 and 18.9% year-over-year. At quarter end, demand and non-interest bearing accounts represented 19.3% of total deposits, and savings and interest-bearing transaction accounts represented 38.0% of total deposits. We will continue to look for additional opportunities for growing deposits in the year ahead to keep up with loan demand.”

    First Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights:

    • Net income for the first quarter of 2025 increased to $2.63 million, or $1.07 per diluted share, compared to $509,000, or $0.26 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2024.
    • Net interest income increased 32.0% to $10.6 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $8.0 million in the first quarter of 2024.
    • Net interest margin (“NIM”) increased 42 basis points to 3.39% in the first quarter of 2025, compared to 2.97% in the first quarter of 2024.
    • The Company recorded a $670,000 provision for credit losses in the first quarter of 2025, compared to a $550,000 provision in the fourth quarter of 2024, and a $648,000 provision in the first quarter of 2024.
    • Net loans increased 16.3% to $1.128 billion at March 31, 2025, compared to $969.7 million at March 31, 2024.
    • Nonperforming loans totaled $420,000, or 0.04% of total loans at March 31, 2025, compared to 0.18% a year ago.
    • Total deposits increased $190.7 million, or 18.9%, year-over-year, to $1.201 billion at March 31, 2025, compared to $1.010 billion at March 31, 2024.
    • Core deposits (demand and non-interest-bearing, and savings and interest-bearing transaction accounts, and CDs under $250,000) represent 70.25% of total deposits at March 31, 2025.
    • Total risk-based capital ratio estimates of 12.30%, Tier 1 ratio of 11.05%, and Leverage ratio of 9.35% for the Bank at March 31, 2025.
    • Tangible book value per common share was $40.33 at March 31, 2025, compared to $39.05 a year ago.

    Income Statement

    In the first quarter of 2025, the Company generated a return on average assets of 0.79% and a return on average equity of 10.64%, compared to 0.58% and 7.34%, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2024 and 0.18% and 2.52%, respectively, in the first quarter of 2024.

    “Our strong loan growth and higher yields on interest earning assets contributed to the four basis point NIM expansion during the first quarter of 2025 compared to the prior quarter and the 42 basis point increase compared to the year ago quarter,” said Brant Ward, President. NIM was 3.39% in the first quarter of 2025, compared to 3.35% in the fourth quarter of 2024, and 2.97% in the first quarter of 2024.

    Net interest income increased 32.0% to $10.6 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $8.0 million in the first quarter of 2024. The increase was primarily due to year-over-year loan growth. Total interest income increased 23.6% to $19.8 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $16.0 million in the first quarter of 2024, primarily attributable to increased loans. Total interest expense increased to $9.2 million in the first quarter of 2025, from $8.0 million in the first quarter of 2024, primarily due to an increase in deposit costs.

    Noninterest income increased 22.7% to $1.9 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $1.6 million in the first quarter of 2024. The increase was primarily due to a $172,000 increase in wealth management fee income, the largest component of noninterest income, and a $72,000 increase in secondary market fee income during the first quarter of 2025.

    Noninterest expense was $8.4 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $8.3 million in the first quarter of 2024, as expenses have normalized following the investment in expanding the Company’s market presence over the past few years.

    Balance Sheet

    Total assets increased 17.2% to $1.379 billion at March 31, 2025, from $1.177 billion at March 31, 2024, and increased 7.0% compared to $1.290 billion at December 31, 2024. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $48.4 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $33.4 million a year ago. Investment securities totaled $135.0 million at March 31, 2025, an increase from $113.0 million at March 31, 2024.

    Loans, net of allowance for credit losses, increased 16.3% to $1.128 billion at March 31, 2025, compared to $969.7 million at March 31, 2024, and increased 6.0% compared to $1.064 billion at December 31, 2024.

    Total deposits increased 18.9% to $1.201 billion at March 31, 2025, compared to $1.010 billion at March 31, 2024, and increased 9.9% compared to $1.093 billion at December 31, 2024. Demand and non-interest-bearing deposits decreased less than 1% compared to March 31, 2024 while savings and interest-bearing transaction accounts increased 34.7% compared to March 31, 2024.

    FHLB advances were $21.6 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $36.9 million at March 31, 2024, and $43.7 million at December 31, 2024. Total stockholders’ equity increased to $100.5 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $79.4 million at March 31, 2024, and $96.6 million at December 31, 2024. Tangible book value per common share was $40.33 at March 31, 2025, compared to $39.05 at March 31, 2024, and $38.74 at December 31, 2024.

    Credit Quality

    Due to strong quarterly loan growth, the Company recorded a $670,000 provision for credit losses in the first quarter of 2025. This is compared to a $550,000 provision for credit losses in the fourth quarter of 2024, and a $648,000 provision for credit losses in the first quarter of 2024.

    There were $420,000 in nonperforming loans at March 31, 2025. This compared to $55,000 in nonperforming loans at December 31, 2024, and $1.7 million in nonperforming loans at March 31, 2024. Nonperforming loans represented 0.04% of total loans on March 31, 2025, 0.01% of total loans on December 31, 2024, and 0.18% of total loans a year ago.

    “We continue to take a prudent approach to building our allowance for credit losses by monitoring our portfolio mix and evaluating loan growth and local and national economic conditions to maintain what we believe to be an appropriate allowance,” said Jeff Maland, Chief Risk Officer. The allowance for credit losses was $13.3 million, or 1.17% of total loans, at March 31, 2025, compared to $12.8 million, or 1.19% of total loans, at December 31, 2024, and $12.1 million, or 1.23% of total loans, at March 31, 2024.

    Net loan charge-offs were $137,000 in the first quarter of 2025. This compared to net loan recoveries of $106,000 in the fourth quarter of 2024, and net loan recoveries of $21,000 in the first quarter of 2024.

    Capital

    The Bank’s capital ratios continued to exceed regulatory “well-capitalized” requirements, with a Total risk-based capital ratio estimate of 12.30%, a Tier 1 ratio of 11.05%, and a Leverage ratio of 9.35% for the Bank at March 31, 2025.

    About White River Bancshares Company

    White River Bancshares Company is the single bank holding company for Signature Bank of Arkansas, headquartered in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Bank has locations in Fayetteville, Springdale, Bentonville, Rogers, Brinkley, Harrison and Jonesboro, Arkansas. Founded in 2005, Signature Bank of Arkansas provides a full line of financial services to small businesses, families and farms. White River Bancshares Company (OTCQX: WRIV), trades on the OTCQX® Best Market.  

    White River Bancshares Company and Signature Bank of Arkansas will celebrate its 20-year anniversary in May 2025.

    About the Region

    White River Bancshares Company is headquartered in thriving Northwest Arkansas in the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers MSA. The region is home to the corporate headquarters for Walmart Stores Inc, Sam’s Club, Tyson Foods, Simmons Foods, and J.B. Hunt Transport. Hundreds of other market-leading companies including Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Coca-Cola and Rubbermaid maintain offices in the region in order to maintain their relationships with the locally based Fortune 500 companies. Northwest Arkansas is also home to the state’s flagship public educational institution, The University of Arkansas, and its Sam M. Walton College of Business. The region has seen significant growth in its medical and arts infrastructures with the continued expansion of Washington Regional Medical System, Northwest Medical System, Mercy Health System of Northwest Arkansas and Arkansas Children’s Hospital Northwest. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Walton Arts Center have led the expansion of the arts. Northwest Arkansas has been repeatedly recognized in recent years as one of the best places to live in the country and remains one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions. In May 2024, Walmart issued a relocation mandate requiring most of its remote employees, as well as most of its office workers in Dallas, Atlanta and Toronto to move to, in most cases, Bentonville by November 1, 2024. While the company did not disclose a number, Bloomberg reported that the number of Walmart employees who would be moving to Bentonville would be in the thousands. Walmart is making a major investment in its hometown facilities, building a new, 350-acre headquarters campus, including walking and biking trails, a hotel, fitness facilities and a large childcare center.

    The Company has expanded eastward, with new markets in Jonesboro and Harrison. Jonesboro, located in Craighead County, is a city located on Crowley’s Ridge in the northeastern corner of Arkansas. It is the home of Arkansas State University and the cultural and economic center of Northeast Arkansas. Jonesboro also houses the region’s hospital network. U.S. Steel Corp. announced that it would locate a new $3 billion steel factory in Northeast Arkansas in Osceola, a move expected to create 900 jobs with an average pay over $100,000 annually, making it the largest capital investment project in Arkansas history. Harrison sits below Branson, Missouri, which is a family tourist destination and outdoor recreation, and is well known as an entertainment destination.

    The Company currently operates out of ten locations; three in Washington County; three in Benton County; two in Monroe County; one in Boone County; and one in Craighead County.

    The housing market in Washington and Benton counties remains robust. According to the Northwest Arkansas Board of Realtors, the average home in Washington County sold for $390,000 in February 2025, with an average of 103 days on the market. For Benton County, the average house sold for $446,000, with an average of 108 days on the market.

    Source:
    http://www.nwarealtors.org/market-statistics/

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains statements about future events. These forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions of management of the Company and the Bank and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “believe,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” or similar expressions or the negative of those terms. Our ability to predict results of future events and the actual effect of future plans or strategies are inherently uncertain, and actual results may differ materially from those predicted in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could have a material adverse effect on our operations and future prospects or that could affect the outcome of such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates; the economic health of the local real estate market; general economic conditions; credit deterioration in our loan portfolio that would cause us to increase our allowance for loan losses; legislative or regulatory changes; technological developments; monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board; the quality or composition of our loan and securities portfolios; demand for loan products in our market areas; deposit flows and costs of capital; competition; retention and recruitment of qualified personnel; demand for financial services in our market areas; and changes in accounting principles, policies, and guidelines. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The Company does not undertake and specifically declines any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

    Contact:   Scott Sandlin, Chief Strategy Officer
        479-684-3754
    WHITE RIVER BANCSHARES COMPANY
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (Unaudited)
                   
        For the Three Months Ended  
        March 31,   December 31,   March 31,  
         2025    2024    2024  
                   
    INTEREST INCOME              
    Loans, including fees   $ 18,315,006   $ 17,118,955   $ 14,994,922  
    Investment securities     1,258,571     1,300,977     929,040  
    Federal funds sold and other     232,978     262,856     96,154  
    Total interest income     19,806,555     18,682,788     16,020,116  
                   
    INTEREST EXPENSE              
    Deposits     8,312,455     7,963,925     6,984,793  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances     393,057     300,137     520,319  
    Notes payable     475,425     396,899     398,017  
    Federal funds purchased and other     13,022     4,101     78,260  
    Total interest expense     9,193,959     8,665,062     7,981,389  
    NET INTEREST INCOME     10,612,596     10,017,726     8,038,727  
    Provision for credit losses     670,000     550,000     648,000  
    NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES   9,942,596     9,467,726     7,390,727  
                   
    NON-INTEREST INCOME              
    Service charges and fees on deposits     171,186     182,870     150,349  
    Wealth management fee income     1,017,829     1,035,160     845,506  
    Secondary market fee income     128,824     196,277     57,064  
    Bank owned-life insurance income     80,603     82,171     79,881  
    Gain on sales and write-downs of foreclosed assets         11,085     1,050  
    Other     544,141     535,284     449,255  
    TOTAL NON-INTEREST INCOME     1,942,583     2,042,847     1,583,105  
                   
    NON-INTEREST EXPENSE              
    Salaries and benefits     4,931,692     5,226,075     4,999,533  
    Occupancy and equipment     1,145,101     1,130,174     928,124  
    Data processing     858,115     806,411     790,569  
    Marketing and business development     397,137     518,628     463,697  
    Professional services     650,708     660,860     669,867  
    Amortization of other intangible assets     53,036     53,032     53,036  
    Other     393,498     445,998     403,836  
    TOTAL NON-INTEREST EXPENSE     8,429,287     8,841,178     8,308,662  
                   
    Income before income taxes     3,455,892     2,669,395     665,170  
    Income tax provision     826,085     834,444     155,942  
    NET INCOME   $ 2,629,807   $ 1,834,951   $ 509,228  
                   
    EARNINGS PER SHARE              
    Basic (1)   $ 1.07   $ 0.75   $ 0.26  
    Diluted (1)   $ 1.07   $ 0.75   $ 0.26  
                   
        (1)  Prior periods adjusted to give effect to stock split effected
    in the form of a dividend on September 4, 2024.
     
