Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI USA: Athletic Trainer Employment in High Schools Associated with Fewer Fatalities and Injuries

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    One of the scariest moments in sports is when an athlete experiences a health emergency like heat stroke or cardiac arrest on the field.

    Athletic trainers are medical professionals specially trained to identify and treat these kinds of emergencies quickly and with lifesaving results.

    A growing body of research demonstrates the importance of having athletic trainers employed in high schools, including two new papers by researchers from the Korey Stringer Institute (KSI), housed in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources.

    “Athletic trainers are unique in that they’re trained in recognition, prevention, and response to emergency, potentially catastrophic injuries in sport,” says Rebecca Stearns, associate professor-in-residence of kinesiology and KSI’s chief operating officer.

    Aleksis Grace, a PhD candidate at UConn and director of sports safety at KSI, is the lead author on a paper highlighting that among schools that employed athletic trainers, there was more survival in cases where athletes experienced an exertional heat stroke event.

    This work will be presented at the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Conference in Florida in this week.

    Grace and the other researchers looked at data from 2015-2021, which included 21 events.

    Of the 13 cases in which an athletic trainer was employed, only five cases were fatal. In the six cases where an athletic trainer was not employed at the school, all six were fatal.

    In the other two cases, the researchers could not confirm if an athletic trainer was employed at the time of the incident.

    The study of exertional heat stroke in student athletes is becoming even more important as climate change is making summers, when football players are in preseason training, hotter. This time and this sport, which requires heavy padding, has the greatest risk for exertional heat stroke.

    Despite the known risks and benefits, more than one third of U.S. high schools do not employ athletic trainers.

    “Ensuring the athletic trainer is employed and that there is appropriate healthcare when there is the highest risk is a good way for schools to avoid liability and for there to be better outcomes from the prevention aspect, or if the event occurs, [the athlete] is potentially less likely to die,” Grace says.

    The researchers also found that more socially disadvantaged schools were less likely to employ an athletic trainer.

    The researchers defined socially disadvantaged schools as those that are further from a level 1 trauma center, have a higher proportion of students receiving free or reduced lunch, and a higher social deprivation index score.

    “There was a trend where we can say there was more survival in the schools that had athletic trainers,” Grace says. “But when you look at markers of social disadvantage, the lower socioeconomic status schools were the ones less likely to have an athletic trainer.”

    Another paper, led by Erin Shore, a PhD candidate at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill who is affiliated with the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research (NCCSIR) program, demonstrates an association between employment of an athletic trainer and lower rates of fatalities or permanent disability following a catastrophic injury. KSI is a member of the NCCSIR network.

    This paper was presented at the SAVIR 2025 Annual Conference in New York in April and NATA Conference earlier this week.

    The researchers used a national database of catastrophic injuries, which included non-concussion brain injuries, spinal injuries, or cardiac arrest, from 2013 to 2021 and compared that with a database of athletic trainer employment.

    In general, among schools that employed an athletic trainer, there were fewer disabling or fatal injuries among athletes who experienced a catastrophic injury.

    They found that this trend was true, regardless of race and ethnicity.

    “Racially and ethnically minoritized individuals in the U.S. have less access to healthcare and worse health outcomes in general,” Shore says. “So, I was just curious to see if those disparities panned out in the athletic injury world as well.”

    Among schools that employed an athletic trainer, 40% of catastrophic incidents led to fatalities or permanent disabilities among white students and 48% among non-white students.

    There were much more significant differences in outcomes for both groups when there was no athletic trainer employed.

    For non-white students, 67% of these catastrophic injuries were fatal or disabling. This rate was only 54% for white students.

    While the researchers cannot say definitively from this study why this association exists, it points toward future avenues for continued research.

    “Surveillance, in the realm of study design, can point out things we need to look at further,” Kristen Kucera, UNC professor of exercise and sport science and NCCSIR director, says. “I think this is a good example of how important this information is to be able to investigate these kinds of questions.” 

    This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision areas focused on Enhancing Health and Promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice.

    Follow UConn CAHNR on social media

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-Evening Report: Macron invites all New Caledonia stakeholders for Paris talks

    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk

    French President Emmanuel Macron has sent a formal invitation to “all New Caledonia stakeholders” for talks in Paris on the French Pacific territory’s political and economic future to be held on July 2.

    The confirmation came on Thursday in the form of a letter sent individually to an undisclosed list of recipients and June 24.

    The talks follow a series of roundtables fostered earlier this year by French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls.

    But the latest talks, held in New Caledonia under a so-called “conclave” format, stalled on  May 8.

    This was mainly because several main components of the pro-France (anti-independence) parties said the draft agreement proposed by Valls was tantamount to a form of independence, which they reject.

    The project implied that New Caledonia’s future political status vis-à-vis France could be an associated independence “within France” with a transfer of key powers (justice, defence, law and order, foreign affairs, currency ), a dual New Caledonia-France citizenship and an international standing.

    Instead, the pro-France Rassemblement-LR and Loyalistes suggested another project of “internal federalism” which would give more powers (including on tax matters) to each of the three provinces, a notion often criticised as a de facto partition of New Caledonia.

    Local elections issue
    In May 2024, on the sensitive issue of eligibility at local elections, deadly riots broke out in New Caledonia, resulting in 14 deaths and more than 2 billion euros (NZ$3.8 billion) in damage.

    In his letter, Macron writes that although Valls “managed to restore dialogue…this did not allow reaching an agreement on (New Caledonia’s) institutional future”.

    “This is why I decided to host, under my presidency, a summit dedicated to New Caledonia and associating the whole of the territory’s stakeholders”.

    Macron also wrote that “beyond institutional topics, I wish that our exchanges can also touch on (New Caledonia’s) economic and societal issues”.

    Macron made earlier announcements, including on 10 June 2025, on the margins of the recent UNOC Oceans Summit in Nice (France), when he dedicated a significant part of his speech to Pacific leaders attending a “Pacific-France” summit to the situation in New Caledonia.

    “Our exchanges will last as long as it takes so that the heavy topics . . . can be dealt with with all the seriousness they deserve”.

    Macron also points out that after New Caledonia’s “crisis” broke out on 13 May 2024, “the tension was too high to allow for a dialogue between all the components of New Caledonia’s society”.

    Letter sent by French President Emmanuel Macron to New Caledonia’s stakeholders for Paris talks on 2 July 2025. Image: RNZ Pacific

    A new deal?
    The main political objective of the talks remains to find a comprehensive agreement between all local political stakeholders, in order to arrive at a new agreement that would define the French Pacific territory’s political future and status.

    This would then allow to replace the 27-year-old Nouméa Accord, signed in 1998.

    That pact put a heavy focus on the notions of “living together” and “common destiny” for New Caledonia’s indigenous Kanaks and all of the other components of its ethnically and culturally diverse society.

    It also envisaged an economic “rebalancing” between the Northern and Islands provinces and the more affluent Southern province, where the capital Nouméa is located.

    The Nouméa Accord also contained provisions to hold three referendums on self-determination.

    The three polls took place in 2018, 2020 and 2021, all of those resulting in a majority of people rejecting independence.

    But the last referendum, in December 2021, was largely boycotted by the pro-independence movement.

    ‘Examine the situation’
    According to the Nouméa Accord, after the referendums, political stakeholders were to “examine the situation thus created”, Macron recalled.

    But despite several attempts, including under previous governments, to promote political talks, the situation has remained deadlocked and increasingly polarised between the pro-independence and the pro-France camps.

    A few days after the May 2024 riots, Macron made a trip to New Caledonia, calling for the situation to be appeased so that talks could resume.

    In his June 10 speech to Pacific leaders, Macron also mentioned a “new project” and in relation to the past referendums process, pledged “not to make the same mistakes again”.

    He said he believed the referendum, as an instrument, was not necessarily adapted to Melanesian and Kanak cultures.

    In practice, the Paris “summit” would also involve French minister for Overseas Manuel Valls.

    The list of invited participants would include all parties, pro-independence and pro-France, represented at New Caledonia’s Congress (the local parliament).

    But it would also include a number of economic stakeholders, as well as a delegation of Mayors of New Caledonia, as well as representatives of the civil society and NGOs.

    Talks could also come in several formats, with the political side being treated separately.

    The pro-independence platform FLNKS (Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front) has to decide at the weekend whether it will take part in the Paris talks.

    FLNKS leader Christian Téin . . . still facing charges over last year’s riots, but released from prison in France providing he does not return to New Caledonia and checks in with investigating judges. Image: Opinion International

    Will Christian Téin take part?
    During a whirlwind visit to New Caledonia in June 2024, Macron met Christian Téin, the leader of a pro-independence CCAT (Field Action Coordination Cell), created by Union Calédonienne (UC).

    Téin was arrested and jailed in mainland France.

    In August 2024, while in custody in the Mulhouse prison (northeastern France), he was elected in absentia as president of a UC-dominated FLNKS.

    Even though he still faces charges for allegedly being one of the masterminds of the May 2024 riots, Téin was released from jail on June 12 on condition that he does not travel to New Caledonia and reports regularly to French judges.

    On the pro-France side, Téin’s release triggered mixed angry reactions.

    Other pro-France hard-line components said the Kanak leader’s participation in the Paris talks was simply “unthinkable”.

    Pro-independence Tjibaou said Téin’s release was “a sign of appeasement”, but that his participation was probably subject to “conditions”.

    “But I’m not the one who makes the invitations,” he told public broadcaster NC la 1ère on 15 June 2025.

    FLNKS spokesman Dominique Fochi said in a release Téin’s participation in the talks was earlier declared a prerequisite.

    “Now our FLNKS president has been released. He’s the FLNKS boss and we are awaiting his instructions,” Fochi said.

    At former roundtables earlier this year, the FLNKS delegation was headed by Union Calédonienne (UC, the main and dominating component of the FLNKS) president Emmanuel Tjibaou.

    ‘Concluding the decolonisation process’, says Valls
    In a press conference on Tuesday in Paris, Valls elaborated some more on the upcoming Paris talks.

    “Obviously there will be a sequence of political negotiations which I will lead with all of New Caledonia’s players, that is all groups represented at the Congress. But there will also be an economic and social sequence with economic, social and societal players who will be invited”, Valls said.

    During question time at the French National Assembly in Paris on 3 June 2025, Valls said he remained confident that it was “still possible” to reach an agreement and to “reconcile” the “contradictory aspirations” of the pro-independence and pro-France camps.

    During the same sitting, pro-France New Caledonia MP Nicolas Metzdorf decried what he termed “France’s lack of ambition” and his camp’s feeling of being “let down”.

    The other MP for New Caledonia’s, pro-independence Emmanuel Tjibaou, also took the floor to call on France to “close the colonial chapter” and that France has to “take its part in the conclusion of the emancipation process” of New Caledonia.

    “With the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister, and the political forces, we will make offers, while concluding the decolonisation process, the self-determination process, while respecting New Caledonians’ words and at the same time not forgetting history, and the past that have led to the disaster of the 1980s and the catastrophe of May 2024,” he said.

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

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Yuri Trutnev: A military-historical memorial complex dedicated to the Kuril landing operation is being created on Shumshu

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    On behalf of Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev, the progress of work on the creation of a camp and memorial complex on Shumshu was inspected. The Kuril Island was visited by Deputy Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District Denis Andreyev and First Deputy Governor of the Sakhalin Region Sergei Baidakov.

    “Shumshu is a significant page in our history. In fact, World War II ended on this island. Our soldiers defeated superior enemy forces and demonstrated mass heroism. At the request of Russian President Vladimir Putin, a military-historical memorial complex dedicated to the Kuril landing operation is being created on the island. It will perpetuate the feat of the Red Army soldiers who, in August 1945, at the cost of their lives, snatched victory from a superior enemy – the Imperial Japanese Army,” said Yuri Trutnev.

    A search expedition will be launched on July 1st. About 100 patriots from different regions of Russia will take part in it. An expedition of such a scale has never been conducted on the island. Thanks to this, many fallen heroes will find a name and will be buried with military honors.

    “We have assessed the readiness to open the search camp and memorial complex. The work is proceeding at a good pace. Shumshu Island is a heroic place where one of the most important battles took place, which put an end to World War II. Here you can literally touch history, and thanks to the implementation of the project on the instructions of the President, young people from different regions of Russia will soon have such an opportunity. A large-scale search expedition is also ready to begin work, which, I am sure, will open many heroic pages in the history of our country,” Denis Andreev noted.

    “The camp is now almost 100% deployed. On June 30 and July 1, the participants of the search expedition will arrive. The reenactors’ camp will be deployed in the area of Mys Kurbatov. Sappers from the Eastern Military District and specialists from the Pacific Fleet are currently working there, and the military is also tidying up the lighthouse. We assess the readiness as high. Everything is on schedule, but the task is very ambitious. Every day we solve many issues related to equipment, materials, and logistics. But we will do everything to ensure that the order of the head of state Vladimir Putin to perpetuate the feat of the participants of the Kuril landing operation is fulfilled. Our governor Valery Limarenko also puts this task as a priority,” said Sergey Baidakov.

    Sakhalin searchers have already begun reconnaissance work on the island.

    “Spring came early this year, the weather is good, and the mood is fighting. The goal of the reconnaissance is to find the supposed places of death of the soldiers, mark the points on the ground. And when all the searchers arrive, we will conduct targeted excavations. We have already managed to find buttons from military uniforms, personal belongings of soldiers. We are studying all the finds and working with them,” said Artem Bandura, head of the regional branch of the Search Movement of Russia.

    Shumshu is also currently preparing to welcome youth tourist groups. Participants in patriotic movements from different parts of Russia will see with their own eyes the places where history unfolded and will become ambassadors of this Far Eastern victory in their regions.

    The first group is expected to arrive on July 15. Each day the children will have a schedule – lectures, meetings with historians, writers and SVO members, walks along tourist trails, search work.

    “We are developing four tourist routes called “Roads of Shumshu Island”. The longest one is a ring route – 50 km. It goes through the entire island and through the most iconic battle sites. There are also three radial routes from 5 to 8.5 km long, so that groups can comfortably move around the island and touch history,” said Artem Lazarev, Minister of Tourism of the Sakhalin Region.

    Let us recall that the key events dedicated to the opening of the memorial complex – the competition in sports triathlon “Height 171” and military-historical reconstruction – will take place in the second half of August, on the day of the beginning of the Kuril landing operation. About 150 people from two dozen regions of Russia and friendly countries will take part in the reconstruction.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia is closely monitoring the situation around Iran and maintains contacts with it – D. Peskov

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Moscow, June 25 /Xinhua/ — Russia is closely monitoring the situation around the conflict in the Middle East and maintains contacts with Iran, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said at a briefing on Wednesday.

    “We are closely monitoring this situation, but we also maintain contacts with our partners from Tehran,” TASS quotes him as saying.

    Asked whether Russia has information about the state of Iran’s nuclear facilities after the Israeli and US attacks, the Kremlin spokesman stressed that it is unlikely that anyone has realistic data at this time. “It is probably too early, we need to wait until such data appears,” he said.

    D. Peskov also noted that Iran’s decision to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) cannot but cause concern in Russia. At the same time, he considers this step by Tehran understandable. “Of course, such a decision is a direct consequence of the unprovoked attack on Iran that occurred, a direct consequence of strikes on nuclear facilities, which is quite unprecedented,” the press secretary said.

