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Category: Housing Sector

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Council Showcases Regional Strengths at UKREiiF 2025

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council has taken part in the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) 2025 in Leeds, joining forces with the Scottish Cities Alliance to spotlight Scotland’s collective strengths in sustainable development and innovation. This year marked the Council’s most proactive engagement yet, presenting the Highlands as a region of strategic opportunity within a united national vision.

    As co-host of the ‘Team Scotland’ pavilion, the Council worked alongside partners from across Scotland to highlight the Highlands’ unique contributions to the country’s green economy – particularly in renewable energy, infrastructure, and inclusive growth. The collaborative spirit of the event drew interest from investors, developers, and policymakers eager to explore Scotland’s potential.

    Leader of The Highland Council,  Councillor Raymond Bremner officially opened the “Scotland’s Energy Transition” panel session, setting the tone for a series of forward-looking discussions.

    He said: “UKREiiF 2025 has been an excellent opportunity to demonstrate how the Highlands are contributing to Scotland’s shared ambitions for sustainable investment and inclusive prosperity

     “We’re proud to be part of a national effort that’s not only attracting investment but also delivering real social and environmental value.

    “Attending major events like UKREiiF is a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of the Highlands on a national and international stage. There’s a real buzz around what’s happening in our region – from renewable energy and the Green Freeport to infrastructure housing – and we’re seeing huge interest from investors and partners who want to be part of that journey. It’s also a chance to champion the incredible businesses and communities that are driving progress here. It’s great to be showcasing the Highlands as a place of ambition, collaboration, and opportunity.”

    Throughout the forum, Highland Council representatives participated in key conversations on energy transition, infrastructure provision, and regeneration. In partnership with Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport and other Scottish stakeholders, the Council underscored the Highlands’ vital role in helping the UK meet its net zero targets.

    With significant investment already underway and more opportunities emerging, the Council’s presence at UKREiiF 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively to build a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future for Highland communities—and for Scotland as a whole.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: First Stage of New Midtown Bus Terminal Construction Marked

    Source: US State of New York

    The deck-overs represent the first step in the replacement of the existing 75-year-old, functionally obsolete bus terminal with a world-class facility. When complete, the project will include a new main terminal, a separate storage and staging building and new ramps leading directly into and out of the Lincoln Tunnel. The project plan — including the permanent closure of a portion of 41st Street between Eighth and Ninth avenues, a central main entrance, more street-facing retail, a soaring multi-story indoor atrium and new public open space — will enhance the commuter experience at the world’s busiest bus terminal and become a centerpiece for the community. The project is expected to create approximately 6,000 good-paying union construction jobs.

    Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Chairman Kevin O’Toole said, “It is incredibly satisfying to break ground on the first stage of construction of a new Midtown Bus Terminal that will improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of daily commuters between New Jersey and New York, and greatly improve the community hosting it. I’d like to thank Governor Murphy and Governor Hochul for their full support of a project that will bring economic growth and vitality to our bistate region for decades to come.”

    Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Executive Director Rick Cotton said, “Today’s groundbreaking for the first stage of a new Midtown Bus Terminal is a momentous accomplishment that moved forward after years of delay by focusing on two key propositions — improving the lives of tens of thousands of daily commuters and providing real benefits to a community burdened by an architectural eyesore and a deluge of bus traffic. By focusing on benefits both to commuters and the surrounding community, we are now moving forward with a project that enjoys unprecedented support at every level of government on both sides of the river. And at last, we are on our way to creating a gateway that our region deserves.”

    Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Vice Chairman Jeffrey Lynford said, “Today marks the start of a long-awaited transformation: replacing one of our region’s most notorious eyesores with a modern, best-in-class bus terminal. When complete, this new facility will not only improve commutes — it will also serve as a valuable neighborhood asset. This project is the result of over a decade of work, including hundreds of meetings with community leaders, transit advocates, and elected officials, as well as a rigorous environmental review led by the Federal Transit Administration. Thanks to that deep engagement, the project has earned broad support — from the local community to every level of government.”

    NJ TRANSIT President and CEO Kris Kolluri said, “The new Midtown Bus Terminal represents a transformative investment in the future of regional mobility. For NJ TRANSIT, as the largest tenant, this project is more than just infrastructure — it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine the commuting experience for the tens of thousands of New Jersey residents who depend on it every day. The new terminal will stand as a gateway to opportunity, and a powerful symbol of our shared commitment to a stronger, more connected region.”

    Reliable and efficient bus service between New York and New Jersey is critical to the interconnected economies of both states, as hundreds of thousands of New Jersey residents work in New York City. The new terminal is designed to meet projected 2040-50 commuter growth, provide a best-in-class customer experience that serves the region’s 21st century public transportation needs, and enhance the surrounding community. The project does not include the taking of any private property as it will be built on existing Port Authority of New York and New Jersey property stretching as far west as 11th Avenue.

    The new bus terminal will be built for the future and designed to be net-zero emissions, accommodating all-electric bus fleets and implementing modern high technology innovations. The new ramp structure will provide a direct connection to the Lincoln Tunnel, with added queue space and bypass capability, thereby reducing congestion, bus circulation, idling and parking on local city streets. Community-friendly outward-facing local retail will benefit commuters and the community alike.

    The final plan for the Midtown Bus Terminal replacement project incorporates extensive public feedback from a broad community outreach effort, including input from New York City, New Jersey, commuters, local community boards and elected officials in both states. The total cost of the replacement project has been estimated at approximately $10 billion, with actual procurement for phase one of the project actively in progress. Construction of the Dyer Avenue deck-overs is now underway. The project has received unprecedented support from the community, the city, state and federal agencies.

    The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s construction plan for the new bus terminal calls for it to be built in phases, with the deck-overs being built first followed by the storage and staging facility. The Dyer Avenue deck-overs project encompasses the construction of two decks over below-grade portions of Dyer Avenue and the Lincoln Tunnel Expressway between West 37th and West 38th streets and between West 38th and West 39th streets. The storage and staging facility can serve as a temporary terminal while the existing terminal is demolished and replaced.

    Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “The Midtown Bus Terminal is a relic of a bygone era and overdue for a much-needed upgrade. This first step makes it possible to rebuild the bus terminal with minimal interruptions for hundreds of thousands of passengers every day. This project will also represent a long-term investment in the city by creating 6,000 new jobs and 3.5 acres of much-needed open space in Midtown. I am grateful to the Port Authority for reaffirming its commitment to a world-class 21st century travel experience in New York.”

    Representative Jerry Nadler said, “Finally, after many years of discussion and hard-fought community negotiation, we are finally breaking ground on the first phase of a brand-new Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown, the Dyer Avenue deck-overs. The replacement bus terminal is long overdue and thankfully moving forward. A new bus terminal will improve air quality and make our streets safer for pedestrians by removing all commuter and inter-city buses from our streets. And it will replace the outdated and deteriorating bus terminal with a modern, efficient transportation hub that meets the needs of both commuters and residents while contributing to the continued growth and success of New York City. These new deck-overs will eventually lead to a new 3.5-acre publicly accessible open space on the West Side, something that is desperately needed in Hell’s Kitchen. I have been proud to support this project and helped it secure up to $1.9 billion in federal funding from the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) Loan Program championed by the Biden Administration’s Build America Program.”

    State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “Hundreds of thousands of travelers from New York and New Jersey rely on this route and the Midtown Bus Terminal. This project will mean good-paying construction jobs, more efficient travel, and eventually new green spaces for the community to enjoy. I want to thank Governor Hochul and Governor Murphy for their dedication to making this project a reality and creating a more seamless transportation experience between our two states.”

    State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal said, “Construction on our new, state-of-the-art Midtown Bus Terminal is officially underway. The deck-overs, breaking ground today, will allow work on this project to begin without disrupting service at the busiest bus terminal in the world. It’s particularly exciting that when construction of the terminal is complete, not only will we have a bus terminal that will reduce congestion and accommodate more riders, we will also have new park land, as the deck-overs will be transformed into 3.5 acres of publicly accessible green space. I look forward to the day that the construction is completed and the Midtown Bus Terminal goes from ‘worst’ to ‘first’ in the eyes of the millions of New Yorkers who utilize or live near the terminal, including my constituents on the west side of Manhattan.”

    Assemblymember Tony Simone said, “The start of construction over Dyer Avenue marks the beginning of the total transformation of our outdated bus terminal into a world class transit hub. This massive investment by the Port Authority will not only get buses off our crowded streets, these deck overs will eventually be new green space for the west side. When complete, this neighborhood will be unrecognizable from its current state, becoming a place New Yorkers will want to spend in, all while drastically changing how millions move through our city and region.”

    New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, “Today marks a major milestone in building the future of public transit for our region. Breaking ground on the Dyer Avenue deck-overs is more than the start of construction — it’s the beginning of a transformative investment in sustainable infrastructure, improved air quality, and expanded public space. The new Midtown Bus Terminal will not only modernize a vital commuter hub, but will also reconnect our neighborhoods, support thousands of good-paying jobs, and create a greener, more accessible West Side for generations to come.”

    Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine said, “Breaking ground on the Dyer Avenue deck-overs is an important first step in the replacement of the Midtown Terminal, which will be a transformational project for the west side. It is time for the busiest bus terminal in the world to become a world-class facility for commuters, visitors, and residents. I am excited for this project to become a reality and will continue to work with the Port Authority and the community to ensure the best outcomes during and after construction.”

    New York City Councilmember Erik Bottcher said, “Today’s groundbreaking marks a truly transformative moment for New York City — and especially for the West Side. After years of collaboration, planning, and deep community engagement, we are finally beginning the next chapter for the Midtown Bus Terminal. This project isn’t just about replacing a building — it’s about restoring a neighborhood. By removing buses from our streets and creating a network of vibrant green spaces, we are reconnecting Hell’s Kitchen, healing the urban fabric, and delivering the modern transit infrastructure New Yorkers deserve. This is a victory for the community, for sustainability, and for the future of our city. I’d like to thank the Port Authority, Manhattan Community Board 4 and my colleagues in government for all the work they have done to bring us to this point.”

    New York City Councilmember Selvena Brooks-Powers, Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure “Reliable, accessible public transportation is essential to our region’s economic health and quality of life. The Midtown Bus Terminal is a critical link for commuters across the city and beyond, and this groundbreaking marks an important step toward delivering a modern, efficient facility that meets 21st-century needs. I look forward to continued engagement with the Port Authority to ensure that this project centers equity, sustainability, and community benefit at every phase.”

    New York City Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Andrew Kimball said, “With today’s groundbreaking on the Dyer Avenue deck-overs, the Midtown Bus Terminal vision moves one step closer to becoming reality and Midtown Manhattan gets a huge upgrade. The new terminal is more than just one of the busiest transit hubs in the country, it will bring new open space, reduce congestion, employing thousands of union workers during its construction, and bring massive quality of life upgrades to Midtown Manhattan.”

    New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, “It is welcome news to the city, to bus riders, and to the local communities on Manhattan’s west side that construction of the Dyer Avenue deck-overs is now underway. By reducing bus congestion and idling, easing the commuter experience, and creating new public space the midtown bus terminal replacement project will greatly enhance this area that New York City has outgrown. NYC DOT congratulates the Port Authority on breaking ground and we look forward to continuing to support them in this impactful initiative.”

    New York City Department of City Planning Director Dan Garodnick said, “It’s hard to overstate how vital the Midtown Bus Terminal is to New York City, the tri-state region, and the country. It’s one of the great front doors to our city. With today’s groundbreaking on the Dyer Avenue deck-overs, we’re taking the first step toward a modern, world-class transit hub that New Yorkers deserve. I look forward to seeing this transformation take shape and serve residents, commuters, and visitors for generations to come.”

    Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York President Gary LaBarbera said, “Today marks a crucial milestone for the Midtown Bus Terminal Replacement Program, a key critical infrastructure project that will not only establish a modern and state-of-the-art transit hub for New Yorkers and visitors alike, but also generate thousands of family-sustaining union construction careers. We applaud Governor Hochul and Governor Murphy, along with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for pushing forward this major development that will serve as an economic boon for our city and surrounding communities. Our members look forward to playing a role in building this project and pursuing the paths to the middle class that it creates.”

    New York League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe said, “The new Midtown Bus Terminal will be a game changer for commuters and neighborhood residents alike and a huge win for the environment. While serving hundreds of thousands of daily passengers, the new zero-emission, electric-bus friendly commuter hub will cut air pollution, ease the burden on neighborhood streets, and create thousands of good-paying union jobs in the process. Just as important, the addition of 3.5 acres of new public green space will deliver lasting environmental and public health benefits to the surrounding community. We commend Governors Hochul and Murphy and the Port Authority for prioritizing climate-smart design and investing in a healthier, more sustainable future.”

    New York Building Congress President and CEO Carlo A. Scissura said, “This groundbreaking is a landmark moment not just for the transformation of Manhattan’s West Side but the entire region. The Port Authority is advancing a bold vision for transit and public space that delivers real benefits and will create over 6,000 good-paying union jobs and 3.5 acres of public open space, all while providing long overdue infrastructure upgrades. The new Midtown Bus Terminal project is exactly the kind of investment New York needs, and we proudly stand alongside those who made it happen today – with special thanks to Rick Cotton for his leadership – as we break ground on this exciting and essential project.”

    Real Estate Board of New York President James Whelan said, “REBNY and its members are pleased to see the launch of this project. More than just supporting the growth of New York City’s diverse regional transit infrastructure, the project will energize our economy with thousands of new jobs and retail in Midtown.”

    Regional Plan Association President and CEO Tom Wright said, “Today’s groundbreaking is the result of years of thoughtful partnership to deliver a shared vision for a reimagined Midtown Bus Terminal that strengthens the local community and expands regional connectivity. The Port Authority Bus Terminal is one of the most high-traffic transportation hubs in the nation and is critical to the tri-state region’s continued economic vitality. This moment marks an important step towards the creation of a modern, expanded, best-in-class terminal that will not only serve the needs of commuters but create an amenity and attraction for the community.”

    Association for a Better New York CEO Emma Pfohman said, “As the gateway for millions of commuters and travelers each year, the revitalized Midtown Bus Terminal will not only improve the daily lives of New Yorkers but also fuel our city’s continued growth and resilience. The Association for a Better New York applauds Governor Hochul, Governor Murphy, and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey for leading this important investment in the region’s transportation infrastructure and in our city’s future.”

    Times Square Alliance President Tom Harris said, “The Midtown Bus Terminal is an extremely vital aspect of the commuter life of the hundreds of thousands of people who commute to Times Square every day. We applaud both governors for taking this first step toward the new world class terminal to come that will provide another reason why Times Square is one of the strongest transportation hubs in the city and beyond.”

    Bryant Park Corporation President Dan Biederman said, “We’ve seen an early version of the Port Authority’s plans for the bus terminal. They’re excellent, just what we’d expect from the agency that has had recent success with terminals at Newark and LaGuardia airports. We strongly endorse their interim steps to at long last make the PABT, which serves as a gateway for Bryant Park visitors, an attractive facility.”

    Manhattan Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jessica Walker said, “This is an exciting day for all New Yorkers as well as employees and visitors coming here from the broader region. This forward-looking project is critical to New York’s preparation for future growth and demand. It is innovative and aspirational in nature, understanding that our city’s best days are ahead. Congratulations to the Port Authority and Governors Hochul and Murphy for bringing us to this point.”

    Manhattan Community Board 4 Chair Jessica Chait said, “Community Board 4 is proud to mark this milestone toward a cleaner, less congested, and more connected region. The Dyer Avenue deck-overs lay the literal groundwork for a modern, sustainable transit hub that reflects a welcoming and efficient gateway to New York City. We thank the Port Authority and our elected partners for centering community input in a project that will improve air quality, reduce street-level congestion, and bring vital open space to our neighborhood.”

    Hudson Yards Hell’s Kitchen Alliance President Robert J. Benfatto said, “The Hudson Yards Hell’s Kitchen Alliance is looking forward to the completion of the construction of the Midtown Bus Terminal project, including the Dyer deck-overs, so that the neighborhood can begin using a new, first-in-class bus transit facility. We will continue to advocate for our community throughout this long process, as our mission states that we are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of the diverse population who lives, works and visits within the district.

    About the Midtown Bus Terminal

    What is now the world’s busiest bus terminal opened in 1950, after the mayor of New York City requested the Port Authority to consolidate eight separate, smaller bus terminals throughout Midtown Manhattan in order to relieve street congestion. As the regional population grew and spread geographically, the Port Authority expanded the terminal’s capacity in 1963 by converting parking space to a fourth level of bus operations and adding three new levels of public parking for 1,000 cars. By 1966, the terminal served nearly 69 million passengers, once again requiring increased bus capacity. In 1970, the Port Authority created a 2-mile exclusive bus lane (XBL) on the New Jersey Route 495 approach to the Lincoln Tunnel, giving buses faster access directly to the bus terminal and saving commuters up to 20 minutes in travel time.