                         
    WHITE RIVER BANCSHARES COMPANY  
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS  
    (Unaudited)  
                   
        March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024  
                   
    ASSETS      
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 48,360,156     $ 22,149,012     $ 33,147,221    
    Investment securities     134,968,153       133,228,210       113,033,028    
    Loans held for sale     874,009       1,117,750       696,271    
    Loans     1,141,369,199       1,076,674,377       981,829,042    
    Allowance for credit losses     (13,347,855 )     (12,814,824 )     (12,113,099 )  
    Net loans     1,128,021,344       1,063,859,553       969,715,943    
    Premises and equipment, net     35,647,835       36,335,828       29,442,303    
    Foreclosed assets held for sale     310,406       310,406       640,574    
    Accrued interest receivable     6,629,881       6,035,084       4,966,665    
    Bank owned life insurance     9,859,911       9,779,307       9,534,373    
    Deferred income taxes     4,220,559       4,390,227       4,888,369    
    Other investments     6,782,614       8,421,651       7,548,338    
    Intangible assets, net     1,750,204       1,803,240       1,962,350    
    Other assets     1,825,830       2,080,346       1,323,255    
    TOTAL ASSETS   $ 1,379,250,902     $ 1,289,510,614     $ 1,176,898,690    
                   
    LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
    Deposits:              
    Demand and non-interest-bearing   $ 231,331,391     $ 214,838,920     $ 233,082,292    
    Savings and interest-bearing transaction accounts     456,733,576       429,293,348       339,042,365    
    Time deposits     512,882,444       448,909,115       438,110,170    
    Total deposits     1,200,947,411       1,093,041,383       1,010,234,827    
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances     21,593,143       43,667,559       36,887,028    
    Notes payable     26,141,832       26,124,556       26,337,909    
    Operating lease liability     20,029,714       20,851,721       16,128,536    
    Reserve for losses on unfunded commitments     1,478,000       1,478,000       1,433,000    
    Accrued interest payable     2,731,699       2,838,298       2,635,771    
    Other liabilities     5,798,159       4,919,715       3,868,383    
    TOTAL LIABILITIES     1,278,719,958       1,192,921,232       1,097,525,454    
                   
    Stockholders’ equity:              
    Common stock (1)     24,882       24,854       20,162    
    Surplus (1)     102,784,831       102,679,096       90,538,459    
    Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)     4,714,375       2,084,568       (3,115,687 )  
    Treasury stock, at cost     (1,265,731 )     (1,265,715 )     (1,119,100 )  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (5,727,413 )     (6,933,421 )     (6,950,598 )  
    TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     100,530,944       96,589,382       79,373,236    
                   
      TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   $ 1,379,250,902     $ 1,289,510,614     $ 1,176,898,690    
                   
         (1) Prior periods adjusted to give effect to stock split effected
    in the form of a dividend on September 4, 2024. 
                               
    WHITE RIVER BANCSHARES COMPANY
    SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
                   
        (Unaudited)  
        Three Months Ended  
        March 31,   December 31,   March 31,  
         2025     2024     2024   
                   
    FOR THE PERIOD              
    Net income   $ 2,629,807     $ 1,834,951     $ 509,228    
    Net income before taxes     3,455,892       2,669,395       665,170    
    Dividends declared per share (1)                    
                   
                   
    PERIOD END BALANCE              
    Total assets   $ 1,379,250,902     $ 1,289,510,614     $ 1,176,898,690    
    Total investments     134,968,153       133,228,210       113,033,028    
    Total loans, net     1,128,021,344       1,063,859,553       969,715,943    
    Allowance for credit losses     (13,347,855 )     (12,814,824 )     (12,113,099 )  
    Total deposits     1,200,947,411       1,093,041,383       1,010,234,827    
    Stockholders’ equity     100,530,944       96,589,382       79,373,236    
                   
                   
    RATIO ANALYSIS              
    Return on average assets (annualized)     0.79 %     0.58 %     0.18 %  
    Return on average equity (annualized)     10.64 %     7.34 %     2.52 %  
    Net loans/Deposits     93.93 %     97.33 %     95.99 %  
    Total Stockholders’ Equity/Total assets     7.29 %     7.49 %     6.74 %  
    Net loan losses/Total loans     0.01 %     -0.01 %     -0.00 %  
    Uninsured & unpledged deposits     31.00 %     31.78 %     30.22 %  
                   
                   
    PER SHARE DATA              
    Shares oustanding (1)     2,449,317       2,446,563       1,982,630    
    Weighted average shares outstanding (1)     2,446,747       2,446,241       1,983,378    
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (1)   2,451,161       2,446,471       1,983,378    
    Basic earnings (1)   $ 1.07     $ 0.75     $ 0.26    
    Diluted earnings (1)     1.07       0.75       0.26    
    Book value (1)     41.04       39.48       40.03    
    Tangible book value (1)     40.33       38.74       39.05    
                   
                   
    ASSET QUALITY              
    Net (recoveries) charge-offs   $ 136,970     $ (106,340 )   $ (21,195 )  
    Classified assets     853,745       494,828       2,657,273    
    Nonperforming loans     419,985       55,132       1,718,805    
    Nonperforming assets     730,391       365,538       2,359,378    
    Total nonperforming loans/Total loans     0.04 %     0.01 %     0.18 %  
    Total nonperforming loans/Total assets     0.03 %     0.00 %     0.15 %  
    Total nonperforming assets/Total assets     0.05 %     0.03 %     0.20 %  
    Allowance for credit losses/Total loans     1.17 %     1.19 %     1.23 %  
                   
                   
        (1) Prior periods adjusted to give effect to stock split effected
    in the form of a dividend on September 4, 2024. 
                               
    WHITE RIVER BANCSHARES COMPANY  
    INTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE  
    (Unaudited)  
                                           
        Three Months Ended  
        March 31,   December 31,   March 31,  
         2025     2024     2024   
        Average       Average   Average       Average   Average       Average  
        Balance   Interest   Yield/Rate   Balance   Interest   Yield/Rate   Balance   Interest   Yield/Rate  
                                           
    Interest-earning assets:                                      
    Federal funds sold and other   $ 23,287,989   $ 232,978   4.06 %   $ 20,998,114   $ 262,856   4.98 %   $ 8,343,674   $ 96,154   4.63 %  
    Investment securities available-for-sale (1)     133,405,472     1,208,821   3.67 %     132,386,055     1,150,282   3.46 %     114,440,538     900,886   3.17 %  
    Loans receivable     1,106,648,533     18,315,006   6.71 %     1,018,919,798     17,118,955   6.68 %     960,808,253     14,994,922   6.28 %  
    Total interest-earning assets     1,263,341,994   $ 19,756,805   6.34 %     1,172,303,967   $ 18,532,093   6.29 %     1,083,592,465   $ 15,991,962   5.94 %  
    Noninterest-earning assets     81,821,189             81,203,717             70,720,928          
    Total assets   $ 1,345,163,183           $ 1,253,507,684           $ 1,154,313,393          
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                                      
    Interest-bearing deposits   $ 937,669,969   $ 8,312,455   3.60 %   $ 847,808,178   $ 7,963,925   3.74 %   $ 762,899,599   $ 6,984,793   3.68 %  
    FHLB advances and federal funds purchased   36,654,930     406,079   4.49 %     28,097,088     304,238   4.31 %     50,749,219     598,579   4.74 %  
    Notes payable     26,131,761     475,425   7.38 %     26,118,547     396,899   6.05 %     25,489,325     398,017   6.28 %  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     1,000,456,660   $ 9,193,959   3.73 %     902,023,813   $ 8,665,062   3.82 %     839,138,143   $ 7,981,389   3.83 %  
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities     244,466,979             252,089,008             233,847,965          
    Total liabilities     1,244,923,639             1,154,112,821             1,072,986,108          
    Stockholders’ equity     100,239,544             99,394,863             81,327,285          
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 1,345,163,183           $ 1,253,507,684           $ 1,154,313,393          
    Net interest-earning assets   $ 262,885,334           $ 270,280,154           $ 244,454,322          
    Net interest spread       $ 10,562,846   2.62 %       $ 9,867,031   2.47 %       $ 8,010,573   2.11 %  
    Net interest margin           3.39 %           3.35 %           2.97 %  
                                           
         (1) Excludes investments in bank stock (Federal Reserve Bank, Federal Home Loan Bank, and First National Bankers Bankshares).  
                                           

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Roth Canada Opens Calgary Office, Bolsters Energy and Sustainability Practice with Senior Investment Banking and Research Hires

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via IBN — Roth Canada, Inc. (Roth Canada), the Canadian affiliate of Roth Capital Partners LLC, (collectively “ROTH”), announces today the expansion of its Energy and Sustainability teams with the addition of Tony Loria as Managing Director, Co-Head Investment Banking; Matt Halasz as Managing Director, Investment Banking; and Zain Sadek as Analyst, Investment Banking. In addition, Roth Canada has added Jamie Somerville and Christopher True as Managing Directors, Senior Research Analysts, to its Calgary office. These strategic additions reinforce our commitment to supporting Canadian growth equity companies with full-service investment banking capabilities, access to international investors, and providing institutional clients with research-driven ideas.

    Ted Roth, Vice-Chairman of ROTH and CEO of Roth Canada, noted, “ROTH has a track record of over 30 years supporting growth-stage companies across many sectors and is a leading underwriter in the small and mid-cap space. Our Energy and Sustainability practices have been core to our business, supported not only by our banking, research, and sales capabilities in the United States, but also by our international distribution and leading corporate access activities. We are committed to leveraging this platform in support of Canadian issuers, investors, and stakeholders.”

    Additions to Roth Canada’s Investment Banking:

    Tony Loria has joined Roth Canada as Managing Director, Co-Head Investment Banking, bringing over 25 years of experience in the industry. Throughout his career, he has built and managed multiple banking franchises while advising a global client base on corporate finance, M&A, strategy, and innovation. Based in Calgary, Alberta, Tony specializes in the upstream small and mid-cap Energy sector and has led multiple investment banking franchises, including Genuity, Canaccord Genuity, Dundee Securities, and Eight Capital. At Eight Capital, he played a pivotal role in expanding the firm’s presence in the Sustainability and New Energy sectors, establishing it as a cornerstone asset.

    Matt Halasz has joined Roth Canada as Managing Director, Investment Banking, bringing nearly 15 years of experience in the investment banking industry. Known for his leadership, strategic thinking, and financial expertise, Matt oversees key client relationships and leads complex financial transactions across the oil & gas, energy, and sustainability sectors. Before joining Roth Canada, he worked at several leading full-service, independent investment dealers, gaining a deep understanding of capital markets.

    Zain Sadek has joined Roth Canada as Analyst, Investment Banking, bringing three years of experience in strategic and financial advisory services. Previously, he worked as an investment banker at a prominent independent Canadian investment bank, where he supported clients in the Energy and Sustainability sectors. Before that, Zain served as a management consultant at a leading global advisory firm.

    Additions to Roth Canada’s Research Team:

    Jamie Somerville has joined Roth Canada as Managing Director, Senior Research Analyst. Jamie has over 20 years of energy finance experience. He was most recently an equity research analyst at Eight Capital, and was previously at TD Securities from 2010-2015, and at Genuity Capital Markets from 2006-2010, where he was a Brendan Woods-ranked and StarMine award-winning analyst. He has also worked in executive and senior management positions for multiple publicly listed oil and gas companies.

    Christopher True has joined Roth Canada as Managing Director, Senior Research Analyst. Christopher has 6 years of sell-side equity research experience covering energy stocks for Eight Capital and CIBC World Markets. Before that, Christopher worked in the acquisitions and growth group at a leading Canadian oil and gas royalty company. Christopher graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Commerce from the Haskayne School of Business.

    “It is with a great deal of excitement that we announce the opening of our Calgary office, and the addition of Tony, Matt, Zain, Jamie, and Christopher,” said Brady Fletcher, President of Roth Canada. “We launched in Canada to support Canadian companies providing strategic advisory and access to capital by leveraging ROTH. Having top talent like Tony and his team recognize that opportunity continues to demonstrate the demand for our platform, and access to a differentiated network of investors, in the Canadian market.”

