Category: housing

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) v1.1
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

News story

Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) v1.1

An updated version of the Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) is available.
An updated version of the Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM), referred to as v1.1, has been published on GOV.UK.

RAM v1.1 has been created following feedback from industry on RAM v1, which was published on 23 December 2024. 

Simplifications informed by the value chain 

PackUK carried out a RAM simplification sprint in February 2025. The aim of the sprint was to reduce complexity of the RAM and increase the viability of producers being able to fully complete RAM assessments in 2025.  

The sprint involved gathering feedback on the first iteration of the RAM and offering up simplifications, which have been incorporated into the newly released v1.1. 

The sprint was positively received by industry. A broad range of stakeholders contributed a variety of comments and content suggestions for v1.1, including targeted feedback from retailers and brands with large and complex product portfolios.     

The suggestions were cross-referenced against industry standards and technical feedback was sought from industry material associations to ensure accuracy and consistency.    

On 8 April 2025, PackUK sent a final technical draft of RAM v1.1 out to packaging producers. The technical draft aimed to provide stakeholders with as much lead in time as possible, ensuring they can apply the guidance in 2025.    

What this means

The RAM methodology will enable large packaging producers to assess the recyclability of their household packaging and produce a red/amber/green output which will inform the level of fee modulation payable for that material from year 2 of pEPR. 

Producers are required to apply the methodology for household packaging placed on the market from 1 January 2025, with the first reporting deadline being 1 October 2025.  

Only large producers (also known as ‘large organisations’) must report their recyclability assessment data. Find out about small and large producers. 

You only need to collect and report recyclability assessment data if you are responsible for household packaging. 

Join the Circular Economy stakeholder forum  

At the May stakeholder forum, we will deliver a presentation on RAM v1.1. There will also be an opportunity for stakeholders to ask in-depth questions and relay feedback.  

date: Tuesday 6 May 2025 

time: 2:30pm to 4pm 

registration: Please register for the forum on Microsoft Teams Live 

Please direct any questions about RAM v1.1 to the EPRCustomerService@defra.gov.uk

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Published 29 April 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jimmy Gomez Calls on SBA to Step Up and Support Content Creators and the Digital Creator Economy

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can read the full letter HERE.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Vitus Marine, Greatland Fuel Sales, and Vitus Terminals Secure Combined $37M in USDA Funding to Expand Fuel Infrastructure and Strengthen Rural Alaskan Communities

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LAGRANGE, Ga., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vitus Marine LLC, Greatland Fuel Sales LLC (GFS), and Vitus Terminals LLC (VT), collectively (Vitus), announced today the group secured $37M in USDA Business & Industry (B&I) Loan Program funding to enhance fuel infrastructure and drive economic growth in rural Alaska. Phoenix Lender Services (Phoenix) facilitated the loan fundings with Community Bank & Trust. Phoenix is a subsidiary of Community Bankshares Inc., which originated, underwrote, and closed the loans, while Community Bank & Trust funded the loans. This second series of loans follows a total of $25M in three B&I loans funded in June of 2024 for Vitus.

These strategic investments support existing jobs, improve access to essential energy resources and bolster local economies in some of Alaska’s most remote regions.

On a combined basis for the three companies, these two loan tranches secured over $62 million in total funding and made a significant positive impact to strengthen vital energy infrastructure in Alaska. The Vitus family of companies runs bulk fuel, freight lighterage and energy products to consumers in remote Alaskan communities and provides vital heat, electricity and logistics support to its customers.

“These partnerships represent the impact we strive to achieve—empowering rural businesses to grow and continuing to serve communities with critical services,” said Chris Hurn, President/CEO of Phoenix Lender Services. “Vitus Marine, Greatland Fuel Sales, and Vitus Terminals are vital to Alaska’s energy infrastructure, and we’re proud to support them through the USDA B&I Program.”

These loans offer favorable terms with lower interest rates and longer repayment terms, reducing financial burdens and demonstrating a commitment to the sustainability and growth of rural businesses. These investments highlight a powerful public-private partnership focused on preserving access, affordability, and economic opportunity for some of America’s most underserved regions.