    In 1981, the Port Authority expanded the bus terminal’s capacity by 50 percent with a new North Wing extension to 42nd Street and the diagonal girder façade now familiar to bus riders. The current facility spans 1.9 million square feet as the nation’s largest bus terminal and the world’s busiest. Individual carriers, the largest of which is NJ Transit, serve routes for daily commuters throughout New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and the lower Hudson Valley, as well as provide intercity services to and from locations such as upstate New York, New England, the Mid-Atlantic and Canada. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the bus terminal accommodated an estimated 260,000 passenger trips on an average weekday. As of 2024, the terminal served approximately 205,000 average weekday daily passengers.

    For more information on the replacement project, visit the Port Authority’s website on the Midtown Bus Terminal replacement.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: May 29, 2025 Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Help Communities Build Affordable Homes on Empty Lots Near Public Transit   Washington, D.C. – Amidst a severe housing crisis, a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers led by Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15) introduced the Empty Lots to Housing Act to help spur construction of transit-oriented housing development that includes affordable units.  May is National… Read More

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Kevin Mullin California (15th District)

    Washington, D.C. – Amidst a severe housing crisis, a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers led by Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15) introduced the Empty Lots to Housing Act to help spur construction of transit-oriented housing development that includes affordable units. 

    May is National Affordable Housing Month and families across America are facing challenges as the market is short 4.9 million homes, and one in four renters spends more than half of their income on rent. One way to help tackle America’s housing crisis is to repurpose underused land to build new homes – especially in areas near high-quality transit. Throughout the United States, there are an estimated 276,000 acres of government-owned land in transit-rich urban areas that could be repurposed for much-needed housing. Local governments often seek to leverage publicly owned land to create affordable housing, yet may face regulatory barriers on parcels that were previously purchased with federal funds. 

    The Empty Lots to Housing Act would help cut bureaucratic red tape that has prevented local communities from developing housing on land previously acquired with funds from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that is no longer needed for its original purpose. In 2021, the Federal Transit Administration was granted this authority, and now lawmakers are seeking to provide the FHWA with parallel authority.  

    “Families across America are experiencing the detrimental effects of America’s housing shortage. We know this crisis all too well here in the Bay Area, where we have huge discrepancies in wealth, and the amount of land available for redevelopment is extremely limited,” said Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15). “It is reassuring to see bipartisan support for my Empty Lots to Housing Act. This bill would remove unnecessary hurdles and empower local governments that are striving to create much-needed housing in walkable communities with great access to public transit.” 

    The bill was inspired by a real-world case in the San Francisco Bay Area, where the San Mateo County Transit Authority (SamTrans) is seeking to redevelop an underused parking lot into transit-oriented housing. But the agency has faced regulatory barriers due to the site having been originally purchased with grant funding from FHWA, which is currently unable to easily allow grantees to repurpose property for housing development.  

    “Congressman Mullin has been a steadfast advocate for cutting through red tape to make housing development more accessible on publicly-owned land near transit,” said SamTrans General Manager/CEO April Chan. “We’re grateful for his strong leadership and commitment to real solutions.” 

    Specifically, this bill would: 

    • Enable state and local governments to transfer underutilized properties that were purchased with FHWA funds to nonprofits or other qualified organizations to build housing near public transit 
    • Require at least 40 percent of the housing units to be set aside for those earning up to 60 percent of the area median income, of which at least 20 percent would be reserved for very-low income families earning up to 30 percent of the area median income 

    “Part of solving our nation’s housing crisis means using the land we already have, especially near public transit hubs, to build homes people actually need,” said Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA-42). “The bipartisan Empty Lots to Housing Act cuts through outdated red tape that’s held up progress for too long and helps create neighborhoods where families can afford to live and get around easily. As co-chair of the YIMBY Caucus, I’m proud to support this straightforward, commonsense fix we desperately need.” 

    “One of the biggest obstacles to housing growth is space, which is why finding ways to repurpose unused land is a great way to address housing shortages,” said Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC-11). “Federal law is currently getting in the way of efficient housing growth by forcing prime real estate, near highways and public transportation, to sit vacant simply because of the money that was used to purchase the land. The Empty Lots to Housing Act will fix that problem by allowing state and local governments to transfer vacant properties purchased by FHWA money to qualified entities to build housing in these desirable, transit-accessible areas. It’s a win, win for economic and population growth.” 

    The bill has been endorsed by YIMBY Action, Up For Growth, American Planning Association, National Association of Realtors, and Grounded Solutions Network, Parking Reform Network, and Asian Real Estate Association of America. 

    “Addressing the nation’s housing supply and affordability crisis demands smart policy solutions that build effective partnerships with local communities,” said Sue Schwartz, FAICP, President, American Planning Association. “The Empty Lots to Housing Act ensures that federal transit investments are fully leveraged to meet local needs. The American Planning Association supports this measure to give local agencies the authority they need to meet the moment, advance housing plans, and turn well-located, underused public assets into housing solutions.” 

    The full text of the bill can be found here. 

    The Empty Lots to Housing Act is cosponsored by Representatives Chuck Edwards (NC-11), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Scott Peters (CA-50), and Shri Thanedar (MI-13).  

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Intermex Named Founding Partner of Dignity Health Sports Park and the Official International Remittance Partner of the LA Galaxy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES and MIAMI, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The reigning 2024 MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy and their home stadium, Dignity Health Sports Park (DHSP), have launched a new partnership with International Money Express, Inc. (NASDAQ: IMXI) (Intermex), a leading money remittance provider to Latin America and the Caribbean. The multiyear agreement, brokered by AEG Global Partnerships, makes Intermex the Official International Remittance Partner of the LA Galaxy and a Founding Partner of Dignity Health Sports Park, a premium and category-exclusive designation. The partnership marks the first time the team, the venue, and AEG have partnered with a brand in the international remittance category. This also represents Intermex’s first official partnership in sports—making it a first-of-its-kind collaboration.

    “Our partnership with the LA Galaxy and Dignity Health Sports Park is about showing up for the people who have always been at the center of this sport,” said Marcelo Theodoro, Chief Product, Marketing & Digital Officer at Intermex. “For so many Latino families, fútbol isn’t just entertainment, it’s a part of who we are. This collaboration allows us to celebrate that connection in a meaningful way, both on and off the field.”

    Founded in 1994, around the same time as the LA Galaxy and Major League Soccer, Intermex and soccer have grown in parallel, earning trust among Latino communities in the U.S. and abroad. Headquartered in Miami, Intermex enables digital money transfers from the U.S., Canada, and Europe to more than 60 countries, with a strong focus on Latin America. The company offers a multi-channel delivery experience via its app, website, retail locations, as well as WhatsApp. Known for its human-first customer service, including Spanish-first support for underbanked and immigrant communities, Intermex has become a trusted provider for millions of Latino families.

    With Los Angeles being one of Intermex’s most strategically important U.S. markets, the LA Galaxy presents a timely and culturally significant opportunity to deepen its ties with a region where soccer is thriving. Across the United States, especially in Southern California, soccer has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sports, driven in large part by Latino communities where the game has long served as a source of cultural pride and generational connection. More than five million Latinos call Los Angeles home, and across California, nearly 70% of MLS viewership comes from Latino fans—making the region a powerful intersection of culture, sport, and community. The agreement also extends through two of the most significant global sporting events set to take place in Los Angeles: the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, offering unmatched exposure and relevance during pivotal moments for the sport.

    “We are excited to welcome Intermex to the Galaxy family,” said LA Galaxy President and Chief Operating Officer Tom Braun. “This is a values-driven brand that understands the importance of language, culture, and legacy. Together, we’re building something that resonates on and off the pitch.”

    As a Founding Partner of Dignity Health Sports Park, Intermex will enjoy premium brand visibility throughout the venue and will be fully integrated into the fan journey—from driveway to pitch. This includes prominent freeway marquee signage, scoreboard integrations, concourse placements, plaza wall signage, and various digital menu boards across the property.

    “Intermex is a brand that truly understands the people we serve,” said Katie Pandolfo, General Manager of Dignity Health Sports Park. “Their partnership reinforces our shared commitment to elevating the guest experience while creating lasting impact across our community.”

    As part of the agreement, Intermex also becomes the Presenting Partner of the LA Galaxy Soccer Center – a 73,000-square-foot facility in Torrance, California dedicated to futsal and recreational sports. Intermex’s partnership will support year-round youth and adult programming at the center, helping preserve a vital hub for thousands of local families and athletes of all ages.

    “Intermex is setting a new standard for what culturally relevant, community-rooted partnerships in sports can look like and achieve,” said Rashid Dadashi, Senior Director, AEG Global Partnerships. “Soccer is central to the lives of their customers and our fans, and our collaboration provides an opportunity to engage authentically and consistently in one of their highest-priority markets. They’re a brand that leads with purpose and understands the power of showing up where it matters most.”

    Further amplifying the cultural impact of the partnership, Intermex will be the Title Night Partner of the 2025 Mexican Heritage Night, taking place on September 20 against FC Cincinnati – one of the club’s most highly anticipated cultural theme nights of the season. Additionally, Intermex will engage fans as the Presenting Partner of “Cobi Club” – an original content series from the LA Galaxy that explores football chatter with current trends and popular culture, giving every fan – fanatics and casuals fans alike – something to enjoy.

    With nearly 30 years of trusted service and deep roots in Latino communities across the globe, Intermex’s entry into sports sponsorship marks a new chapter in its mission to empower, connect, and uplift the people who drive its business – one built on trust, cultural alignment, and the beautiful game.

    ABOUT INTERMEX
    Founded in 1994, Intermex applies proprietary technology to enable consumers to send money from the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany to more than 60 countries. The company facilitates digital money movement through its website and mobile app, as well as through a vast network of retail agents and company-operated stores. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Intermex also operates international offices in Puebla, Mexico; Guatemala City, Guatemala; London, England; and Madrid, Spain. Lear more at www.intermexonline.com. 

    ABOUT LA GALAXY
    The LA Galaxy are Major League Soccer’s most successful club. Based in Carson, Calif. at Dignity Health Sports Park, the Galaxy have won the MLS Cup a record six times (2002, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2024), the MLS Supporters’ Shield four times (1998, 2002, 2010, 2011) and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup twice (2001, 2005), and one Concacaf Champions Cup (2000) since their inception in 1996. Under the direction of LA Galaxy President of Business Operations and Chief Operating Officer Tom Braun on the business operations side and LA Galaxy General Manager Will Kuntz on the soccer operations side, the Galaxy are the premier club in MLS, with stars like Landon Donovan, David Beckham, Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Javier Hernandez, Cobi Jones, Riqui Puig and Marco Reus representing LA over the team’s 29 years in MLS. For more information on the LA Galaxy, visit www.lagalaxy.com.

    ABOUT DIGNITY HEALTH SPORTS PARK
    Dignity Health Sports Park is southern California’s home of world-class competition and training facilities for amateur, Olympic, collegiate and professional athletes. Managed by AEG, the $150 million, privately financed facility was developed by AEG on a 125-acre site on the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) in Carson, California. Dignity Health Sports Park features an 8,000-seat tennis stadium, a 27,000-seat stadium for soccer, football and other athletic competitions and outdoor concerts; a 2,000-seat facility for track & field and a 2,450-seat indoor Velodrome – the VELO Sports Center – for track cycling. Dignity Health Sports Park is home to Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy, the six-time MLS Cup Champions. Dignity Health Sports Park is also home of the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA) High Performance Training Center and the national team training headquarters for the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF). Additionally, Dignity Health Sports Park is home to Galaxy Park, a newly imagined complex on the campus of the facility that features five 5v5 soccer fields, three futsal courts, eight Pickleball courts, four Padel courts, and is home to a number of other recreational activities. For additional information, please visit http://www.dignityhealthsportspark.com.

    ABOUT AEG
    Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, AEG is the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company. The company operates in the following business segments:

    • Music through AEG Presents, which is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performances, including the production and promotion of global and regional concert tours, an extensive portfolio of clubs, theaters and other music venues, concerts and special events and world-renowned festivals such as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival;
    • Venues and Real Estate, which develops, owns and operates world-class venues, as well as major sports and entertainment districts like Crypto.com Arena and L.A. LIVE, Uber Platz in Berlin and The O2 in London;
    • Sports, as the world’s largest operator of high-profile sporting events and sports franchises including the LA Kings, LA Galaxy and Eisbären Berlin;
    • Global Partnerships, which oversees worldwide sales and servicing of sponsorships including naming rights, premium seating, and other strategic partnerships;
    • And Ticketing, which, through its AXS.com ticketing platform, provides more than 400 clients worldwide with ticketing services that cover the gamut of entertainments, including sporting events, arena tours, music clubs festival, rodeos and family events.

    Through its worldwide network of venues, portfolio of powerful sports and music brands and its integrated entertainment districts, AEG entertains more than 90 million guests annually. More information about AEG can be found at www.aegworldwide.com.

    MEDIA CONTACTS
    LA Galaxy 
    Jamie Alvarez 
    jaalvarez@lagalaxy.com

    AEG Global Partnerships 
    Shannon Donnelly 
    Shannon.donnelly@beckmedia.com

    Investor Relations:
    Alex Sadowski
    Investor Relations Coordinator
    ir@intermexusa.com
    305-671-8000

    The MIL Network –

  • PM Modi chairs PRAGATI meeting, reviews infra projects worth over ₹62,000 crore

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesdy, chaired the PRAGATI meeting, the ICT-based multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, involving the Centre and state governments, where projects worth over Rs 62,000 crore were reviewed.

    These projects span critical sectors including Road Transport, Power, and Water Resources, and are being implemented across several States and Union Territories.

    The Prime Minister stressed on the need for removing implementation bottlenecks and ensuring timely completion. He underlined that delays in such projects lead to cost escalations and hinder the delivery of essential infrastructure and services to the public. He called for greater efficiency and accountability from all stakeholders.

    The Prime Minister also reviewed the status of public grievances related to the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). He directed State Governments to ensure that all eligible real estate projects are mandatorily registered under the RERA Act. Emphasising the importance of strict compliance with the law, the Prime Minister said timely and quality grievance redressal is crucial to protecting the interests of homebuyers and restoring trust in the housing sector.

    During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi also reviewed best practices in India’s growing semiconductor ecosystem. He encouraged the adoption of successful initiatives and models across States and Union Territories to further strengthen the National Semiconductor Mission.

    So far, a total of 373 projects, with a cumulative value of around ₹20.64 lakh crore, have been reviewed in PRAGATI meetings. The platform continues to play a key role in enhancing governance and accelerating infrastructure development across the country.

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Fannie Mae Launches AI Fraud Detection Technology Partnership with Palantir

    Source: Fannie Mae

    Fannie Mae (FNMA/OTCQB) announced the launch today of its AI-powered Crime Detection Unit in partnership with leading AI software company Palantir. The new partnership will expand Fannie Mae’s fraud detection capabilities with leading AI-enabled financial crimes data science and investigations technology. This foundation will power Fannie Mae’s Crime Detection Unit, a new platform that the company believes will help detect and prevent mortgage fraud with speed and precision never before seen in the U.S. housing market. Fannie Mae’s Crime Detection Unit’s capabilities will save the U.S. housing market millions in future fraud losses.

    Palantir designs and deploys artificial intelligence and machine learning technology used by government agencies and commercial clients. The company’s technology provides expansive monitoring for anomalous transactions, activities, and behaviors to help companies detect suspicious activity and trigger investigative action.

    “No one is above the law. In partnership with Palantir, Fannie Mae’s Crime Detection Unit will increase safety and soundness by rooting out bad actors in our housing system. This cutting-edge AI technology will help us find criminals who try to defraud our system,” said Fannie Mae Chairman William J. Pulte.

    “By integrating this leading AI technology, we will look across millions of datasets to detect patterns that were previously undetectable,” said Priscilla Almodovar, Fannie Mae’s president and chief executive officer. “This new partnership will combat mortgage fraud, helping to safeguard the U.S. mortgage market for lenders, homebuyers, and taxpayers.”

    Fannie Mae has more than $4.3 trillion in assets and plays a foundational role in the U.S. housing market. The company is the largest holder of residential mortgage debt outstanding in the country, owning or guaranteeing an estimated one in four single-family mortgages and 20 percent of multifamily mortgages in the U.S.

    “This partnership with Fannie Mae will set off a revolution in how we combat mortgage fraud in this country. We are bringing the fight directly to anyone who attempts to defraud our mortgage system and exploit hardworking Americans,” said Alex Karp, co-founder and chief executive officer of Palantir Technologies.