    According to D. Peskov, the IAEA’s inaction during the American attack on Iranian nuclear facilities has seriously affected the organization’s reputation. “Of course, the IAEA’s reputation has been seriously damaged,” he concluded. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Unknown details of the poet’s biography. The Strochenovsky lecture hall opened in the S.A. Yesenin Museum

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The Strochenovsky Lecture Hall has opened in the Moscow State Museum of S.A. Yesenin, where scholars talk about little-known pages of the poet’s biography. The first lecture by Professor Yaroslav Leontyev of the Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov, which opens the cycle, is dedicated to Yesenin’s political quest in the 1910s.

    1918. At the height of the Civil War, Sergei Yesenin writes the poem “The Jordanian Dove,” which contains the following lines:

    The sky is like a bell,

    The moon is the language,

    My mother is my homeland,

    I am a Bolshevik.

    For many, such a statement comes as a surprise, but Professor Yaroslav Leontiev came to the conclusion that this was a peculiar attempt to obtain an indulgence from the victorious Bolsheviks.

    Unlike his peers, who were passionately interested in political ideas, Sergei Yesenin was not fanatical, but he did not escape the political temptations of the era. In his youth, he was close to the ideas of Leo Tolstoy, but this interest quickly faded away. Later, while working in the printing house of Ivan Sytin, the poet came into contact with social democrats, socialist revolutionaries, anarchists – and even came under police surveillance.

    Having moved to Petrograd, Yesenin found himself in the editorial office of Severnye Zapiski, a magazine with a liberal-populist orientation. Here he met Leonid Kannegiser, the publisher’s nephew, also an aspiring poet, who in 1918 would shoot the chairman of the Petrograd Extraordinary Commission, Moisei Uritsky. They became close friends – Kannegiser even came to visit Yesenin in Konstantinovo.

    Zinaida Reich is a career Socialist Revolutionary

    Another fateful meeting took place in the editorial office of the newspaper “Delo Naroda” (People’s Cause), the central organ of the Socialist Revolutionary Party (SRs). Here Yesenin met Zinaida Reich, a technical employee of the editorial office. But she was not just a typist – already in high school, Zinaida participated in the SR circle, and in 1917 she headed the party distribution society.

    Through his wife, Yesenin found himself in the very center of the party’s activities, met its leaders, Maria Spiridonova and Boris Kamkov, and also spoke at rallies and published in Socialist Revolutionary publications. In his 1923 autobiography, Yesenin claimed: “I worked with the Socialist Revolutionaries not as a party member, but as a poet.”

    An unexpected political turn

    After the armed conflict between the Left Socialist Revolutionaries and the Bolsheviks in July 1918, Yesenin abruptly changed course. The very line “I am a Bolshevik” appeared, and the poet began to get closer to the communists – for example, he spoke with Lev Kamenev at the opening of a monument to the poet A.V. Koltsov. Yesenin even wrote an application to join the RCP(b), to which the journalist Georgy Ustinov persistently persuaded him. But at the last moment, Sergei Alexandrovich changed his mind and annulled the application. “He claimed that he was to the left of the Communist Party,” notes Yaroslav Leontyev.

    Trotsky, Dzerzhinsky and others

    Thanks to his acquaintance with Yakov Blumkin (a former Left Socialist Revolutionary who had gone over to the Bolsheviks and who had murdered the German ambassador Wilhelm von Mirbach), Yesenin gained access to the highest echelons of power – he met with Lev Trotsky, Anatoly Lunacharsky, Mikhail Kalinin, Felix Dzerzhinsky, and the People’s Commissar of Food Alexander Tsyurupa.

    But the poet does not break old ties: he continues to perform in Left SR clubs, works on the poem “Pugachev”. Even abroad, traveling with Isadora Duncan, he clashes with representatives of the White émigrés, and in New York he visits an old friend – a member of the Central Committee of the Left SRs, Veniamin Levin.

    Decembrist parallel

    Of particular interest is Yesenin’s connection with the Decembrist theme. On December 14, 1917, he spoke at an evening in memory of the Decembrists, organized by the Left Socialist Revolutionaries. And his last visit, now to Leningrad, was in December 1925 – exactly 100 years after the uprising on Senate Square.

    “How can one not draw parallels between two national geniuses – Pushkin and his friendship with the Decembrists and Yesenin with his friends, who were actively involved in politics, and some of them even created it themselves,” Yaroslav Leontyev reasons.

    A New Look at the Poet

    The Strochenovsky Lecture Hall, named after the address of the house-museum on Bolshoy Strochenovsky Lane, is intended as a place where Yeseninists can share not only their knowledge of the poet, but also their Yesenin spirit. Museum director Oleg Robinov emphasizes: these are people for whom Yesenin is a guide in life.

    A poet understandable to everyone. The director of the S.A. Yesenin Museum talks about the updated main exhibition and immediate plans

    The poet’s political connections are just one of the pages of his biography that they plan to reveal in the new lecture hall. The next lectures will be devoted, for example, to his political contacts in the 1920s and other mysterious parallels with the Decembrists.

    You can attend the meetings of the Strochenovsky lecture hall with an entrance ticket to the museum. The first lecture will take place on June 26 at 19:00.

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155824073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: G2 Recognizes Regula as Identity Verification Leader with 100% Support Satisfaction

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RESTON, Va, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Regula, a global developer of forensic devices and identity verification solutions, has been recognized as a Leader in the G2 Grid® Report for Identity Verification | Summer 2025. Additionally, the company was placed at the top of the category for support satisfaction, earning a 100% positive rating, in the G2 Relationship Index for Identity Verification | Summer 2025. Both recognitions are based entirely on customer feedback.

    G2 badges recognize Regula’s leadership in identity verification and its unmatched customer support

    The G2 Relationship Index and Grid® Report evaluate identity verification (IDV) providers based on real user reviews across various dimensions of customer satisfaction and market presence, including quality of product support, ease of doing business, trust, the likelihood of recommendation, etc. Based on this data, IDV vendors are categorized as Niche players, Contenders, High Performers, or Leaders in the Grid® Report, and earn ratings in the Relationship Index.

    Regula earned its Leader status and 4.9 ranking (out of 5) supported by the following G2 user insights:

    • 100% of users are happy with customer support.
    • 98% would recommend Regula to others.
    • 97% say it’s easy to work with.
    • 94% confirm Regula products meet their requirements.
    • 90% of users believe the company is headed in the right direction.

    Commenting on this accolade, Ihar Kliashchou, Chief Technology Officer at Regula, said: “We’re especially proud to be recognized for what matters most—earning and keeping our customers’ trust. Our technology is built for precision and scale, but it’s the way we support our clients that defines the experience. This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team.”

    Unlike traditional tiered support systems, Regula uses a swarming support model, where the right experts are brought in immediately to resolve issues collaboratively—eliminating long waits and escalations. This approach has proven especially effective in high-stakes industries where time and accuracy are critical.

    This latest recognition by the G2 community comes on the heels of Regula’s recent inclusion in the KuppingerCole Leadership Compass for Identity Verification 2025, where the company was named an Innovation Leader, noted for its 100% in-house R&D, forensic-grade technology, and one of the world’s most comprehensive global document coverage.

    To learn more about Regula’s solutions and expertise, visit the official website.

    About Regula

    Regula is a global developer of forensic devices and identity verification solutions. With our 30+ years of experience in forensic research and the most comprehensive library of document templates in the world, we create breakthrough technologies for document and biometric verification. Our hardware and software solutions allow over 1,000 organizations and 80 border control authorities globally to provide top-notch client service without compromising safety, security, or speed. Regula has been repeatedly named a Representative Vendor in the Gartner® Market Guide for Identity Verification.

    Learn more at www.regulaforensics.com.

    Contact:
    Kristina – ks@regulaforensics.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6650c827-9ad6-4665-8ca1-bb5ef935b078

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: G2 Recognizes Regula as Identity Verification Leader with 100% Support Satisfaction

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RESTON, Va, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Regula, a global developer of forensic devices and identity verification solutions, has been recognized as a Leader in the G2 Grid® Report for Identity Verification | Summer 2025. Additionally, the company was placed at the top of the category for support satisfaction, earning a 100% positive rating, in the G2 Relationship Index for Identity Verification | Summer 2025. Both recognitions are based entirely on customer feedback.

    G2 badges recognize Regula’s leadership in identity verification and its unmatched customer support

    The G2 Relationship Index and Grid® Report evaluate identity verification (IDV) providers based on real user reviews across various dimensions of customer satisfaction and market presence, including quality of product support, ease of doing business, trust, the likelihood of recommendation, etc. Based on this data, IDV vendors are categorized as Niche players, Contenders, High Performers, or Leaders in the Grid® Report, and earn ratings in the Relationship Index.

    Regula earned its Leader status and 4.9 ranking (out of 5) supported by the following G2 user insights:

    • 100% of users are happy with customer support.
    • 98% would recommend Regula to others.
    • 97% say it’s easy to work with.
    • 94% confirm Regula products meet their requirements.
    • 90% of users believe the company is headed in the right direction.

    Commenting on this accolade, Ihar Kliashchou, Chief Technology Officer at Regula, said: “We’re especially proud to be recognized for what matters most—earning and keeping our customers’ trust. Our technology is built for precision and scale, but it’s the way we support our clients that defines the experience. This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team.”

    Unlike traditional tiered support systems, Regula uses a swarming support model, where the right experts are brought in immediately to resolve issues collaboratively—eliminating long waits and escalations. This approach has proven especially effective in high-stakes industries where time and accuracy are critical.

    This latest recognition by the G2 community comes on the heels of Regula’s recent inclusion in the KuppingerCole Leadership Compass for Identity Verification 2025, where the company was named an Innovation Leader, noted for its 100% in-house R&D, forensic-grade technology, and one of the world’s most comprehensive global document coverage.

    To learn more about Regula’s solutions and expertise, visit the official website.

    About Regula

    Regula is a global developer of forensic devices and identity verification solutions. With our 30+ years of experience in forensic research and the most comprehensive library of document templates in the world, we create breakthrough technologies for document and biometric verification. Our hardware and software solutions allow over 1,000 organizations and 80 border control authorities globally to provide top-notch client service without compromising safety, security, or speed. Regula has been repeatedly named a Representative Vendor in the Gartner® Market Guide for Identity Verification.

    Learn more at www.regulaforensics.com.

    Contact:
    Kristina – ks@regulaforensics.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6650c827-9ad6-4665-8ca1-bb5ef935b078

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Hanover Bank Opens Tenth Branch in Port Jefferson, Long Island Enhancing Banking Services to Suffolk County

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PORT JEFFERSON, N.Y., June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hanover Community Bank (“Hanover Bank”), the bank subsidiary of Hanover Bancorp (Nasdaq “HNVR”), is excited to announce the opening of its tenth branch, located in the historic and bustling village of Port Jefferson on Long Island. This expansion marks a significant step in Hanover Bank’s strategic growth, strengthening its commitment to serving both businesses and individual consumers across the Long Island region and beyond.

    Strategically situated to serve the thriving Suffolk County area, the new Port Jefferson branch offers a full spectrum of commercial banking services, including commercial lending, treasury management, and cash flow solutions, to businesses of all sizes. In addition, the branch provides robust consumer banking services such as checking and savings accounts, personal loans, and digital banking tools.

    “This opening marks an exciting milestone for Hanover Bank as we continue to grow in Suffolk County,” said Michael P. Puorro, Chairman and CEO of Hanover Bank. “Port Jefferson is a vibrant center of business and community activity, and we’re excited to bring our relationship-focused banking approach to this important market. Our goal is to deliver personalized, high-touch financial services that empower local residents and businesses while contributing to long-term economic development.”

    Conveniently located at One North Country Road, Port Jefferson, New York, the branch features modern design elements and dedicated spaces for consultations, making it easy for our clients to access the banking expertise they need in a welcoming environment.

    As Hanover Bank’s second branch in Suffolk County, the new Port Jefferson location plays a key role in the Bank’s strategic expansion to deliver tailored, community-focused financial support to this revitalized hub and the surrounding areas. This location joins Hanover’s expanding network of branches across Long Island, the New York metropolitan area, and Freehold, New Jersey. With ten branches now serving a diverse range of communities, Hanover Bank remains committed to its core mission: providing trusted, relationship-driven banking that consistently puts the customer first.

    “Hanover Bank is proud to hire professionals who live and work in the communities we serve—reinforcing our commitment to building strong relationships and understanding the unique needs of each community and greater Long Island,” concluded Mr. Puorro.

    To celebrate the opening, Hanover Bank invites business leaders, residents, and community stakeholders to stop by and meet the local banking team and learn about the range of financial services now available in the heart of Port Jefferson. A formal Grand Opening cocktail party will be held at a later date.

    About Hanover Community Bank and Hanover Bancorp, Inc.

    Hanover Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: HNVR), is the bank holding company for Hanover Community Bank, a community commercial bank focusing on highly personalized and efficient services and products responsive to client needs. Management and the Board of Directors are comprised of a select group of successful local businesspeople who are committed to the success of the Bank by knowing and understanding the metro-New York area’s financial needs and opportunities. Backed by state-of-the-art technology, Hanover offers a full range of financial services. Hanover offers a complete suite of consumer, commercial, and municipal banking products and services, including multi-family and commercial mortgages, residential loans, business loans and lines of credit. Hanover also offers its customers access to 24-hour ATM service with no fees attached, free checking with interest, telephone banking, advanced technologies in mobile and internet banking for our consumer and business customers, safe deposit boxes and much more. The Company’s corporate administrative office is located in Mineola, New York where it also operates a full-service branch office along with additional branch locations in Garden City Park, Hauppauge, Port Jefferson, Forest Hills, Flushing, Sunset Park, Rockefeller Center and Chinatown, New York, and Freehold, New Jersey.

    Hanover Community Bank is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and is an Equal Housing/Equal Opportunity Lender. For further information, call (516) 548-8500 or visit the Bank’s website at www.hanoverbank.com.

    Press Contact:
    Ms. Annette Esposito
    First VP – Director of Marketing
    (516) 548-8500

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leader welcomes positive outlook for Edinburgh’s economy

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    Council Leader Jane Meagher writes in the Evening News today to welcome positive news for Edinburgh’s economy.

    Edinburgh has long been Scotland’s economic powerhouse and we’re now ahead of London for the first time.

    The value of goods and services produced here in Edinburgh per person has now surpassed London’s. That’s according to economic data recently published by the Office for National Statistics.

    The figures reveal gross domestic product per head of £69,809 in Edinburgh, compared to £69,077 in London. This steady growth of Edinburgh’s economy to outperform that of London’s is no small feat. Twenty-five years ago, this same data put London 19% ahead of Edinburgh, highlighting just how well we perform as a city.

    This is good news for our local businesses, and it shows that Edinburgh is an environment in which small, local enterprises can thrive. It also demonstrates the confidence global investors have in Edinburgh. In the last year alone, we’ve welcomed 27 instances of foreign direct investment, from shops like Søstrene Grene and MINISO to major renewable energy consultants PSC.

    This is impressive and is in part thanks to the city’s resilient business community and strong employment opportunities. The economy in the city has been driven forward by a combination of relying on established sectors such as, financial services and our universities, as well as embracing new and emerging opportunities in areas such as life sciences and technology.  

    Linked to this, we’ve seen the UK Chancellor commit up to £750 million for the city and the region for a next generation ‘Exascale super-computer’ at the University of Edinburgh. This will be a national asset supporting jobs and investment and reaffirms the region’s role as an economic powerhouse. This is in keeping with the eight growth-driving sectors identified in the new Industrial Strategy, placing Edinburgh and the region in a strong position to continue to receive investment and grow the local economy.