    About Roth Canada, Inc.

    Roth Canada, Inc. is a Canadian CIRO-regulated Dealer Member focused on serving emerging Canadian growth companies and their investors. Roth Canada is headquartered in Toronto and maintains offices in Calgary and Vancouver. For more information on Roth Canada, please visit www.rothcanada.ca.

    Investor Contact:

    Roth Canada, Inc.
    Brady Fletcher
    President
    bfletcher@rothcanada.ca

    ROTH – Member FINRA/SIPC – www.roth.com
    Roth Canada – Member CIRO/CIPF – www.rothcanada.ca

    Media Contact:

    IBN
    Los Angeles, California
    www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com
    310.299.1717 Office
    Editor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Moderne Joins Microsoft Pegasus Program to Accelerate Large-Scale Code Modernization for Enterprises

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Moderne, a leader in automated code refactoring and analysis, announced today its selection for the exclusive Microsoft for Startups Pegasus Program. This milestone provides Microsoft channels and customers easy access to Moderne’s automated code transformation platform, helping enterprises modernize, secure, and maintain their software efficiently at scale.

    Moderne’s automated approach reduces manual code migration and remediation efforts by up to 90%, allowing teams to complete updates that previously took months in just days or weeks. For example, enterprises use Moderne to accelerate application modernization, making it easier to migrate workloads to cloud infrastructure like Microsoft Azure or transition from another cloud provider. Other key use cases include automating security vulnerability remediation, executing large-scale framework migrations, and shifting from one solution to another to avoid vendor lock-in.

    Built on the OpenRewrite open-source project that Moderne CEO and co-founder Jonathan Schneider developed at Netflix, Moderne leverages deterministic recipes with the powerful Lossless Semantic Tree (LST) data model to analyze and transform multiple codebases quickly and accurately. When combined with Moderne’s new multi-repository AI agent Moddy, developers can work even more efficiently to understand and evolve large codebases.

    “The Microsoft for Startups Pegasus Program unlocks an incredible opportunity for Moderne to scale its impact, reaching developers all over the world struggling to maintain and secure their critical software,” said Jonathan Schneider, co-founder and CEO of Moderne. “With the backing of Microsoft and our recent Series B funding, we are poised to accelerate adoption and drive the future of automated code transformation.”

    The Microsoft for Startups Pegasus Program is an invite-only initiative under the Microsoft for Startups umbrella. It is designed to support growth-stage startups in scaling their businesses and connects startups with Microsoft’s technical and go-to-market expertise.

    “Moderne’s selection to the Microsoft Pegasus Program gives enterprise developers a scalable, automated approach to modernizing their software,” said Heena Purohit, Director of AI Startups at Microsoft for Startups. “We are thrilled to support Moderne’s mission of eliminating the massive amount of technical debt organizations have accumulated, enabling organizations to drastically reduce the cost and complexity of maintaining and securing their applications.”

    The Moderne Platform runs as a secure SaaS tenant on Microsoft Azure cloud infrastructure. The platform is now available on Azure Marketplace, making it easier than ever for Microsoft customers to integrate automated code refactoring into their workflows.

    About Moderne
    Moderne automates mass-scale code modernization that’s critical to the progress and success of enterprise companies today—making a difference in minutes, not months. Moderne is based in Miami, and its investors include Acrew Capital, Intel Capital, True Ventures, Mango Capital, Allstate Strategic Ventures, Morgan Stanley, Amex Ventures, and TIAA Ventures, among other investors and advisors. To learn more, visit www.moderne.ai

    Media Contact
    Merrill Freund
    415-577-8637
    merrill@freundpr.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Global: On stage but out of the spotlight − the quiet struggle of being an opening act

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jeff Apruzzese, Professor of Music Industry, Drexel University

    Getting heard has never been easier. Being recognized and staying relevant is the real challenge. PeopleImages/E+ via Getty Images

    I grew up playing in a lot of different bands, and my bandmates and I always held onto the belief that if we could just open for a more established act, it would pave the way to more success.

    When I started playing in the indie pop band Passion Pit – a group known for its shimmering synths, energetic live shows and breakout hits like Sleepyhead and Take a Walk – we began gaining traction and soon had the chance to open for the British band Muse, in what would be our first arena shows.

    Until then, we’d been headlining 3,000-capacity venues. Our label, management and booking team made it clear that this next step – playing in front of massive audiences – would catapult us to megastardom.

    Reality was different. After playing our own packed shows where fans cheered and called for encores, we suddenly found ourselves in 15,000-capacity arenas, where it seemed like everyone was ignoring us: chatting among themselves, still getting to their seats or waiting in line for food and drinks.

    It was a wake-up call. The transition from being a headliner at a smaller music venue to opener for a major act didn’t feel like a step forward. It felt like starting over.

    Years later, as an academic studying the music industry, I found myself returning to this question: Does opening for a major act help an artist’s career?

    There’s an assumption that it’s a golden ticket. But I’d seen plenty of openers, some incredibly talented, disappear from the spotlight soon after a tour ended. If touring is supposed to be a stepping stone to long-term success, why do so many promising acts fade into obscurity?

    These questions became the basis for my most recent study. I wanted to see whether these high-profile opportunities deliver any benefits for a singer or band, or if they were more like a sugar high, providing little more than a brief boost in exposure.

    It’s harder to stick out from the crowd

    Popular music is a US$28.6-billion global industry, and music consumption, according to a 2025 report from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, is at an all-time high. People around the world now spend an average of 20.7 hours per week listening to music on radio, streaming platforms, vinyl, CDs and social media.

    The ease of listening to and recording music presents both an opportunity and a challenge for aspiring artists.

    On one hand, streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music have removed traditional gatekeepers, making it easier than ever to release music and reach a global audience. But these platforms have also saturated listeners with content, and discovery is dictated more by algorithms rather than by word-of-mouth buzz, local touring circuits or traditional artist development.

    Social media, especially TikTok, can launch an unknown act into viral stardom within days. However, the attention span of digital audiences is fleeting. Most people consume music passively – often through playlists they didn’t curate and might not even remember.

    In other words, getting heard has never been easier. Being recognized and staying relevant? That’s the real challenge.

    For artists trying to break through, it’s no longer a question of choosing between touring or posting content. It’s about doing both, constantly, at a high level.

    Josh Ross performs as the opener for country superstar Jelly Roll in Edmonton on March 13, 2025.
    Ron Palmer/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

    Fleeting benefits

    But while headlining tours are often seen as a marker of success, many emerging acts first step onto national stages as openers – raising the question, does opening for a major artist actually lead to meaningful career growth?

    In my study, I analyzed the touring and streaming data of 57 opening acts on major U.S. tours in 2022 and 2023. For this project, “major” referred to nationally promoted, ticketed tours at venues with capacities of 2,000 or more, such as Harry Styles’ “Love On Tour,” Paramore’s spring arena run and Mitski’s “Laurel Hell Tour.” These tours drew large, dedicated fanbases – offering opening artists significant exposure.

    Using platforms such as Pollstar, Songkick and Chartmetric, I tracked each artist’s listenership across Spotify four weeks before the tour, during the tour and four weeks after the tour. I also conducted surveys with 500 fans to better understand how people were discovering and engaging with openers.

    The results were revealing. Most opening acts saw a streaming bump during the tour – usually between 18% and 20%, with some surging up to 200%.

    But that momentum rarely held. Within weeks, streams often dropped by 6% to 10%, or returned to their pre-tour levels entirely. While a few artists managed to hold onto new listeners, most saw the gains quickly fade. And even when audiences enjoyed an opener’s set, their interest withered: They may have checked out a song or two after the show, but few became regular listeners.

    These findings challenge the long-standing narrative that opening for a major artist is a surefire path to career growth. Exposure helps, but it’s not enough on its own. Without a clear post-tour strategy, that attention quickly fades.

    Rapper Rapsody performs as an opener for Lauryn Hill on Oct. 19, 2023, in New York City.
    Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images

    Algorithms can’t generate loyalty

    I’m not trying to discourage aspiring bands from going on tour. Far from it. Touring remains a crucial part of building a fan base.

    In a landscape defined by passive consumption, there’s still something powerful about the shared experience of live music. A performance can create an emotional connection that a stream simply can’t.

    Today, discovery often starts with a playlist. Someone hears a song and maybe adds it to their rotation. But they rarely click to learn more about the artist. Listeners follow the playlist, not the person behind the music. Many acts land on major playlists and go on to generate tens of thousands of streams. Others will even go viral on social media. And they still can’t sell more than 25 tickets to a local show.

    Live performances offer something different. A great set can turn a casual listener into a true fan. I’ve heard countless people say a particular show changed the way they experienced that artist’s music, that it left a lasting impression and forged a bond with the singer or group.

    That kind of loyalty doesn’t come from an algorithm. It comes from being in the room. And with more than 100,000 tracks uploaded to streaming services each day, artists need to use every tool they can to stand out.

    Cutting through the noise

    In an era when streaming revenue is notoriously slim, touring has become one of the few reliable sources of income for working artists. The top artists in 2017 earned 80% of their income from touring, 15% from recorded music and 5% from publishing fees.

    Even though touring is far from a guarantee – especially if you’re not the headliner, as my research shows – it’s still one of the few ways left to cut through the noise. In the survey I ran for my study, 68% of concertgoers said they discovered at least one new artist through an opener, and 39% said the opener influenced their ticket purchase.

    And there are success stories – instances where opening slots have helped launch lasting careers.

    Billie Eilish opened for Florence + The Machine early on in her career, using that visibility to build a massive following. Taylor Swift, in particular, has a reputation for picking future stars: Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendes, Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan all opened for her before becoming major names.

    Billie Eilish’s tour with Florence + the Machine in 2018 helped catapult the young singer to stardom.
    Jeff Hahne/Getty Images

    These examples are outliers, of course. For most openers, visibility comes quickly but fades just as fast.

    Today’s artists need more than one big moment. There needs to be some sort of plan, whether it’s releasing new content, crafting a strong identity or figuring out ways for new fans to stay engaged after the show ends.

    Because at the end of the day, it’s not about being seen once. It’s all about being remembered.

    Jeff Apruzzese 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. On stage but out of the spotlight − the quiet struggle of being an opening act – https://theconversation.com/on-stage-but-out-of-the-spotlight-the-quiet-struggle-of-being-an-opening-act-252350

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Sees 170% Surge in Trading Volume Amid Zero-Fee Campaign

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

     

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, has reported a notable increase in trading activity following the launch of its Zero-Fee Trading Campaign in the first quarter of 2025. The program aimed to remove fees from particular futures trading pairs while simultaneously boosting user interaction and substantial growth throughout essential platform metrics.

    During the first three months of the year, the platform witnessed an increase of 17.8% in monthly active traders and a 170.2% surge in trading volume, driven by the introduction of popular trading pairs such as SOL/USDT, HYPE/USDT, and S/USDT. These listings matched user preferences and overall market trends, reinforcing MEXC’s position as a leader in both exchange performance and liquidity depth.

    Top Performing Pairs: SOL/USDT and ADA/USDT
    The campaign’s most active trading pairs included SOL/USDT together with DOGE/USDT, ADA/USDT, TRUMPOFFICIAL/USDT and SUI/USDT.

    SOL/USDT achieved the highest trading volume increase of 185.62%, comprising 19% of total futures trading volume and becoming the leading pair of the quarter. ADA/USDT showed outstanding growth through a 369.44% increase in trading volume accompanied by a 393.05% increase in daily average share, highlighting the effectiveness of zero fees in boosting interest for promising assets.

     

    Market Share Growth: Dominance in Key Trading Pairs
    In terms of market share growth, AIXBT/USDT led the rankings with a 331% increase, followed by DOGE/USDT (+283%) and SOL/USDT (+209%). Notably, DOGE/USDT and SOL/USDT achieved the highest market share in their categories on CoinMarketCap, at 30.5% and 30.3%, respectively. ADA/USDT followed with a 20.6% share, securing second place in its category, while HYPE/USDT posted a 165% increase in market share.