    This release includes forward-looking statements, including statements about Fannie Mae’s and Palantir’s plans and expectations with respect to the Crime Detection Unit and the impact of the Crime Detection Unit on Fannie Mae’s business and financial results, and on the U.S. housing market. Actual results and events may turn out to be very different from these statements. Factors that may lead to different results and events are discussed in “Forward-Looking Statements” and elsewhere in the company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, and in “Risk Factors,” “Forward-Looking Statements” and elsewhere in the company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. The company’s forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MPP Workers Escalate Fight for Fair Contract as Tensions Rise in Indiana and Pennsylvania

    Source: Communications Workers of America

    Union Members Protest Unfair Labor Practices in Campbellsburg and Authorize Strike in St.Marys Amid Concerns Over Mill Point Capital’s Real Estate Deal

    CAMPBELLSBURG, IN — Union workers at Metal Powder Products (MPP) on Tuesday, May 27, protested the company’s failure to negotiate a fair contract and its ongoing pattern of alleged labor violations. The informational picket took place outside the Company’s facility on Oak Street, Campbellsburg, during both morning and afternoon shift changes while employees were not working.

    For nearly a year, the union has been at the bargaining table with MPP management; yet there is still no tentative agreement in sight. Workers complain the company continues to delay progress, reject basic improvements—including fair wages and raises, 401(k) matching, affordable insurance, and the restoration of earned vacation time that was taken away and replaced with an “earn-as-you-go” system.

    Adding to frustrations, the National Labor Relations Board is currently investigating four open Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges against MPP. The charges allege that the company:

    • Coercively interrogating employees and removing union literature from employees’ personal belongings
      Case No. 25-CA-344432 – Filed June 14, 2024
    • Surveilling employees for union activity 
      Case No. 25-CA-347666 – Filed August 5, 2024
    • Withholding raises for 2024 and refusing to perform annual evaluations
      Case No. 25-CA-352384 – Filed October 9, 2024
    • Coordinating a surprise search with police and K-9 units without bargaining with the union to impasse
      Case No. 25-CA-364136 – Filed April 21, 2025

    “It felt like a raid — police with dogs going through the facility with no warning,” said one MPP worker. “There was no incident or reason for it. It felt like an attempt to scare us, to punish us for standing together. We’re not the enemy. We’re the people who’ve kept this place running and helped build MPP into what it is. This community has always supported this company, but we deserve respect and fairness in return.”

    These charges allege serious violations of federal labor law, including surveillance, interrogation, unilateral changes to working conditions, and bad faith bargaining. More information about the open cases can be found at the National Labor Relations Board’s public docket: https://www.nlrb.gov/search/case.

    Though MPP remains a major employer in the close-knit town of Campbellsburg, Indiana, workers argue the company has not acted in a way that reflects shared values or community responsibility.

    MPP’s private equity owner, Mill Point Capital, recently sold the company’s real estate to an outside firm in a sale-leaseback deal. The union is concerned this real estate transaction delivered a large cash payout to investors while saddling the company with long-term lease obligations and is investigating further. The union workers feel that that real estate decision, combined with the company’s perceived stalling at the bargaining table, raises serious questions about the company’s long-term stability and commitment to the workers and town it relies on.

    MPP Workers are calling on company leadership to stop their tactics and negotiate in good faith. They are also encouraging community members to show support, as the fight for a fair contract is also a fight for good jobs and economic stability in Campbellsburg.

    Campbellsburg, Indiana, isn’t the only MPP site experiencing rising labor tensions. On Wednesday May 21, 2025, MPP union workers at MPP’s St.Marys, Pennsylvania, facility overwhelmingly authorized a strike after rejecting the company’s contract offers for the fourth time. Workers described the proposal as deeply offensive, citing that the modest raises offered would be wiped out by increased healthcare costs and other cuts, including a reduced 401(k) match and the elimination of bonus pay for perfect attendance, which many rely on to make ends meet.

    MPP is a manufacturer of powder metal components intended for the automotive, hydraulic and medical sectors. Workers at MPP make customized engineered gears and sprockets. Some of its major customers include Danfoss Power Solutions, Hydro-Gear, Takako America Co., Inc, Tuff Torq Corporation, Bosch Rexroth Corporation, Pentair, Fass Diesel Fuel Systems, JB Industries. MPP is a privately held portfolio company of Mill Point Capital.

     
    Union workers at Metal Powder Products (MPP) on May 27, protested the company’s failure to negotiate a fair contract. The informational picket took place outside the Company’s facility on Oak Street in Campbellsburg.  

    # # #

    As the Industrial Division of CWA, IUE-CWA represents a force of 150,000 active and retired men and women united collectively to seek dignity on the job and a secure future for ourselves, our children and all future generations. IUE-CWA represents production workers at 3 of the 7 US-based MPP plants. MPP has one additional plant in China.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Merkley, Wyden Fight Trump’s Illegal Gutting of ENERGY STAR Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    May 28, 2025
    Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined 20 of their Senate colleagues to demand the Trump Administration immediately reverse course on its plan to illegally and unilaterally terminate the ENERGY STAR program. In their letter, the Senators highlight the cost-saving benefits of the program, which is projected to save the average American household $450 on utility bills each year simply by choosing ENERGY STAR certified products.
    “For over three decades, the ENERGY STAR program has lowered Americans’ energy bills by informing consumers about energy efficient products. The program has enjoyed bipartisan support since its creation under authority of Section 103 of the Clean Air Act, most recently receiving $35.7 million in fiscal year 2025 appropriations,” wrote the Senators. “Reporting has indicated, however, that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to eliminate ENERGY STAR without Congressional approval. Not only is the program protected under federal statute and thus illegal for the Administration to terminate unilaterally, but this decision also lacks basic economic sense. We write to urge you to immediately reverse course.” 
    Since 1992, ENERGY STAR has reduced energy costs for American families and businesses by $500 billion, including $42 billion worth of savings in 2020 alone. For every federal dollar spent on ENERGY STAR, Americans have enjoyed $350 in savings.
    The Senators continued: “ENERGY STAR is the epitome of an effective public-private partnership. As the program’s administrators, EPA and the Department of Energy set qualifying energy efficiency standards for products. EPA also protects the integrity of the ENERGY STAR brand, ensuring it remains well-known, trusted, and indicative of a quality product. Appliance manufacturers then voluntarily display the ENERGY STAR label, notifying consumers that a product will reduce their energy consumption and lower utility bills. The program strengthens consumer choice by sharing critical product information.”
    Administered by the EPA and Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR is a voluntary, market-based program that has saved consumers billions of dollars annually. The ENERGY STAR program has cumulatively reduced four billion metric tons of harmful emissions and currently supports more than 790,000 American jobs manufacturing and installing ENERGY STAR products.
    “Eliminating the ENERGY STAR program will not only raise energy costs for American families and businesses, but also inflict far-reaching economic harms, threatening industry jobs and the reliability of the grid at a time of growing demand. We again urge you to immediately reconsider eliminating this popular and effective Congressionally authorized program,” the Senators concluded.
    ENERGY STAR is strongly supported by a wide array of manufacturers, homebuilders, housing organizations, building owners, small businesses, and other organizations. In April, the U.S. Real Estate Industry sent a letter to the Trump Administration expressing its strong support for the ENERGY STAR program. Additionally, the U.S. Green Buildings Council partnered with the Alliance to Save Energy in leading over 1,000 organizations in urging the Trump Administration to protect the program and maintain full funding and staffing levels.
    The letter was led by U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.). In addition to Merkley and Wyden, the letter was signed by Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Angus King (I-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.).
    Click here to read and download the full letter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: GCM Grosvenor to Present at the Morgan Stanley 2025 U.S. Financials, Payments & CRE Conference on June 10, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GCM Grosvenor (Nasdaq: GCMG), a global alternative asset management solutions provider, announced today that Jon Levin, President of GCM Grosvenor, will present at the Morgan Stanley 2025 U.S. Financials, Payments & Commercial Real Estate Conference on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 3:15 PM EDT.

    A link to the live audio webcast of the presentation will be available on GCM Grosvenor’s public shareholders website and the event website. For those unable to listen to the live audio webcast, a replay will be available for 90 days following the presentation.

    About GCM Grosvenor

    GCM Grosvenor (Nasdaq: GCMG) is a global alternative asset management solutions provider with approximately $82 billion in assets under management across private equity, infrastructure, real estate, credit, and absolute return investment strategies. The firm has specialized in alternatives for more than 50 years and is dedicated to delivering value for clients by leveraging its cross-asset class and flexible investment platform.

    GCM Grosvenor’s experienced team of approximately 550 professionals serves a global client base of institutional and individual investors. The firm is headquartered in Chicago, with offices in New York, Toronto, London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul and Sydney. For more information, visit: gcmgrosvenor.com.

    Public Shareholders Contact 
    Stacie Selinger 
    sselinger@gcmlp.com 
    312-506-6583 

    Media Contact  
    Tom Johnson and Abigail Ruck  
    H/Advisors Abernathy  
    tom.johnson@h-advisors.global / abigail.ruck@h-advisors.global  
    212-371-5999

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: FinWise Bancorp Added to Membership of US Small-Cap Russell 2000® Index

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MURRAY, Utah, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FinWise Bancorp (NASDAQ: FINW) (“FinWise” or the “Company”), parent company of FinWise Bank (the “Bank”), today announced that it was added as a member of the US small-cap Russell 2000® Index, effective after the US market opens on June 30, 2025 as part of the 2025 Russell indexes reconstitution. Membership in the Russell 2000® Index, which remains in place for one year, is based on membership in the broad-market Russell 3000® Index. The stock also was automatically added to the appropriate growth and value indexes.

    “We are proud to have been added as a member of the US small-cap Russell 2000® Index, one of the most respected and widely cited performance benchmarks for U.S. small-cap companies,” said Kent Landvatter, Chairman and CEO of FinWise. “As we maintain our focus on executing our business strategy to position FinWise for long-term growth and shareholder value creation, we look forward to continuing to expand our reach within the investment community.”

    Russell indexes are widely used by investment managers and institutional investors for index funds and as benchmarks for active investment strategies. According to the data as of the end of June 2024, about $10.6 trillion in assets are benchmarked against the Russell US indexes, which belong to FTSE Russell, the global index provider.

    For more information on the Russell 2000® Index and the Russell indexes reconstitution, go to the “Russell Reconstitution” section on the FTSE Russell website.

    About FinWise

    FinWise provides Banking and Payments solutions to fintech brands. Its existing Strategic Program Lending business, conducted through scalable API-driven infrastructure, powers deposit, lending and payments programs for leading fintech brands. As part of Strategic Program Lending, FinWise also provides a Credit Enhanced Balance Sheet Program, which addresses the challenges that lending and card programs face securing warehouse facilities and managing capital requirements. In addition, FinWise manages other Lending programs such as SBA 7(a), Owner Occupied Commercial Real Estate, and Leasing, which provide flexibility for disciplined balance sheet growth. The Company is also expanding and diversifying its business model by incorporating Payments (MoneyRails ™) and BIN Sponsorship offerings. Through its compliance oversight and risk management-first culture, the Company is well positioned to guide fintechs through a rigorous process to facilitate regulatory compliance.

    https://www.finwise.bank/

    About FTSE Russell, an LSEG Business

    FTSE Russell is a global index leader that provides innovative benchmarking, analytics and data solutions for investors worldwide. FTSE Russell calculates thousands of indexes that measure and benchmark markets and asset classes in more than 70 countries, covering 98% of the investable market globally. FTSE Russell index expertise and products are used extensively by institutional and retail investors globally. Approximately $18.1 trillion is benchmarked to FTSE Russell indexes. Leading asset owners, asset managers, ETF providers and investment banks choose FTSE Russell indexes to benchmark their investment performance and create ETFs, structured products and index-based derivatives. A core set of universal principles guides FTSE Russell index design and management: a transparent rules-based methodology is informed by independent committees of leading market participants. FTSE Russell is focused on applying the highest industry standards in index design and governance and embraces the IOSCO Principles. FTSE Russell is also focused on index innovation and customer partnerships as it seeks to enhance the breadth, depth and reach of its offering.

    FTSE Russell is wholly owned by London Stock Exchange Group.

    For more information, visit FTSE Russell.

    Contacts

    investors@finwisebank.com 
    media@finwisebank.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 5.23.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 23, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Andrew “Tristan” Peery, of Sacramento, has been appointed Senior Product Manager at the Office of Data and Innovation. Peery has been Director of Web and Interactive Communications at University of California, Davis since 2020, where he was previously Web Applications Development/Web Designer from 2014 to 2020. He held multiple positions at Oregon State University from 2006 to 2013, including Researcher/Web Applications Developer and Graduate Research Assistant. Peery was a Staff Scientist at Woods Hole Group from 2001 to 2005. He earned a Master of Science degree in Physical Oceanography from Oregon State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Science from Texas A&M University at Galveston. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $150,348. Peery is registered without party preference. 

    Ramank Bharti, of Napa, has been appointed Director of Risk Management and Project Controls at the California High Speed Rail Authority. Bharti held multiple positions at ALSTOM Inc from 2004 to 2025, including Project Director, United States West Coast Services, Site Controller, Services North America, Region Controller, Controller, Budgeting and Reporting, and Work Package Controller. He was a Program Director at Transportation and Transit Associates from 2003 to 2004. Bharti was an MBA Intern at the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority from 2002 to 2003. He was a Deputy Chief Mechanical Engineer at the North Eastern Railway from 1996 to 2001. Bharti was a Manager, Industrial Engineering at Diesel Component Works from 1992 to 1996. He was a Mechanical Engineer at Northern Railway from 1990 to 1992. Bharti earned a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance from Tulane University and a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Railway Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $225,000. Bharti is a Democrat.

    Kevin Parzych, of San Luis Obispo, has been appointed Chief of Primary Care Services at Atascadero State Hospital. Parzych has been Chief Medical Officer at Wilshire Health and Community Services since 2013 and Owner of Wilshire Connected Care and K Parzych a Medical Corp since 2017. He was Medical Director of Hospice at Good Shepard Homecare and Hospice from 2004 to 2013. Parzych was Owner of Parzych Family Practice from 2002 to 2013. Parzych earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from Albany Medical College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Connecticut. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $374,400. Parzych is registered with no party preference.

    Madelynn McClain, of Sacramento, has been appointed Director of the Division of Administrative Services at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. McClain has been Assistant Deputy Director of the Division of Adult Institutions at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation since 2024. McClain held several positions at the Department of General Services from 2023 to 2024, including Deputy Director of the Real Estate Services Division and Chief Financial Officer. She held several positions at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation from 2020 to 2023, including Deputy Director at the Office of Fiscal Services and Associate Director of the Budget Management Branch. McClain was a Principal Program Budget Analyst at the California Department of Finance from 2017 to 2020. She was a Judicial Fiscal Supervisor at the Judicial Council of California from 2015 to 2017. McClain was a Finance Budget Analyst at the Department of Finance from 2003 to 2015. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $208,440. McClain is a Democrat.

    Raul Morales, of Visalia, has been appointed Warden at Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison. Morales has been Acting Warden at Substance Treatment Facility and State Prison since 2024. He was Acting Warden at Valley State Prison in 2024. He held several positions at Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison from 2001 to 2024, including Chief Deputy Warden, Associate Warden, Captain, Correctional Lieutenant, Correctional Sergeant, and Correctional Officer. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $193,524. Morales is registered without party preference. 

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    May 23, 2025

    News What you need to know: The City of Tustin received a new water treatment system filtering “forever chemicals,” or PFAS, from local drinking water. TUSTIN – As the federal government announces plans to weaken regulation of “forever chemicals” in drinking water,…

    May 23, 2025

    News What you need to know: California is providing $56 million in grants to help counties provide services for young adults at risk of homelessness. SACRAMENTO – Continuing California’s success in reducing homelessness in youth, Governor Gavin Newsom and the…

    May 23, 2025

    News What you need to know: Six canine officers joined the force to fight back against crime and drug trafficking — the first class trained from day one to detect fentanyl. Sacramento, California – After months of specialized and intensive training, six K-9 teams…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Apollo Capital Comments on MediPharm Labs’ Failure to Respond to Reasonable Offer to Ensure Fair, Lawful and Transparent 2025 Annual Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MediPharm Labs Board Continues to Obstruct the Appointment and Oversight of an Independent Chair

    Failure to Appoint an Independent Chair to Oversee the Election of Directors at the Annual Meeting Prevents Shareholders from Exercising their Legal Right to Hold the Current Board Accountable for their Epic Failures

    Board Made No Attempt to Engage with Apollo Capital; Instead Resorted to Continued Campaign of Misdirection and Character Assassination Aimed to Undermine Shareholders Demanding Change

    Shareholders Deserve the Opportunity to Elect New Leaders in a Lawful and Fair Election

    Apollo Capital Reiterates Commitment to Transparent Election Process for the Benefit of All Shareholders

    URGES SHAREHOLDERS TO DISREGARD MEDIPHARM LABS’ GREEN PROXY CARD AND VOTE THE GOLD PROXY CARD “FOR” APOLLO CAPITAL’S SIX DIRECTOR NOMINEES

    TORONTO, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo Technology Capital Corporation (“Apollo Capital”) which together with its affiliates and associates collectively is one of the largest shareholders of MediPharm Labs Corp. (TSX: LABS) (OTCQB: MEDIF) (FSE: MLZ) (“MediPharm Labs”, or the “Company”), owning approximately 3% of the Company’s common stock, today announced that MediPharm Labs’ Board of Directors (the “Board”) did not respond to Apollo Capital’s “With Prejudice” offer to the Board to ensure the rights of shareholders are protected in connection with the Company’s upcoming 2025 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholder to be held on June 16, 2025 (the “Annual Meeting”).