    On top of this, £410 million will be shared across the devolved nations for a Local Innovation Partnership Fund and it makes great sense for our City Region to lead on this in Scotland. From artificial intelligence to data and robotics, this money could unlock a huge amount of investment, building on the successful projects we’ve already delivered, including the National Robotarium, the Usher Institute and Easter Bush which is now the global location of ‘Agritech’ excellence.

    Given Edinburgh’s longstanding innovation capabilities it is fantastic that we will be able to reap the associated economic, social and environmental benefits. That said, our challenge is to manage Edinburgh’s success and growth, and ensure it is fair and sustainable. To keep thriving, we need to manage the pressures placed on our housing, environment and our residents. This is the fastest growing city in Scotland, with the population expected to increase by 60,000 over the next 20 years and over four million visitors every year.

    Everyone should be able to benefit from Edinburgh’s continued economic success. We are clearly contributing more than our share to the Scottish and UK economies and both governments should continue to take note.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Menzieshill communal lighting

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    HUNDREDS of people in a Dundee community are enjoying reliable and robust lighting thanks to more than £1m of investment by the city council.

    A total of 93 blocks of flats in Menzieshill are having new communal lighting installed to replace the ageing systems previously in the buildings.

    Kevin Cordell, convener of Dundee City Council’s neighbourhood regeneration, housing and estate management committee has been in Menzieshill to see the work for himself.

    He said: “Quality of life for the people of Dundee remains one of the council’s key priorities, and over many years communities have been transformed. New communal lighting like this helps us to deliver strong communities where people feel empowered, safe and proud to live.

    “This type of work benefits hundreds of residents who have external and, in some cases, communal lighting that complies with the relevant British Standards and enhances their quality of life.”

    The contract, awarded to the council’s Construction Services division late last year, sees them stripping out and removing general communal lighting, with a team of in-house electricians, including two apprentices.

    New systems are being supplied, installed, tested, commissioned and certified within six months at a total cost of £1,046,057.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coventry School’s Arts Week celebrates young talent and cultural legacy

    Source: City of Coventry

    Coventry City Council and Cultural Education Partnership (CCEP) is proud to announce the launch of the very first Coventry School’s Arts Week, that’s been taking place across the city this week.

    This exciting new initiative brings together children and young people from schools across Coventry to celebrate creativity, self-expression and the rich cultural life of our city. Organised by CCEP – a vibrant network of professionals and organisations committed to lifelong learning – this landmark event aims to showcase the artistic talents of our youngest residents while nurturing a passion for arts and culture from an early age.

    The Coventry Cultural Education Partnership supports learning opportunities for children and young people aged 0–30, drawing on the strengths of both the creative and cultural sectors and the city’s formal education settings. By coming together, schools, artists, educators and cultural organisations are working in unison to inspire the next generation and open doors to new opportunities.

    So far, the week has already seen the Sky Arts Bus at West Coventry Academy. This initiative is aimed at promoting and celebrating arts in education. The bus provided arts-related activities and resources for students.

    There has also been the launch of a school’s art exhibition at the Herbert Art Gallery on Tuesday 24 June. This free exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into childhood artistic development and is open throughout the summer holidays. Last night also saw seven music groups from Coventry Music and nine schools come together to perform at Butterworth Hall at Warwick Ars Centre, with a further nine schools performing throughout the day to each other.

    Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: “I am incredibly proud to see initiatives like Coventry School’s Arts Week taking place in our city. It provides a chance to showcase our young people, their creativity, and the opportunities we create together. This is about more than just art—it’s about confidence, collaboration and giving every child the chance to shine.”

    This Friday (27 June) at 11am there will be a city-wide school’s performance of “Lady Godiva’s Birthday Suit The Musical”, by Aaron Ashmore. The performance will bring together around 750 pupils from schools across the city to share their musical retelling of the legendary local story.

    The project is a collaboration between Coventry Music, Coventry Cultural Education Partnership (CCEP), Child Friendly Coventry, and national partners including the Royal Ballet and Opera. Every school in Coventry has been gifted a free copy of the musical to use in school.

    Aaron Ashmore, Local Coventry Author said: “To see so many young people bring this story to life with such energy and creativity will be incredibly inspiring. Lady Godiva is a symbol of courage and community – and that’s exactly what this performance is about.”

    On Saturday 28 April, as part of the art’s week festival there will be a ‘Booknic’ taking place at War Memorial Park between 11am – 3pm. This is a free reading picnic that encourages people to relax, eat and chat about books. There will also be a range of sport and art activities.

    Families are invited to meet next to the playground in the War Memorial Park at 11am to take part in a carnival-style parade.

    After the parade, families can stay and enjoy activities such as author and illustrator events; book trails; a giant book swap; library events; circus skills; skateboarding; tennis and much more.

    Mark Steele, Coventry Music Lead and Chair of Coventry Cultural Education Partnership said: “Creative and Cultural Education is crucial for young people, so having the opportunity to sing, dance and act with other pupils across the city is so important to develop hidden talents and skills in students”.

    To keep up to date with the latest news, sign up for our Your Coventry email newsletter or follow the Council on FacebookXYouTubeInstagramLinkedIn and TikTok.

    More information about Booknic 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Hakem Energies Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Spotlight Role of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Africa’s Economies at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

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

    Refilwe Sebothoma, Founder and CEO of South African-based gas company Hakem Energies, will speak at the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference. During the event, Sebothoma is expected to highlight South Africa’s clean cooking agenda and the role of women-led innovators in driving inclusive access to modern energy services across underserved communities.  

    Taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town, AEW: Invest in African Energies is the largest energy event in Africa, convening stakeholders under the theme: Positioning Africa as the Global Energy Champion. The event drives investment across the entire energy value chain in Africa, supporting broader continental goals of advancing energy access and clean cooking adoption. Sebothoma’s participation reflects Hakem Energies’ critical role in advancing South Africa’s LPG market and is set to create new pathways for collaboration and dialogue.   

    AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event. 

    While Africa holds approximately 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, over 900 million people across the continent live without access to clean cooking solutions. Companies such as Hakem Energies seek to address this dilemma by enhancing access to sustainable and affordable fuels such as LPG. The company is accelerating LPG adoption as a practical and scalable pathway to reduce energy poverty, empower women and enhance energy resilience. Under her leadership, Hakem Energies is deploying innovative solutions such as the Hakem LPG Box and micro-distribution networks, which deliver affordable, reliable and safe LPG to rural areas and informal settlements. The company’s flexible “pay-for-what-you-fill” model is also tailored for low-income households, improving affordability and access. Beyond household LPG use, Hakem Energies offers bulk and packaged LPG supply for a variety of economic sectors, including mining, agriculture and hospitality. With robust infrastructure support for remote operations, the company supports LPG adoption across the country.   

    Hakem Energies’ solutions come as the country strives to accelerate the uptake of natural gas, leveraging policy to promote LPG expansion. South Africa’s Gas Strategy Vision for 2050 – published by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa in April 2025 – seeks to diversify supply and maximize gas use for inclusive growth. In this scenario, companies like Hakem Energies are essential in supporting both the adoption of LPG as well as the transition to gas-based fuels. The firm’s work directly supports the strategy’s objectives around energy equity, economic development and clean cooking scale-up. In 2024, Sebothoma was awarded the Women of the Year Award by the Women in LPG Global Network for her leadership in championing diversity and women’s empowerment through LPG use for energy access – a key pillar of AEW: Invest in African Energies. 

    At the event this September, Sebothoma will contribute to strategic dialogues and project showcases, spotlighting key investment and partnership opportunities to scale up clean cooking infrastructure and small-scale gas distribution.  

    “Sebothoma is championing a woman-powered, youth-led and community-built ecosystem for an inclusive energy transition in South Africa. As Africa drives towards energy resilience for sustainable development, women cannot continue to be left behind. LPG solutions offer a powerful tool to empower communities and close the energy access gap,” said Oré Onagbesan, Program Director for AEW: Invest in African Energies.  

    – on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa

  • Operation Sindhu: IAF brings 224 Indian nationals back from Israel

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian Air Force on Wednesday successfully evacuated 224 more Indian nationals from Israel, taking the total number of citizens brought back safely to 818, under Operation Sindhu.

    Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje greeted the Indian nationals upon their arrival in New Delhi.

    The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on X, “Operation Sindhu update, MoS Ms. Shobha Karandlaje received 224 Indian nationals who returned to India from Israel on an IAF aircraft at 10:30 Hrs on 25th June. The safety and security of Indian nationals remain a priority for the government. To date, 818 Indian nationals have returned home from Israel as part of Operation Sindhu.”

    The IAF joined in the operations with its C-17 aircraft to evacuate the Indian nationals and the citizens of friendly nations, including Nepal and Sri Lanka, from war-hit Israel and bring them back home to safety.

    Earlier, the MEA had announced that the evacuation of Indian nationals from Israel under Operation Sindhu started on Monday, June 23, via Jordan, marking its first successful repatriation flight, with 161 citizens landing in New Delhi from Amman on Tuesday morning.

    Followed by a second flight on Tuesday itself, the IAF brought back 286 Indian nationals, who were residing in Israel, from Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

    Meanwhile, a similar evacuation process continued in Iran with 282 more evacuees arriving in India. According to the MEA, so far 2,858 Indian nationals have been brought back home from Tehran and other affected regions.

    The Government of India launched Operation Sindhu, an evacuation mission Operation Sindhu following the hostilities between Iran and Israel.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Centre approves ₹417 crore Electronics Manufacturing Cluster in Gautam Buddha Nagar

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The central government has approved the establishment of a ₹417 crore Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC 2.0) in Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. The new cluster aims to significantly boost local manufacturing, encourage innovation, and attract substantial investments into the electronics sector.

    Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Minister of State, Jitin Prasada, reviewed the project on Wednesday and instructed officials to work closely with the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure faster implementation.

    About the Project

    To be developed by the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA), the EMC will span 200 acres and is projected to draw approximately ₹2,500 crore in new investments. Speaking on the occasion, Vaishnaw highlighted that the EMC will generate 15,000 new jobs and create world-class infrastructure, aligning perfectly with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting “Make in India” and “Viksit Bharat.”

    Industry Impact and Products

    The cluster is set to support a broad range of industries, including:

    * Consumer electronics

    * Automotive and industrial electronics

    * Medical devices

    * Computer hardware

    * Communication equipment

    Startups and MSMEs will benefit greatly from this EMC as it will offer world-class plug-and-play infrastructure along with shared amenities. Some key facilities include standard factory sheds, electricity and water provisioning, sewage treatment, skill development centres, health centres, hostels, and more — all of which will help reduce logistics and setup costs.

    Strategic Location

    Strategically located along the Yamuna Expressway and Eastern Peripheral Expressway — with proximity to the Palwal–Khurja Expressway — the EMC enjoys strong multimodal connectivity by road, rail, and air. Its position close to the Jewar International Airport and railway hubs, along with surrounding industrial areas like the Medical Device Park, MSME & Apparel Park, and the Aviation Hub, further enhances its accessibility and appeal for potential investors.

    About EMC 2.0 Scheme

    To date, about ₹30,000 crore have been invested across EMCs under the scheme, attracting 520 companies and creating over 86,000 jobs. The new EMC in Uttar Pradesh underscores India’s commitment to becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse and will help establish a robust foundation for electronics companies looking to set up their operations in India.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Legal routes for climate justice in Africa

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    By Oluwabusayo Wuraola, Anglia Ruskin University

    Climate change lawsuits have become a new way for countries to assert their rights against actions that degrade the environment. But African countries have yet to fully exploit this route.

    In the Netherlands, the court found that greenhouse gas emissions breached the rights to life and private and family life that are protected by the European Convention on Human Rights.

    In Germany, the court found that the government had breached the Climate Protection Act by not setting out a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions after 2030. This meant that future generations would unfairly bear the burden of trying to limit climate change.

    Africa is the continent that’s most vulnerable to the impact of climate change. At the same time, it has contributed least in the world to greenhouse gas emissions.

    However, African countries have not taken up many climate court cases, mainly because they lack resources. They are also hampered by weak climate laws, limited expertise to gather and present evidence in court, and their economic reliance on extractive industries which they may not want to sue in court.

    One of the few African climate lawsuits was brought by the South African environmental justice group EarthLife Africa Johannesburg. It took the country’s environment ministry to court to cancel the government’s approval of new coal-fired power plants. The Pretoria high court held that the approval was unlawful because it had failed to consider how new coal-fired power stations would make climate change worse.

    Another case was filed in 2020 by civil society groups that sued the governments of Uganda and Tanzania over the East African Crude Oil Pipeline for breaching human rights and damaging the environment. The East African Court of Justice dismissed the case after the activists missed the deadline to file documents. The groups have appealed against the dismissal, but this highlights some of the difficulties in bringing international climate litigation.

    In May 2025, the Pan African Lawyers’ Union asked the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights for an advisory opinion (still to be issued) on the obligations of African states to protect human rights in a time of climate crisis. This case was brought in collaboration with the Africa Climate Platform, the Environmental Lawyers Collective for AfricaNatural Justiceresilient40, and other environmental justice organisations.

    I am an environmental justice researcher who examines how ecocentrism (valuing the entire interests of ecosystems over human interests or individual companies interests) can be taken forward in African legal systems.

    I argue that Africa should use three key international legal routes to amplify its voice in litigating against climate change.

    1. The International Court of Justice

    In December 2024, the International Court of Justice agreed for the first time to provide an advisory opinion on what states are obliged to do to fight climate change and set out the legal consequences for states that do not meet these obligations.

    In late 2024, the court accepted inputs from countries that had already been affected by climate change. These included members of the Organisation of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States and the African Union, and South Africa, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia and Senegal. The court will hand down the opinion in late 2025.

    Even though International Court of Justice advisory opinions are not legally binding, these proceedings were a milestone. They provided African countries with a good platform to raise their demands about the obligations of countries to protect the climate system in this time of global warming.

    2. International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea

    In June 2023, the African Union submitted a written statement in support of the request made by the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law. The island states had asked the tribunal to set out how governments were obliged by the international marine treaty to prevent, reduce and control marine pollution caused by greenhouse gas emissions.

    This was the first time the tribunal had formally considered the impacts of climate change on the marine environment. The African Union relied on important international environmental legal principles in its statement. These include the duty to avoid polluting the atmosphere and to prevent harm that takes place across borders.

    These principles have been used by different countries in lawsuits previously. These cases form the legal basis for many climate lawsuits today.

    The tribunal’s advisory opinions are not legally binding, but they also contribute to the development of international law, and again, could be useful for Africa to assert a strong, unified legal voice in the global fight for climate justice.

    3. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

    This 1992 convention has been ratified by many African states. It is a central international legal framework that guides global action on climate change. It has been the foundation for many international agreements on how governments will prevent climate change.

    African countries will need to include international climate change agreements into their laws and policies. Not all African countries have climate change laws. Countries with climate change laws include NigeriaUganda and South Africa. More must follow.

    Africa lacks the resources to prevent the worst effects of climate change and recover from the damage caused by global warming.

    African countries must now take climate lawsuits forward to demand accountability, shape climate policies and safeguard the future.

    By embracing regional mechanisms like the African court, using international legal instruments, and developing national climate laws, Africa can assert a strong, unified legal voice in the global fight for climate justice.