    • AIXBT/USDT (+331%)
    • DOGE/USDT (+283%)
    • SOL/USDT (+209%)
    • ADA/USDT (+186%)
    • HYPE/USDT (+165%)

    A Breakthrough in Campaign Performance and Exchange Leadership
    During Q1 2025, the Zero Trading Fee Campaign established MEXC as a leading force behind market volume and activity for both well-known and up-and-coming tokens. MEXC achieved wider trader participation and increased liquidity by eliminating fees on popular trading pairs.

    The campaign’s success is attributed to precise timing, well-chosen trading pairs, and a clear, simplified fee structure — rather than external incentives or large-scale marketing. These results suggest that subtle adjustments to cost structures can have an outsized impact on user engagement and trading dynamics.

    MEXC continues to evaluate the results of the initiative and explore further opportunities to enhance user experience in the upcoming quarters.

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto”. Serving over 36 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, frequent airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.

    For more information, visit: MEXC WebsiteXTelegramHow to Sign Up on MEXC
    For media inquiries, please contact MEXC PR Manager Lucia Hu: lucia.hu@mexc.com

    Source

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

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8cd397ca-cf58-4026-8e47-82d170d6ae97
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/19053981-1bc0-4171-9a41-3444f28164e0
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/793e6557-ca50-45ee-98ff-122847da1aa9

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Duck Creek Technologies Appoints General Daniel Hokanson, USA, Ret. to Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Duck Creek Technologies, the global intelligent solutions provider defining the future of property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance, has announced the appointment of General Daniel Hokanson, USA, Ret. to the company’s board of directors. He brings deep expertise and experience in leading organizations through the development and implementation of detailed strategic policy to Duck Creek’s board.

    Hokanson is a retired 4-Star General who served as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the 29th Chief of the National Guard Bureau. In this role, he was a military advisor to the President, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Council. He also served as the Department of Defense’s channel of communications to the Governors and State Adjutants General.

    “Dan is an accomplished and decorated leader, and we are excited to have him join the Duck Creek Board of Directors,” said Michael Jackowski, Chief Executive Officer, Duck Creek Technologies. “As we continue to expand globally and help insurance companies tackle tough challenges resulting from climate change and increasingly complex regulatory environments, his unique skill set will be instrumental in guiding Duck Creek.”

    As Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Hokanson oversaw the Guard’s historic response to the COVID-19 pandemic, civil disturbances, and numerous natural disasters, while simultaneously meeting every global military operations requirement. He also led the National Guard and Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program, which includes over 100 member countries, regularly conducting senior government and military leader engagements worldwide.

    A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point with a degree in aerospace engineering, Hokanson also earned master’s degrees in international security and civil-military relations from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, and national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He also completed the Department of Defense year-long National Security Fellowship at Harvard University.

    “I am honored to join Duck Creek Technologies’ board of directors. The company’s dedication to innovation and excellence in the insurance industry strongly aligns with my values and experience,” said Hokanson. “I look forward to supporting Duck Creek’s mission to shape the future of property and casualty insurance while helping the industry navigate its evolving challenges.”

    Hokanson’s role was sourced through the external board program operated by Vista Equity Partners, a global technology investor that specializes in enterprise software and a majority investor in Duck Creek. Launched in 2017, the board program leverages Vista’s ecosystem and additional resources to identify, train, and appoint qualified board candidates for its portfolio companies. The program works to create a pipeline of highly talented board candidates through programs and partnerships that will drive results for the corporate world at large.

    About Duck Creek Technologies   
    Duck Creek Technologies is the global intelligent solutions provider defining the future of the property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance industry. We are the platform upon which modern insurance systems are built, enabling the industry to capitalize on the power of the cloud to run agile, intelligent, and evergreen operations. Authenticity, purpose, and transparency are core to Duck Creek, and we believe insurance should be there for individuals and businesses when, where, and how they need it most. Our market-leading solutions are available on a standalone basis or as a full suite, and all are available via Duck Creek OnDemand. Visit www.duckcreek.com to learn more. Follow Duck Creek on our social channels for the latest information – LinkedIn and X.

    Media Contacts:   
    Marianne Dempsey/Tara Stred   
    duckcreek@threeringsinc.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: JBTC Announces 1st Quarter 2025 Earnings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JONESTOWN, Pa., April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — JBT Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX: JBTC) reported quarterly earnings of $1,687,000 or $0.69 per share for the first quarter of 2025 versus $1,307,000 or $0.54 per share in the prior year. President Troy A. Peters stated: “Focusing on net interest income and non-interest income sources drove our results in the first quarter. Net interest income after credit loss expense increased by 7.87% over the same period in the prior year and non-interest income increased by 13.13% led by debit card interchange. Interchange income was positively affected by increased transaction volume and amounts.”

    More information can be found at OTC Markets at www.otcmarkets.com/stock/JBTC/overview.

    Contact: Andrea Shetterly, EAA
    ashetterly@jbt.bank
    Jonestown Bank & Trust Co.
    2 West Market Street
    Jonestown, PA 17038-0717
    Phone: 717-865-4246
      

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Franklin Electric Schedules Its First Quarter 2025 Earnings Release and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORT WAYNE, Ind., April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE) will release its first quarter 2025 earnings at 8:00 am ET on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. A conference call to review earnings and other developments in the business will commence at 9:00 am ET. The first quarter 2025 earnings call will be available via a live webcast. The webcast will be available in a listen only mode by going to:

    https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/yzximy3p

    For those interested in participating in the question-and-answer portion of the call, please register for the call at the link below.

    https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI5cb1cdcef9da4de38184396c5211b443

    All registrants will receive dial-in information and a PIN allowing them to access the live call. It is recommended that you join 10 minutes prior to the event start (although you may register and dial in at any time during the call).

    A replay of the conference call will be available from Tuesday, April 29, 2025, through 9:00 am ET on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, by visiting the listen-only webcast link above.

    About Franklin Electric
    Franklin Electric is a global leader in the production and marketing of systems and components for the movement of water and energy. Recognized as a technical leader in its products and services, Franklin Electric serves customers around the world in residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and fueling applications. Franklin Electric is proud to be named in Newsweek’s lists of America’s Most Responsible Companies and Most Trustworthy Companies for 2024 and America’s Climate Leaders 2024 by USA Today.

    “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements contained herein, including those relating to market conditions or the Company’s financial results, costs, expenses or expense reductions, profit margins, inventory levels, foreign currency translation rates, liquidity expectations, business goals and sales growth, involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, risks and uncertainties with respect to general economic and currency conditions, various conditions specific to the Company’s business and industry, weather conditions, new housing starts, market demand, competitive factors, changes in distribution channels, supply constraints, effect of price increases,  raw material costs, technology factors, integration of acquisitions, litigation, government and regulatory actions, the Company’s accounting policies, future trends, epidemics and pandemics, and other risks which are detailed in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, included in Item 1A of Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, Exhibit 99.1 attached thereto and in Item 1A of Part II of the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements made herein are based on information currently available, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

    CONTACT:   Russ Fleeger
        Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
        260.824.2900

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Groundbreaking Work Reaffirms UConn’s Excellence in Laser Research

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    From studying the mysterious fabric of our universe to advancing quantum computing to enabling communication over vast distances, ultrafast laser technologies drive advancements across many fields and applications. New research is taking lasers – and UConn – further.

    UConn Department of Physics researchers – including lead author and Ph.D. student Kevin Watson, research faculty Tobias Saule, Professor Carlos Trallero, Professor and member of the National Academy of Science Nora Berrah, Professor and Department Head George Gibson, and their co-authors – have broken new ground by achieving higher peak power and average power in optical pulses than ever before with a novel class of lasers. Their findings are published in Optica.

    Trallero says this research studies how lasers with high peak power and high average power interact with molecular gas. The high peak and average powers mean each laser pulse, though quick, is very intense.

    “As a laser propagates, it interacts non-linearly with the molecules, and in doing so, it creates new frequency components,” he says.

    Trallero explains these newly created components allow researchers to alter other qualities of the laser pulse, such as making the pulses shorter in duration.

    “Before this paper was published, the established knowledge was that for very intense lasers, the repetition of the laser pulses could not be too high, because what happens is they would heat up the molecules too much, and in doing so, the laser would stop targeting the molecules in such a way that would allow it to add more frequencies,” says Trallero.

    The world record for using nitrogen molecular gas to broaden these pulses was around 20 watts of average power. However, with this research, Trallero and his collaborators were able to break new ground and increase the pulses by more than a factor of ten to 250 watts.

    “We prove that not only can we increase this, but that we are not limited by how many pulses in time we have, but that the limitation is really the structure of the molecule,” says Trallero. “As long as the pulses have a certain pulse duration, we can propagate these very intense pulses through any gas. The limitation is not the power of the laser but the relationship between the short pulses and the structure of the molecules we are propagating through, in particular, the role of the rotational and vibrational structure. This is kind of a big deal.”

    This research could help advance the use of high-power lasers in applications ranging from defense to long-range communication, and the authors believe it will inform future directed energy research.

    “All of these lasers carry what we call directed energy. For example, if you want to direct energy for communication, say from here to Mars, you have to go through Earth’s atmosphere, then Mars’s atmosphere,” says Trallero. “That’s a lot of molecular gases, and you don’t want those lasers to change too much. Knowing how these powerful lasers can propagate is relevant knowledge for a lot of things.”

    This project has been in the making for many years, and the purchase of the state-of-the-art laser was made possible with money from a grant from the CLAS Research Equipment Funding Program and a collaboration between UConn, Few-cycle,  Amphos, and the TRUMPF Group. Though progress was initially stalled by the pandemic and the challenges of working across three countries, the collaboration has been making great strides since. In January, Trallero and collaborators met with the TRUMPF Americas group, to demonstrate this new research and explore a formal joint research agreement with UConn. This collaboration links UConn researchers and students with TRUMPF, which is one of the largest lasers companies in the world.

    “I think it shows that we can do great things with these world-class lasers, and here at UConn, we have people who are extremely well recognized in this field, which helps put UConn on the map for sure,” says Trallero.

    The partnership solidifies UConn’s position as a world-class laser research institution and helps ensure UConn students are well-connected to industry opportunities both before and after they graduate. Trallero points out that there are many other UConn researchers who are prominent in the optics field, including Berrah and Dean of the College of Engineering Ji-Cheng ‘JC’ Zhao.

    As a pioneer in the field, Trallero and his research group are busy putting the technology to the test for both applied and fundamental research. One project funded by the Department of Energy is at the most fundamental level, where the researchers are attempting to capture three-dimensional movies of electron motion in molecules in real-time.

    Trallero’s group is also utilizing a technique called attosecond interferometry in which very short laser pulses can interfere with one another. This interference allows for very precise measurements between molecules in each wave taken at the attosecond time scale.

    “The laser pulses are extremely short,” says Trallero. “I like to use the comparison used for the 2023 Nobel Prize in physics. If you think about a second, and you think about the entire life of the universe, of roughly 13 and a half billion years, there have been as many seconds in the entire history of the universe as there are attoseconds in one second. In my lab we have not just one attosecond pulse, we have two. We can interfere them, and that interference gives us access to the zeptosecond time scale which is 10 to the minus 21 seconds. With this new laser, we are hopeful that we can break the 10 to the minus 24 seconds, or yactoseconds.”

    Trallero says it can be hard to wrap one’s mind around these incredibly tiny timeframes. However, this fundamental knowledge, coupled with strong ties to industry giants, has massive potential to push the boundaries of innovation.

    Gibson is very enthusiastic about this research and says,

    “When I first came to UConn in 1993, I designed and built the first high-repetition rate femtosecond laser in Connecticut, as they were not yet commercially available. It is very gratifying to see how UConn has continued to lead in this field with the arrival of Professor Berrah and then Professor. Trallero. They have each broken new ground in ultrafast physics and technology, making UConn an internationally recognized center for ultrafast science.”

    This work was made possible with funding from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (FA9550-21-1-0387); Office of Naval Research (N00014-18-1-2872, N00014-19-1-2339); Basic Energy Sciences (DE-SC0024508), US Department of Energy, Office of Science, Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, & Biosciences Division, the Directed Energy Professional Society, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences of the University of Connecticut.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-Evening Report: PNG’s ‘chief servant’ James Marape defeats no-confidence vote

    By Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor

    Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has survived a motion of no confidence against him in Parliament.

    During the proceedings, livestreamed on EMTV, Speaker Job Pomat announced the results of the vote as 16 votes in favour and 89 against.