    Apollo Capital distributed the offer to MediPharm Labs counsel on May 21, 2025 – seeking to ensure a lawful and fair election overseen by an independent Chair in order to protect the rights of shareholders at the Annual Meeting. The offer, which Apollo Capital shared publicly, was unilaterally ignored by MediPharm Labs’ Board, who made no attempts whatsoever to engage with representatives of Apollo Capital.

    Apollo Capital Chairman and CEO Regan McGee commented, “MediPharm Labs and its Board continue to demonstrate their utter disregard for the rights of shareholders, preferring to further entrench themselves rather than honour their fiduciary duty to act in shareholders’ best interests. Apollo Capital’s offer was made in good faith to take the necessary steps to do right by MediPharm Labs shareholders, and it is damning that the Board would put its own personal interests ahead of the law and the interests of Company shareholders.

    “The record needs to be set straight after all the misleading, defamatory and demonstrably untrue statements from the MediPharm Labs Board. Outside of MediPharm Labs, all litigation that I am involved in is related to each other. It is effectively one litigation and was initiated by me in order to protect shareholders from a small group of rogue board members who I sued for breaching their fiduciary duties. Tellingly, but not surprisingly, the MediPharm Labs Board wants to suggest that this is somehow a bad thing!

    “The Company’s attempts to villainize me are merely a feeble attempt to misdirect shareholders away from legitimate concerns regarding their staggering mismanagement of MediPharm Labs, which they have yet to answer for.”

    To be clear, MediPharm Labs’ Board is obviously trying to confuse the shareholders into thinking that it is a bad thing that board members who breach their fiduciary duties should be sued and held accountable.

    Now, let’s shine the spotlight back on what matters – your investment.

    Apollo Capital’s nominees know how to build successful businesses, know how to get deals done, and know how to raise money.

    In response to the Company’s allegations against one of Apollo Capital’s nominees for election to the Company’s Board, Regan McGee, Apollo Capital encourages shareholder to understand the facts regarding Mr. McGee and one of his businesses, Nobul Technologies Inc. (“Nobul”):

    • Nobul was named to the prestigious 2023 Deloitte Technology Fast 500™, which ranks the 500 fastest-growing technology companies across North America. The recognition further validates Nobul’s impact at a continental scale, placing it among the elite group of companies that are shaping the future of tech through extraordinary financial performance, sustained growth, and breakthrough innovation.
    • Nobul topped the 2022 Deloitte Technology Fast 50™, earning the #1 spot with an astounding four-year revenue growth rate of 72,944%—the highest of any Canadian company on the list. The Fast 50 recognizes the country’s most transformative and innovative technology companies based solely on audited financial performance. Nobul’s top placement highlights its unmatched ability to deploy capital efficiently, scale rapidly, and deliver exceptional returns.
    • Nobul has been recognized on CNBC’s Upstart 100, a list of the world’s most promising venture-backed startups. Selected from global nominees, Nobul stood out as a high-growth disruptor.
    • Regan McGee invented the Real Estate Marketplace Method and System (Patent # 12,260465) issued by the US Patent Office on March 25, 2025.   The patent incorporates Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Matching Algorithms for Consumers, Real Estate Agents and Properties, as well as Blockchain to facilitate secure, traceable Real Estate processes.
    • Regan McGee founded Nobul when he was in a hospital rehabilitation centre recovering from a severe spinal cord injury and learning how to walk again; Refusing to be slowed down by being disabled, he is tenacious, willing to put in the hard work, and he never gives up.

    The Board’s attempts to malign the business acumen and character of Regan McGee and Apollo Capital’s nominees are a pathetic distraction from the fact that the MediPharm Labs Board has presided over the catastrophic destruction of 99% of shareholder value.

    Apollo Capital is focused on what matters – protecting MediPharm Labs shareholders’ investment.

    Apollo Capital asks shareholders to consider the dire state of MediPharm Labs:

    • MediPharm Labs is on track to run out of money by November 2025 – a mere six months from now.
    • No one on MediPharm Labs’ slate of Board Members has ever built anything of note.

    Apollo Capital’s highly experienced director nominees – John Fowler, Alan D. Lewis, David Lontini, Demetrios Mallios, Regan McGee, and Scott Walters – will implement much-needed business and governance reforms in their first 100 days, including:

    • Slashing executive and Board compensation and suspending all equity/cash awards until a new performance-aligned structure is in place.
    • Eradicating the eye-watering $1,200,000 per year blown on travel and “other expenses”.
    • Implementing an immediate spending lockdown by freezing all non-essential, discretionary expenditures.
    • Beginning a revenue quality and margin analysis by assessing the sustainability, growth, and profitability of each business line.
    • Launching zero-based budgeting by rebuilding the company’s cost structure from the ground up based on necessity and ROI.
    • Restoring transparent shareholder communication, including:
      • Regular interactive earnings calls
      • A comprehensive Investor Day within the first 100 days
      • Open channels for shareholder feedback and dialogue
    • Implementing a new executive compensation plan directly tied to performance against key operational and financial targets.

    Shareholders can visit www.CureMediPharm.com, to sign up for important campaign updates.

    To access Apollo Capital’s Circular and related proxy materials, including a proxy or voting instruction form, visit SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Contacts

    For Shareholders:
    Carson Proxy
    North American Toll-Free Phone: 1-800-530-5189
    Local or Text Message: 416-751-2066 (collect calls accepted)
    E: info@carsonproxy.com

    For Media:
    CureMediPharm@gasthalter.com

    Legal Disclosures

    Information in Support of Public Broadcast Exemption under Canadian Law

    In connection with the Annual Meeting, Apollo Capital has filed an amended and restated dissident information circular (the “Circular”) in compliance with applicable corporate and securities laws. Apollo Capital has provided in, or incorporated by reference into, this press release the disclosure required under section 9.2(4) of NI 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations (“NI 51-102”) and the corresponding exemption under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), and has filed the Circular, available under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Circular contains disclosure prescribed by applicable corporate law and disclosure required under section 9.2(6) of NI 51-102 in respect of Apollo Capital’s director nominees, in accordance with corporate and securities laws applicable to public broadcast solicitations. The Circular is hereby incorporated by reference into this press release and is available under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The registered office of the Company is 151 John Street, Barrie, Ontario, Canada L4N 2L1.

    SHAREHOLDERS OF MEDIPHARM ARE URGED TO READ THE CIRCULAR CAREFULLY BECAUSE IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and shareholders are able to obtain free copies of the Circular and any amendments or supplements thereto and further proxy circulars at no charge under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. In addition, shareholders are also able to obtain free copies of the Circular and other relevant documents by contacting Apollo Capital’s proxy solicitor, Carson Proxy Advisors Ltd. (“Carson Proxy”) at 1-800-530-5189, local (collect outside North America): 416-751-2066 or by email at info@carsonproxy.com.

    Proxies may be revoked in accordance with subsection 110(4) of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) by a registered shareholder of Company shares: (a) by completing and signing a valid proxy bearing a later date and returning it in accordance with the instructions contained in the accompanying form of proxy; (b) by depositing an instrument in writing executed by the shareholder or by the shareholder’s attorney authorized in writing; (c) by transmitting by telephonic or electronic means a revocation that is signed by electronic signature in accordance with applicable law, as the case may be: (i) at the registered office of the Company at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting is to be held, or (ii) with the chair of the Annual Meeting on the day of the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting; or (d) in any other manner permitted by law. In addition, proxies may be revoked by a non-registered holder of Company shares at any time by written notice to the intermediary in accordance with the instructions given to the non-registered holder by its intermediary. It should be noted that revocation of proxies or voting instructions by a non-registered holder can take several days or even longer to complete and, accordingly, any such revocation should be completed well in advance of the deadline prescribed in the form of proxy or voting instruction form to ensure it is given effect in respect of the Annual Meeting.

    The costs incurred in the preparation and mailing of any circular or proxy solicitation by Apollo Capital and any other participants named herein will be borne directly and indirectly by Apollo Capital. However, to the extent permitted under applicable law, Apollo Capital intends to seek reimbursement from the Company of all expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of its director nominees at the Annual Meeting.

    This press release and any solicitation made by Apollo Capital is, or will be, as applicable, made by such parties, and not by or on behalf of the management of the Company. Proxies may be solicited by proxy circular, mail, telephone, email or other electronic means, as well as by newspaper or other media advertising and in person by managers, directors, officers and employees of Apollo Capital who will not be specifically remunerated therefor. In addition, Apollo Capital may solicit proxies by way of public broadcast, including press release, speech or publication and any other manner permitted under applicable Canadian laws, and may engage the services of one or more agents and authorize other persons to assist it in soliciting proxies on their behalf.

    Apollo Capital has entered into an agreement with Carson Proxy Advisors (“Carson Proxy”) for solicitation and advisory services in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Meeting, for which Carson Proxy will receive a fee not to exceed $250,000, together with reimbursement for reasonable and out-of-pocket expenses. Apollo Capital has also engaged Gasthalter & Co. LP (“G&Co”) to act as communications consultant to provide Apollo Capital with certain communications, public relations and related services, for which G&Co will receive a minimum fee of US$75,000 in addition to a performance fee of US$250,000 in the event that Apollo Capital’s nominees make up a majority of the Board following the Annual Meeting, plus excess fees, related costs and expenses.

    No member of Apollo Capital nor any of their associates or affiliates has or has had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the beginning of the Company’s last completed financial year or in any proposed transaction that has materially affected or will or would materially affect the Company or any of the Company’s affiliates. No member of Apollo Capital nor any of their associates or affiliates has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting, other than setting the number of directors, the election of directors, the appointment of auditors and the approval of the ordinary resolution approving, among other things, the Company’s amended and restated equity incentive plan dated May 8, 2025 and the unallocated awards available thereunder.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward‐looking statements. All statements contained in this filing that are not clearly historical in nature or that necessarily depend on future events are forward‐looking, and the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “plan,” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward‐looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of Apollo Capital and currently available information. They are not guarantees of future performance, involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. All forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date hereof and Apollo Capital disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently occur, or of which Apollo Capital hereafter becomes aware, except as required by applicable law.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Details of Duncombe Square’s Passivhaus homes revealed

    Source: City of York

    The latest details of the 34 spacious new Passivhaus homes at Duncombe Square have been revealed.

    Those who have already expressed an interest in the homes can now have a clearer idea of the layout, interiors and details of these homes designed by prize-winning architects Mikhail Riches.

    Built in stylish terraces, the generously-sized apartments and houses have traditional brickwork with a contemporary twist blending, and render and clay tile finishes.

    Internal features include exposed softwood staircases, oak-veneer window sills and shutters. The kitchens are fully-fitted with high-quality Howden’s units, Silestone worktops and integrated appliances.

    Duncombe Square’s 34 homes are built to the rigorous Passivhaus standard; widely considered to be the world’s leading standard for energy-efficient homes. Supporting that are electricity-generating solar PV panels on roofs and low-energy air source heat pumps which work alongside high levels of insulation. Inside are mechanical ventilation heat recovery systems to keep air continually filtered and fresh and triple-glazed windows to maintain a comfortable ambient temperature and reduce heat loss.

    To create a safe, welcoming environment for all residents, cars are kept off the streetscape to make the neighbourhood a cleaner, quieter and safer place. In its shared green spaces and ginnels, people take priority: children can play and neighbours can meet and build a community in shared green spaces.

    Prices for the shared ownership and market sale homes will be announced shortly before the homes are released for sale.

    Cllr Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing at City of York Council, said:

    This is our first ever Passivhaus development and Duncombe Square is looking to be an exceptional addition to the city’s housing. This is reflected in the tremendous interest we’ve had from people eligible for shared ownership and for the market sale homes.

    “The homes’ prices must reflect the market and maximise receipts to enable us to invest in building more much-needed social housing. The new homes for social rent at Duncombe Square will be allocated shortly and will be an important addition to Council housing in the city.”

    Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment at City of York Council, said:

    Being Passivhaus ensures residents will have consistent indoor temperatures all year round, significantly reducing the need for heating and cooling – and yes, you can open the windows! This means long-term cost savings and comfortable room temperatures for residents, and a lower carbon footprint for us all.

    “The grounds at Duncombe Square are green and community focussed, encouraging residents of all ages to enjoy time outdoors.”

    Kate Draper, Senior New Homes Manager and Affordable Housing Specialist at estate agent William H Brown, said:

    We are delighted to be partnering with Shape Homes, as selling agent for Duncombe Square, the first Passivhaus development in the North of England to be launched to market. 

    “Demand is already high and we’re sure the development will be a huge success, bringing something unique to the York housing market.”

    Find out more about Duncombe Square’s homes and express your interest here. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia finalize a ten-year agreement to get more homes built

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Halifax, Nova Scotia, May 23, 2025 —The Government of Canada is using every tool at its disposal, leveraging technology, innovation and partnerships, to build homes at a scale and speed not seen since the Second World War.

    To that end, the Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia have finalized a 10-year agreement under the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF), to get more homes built in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia will receive $170.9 million to invest in foundational infrastructure – including drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste systems – necessary to unlock sustainable, long-term housing supply.

    As part of this agreement, Nova Scotia will extend the freeze on development charges announced on November 10, 2023. Reducing development charges makes the housing market work better by bringing down costs for builders, making it easier to build more homes.

    As we build a strong Canadian housing sector, purposeful collaboration between all orders of government will be essential. The Government will make housing more affordable by unleashing the power of public-private cooperation, catalysing a modern housing industry, and creating new careers in the skilled trades.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brooklyn Podcaster and Cryptocurrency Personality Known as ‘T.J. Stone’ Sentenced to 45 Months’ Imprisonment

    Source: US FBI

    Thomas John Sfraga Swindled Individual Real Estate and Cryptocurrency Investors Out of Over $2 Million Using Business Named After Fictitious “Seinfeld” Company

    Thomas John Sfraga, also known as “T.J. Stone,” was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Brooklyn by United States District Judge Frederic Block to 45 months in prison for wire fraud.  As part of the sentence, Sfraga was ordered to pay $1,337,700 in forfeiture. The restitution amount will be determined at a later date.  Sfraga pleaded guilty in May 2024.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Leslie R. Backschies, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentence.

    “Sfraga callously stole from friends, next-door neighbors, and the parents of children who played on teams with his own children, as well as from individual cryptocurrency investors,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “There was nothing funny about his use of a Seinfeldian company, Vandelay Industries, to carry out this fraud, which caused severe financial and emotional harm to the hard-working men and women who trusted him.”

    As set forth in the information and court filings, from at least 2016 to 2022, Sfraga held himself out as the owner and principal of multiple businesses, including Build Strong Homes LLC and Vandelay Contracting Corp.  The latter company had a name similar to the fictional “Vandelay Industries,” which the character George Constanza falsely claimed to have interviewed with for a job in the television show “Seinfeld.” Sfraga held himself out as “T.J. Stone,” a serial entrepreneur with experience in real estate development, media relations, podcasting, and cryptocurrencies, which included acting as the emcee of many cryptocurrency events in New York.

    Sfraga defrauded at least 17 victims, including victims in Brooklyn, Staten Island and Long Island, by convincing them to loan him money for, or to invest in, multiple sham investments including purchasing, renovating, and “flipping” homes.  On one occasion, Sfraga convinced a victim to lend him $100,000 in cash as start-up costs for a non-existent construction project.  On yet another occasion, Sfraga convinced a victim to invest in a fictitious cryptocurrency “virtual wallet.”  He promised the victims returns on their investments as high as 60% in three months.  In reality, however, Sfraga used the money entrusted to him by the victims for his own benefit, to pay expenses, and to pay earlier victims and business associates.  When law enforcement began investigating Sfraga after victims filed lawsuits, he fled to Arizona to live under a false identity. Sfraga was eventually apprehended in Las Vegas after being arrested for running out on his bill at the Wynn Casino.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section.  Assistant United States Attorney John Vagelatos is in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Madison Bates.

    The Defendant:

    THOMAS JOHN SFRAGA (also known as “T.J. Stone”)
    Age:  56
    Brooklyn, New York

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-194 (FB)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: May 22nd, 2025 Heinrich Joins Colleagues in Call to Protect ENERGY STAR

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, this week joined his colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to immediately reverse course on its plan to illegally and unilaterally terminate the ENERGY STAR program. In the letter, Heinrich highlighted the cost-saving benefits of the program, which would save the average American household $450 on utility bills each year simply by choosing ENERGY STAR certified products.