    Oluwabusayo Wuraola, Lecturer in Law, Anglia Ruskin University

    This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

    The opinions expressed in VIEWPOINT articles are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of ARU.

    If you wish to republish this article, please follow these guidelines: https://theconversation.com/uk/republishing-guidelines

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Housing Authority wins two awards at Asia Pacific GovMedia Awards 2025 (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Housing Authority wins two awards at Asia Pacific GovMedia Awards 2025  
         The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) today (June 25) said that the HA won two prestigious awards for its innovative projects at the GovMedia Awards 2025 ceremony held in Singapore this month including the Hong Kong Public-Private Partnership of the Year – Housing and Hong Kong Public Sector Initiative of the Year – Youth. These accolades highlight the HA’s outstanding achievements in advancing construction robotics and supporting young entrepreneurs.
     
         Since 2020, the HA has introduced new requirements on the use of construction robot technology for tender assessments of new building contracts. Through collaborations with robotics firms and the Hong Kong Center for Construction Robotics, the HA has adopted a “pioneer and pilot” approach to improve robot efficiency in a context-specific manner, driving broader adoption of construction robotics. In addition, robotic applications have been expanded to estate management, from cleaning robots to smart patrol systems, providing residents with enhanced community services. By proactively adopting robotics in construction and housing, the HA has driven innovation in housing construction and management. The Hong Kong Public-Private Partnership of the Year – Housing award recognises the HA’s leadership and impact in adopting various robotics.
     
         The Hong Kong Public Sector Initiative of the Year – Youth award acknowledges the HA’s Well Being • Start-Up programme which supports young people in pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams. Launched in July 2024, this initiative provides cost-reducing opportunities for young entrepreneurs to start their businesses. By offering rent-free retail spaces under the HA, the programme lowers the barriers to entrepreneurship and brings new vitality and creativity to the community. The programme has received widespread support since its inception. In April 2025, the HA announced Well Being • Start-Up 2.0 which has garnered responses from over 10 business enterprises, further expanding support for young entrepreneurs.
     
         The GovMedia Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of government projects and initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region and recognise public organisations that demonstrate leadership, creativity and impacts in public services.
    Issued at HKT 19:05

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax® ETFs Announces Distributions on ULTY, CONY, AMDY, LFGY, YMAX, and Others

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO and MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax® today announced distributions for the YieldMax® Weekly Payers and Group C ETFs listed in the table below.

    ETF
    Ticker
    1
    ETF Name Distribution
    Frequency
    Distribution
    per Share
    Distribution
    Rate
    2,4
    30-Day
    SEC Yield3
    ROC5 Ex-Date &
    Record
    Date
    Payment
    Date
    CHPY YieldMax® Semiconductor
    Portfolio Option Income ETF
    Weekly $0.3767 35.95%   0.38%   96.83%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    GPTY YieldMax® AI & Tech Portfolio
    Option Income ETF
    Weekly $0.3140 34.48%   0.00%   100.00%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    LFGY YieldMax® Crypto Industry &
    Tech Portfolio Option Income
    ETF
    Weekly $0.4836 63.08%   0.00%   100.00%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    QDTY YieldMax® Nasdaq 100 0DTE
    Covered Call ETF
    Weekly $0.1188 14.23%   0.00%   100.00%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    RDTY YieldMax® R2000 0DTE
    Covered Call ETF
    Weekly $0.2035 22.95%   0.89%   100.00%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    SDTY YieldMax® S&P 500 0DTE
    Covered Call ETF
    Weekly $0.1151 13.52%   0.00%   100.00%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    ULTY YieldMax® Ultra Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Weekly $0.0923 76.38%   0.00%   100.00%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    YMAG YieldMax® Magnificent 7 Fund
    of Option Income ETFs
    Weekly $0.1574 53.77%   66.50%   94.21%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    YMAX YieldMax® Universe Fund of
    Option Income ETFs
    Weekly $0.1548 59.01%   88.53%   94.96%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    ABNY YieldMax® ABNB Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4
    weeks
    $0.3232 35.66%   2.97%   92.90%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    AMDY YieldMax® AMD Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4
    weeks
    $0.4629 71.65%   3.09%   96.14%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    CONY YieldMax® COIN Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4
    weeks
    $0.5354 73.35%   3.53%   96.71%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    CVNY YieldMax® CVNA Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4
    weeks
    $1.7084 51.44%   2.81%   96.68%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    FIAT YieldMax® Short COIN Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4
    weeks
    $0.1536 54.32%   2.93%   92.85%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    HOOY YieldMax® HOOD Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4
    weeks
    $6.5030     99.92%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    MSFO YieldMax® MSFT Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4
    weeks
    $0.4848 34.76%   3.13%   92.03%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    NFLY YieldMax® NFLX Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4
    weeks
    $0.4303 29.37%   2.98%   90.80%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    PYPY YieldMax® PYPL Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4
    weeks
    $0.3297 33.10%   3.41%   92.95%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    Weekly Payers & Group D ETFs scheduled for next week: CHPY GPTY LFGY QDTY RDTY SDTY ULTY YMAG YMAX AIYY AMZY APLY DISO MSTY SMCY WNTR XYZY YQQQ

    Standardized Performance and Fund details can be obtained by clicking the ETF Ticker in the table above or by visiting us at www.yieldmaxetfs.com

    Performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling (866) 864-3968.

    Note: DIPS, FIAT, CRSH, YQQQ and WNTR are hereinafter referred to as the “Short ETFs.”

    Distributions are not guaranteed. The Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield are not indicative of future distributions, if any, on the ETFs. In particular, future distributions on any ETF may differ significantly from its Distribution Rate or 30-Day SEC Yield. You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from period to period and may be zero. Accordingly, the Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield will change over time, and such change may be significant.

    Investors in the Funds will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to the underlying reference asset(s).

    1All YieldMax® ETFs shown in the table above (except YMAX, YMAG, FEAT, FIVY and ULTY) have a gross expense ratio of 0.99%. YMAX, FEAT have a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.99% for a gross expense ratio of 1.28%. YMAG has a management fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.83% for a gross expense ratio of 1.12%. FIVY has a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.59% for a gross expense ratio of 0.88%. “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other investment companies, namely other YieldMax® ETFs. ULTY has a gross expense ratio of 1.40%, and a net expense ratio after the fee waiver of 1.30%. The Advisor has agreed to a fee waiver of 0.10% through at least February 28, 2026
    2The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on June 24, 2025. The Distribution Rate is the annual distribution rate an investor would receive if the most recent distribution, which includes option income, remained the same going forward. The Distribution Rate is calculated by annualizing an ETF’s Distribution per Share and dividing such annualized amount by the ETF’s most recent NAV. The Distribution Rate represents a single distribution from the ETF and does not represent`t its total return. Distributions may also include a combination of ordinary dividends, capital gain, and return of investor capital, which may decrease an ETF’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment. These Distribution Rates may be caused by unusually favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable. Such conditions may not continue to exist and there should be no expectation that this performance may be repeated in the future. 
    3The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended May 31, 2025, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period. 
    4 Each ETF’s strategy (except those of the Short ETFs) will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. Each Short ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset decreases in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset increases in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. 
    5ROC refers to Return of Capital. The ROC percentage indicates how much the distribution reflects an investor’s initial investment. The figures shown for each Fund in the table above are estimates and may later be determined to be taxable net investment income, short-term gains, long-term gains (to the extent permitted by law), or return of capital. Actual amounts and sources for tax reporting will depend upon the Fund’s investment activities during the remainder of the fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. Your broker will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year to tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

    Each Fund has a limited operating history and while each Fund’s objective is to provide current income, there is no guarantee the Fund will make a distribution. Distributions are likely to vary greatly in amount.

    Important Information

    This material must be preceded or accompanied by the prospectus. For all prospectuses, click here.

    Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax® ETFs.

    THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNDERLYING REFERENCE ASSET.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable to all YieldMax ETFs referenced above, except the Short ETFs)

    YMAX, YMAG, FEAT and FIVY generally invest in other YieldMax® ETFs. As such, these Funds are subject to the risks listed in this section, which apply to all the YieldMax® ETFs they may hold from time to time.

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Referenced Index Risk. The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Index (or the Index ETFs). This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of companies that comprised the Index or an ETF that tracks the Index, even though it does not.

    Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way. Investors in the Fund will not have the right to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the companies that comprise the Index but will be subject to declines in the performance of the Index.

    Russell 2000 Index Risks. The Index, which consists of small-cap U.S. companies, is particularly susceptible to economic changes, as these firms often have less financial resilience than larger companies. Market volatility can disproportionately affect these smaller businesses, leading to significant price swings. Additionally, these companies are often more exposed to specific industry risks and have less diverse revenue streams. They can also be more vulnerable to changes in domestic regulatory or policy environments.

    Call Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s call writing strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in the positive price returns of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold call options and over longer periods.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of call option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in increases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Call Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security (ARKK, TSLA, AAPL, NVDA, AMZN, META, GOOGL, NFLX, COIN, MSFT, DIS, XOM, JPM, AMD, PYPL, SQ, MRNA, AI, MSTR, Bitcoin ETP, GDX®, SNOW, ABNB, BABA, TSM, SMCI, PLTR, MARA, CVNA, HOOD, BRK.B), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GPTY)

    Artificial Intelligence Risk. Issuers engaged in artificial intelligence typically have high research and capital expenditures and, as a result, their profitability can vary widely, if they are profitable at all. The space in which they are engaged is highly competitive and issuers’ products and services may become obsolete very quickly. These companies are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by loss or impairment of those rights. The issuers are also subject to legal, regulatory, and political changes that may have a large impact on their profitability. A failure in an issuer’s product or even questions about the safety of the product could be devastating to the issuer, especially if it is the marquee product of the issuer. It can be difficult to accurately capture what qualifies as an artificial intelligence company.

    Technology Sector Risk. The Fund will invest substantially in companies in the information technology sector, and therefore the performance of the Fund could be negatively impacted by events affecting this sector. Market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technological advances could have a significant effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability.

    Risk Disclosure (applicable only to MARO)

    Digital Assets Risk: The Fund does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than the Fund. Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to BABO and TSMY)

    Currency Risk: Indirect exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad.

    Depositary Receipts Risk: The securities underlying BABO and TSMY are American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). Investment in ADRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market.

    Foreign Market and Trading Risk: The trading markets for many foreign securities are not as active as U.S. markets and may have less governmental regulation and oversight.

    Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in securities of U.S. issuers, such as risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability, as well as varying regulatory requirements applicable to investments in non-U.S. issuers. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. issuer than a U.S. issuer. Non-U.S. issuers may also be subject to different regulatory, accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and investor protection standards than U.S. issuers.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GDXY)

    Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. The Fund is exposed indirectly to the securities of foreign issuers selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities.

    Risk of Investing in Gold and Silver Mining Companies. The Fund is exposed indirectly to gold and silver mining companies selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies.

    The Fund invests in options contracts based on the value of the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX®), which subjects the Fund to some of the same risks as if it owned GDX®, as well as the risks associated with Canadian, Australian and Emerging Market Issuers, and Small-and Medium-Capitalization companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YBIT)

    YBIT does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than YBIT.

    Bitcoin Investment Risk: The Fund’s indirect investment in Bitcoin, through holdings in one or more Underlying ETPs, exposes it to the unique risks of this emerging innovation. Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, and its market is influenced by the changing Bitcoin network, fluctuating acceptance levels, and unpredictable usage trends.

    Digital Assets Risk: Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility. Potentially No 1940 Act Protections. As of the date of this Prospectus, there is only a single eligible Underlying ETP, and it is an investment company subject to the 1940 Act.

    Bitcoin ETP Risk: The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Bitcoin ETP. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the Bitcoin ETP, even though it does not. Bitcoin ETPs are subject, but not limited, to significant risk and heightened volatility. An investor in a Bitcoin ETP may lose their entire investment. Bitcoin ETPs are not suitable for all investors. In addition, not all Bitcoin ETPs are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Those Bitcoin ETPs that are not registered under such statute are therefore not subject to the same regulations as exchange traded products that are so registered.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to the Short ETFs)

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Price Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the value of the underlying reference asset. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the underlying reference asset, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, the Fund is subject to the risk that the value of the underlying reference asset increases. If the value of the underlying reference asset increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses.

    Put Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s put writing (selling) strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in decreases in the value of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold put options and over longer periods.

    Purchased OTM Call Options Risk. The Fund’s strategy is subject to potential losses if the underlying reference asset increases in value, which may not be offset by the purchase of out-of-the-money (OTM) call options. The Fund purchases OTM calls to seek to manage (cap) the Fund’s potential losses from the Fund’s short exposure to the underlying reference asset if it appreciates significantly in value. However, the OTM call options will cap the Fund’s losses only to the extent that the value of the underlying reference asset increases to a level that is at or above the strike level of the purchased OTM call options. Any increase in the value of the underlying reference asset to a level that is below the strike level of the purchased OTM call options will result in a corresponding loss for the Fund. For example, if the OTM call options have a strike level that is approximately 100% above the then-current value of the underlying reference asset at the time of the call option purchase, and the value of the underlying reference asset increases by at least 100% during the term of the purchased OTM call options, the Fund will lose all its value. Since the Fund bears the costs of purchasing the OTM calls, such costs will decrease the Fund’s value and/or any income otherwise generated by the Fund’s investment strategy.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in decreases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Put Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, for any Fund that focuses on an individual security (e.g., TSLA, COIN, NVDA, MSTR), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole. Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to CHPY)

    Semiconductor Industry Risk. Semiconductor companies may face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, and such competition may have an adverse effect on their profit margins. Semiconductor companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. Semiconductor companies’ supply chain and operations are dependent on the availability of materials that meet exacting standards and the use of third parties to provide components and services.

    The products of semiconductor companies may face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Capital equipment expenditures could be substantial, and equipment generally suffers from rapid obsolescence. Companies in the semiconductor industry are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights would adversely affect the profitability of these companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YQQQ)

    Index Overview. The Nasdaq 100 Index is a benchmark index that includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, based on market capitalization.

    Index Level Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the Index level. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the Index, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the Index level, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Index level increases. If the Index level increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks: innovation and technological advancement; strong market presence of Index constituent companies; adaptability to global market trends; and resilience and recovery potential.

    Index Level Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will benefit from decreases in the Index level experienced over the Put Period. This means that if the Index level experiences a decrease in value below the strike level of the sold put options during a Put Period, the Fund will likely not experience that increase to the same extent and any Fund gains may significantly differ from the level of the Index losses over the Put Period. Additionally, because the Fund is limited in the degree to which it will participate in decreases in value experienced by the Index level over each Put Period, but has significant negative exposure to any increases in value experienced by the Index level over the Put Period, the NAV of the Fund may decrease over any given period. The Fund’s NAV is dependent on the value of each options portfolio, which is based principally upon the inverse of the performance of the Index level. The Fund’s ability to benefit from the Index level decreases will depend on prevailing market conditions, especially market volatility, at the time the Fund enters into the sold put option contracts and will vary from Put Period to Put Period. The value of the options contracts is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of component companies that comprise the Index, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. As the Index level changes and time moves towards the expiration of each Put Period, the value of the options contracts, and therefore the Fund’s NAV, will change. However, it is not expected for the Fund’s NAV to directly inversely correlate on a day-to-day basis with the returns of the Index level. The amount of time remaining until the options contract’s expiration date affects the impact that the value of the options contracts has on the Fund’s NAV, which may not be in full effect until the expiration date of the Fund’s options contracts. Therefore, while changes in the Index level will result in changes to the Fund’s NAV, the Fund generally anticipates that the rate of change in the Fund’s NAV will be different than the inverse of the changes experienced by the Index level.