“Fuel and energy access is an essential service for all people. Energy access is not a luxury for the people we serve,” said Justin Charon, Owner and CEO of Vitus. “This collaboration ensures that our customers can continue to depend on us, no matter how remote their community or harsh the delivery season.”

For more information on Phoenix and its lending solutions, visit https://phoenixlenderservices.com.

About Phoenix Lender Services
Based in Georgia and serving clients nationwide, Phoenix Lender Services offers a comprehensive suite of commercial lending solutions, including loan underwriting, closing, and servicing; participant lender matching; secondary market sales; portfolio management; risk analysis; and compliance reviews and regulatory support. Seasoned professionals at Phoenix combine extensive industry expertise in SBA, USDA, and commercial government-guaranteed lending with industry-leading technologies to deliver tailored solutions that align with each client’s unique strategic goals. Phoenix Lender Services is leading the way in SBA, USDA, and commercial lending.

About Vitus Marine LLC [1]
Vitus Marine LLC (VM) is one of two major fuel importers and distributors in Western Alaska with the ability to craft custom import solutions, offer hedging ideas and card-lock alternatives for its commercial and industrial buyers. Its customers have learned to depend on the team at Vitus Marine for creative approaches to solve the problems they face in the remote Arctic region the team serves.

About Vitus Terminals LLC
Vitus Terminals LLC (VT) is one of a few major fuel importers and distributors into the roadless regions in Western Alaska. They provide heating fuel deliveries to homes and businesses with convenience store access in Bethel and Dillingham, Alaska. All locations offer 24-hour card-lock access. They specialize in the storage, sale, hedging and distribution of fuel through their service hubs in Bethel, Kotzebue, Dillingham, St. Michael, Alaska.

About Greatland Fuel Sales LLC
Greatland Fuel Sales LLC continues Vitus Energy’s 15-year history of providing energy to Alaska with unique and timely solutions to create value for its customers through its growing energy supply network and clean convenience stores. Their mission is to deliver competitive energy alternatives for local road warriors and visitors to Alaska.

About Community Bank & Trust
Community Bank & Trust (CB&T), a subsidiary of Community Bankshares Inc., is a trusted financial institution dedicated to serving individuals, families, and businesses across its service area and nationwide. Headquartered in LaGrange, GA, CB&T is committed to leveraging its rural roots to empower both local consumers and commercial entities, as well as underserved groups and communities with a broad slate of accessible, personalized banking solutions, while also reaching a diverse and growing nationwide audience.

MEDIA CONTACT
Hannah Conley
Uproar by Moburst for Community Bankshares, Inc.
hannah.conley@moburst.com

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025

MIL-OSI: Summit State Bank Earns $2.5 Million, or $0.37 Per Diluted Share, in First Quarter 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SANTA ROSA, Calif., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Summit State Bank (the “Bank”) (Nasdaq: SSBI) today reported net income of $2,494,000, or $0.37 per diluted share for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to net income of $1,395,000, or $0.21 per diluted share for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.

“Our operating performance for the first quarter of 2025 was a significant improvement over the prior quarter, fueled by strong net interest income generation and net interest margin expansion,” said Brian Reed, President and CEO. “We are feeling positive about our earnings trajectory, as we have made significant progress in resolving problem loans which negatively impacted the Bank’s performance in 2024. While market volatility continues throughout the financial sector, we will remain consistent with our balance sheet management and operating procedures. Continued repricing of our deposit and loan portfolio is expected to have a positive impact on our net interest margin and financial results going forward.”

“We continue to focus on maintaining strong capital levels by strategically managing the balance sheet and suspending cash dividends,” said Reed. “As such, the Board determined it will also suspend cash dividends in the second quarter of 2025 so that we can continue to build capital, increase liquidity, and position the Bank to create long-term value for our shareholders.”