    Since 1992, ENERGY STAR has reduced energy costs for American families and businesses by $500 billion, including $42 billion worth of savings in 2020 alone. For every federal dollar spent on ENERGY STAR, Americans have seen $350 in savings.

    “For over three decades, the ENERGY STAR program has lowered Americans’ energy bills by informing consumers about energy efficient products. The program has enjoyed bipartisan support since its creation under authority of Section 103 of the Clean Air Act, most recently receiving $35.7 million in fiscal year 2025 appropriations,” wrote the senators. “Reporting has indicated, however, that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to eliminate ENERGY STAR without Congressional approval. Not only is the program protected under federal statute and thus illegal for the Administration to terminate unilaterally, but this decision also lacks basic economic sense. We write to urge you to immediately reverse course.”

    The senators continued: “ENERGY STAR is the epitome of an effective public-private partnership. As the program’s administrators, EPA and the Department of Energy set qualifying energy efficiency standards for products. EPA also protects the integrity of the ENERGY STAR brand, ensuring it remains well-known, trusted, and indicative of a quality product. Appliance manufacturers then voluntarily display the ENERGY STAR label, notifying consumers that a product will reduce their energy consumption and lower utility bills. The program strengthens consumer choice by sharing critical product information.”

    “Eliminating the ENERGY STAR program will not only raise energy costs for American families and businesses, but also inflict far-reaching economic harms, threatening industry jobs and the reliability of the grid at a time of growing demand. We again urge you to immediately reconsider eliminating this popular and effective Congressionally authorized program,” the senators concluded.

    Administered by the EPA and Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR is a voluntary, market-based program that has saved consumers billions of dollars annually. The ENERGY STAR program has cumulatively reduced four billion metric tons of harmful emissions and currently supports more than 790,000 American jobs manufacturing and installing ENERGY STAR products.

    ENERGY STAR is strongly supported by a wide array of manufacturers, homebuilders, housing organizations, building owners, small businesses, and other organizations. In April, the U.S. Real Estate Industry sent a letter to the Trump Administration expressing its strong support for the ENERGY STAR program. Additionally, the U.S. Green Buildings Council partnered with the Alliance to Save Energy in leading over 1,000 organizations in urging the Trump Administration to protect the program and maintain full funding and staffing levels.

    The letter was authored by U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.). In addition to Heinrich, it was signed by U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Angus King (I-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.).

    Read and download the full letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Silvercrest Asset Management Group Appoints Van Martin as Head of U.S. Consultant Relations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Silvercrest Asset Management Group (NASDAQ: SAMG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Van Martin as Head of U.S. Consultant Relations. In this role, Mr. Martin will oversee the firm’s initiatives to strengthen its partnerships with new and existing institutional investors, deepen consultant relationships, and expand the growth of Silvercrest’s institutional business in the U.S.

    Since joining Silvercrest in 2014, Mr. Martin has been instrumental in expanding the firm’s intermediary and institutional client base, building relationships with broker-dealers, consulting firms, and key U.S.-based institutional investors. As a Partner and Managing Director at Silvercrest, Mr. Martin brings over a decade of experience and a deep understanding of the firm’s U.S.-based investment capabilities.

    Allen Gray, Global Head of Silvercrest’s Institutional Business, remarked, “We are immensely proud of Van’s contributions and his longstanding collaboration with our U.S.-focused equity investment teams over the past 11 years. We are very pleased to have Van leading our Consultant Relations efforts in the U.S. Marketplace.”

    Mr. Martin is based in the firm’s headquarters in New York City and will report to Allen Gray, Global Head of Silvercrest’s Institutional Business. The team will leverage their combined experience and market knowledge to optimize consultant and client activities, ensuring the best outcomes for institutional clients both in the U.S. and around the globe.

    “I am thrilled to lead Silvercrest’s U.S. institutional consultant relations efforts,” Mr. Martin commented. “I look forward to working with our clients and partners to strengthen our relationships and build upon Silvercrest’s legacy of delivering an exceptional client experience through the high-quality expertise of our talented investment teams.”

    About Van Martin

    Van Martin is a Managing Director and Head of U.S. Consultant & Client Relations, focusing on Silvercrest’s Institutional Asset Management business. Prior to joining Silvercrest in 2014, Mr. Martin held various roles in the Equity Capital Markets division of Sterne Agee & Leach (now Stifel Nicolaus), where he served as an Associate on the Institutional Equity Sales & Trading desk and later as the Associate Director of the newly formed Equity Product Management desk. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Mr. Martin attended the University of Mississippi, where he graduated with a B.A. in Managerial Finance, a B.A. in Banking & Commerce, and a Minor in Real Estate Finance.

    About Silvercrest Asset Management

    Silvercrest was founded in April 2002 as an independent, employee-owned registered investment adviser. With offices in New York, Boston, Virginia, Atlanta, New Jersey, California, Wisconsin, and Singapore, Silvercrest provides traditional and alternative investment advisory and family office services to wealthy families and select institutional investors. As of March 31, 2025, the firm reported assets under management of $34.3 billion.

    Contact:
    J. Allen Gray
    Managing Director, Head of Institutional Business
    212-649-0765
    agray@silvercrestgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Former Zillow Executive Andrew Wild Joins Lofty to Spearhead Enterprise Sales

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PHOENIX, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Award-winning real estate technology innovator, Lofty today announced 20+ year industry veteran Andrew Wild has joined the company as Vice President of Enterprise Sales. The former Zillow executive will lead Lofty’s enterprise sales strategy and team, focused on acquiring and expanding partnerships with brokerages across the U.S. Passionate about helping enterprises modernize their tech operations, Andrew will help evangelize the power of Lofty’s innovative platform to streamline operations, improve data visibility and drive agent productivity. To learn more about how Lofty’s innovations can help your enterprise brokerage drive business growth, visit lofty.com.

    • Lofty Wins Company of the Year in Real Estate in 2025 American Business Awards. Read more HERE.

    More than 70k agents and fast growing brokerages including Epique Realty, LPT and REAL rely on Lofty as their platform of choice. An industry veteran, Andrew understands however, that many brokerages are still stuck in a technology rut, beholden to legacy, siloed systems. In his new role, Andrew will leverage his keen understanding of the challenges enterprise brokerages face to help educate the market on the transformation power of Lofty and accelerate adoption of the AI-powered platform, designed to support the entire real estate process – from search to settlement.

    An original revenue team member at Zillow, Andrew spent the last two plus decades honing his skills in real estate and SaaS sales. Previously, Andrew led enterprise sales for Dotloop and Premier Broker and held a leadership position at Tom Ferry, fostering strategic partnerships with top brokerages and teams nationwide.

    “I’m excited to join Lofty and help drive the next phase of growth in enterprise real estate tech,” said Andrew Wild, Vice President, Enterprise Sales, Lofty. “I’m especially looking forward to helping Lofty build on its growing enterprise adoption and AI innovation, which is finally giving the company a seat at the table in major enterprise tech conversations. There’s huge potential to give brokers and teams more control over lead-to-transaction workflows—outside of the portals—and to truly drive business results.”

    To learn more about how Lofty’s unmatched AI capabilities can help your business grow, visit lofty.com/ai/overview.

    About Lofty Inc.
    Lofty Inc. (formerly Chime Technologies) provides an AI-powered platform that helps real estate professionals increase their productivity and accelerate business growth. Featuring award-winning technology, the Lofty platform is designed to optimize every step of the real estate journey, from search to settlement. By leveraging one unified hub, customers can automate marketing programs, streamline the sales process, and maximize collaboration between agents, empowering them to spend more time building relationships and their business. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Lofty provides proven solutions for brokers, teams, and the enterprise. For more information, visit lofty.com.

    Media Contact:
    Sarah Murray
    Attune Communications
    sarah@attunecommunications.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/88909c6b-758d-4ae1-b62b-0244bdc8be5d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: France: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Paris, France – May 22, 2025

    An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Manuela Goretti and comprising Florian Misch, Rasmane Ouedraogo, Maryam Vaziri, and Torsten Wezel, conducted discussions during May 12-22 for the 2025 Article IV Consultation with France. At the end of the visit, the mission issued the following statement:

    The French economy has demonstrated resilience despite high uncertainty, with disinflation progressing well and the labor market remaining robust. However, high and rising public debt, combined with significant domestic and external headwinds to the recovery, highlights the need to strengthen public finances and pursuing structural reforms to foster sustainable growth. The French authorities’ commitment to bring the deficit below 3 percent of GDP by 2029 is welcome and should be supported by a credible and well-designed package of measures. Advancing France’s structural reform agenda will be crucial to boost productivity and facilitate fiscal consolidation. While the financial sector remains resilient, strong supervisory practices need to continue adapting to an increasingly complex financial landscape. France’s sustained efforts to deepen the European single market remain critical to support the economy and strengthen its ability to withstand shocks.

    Economic Outlook

    High domestic and external uncertainty is expected to continue weighing on the short-term economic outlook. Real GDP growth is projected to slow to 0.6 percent in 2025 and reach 1 percent in 2026. These projections reflect a delayed recovery in private consumption and investment due to weak confidence and fiscal tightening this year, despite some uplift from monetary policy easing. Weaker external demand, amid trade tensions, market volatility, and geo-economic uncertainty, is expected to further dampen exports and investment prospects. These projections are based on the April World Economic Outlook global assumptions and do not reflect the latest trade policy announcements. Over the medium term, growth is projected to converge to around 1.2 percent, before decelerating towards its long-term potential of 1 percent reflecting both demographic trends and need for further structural reforms. The disinflationary process is progressing well, with average headline inflation projected at 1.2 percent in 2025, due to base effects and lower energy prices, and core inflation at 1.9 percent.

    The outlook remains subject to significant downside risks, notwithstanding potential upsides. Deepening geoeconomic fragmentation and rising trade tensions could disrupt trade and financial flows and dampen economic activity. In such an environment, uncertainty would increase, and financial conditions could tighten further, reducing domestic demand and worsening debt dynamics. Political fragmentation and social tensions could delay fiscal consolidation and reform efforts, further weighing on confidence and the outlook, raising fiscal risks. On the upside, easing trade tensions and renewed structural reform momentum could improve growth prospects over the medium term. Domestic reforms could be strengthened through deeper coordination and integration at the EU level. Consumption could be stronger if household saving rates eased more rapidly on the back of dissipating uncertainty. Business investment and export performance could also surprise on the upside, driven by higher demand—in France and in the rest of Europe—including for defense as well as digital and green technologies.

    Fiscal Policy: Reducing Debt while Refocusing Spending Priorities

    Building on the 2025 budget, the authorities are committed to implementing their Medium-term Fiscal Structural Plan (MTFSP) to bring the deficit below 3 percent of GDP by 2029. While the envisaged adjustment is appropriate to improve debt dynamics and strengthen France’s resilience to shocks, it needs to be supported by a credible and well-designed package of measures and remains subject to implementation risks, as evidenced by recent setbacks. Under staff’s current policy baseline scenario, which incorporates only legislated and clearly specified measures, the deficit is projected to decline to 5.4 percent of GDP in 2025, in line with the budget target. However pending approval of significant additional measures, it would remain around 6 percent of GDP in the medium-term, keeping debt on an upward trend until 2030. While short-term risks remain manageable, debt dynamics have weakened significantly, following consecutive fiscal slippages in 2023 and 2024, and remain highly sensitive to the real interest rate and growth path. In this context, France’s commitment to undertake further fiscal consolidation, as per EU rules, represents an important mitigating factor.

    Significant additional fiscal efforts will be crucial to preserve fiscal space and create room to absorb rising spending demands, while placing debt on a downward path. Staff recommends a frontloaded structural fiscal effort of 1.1 percent of GDP in 2026, followed by an average of about 0.9 percent of GDP per year over the medium term, broadly in line with the authorities’ plans. The recommended adjustment would allow the country to exit the excessive deficit procedure by end-2029, as targeted. Staff’s debt sustainability analysis indicates that the recommended fiscal path would markedly reduce medium-term debt sustainability risks, with the debt-stabilizing primary balance being reached in 2027.

    Achieving this substantial fiscal consolidation will require decisive actions and difficult decisions to ensure equity and fairness amid challenging trade-offs:

    • Given France’s already high tax-to-GDP ratio, any new tax measures should be focused on reducing inefficient tax expenditures and tackling tax avoidance while improving equity. While exceptional temporary revenue measures can help kickstart much needed fiscal adjustment, France’s level of taxation—among the highest in the EU—indicates that sustained tax-based fiscal consolidation, of the magnitude necessary to advance France’s medium-term plans, would hamper business confidence, household consumption, and growth potential. Building on recent experiences, the authorities should continue to monitor and evaluate tax expenditure programs to address inefficiencies vis-à-vis intended objectives and generate savings. This approach would also simplify the tax system and facilitate revenue forecasting.

    • The authorities should focus on rationalizing spending and strengthening its efficiency, with concerted action across all government levels: central government, social security, and local governments. France has the highest spending-to-GDP ratio among EU countries. There are several avenues to rationalize spending and improve its quality, while preserving growth-enhancing investment in key priority areas and mitigating distributional impacts on the most vulnerable. The planned expansion of spending reviews and efforts to minimize overlaps across government entities, including local governments, can streamline spending by addressing inefficiencies and reducing red tape. There is also scope to further improve the targeting of social benefits, including by reviewing eligibility and duration of unemployment benefits, to better target active labor market initiatives, as well as to further simplify and harmonize pension schemes, while ensuring a balanced system, building on the 2023 pension reform. These efforts would foster less fragmented and longer careers while enhancing the sustainability and intergenerational equity of the social security system. Enhanced monitoring and financial coordination can also generate savings at the local and national levels.

    The authorities’ initiatives to reinforce public finances forecasting and budget controls, in response to recent fiscal slippages, are welcome. The March 2025 Action plan by the authorities aims at enhancing monitoring of tax revenue, fostering greater transparency, and reinforcing the role of the High Council for Public Finances. Sustained efforts in these areas are essential to identify and proactively address fiscal risks, strengthen public finance management, and enhance fiscal policy credibility. Contingency plans will be also needed to ensure that pressing priority spending needs, including in defense, are met without compromising public finances.

    Macrostructural Policies to Support Jobs and Productivity Growth

    Raising weak productivity growth is critical for sustaining France’s economic prospects, in the face of substantial fiscal consolidation needs. The per capita income gap between France and the US has increased since the early 2000s and now exceeds 20 percent, primarily due to lower productivity and employment in France. Macro-structural reforms can play a critical role in lifting potential output, while facilitating fiscal consolidation efforts. For example, an increase in potential GDP growth of 0.3 percentage points could help reduce public debt by nearly 10 percent of GDP over the long term.

    France is well-positioned to capitalize on the green and digital transitions through greater efforts to support innovation and access to capital. France’s comparative advantage in low-carbon technologies and its potential to become a European hub for Artificial Intelligence can foster the development of new technologies and support growth. Ongoing efforts by the authorities to review and rationalize state aid and R&D tax expenditures by focusing on the most impactful schemes and better targeting eligibility criteria can boost innovation and help close gaps with peers. Enhancing access to finance and reducing financing costs for productive but credit-constrained firms is crucial and should be supported by advancing the EU Savings and Investment Union which can increase the availability of capital and its efficient allocation.

    To support entrepreneurship, policies should focus on easing entry barriers and reducing the regulatory burden. France performs relatively well in terms of product market regulation, but reducing administrative market entry barriers for firms, especially in some services sectors, is crucial for boosting business dynamism and productivity growth. The Simplification Bill, currently under discussion, would be an important step towards further reducing the regulatory burden and streamlining requirements, particularly for small and medium size firms. At the European level, deepening the single market through the removal of remaining intra-EU trade barriers and greater harmonization of regulations can help firms achieve economies of scale and incentivize innovation by expanding market size.

    Sustained efforts to promote employment and job quality remain critical to facilitate green and digital transitions, amid an aging workforce, and boost productivity growth. While employment rates have increased, they remain low in segments of the population compared to other countries. Possible areas for policy intervention include further social benefit reforms to enhance work incentives and reduce career fragmentation, particularly among younger and older individuals. These measures can be complemented by efforts to further raise labor force participation of women, including through recent initiatives to support STEM careers, and better integrate migrants into the labor market. Promoting workforce skills and healthy aging would also contribute to job quality.

    Adapting to a Complex Financial Landscape

    The banking sector has demonstrated resilience to recent shocks, supported by prudent lending standards and strong precautionary buffers. While profitability remains below the EU average, banks’ solvency and liquidity positions are robust, with adequate buffers. Sound prudential measures are mitigating housing market risks as property prices stabilize, while risks to the banking sector from corporate indebtedness and sovereign exposures remain manageable. Notwithstanding high uncertainty, financial stability risks remain contained, with French banks showing resilience under severe geopolitical and recessionary stress test scenarios, applied in the context of the IMF’s 2025 Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP).