    YieldMax® ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Foreside is not affiliated with Tidal Financial Group, or YieldMax® ETFs.

    © 2025 YieldMax® ETFs

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax® ETFs Announces Distributions on ULTY, CONY, AMDY, LFGY, YMAX, and Others

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO and MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax® today announced distributions for the YieldMax® Weekly Payers and Group C ETFs listed in the table below.

    ETF
    Ticker
    1
    ETF Name Distribution
    Frequency
    Distribution
    per Share
    Distribution
    Rate
    2,4
    30-Day
    SEC Yield3
    ROC5 Ex-Date &
    Record
    Date
    Payment
    Date
    CHPY YieldMax® Semiconductor
    Portfolio Option Income ETF
    Weekly $0.3767 35.95%   0.38%   96.83%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    GPTY YieldMax® AI & Tech Portfolio
    Option Income ETF
    Weekly $0.3140 34.48%   0.00%   100.00%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    LFGY YieldMax® Crypto Industry &
    Tech Portfolio Option Income
    ETF
    Weekly $0.4836 63.08%   0.00%   100.00%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    QDTY YieldMax® Nasdaq 100 0DTE
    Covered Call ETF
    Weekly $0.1188 14.23%   0.00%   100.00%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    RDTY YieldMax® R2000 0DTE
    Covered Call ETF
    Weekly $0.2035 22.95%   0.89%   100.00%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    SDTY YieldMax® S&P 500 0DTE
    Covered Call ETF
    Weekly $0.1151 13.52%   0.00%   100.00%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    ULTY YieldMax® Ultra Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Weekly $0.0923 76.38%   0.00%   100.00%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    YMAG YieldMax® Magnificent 7 Fund
    of Option Income ETFs
    Weekly $0.1574 53.77%   66.50%   94.21%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    YMAX YieldMax® Universe Fund of
    Option Income ETFs
    Weekly $0.1548 59.01%   88.53%   94.96%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    ABNY YieldMax® ABNB Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4
    weeks
    $0.3232 35.66%   2.97%   92.90%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    AMDY YieldMax® AMD Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4
    weeks
    $0.4629 71.65%   3.09%   96.14%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    CONY YieldMax® COIN Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4
    weeks
    $0.5354 73.35%   3.53%   96.71%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    CVNY YieldMax® CVNA Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4
    weeks
    $1.7084 51.44%   2.81%   96.68%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    FIAT YieldMax® Short COIN Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4
    weeks
    $0.1536 54.32%   2.93%   92.85%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    HOOY YieldMax® HOOD Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4
    weeks
    $6.5030     99.92%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    MSFO YieldMax® MSFT Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4
    weeks
    $0.4848 34.76%   3.13%   92.03%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    NFLY YieldMax® NFLX Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4
    weeks
    $0.4303 29.37%   2.98%   90.80%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    PYPY YieldMax® PYPL Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4
    weeks
    $0.3297 33.10%   3.41%   92.95%   6/26/25 6/27/25
    Weekly Payers & Group D ETFs scheduled for next week: CHPY GPTY LFGY QDTY RDTY SDTY ULTY YMAG YMAX AIYY AMZY APLY DISO MSTY SMCY WNTR XYZY YQQQ

    Standardized Performance and Fund details can be obtained by clicking the ETF Ticker in the table above or by visiting us at www.yieldmaxetfs.com

    Performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling (866) 864-3968.

    Note: DIPS, FIAT, CRSH, YQQQ and WNTR are hereinafter referred to as the “Short ETFs.”

    Distributions are not guaranteed. The Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield are not indicative of future distributions, if any, on the ETFs. In particular, future distributions on any ETF may differ significantly from its Distribution Rate or 30-Day SEC Yield. You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from period to period and may be zero. Accordingly, the Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield will change over time, and such change may be significant.

    Investors in the Funds will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to the underlying reference asset(s).

    1All YieldMax® ETFs shown in the table above (except YMAX, YMAG, FEAT, FIVY and ULTY) have a gross expense ratio of 0.99%. YMAX, FEAT have a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.99% for a gross expense ratio of 1.28%. YMAG has a management fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.83% for a gross expense ratio of 1.12%. FIVY has a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.59% for a gross expense ratio of 0.88%. “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other investment companies, namely other YieldMax® ETFs. ULTY has a gross expense ratio of 1.40%, and a net expense ratio after the fee waiver of 1.30%. The Advisor has agreed to a fee waiver of 0.10% through at least February 28, 2026
    2The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on June 24, 2025. The Distribution Rate is the annual distribution rate an investor would receive if the most recent distribution, which includes option income, remained the same going forward. The Distribution Rate is calculated by annualizing an ETF’s Distribution per Share and dividing such annualized amount by the ETF’s most recent NAV. The Distribution Rate represents a single distribution from the ETF and does not represent`t its total return. Distributions may also include a combination of ordinary dividends, capital gain, and return of investor capital, which may decrease an ETF’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment. These Distribution Rates may be caused by unusually favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable. Such conditions may not continue to exist and there should be no expectation that this performance may be repeated in the future. 
    3The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended May 31, 2025, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period. 
    4 Each ETF’s strategy (except those of the Short ETFs) will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. Each Short ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset decreases in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset increases in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. 
    5ROC refers to Return of Capital. The ROC percentage indicates how much the distribution reflects an investor’s initial investment. The figures shown for each Fund in the table above are estimates and may later be determined to be taxable net investment income, short-term gains, long-term gains (to the extent permitted by law), or return of capital. Actual amounts and sources for tax reporting will depend upon the Fund’s investment activities during the remainder of the fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. Your broker will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year to tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

    Each Fund has a limited operating history and while each Fund’s objective is to provide current income, there is no guarantee the Fund will make a distribution. Distributions are likely to vary greatly in amount.

    Important Information

    This material must be preceded or accompanied by the prospectus. For all prospectuses, click here.

    Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax® ETFs.

    THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNDERLYING REFERENCE ASSET.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable to all YieldMax ETFs referenced above, except the Short ETFs)

    YMAX, YMAG, FEAT and FIVY generally invest in other YieldMax® ETFs. As such, these Funds are subject to the risks listed in this section, which apply to all the YieldMax® ETFs they may hold from time to time.

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Referenced Index Risk. The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Index (or the Index ETFs). This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of companies that comprised the Index or an ETF that tracks the Index, even though it does not.

    Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way. Investors in the Fund will not have the right to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the companies that comprise the Index but will be subject to declines in the performance of the Index.

    Russell 2000 Index Risks. The Index, which consists of small-cap U.S. companies, is particularly susceptible to economic changes, as these firms often have less financial resilience than larger companies. Market volatility can disproportionately affect these smaller businesses, leading to significant price swings. Additionally, these companies are often more exposed to specific industry risks and have less diverse revenue streams. They can also be more vulnerable to changes in domestic regulatory or policy environments.

    Call Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s call writing strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in the positive price returns of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold call options and over longer periods.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of call option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in increases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Call Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security (ARKK, TSLA, AAPL, NVDA, AMZN, META, GOOGL, NFLX, COIN, MSFT, DIS, XOM, JPM, AMD, PYPL, SQ, MRNA, AI, MSTR, Bitcoin ETP, GDX®, SNOW, ABNB, BABA, TSM, SMCI, PLTR, MARA, CVNA, HOOD, BRK.B), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GPTY)

    Artificial Intelligence Risk. Issuers engaged in artificial intelligence typically have high research and capital expenditures and, as a result, their profitability can vary widely, if they are profitable at all. The space in which they are engaged is highly competitive and issuers’ products and services may become obsolete very quickly. These companies are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by loss or impairment of those rights. The issuers are also subject to legal, regulatory, and political changes that may have a large impact on their profitability. A failure in an issuer’s product or even questions about the safety of the product could be devastating to the issuer, especially if it is the marquee product of the issuer. It can be difficult to accurately capture what qualifies as an artificial intelligence company.

    Technology Sector Risk. The Fund will invest substantially in companies in the information technology sector, and therefore the performance of the Fund could be negatively impacted by events affecting this sector. Market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technological advances could have a significant effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability.

    Risk Disclosure (applicable only to MARO)

    Digital Assets Risk: The Fund does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than the Fund. Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to BABO and TSMY)

    Currency Risk: Indirect exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad.

    Depositary Receipts Risk: The securities underlying BABO and TSMY are American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). Investment in ADRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market.

    Foreign Market and Trading Risk: The trading markets for many foreign securities are not as active as U.S. markets and may have less governmental regulation and oversight.

    Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in securities of U.S. issuers, such as risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability, as well as varying regulatory requirements applicable to investments in non-U.S. issuers. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. issuer than a U.S. issuer. Non-U.S. issuers may also be subject to different regulatory, accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and investor protection standards than U.S. issuers.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GDXY)

    Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. The Fund is exposed indirectly to the securities of foreign issuers selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities.

    Risk of Investing in Gold and Silver Mining Companies. The Fund is exposed indirectly to gold and silver mining companies selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies.

    The Fund invests in options contracts based on the value of the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX®), which subjects the Fund to some of the same risks as if it owned GDX®, as well as the risks associated with Canadian, Australian and Emerging Market Issuers, and Small-and Medium-Capitalization companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YBIT)

    YBIT does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than YBIT.

    Bitcoin Investment Risk: The Fund’s indirect investment in Bitcoin, through holdings in one or more Underlying ETPs, exposes it to the unique risks of this emerging innovation. Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, and its market is influenced by the changing Bitcoin network, fluctuating acceptance levels, and unpredictable usage trends.

    Digital Assets Risk: Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility. Potentially No 1940 Act Protections. As of the date of this Prospectus, there is only a single eligible Underlying ETP, and it is an investment company subject to the 1940 Act.

    Bitcoin ETP Risk: The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Bitcoin ETP. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the Bitcoin ETP, even though it does not. Bitcoin ETPs are subject, but not limited, to significant risk and heightened volatility. An investor in a Bitcoin ETP may lose their entire investment. Bitcoin ETPs are not suitable for all investors. In addition, not all Bitcoin ETPs are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Those Bitcoin ETPs that are not registered under such statute are therefore not subject to the same regulations as exchange traded products that are so registered.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to the Short ETFs)

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Price Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the value of the underlying reference asset. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the underlying reference asset, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, the Fund is subject to the risk that the value of the underlying reference asset increases. If the value of the underlying reference asset increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses.

    Put Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s put writing (selling) strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in decreases in the value of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold put options and over longer periods.

    Purchased OTM Call Options Risk. The Fund’s strategy is subject to potential losses if the underlying reference asset increases in value, which may not be offset by the purchase of out-of-the-money (OTM) call options. The Fund purchases OTM calls to seek to manage (cap) the Fund’s potential losses from the Fund’s short exposure to the underlying reference asset if it appreciates significantly in value. However, the OTM call options will cap the Fund’s losses only to the extent that the value of the underlying reference asset increases to a level that is at or above the strike level of the purchased OTM call options. Any increase in the value of the underlying reference asset to a level that is below the strike level of the purchased OTM call options will result in a corresponding loss for the Fund. For example, if the OTM call options have a strike level that is approximately 100% above the then-current value of the underlying reference asset at the time of the call option purchase, and the value of the underlying reference asset increases by at least 100% during the term of the purchased OTM call options, the Fund will lose all its value. Since the Fund bears the costs of purchasing the OTM calls, such costs will decrease the Fund’s value and/or any income otherwise generated by the Fund’s investment strategy.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in decreases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Put Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, for any Fund that focuses on an individual security (e.g., TSLA, COIN, NVDA, MSTR), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole. Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to CHPY)

    Semiconductor Industry Risk. Semiconductor companies may face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, and such competition may have an adverse effect on their profit margins. Semiconductor companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. Semiconductor companies’ supply chain and operations are dependent on the availability of materials that meet exacting standards and the use of third parties to provide components and services.

    The products of semiconductor companies may face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Capital equipment expenditures could be substantial, and equipment generally suffers from rapid obsolescence. Companies in the semiconductor industry are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights would adversely affect the profitability of these companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YQQQ)

    Index Overview. The Nasdaq 100 Index is a benchmark index that includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, based on market capitalization.

    Index Level Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the Index level. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the Index, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the Index level, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Index level increases. If the Index level increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks: innovation and technological advancement; strong market presence of Index constituent companies; adaptability to global market trends; and resilience and recovery potential.

    Index Level Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will benefit from decreases in the Index level experienced over the Put Period. This means that if the Index level experiences a decrease in value below the strike level of the sold put options during a Put Period, the Fund will likely not experience that increase to the same extent and any Fund gains may significantly differ from the level of the Index losses over the Put Period. Additionally, because the Fund is limited in the degree to which it will participate in decreases in value experienced by the Index level over each Put Period, but has significant negative exposure to any increases in value experienced by the Index level over the Put Period, the NAV of the Fund may decrease over any given period. The Fund’s NAV is dependent on the value of each options portfolio, which is based principally upon the inverse of the performance of the Index level. The Fund’s ability to benefit from the Index level decreases will depend on prevailing market conditions, especially market volatility, at the time the Fund enters into the sold put option contracts and will vary from Put Period to Put Period. The value of the options contracts is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of component companies that comprise the Index, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. As the Index level changes and time moves towards the expiration of each Put Period, the value of the options contracts, and therefore the Fund’s NAV, will change. However, it is not expected for the Fund’s NAV to directly inversely correlate on a day-to-day basis with the returns of the Index level. The amount of time remaining until the options contract’s expiration date affects the impact that the value of the options contracts has on the Fund’s NAV, which may not be in full effect until the expiration date of the Fund’s options contracts. Therefore, while changes in the Index level will result in changes to the Fund’s NAV, the Fund generally anticipates that the rate of change in the Fund’s NAV will be different than the inverse of the changes experienced by the Index level.

    YieldMax® ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Foreside is not affiliated with Tidal Financial Group, or YieldMax® ETFs.

    © 2025 YieldMax® ETFs

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: ConnectOne Bancorp Strengthens Executive Leadership By Appointing Legal Advisor Robert Schwartz to General Counsel

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: CNOB) (the “Company” or “ConnectOne”), parent company of ConnectOne Bank (the “Bank”), announced the appointment of Robert A. Schwartz as General Counsel, effective June 1, 2025. This strategic appointment reinforces ConnectOne’s commitment to strengthening executive leadership capabilities as it accelerates growth following the successful completion of its merger with First of Long Island Corporation (formerly Nasdaq: FLIC).

    A recognized leader in the banking industry with deep expertise in mergers and acquisitions, securities law, and bank regulatory frameworks, Schwartz brings decades of legal and strategic experience to ConnectOne. In this role, he will advise the Board of Directors and executive leadership on legal, regulatory and business risks in an evolving operating environment. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for ConnectOne, as the Company recently reached nearly $14 billion in assets.

    Schwartz has served as a trusted legal advisor to ConnectOne since its inception, playing a foundational role in the Bank’s formation, IPO and multiple transactions throughout its 20-year history.

    “Mr. Schwartz has been an integral player to the bank since day one, and we look forward to working with him in this new capacity,” said Frank Sorrentino III, ConnectOne’s Chairman & CEO. “His ability to balance legal acumen with business strategy will be instrumental in driving the success of the newly expanded institution as we prepare for our next chapter of growth. Bringing someone of his caliber in-house reflects the strength of our platform and our focus on building an industry-leading leadership team.”