    In moving the motion, the member for Abau, Sir Puka Temu, nominated Sir Peter Ipatas as an alternative prime minister to Marape, and said the motion was moved on principle.

    “This is not a vote of ambition, it is a vote of accountability, it is a vote of conscience. Mr Speaker what is the role of government if not to uplift its people,” Sir Puka said.

    The seconder of the motion, Wabag Open MP Lino Tom acknowledged the government’s superior numbers, but said the opposition were acting in the interest of the people and challenged Marape to address them on the floor.

    “He needs to tell the people because he is the chief accountable officer of this country,” Tom said.

    “He can no longer blame his incompetent ministers. He can no longer blame any other person here on this floor.”

    Speaker put question
    The Speaker then went to immediately put the question, provoking the ire of the opposition bench with Madang MP Bryan Kramer accusing him of acting contrary to the Supreme Court order that had the House resume to hear the motion, which had initially been denied by the Parliament’s private business committee.

    “Mr Speaker must be consistent with the privileges and the spirit and intent of the constitution that provide every member the opportunity to debate,” he said.

    “This is a court order if you entertain this motion of ‘question be put’ then there will be contempt proceedings.”

    Despite multiple points of order from the opposition calling for the motion to be debated, Pomat proceeded to put the question and the results were overwhelmingly Marape’s favour.

    “Those in favour of this motion are 16 and those who are not in favour of this motion and who want the Honourable Member for Tari Pori, Honourable James Marape, to remain as prime minister are 89.”

    After the vote, Marape moved a motion to address the movers of the motion, and spoke at length about the achievements of his government, while throwing jabs at the opposition MPs, many of who had served as ministers in his government at different times.

    He finished by thanking all who supported him in today’s leadership challenge.

    Thanks to members
    “I want to say thank you for members on both sides of the House for your participation today.

    “A sincere thank you to the 89 on their feet, who stood up to vote and I want to say thank you as your chief servant.

    “I will try my absolute best to continue on leaving no place and no one behind as the ultimate aim of this government and should be for any government going forward into the future.”

    The nominated challenger, Sir Peter, also rose to thank the opposition for nominating him, and to all the people of Papua New Guinea who reached out to him with messages of support.

    He said he only accepted the nomination because so many MPs had complained about the prime minister’s performance.

    Sir Ipatas challenged government MPs to stop bickering and gossiping about James Marape behind his back.

    “As he rightly said, he is putting his time and effort into trying to make this country great,” he said.

    Call to ‘not gossip’
    “It is about our ministers and leaders and leaders of coalition partners not gossiping, but be open with the prime minister and talk about issues that we have for the country and for the people.

    “This country belongs to all of us. Our people.”

    Parliament is now adjourned until May 27.

    Under new laws passed last month, Marape now has an 18-month reprieve from votes of no confidence.

    With only two years left until the next election, RNZ Pacific understands this effectively gives him a clear run to the 2027 National General Election.

    Several opposition MPs in Parliament on Tuesday urged Marape to make the most of the upcoming period of stability, and deliver some real results for Papua New Guineans.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI: A quarter of Gen Z now pays for social media

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JOSE, Calif., April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a surprising twist to the once-free world of social media, nearly a quarter (23%) of Gen Z Americans (aged 18-25) now pay for a subscription to social media platforms such as Snapchat and X. That’s nearly double the rate (14%) of US subscribers at large, according to new data from the Subscriptions Assemble study by Bango (AIM: BGO).

    This emerging trend among Gen Z is just the beginning. The report — based on a landmark study of 5,000 US subscribers — finds that younger Americans are at the forefront of a new phase of the subscription economy where bundling is the rule.

    Meet the most subscribed generation in America

    Gen Z is the most heavily subscribed generation, paying for nearly seven (6.8) services on average. And they’re not shy about the cost: their total annual spend tops out at $940 per year.

    They’re also most likely to subscribe ‘indirectly’ via bundle deals through third parties (such as their cell phone plan), with almost three of their subscriptions (2.7) now paid in this way.

    Why? More than any other group, Gen Z prioritizes speed. 25% say it’s faster to subscribe indirectly through a bundle. Over a third (36%) also say they get a better price.

    In fact, they’re the most likely to cancel or pause a direct subscription in favor of a better deal in a bundle, with 32% of Gen Z making that move vs 20% of the wider population — signaling a shift in not just what they buy, but how they buy it.

    The Gen Z playlist: from Spotify to Xbox GamePass

    Music subscriptions top the subs list for Gen Z, with 59% saying they subscribe to at least one — compared to 43% of older American subscribers.

    They are also the only age group for which streaming services such as Netflix or Disney+ don’t come out on top, with 56% of Gen Z paying for at least one of those, compared with 75% of US subscribers as a whole.

    Gaming subscriptions are also much more popular with this group, with almost half (46%) paying for gaming services such as Xbox GamePass or PS Plus compared with only 22% of US subscribers overall.

    Bundles wanted

    Despite being cost-conscious digital natives, Gen Z subscribers are also the most likely to lose track of what they’re paying for. Nearly half (48%) admit they lose track of their total subscription spend. And over half (52%) are frustrated they can’t manage all their subscriptions in one place.

    That’s fuelling demand for smarter subscription bundling hubs such as ‘Verizon +play’. Over half of Gen Z (55%) would like their telco to manage all their subscriptions and a massive 73% say they’d be willing to pay more on their mobile or internet bill if subscriptions were included.

    1 in 5 Gen Z would prefer this sort of all-in-one subscription service to be offered by social media platforms like Meta, TikTok or X.

    Paul Larbey, CEO at Bango said “Gen Z is known for being cost-conscious, so they are discovering real value and convenience in bundled services. That means buying services as bundles is likely to become a lasting habit with this generation. Predictably these consumers look for subscription ‘staples’ — like music and streaming — through bundles to keep costs manageable.

    But what’s really surprising is that despite their cautious approach to spending, young people are willing to pay extra for premium access to social media. Instead of just consuming content, they’re enhancing their online presence and social connections. Platforms like Snapchat+ are now starting to be offered by telcos, showing how the bundle helps social media subscriptions to meet Gen Z’s demand for impact and convenience.”

    Read the full Gen Z breakdown here.

    About Bango
    Bango enables content providers to reach more paying customers through global partnerships. Bango revolutionized the monetization of digital content and services, by opening-up online payments to mobile phone users worldwide. Today, the Digital Vending Machine® is driving the rapid growth of the subscriptions economy, powering choice and control for subscribers.

    The world’s largest content providers, including Amazon, Google and Microsoft, trust Bango technology to reach subscribers everywhere.

    Bango, where people subscribe. For more information, visit www.bango.com

    Media contact
    SamsonPR
    bango@samsonpr.com
    M: +1 631.830.3305

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Castellum, Inc.’s Subsidiary GTMR Adds Professional Services to its Current GSA MAS Contract

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VIENNA, Va., April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Castellum, Inc. (NYSE-American: CTM) (“Castellum” or “CTM”), a cybersecurity, electronic warfare, and software engineering services company focused on the federal government, announces that its subsidiary Global Technology and Management Resources, Inc. (“GTMR”) has added Special Item Number (“SIN”) 541611 to their existing General Services Administration (“GSA”) Multiple Award Schedule (“MAS”) contract. SIN 541611 now allows GTMR to bid on competitive contracts related to management and financial consulting, acquisition and grants management support, and business program and project management services. GTMR’s existing GSA MAS contract includes SIN 541330ENG engineering services, 541380 testing laboratory services, 541420 engineering system design and integration services, and 541715 engineering research and development and strategic planning.

    “This is another positive step towards competing in more markets with a wider variety of services. Thanks to the hard work of GTMR’s leadership and our CTM professionals we were able to expand from engineering services into professional services on GSA MAS, demonstrating the ability to move into similar market areas leveraging our past performance. We can now respond to Requests for Quotations (“RFQs”) and Requests for Proposals (“RFPs) tied specifically to SIN 541611. This is also an important step in being able to leverage our joint venture agreements on the GSA MAS schedule. We have proven we are focused on organic growth and continue to make great progress,” said Drew Merriman, Chief Operating Officer of Castellum.

    About Castellum, Inc.

    Castellum, Inc. (NYSE-American: CTM) is a cybersecurity, electronic warfare, and software engineering services company focused on the federal government – https://castellumus.com/.

    Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements:

    This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements represent the Company’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events and can generally be identified by the use of statements that include words such as “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “shooting to,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee,” “likely,” “will,” “would,” “appears,” “goal,” “target” or similar words or phrases. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s expectations for revenue growth and new customer opportunities, improvements to cost structure, and profitability. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s expectations for revenue growth and new customer opportunities including opportunities arising from the GSA MAS contract, and related RFQs and RFPs, and other customers, improvements to cost structure, and profitability. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are outside of the Company’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including, among others: the Company’s ability to compete against new and existing competitors; its ability to effectively integrate and grow its acquired companies; its ability to identify additional acquisition targets and close additional acquisitions; the impact on the Company’s revenue due to a delay in the U.S. Congress approving a federal budget, operating under a prolonged continuing resolution, government shutdown, or breach of the debt ceiling, as well as the imposition by the U.S. government of sequestration in the absence of an approved budget; the ability of the U.S. federal government to unilaterally cancel a contract with or without cause, and more specifically, the potential impact of the U.S. DOGE Service Temporary Organization on government spending and terminating contracts for convenience. For a more detailed description of these and other risk factors, please refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) which can be viewed at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the Company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. The Company expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements made in this release or in any of its SEC filings except as may be otherwise stated by the Company.

    Contact:

    Glen Ives
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    Phone: (703) 752-6157
    info@castellumus.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/98f3a02c-1db7-42e1-b8c9-7597091b0b78

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Liverpool film studio scores BAFTA albert win

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Last updated:

    A Liverpool studio’s aim to be one of the UK’s greenest has been rewarded with a prestigious rating from the UK film industry.

    The Depot, which has hosted numerous award-nominated TV productions, has been named as a ‘Very Good’ BAFTA Albert sustainable studio.

    The new accolade makes The Depot one of the leading net zero studios of its kind in the country in delivering its carbon-cutting commitments.

    Owned by Liverpool City Council and managed by the Film Office, The Depot first opened its doors in 2021 and since then has welcomed productions such as This City Is Ours, The Gathering and Sexy Beast.

    A total of 31 studios participated in this round of the BAFTA Albert Studio Sustainability Standard where The Depot was awarded a rating of ‘Very Good’ with a score of 80% – compared to an average score of 77%.

    Areas in which the studio excelled were 100% LED studio lighting, providing the service of renewable generators, the sustainability policy, as well as access to green biodiverse space.

    Suggestions for improvements include installing EV charging ports, looking at the feasibility of renewable energy generation and increasing the recycling rate.

    Launched in 2022, the BAFTA Albert Studio Sustainability Standard is the world’s first sustainability assessment designed to help measure and reduce the environmental impact of film and TV studios by focusing on six key areas: Climate, Circularity, Nature, People, Management and Data.

    Each studio submits data annually under the areas highlighted to then receive a performance report as well as a grade so that benchmarking work can be done to continue to make improvements and compare other studios across the world.

    This award comes after Liverpool was announced as the world’s first UN Accelerator City for climate action, which recognises the city’s commitment to trial new ways to decarbonise the music and film production sectors.

    For more information about the Film Office, and to watch the 35th anniversary celebratory showreel, head to the official website.

    Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Liam Robinson, said:
    “This is fantastic news for the city and for film and TV productions who choose Liverpool as their place to shoot their stories for screen.

    “Not only have we achieved a ‘Very Good’ rating but The Depot is leading the way for film and TV studios in the North, proving that if you want to shoot sustainable productions, Liverpool is the very best place to do this.

    “This news follows our announcement last year about our ‘plug and play’ zones across key filming and TV sites in the city centre and is yet another important step towards the city’s net-zero future.”

    Head of Liverpool Film Office, Lynn Saunders, said:
    “We’re thrilled to receive the rating of ‘Very Good’ and so proud that we’ve achieved this award in the first time in entering.

    “We’re dedicated to building on the success of filming in the Liverpool City Region by creating a sustainable screen eco system, bettering not only our skills programme but the way we work with productions when they come to our region to film.