    The connections between the banking system, insurance firms, and domestic funding markets warrant continued close monitoring. The FSAP stress test indicates that investment funds possess sufficient liquidity to withstand large redemption shocks, and French banks’ liquidity buffers can absorb potential market shocks from associated fixed-income sell-offs. Moreover, liquidity management tools to contain redemption risks have been widely adopted. Nevertheless, amid global uncertainty and episodes of high market volatility, there is scope to further strengthen oversight through greater monitoring and data sharing on fund liability structures as well as closer collaboration among non-bank financial institutions supervisors in France and at the EU level.

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/22/CS-France-2025

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chief Executive Officer of Digital Asset Company Found Guilty in Multi-Million Dollar Crypto-Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant Misappropriated Millions of Dollars of Investors’ Funds for His Own Use Including to Purchase Real Estate and Luxury Vehicles

    Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, a federal jury convicted Braden John Karony on all counts of a three-count indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit securities fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.  The charges arose from the defendant’s and his co-conspirators’ roles in defrauding investors in a decentralized finance digital asset called “SafeMoon,” issued by their company SafeMoon LLC.  As alleged, the defendant agreed with his co-conspirators to lie to SafeMoon investors about whether SafeMoon executives could access the liquidity pool and whether they were using the assets from the liquidity pool for their personal benefit.  As SafeMoon’s market capitalization grew to more than $8 billion, the defendant fraudulently diverted and misappropriated millions of dollars’ worth of  liquidity from the SafeMoon liquidity pool for their personal benefit.  The verdict followed a 12-day trial before United States District Judge Eric R. Komitee.  When sentenced, Karony faces up to 45 years in prison.  The jury also issued a verdict to forfeit one residential property and the proceeds from the sale of another residential property, amounting to approximately $2 million.

    Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York;   Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI); and Darren B. McCormack, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI New York) announced the verdict. 

    “As proven at trial, the SafeMoon digital asset was anything but safe and turned out to be pie in the sky for investors who were deliberately misled by Karony, a man who sought to get rich quick by stealing and diverting millions of dollars,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “Karony used his scheme to purchase multiple homes, sports cars, custom trucks, and other luxury goods.  Today’s guilty verdict should serve as a warning to all would-be fraudsters that my Office will vigorously prosecute individuals like the defendant who victimize digital asset investors and undermine investor confidence in digital assets markets, thereby threatening the stability and growth of these emerging technologies.”

    Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for its work on the case. 

    “Braden Karony, the CEO of SafeMoon, exploited his company’s digital portfolio with fictional success stories and stole millions of dollars in crypto-assets to finance luxury purchases,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia.  “Along with his co-conspirators, Karony violated his clients’ trust and wallets while attempting to conceal his misconduct through discreet transactions.  May today’s conviction emphasize the FBI’s commitment to securing all markets and protecting the American people from individuals who abuse their position to satisfy personal greed.”

    “Braden Karony misled investors; intentionally diverted and misappropriated millions in cryptocurrency for his personal benefit; and lined the driveways of his million dollar homes with luxury cars.  While the name of his company is SafeMoon, there was nothing safe about this investment that was just a front for theft.  By following the money with complex cryptocurrency tracing, IRS-CI New York’s Cyber and J5 groups worked with our investigative partners to see that this conman is held accountable for his greedy acts,” stated IRS-CI New York Special Agent in Charge Chavis.  “The Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement (J5) is a global partnership that works together to gather information, share intelligence, and conduct coordinated operations against transnational financial crimes.  The J5 includes the Australian Taxation Office, the Canada Revenue Agency, the Dutch Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs from the U.K. and IRS-CI from the U.S.”

    “Steered by his selfish desires and insatiable greed, Braden John Karony treated millions of dollars in investors’ funds as his own personal bank account,” stated HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge McCormack.  “The defendant will soon be trading his sprawling real estate and luxury vehicles for a jail cell within the four walls of a federal penitentiary.  As reflected by today’s conviction, whether it involves fiat or crypto, HSI New York’s El Dorado Task Force will relentlessly pursue individuals intent on exploiting investors and the American financial system for their own gain.”

    Background on SafeMoon

    As proven at trial, SafeMoon tokens were digital assets first issued in March 2021 by SafeMoon LLC on a public blockchain.  Through the operation of SafeMoon’s smart contract, every transaction in SafeMoon was automatically subject to a 10% tax, meaning, for example, that if a holder of SafeMoon transferred 10 SafeMoon to another user, 1 SafeMoon would automatically be retained from the transfer as a tax and the remaining 9 SafeMoon would be received by the other party.  As marketed to SafeMoon investors, the proceeds of SafeMoon’s 10% tax were split into two 5% tranches, the proceeds of which were supposed to benefit holders of SafeMoon in specific ways.  The first 5% tranche of the tax proceeds would be “reflected” back to, and distributed among, all SafeMoon holders in proportion to their current SafeMoon holdings and thereby increase the total quantity of SafeMoon held by every SafeMoon investor automatically.  The remaining 5% tranche of SafeMoon tax proceeds would be deposited into designated SafeMoon liquidity pools.  The larger the SafeMoon liquidity pool, the greater the liquidity in the market for SafeMoon.  In the months after its launch in March 2021, SafeMoon grew to have millions of holders and a market capitalization of more than $8 billion.

    The Defendants’ Fraudulent Scheme

    Karony and his co-conspirators misrepresented various material aspects of the SafeMoon offering to investors.  Such misrepresentations included that SafeMoon relied on “locked” liquidity pools that would automatically increase in size due to a 10% tax imposed on every SafeMoon transaction; that the “locked” SafeMoon liquidity pool prevented the defendants and other insiders at SafeMoon from being able to “rug pull”—a type of crypto fraud— SafeMoon investors by removing liquidity from the SafeMoon liquidity pool; that tokens in the liquidity pool would only be used for limited pre-defined business purposes, not personal enrichment; that the defendants would manually add token pairs to the SafeMoon liquidity pool when transactions of SafeMoon occurred on specific centralized exchanges; and that the developers were not and had not been holding and trading SafeMoon for their benefit.

    In reality, Karony and his co-conspirators retained access to the SafeMoon liquidity pools and used that access to intentionally divert and misappropriate millions of dollars’ worth of tokens for their personal benefit.  In addition, although they publicly denied that they personally held or traded SafeMoon, they repeatedly bought and sold SafeMoon, sometimes at the height of SafeMoon market price, which generated millions of dollars in profits.  Karony and his co-conspirators masked their movement of the fraudulent proceeds via numerous private un-hosted crypto wallet addresses, complex transaction routing, and pseudonymous centralized exchange accounts.  Karony acquired over $9 million in crypto assets from the scheme and used some of the proceeds to purchase luxury vehicles and real estate, including a $2.2 million home in Utah, additional homes in Utah and Kansas, a $277,000 Audi R8 sports car, another Audi R8, a Tesla, and custom Ford F-550 and Jeep Gladiator pickup trucks.

    Co-conspirator Thomas Smith previously pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. Co-conspirator Kyle Nagy remains at large. 

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section.  Assistant United States  Attorneys Dana Rehnquist, Sara K. Winik, and Jessica K. Weigel are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Asher Martin-Rosenthal and Madison Bates. Assistant United States Attorney Laura Mantell is handling forfeiture matters.

    The Defendant:

    BRADEN JOHN KARONY
    29
    Provo, Utah

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-433 (EK)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Shaheen Lead 20 Colleagues in Call to Protect ENERGY STAR 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch, Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, this week joined Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) in leading 20 of their colleagues urging the Trump Administration to immediately reverse course on its plan to illegally and unilaterally terminate the ENERGY STAR program. In their letter, the Senators highlight the cost-saving benefits of the program, which is projected to save the average American household $450 on utility bills each year simply by choosing ENERGY STAR certified products.  
    Since 1992, ENERGY STAR has reduced energy costs for American families and businesses by $500 billion, including $42 billion worth of savings in 2020 alone. For every federal dollar spent on ENERGY STAR, Americans have enjoyed $350 in savings. 
    “For over three decades, the ENERGY STAR program has lowered Americans’ energy bills by informing consumers about energy efficient products. The program has enjoyed bipartisan support since its creation under authority of Section 103 of the Clean Air Act, most recently receiving $35.7 million in fiscal year 2025 appropriations,” wrote the Senators. “Reporting has indicated, however, that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to eliminate ENERGY STAR without Congressional approval. Not only is the program protected under federal statute and thus illegal for the Administration to terminate unilaterally, but this decision also lacks basic economic sense. We write to urge you to immediately reverse course.” 
    The Senators continued: “ENERGY STAR is the epitome of an effective public-private partnership. As the program’s administrators, EPA and the Department of Energy set qualifying energy efficiency standards for products. EPA also protects the integrity of the ENERGY STAR brand, ensuring it remains well-known, trusted, and indicative of a quality product. Appliance manufacturers then voluntarily display the ENERGY STAR label, notifying consumers that a product will reduce their energy consumption and lower utility bills. The program strengthens consumer choice by sharing critical product information.” 
    “Eliminating the ENERGY STAR program will not only raise energy costs for American families and businesses, but also inflict far-reaching economic harms, threatening industry jobs and the reliability of the grid at a time of growing demand. We again urge you to immediately reconsider eliminating this popular and effective Congressionally authorized program,” the Senators concluded. 
    Administered by the EPA and Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR is a voluntary, market-based program that has saved consumers billions of dollars annually. The ENERGY STAR program has cumulatively reduced four billion metric tons of harmful emissions and currently supports more than 790,000 American jobs manufacturing and installing ENERGY STAR products.  
    ENERGY STAR is strongly supported by a wide array of manufacturers, homebuilders, housing organizations, building owners, small businesses, and other organizations. In April, the U.S. Real Estate Industry sent a letter to the Trump Administration expressing its strong support for the ENERGY STAR program. Additionally, the U.S. Green Buildings Council partnered with the Alliance to Save Energy in leading over 1,000 organizations in urging the Trump Administration to protect the program and maintain full funding and staffing levels. 
    In addition to Senators Welch and Shaheen, the letter was signed by Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Angus King (I-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.). 
    Read and download the full letter. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The distant dream of owning a home: Canada sees growing inequality in home ownership

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Yushu Zhu, Assistant Professor, Urban Studies and Public Policy, Simon Fraser University

    Home ownership is often seen as a symbol of success and is linked to various life opportunities, like starting a family or growing your wealth. It’s also often seen as the ultimate housing goal, while renting is seen as transitional. Eventually, everyone is expected to climb up the housing ladder from renting to owning.

    Promoting home ownership is therefore at the centre of housing policy in many countries, including Canada. As of 2021, 67 per cent of Canadian households owned their home.

    However, deteriorating affordability in recent years has placed home ownership out of reach for many and called into question the ideal of home ownership.

    In a recent study, colleagues and I examined access to home ownership for different groups using census data from 1986 to 2021 in five metropolitan areas: Montréal, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver.

    Our findings suggest that, for many, owning a home has become a distant dream.

    Stagnant homeownership growth

    Based on statistical models that accounted for individual and household characteristics, we found that the probability of an average Canadian household owning a home (with or without a mortgage) improved steadily from 1991 to 2011, then dropped in 2016 and 2021, while the likelihood of owning with a mortgage substantially increased. This means growth in home ownership was primarily driven by mortgage debt.

    This trend was happening at the same time as a shift started in the 1990s towards financialization that treated housing more as an investment than a social good.



    Read more:
    Financial firms are driving up rent in Toronto — and targeting the most vulnerable tenants

    The federal government stopped funding social housing programs, commercialized the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and expanded its mortgage securitization programs.

    In other words, mortgage liberation successfully promoted home ownership for some time until 2011.

    All five metropolitan areas saw a decline in the number of renter households until 2011 (2016 for Montréal), when the number began increasing. In addition, outright ownership has become less prevalent over time.

    These findings defy the expected sustained growth of home ownership that commodification and financialization were supposed to bring.

    The percentage of homes owned outright, with a mortgage or being rented in different Canadian cities.
    (Author provided)

    Filtering mechanism and access to credit

    Another tenet of the home ownership narrative is that a free market provides equal opportunities for owning a home through two processes: the filtering process and mortgage liberalization.

    The filtering model suggests that homes built for higher-income families slowly deteriorate and depreciate, and can become affordable for lower-income people. This process, coupled with the increased access to mortgages, is expected to eventually grant home ownership opportunities to all.

    However, this mechanism is less likely to work for home ownership than for rentals. Owner-occupied homes often take a long time, sometimes decades, to depreciate. By the time they become available and affordable, the unit may require major and costly renovations.

    In practice, many owner-occupied units often “filter up” rather than downward, through gentrification or acquisition by financial investors.

    The increased access to mortgages does not benefit everyone either. Many low-income people or those without stable jobs do not qualify for mortgages, and racialized people are more likely to be denied access to credit due to discrimination.

    Growing inequalities

    Substantiating these counter-arguments are growing inter-generational and income inequalities in home ownership. All age cohorts saw improved access to home ownership up until 2021. However, the three age groups under 45 — 15-24, 25-34 and 35-44 — saw steady declines in home ownership rates.

    These were mostly millennials and Gen Zers who face disproportionate affordability pressure compared to older generations.

    Homeowners over 55 are also reckoning with affordability. We found the share of older homeowners holding a mortgage rose between 1986 and 2021 from 24 to 40 per cent for those 55 to 64, and from 10 to 26 per cent for the 65-74 age group.

    In other words, more people are having to rely on larger loans and longer amortization periods to buy and maintain their homes, making it harder to pay back their mortgage before retirement.

    The disparities in home ownership opportunities among different incomes have also increased. While the top 20th percentile income group witnessed increased probability of owning a home between 2011 and 2016, other income groups experienced stagnant or decreased chances.

    Among owner households, Canadians across all incomes saw increased mortgaged ownership from 1996 to 2016. The lowest income group saw the fastest growth in mortgaged home ownership but were still the least likely to own with a mortgage due to low income or discrimination. Rising house prices coupled with loosening mortgage lending regulations may have pushed them into mortgaged ownership.

    Higher social status?

    A final compelling narrative is that home ownership affords better well-being and financial security due to higher perceived social status and a stronger sense of autonomy and stability.

    The financial security associated with home ownership is supported by the idea of “housing asset-based welfare.” This model conceptualizes home ownership as a means for young people to build assets for financial security in times of need and old age.

    However, this approach encourages early-life debt, and may only work if mortgage loans remain affordable until they are paid off. Paradoxically, this asset-building mindset drives speculative investment and house prices, making outright home ownership more difficult and mortgaged ownership less affordable.

    The well-being associated with home ownership is debatable as well. My colleagues and I have shown elsewhere that perceived benefits to a person’s well-being are not intrinsic to home ownership. Rather, they are created and normalized by a system that makes home ownership more secure and appealing than alternatives like renting.

    In reality, the financial security associated with home ownership has been undermined by rising housing costs, especially for low- and moderate-income homeowners with mortgages.

    Mortgaged homeowners with below-median incomes have seen their housing costs increase 25 per cent faster than their income over the study period, compared to five per cent for higher income families at the top 60th percentile.

    Broken promises

    Manual Aalbers, a human geography professor at Belgium’s University of Leuven, has argued that home ownership today has slowly changed “from a policy goal into pure rhetoric … a means to an end. Mortgaged home ownership increasingly is there to keep mortgage and financial markets going.”

    To say the least, the broken promises of home ownership point to the failures of our current housing system that creates a hierarchy of tenures and two tiers of social class — homeowners and renters.

    Policies aimed at creating a fairer housing market are essential. These include improving home ownership affordability by providing more diverse types of housing for ownership and discouraging speculative investment.

    Such policies should also include enhancing housing security and asset-building opportunities for renters, and supporting the role of non-profits and social enterprises in meeting the needs of a broad range of income groups.

    This research project was funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Council of Canada (SSHRC) through its Insight Development Grant and Partnership Grant. The project was part of the Community Housing Canada project, co-funded by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and SSHRC.

    – ref. The distant dream of owning a home: Canada sees growing inequality in home ownership – https://theconversation.com/the-distant-dream-of-owning-a-home-canada-sees-growing-inequality-in-home-ownership-254873

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nick Langworthy Introduces Bill to Save Taxpayers, Promote Infrastructure Development, and Increase Jobs

    Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) introduced the Infrastructure Expansion Act, which would reform New York’s antiquated liability law on federally funded projects, reduce taxpayer costs, and promote more construction and jobs in our state.  This legislation will preempt state law and align New York with 49 other states which utilize a comparative negligence standard to assess fault when injuries occur on a construction site.

     

    “This bill is urgently needed to preempt this broken liability standard on federally funded projects and get New York building again,”said Congressman Langworthy. “New York’s Scaffold Law is a gift to trial lawyers and a burden on our construction workers and taxpayers, and it must change.” 