“Another highlight of the first quarter was the substantial decrease in problem loans and non-performing assets,” said Reed. “We have been aggressively pursuing solutions to problem loans and have reduced our non-performing loans by $10,307,000 during the first quarter of 2025 compared to the preceding quarter, and by $24,101,000 compared to a year ago. Additionally, we anticipate non-performing loans will be further reduced by $8,016,000 in the second quarter of 2025 as a result of loan payoffs from the sale of collateral that is currently under contract. These loans represent 46% of our $17,400,000 in non-performing loans. We are encouraged with our progress in resolving problem loans and will continue to make this a primary focus of the Bank.”

First Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights (at or for the three months ended March 31, 2025)

Net income was $2,494,000, or $0.37 per diluted share, compared to $1,395,000, or $0.21 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2024 and a net loss of $7,142,000, or $1.06 loss per diluted share for the quarter ended December 31, 2024.
Net interest margin was 3.19% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2.81% in the first quarter of 2024 and 2.88% in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Non-performing assets decreased to $21,884,000 at March 31, 2025 compared to $41,548,000 in non-performing assets at March 31, 2024 and $32,191,000 at December 31, 2024.
Collateral relating to three of the non-performing loans to one borrower is under contract to sell in the second quarter of 2025 and the expected proceeds represent 46% or $8,016,000 of the remaining $17,447,000 of non-performing loans.
The Bank’s Tier 1 Leverage ratio increased to 9.45% at March 31, 2025 compared to 9.21% at March 31, 2024. This ratio remains well above the minimum of 5% required to be considered “well-capitalized” for regulatory capital purposes.
The Bank’s annualized return on average assets and annualized return on average equity for the first quarter of 2025 was 0.95% and 10.80%, respectively. This compared to annualized return on average assets and annualized return on average equity for the first quarter of 2024 of 0.51% and 5.74%, respectively.
The allowance for credit losses to total loans was 1.53% at March 31, 2025 compared to 1.66% one year earlier and 1.49% in the preceding quarter.
The Bank maintained strong total liquidity of $448,039,000, or 42.1% of total assets as of March 31, 2025. This includes on balance sheet liquidity (cash and equivalents and unpledged available-for-sale securities) of $141,145,000 or 13.3% of total assets, plus available borrowing capacity of $306,894,000 or 28.9% of total assets.
The Bank has been strategically managing its loan and deposit portfolios to reduce risk in the balance sheet and improve capital ratios. The Bank has been successful in reducing the size of its balance sheet as noted below:
- Net loans decreased 4% to $877,354,000 at March 31, 2025, compared to $917,685,000 one year earlier and decreased 3% compared to $905,075,000 in the fourth quarter of 2024.
- Total deposits increased 2% to $957,065,000 at March 31, 2025, compared to $939,202,000 at March 31, 2024, and decreased 1% when compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, at $962,562,000.
Book value was $14.07 per share, compared to $14.43 per share a year ago and $13.53 in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Operating Results

For the first quarter of 2025, the annualized return on average assets was 0.95% and the annualized return on average equity was 10.80%. This compared to an annualized return on average assets of 0.51% and an annualized return on average equity of 5.74%, respectively, for the first quarter of 2024.

“The 31 basis point improvement in our net interest margin during the first quarter of 2025, compared to the preceding quarter, was a result of lower cost of funds as well as higher loan yields as existing loans continue to reprice,” said Reed. “We anticipate additional improvement to our net interest margin over the next few quarters as time deposits and loans reprice.” The Bank’s net interest margin was 3.19% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2.81% in the first quarter of 2024 and 2.88% in fourth quarter of 2024.

Interest and dividend income increased 0.4% to $14,542,000 in the first quarter of 2025 compared to $14,477,000 in the first quarter of 2024. The increase in interest income is attributable to a $146,000 increase in interest and fees on loans, an increase of $115,000 in interest on deposits with banks offset by a $197,000 decrease in interest on investment securities.

Interest expense decreased 9% to $6,464,000 in the first quarter of 2025 compared to $7,070,000 in the first quarter of 2024. The decrease in interest expense is primarily attributable to a $498,000 decrease in interest expense on deposits resulting from lower cost of funds and a $150,000 decrease in interest expense on Federal Home Loan Bank advances due to decreased borrowing volume.