    “By having this award, we will be able to track our progress and continue to make meaningful improvements to The Depot to better the environment for generations to come.”

    Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said:
    “We’re proud to be leading the charge in building a cleaner, greener economy right here in the Liverpool City Region – and with The Depot becoming a ‘Very Good’ BAFTA Albert sustainable studio it shows we’re not just talking the talk, we’re walking the walk.

    “It’s brilliant to get this kind of recognition. Every step we take to build sustainability into our everyday lives leads to bigger shift – and it’s those changes that’ll help us hit our ambitious target of becoming net zero by 2035. That’s a decade ahead of the government – and proof that when we set ourselves targets, we deliver.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Hasan Ismaik Opens Strategic Investment Opportunity in Germany’s Historic TSV 1860 Munich

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Billionaire businessman and Chairman of HAMIC Group, Hasan Abdullah Ismaik, has announced that he is currently reviewing multiple acquisition offers for his stake in TSV 1860 Munich, one of Germany’s most iconic football clubs. The move marks a significant strategic opportunity for global investors seeking to be part of a legacy brand with strong cultural roots and untapped growth potential.

    Founded over 165 years ago, TSV 1860 Munich holds a celebrated place in German football history, having won the Bundesliga championship in 1966. The club is deeply embedded in the spirit of the city of Munich and enjoys a wide and loyal fan base, with its distinctive blue representing more than just sport—it represents identity, pride, and tradition.

    In an exclusive interview with Germany’s ARD TV channel, Ismaik stated:
    “We have received several compelling offers from investors who recognize the unique potential of 1860 Munich. We are currently evaluating the best option to ensure the club’s long-term growth and global positioning.”

    Ismaik emphasized the club’s solid foundation and remarkable capacity for expansion, noting that with a strategic investment of €300 million, TSV 1860 Munich has the potential to exceed a €2 billion market valuation in the near future.

    This development follows over a decade of successful stewardship under Ismaik, whose early investment in 2011 helped stabilize the club financially. His involvement has safeguarded its heritage and positioned it for a new era of ambitious transformation.

    In closing, Ismaik shared a powerful message of optimism:
    “We know that lions rest for long periods—but the time has come to awaken them.”

    Visit our website: www.HAMIC.com

    For more information, please contact:

    PR@hamic.com

    +971582913443

    Follow us on https://www.instagram.com/hamicgroup/

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6ac6ea67-ca0e-427b-8847-d2cbc7f90b0b

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT)

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    The Lithuanian public broadcaster, Lithuanian Radio and Television (LRT), is the media group that is owned by the public. As a taxpayer-funded institution, LRT’s fundamental mission is to serve the public interest and the public’s right to trustworthy and objective information.

    Lithuanian Radio and Television dates to 1926 when the first radio station started regular broadcasting from the then temporary capital of Lithuania, Kaunas. The television service has been broadcasting since 1957. Radio and television services are now operated from LRT’s headquarters in Vilnius.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI China: Hollywood writer: Tariffs won’t disrupt US-China cultural exchange

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Peter Chiarelli, screenwriter behind such movies as “Crazy Rich Asians,” told China.org.cn on April 11 in Macao that recent tensions caused by President Donald Trump’s tariff war against multiple countries, particularly China, won’t deter his — or others’ — commitment to cultural exchange with China.

    Peter Chiarelli, American screenwriter and producer, participates in a forum during the second Macao International Comedy Festival, Macao, April 13, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Mahua Fun Age]

    “I know what I’m gonna do and it’s not gonna impact how I act. It’s not gonna impact how I feel,” Chiarelli said. “And I can say, I think a lot of people feel the way that I feel rather than the kind of rhetoric that you hear sometimes.”

    Chiarelli traveled to Macao to attend the second Macao International Comedy Festival, which was held from April 9 to 13 in the special administrative region and neighboring Hengqin district of Zhuhai, Guangdong province. The festival features various activities, including film screenings, stage performances, industry forums, pitch sessions and a gala night.

    In this chaotic world, the American screenwriter emphasized how comedy and cinema can highlight what unites people rather than what divides them. “If there is something important, it’s this idea that I think we’re all more alike than we are different. That’s what I think comedy and film specifically can do,” he said.

    Having written Macao into his script for the 2016 movie “Now You See Me 2,” this is actually his first time visiting the city in person, and he’s excited to finally see it for himself. Attending the comedy festival, he expressed his hope to use this platform to exchange ideas with fellow filmmakers. He even joked that he’d love to “steal” inspiration from local culture and other people, later integrating it into his future projects.

    “Everybody that comes here loves comedy. So you’ve got to share those ideas, share those thoughts, and then hopefully, we’ll all be stealing from one another, taking inspiration back home and doing better work,” Chiarelli said.

    For him, when working on something culturally specific, it’s essential to collaborate with people who understand that culture. “That’s really important to me. Whenever I’m writing something, I want it to be as authentic as possible. I just want to steal from real life,” Chiarelli said.

    Actress Fiona Xie, director Jon M. Chu, actress Michelle Yeoh and producer John Penotti pose for a photo at the Chinese premiere of “Crazy Rich Asians” in Beijing, Nov. 24, 2018. [Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures]

    Chiarelli explained that what he loves most about comedy is its ability to address difficult or meaningful topics without feeling heavy-handed.

    “It doesn’t feel like homework,” he said. “You’re not watching something because you’re supposed to watch something or it’s a way to talk about these things. Comedy is that you can kind of have a message, but you don’t have to be preachy about it. And you can also just have a good time and laugh and turn it off. Be a little bit better in your day, have a smile on your face when you’re done. That’s what I love about it. That’s what I try and do with everything that I write.”

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Exploring the Universe Through Sight, Touch, and Sound

    Source: NASA

    For the first time in history, we can explore the universe through a rich blend of senses—seeing, touching, and hearing astronomical data—in ways that deepen our understanding of space. While three-dimensional (3D) models are essential tools for scientific discovery and analysis, their potential extends far beyond the lab.
    Space can often feel distant and abstract, like watching a cosmic show unfold on a screen light-years away. But thanks to remarkable advances in technology, software, and science, we can now transform telescope data into detailed 3D models of objects millions or even billions of miles away. These models aren’t based on imagination—they are built from real data, using measurements of motion, light, and structure to recreate celestial phenomena in three dimensions.
    What’s more, we can bring these digital models into the physical world through 3D printing. Using innovations in additive manufacturing, data becomes something you can hold in your hands. This is particularly powerful for children, individuals who are blind or have low vision, and anyone with a passion for lifelong learning. Now, anyone can quite literally grasp a piece of the universe.
    These models also provide a compelling way to explore concepts like scale. While a 3D print might be just four inches wide, the object it represents could be tens of millions of billions of times larger—some are so vast that a million Earths could fit inside them. Holding a scaled version of something so massive creates a bridge between human experience and cosmic reality.
    In addition to visualizing and physically interacting with the data, we can also listen to it. Through a process called sonification, telescope data is translated into sound, making information accessible and engaging in a whole new way. Just like translating a language, sonification conveys the essence of astronomical data through audio, allowing people to “hear” the universe.
    To bring these powerful experiences to communities across the country, NASA’s Universe of Learning, in collaboration with the Library of Congress, NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, and the Space Telescope Science Institute, has created Mini Stars 3D Kits that explore key stages of stellar evolution. These kits have been distributed to Library of Congress state hubs across the United States to engage local learners through hands-on and multisensory discovery.
    Each Mini Stars Kit includes:

    Three 3D-printed models of objects within our own Milky Way galaxy:

    Pillars of Creation (M16/Eagle Nebula) – a stellar nursery where new stars are born
    Eta Carinae – a massive, unstable star system approaching the end of its life
    Crab Nebula – the aftermath of a supernova, featuring a dense neutron star at its core

    Audio files with data sonifications for each object—mathematical translations of telescope data into sound
    Descriptive text to guide users through each model’s scientific significance and sensory interpretation

    These kits empower people of all ages and abilities to explore the cosmos through touch and sound—turning scientific data into a deeply human experience. Experience your universe through touch and sound at: https://chandra.si.edu/tactile/ministar.html
    Credits:
    3D Prints Credit: NASA/CXC/ K. Arcand, A. Jubett, using software by Tactile Universe/N. Bonne & C. Krawczyk & Blender
    Sonifications: Dr. Kimberly Arcand (CXC), astrophysicist Dr. Matt Russo, and musician Andrew Santaguida (both of the SYSTEM Sounds project)
    3D Model: K. Arcand, R. Crawford, L. Hustak (STScI)

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Lists WalletConnect (WCT) with Airdrop+ Event Offering 273,000 WCT & 50,000 USDT in Rewards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, announced it will list WalletConnect Network (WCT) on April 15, 2025 (UTC), accompanied by Airdrop+ rewards totaling 273,000 WCT and 50,000 USDT for users.

    WalletConnect is a leading network enabling seamless on-chain user experiences. As the backbone for wallet-to-DApp communication across blockchains like Ethereum, Solana, and Cosmos, it facilitates secure interactions without requiring users to switch wallets. With over 275 million connections and 45 million users worldwide, WalletConnect empowers users to engage with DeFi, NFTs, swaps, and staking applications through a unified interface. This infrastructure drives Web3 innovation by bridging wallets, applications, and blockchains effortlessly.

    $WCT is the native token of WalletConnect, used for network incentives, governance, and transaction fees. It also supports validator staking rewards and decentralized decision-making. By staking $WCT, holders contribute to network security and protocol upgrades, ensuring a decentralized, permissionless, and community-driven ecosystem.

    To celebrate the official listing of WalletConnect (WCT) on MEXC, MEXC is launching a limited-time Airdrop+ Event, open to both new and existing users.

    Event Period:
    April 9, 2025, 10:00 – April 25, 2025, 10:00 (UTC)

    Here are the key benefits of the event:
    Benefit 1: Deposit and share 195,000 WCT (Exclusive for new users)
    Benefit 2: Futures Challenge — Trade to share 50,000 USDT in Futures bonus (Open to all users)
    Benefit 3: Invite new users and share 78,000 WCT (Open to all users)

    For full event details and participation rules, please visit here.

    MEXC has established itself as an industry leader by consistently providing users with early access to promising crypto projects. In 2024, MEXC introduced 2,376 new tokens, with 1,716 initial listings. According to the latest TokenInsight report, from November 1, 2024, to February 15, 2025, MEXC led the industry with an impressive 461 spot listings. Additionally, during the bi-weekly periods, MEXC maintained a high listing frequency, consistently ranking among the top six exchanges and demonstrating its ability to capture market trends quickly. MEXC will continue to innovate and expand its offerings, providing users with the best opportunities in the ever-evolving crypto space.

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 36 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
    MEXC Official WebsiteXTelegramHow to Sign Up on MEXC

    Risk Disclaimer:
    The information provided in this article regarding cryptocurrencies does not constitute investment advice. Given the highly volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, investors are encouraged to carefully assess market fluctuations, the fundamentals of projects, and potential financial risks before making any trading decisions.

    Source

    Contact:
    Lucia Hu
    lucia.hu@mexc.com

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

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/047b7c55-0330-4413-a078-b67cc1c448ec

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Councils’ joint green skills and training project benefits businesses

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    A Green Skills upskilling project offering free and subsidised courses designed to support the move to NetZero in the region has been hailed as a great success. 180 qualifications were achieved by local people who took advantage of the free training.

    Launched in the summer of 2024, the Green Skills upskilling project has been a collaborative effort to provide green skills training to help people gain skills for the future. This initiative is a partnership between Portsmouth City Council and Havant Borough Council, City of Portsmouth College, and SERT Training.

    Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants highlighting the immediate application of their training to their work practices and the expansion of services they can offer to customers. Training took place at City of Portsmouth College and SERT Training, both of which offer modern, industry-specific resources.

    Brad Howick, from TVR Electrical in Havant said:

    “The Green Skills funding helped our business through the EV charger course. This was extremely beneficial to have more engineers qualified to install EV chargers, giving us more flexibility with our scheduling.”

    Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council with responsibility for economic development said:

     “It is fantastic to see the impact of collaboration in action across our region via our Green Skills upskilling project. As we focus on a more sustainable future, investing in our workforce is essential, and these new green skills are enabling businesses and residents alike to adapt and thrive in our economy moving forward.”