     

    “It is estimated that the scaffold law increases total construction costs between 5 and 10%. This only in New York law, dating from 1885, doesn’t protect workers and unnecessarily increases the cost for building roads and bridges, hospitals, schools, affordable housing, industrial facilities, and office buildings.

     

    “The last state to have such a law was Illinois which repealed its statute in 1995.  Since Albany refuses to act, federal preemption is the only path to proceed.  Enactment of this law will save at least $2 billion in federal tax dollars over the next 10 years and significant savings to state taxpayers. 

     

    “My hope is that this law if enacted will finally force Albany to reform this law, saving millions each year in construction costs to build schools, residential housing, and other projects which are not typically funded by Washington. Significant technology projects, such as Micron outside Syracuse and other projects all throughout New York State would see a reduced cost of construction,” continued Langworthy.

     

    New York State’s outdated Scaffold Law imposes absolute liability on property owners and contractors for elevation-related injuries—regardless of a worker’s own negligence. This unique-to-New York mandate has made construction insurance skyrocket, driving up the cost of housing, schools, and infrastructure across the state. New York’s law has also resulted in significant fraud as staged accident suits have flooded the courts. This situation was recently documented in an ABC News national story on construction and legal fraud, most of which occur in New York State due to the scaffold law. 

     

    Original cosponsors of this legislation include Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY).

     

    “New York’s burdensome and misguided Scaffold Law has caused construction costs to skyrocket, making it one of most expensive states to build in the country. The Infrastructure Expansion Act will lower costs on federally funded projects by finally bringing fairness and balance to liability rules. This is a critical step toward bringing investments to our state and making New York more affordable and competitive,”said Congresswoman Tenney.

     

    Groups that support this legislation include the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York, Associated Builders and Contractors of New York State, Associated General Contractors of New York, Associated General Contractors of New York State, Building Trades Employer Association, Business Council of New York State, Inc., Big “I” New York, General Contractors Association, General Contractors Association of New York, Lawsuit Reform Alliance of New York, Long Island Builders Institute, National Association of Home Builders, National Electrical Contractors Association, New York Association of Homebuilders, New York Association of Towns, New York State Association for Affordable Housing, New York State Builders Association, New York State Business Council, Partnership for New York City, Real Estate Board of New York, Upstate United, Habitat for Humanity, .

     

    “This legislation is necessary for all future development projects in New York State because it addresses the biggest ongoing concern we hear from our businesses: affordability. New York is the only state with this kind of law, which mandates unnecessary provisions that only raise the cost of doing business. Congressman Langworthy’s bill is critical to ensure key economic development projects remain affordable, such as reconstructing Penn Station and bringing high-paying jobs and economic growth to Syracuse through Micron,” said Heather Mulligan, President and CEO, Business Council of New York State, Inc.

     

    “New York is the most expensive city in America, with the high cost of construction being a major contributor. Local legislators have been unwilling to override special interests to deal with our affordability crisis. We support the legislation introduced by Representative Langworthy that promises to impose needed fiscal discipline that we cannot seem to achieve on our own,” said Kathryn Wylde, President and CEO, Partnership for New York City.

     

    “This commonsense legislation replaces outdated absolute liability rules with a fair and modern comparative negligence standard for federally assisted construction projects. This long-overdue reform will help reduce fraud, lower insurance premiums, and establish a more balanced legal framework for both builders and workers.Escalating insurance costs threaten the viability of construction projects, drive up consumer costs, and delay critical development needed to address housing and infrastructure demands. This legislation is a necessary step toward restoring fairness and long-term sustainability in construction-related liability policies.We commend Congressman Langworthy for his leadership on this important issue and urge swift passage of this vital legislation,” said Mike Fazio, Executive Vice President, New York State Builders Association.

     

    “The Long Island Builders Institute supports the Infrastructure Expansion Act of 2025. This bill replaces outdated absolute liability rules with a fair comparative negligence standard for federally assisted infrastructure and transportation projects.By preempting such state laws and standardizing liability rules, this legislation ensures a balanced legal framework that encourages participation in federally supported projects without compromising worker protections.We applaud Representative Langworthy’s leadership and urge Congress to pass this commonsense reform,” said Mike Florio, CEO, Long Island Builders Institute.

     

    “The National Association of Home Builders commends Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.) for introducing the Infrastructure Expansion Act. At a time when rising construction and insurance costs are driving up overall project expenses, this bill would help reduce costs and better use valuable taxpayer dollars by implementing reasonable and fair liability standards for certain federally funded projects,” said Buddy Hughes, Chairman, National Association of Home Builders. 

     

    “The Scaffold Law costs New Yorkers nearly $800 million a year without delivering any tangible construction safety benefits, and as a result, we are hindering the economic growth of our communities statewide, preventing safe development from moving forward and creating new jobs and new business opportunities,” said John T. Evers, President and CEO, American Council of Engineering Companies of New York (ACEC New York.) “New York needs reasonable regulations that eliminate unnecessary costs, and this bill does just that by removing the requirements for higher-rate insurance on projects that receive federal funding. With this proposed legislation, we can expand the size, scope and number of public works projects that are critical to improving the built environment around us, and we applaud the work of Congressman Nick Langworthy and his fellow lawmakers for their efforts to reverse this alarming trend.”

     

    “We’re grateful that Congressman Langworthy has heard the concerns of New York’s contractor community. His legislation takes aim at decades of abuse caused by an outdated, New York-only law that has helped make us one of the most expensive places to build in the country. When passed, it will help bring insurance carriers back to New York and make general liability coverage more affordable—allowing us to build more housing and repair our roads and bridges. We look forward to working with the Congressman to get this much-needed legislation across the finish line,”said Brian Sampson, ABC Empire State Chapter President.

     

    “The Scaffold Act is a costly mandate that places undue fiscal burdens on towns and their taxpayers when trying to complete projects in their respective communities. We need this commonsense reform that will lower costs, protect the taxpayers, and help spur more investments in our infrastructure and in economic development projects across the state,”said Christopher A Koetzle, Executive Director, New York Association of Towns.

     

    “Upstate United applauds Congressman Langworthy for introducing federal legislation that would reform New York’s outdated and costly ‘Scaffold Law.’ Originally enacted in the 1880s—when worker protections were minimal—the law now imposes an absolute liability standard for gravity-related construction accidents, a policy unique to New York. As a result, our state faces the highest general liability insurance costs for construction in the nation, burdening taxpayers with hundreds of millions of dollars each year. This proposed legislation would eliminate the absolute liability standard for federally funded projects, helping to reduce unnecessary costs and support job growth. We hope to see this legislation advance in D.C. and call on New York’s leaders to pursue long-overdue reforms at the state level,”said Justin Wilcox, Upstate United.

     

    “The Empire State will never resolve its affordable housing crisis, properly invest in public infrastructure and transportation, or attract and retain the industries of the future if the only-in-New York Scaffold Law continues to waste public funds on liability costs,” said Tom Stebbins, Executive Director, Lawsuit Reform Alliance of New York. “Congressman Langworthy’s bill is a step in the right direction. It protects taxpayers’ money from being siphoned from federal projects to pay for lawsuits that benefit no one except the personal injury lawyer lobby. Congress is taking note, when will Albany act?”

     

    “One of the main drivers of the high cost of construction in New York City is our antiquated Scaffold Law, which serves to protect special interests rather than any jobsite the law purportedly makes safer. Rep. Langworthy’s bill takes this outdated law head on, and if passed will allow our city to focus resources on the projects that matter, rather than increased insurance premiums and lawsuit settlements. Driving costs down and making New York City more affordable requires bold action at all levels, and Rep. Langworthy’s proposed legislation is a strong step in the right direction,” said James Whelan, President, Real Estate Board of New York.

     

    “Congressman Langworthy’s bill takes aim at New York’s century-old Scaffold Law and its unjust absolute liability standard—a relic that saddles taxpayers with billions in extra costs while doing nothing to make jobsites safer.  By replacing absolute liability with the same commonsense comparative-negligence standard, we can steer precious federal dollars toward rebuilding schools, roads, and affordable housing instead of lining trial-lawyer pockets. We applaud the Congressman’s leadership and stand ready to help get this done for workers, taxpayers and our economy,” said Mike Elmendorf, President & CEO of the Associated General Contractors of New York State.

    “Congressman Langworthy’s bill is a long-overdue step toward restoring fairness and affordability in New York’s construction industry. The Scaffold Law’s absolute liability standard, which is unique to New York, inflates insurance costs by as much as 7%, directly driving up the price of affordable housing and infrastructure statewide. Reforming this outdated law is not just common sense, it’s essential to addressing our affordability crisis and ensuring that coveted federal dollars are spent building homes and communities, not fueling a broken legal system,” said Jolie Milstein, President and CEO, New York State Association for Affordable Housing.

     

    “Representative Langworthy’s bill gives us a direct path to lowering costs on federally funded projects.  Insurance costs in New York City are unreasonably high. Bringing down costs will mean more construction; more construction means more union construction jobs. Let’s get this much needed legislation across the finish line and bring more construction and construction jobs to New York,”saidElizabeth Crowley, President and CEO, Building Trades Employer Association.

     

    “Congressman Langworthy’s bill will help in removing the effects of outdated laws on NYS’s highest in the nation insurance costs,” said Robert G. Wessels, Executive Director of the General Contractors Association of New York. “The savings obtained by decreasing the extreme cost paid by NY Contractors, for insurance on public works projects, can be used for further investment in critical infrastructure projects.”

     

    “The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) strongly supports the Infrastructure Expansion Act of 2025 and applauds Congressman Nick Langworthy for his leadership in advancing this vital legislation. By ensuring that federal infrastructure projects are governed by a fair, comparative negligence standard rather than outdated absolute liability rules, this bill protects both contractors and property owners while preserving access to critical federal funding.
    On behalf of our several hundred electrical contractors across New York State, we thank Rep. Langworthy for standing up for the skilled professionals who power and build America’s infrastructure. This commonsense reform promotes safety, accountability, and much-needed investment in our nation’s roads, bridges, transit systems, and energy networks,” said Marco Giamberardino, SVP, Government and Public Affairs, National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: KraneShares Launches Strategic Wealth Model Portfolios — An Endowment-Style Approach to ETF Model Portfolios Emphasizing Alternatives and International Exposure

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“KraneShares”), an asset management firm known for its global exchange-traded funds (ETFs), today announced the launch of the KraneShares Strategic Wealth Model Portfolios.

    These ETF model portfolios provide a comprehensive, global portfolio solution for financial advisors. They leverage the best of KraneShares’ and their leading asset management partners’ ETFs and market insights, emphasizing liquid alternatives and international exposure.

    “Over the years, we have developed a unique set of ETFs at KraneShares. The Strategic Wealth Models can help investors understand how our ETFs fit into a total portfolio solution,” said Jonathan Krane, KraneShares CEO. “Through combining KraneShares’ strategies and expertise with products and inputs from our partners, we are able to create ETF model portfolios across various risk ranges that are unique in the marketplace.”

    The KraneShares Strategic Wealth Model Portfolios expand global diversification compared to most model portfolio offerings and include 15-20% exposure to liquid alternatives, helping to protect the portfolio when traditional investments decline.

    “We see a shift coming in global markets,” added Jonathan Shelon. “After a decade of US equity outperformance and a dominant US dollar, more globally diversified and alternatives-oriented portfolios will be important for growing and maintaining wealth. We are helping our clients prepare for a shifting macro landscape with our Strategic Wealth Models.”

    The models currently include the following ETFs:

    • KraneShares Value Line Dynamic Dividend Equity ETF (Ticker: KVLE)
    • KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF (Ticker: KEMX)
    • KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (Ticker: KWEB)
    • KraneShares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF (Ticker: KSPY)
    • KraneShares Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (Ticker: AGIX)
    • iShares Core US Aggregate Bond ETF (Ticker: AGG)
    • iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (Ticker: USHY)
    • Quadratic Interest Rate Volatility and Inflation Hedge ETF (Ticker: IVOL)
    • KraneShares Sustainable Ultra Short Duration Index ETF (Ticker: KCSH )
    • KraneShares Asia Pacific High Income USD Bond ETF (Ticker: KHYB)
    • KraneShares Mount Lucas Strategy ETF (Ticker: KMLM)
    • KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF (Ticker: KRBN)
    • iShares Mortgage Real Estate Capped ETF (Ticker: REM)
    • KraneShares China Internet & Covered Call ETF (Ticker: KLIP)
    • KraneShares Man Buyout Beta Index ETF (Ticker: BUYO)
    • iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF (Ticker: IVW)
    • iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (Ticker: IJR)
    • KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF (Ticker: KBA)
    • iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (Ticker: ICLN)
    • iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF (Ticker: IEI)

    For more information on the KraneShares Strategic Wealth Models, please visit portfolios.kraneshares.com/kraneshares-strategic-wealth-model-portfolios/ or consult your financial advisor.

    About KraneShares

    Krane Funds Advisors, LLC is the investment manager for KraneShares ETFs. Our team is determined to provide industry-leading, differentiated, and high-conviction investment strategies that offer access to key market trends. KraneShares offers innovative investment solutions tailored to three key pillars: China, Climate, and Alternatives. Our mission is to empower investors with the knowledge and tools necessary to capture the importance of these themes as an essential element of a well-designed investment portfolio.

    Contact:
    KraneShares Investor Relations
    info@kraneshares.com

    The MIL Network –

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

    Source: Fannie Mae

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Economics –

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

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

    Q1 2025 Highlights

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

    A Foundational Quarter for Beeline

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

    Financial Performance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    About Beeline Holdings, Inc.

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

    Forward-Looking Statements

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

    Investor Contact:
    investors@makeabeeline.com

    Media Contact:
    press@makeabeeline.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: SCOR Senior Euro Loans switches to daily liquidity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PRESS RELEASE | May 21st, 2025 N° 01- 2025

    SCOR Senior Euro Loans switches to daily liquidity

    SCOR Investment Partners, the asset management subsidiary of leading reinsurer, SCOR Group, announces changes to its flagship fund of senior secured bank loans (leveraged loans), 1st lien issued in euro, SCOR Senior Euro Loans.

    With almost 15 years’ experience and close to EUR 2 billion in assets under management in leveraged loan portfolios on behalf of institutional investors, SCOR Investment Partners announces that the fund’s frequency of net asset value calculation has moved from weekly to daily, offering a more flexible investment solution in the asset class. This change is announced alongside the evolution of the fund’s sustainable investment approach.

    These modifications provide investors with access to leveraged loans, an alternative source of bond diversification, through a daily liquidity fund. Leveraged loans, corporate financing instruments, offer liquidity and price transparency that enable immediate investment without a deployment phase, while benefiting from strict credit documentation to manage credit risk. Investors may therefore immediately be exposed to the market, capturing returns while having the ability to manage their exposure on a daily basis.

    Based on a best-in-class approach, the fund’s sustainability analysis is strengthened by the implementation of minimum sector thresholds, determined according to a proprietary methodology. SCOR Senior Euro Loans is classified as Article 8 under the European Regulation on financial services sector sustainability-related disclosures (SFDR).

    These changes came into effect on May 19th, 2025.

    Launched in 2011 and previously named SCOR Sustainable Euro Loans, SCOR Senior Euro Loans has EUR 806 million in assets under management as of March 31st, 2025. Aimed at institutional investors, the fund’s objective remains unchanged: to generate a high current yield while preserving capital over the recommended investment period. The fund is managed by a team of nine experts including six credit analysis, led by Rémy Chupin, supported by a team of four sustainable investment analysts.

    Rémy Chupin, Head of Leveraged Loans at SCOR Investment Partners, commented: “Growing demand from investors such as CLOs has driven the growth of the European leveraged loan market in recent years, bringing its size and its liquidity features closer to those of the high yield market. These factors contribute to offering an actively managed fund with daily liquidity.”

    Louis Bourrousse, CEO of SCOR Investment Partners, added: “I am convinced that our expertise in managing leveraged loans, developed under the leadership of Rémy Chupin since 2011, allows us to offer our institutional clients a liquid solution to diversify their bond allocation. This approach also reaffirms our ambitions in developing our leveraged loan franchise.”

    – End –

    CONTACTS

    About SCOR Investment Partners

    Created in 2008 and accredited by the Autorité des Marches financiers, the French financial market regulatory body, in May 2009 (no. GP09000006), SCOR Investment Partners is the asset management company of the SCOR Group (a leading reinsurer) with offices in Paris, London and Zurich and more than 90 employees.

    Since 2012, the company has given institutional investors access to some of its investment strategies developed for the SCOR Group.

    We create value in the alternative fixed income space targeting superior risk-adjusted returns through a holistic risk approach referencing sustainability considerations.

    The company is structured around three investment platforms: Liquid credit (including High Yield bonds and Leveraged Loans strategies), Real asset financing (including Infrastructure Loans and Real Estate Loans strategies) and Insurance-Linked Securities (ILS).