Noninterest income decreased in the first quarter of 2025 to $646,000 compared to $948,000 in the first quarter of 2024. The decrease is primarily attributed to the Bank recognizing $514,000 in gains on sales of SBA guaranteed loan balances in the first quarter of 2024 compared to $22,000 in gains on sales of SBA guaranteed loan balances in the first quarter of 2025.

“We have worked hard at implementing significant cost savings throughout the Bank to improve operating efficiencies,” said Reed. Operating expenses decreased in the first quarter of 2025 to $6,253,000 compared to $6,400,000 in the first quarter of 2024. The savings is primarily due to a decrease of $455,000 in salaries and employee benefits from an 8% reduction in force due to a cost savings initiative in the fourth quarter of 2024 offset by an increase in FDIC deposit insurance and stock appreciation rights expense in the first quarter of 2025.

Balance Sheet Review

During the first quarter of 2025, the Bank strategically managed its loan and deposit portfolios to reduce balance sheet risk and improve liquidity and capital ratios. As a result, net loans decreased 4% to $877,354,000 and total deposits increased 2% to $957,065,000 as of March 31, 2025 compared to March 31, 2024.

Net loans were $877,354,000 at March 31, 2025 compared to $917,685,000 at March 31, 2024, and decreased 3% compared to December 31, 2024. The Bank’s largest loan types are commercial real estate loans which make up 78% of the portfolio and loans “secured by farmland” totaling 8% of the portfolio. Of the commercial real estate total, approximately 33% or $222,334,000 is owner occupied and the remaining 67% or $443,684,000 is non-owner occupied. The Bank’s entire loan portfolio is well diversified between industries and product type. The office space product type totals $154,512,000 or 17% of the total loan portfolio; of this total owner occupied is $59,563,00 or 39% and non-owner occupied is $94,949,000 or 61%.
Total deposits were $957,065,000 at March 31, 2025 compared to $939,202,000 at March 31, 2024, and decreased 1% compared to the prior quarter end. At March 31, 2025, noninterest bearing demand deposit accounts increased 11% compared to a year ago and represented 21% of total deposits; savings, NOW and money market accounts decreased 10% compared to a year ago and represented 46% of total deposits, and CDs increased 17% compared to a year ago and comprised 33% of total deposits.

Shareholders’ equity was $95,341,000 at March 31, 2025, compared to $97,878,000 one year earlier and $91,723,000 three months earlier. The decrease in shareholders’ equity compared to a year ago was due to a reduction in retained earnings. At March 31, 2025 book value was $14.07 per share, compared to $13.53 three months earlier, and $14.43 at March 31, 2024.

The Bank’s Tier 1 Leverage ratio continues to exceed the minimum of 5% necessary to be categorized as “well-capitalized” for regulatory capital purposes. The Tier-1 leverage ratio for the first quarter of 2025 was 9.45%, an increase compared to 9.21% for the first quarter of 2024.

Credit Quality

Non-performing assets were $21,884,000, or 2.06% of total assets, at March 31, 2025. This compared to $32,191,000 in non-performing assets at December 31, 2024, and $41,548,000 in non-performing assets at March 31, 2024. Non-performing assets include $4,437,000 for one other real estate owned property at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, compared to no other real estate owned property at March 31, 2024.

“While we are encouraged with the improvements in credit quality metrics, our primary focus remains on managing asset quality and reducing portfolio risk,” said Reed. “As of March 31, 2025, six loans to two borrowers totaling $16,047,000 or 92% of our non-performing loans are “secured by farmland,” a sector that has been hit hard by the current economic environment. Outside of these loans, the Bank holds a small portion, $54,714,000 or 6%, of its total loans in this industry and actively monitors the performance of these loans. Collateral relating to three of these loans to one borrower is under contract to sell during the second quarter of 2025 and represents 46% or $8,016,000 of the total non-performing loan portfolio.”