    “After two decades of helping ConnectOne navigate many major milestones—from our formation to our IPO to strategic acquisitions—I’m energized to now lead our legal strategy from within,” said Schwartz. “This transition from trusted advisor to executive team member is a testament to ConnectOne’s ambitious vision. Together, we’re positioned to capitalize on the growing opportunities in today’s dynamic banking landscape.”

    Prior to joining the bank, Schwartz served as a Partner at Windels Marx, where he specialized in advising financial institutions on mergers and acquisitions, and bank regulatory and securities law. Schwartz holds a J.D. from Fordham Law School and a B.A. from Fordham University. He is a member of both the New Jersey and New York Bar.

    About ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.
    ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc., is a modern financial services company that operates, through its subsidiary, ConnectOne Bank, and the Bank’s fintech subsidiary, BoeFly, Inc. ConnectOne Bank is a high-performing commercial bank offering a full suite of banking & lending products and services that focus on small to middle-market businesses. BoeFly, Inc. is a fintech marketplace that connects borrowers in the franchise space with funding solutions through a network of partner banks. ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc. is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the trading symbol “CNOB,” and information about ConnectOne may be found at https://www.connectonebank.com.

    Investor Contact:

    William S. Burns
    Senior Executive VP & CFO
    201.816.4474: bburns@cnob.com

    Media Contact:

    Shannan Weeks, MWW
    732.299.7890: sweeks@mww.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Boralex recognized as Best Corporate Citizen in Canada by Corporate Knights

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTREAL, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Boralex inc. (“Boralex” or the “Company”) (TSX: BLX) is proud to announce that it has been named the top company in Corporate Knights’ annual ‘Best 50 Corporate Citizens’ ranking in Canada. This ranking recognizes companies that demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to sustainable development. This achievement highlights the importance Boralex places on corporate responsibility, which lies at the core of its business strategy.

    ‘‘Boralex’s approach is based on a clear vision: to contribute to a renewable energy future, while ensuring a safe, inclusive and responsible work environment and committing to a net-zero trajectory by 2050. This vision is reiterated in the Company’s 2030 Strategy, unveiled last week. Receiving this recognition from Corporate Knights encourages us to continue our efforts in this direction, particularly in a context where climate risk remains one of the main business risks on a global scale’’, said Patrick Decostre, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boralex.

    ‘‘This ranking represents a collective achievement, the result of sustained collaboration with all our stakeholders. It reflects our teams’ unwavering commitment to embedding social responsibility at the core of our strategic decisions, as well as the invaluable support of our host communities, clients, partners, and investors. We also commend the performance of the other companies featured in this ranking and their commitments to building a more sustainable shared future,’’ added Mihaela Stefanov, Senior Vice President, Enterprise Risk Management and Corporate Social Responsibility of Boralex.

    Corporate Knights evaluates the annual performance of nearly 350 Canadian companies on 33 key global performance indicators. The full Corporate Knights methodology is available on their website, and all Boralex data used in the evaluation is available on the Corporate Knights platform. Among other things, Boralex excelled in the following indicators (year 2023):

    • Sustainable revenue
    • Sustainable investment
    • Existence of a sustainability pay link mechanism
    • GHG Productivity
    • Gender diversity on board of directors

    Boralex unveiled its most recent Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report last February. Among the highlights for the year, the Company reviewed its talent acquisition process for inclusive recruitment, won the ‘Workforce Development’ award at Nergica’s Reconnaissance renewable energy gala for its wind maintenance training program for Innus and obtained approval of its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets from the Science-based Target Initiative (SBTi). More details on Boralex’s CSR strategy are available on its website.

    About Boralex

    At Boralex, we have been providing affordable renewable energy accessible to everyone for over 30 years. As a leader in the Canadian market and France’s largest independent producer of onshore wind power, we also have facilities in the United States and development projects in the United Kingdom. Over the past five years, our installed capacity has increased by more than 50% to 3.2 GW. We are developing a portfolio of projects in development and construction of more than 8 GW in wind, solar and storage projects, guided by our values and our corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach. Through profitable and sustainable growth, Boralex is actively participating in the fight against global warming. Thanks to our fearlessness, discipline, expertise and diversity, we continue to be an industry leader. Boralex’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BLX.

    For more information, visit boralex.com or sedarplus.com. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

    For more information

    MEDIA INVESTOR RELATIONS
    Camille Laventure
    Senior Advisor, Public Affairs and External Communications

    Boralex Inc.

    438 883-8580
    camille.laventure@boralex.com

    Stéphane Milot
    Vice President, Investor Relations and Financial Planning and Analysis

    Boralex Inc.

    514 213-1045
    stephane.milot@boralex.com

       

    Source: Boralex inc.        

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Bulletin from the Annual General Meeting of ZetaDisplay AB (publ)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The following resolutions were passed at the Annual General Meeting (the “AGM”) of ZetaDisplay AB (publ) (“the Company”) on 25 June 2025.

    Adoption of income statement and balance sheet and discharge from liability
    The AGM resolved to adopt the income statement and consolidated income statement for the financial year 2024 as well as the balance sheet and consolidated balance sheet as of 31 December 2024. The members of the Board of Directors and the managing director were discharged from liability for the financial year 2024.

    Allocation of profit or loss
    The AGM resolved, in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal, that no dividend shall be paid for 2024 and that the results of the company shall be carried forward.

    Board of Directors and auditor
    The AGM resolved to re-elect Matthew Peacock, Michael Comish, Nicholas Greatorex, Fredrik Lundqvist, Anders Olin, and Ashkan Senobari as members of the Board of Directors. Furthermore, it was resolved to elect Rob Woodward as a new member and chairman of the Board of Directors. The AGM re-elected the audit firm Öhrlings PricewaterhouseCoopers AB as auditor.

    It was resolved that remuneration shall be paid to the Chairman of the Board in the amount of GBP 60,000, and that no remuneration shall be paid to the other members of the Board of Directors. It was further resolved that the auditor’s fee shall be paid in accordance with approved invoices and customary billing standards.

    For further information, please contact:
    Anders Olin, President and CEO, ZetaDisplay AB (publ)
    Mobile: +46 761-01 14 88
    E-Mail: anders.olin@zetadisplay.com

    Claes Pedersen, CFO, ZetaDisplay AB (publ)
    Mobile: +45 23 68 86 58
    E-Mail: claes.pedersen@zetadisplay.com

    Robert Bryhn, CMO / Head of Communication, ZetaDisplay AB (publ)
    Mobile: +46 709-80 20 80
    E-Mail: robert.bryhn@zetadisplay.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Audience with Seminarians of the diocese of Triveneto

    Source: The Holy See

    This morning, before the General Audience, the Holy Father Leo XIV met with the seminarians of the diocese of Triveneto, to whom he delivered the following address:

    Address of the Holy Father
    Good morning, good morning!
    In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Peace be with you!
    Dear brothers in the Episcopate,
    dear formators and seminarians of the diocese of Triveneto,
    I am pleased to be able to meet you on the occasion of the Jubilee pilgrimage. I think that everyone was present yesterday too, so this is the second opportunity. Your land has deep Christian roots, which lead us back to the ancient Church of Aquileia. In this spiritual memory of faith, the witness of many martyrs and pastor saints shines. Let us remember the bishop Chromatius; let us remember Jerome and Rufinus, exemplary in study and in ascetic life; as well as the blesseds Tullio Maruzzo and Giovanni Schiavo, missionaries who spread the Gospel in many peoples, languages and cultures.
    Today it is up to us to continue this exciting work. In particular, you seminarians are called to be part of this rich history of grace, to conserve it and renew it in following the Lord. Do not be discouraged if at times the journey ahead of you becomes hard. As Blessed John Paul I said to the clergy of Rome, train yourselves in the discipline of a “continued, long, and difficult effort. Even the angels that Jacob saw in a dream were not flying, but climbing one step at a time; you can just imagine us, poor men without wings” (Address to the Roman clergy, 7 September 1978). Thus spoke a Pastor in whom the best virtues of your people shone: in him you have a true model of priestly life.
    I would also like to recall a passage from the conversion of Saint Augustine, as he himself relates it to us in his Confessions. On the one hand he was eager to decide for Christ; on the other, he was held back by scruples and temptations. Profoundly troubled, one day he retreated to reflect in the garden at home; and the personification of the virtue of Continence appeared to him, saying: “Why do you stand in your own strength, and so standest not? Cast yourself upon Him; fear not, He will not withdraw that you should fall; cast yourself upon Him without fear, He will receive you, and heal you” (Confessions, VIII, 27).
    As a father, I repeat these same words to you, which were so good for Augustine’s restless heart: they do not apply only with regard to celibacy, which is a charism to be acknowledged, conserved and educated, but can guide your entire journey of discernment and formation in ordained ministry. In particular, these words invite you to have boundless trust in the Lord, the Lord who called you, renouncing the pretence of being sufficient for yourselves or of being able to do it alone. And this applies not only to the seminary years, but to your whole life: at all times, all the more so in those of desolation or even sin, repeat to yourselves the words of the psalmist: “I trust in God’s mercy forever and ever” (Ps 52:10). The Word of God and the Sacraments are perennial sources from which you will always be able to draw new lymph for the spiritual life, and also for pastoral commitment.
    Therefore, do not think of yourselves as alone, nor by yourselves. Without doubt – as the Ratio fundamentalis states – each one of you “is the protagonist of his own formation and is called to a journey of constant growth in the human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral spheres” (Congregation for the Clergy, The gift of priestly formation, 130); but protagonists does not mean soloists! Therefore, I invite you always to cultivate communion, first of all with your seminary companions. Have complete trust in your formators, without reserve or duplicity. And you, formators, be good companions to the seminarians entrusted to you: offer them the humble witness of your life and your faith; accompany them with sincere affection. Know that you are all supported by the Church, first and foremost in the person of the Bishop.
    Finally, the most important thing: keep your eyes fixed on Jesus (cf. Heb 12:2), cultivating the relationship of friendship with Him. In this regard, as the English priest Robert Hugh Benson (1871-1914) wrote after his conversion to Catholicism: “If there is anything clear in the Gospels it is this – that Jesus Christ first and foremost desires our friendship. … Now the consciousness of this friendship of Jesus Christ is the very secret of the Saints” (The Friendship of Christ, Milan 2024, 17). He asks you, as Pope Francis wrote in the Encyclical Dilexit nos, “never to be ashamed to tell others, with all due discretion and respect, about your friendship with him. He asks that you dare to tell others how good and beautiful it is that you found him” (no. 211). Indeed, encountering Jesus saves our life and gives us the strength and the joy to communicate the Gospel to everyone.
    Dear friends, thank you for this visit. I wish you a good journey! May Our Lady always accompany you, and also my blessing. Thank you!
    [Recitation of the Lord’s Prayer]
    [Blessing]
    Have a good day! Thank you very much, and I wish you a good journey of faith!

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • Piyush Goyal chairs review meeting on PLI scheme

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting on the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, underlining its critical role in making India “Aatmanirbhar” in the manufacturing sector. During the meeting, held with representatives from all concerned ministries, Goyal emphasized that India must focus on sectors where it holds a competitive edge globally and proactively address the challenges faced by various stakeholders to boost the country’s exports.

    Highlighting the need for self-reliance in the key sectors covered under the PLI Scheme, Goyal stressed the importance of building quality skilled manpower over quantity. He urged ministries to work in collaboration with the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) to resolve infrastructure bottlenecks. The minister also called for a well-defined roadmap for the next five years, both in terms of attracting investment and disbursing incentives under the scheme.

    The PLI Scheme, currently at various stages of implementation across 14 key sectors, has attracted investments worth ₹1.76 lakh crore and generated production and sales exceeding ₹16.5 lakh crore. This, in turn, has created over 12 lakh direct and indirect jobs as of March 2025. So far, a cumulative incentive of ₹21,534 crore has been disbursed under the scheme across 12 sectors including large-scale electronics manufacturing, IT hardware, bulk drugs, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, telecom and networking products, food processing, white goods, automobiles and auto components, specialty steel, textiles, and drones and drone components.

    The impact of the scheme has been significant in driving domestic manufacturing, creating employment, increasing exports, and fostering innovation. In the pharmaceutical drugs sector, the scheme has generated cumulative sales worth ₹2.66 lakh crore, including ₹1.70 lakh crore in exports within the first three years. In FY 2024-25 alone, eligible product exports stood at ₹67,000 crore—around 27 per cent of the country’s total pharma exports. Notably, 40 percent of the total investment in the sector, amounting to ₹15,102 crore, has been directed towards research and development. As of March 2025, the domestic value addition in the pharmaceutical sector stood at an impressive 83.7 per cent.

    In the bulk drugs sector, the PLI Scheme has played a transformative role by enabling India to become a net exporter of bulk drugs, with exports worth ₹2,280 crore in FY 2024-25, a reversal from the net import position of ₹1,930 crore in FY 2021-22. This shift has significantly reduced the gap between domestic manufacturing capacity and the demand for critical drugs.

    The food processing sector has also seen strong results, reporting investments worth ₹9,032 crore, which have resulted in production and sales of ₹3,80,350 crore and generated employment for 3,40,116 people. The scheme has encouraged the use of domestically grown agricultural products, thereby benefiting rural and underdeveloped areas and supporting farmers’ incomes. A majority of the beneficiaries are MSMEs, with 70 MSMEs directly enrolled and 40 more serving as contract manufacturers for larger firms. The value-added marine product segment has seen sales grow at a CAGR of 22 per cent during the PLI period. Additionally, the launch of the PLI Millet Scheme has led to a 25-fold increase in the sales of millet-based products in FY 2024-25 compared to the base year of FY 2020-21. Millet procurement by PLI beneficiaries increased from 4,081 metric tonnes in 2022-23 to 16,130 metric tonnes in 2024-25, boosting rural household incomes.

    In the textiles sector, exports of Indian man-made fibre (MMF) textiles reached US$ 6 billion in FY 2024-25, up from US$ 5.7 billion in the previous fiscal year. Exports of technical textiles also increased significantly, rising to US$ 3,356.5 million in FY 2024-25 from US$ 2,986.6 million in FY 2023-24.

  • MIL-OSI: China Medical System Holdings Limited: Proposed Secondary Listing on the Singapore Exchange

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHENZHEN, CHINA, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The board of directors of China Medical System Holdings Limited (the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) announces the proposed secondary listing of the Company’s ordinary shares (“Shares”) on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (the “SGX-ST”) by way of introduction (the “Proposed Secondary Listing”). The Proposed Secondary Listing, if proceeded, will not involve issuance of new shares, and the Shares will continue to be primarily listed and traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange thereafter.

    The Company has submitted, on a confidential basis, an application to the SGX-ST in relation to the Proposed Secondary Listing. As of the date of this announcement, the Company has not received the eligibility-to-list letter (“ETL”) from the SGX-ST in respect of the Proposed Secondary Listing.

    On June 24, 2025, the Company received the Notice of Overseas Issuance and Listing Filing from the China Securities Regulatory Commission (the “CSRC”) in respect of the Proposed Secondary Listing. 