    Our assets under management or advised reached EUR 21.9 billion in December 2024, including EUR 8.2 billion from external investors (undrawn commitments included).

    Visit the SCOR Investment Partners website at: www.scor-ip.com

    This advertising communication, intended exclusively for journalists and professionals of the press and media, is produced for informational purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, solicitation, invitation, or recommendation to purchase any service or investment product.

    Before making any final investment decision, you must read all regulatory documents of the Fund, available free of charge upon request, from the Sales & Marketing team of SCOR Investment Partners SE.

    All content published by the SCOR group since January 1, 2024, is certified with Wiztrust. You can check the authenticity of this content at wiztrust.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK House Price Index for March 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government Non-Ministerial Departments

    Press release

    UK House Price Index for March 2025

    The UK HPI shows house price changes for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

    The March data shows:

    • on average, house prices have risen 1.1% since February 2025
    • there has been an annual price rise of 6.4% which makes the average property in the UK valued at £271,000

    England

    In England, the March Data shows on average, house prices rose by 1.3% since February 2025. The annual price rise of 6.7% takes the average property value to £296,000.

    • The North East experienced the most significant monthly increase with a movement of 4.2%
    • London saw the greatest monthly price fall, with a fall of -0.3%
    • The North East experienced the greatest annual price rise, up by 14.3%
    • London saw the lowest annual price growth, with a rise of 0.8%

    The regional data for England indicates that:

    Price change by region for England

    Region Average price March 2025 Annual change % since March 2024 Monthly change % since February 2025
    East Midlands £244,000 7.1 0.7
    East of England £344,000 6.5 1.4
    London £552,000 0.8 -0.3
    North East £168,000 14.3 4.2
    North West £217,000 9.4 2.5
    South East £386,000 5.3 0.7
    South West £311,000 5.3 0.7
    West Midlands £250,000 7.8 1.2
    Yorkshire and the Humber £211,000 9.5 2.0

    Repossession sales by volume for England

    The lowest number of repossession sales in January 2025 was in the South West.

    The highest number of repossession sales in January 2025 was in the North East.

    Repossession sales January 2025
    East Midlands 6
    East of England 5
    London 15
    North East 20
    North West 11
    South East 12
    South West 1
    West Midlands 6
    Yorkshire and the Humber 14
    England 90

    Average price by property type for England

    Property type March 2025 March  2024 Difference %
    Detached £471,000 £448,000 5
    Semi-detached £291,000 £268,000 8.5
    Terraced £247,000 £228,000 8.4
    Flat/maisonette £231,000 £222,000 3.9
    All £296,000 £277,000 6.7

    Funding and buyer status for England

    Transaction type Average price March 2025 Annual price change % since March 2024 Monthly price change % since January 2025
    Cash £282,000 6 1.2
    Mortgage £301,000 7.1 1.3
    First-time buyer £250,000 7.7 1.9
    Former owner occupier £356,000 5.6 0.5

    Building status for England

    Building status* Average price January 2025 Annual price change % since January 2024 Monthly price change % since December 2025
    New build £416,000 17.4 -1.1
    Existing resold property £285,000 3.6  

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    London

    London shows, on average, house prices decreased by 0.3% since Jan 2025. House prices have shown an annual price increase of 0.8% meaning the average price of a property is £552,000.

    Average price by property type for London

    Property type March 2025 March 2024 Difference %
    Detached £1,097,000 £1,099,000 -0.3
    Semi-detached £694,000 £669,000 3.7
    Terraced £620,000 £606,000 2.2
    Flat/maisonette £444,000 £447,000 -0.7
    All £552,000 £547,000 0.8

    Funding and buyer status for London

    Transaction type Average price March 2025 Annual price change % since March 2024 Monthly price change % since February 2025
    Cash £583,000 -2.1 -0.7
    Mortgage £546,000 1.7 -0.2
    First-time buyer £477,000 1.4 0.5
    Former owner occupier £677,000 -0.1 -1.6

    Building status for London

    Building status* Average price January 2025 Annual price change % since January 2024 Monthly price change % since December 2024
    New build £564,000 11.9 -0.7
    Existing resold property £561,000 1.5 1.2

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    Wales

    Wales shows, on average, house prices fell by 0.2% since February 2025. An annual price increase of 3.6% takes the average property value to £208,000

    There were 3 repossession sales for Wales in January 2025.

    Average price by property type for Wales

    Property type March 2025 March 2024 Difference %
    Detached £321,000 £318,000 0.9
    Semi-detached £208,000 £198,000 4.9
    Terraced £166,000 £158,000 4.9
    Flat/maisonette £133,000 £129,000 3.1
    All £208,000 £201,000 3.6

    Funding and buyer status for Wales

    Transaction type Average price March 2025% Annual price change % since March 2024 Monthly price change % since December 2024
    Cash £208,000 2.7 0.3
    Mortgage £208,000 4.1 0.2
    First-time buyer £180,000 4.6 0.6
    Former owner occupier £247,000 2.4 -0.3

    Building status for Wales

    Building status* Average price January 2025 Annual price change % since January 2024 Monthly price change % since December 2024
    New build £355,000 19.9 -0.5
    Existing resold property £206,000 4.9 0.9

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    UK house prices

    UK house prices rose by 6.4% in the year to March 2025, up from the revised estimate of 5.5% in the 12 months to Feb 2025. On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, average house prices in the UK increased by 1.1% between February 2025 and March 2025, compared with a increase 0.2% from the same period 12 months ago (February 24 and March 2024).

    The UK Property Transactions Statistics showed that in March 2025, on a seasonally adjusted basis, the estimated number of transactions of residential properties with a value of £40,000 or greater was 177,000. This is 104.3% higher than a year ago (March 2025). Between February 2025 and March 25, UK transactions increased by 61.7% on a seasonally adjusted basis.

    House price monthly increase was highest in The North East where prices increased by 4.2% in the year to March 2025. The highest annual growth was in the The North East, where prices increased by 14.3% in the year to March 2025.

    See the economic statement.

    The UK HPI is based on completed housing transactions. Typically, a house purchase can take 6 to 8 weeks to reach completion. As with other indicators in the housing market, which typically fluctuate from month to month, it is important not to put too much weight on one month’s set of house price data.

    Access the full UK HPI

    Background

    1. We publish the UK House Price Index (HPI) on the second or third Wednesday of each month with Northern Ireland figures updated quarterly. We will publish the April 2025 UK HPI at 9:30am on Wednesday 18 June 2025. See calendar of release dates.
    2. We have made some changes to improve the accuracy of the UK HPI. We are not publishing average price and percentage change for new builds and existing resold property as done previously because there are not currently enough new build transactions to provide a reliable result. This means that in this month’s UK HPI reports, new builds and existing resold property are reported in line with the sales volumes currently available.
    3. The UK HPI revision period has been extended to 13 months, following a review of the revision policy (see calculating the UK HPI section 4.4). This ensures the data used is more comprehensive.
    4. Sales volume data is available by property status (new build and existing property) and funding status (cash and mortgage) in our downloadable data tables. Transactions that require us to create a new register, such as new builds, are more complex and require more time to process. Read revisions to the UK HPI data.
    5. Revision tables are available for England and Wales within the downloadable data in CSV format. See about the UK HPI for more information.
    6. HM Land Registry, Registers of Scotland, Land & Property Services/Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency and the Valuation Office Agency supply data for the UK HPI.
    7. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Land & Property Services/Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency calculate the UK HPI. It applies a hedonic regression model that uses the various sources of data on property price, including HM Land Registry’s Price Paid Dataset, and attributes to produce estimates of the change in house prices each month. Find out more about the methodology used from the ONS and Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency.
    8. We take the UK Property Transaction statistics  from the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) monthly estimates of the number of residential and non-residential property transactions in the UK and its constituent countries. The number of property transactions in the UK is highly seasonal, with more activity in the summer months and less in the winter. This regular annual pattern can sometimes mask the underlying movements and trends in the data series. HMRC presents the UK aggregate transaction figures on a seasonally adjusted basis. We make adjustments for both the time of year and the construction of the calendar, including corrections for the position of Easter and the number of trading days in a particular month.
    9. UK HPI seasonally adjusted series are calculated at regional and national levels only. See data tables.
    10. The first estimate for new build average price (April 2016 report) was based on a small sample which can cause volatility. A three-month moving average has been applied to the latest estimate to remove some of this volatility.
    11. The UK HPI reflects the final transaction price for sales of residential property. Using the geometric mean, it covers purchases at market value for owner-occupation and buy-to-let, excluding those purchases not at market value (such as re-mortgages), where the ‘price’ represents a valuation.
    12. HM Land Registry provides information on residential property transactions for England and Wales, collected as part of the official registration process for properties that are sold for full market value.
    13. The HM Land Registry dataset contains the sale price of the property, the date when the sale was completed, full address details, the type of property (detached, semi-detached, terraced or flat), if it is a newly built property or an established residential building and a variable to indicate if the property has been purchased as a financed transaction (using a mortgage) or as a non-financed transaction (cash purchase).
    14. Repossession sales data is based on the number of transactions lodged with HM Land Registry by lenders exercising their power of sale.
    15. For England, we show repossession sales volume recorded by government office region. For Wales, we provide repossession sales volume for the number of repossession sales.
    16. Repossession sales data is available from April 2016 in CSV format. Find out more information about repossession sales.
    17. We publish CSV files of the raw and cleansed aggregated data every month for England, Scotland and Wales. We publish Northern Ireland data on a quarterly basis. They are available for free use and re-use under the Open Government Licence.
    18. HM Land Registry is a government department created in 1862. Its vision is: “A world-leading property market as part of a thriving economy and a sustainable future.”
    19. HM Land Registry’s purpose is: “We protect your land ownership and provide services and data that underpin an efficient and informed property market.”
    20. HM Land Registry safeguards land and property ownership valued at £8 trillion, enabling over £1 trillion worth of personal and commercial lending to be secured against property across England and Wales. The Land Register contains more than 26.5 million titles showing evidence of ownership for more than 89% of the land mass of England and Wales.
    21. For further information about HM Land Registry visit www.gov.uk/land-registry.
    22. Follow us on @HMLandRegistry, our blog, LinkedIn and Facebook

    Contact

    Press Office

    Trafalgar House
    1 Bedford Park
    Croydon
    CR0 2AQ

    Email HMLRPressOffice@landregistry.gov.uk

    Phone (Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm) 0300 006 3365

    Mobile (5:30pm to 8:30am weekdays, all weekend and public holidays) 07864 689 344

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Extension of authorities of members of the Management Board of EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    On May 20, 2025, the Supervisory Board of EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS decided to extend the term of office of the members of the Management Board. According to the decision of the Supervisory Board, Viljar Arakas and Tõnu Uustalu will continue as members of the Management Board for another 5-year term, i.e. 20.05.2030.

    Viljar Arakas
    Member of the Management Board
    Phone 655 9515
    E-mail: viljar.arakas@eften.ee

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Purpose Investments Inc. Announces May 2025 Distributions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Purpose Investments Inc. (“Purpose”) is pleased to announce distributions for the month of May 2025 for its open-end exchange traded funds and closed-end funds (“the Funds”).

    The ex-distribution date for all Open-End Funds is May 28, 2025. The ex-distribution date for all closed-end funds is May 30, 2025.   

    Open-End Funds Ticker
    Symbol    		 Distribution
    per share/unit    		 Record
    Date    		 Payable
    Date    		 Distribution
    Frequency
    Apple (AAPL) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units APLY $0.1667 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Canadian Financial Income Fund – ETF Series BNC $0.1225¹ 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Berkshire Hathaway (BRK) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units BRKY $0.1000 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF – ETF Units BTCY $0.0850 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF – ETF Non-Currency Hedged Units BTCY.B $0.0970 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF – ETF USD Units BTCY.U US $0.0815 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund – ETF Units CROP $0.0875 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund – ETF USD Units CROP.U US $0.0975 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Ether Yield – ETF Units ETHY $0.0405 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Ether Yield ETF – ETF Non-Currency Hedged Units ETHY.B $0.0500 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Ether Yield ETF – ETF Units Non-Currency Hedged USD Units ETHY.U US $0.0395 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Flexible Credit Fund – ETF Units FLX $0.0461 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Flexible Credit Fund – Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Units FLX.B $0.0551 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Flexible Credit Fund – Non-Currency Hedged USD – ETF Units FLX.U US $0.0385 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Bond Class – ETF Units IGB $0.0860¹ 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Microsoft (MSFT) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF units MSFY $0.1100 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Enhanced Premium Yield Fund – ETF Series PAYF $0.1375¹ 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Total Return Bond Fund – ETF Series PBD $0.0590¹ 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Core Dividend Fund – ETF Series PDF $0.1050¹ 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Enhanced Dividend Fund – ETF Series PDIV $0.0950¹ 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Real Estate Income Fund – ETF Series PHR $0.0720¹ 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose International Dividend Fund – ETF Series PID $0.0780 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Monthly Income Fund – ETF Series PIN $0.0830¹ 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Multi-Asset Income Fund – ETF Units PINC $0.0840 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Conservative Income Fund – ETF Series PRP $0.0600¹ 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Premium Yield Fund – ETF Series PYF $0.1100¹ 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Premium Yield Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Series PYF.B $0.1230¹ 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Premium Yield Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF USD Series PYF.U US $0.1200¹ 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Core Equity Income Fund – ETF Series RDE $0.0875¹ 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Emerging Markets Dividend Fund – ETF Units REM $0.0950 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Canadian Preferred Share Fund – ETF Units RPS $0.0950 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose US Preferred Share Fund – ETF Series RPU $0.0940 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose US Preferred Share Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Units2 RPU.B / RPU.U $0.0940 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Strategic Yield Fund – ETF Units SYLD $0.0970 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    AMD (AMD) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YAMD $0.2000 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Amazon (AMZN) Yield Shares Purpose ETF- ETF Units YAMZ $0.4000 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Broadcom (AVGO) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YAVG $0.1500 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Coinbase (COIN) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YCON $0.3000 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Costco (COST) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YCST $0.1000 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Alphabet (GOOGL) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units YGOG $0.2500 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Tech Innovators Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YMAG $0.2000 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    META (META) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YMET $0.1600 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Netflix (NFLX) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YNET $0.1100 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    NVIDIA (NVDA) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units YNVD $0.7500 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Palantir (PLTR) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YPLT $0.2500 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Tesla (TSLA) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units YTSL $0.5500 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    UnitedHealth Group (UHN) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YUNH $0.1100 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
               
    Closed-End Funds Ticker
    Symbol    		 Distribution
    per share/unit    		 Record
    Date    		 Payable
    Date    		 Distribution
    Frequency
    Big Banc Split Corp, Class A BNK $0.1200¹ 05/30/2025 06/13/2025 Monthly
    Big Banc Split Corp – Preferred Shares BNK.PR.A $0.0700¹ 05/30/2025 06/13/2025 Monthly


    Estimated May 2025 Distributions for Purpose USD Cash Management Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, and Purpose US Cash Fund

    The May 2025 distribution rates for Purpose USD Cash Management Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, and Purpose US Cash Fund are estimated to be as follows:

    Open-End Fund Ticker
    Symbol    		 Final distribution
    per unit    		 Record
    Date    		 Payable
    Date    		 Distribution
    Frequency
    Purpose USD Cash Management Fund – ETF Units MNU.U US $ 0.3528 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Cash Management Fund – ETF Units MNY $0.2370 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose High Interest Savings Fund – ETF Units PSA $0.1068 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly
    Purpose US Cash Fund – ETF Units PSU.U US $ 0.3495 05/28/2025 06/03/2025 Monthly

    Purpose expects to issue a press release on or about May 27, 2025, which will provide the final distribution rate for Purpose USD Cash Management Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, and Purpose US Cash Fund. The ex-distribution date will be May 28, 2025.

    (1) Dividend is designated as an “eligible” Canadian dividend for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and any similar provincial and territorial legislation.
    (2) Purpose US Preferred Share Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Units have both a CAD and USD purchase option. Distribution per unit is declared in CAD, however, the USD purchase option (RPU.U) distribution will be made in the USD equivalent. Conversion into USD will use the end-of-day foreign exchange rate prevailing on the ex-distribution date.


    About Purpose Investments Inc.

    Purpose Investments is an asset management company with more than $21 billion in assets under management. Purpose Investments has an unrelenting focus on client-centric innovation and offers a range of managed and quantitative investment products. Purpose Investments is led by well-known entrepreneur Som Seif and is a division of Purpose Unlimited, an independent technology-driven financial services company.

    For further information please contact:
    Keera Hart
    Keera.Hart@kaiserpartners.com
    905-580-1257

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus and other disclosure documents before investing. Investment funds are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government deposit insurer. There can be no assurance that the full amount of your investment in a fund will be returned to you. If the securities are purchased or sold on a stock exchange, you may pay more or receive less than the current net asset value. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

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