There was $509,000 in net recoveries during the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $8,343,000 in net charge-offs during the three months ended December 31, 2024 and net recoveries of $281,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2024.

For the first quarter of 2025, consistent with factors within the allowance for credit losses model, the Bank recorded a $577,000 reversal of credit loss expense for loans due to a $509,000 recovery received on a paid off loan previously charged-off, a $38,000 reversal of credit losses for unfunded loan commitments and a $13,000 reversal of credit losses on investments. This compared to a $15,000 reversal of credit loss expense on loans, a $65,000 reversal of credit losses on unfunded loan commitments and a $5,000 reversal of credit losses on investments in the first quarter of 2024. The allowance for credit losses to total loans was 1.53% on March 31, 2025, and 1.66% on March 31, 2024.

About Summit State Bank

Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Sonoma County, Summit State Bank is an award-winning community bank serving the North Bay. The Bank serves small businesses, nonprofits and the community, with total assets of $1.1 billion and total equity of $95 million as of March 31, 2025. The Bank has built its reputation over the past 40 years by specializing in providing exceptional customer service and customized financial solutions to aid in the success of its customers.

Summit State Bank is committed to embracing the diverse backgrounds, cultures and talents of its employees to create high performance and support the evolving needs of its customers and community it serves. Through the engagement of its team, Summit State Bank has received many esteemed awards including: Top Performing Community Bank by American Banker, Best Places to Work in the North Bay and Diversity in Business by North Bay Business Journal, Corporate Philanthropy Award by the San Francisco Business Times, and Hall of Fame by North Bay Biz Magazine. Summit State Bank’s stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol SSBI. Further information can be found at www.summitstatebank.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Preliminary Financial Results and Forward-looking Statements

The financial results in this release are preliminary and unaudited. Final audited financial results and other disclosures will be reported in Summit State Bank’s annual report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2025, and may differ materially from the results and disclosures in this release due to, among other things, the completion of final review procedures, the occurrence of subsequent events or the discovery of additional information.

Except for historical information, the statements contained in this release, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are non-historical statements regarding management’s expectations and beliefs about the Bank’s future financial performance and financial condition and trends in its business and markets. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would” and “could” are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include but are not limited to statements regarding future operating results, operating improvements, loans sales and resolutions, cost savings, insurance recoveries and dividends. The forward-looking statements in this release are based on current information and on assumptions about future events and circumstances that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that are often difficult to predict and beyond the Bank’s control. As a result of those risks and uncertainties, the Bank’s actual future results and outcomes could differ, possibly materially, from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this release. Those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk of incurring credit losses; the quality and quantity of deposits; the market for deposits, adverse developments in the financial services industry and any related impact on depositor behavior or investor sentiment; risks related to the sufficiency of the Bank’s liquidity; fluctuations in interest rates; governmental regulation and supervision; the risk that the Bank will not maintain growth at historic rates or at all; general economic conditions, either nationally or locally in the areas in which the Bank conducts its business; risks associated with changes in interest rates, which could adversely affect future operating results; the risk that customers or counterparties may not performance in accordance with the terms of credit documents or other agreements due a decline in credit worthiness, business conditions or other reasons;; adverse conditions in real estate markets; and the inherent uncertainty of expectations regarding litigation, insurance claims and the performance or resolution of loans. Additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties to which the Bank’s business and future financial performance are subject is contained in the Bank’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and other documents the Bank files with the FDIC from time to time. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s views only as of the date of this release. The Bank undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.


SUMMIT STATE BANK
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands except earnings per share data)
			Three Months Ended
			March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024			March 31, 2024
			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)