    The Directors believe that upon completion of the proposed secondary listing on the SGX-ST, the Group will be able to attract funds focusing on Asia-Pacific investments and local capital in Southeast Asia, thereby optimizing the shareholder structure. At the same time, it will also have a more profound impact on the Group’s business development in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The Group has established Singapore as its regional headquarters for its Southeast Asia and Middle East business, and has set up companies in Singapore covering the entire pharmaceutical value chain of R&D, manufacturing, commercialization and investment, including CMS R&D as the international independent R&D company, PharmaGend as the pharmaceutical manufacturing CMO/CDMO company, Rxilient as the pharmaceutical development, registration and commercialization company, and Singapore Venture Capital as the industrial investment company. These companies work together to provide Southeast Asian patients with more high-quality and affordable treatment options, contribute to the development of the pharmaceutical industry chain in Southeast Asia, enhance the Group’s global reputation and market position, promote the implementation of the Group’s “Glocalization” strategy, and bring additional growth to the Group.

    The Company will make further announcements with respect to the Proposed Secondary Listing as and when necessary in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations.

    The Proposed Secondary Listing is subject to the SGX-ST granting an ETL and the fulfilment of any conditions set out in the ETL. As such, there is no assurance that the Proposed Secondary Listing will proceed to completion. Shareholders and potential investors of the Company are advised to exercise caution when dealing in the securities of the Company.

    About CMS
    CMS is a platform company linking pharmaceutical innovation and commercialization with strong product lifecycle management capability, dedicated to providing competitive products and services to meet unmet medical needs.

    CMS focuses on the global first-in-class (FIC) and best-in-class (BIC) innovative products, and efficiently promotes the clinical research, development and commercialization of innovative products, enabling the continuous transformation of scientific research into clinical practices to benefit patients.

    CMS deeply engages in several specialty therapeutic fields, and has developed proven commercialization capabilities, extensive networks and expert resources, resulting in leading academic and market positions for its major marketed products. CMS continues to promote the in-depth development of its advantageous specialty fields and expand business boundaries. While strengthening the competitiveness of the cardio-cerebrovascular/gastroenterology business, CMS independently operates its skin health and ophthalmology businesses, aiming to gain leading positions in specialty therapeutic fields, whilst enhancing the scale and efficiency. At the same time, CMS has expanded its business territory to the Southeast Asian market, striving to become a “bridgehead” for global pharmaceutical companies to enter the Southeast Asian market, further escorting the sustainable and healthy development of the Group.

    CMS Disclaimer and Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release is not intended to promote any products to you and is not for advertising purposes. This press release does not recommend any drugs, medical devices and/or indications. If you want to know more about the diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases, please follow the opinions or guidance of your doctor or other medical and health professionals. Any treatment-related decisions made by healthcare professionals should be based on the patient’s specific circumstances and in accordance with the drug package insert.

    This press release which has been prepared by CMS does not constitute any offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities, and shall not form the basis for or be relied on in connection with any contract or binding commitment whatsoever. This press release has been prepared by CMS based on information and data which it considers reliable, but CMS makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, whatsoever, and no reliance shall be placed on, the truth, accuracy, completeness, fairness and reasonableness of the contents of this press release. Certain matters discussed in this press release may contain statements regarding the Group’s market opportunity and business prospects that are individually and collectively forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Any forward-looking statements and projections made by third parties included in this press release are not adopted by the Group and the Company is not responsible for such third-party statements and projections.

    Media Contact

    Brand: China Medical System Holdings Ltd.

    Contact: CMS Investor Relations

    Email: ir@cms.net.cn

    Website: https://web.cms.net.cn/en/home/

    Source: China Medical System Holdings Ltd.

    The MIL Network

  • Cabinet approves revised Jharia Master Plan with ₹5,940 crore financial outlay

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday approved the Revised Jharia Master Plan (JMP), aimed at tackling long-standing issues of fire, land subsidence, and the rehabilitation of affected families in the Jharia Coalfield. The total financial outlay for this revised plan is ₹5,940.47 crore.

    The revised JMP adopts a phased approach to address fire and subsidence and rehabilitate affected families on a priority basis, starting with the most vulnerable sites. A strong emphasis is placed on sustainable livelihood generation to support resettled communities, ensuring they are not only housed but also economically empowered.

    As part of the rehabilitation strategy, skill development programmes will be introduced to enhance the employability of those displaced. Additionally, rehabilitated families—both Legal Title Holders (LTH) and Non-Legal Title Holders (Non-LTH)—will receive a Livelihood Grant of ₹1 lakh and will have access to credit support of up to ₹3 lakh through an institutional credit pipeline.

    The plan also includes the development of robust infrastructure and amenities at all resettlement sites, including roads, electricity, water supply, sewerage, schools, hospitals, skill-development centres, and community halls. These provisions will be implemented according to the recommendations of the Committee for Implementation of the Revised Jharia Master Plan, ensuring a holistic and humane approach to rehabilitation.

    Furthermore, a Jharia Alternative Livelihoods Rehabilitation Fund will be set up to support livelihood-related activities, and skill-development initiatives will be conducted in collaboration with Multi-Skill Development Institutes in the region. These measures aim to promote self-reliance and sustainable income-generation opportunities for all displaced families, making the Revised JMP a significant step toward long-term socioeconomic progress.

  • MIL-OSI USA: Greene County Residents May Be Eligible for Assistance After April Severe Storms

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Greene County Residents May Be Eligible for Assistance After April Severe Storms

    Greene County Residents May Be Eligible for Assistance After April Severe Storms

    LITTLE ROCK, Ark

    – Arkansas homeowners and renters in Greene County are now eligible for FEMA grants after the April 2-22 severe storms, flooding and tornadoes

    Eligible applicants with damage not covered by insurance may qualify for grants for temporary housing, basic home repairs and other eligible expenses related to storm damage

    Greene County joins the 16 counties previously approved for FEMA assistance after the April storms including Clark, Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Desha, Fulton, Hot Spring, Jackson, Miller, Ouachita, Pulaski, Randolph, St

    Francis, Saline, Sharp and White counties

    Residents with homeowners’ or renters’ insurance are encouraged to file a claim as soon as possible with their insurance carrier

    By law, FEMA cannot provide funding for losses covered by your insurance

    If your policy does not cover all disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance

    Survivor assistance from the March 14-15 storms remains available for residents in Greene, Hot Spring, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph, Sharp and Stone counties

    If you were affected by both the March 14-15 and the April 2-22 disasters, you are encouraged to file a separate FEMA application for each

    The deadline for the March storms is Monday, July 14

    The last day to apply for the April storms is Tuesday, July 22

    There are several ways to apply

    Go to DisasterAssistance

    gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

    Lines are open from 6 a

    m

    to 10 p

    m

    CDT seven days a week and specialists speak many languages

    If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service

     In-person survivor assistance is also available at several sites across the impacted area

    To find hours and locations, visit fema

    gov/disaster/4865 or fema

    gov/disaster/4873, scroll to the bottom of the page and click the link under “In-person Survivor Assistance

    ”To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube

    For the latest information about Arkansas’ recovery, visit fema

    gov/disaster/4865 or fema

    gov/disaster/4873

    Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x

    com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook

    com/FEMARegion6/
    thomas

    wise
    Tue, 06/24/2025 – 21:34

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Himalaya Road Fire in Alaska

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Himalaya Road Fire in Alaska

    FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Himalaya Road Fire in Alaska

    BOTHELL, Wash

     –  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Himalaya Road Fire burning in the Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska

     The state of Alaska’s request for a declaration under FEMA’s Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) program was approved by FEMA Region 10 Deputy Acting Administrator Anthony J

    Morea on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 8:19 p

    m

    PT

    He determined that the Himalaya Road Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster

     This is the second FMAG declaration in 2025 to help fight Alaska wildfires

     At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the communities of Himalaya, Haystack, Hayes Creek, and Fox

     The fire also threatened powerlines, cell towers, watersheds, fishing streams, spawning sites, wildlife, cultural resources, and part of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline

     FMAGs make funding available to pay up to 75 percent of a state’s eligible firefighting costs for fires that threaten to become major disasters

    Eligible items can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire

    These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire

      
    amy

    ashbridge
    Tue, 06/24/2025 – 20:46

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor – News Release – Governor Green Amends Intent-to-Veto List

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Office of the Governor – News Release – Governor Green Amends Intent-to-Veto List

    Posted on Jun 24, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI
    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     
    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    GOVERNOR GREEN AMENDS INTENT-TO-VETO LIST 
     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    June 24, 2025

    HONOLULU – Governor Josh Green, M.D., today added SB 935, Relating to Government, to the 2025 Intent-to-Veto list transmitted to Legislative leadership by the statutorily required June 24 deadline. SB 935 is one of the more complex pieces of legislation to emerge from the 2025 session. By including this bill on the list, it allows the Governor to have the time to make an informed and well-researched decision. The addition of the bill brings the number of bills on the Intent-to-Veto list to 20, as compared to the record number of bills Governor Green has signed from the past session.

    Again, Governor Green is not required to veto every bill indicated on the Intent-to-Veto list, but cannot veto a bill that is not included. The release of this list provides additional time to continue ongoing discussions with key stakeholders concerning implementation and impact. Due to the record-setting number of bills enrolled to the governor this legislative session, potential changes to the state’s federal funding and reduced revenue projections from the Council on Revenues, additional time to analyze bills will ensure each bill is given the nuanced, thoughtful consideration it deserves. Governor Green has until July 9 to issue final vetoes. All other bills will become law by July 9.

    “Let me be clear: of the 320 bills passed by the Legislature this session, 20 are on our Intent-to-Veto list,” said Governor Green. “Our team has completed a review of every measure and the overwhelming majority of legislation will become law. Each bill on today’s list is based on thorough legal and fiscal analysis, and as always, was guided by what will best serve the people of Hawai‘i, protect our resources and strengthen our future.”

    To date, Governor Green has signed more than 200 bills into law benefiting the people and ‘āina of Hawai‘i, with core themes including environmental stewardship, educational access and success, as well as public safety. These represent key focus areas so far; additional bills awaiting signature will build upon this foundation to address state priorities. The remaining bills are on track to become law by July 9.

    Over 300 bills were reviewed by state departments and agencies, the Attorney General and the Governor in the last month. The Governor has until July 9 to issue final vetoes from the list, to sign them into law, or to allow them to become law without his signature.

    The following bills are being considered for vetoes, line-item vetoes, or reductions. Note that line-item vetoes only apply to fiscal bills.

    Fiscal Bills:

    HB126: RELATING TO PROPERTY FORFEITURE

    Bill Description: Increases transparency and accountability surrounding property forfeiture. Clarifies which property is subject to forfeiture. Amends the authorized disposition of forfeited property and the proceeds thereof. Requires the Attorney General to adopt rules necessary to carry out the purpose of the Hawaiʻi Omnibus Criminal Forfeiture Act. Repeals language that requires the Hawaiʻi Omnibus Criminal Forfeiture Act to be construed liberally.

    Veto Rationale: Asset forfeiture serves as a powerful deterrent against and punishment for criminal activity. The one-year deadline to return seized property for which the owner has not been charged with a covered offense, significantly weakens the efficacy of this dual deterrent and punishment. Many covered offenses, including felonies, often involve complex investigations that extend beyond a year, rendering this bill’s one-year deadline for law enforcement to file charges unrealistic. Seized property can serve as critical evidence in investigations, and its return before an investigation’s completion would severely hamper the investigation as well as the administration of justice at large.

    HB300: RELATING TO THE STATE BUDGET

    Bill Description: Appropriates funds for the operating and capital improvement budget of the Executive Branch for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027.

    Veto Rationale: Potential shifts in federal funding, coupled with recent projections from the Hawaiʻi Council on Revenues, require the state to reevaluate its budget to ensure essential services and priorities remain supported. Specific line-item reductions based on program feasibility, stability, and sustainability will help the state enter the fiscal year with a balanced budget and sound financial plan.

    HB302: RELATING TO CANNABIS
    Bill Description: Part I: Authorizes DOH to inspect qualifying patient medical records held by the physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or hospice provider who issued a written certification for the qualifying patient. Amends and adds definitions for purposes of the medical use of cannabis law. Clarifies the conditions of use for the medical use of cannabis. For purposes of issuing written certifications, authorizes the establishment of a provider-patient relationship via telehealth and limits the maximum amount of fees that can be assessed by providers. Authorizes the sale of hemp products and accessories for the medical use of cannabis at retail dispensing locations, except in waiting rooms. Clarifies transportation requirements for certain inter-dispensary sales of cannabis and manufactured cannabis products. Part II: Establishes criminal penalties for the unlicensed operation of a medical cannabis dispensary. Part III: Authorizes expenditures from the Medical Cannabis Registry and Regulation Special Fund to fund programs for the mitigation and abatement of nuisances related to illegal cannabis and hemp products and medical cannabis dispensaries and appropriates funds from the Special Fund to the AG’s Drug Nuisance Abatement Unit for these purposes, including establishing positions. Part IV: Beginning 1/1/2028, prohibits the cultivation of cannabis without a cannabis cultivator license issued by DOH.

    Veto Rationale: This administration remains committed to Hawai‘i’s existing medical cannabis program and supports efforts to expand access to medical cannabis for any medical condition. Although this bill’s authorization of medical cannabis certifications via telehealth expands access to medical cannabis, provisions authorizing the inspection of patients’ medical records without warrant constitute a grave violation of privacy. Given that the federal government classifies cannabis as a Schedule I substance, patients’ reasonable fears of repercussions based upon information gained from inspection of their personal medical records may deter patients from participating in the medical cannabis program.

    HB496: RELATING TO MĀMAKI TEA

    Bill Description: Prohibits the use of certain words and misleading Hawaiian imagery, place names, and motifs on the label of a consumer package that contains or includes tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus, unless 100% of the tea or dried leaves were cultivated, harvested, and dried in the state. Appropriates funds for a Measurement Standards Inspector position.

    Veto Rationale: While the intent of this measure is to ensure consumer protection and reliable Made in Hawai‘i labeling, the bill imposes overly strict labeling requirements that could harm small businesses and māmaki producers who responsibly blend leaves from multiple sources. Prohibiting the labeling of products composed of less than 100% māmaki tea as “māmaki” ignores the economic contributions of and impacts to producers who mix or process māmaki with other herbs, undermining producers who support local māmaki farmers while meeting broader demand.

    HB796: RELATING TO TAX CREDITS

    Bill Description: Requires that income tax credits existing on 12/31/2025 or established or renewed after 12/31/2025 include a five-year sunset or an annual one-third reduction, beginning with the sixth year of the credit.

    Veto Rationale: This bill would have a significant long-term impact on income tax credits across a variety of industries, including film and television, research, and renewable energy. These tax credits are critical to supporting economic development and diversification, particularly within growing and emerging sectors. Categorically sunsetting income tax credits will not only disincentivize future investors from doing business in Hawai‘i, but will destabilize existing businesses that currently rely upon these tax credits.

    HB1369: RELATING TO TAXATION

    Bill Description: Amends and repeals certain exemptions under the general excise tax and use tax laws.

    Veto Rationale: The amendments to the general excise tax and use tax contained in this bill would impact sugarcane producers, commercial fishing vessels and securities exchanges. Removing the specific tax exemptions afforded to these entities would provide little financial benefit to the state while harming, in particular, sugarcane producers.

    SB583: RELATING TO NAMING RIGHTS

    Bill Description: Allows the naming rights of the Stadium Facility and Convention Center Facility to be leased to any public or private entity. Requires any revenues derived from advertising or marketing in or on the Stadium Facility or Convention Center Facility to be deposited into the appropriate special fund of the facility. Authorizes the display of the name of any entity that leased the naming rights to a stadium operated by the Stadium Authority on the exterior of the stadium.