    Cllr. Phil Munday, Leader of Havant Borough Council, said:

    “We are delighted to have secured a grant from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund which has enabled us to help and train many working in the construction trade.

    By developing the skills and knowledge of those who live or work locally it will benefit us in making commercial buildings and homes in the borough more energy-efficient in the future.

    “As a council, we are committed to tackling the climate emergency head-on. So, it is great that Havant Borough Council and Portsmouth City Council have been able to work in partnership with SERT Group, and City of Portsmouth College who have provided the training to equip residents and businesses with green skills that will, in time help to decarbonise the borough.

    “Industries are rapidly moving towards green skills so being prepared for this shift by upskilling the next generation of workers will benefit everyone.”

    Using UK Shared Prosperity Funding, this initiative focused on increasing skills and awareness of sustainable and net zero practices. Some of the courses on offer included:

    • Electrical Energy Storage Systems
    • Solar PV Installation
    • Solar & Battery Combined
    • Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) Training
    • Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Point

    Mark Edwards, CEO SERT Group said:

    “We’re incredibly proud to collaborate with Havant Borough Council, Portsmouth City Council, and City of Portsmouth College on this UK Shared Prosperity Fund grant for green upskilling. Over the past few months, SERT has upskilled 66 residents through 97 accredited upskill courses in sustainable energy solutions, including solar panel installation, battery storage, EV charging points, and air source heat pump design, installation, and maintenance. These initiatives are creating new career opportunities, driving renewable energy adoption, and supporting our collective journey towards net zero—making a real impact in our communities.”

    Katy Quinn, Principal and CEO City of Portsmouth College said:

    “Sustainability is always high on our agenda, so we were delighted at the opportunity to access the prosperity funding. It meant we were able to offer plumbing and heating engineers from micro, small, and medium-sized businesses three one-day courses completely free of charge. It was fantastic to collaborate closely with Portsmouth City Council, Havant Borough Council, and SERT to deliver this training, enhancing critical skills and making a difference for the people who live and work in our region.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Gate.io’s Strategic MENA Expansion: Launching Arabic Services and Achieving 165% New Signups

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PANAMA CITY, Panama, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gate.io, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges, has officially announced the expansion of its operations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, unveiling a fully localized Arabic experience aimed at better serving the needs of users across the Arabic-speaking world.

    This strategic move is part of Gate.io’s global mission to engage more deeply with emerging markets, delivering a user experience that is culturally aligned, accessible, and designed with local users in mind. Gate.io has introduced a comprehensive suite of services specifically tailored for the MENA region, including a fully localized Arabic website and mobile app with customized UI/UX and interactive product education. The platform now also offers Arabic-speaking customer support, ensuring a more personalized experience for local users. Furthermore, Gate.io has integrated P2P trading with local fiat onboarding, making it easier for MENA users to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies using their native currencies. Additionally, the platform has launched its first-ever Arabic-language YouTube tutorial series to provide educational content that caters to the unique needs of Arabic-speaking crypto enthusiasts. Along with these initiatives, the educational programs and community outreach, combined with collaborations with regional crypto creators and professionals, will help foster a more vibrant and dynamic cryptocurrency landscape in the MENA region.

    During the first quarter of 2025, the Gate.io MENA team achieved significant growth and engagement. New signups surged by 165%, driven by business development and community campaigns, while daily active users in the region increased by 23%. This growth underscores the platform’s expanding influence and user engagement in this key market.

    Dr. Han, Founder and CEO of Gate.io, said, “As a global platform, our commitment is not just to offer access, but to make crypto understandable, inclusive, and secure—especially in regions where adoption is growing rapidly. Our MENA expansion reflects our belief in the immense potential of Arabic-speaking communities to shape the future of Web3.”

    “Our commitment to the Arabic-speaking community goes beyond simple translation. We are investing in long-term, sustainable growth by building a secure and intelligent crypto ecosystem tailored for local users.” remarked the Regional Director of Gate.io MENA.

    Gate.io’s approach in the MENA region goes beyond simply providing a trading platform; the company is committed to building an inclusive and dynamic ecosystem. The platform will continue to advance Arabic-focused influencer and KOC programs, community-driven educational campaigns, fast and localized customer service, and strategic collaborations with Arabic crypto media and knowledge platforms.

    This expansion marks a critical milestone in Gate.io’s ongoing mission to engage more deeply with emerging markets and provide a platform that caters to the diverse needs of local users. Founded in 2013, Gate.io has grown to serve over 22 million users globally. The platform offers a wide range of products, including spot and futures trading, P2P, copy trading, DeFi services, and more. Gate.io remains committed to regulatory compliance, user safety, and innovation in Web3 and crypto finance. By investing in the MENA region, Gate.io seeks to empower users to fully engage with the evolving world of Web3.

    For more information, visit the Arabic website, download the app from the App Store or Google Play, and follow Gate.io on Twitter at @Gateio_Arabic.

    Media Contact:
    Elaine Wang at elaine.w@gate.io

    Disclaimer
    This content does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or recommendation. You should always seek independent professional advice before making investment decisions. Gate.io may restrict or prohibit certain services in specific jurisdictions. For more details, please read the User Agreement: https://www.gate.io/zh/user-agreement.

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

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f8d154f3-b428-4e7b-8a3a-90f661638af1

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Magical World of Creativity: How the M.I. Glinka Children’s Art School Works

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Multi-colored walls and benches whose outlines resemble musical instruments, works by Pyotr Tchaikovsky and avant-garde compositions written in a computer program are inChildren’s School of Arts (DSHI) named after M.I. Glinka in Pechatniki everything is bright, creative, modern, close to the young generation. Here even the classics sound new, and the children express themselves through music, movement and colors. The teachers of this educational institution call it Hogwarts and the magical world of creativity. Young Muscovites can become a part of it, because on April 15 in children’s art schools subordinate to To the Department of Culture of the City of Moscow, the admissions campaign for pre-professional programs has begun.

    Room for creativity

    The M.I. Glinka Children’s Art School is located in the Pechatniki district on Guryanova Street (83a). The brick building is distinguished by a line of music decorating the facade. It was built as part of the Art for Children project not far from the previous location of the school. The children moved here with their instruments in 2021.

    The school began its work as a creative circle in the club of the repair enterprise of Vnukovo airport back in 1962. However, it never had its own building, and had to constantly change addresses. In recent years, before settling in its current premises, the school occupied a cramped two-story building in Pechatniki.

    “I am a graduate of the Glinka Children’s Art School. I entered the piano class here in 1998. I remember having to study in different classrooms all the time, those that were free. Between classes there was nowhere to sit, relax, get in a creative mood. And now we are in a spacious room, where the space is divided into zones decorated in different colors, each direction has its own floor, there is a cafe downstairs where you can have a snack. If before children went to study music after school and everything merged into one long school day, now they run here as if to a holiday, here you want to create,” shares the deputy director of the Glinka Children’s Art School and sound design teacher Maxim Novozhilov.

    The new building is decorated in a single color, like other art schools in the capital. The first floor is yellow and green. Theoretical classes, such as solfeggio, are located here. The second floor is bright blue. Here they study modern dance and sound engineering — they write arrangements in computer programs, and at the same time compose their own electronic compositions. “All our training is at the intersection of classics and modern art,” smiles Denis Gordeyev, director of the Glinka Children’s Art School.

    In the classroom we enter, teenage girls wearing headphones are pressing the keys of a miniature one-octave synthesizer (the device is called a MIDI keyboard), and lines and dashes appear on the display, visually representing the sounds.

    “I found the notes of my favorite artist, now I play the melody and add special effects, bass, drums. I like that you can not only play, but arrange it in your own way, and you don’t need other instruments,” explains sixth-grader Vasilisa Shashkova.

    On the third floor, decorated in blue, children play flutes, drums, cellos and violins – these are the instruments of a symphony orchestra. Next door, young actors are practicing.

    There is also a 300-seat concert hall here. Right now, an event is taking place there to mark the 80th anniversary of the Victory: a girl in a tunic and cap is singing “Three Tankmen, Three Merry Friends” accompanied by an accordionist.

    “The performance is classical, and the hall is modern. It is made in the form of a movie theater, with a large screen on which the concert can be broadcast, since today’s children are used to receiving information from monitors. At the same time, the stage is minimalist, without any distracting decorations,” says Denis Gordeev.

    On the fourth floor, dark green, future specialists in folk art (choreographers, singers, performers of compositions on balalaikas and accordions) and artists hone their skills. In the painting class, children complete an assignment from teacher Maria Gilyarova: the subjects of their drawings are about the Great Patriotic War. Thus, one student depicted how schoolchildren lay flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

    “They study in this department for five years, it’s pre-professional training. Most children will go on to art colleges and universities. Two-hour classes are held three times a week,” Maria Gilyarova explains.

    On all floors there are multi-colored soft benches-banquettes, in the outlines of which one can guess cellos, guitars or drums. And this is only a hint of the similarity with musical instruments: each child can fantasize and develop creative thinking.

    “Another interesting design technique is that the walls of the classrooms that border the corridor are painted the same color as the hall. This is necessary so that the students do not feel like they are in a confined space, because a creative person needs freedom,” adds Denis Gordeev.

    Sergei Sobyanin opened a new building of the Glinka Children’s Art SchoolOpen Days Begin in Moscow Schools and Arts Colleges

    Waiting for talents

    Today, more than 540 children study at the School of Arts. And 49 teachers and accompanists teach classes. Before and during the admission campaign, until the end of May, parents and children can come to open days and see how the educational institution is organized, and talk to teachers.

    You can apply for the pre-professional program at the Glinka School of Arts from April 15 to May 15, and for general development programs from May 16 to July 1. You can do this in person at the institution or online – on the portal Mos.ru.

    After parents apply for admission, the child will have to take a creative test. There is no single requirement for it. Everything depends on which direction is chosen and how the candidate plans to express himself in creativity.

    “Our school has four areas: music, painting, choreography and theatre. During the interview, we check the musician’s memory and hearing, ask him to sing a song, clap a simple rhythm, repeat the sounds of the piano with his voice. Dancers usually demonstrate a sense of rhythm, coordination in space, we also pay attention to the structure of the body, flexibility. Artists bring their works and complete an exam task: a drawing on a given topic. And future actors read a short story, similar to how it happens when entering creative universities. Also, since children from 10 years old, already conscious, well-read, often enter the theater department, we ask them questions on literature, history – we check their general outlook,” says Denis Gordeev, director of the Glinka Children’s Art School.

    The art of teaching

    While we are studying the school in the company of the director, we are greeted by the children who came to the classes. Everyone is smiling, satisfied, happy. Our interlocutor knows everyone by name, asks how things are going. Every child is an individual, a creative person. Many come here on the advice of their parents, but stay of their own free will. This is what happened to eight-year-old Alexander Tupikov, a future pianist.

    “My mother brought me to school. And I liked my teacher so much that I wanted to study. I have been playing the piano for the second year, I really like the works of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, I can perform the “March of the Tin Soldiers” and “Nanny’s Tale”. I have already decided that I will become a professional pianist,” says Alexander Tupikov.

    He gets up at seven in the morning to practice at home before going to a comprehensive school. Even now, Alexander Tupikov plays like an adult, places accents, feels the keys.

    “I find the key to each child through their interests: I play different compositions for the students, and they choose what they like best. And that is what we study further. I do not force them to learn boring scales by heart if the children do not want to. Technique can be practiced in another way, for example, by performing the same “Nyanina Skazka”. It is important when children participate in competitions and win. For creative development, it is necessary to feel like the best,” says Tatyana Batura, a piano teacher at the Glinka Children’s Art School.

    Meanwhile, in the solfeggio class, students review the material they have covered over the year. Children often dislike this subject, finding it boring, as they have to memorize incomprehensible notes and intervals. But here, everything is different.

    “If a child understands how this will be useful to him in life, the attitude towards the subject changes. I tell students that knowing solfeggio, being able to repeat the sounds of musical instruments with their voice, they will always be able to sing along at some creative evening, express themselves, attract attention. In addition, when it works out, you want to go further,” says solfeggio teacher at the M.I. Glinka Children’s Art School Yulia Petrushevich.