    Veto Rationale: Pursuant to section 14, article III, of the Hawai‘i State Constitution, each bill may only contain one subject, which must pertain to the bill’s title. The exemption of concessions in the stadium facility and Convention Center from typical concession procurement procedures may violate section 14, article III, of the Hawai‘i State Constitution since the exemption appears to fall outside the titular scope of the bill, naming rights.

    SB589: RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY

    Bill Description: Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish an installation goal for customer-sited distributed energy resources in the state. Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish tariffs to achieve the installation goal and for grid services programs, microgrids and community-based renewable energy. Ensures that certain levels of compensation are provided for solar and energy storage exports from customer-sited distributed energy resources as part of grid service programs and requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish grid service compensation values. Clarifies when a person who constructs, maintains, or operates a new microgrid is not considered a public utility. Authorizes wheeling of renewable energy and requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish policies and procedures to implement wheeling and microgrid service tariffs.

    Veto Rationale: Maintaining Hawai‘i’s leadership in clean energy through established goals and initiatives remains a priority. The Public Utilities Commission has already opened or plans to open proceedings relating to microgrid services tariffs and customer-sited distributed energy resources and grid services. The mandates contained in this bill therefore risk duplication and delay of already existing efforts.

    Non-Fiscal Bills:

    HB235: RELATING TO TRAFFIC SAFETY

    Bill Description: Requires the Department of Transportation, after the City and County of Honolulu educates the public and adjusts any systems, to expand the use of photo red light imaging detector systems and automated speed enforcement systems to locations on the North Shore of O‘ahu.

    Veto Rationale: The Department of Transportation has developed specific criteria for the selection of communities within which to implement traffic safety systems. This criteria incorporates data-driven crash, citation and traffic volume metrics, which ensure communities are chosen based on need and potential for greatest impact. Ignoring this criteria in favor of legislatively mandated location selection threatens the integrity of the photo red light imaging detector system and automated speed enforcement system programs.

    HB800: RELATING TO GOVERNMENT

    Bill Description: Provides for the transfer of certain parcels in the Liliha Civic Center area and Iwilei Fire Station area from various state agencies to the City and County of Honolulu. Provides for the transfer of the parcel of land upon which Ali‘i Tower is sited from the City and County of Honolulu to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Exempts the lands transferred to the Department of Land and Natural Resources from the definition of public lands for purposes of Chapter 171, HRS.

    Veto Rationale: The land transfers provided in the bill would negatively impact the City and County of Honolulu, which relies upon Ali‘i Tower’s land lease revenues and office spaces. Additionally, the state would face indeterminate additional costs, as Ali‘i Tower’s age likely necessitates capital improvements and ongoing maintenance. Although the intent of this bill is to reduce the state’s reliance on private commercial office space, no analysis exists identifying the amount of office space the acquisition of Aliʻi Tower would provide the state.

    HB958: RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION

    Bill Description: Establishes safe riding behaviors for electric bicycles. Prohibits the operation of high-speed electric devices in certain locations. Establishes labeling and signage requirements for electric bicycles. Prohibits the operation of a moped or electric motorcycle in certain locations. Amends the definition of “bicycle” for purposes of county vehicular taxes. Defines “electric bicycle” in place of “low-speed electric bicycle.” Defines “electric micro-mobility device” and requires the same regulations as electric foot scooters to apply to electric micro-mobility devices. Prohibits a person under the age of 16 from operating a class 3 electric bicycle. Authorizes a person under the age of 14 to operate class 2 electric bicycles under supervision. Prohibits a person from riding a class 3 electric bicycle on a sidewalk. Authorizes a person to ride a class 1 or class 2 electric bicycle on a sidewalk under certain circumstances. Prohibits a person from operating a bicycle or electric foot scooter under the age of 18 without a helmet. Repeals the requirement that moped drivers use bicycle lanes and substitutes the term “motor-driven cycle” with the term “motor scooter.”

    Veto Rationale: While mopeds and motorcycles are exempt from the prohibition established within this bill, on “high-speed electric devices” driving on public roadways, electric cars are not exempt. Such a prohibition would likely violate the Commerce Clause and Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution and conflict with the administration’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    HB1296: RELATING TO THE MAJOR DISASTER FUND

    Bill Description: Establishes timely notice and reporting requirements to the Legislature by the Governor regarding the transfer of appropriations to the Major Disaster Fund. Effective 7/1/2025. Sunsets 7/1/2026.

    Veto Rationale: The administration is committed to the transparent, efficient management of state funds. During times of emergency, flexibility and the quick release of funds is necessary to respond to rapidly changing situations. This bill disrupts the delicate balance between reporting requirements facilitating government transparency and fiscal flexibility undergirding efficient response and recovery efforts. Placing additional administrative oversight over funds expended for emergencies jeopardizes public safety.

    SB15: RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION

    Bill Description: Amends the definition of “historic property” to require that the property is over 50 years old and meets the criteria for inclusion in the Hawaiʻi Register of Historic Places. Excludes proposed projects on existing residential property and proposed projects that are in nominally sensitive areas from the State’s Historic Preservation Program review, under certain circumstances.

    Veto Rationale: Exempting proposed projects on any existing residential property from historic preservation review fails to consider properties that have never undergone such a review and may contain historically significant artifacts or iwi kūpuna. This categorical exclusion increases the risk for desecration of iwi kūpuna and historical resources. Although Governor Green supports amending the historic preservation review process to facilitate housing production, a more nuanced approach to protecting iwi kūpuna is needed, such as that advanced in SB 1263.

    SB31: RELATING TO PROPERTY

    Bill Description: Authorizes a person who discovers a recorded discriminatory restrictive covenant to take certain actions, without liability, to invalidate the covenant. Defines discriminatory restrictive covenant.

    Veto Rationale: By enabling any person, including those without any interest in the specified real property, to record a statement that a real property’s title includes a discriminatory restrictive covenant, this bill provides a statutorily authorized mechanism for the circulation of disinformation. This disinformation has the potential to negatively affect the marketability of a property. Because the person who recorded the statement claiming a discriminatory restrictive covenant exists is waived of any liability, no recourse is available to those who suffer financial loss due to inaccurate claims concerning their property’s title.

    SB38: RELATING TO HOUSING

    Bill Description: Requires the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation to provide counties with an opportunity to comment on certain housing development projects. Prohibits the legislative body of a county from imposing stricter conditions than the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation, stricter area median income requirements, or a reduction in fee waivers to housing development proposals that would increase the cost of the project.

    Veto Rationale: County councils have expressed concerns that this bill hampers their ability to work with developers to modify housing projects to reflect the specific needs of their communities. While the administration supports measures intended to facilitate the production of affordable housing, further dialogue with the counties on this measure’s implementation is required.

    SB66: RELATING TO HOUSING

    Bill Description: Establishes procedures and requirements for single-family and multifamily housing project applicants to apply for an expedited permit, including requirements for completeness of expedited permit applications, duties of licensed professionals and the counties during construction, and applications for owner-builder exemptions. Takes effect 7/1/2026. Sunsets 6/30/2031.

    Veto Rationale: By allowing any qualified professional to determine a project’s impact on historical resources, this bill permits a project proponent to evaluate and determine the impact of its own projects on historical resources. This is a conflict of interest that allows for self-serving determinations, undermines the authority and purpose of regulatory agencies’ independent evaluations, and increases risk to iwi kūpuna.

    SB104: RELATING TO CORRECTIONS

    Bill Description: Beginning 7/1/2026, restricts the use of restrictive housing in state-operated and state-contracted correctional facilities, with certain specified exceptions. Establishes a restrictive housing legislative working group to develop and recommend more comprehensive laws, policies and procedures regarding restrictive housing for members of vulnerable populations by 1/8/2027. Requires the Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission to review restrictive housing placements on an annual basis. Authorizes the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, by 12/1/2027, to implement policies and procedures recommended by the restrictive housing working group related to committed persons. Requires interim and final reports to the Legislature and Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission.

    Veto Rationale: The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has policies in place governing the use of restrictive housing. These policies and procedures comply with National Institute of Corrections and American Correctional Association standards. Rather than improve the health and safety of those in the department’s care, the implementation of certain requirements proposed in this bill will jeopardize the safety, security and good governance of the department’s facility, negatively impacting inmates. In lieu of this measure and to address stakeholders’ concerns, the department is working with the Hawaiʻi Correctional Systems Oversight Commission to amend its policies and procedures.

    SB447: RELATING TO A DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PILOT PROGRAM

    Bill Description: Establishes a Hiring Pilot Program within the Department of Health, which includes an amended hiring procedure for delegated position classifications, certain flexibilities regarding minimum qualifications for positions having a salary range at or below SR-10, the ability to directly hire certain individuals into a civil service position if certain conditions are met, and the authority to make certain temporary appointments at the merited civil service pay scale without step limitation. Applies to recruitments initiated before 7/1/2028. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Sunsets 7/1/2028.

    Veto Rationale: The governor strongly supports efforts to streamline the state’s hiring process to address our workforce vacancies, especially those in our state’s public health sector. However, this bill conflicts with state civil service law, undermining the state’s merit-based civil service system. Disparities in hiring, classification and compensation throughout the state are expected to occur should this bill become law.

    SB1102: RELATING TO THE AIRCRAFT RESCUE FIRE FIGHTING UNIT

    Bill Description: Specifies the appointment processes and terms for the Fire Chief of the Hawaiʻi State Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Unit of the Airports Division of the Department of Transportation.

    Veto Rationale: The appointment process proposed in the bill is inconsistent with the selection process for other department leadership positions. Further, due to the need to obtain legislative approval for the appointment of the Fire Chief, following the appointment process contained in this bill may delay the appointment of this critical leadership position, impacting airport operations, safety and readiness.

    # # #

    Media Contacts:  
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Office: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected] 

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: LT. GOVERNOR LUKE SIGNS BILL EXPANDING PRESCHOOL OPEN DOORS TO INCLUDE 2-YEAR-OLDS, SUPPORT WORKING FAMILIES

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    LT. GOVERNOR LUKE SIGNS BILL EXPANDING PRESCHOOL OPEN DOORS TO INCLUDE 2-YEAR-OLDS, SUPPORT WORKING FAMILIES

    Updates Will Reach More Families and Remove Barriers for Child Care Providers

    HONOLULU — Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, serving as Acting Governor, today signed into law Act 203 (House Bill 692), a major expansion of the state’s Preschool Open Doors (POD) tuition subsidy program.

    The new law, which takes effect on January 1, 2026, expands eligibility to include 2-year-olds and removes burdensome accreditation requirements for child care providers—reducing barriers and increasing child care capacity across Hawaiʻi.

    Administered by the state’s Department of Human Services (DHS), POD provides monthly child care and preschool tuition subsidies to qualifying low- to middle-income families. This legislation marks another milestone in the state’s Ready Keiki plan, led by Lt. Governor Luke, to ensure universal access to early learning by 2032.

    In addition to the legislation, Lt. Governor Luke signed updated administrative rules (HAR 17-799) that further expand access to Preschool Open Doors. These changes take effect June 27, 2025, just in time for the open enrollment period starting July 1, 2025.

    “We know that far too many working families fall into the gap—they earn too much to qualify for help but still struggle to afford quality child care. For the first time, a family of four making about $180,000 can qualify for Preschool Open Doors,” said Lt. Governor Luke. “This expansion directly addresses that gap and brings us closer to our goal of making early learning truly accessible for all Hawaiʻi families.”

    POD Expansion Highlights:

    Act 203 (House Bill 692)

    • Expands eligibility to 2-year-olds
    • Allows DHS to make co-payments optional, allowing some qualifying families to receive full tuition subsidies
    • Removes the accreditation requirement for providers, which can be costly, time-consuming, and require frequent renewals
    • Allows DHS to adopt year-round, first-come, first-served enrollment

    Administrative Rules 17-799

    • Raises income eligibility to 500% of the federal poverty level (for example, a family of four earning up to $184,896 is now eligible)
    • Grants presumptive eligibility for families experiencing homelessness or domestic violence, providing temporary support for up to two months while documentation is gathered
    • Caps co-payments at 3% of income, or a maximum of $45 per month

    These updates build on a series of recent improvements to the POD program. In January 2024, new rules extended eligibility to 3-year-olds, increased income thresholds, and reduced co-pays. In July 2024, the program moved to a year-round application with designated priority and open enrollment periods, making it easier for families to apply when they’re ready.

    Today Lt. Governor Luke also signed into law Act 204 (House Bill 329) which clarifies the responsibilities of the School Facilities Authority, and Act 205 (Senate Bill 423) which adds the president of the Head Start Association of Hawaiʻi to the state’s Early Learning Board.

    Ryan Yamane, Department of Human Services director said, “These updates demonstrate our continued commitment to supporting Hawaiʻi’s families by expanding access to affordable, high-quality child care during the most critical years of a child’s development.”

    Families across the state are already seeing the real impact of Preschool Open Doors. The Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network Speaks! (HCAN Speaks), which testified in strong support of House Bill 692, emphasized how meaningful these changes will be for working parents. “This is a game-changer for families across the state,” said Deborah Zysman, HCAN Speaks! executive director. “Preschool Open Doors has long been a lifeline for many, but these changes mean that even more parents, especially those who have struggled to get help, can finally access the support they need.”

    DHS will begin accepting applications for the next Preschool Open Doors open enrollment period starting July 1, 2025.

    Interested families may apply online here, or request an application from PATCH by visiting patchhawaii.org, calling (808) 791-2130, or toll-free at (800) 746-5620. PATCH can also help families find a preschool that meets their needs.

    ###

    RESOURCES
    Courtesy Office of the Lt. Governor
    Link to Press Conference Photos
    Link to Press Conference Recording
    Link to Press Conference Visuals

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Large-scale fraud using trusted online seller accounts uncovered

    Source: Eurojust

    The criminals used phishing techniques to obtain login credentials from legitimate sellers on a well-known online commerce platform. After gaining access to the account, they changed the login details, locking the rightful users out of their accounts. The criminals then continued to post advertisements of fake goods on the seller account. Because customers trusted the seller accounts, they initially put orders in for over EUR 106 million. In the end, 556 customers completed their order and purchased goods that would never arrive, causing damages of over EUR 400 000.

    When investigators identified the locations of the criminal group, Romanian and German authorities quickly began working together through a joint investigation team established by Eurojust. The cooperation led to a series of actions in December 2024, during which evidence was collected through house searches in Germany, Romania and Austria. Based on the evidence obtained, the authorities arrested four suspects in Romania and three in Germany. Preventative measures are in place for the four suspects in Romania, and two suspects in Germany remain in custody.

    Following the actions in December, investigations into the group continued. Authorities discovered that three members of the criminal group had continued their criminal activities. The Romanian and German investigators quickly identified the individuals and prepared further action.

    During an action day on 24 June, the three members were detained in Romania following a European Arrest Warrant issued by the German authorities. Eight house searches were also conducted where IT systems were seized containing more evidence. Investigations into the criminal group are ongoing.

    The following authorities carried out the operation:

    • Romania: Prosecutor’s Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice –Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism –Vâlcea Territorial Office; Service for Combating Organised Crime Vâlcea; Service for Combating Organised Crime Sibiu; Service for Special Actions Vâlcea; Service for Special Actions Sibiu
    • Germany: Bavarian Central Office for the Prosecution of Cybercrime; Criminal Police Department Nuremberg – K 52

    MIL Security OSI