    Children’s Art School “Center” is 55 years old: history, traditions and students’ achievementsKeepers of Russian traditions. What folk crafts do children study in Moscow creativity centersTicket to the Future: How Moscow Mayor’s Grants in Culture and Arts Help Young Talents

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/152609073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Masterpieces of vocal music and architectural plein air: what the capital’s cultural venues have prepared for the Days of Historical and Cultural Heritage

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    More than 55 venues in the capital have prepared over 280 eventsDays of Historical and Cultural Heritage. On April 20, concerts, lectures, excursions and master classes await guests. Entrance to museums and exhibition halls will be free. To attend events within the framework of the campaign, you must first purchase free tickets on the website Ticket.Mos.ru.

    Learn all about ceramics and the secrets of cinema

    At 12:00 and 14:00, the Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve will host a mediator tour, “Form of Thought,” around the exhibition “To Be in the Material. Contemporary Ceramic Art.” https://bilet.mos.ru/?spheres=[“442299”] The exhibition tells, among other things, about the connection between ceramic art and industrial design. You can discuss the work with an art mediator and understand what emotions it evokes.

    A lecture will be held at 16:00 in the gallery “Na Shabolovke” of the association “Exhibition halls of Moscow” “Cinema through the eyes of an artist”. It will be read by Nikita Bestuzhev, a film artist, graphic artist, illustrator, member of the Moscow Union of Artists, teacher and curator of the Moscow Film School. Participants will learn how films are created, see storyboards of famous Russian and foreign films, learn about what was not included in the final versions, and discuss interesting and unknown to the general public stories of the creation of films. During the lecture, guests will be asked to draw a storyboard.

    Listen to music and learn to dance

    The Alfred Mirek Museum of Russian Accordion invites you to a concert by Elena Filippova and Pavel Korbankov at 15:00. They are participants in folklore festivals, concerts and creative evenings, laureates of the XXI Moscow International Festival “Accordion – the Soul of Russia”, the Interregional Folklore and Ethnographic Festival “Russian Sound”, the Moscow annual festival in honor of the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity. The musicians play ancient traditional instruments – Yelets piano and Tula seven-valve accordions, balalaikas and gusli, as well as on objects of peasant life, sometimes the most unusual and unexpected.

    Concert “Masterpieces of Russian Vocal Music” will be held at the Yesenin Center of the Moscow State S.A. Yesenin Museum. It will begin at 17:00. The performance will feature works by composers from different eras, including Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Alexander Varlamov, Boris Fomin, Sergei Banevich, Isaak Dunaevsky, Valery Gavrilin, as well as Russian folk songs.

    At the Museum of the Estates of Russia, at 13:00 and 16:00 you can take part in an interactive program “Salon of noble leisure”. It is dedicated to the leisure time of nobles in pre-revolutionary Russia of different eras. The host will show household items, such as a gramophone with pre-revolutionary records and an old camera, and will tell about ballroom etiquette and the language of the fan. Artists in historical costumes will perform several classical dances. Under the guidance of the host, participants will be able to learn the basics of salon dancing. And all this – to the accompaniment of a piano.

    A folk music concert will begin at 12:00 at the Kuskovo estate “Cultural Bridges: Music of the Times”. It will take place in the Big Stone Greenhouse. Guests will see a performance by students and teachers of the Russian State Social University. Romances, spiritual poems, spring chants, songs of residents of various regions of Russia, as well as original musical works, arrangements and instrumental tunes will be performed.

    Learn about the fates of writers and their work

    A lecture will be held at the scientific and educational center of the Mikhail Bulgakov Museum on Arbat at 15:00 “…Where will you live? Mikhail Bulgakov’s Moscow addresses”. The writer found himself in Moscow in the autumn of 1921. Over the course of more than 18 years in the city, he changed his address several times. Elena Mikhailova, head of the scientific and educational center, will tell us about the writer’s life in Moscow and whether he found the apartment of his dreams.

    The Mikhail Bulgakov Museum has also prepared a walking tour “Once upon a time at Patriarch’s”. It will be conducted by accredited tour guide Elena Primorskaya. Participants will go on a journey in the footsteps of the heroes of the novel “The Master and Margarita”, starting from the garden where an attempt was made on the life of the administrator of the Variety Theatre Varenukha. Gathering at 14:00, 16:00 and 17:45 at the entrance to the Aquarium Garden (near the Mossovet Theatre).

    A literary and musical evening in memory of Yuri Kuznetsov will be held at 16:00 in the concert hall of the Alexander Solzhenitsyn House of Russian Abroad “I will set my soul free…”. Guests will hear the poet’s poems and songs written to his works, performed by his students, contemporary Russian poets and artists. Among the participants of the evening are music critic Denis Stupnikov, poet and musician Dmitry Cherny (Echelon group), poetess Vasilisa Spogreyeva, poetess and singer-songwriter Irma Molochnaya, singer Ekaterina Kadik and musician Artemy Kadik, literary scholar Evgeny Bogachkov.

    Yuri Kuznetsov’s father died at the front, so the war became one of the main themes of his work. The poet graduated from the A.M. Gorky Literary Institute, was its professor, worked in publishing houses, magazines, taught, and led a poetry seminar. In addition, he translated the works of outstanding poets, including Friedrich Schiller, John Keats, and Arthur Rimbaud. Due to the emotionality and vivid imagery of his work, Yuri Kuznetsov is called the “twilight angel of Russian poetry.”

    Excursion-conversation “Heart, Imagination and Reason, or Where Does Culture Originate?” prepared at the K. G. Paustovsky Museum. It will take place at 11:00 and 12:00. Participants will learn about the history of the museum building, which is a cultural heritage site of federal significance, a monument of Moscow architecture of the late 18th century. In addition, they will be shown the main exhibition, which tells about the most important creative mission of the writer Konstantin Paustovsky.

    The tour will be held in an interactive format of dialogue with visitors. The main topic of the conversation is the understanding of the famous statement by Konstantin Paustovsky: “Heart, imagination and mind – this is the environment where what we call culture is born.” During the tour, guests will learn about the most important pages of the writer’s biography, his creative method, social activities and main books.

    Try your hand at painting

    Master class “Microcopies of works by Russian artists” will begin at 13:20 in the Peresvetov Pereulok gallery of the Moscow Exhibition Halls association. Participants will feel like master miniaturists, creating their own copies of famous works by Russian artists: landscapes by Isaac Levitan, portraits by Ilya Repin, marine paintings by Ivan Aivazovsky.

    At 16:30 in the Izmailovo Gallery of the Moscow Exhibition Halls Association architectural plein air, dedicated to the beauty of the houses of the district of the same name. In Izmailovo there are buildings designed by brilliant architects, including Georgy Chaltykyan, Johann Gokhar-Harmandaryan, Mikhail Moshinsky. In the open air, guests will be offered to be inspired by their creations and paint their own picture. All necessary materials will be provided by the gallery.

    Dive into the past and touch nature

    At the Timiryazev State Biological Museum, a special program dedicated to the Days of Historical and Cultural Heritage will be held at three sites at once. At 12:00 and 14:00 in the museum building on Malaya Gruzinskaya Street (building 15), you can join an excursion “The Estate in Gruziny: History and Architecture”. Guests will learn about the history of the former estate of the collector and philanthropist Pyotr Shchukin, the creator of the Museum of Russian Antiquities. Its building is an architectural monument of the 19th century.

    At 13:00 and 15:00, a tour will begin in pavilion No. 31 “Geology” at VDNKh “Geology in “Geology””. Participants will be able to touch the fossil remains of extinct creatures and learn what sciences geology unites and how paleontology relates to it. The guide will tell what the building has in common with geological sciences, what the structure looked like in the second half of the 20th century. Using the museum collection as an example, you can get to know a number of rocks and minerals better and learn about their use.

    At 13:00 and 15:00 in pavilion No. 28 “Beekeeping” at VDNKh there will be a tour “About bees and not only”. The exhibition is dedicated to the honey bee, one of two domesticated species of insects. Visitors will learn the differences between worker bees, drones, and queens. They will be told about the role of drones in a bee colony, who likes to eat bees and who likes to eat bee products, how people collect honey, and what a bee dance is. A research assistant will introduce visitors to bee breeds and the main honey plants.

    In addition, the guides of the Museum of Moscow will conduct excursions to the Petrovsky Travel Palace, the building of the Moscow City Duma, as well as the house of the Governor-General, which now houses the Moscow City Hall.

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/152615073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: Aerospike Named Graph Database of the Year in the 2025 Data Breakthrough Awards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aerospike, Inc. today announced it has been named Graph DBS Solution of the Year in the annual Data Breakthrough Awards program. This marks the third time that Aerospike’s multi-model database has been honored as a Solution of the Year by these awards.

    DB-Engines currently ranks Aerospike as the third most popular graph database in the industry. Aerospike Graph delivers a unique architecture that enables customers to realize exceptional performance using far fewer resources than other options. This lowers costs and power consumption and operates on a much smaller carbon footprint.

    “Aerospike Graph enables enterprises to run millisecond-speed queries across massive datasets — ideal for fraud detection, identity resolution, and customer 360 applications,” said Subbu Iyer, CEO of Aerospike. “It delivers consistent performance at scale while keeping infrastructure lean and efficient.”

    Conducted across a 100x range of data sizes, a new benchmark illustrates how Aerospace Graph can effectively store, query, and scale to vast large-scale identity graphs without performance bottlenecks or high costs. In the benchmark, infrastructure costs decreased by 50% as scale dramatically increased from $10/GB at 200GB to just $5/GB at 20TB — providing linear, predictable, and cost-effective scale.

    Aerospike Multi-model Database

    Aerospike makes it easy to launch in the cloud and choose the right data model for the job—whether document, graph, key-value, or vector search—all within a single, massively scalable real-time database. Developers can build high-performance applications on top of these models using 80% less infrastructure than legacy or point solutions. Aerospike simplifies deployment, cluster management, and monitoring of streamlined operations, freeing developers to focus on innovations rather than operational complexity.

    Aerospike previously won Data Breakthrough Awards for In-memory Solution and NoSQL Solution of the Year. Each year, the Data Breakthrough Awards conduct the most comprehensive analysis of the data technology industry. For 2025, over 3,000 nominations from all over the globe were evaluated.

    Get started with the 2025 Graph DB Solution of the Year for free here and view the new graph benchmark here.

    About Aerospike

    Aerospike is the real-time database built for infinite scale, speed, and savings. Our customers are ready for what’s next with the lowest latency and the highest throughput data platform. Cloud and AI-forward, we empower leading organizations like Adobe, Airtel, Criteo, DBS Bank, Experian, PayPal, Snap, and Sony Interactive Entertainment. Headquartered in Mountain View, California, our offices are also located in London, Bangalore, and Tel Aviv.

    Aerospike is a registered trademark of Aerospike, Inc.

    Contact:
    Chris Poisson
    Look Left Marketing
    aerospike@lookleftmarketing.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sergei Sobyanin: Large-scale project “Summer in Moscow” will begin on June 1

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The large-scale city project “Summer in Moscow” will begin in the capital on June 1. Sergei Sobyanin spoke about this in his telegram channel.

    “Every day for three months, charity, cultural and sports events will be held in all districts and in every area of the capital. Most of them will be free and outdoors,” the Moscow Mayor wrote.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @Mos_Sobyanin

    The unique project will unite all the events of the summer, including the popular festivals “Tastes of Russia”, “Teatralny Boulevard”, “Gardens and Flowers”, “Times and Epochs”, “Moscow Estates” and “Moscow – on the Wave. Fish Week”.

    In addition, they plan to hold many new musical, sports, youth and patriotic events. Thus, the creative camp “Youth of Moscow” will open for the first time in the Moskino cinema park. Participants will be able to choose and master one of the following areas: “KVN”, “Vocals and Music”, “Original Genre”, “Cinema”, “Producing and Organizing Events”.

    For the capital’s entrepreneurs, the “Summer in Moscow” project will be a good opportunity to make a name for themselves, hold an event on their own site or in one of the 200 city public spaces, and also receive support in promotion.

    Entrepreneurs will also be offered the opportunity to present their products in 13 Made in Moscow art pavilions. Those interested must submit an application on the website project to support local brands.

    Last year, the project’s activities “Summer in Moscow” More than 38 million city residents and guests of the capital visited it.

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    HTTPS: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12619050/

    MIL OSI Russia News