Interest and dividend income:
	Interest and fees on loans		$	13,420		$	13,623		$	13,274
	Interest on deposits with banks			477			655			362
	Interest on investment securities			515			530			712
	Dividends on FHLB stock			130			127			129
		Total interest and dividend income		14,542			14,935			14,477
Interest expense:
	Deposits			6,288			7,099			6,786
	Federal Home Loan Bank advances			40			6			190
	Junior subordinated debt			136			128			94
		Total interest expense		6,464			7,233			7,070
		Net interest income before provision for (reversal of) credit losses		8,078			7,702			7,407
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses on loans				(577	)		6,570			(15	)
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments				(38	)		154			(65	)
(Reversal of) credit losses on investments				(13	)		(2	)		(5	)
		Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) credit
		losses on loans, unfunded loan commitments and investments		8,706			980			7,492
Non-interest income:
	Service charges on deposit accounts			225			225			233
	Rental income			57			61			60
	Net gain on loan sales			22			857			514
	Net gain on securities			–			6			–
	Loss on valuation of other real estate owned			–			(693	)		–
	Other income			342			224			141
		Total non-interest income		646			680			948
Non-interest expense:
	Salaries and employee benefits			3,727			3,429			4,182
	Occupancy and equipment			421			413			485
	Goodwill impairment			–			4,119			–
	Other expenses			2,105			2,239			1,733
		Total non-interest expense		6,253			10,200			6,400
		Income (loss) before provision for income taxes		3,099			(8,540	)		2,040
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)				605			(1,398	)		645
		Net income (loss)	$	2,494		$	(7,142	)	$	1,395

Basic earnings (loss) per common share			$	0.37		$	(1.06	)	$	0.21
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share			$	0.37		$	(1.06	)	$	0.21

Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding				6,719			6,719			6,698
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding				6,719			6,719			6,698


SUMMIT STATE BANK
BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands except share data)
				March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024			March 31, 2024
				(Unaudited)			(Audited)			(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks				$	72,408		$	51,403		$	37,712
			Total cash and cash equivalents		72,408			51,403			37,712

Investment securities:
	Available-for-sale, less allowance for credit losses of $23, $36 and $53
		(at fair value; amortized cost of $79,827, $80,887 and $96,973)			68,737			68,228			83,832

Loans, less allowance for credit losses of $13,625, $13,693 and $15,487					877,354			905,075			917,685
Bank premises and equipment, net					5,057			5,155			5,287
Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock (FHLB), at cost					5,889			5,889			5,541
Goodwill					–			–			4,119
Other Real Estate Owned					4,437			4,437			–
Affordable housing tax credit investments					7,202			7,413			8,165
Accrued interest receivable and other assets					22,279			19,494			17,850

			Total assets	$	1,063,363		$	1,067,094		$	1,080,191

LIABILITIES AND
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits:
	Demand – non interest-bearing			$	198,736		$	185,756		$	179,328
	Demand – interest-bearing				192,764			193,355			222,313
	Savings				39,000			47,235			48,214
	Money market				212,900			226,879			222,153
	Time deposits that meet or exceed the FDIC insurance limit				93,154			70,717			65,763
	Other time deposits				220,511			238,620			201,431
			Total deposits		957,065			962,562			939,202

Federal Home Loan Bank advances					–			–			28,600
Junior subordinated debt					5,938			5,935			5,924
Affordable housing commitment					511			511			4,094
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities					4,508			6,363			4,493

			Total liabilities		968,022			975,371			982,313

Shareholders’ equity
	Preferred stock, no par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized;
		no shares issued and outstanding			–			–			–
	Common stock, no par value; shares authorized – 30,000,000 shares;
		issued and outstanding 6,776,563, 6,776,563 and 6,784,099			37,803			37,740			37,552
	Retained earnings				65,364			62,869			69,539
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net				(7,826	)		(8,886	)		(9,213	)

			Total shareholders’ equity		95,341			91,723			97,878

			Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	1,063,363		$	1,067,094		$	1,080,191

Financial Summary
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
	As of and for the
	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024			March 31, 2024
	(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)
Statement of Income Data:
Net interest income	$	8,078		$	7,702		$	7,407
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses on loans		(577	)		6,570			(15	)
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments		(38	)		154			(65	)
(Reversal of) credit losses on investments		(13	)		(2	)		(5	)
Non-interest income		646			680			948
Non-interest expense		6,253			10,199			6,400
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)		605			(1,398	)		645
Net income (loss)	$	2,494		$	(7,141	)	$	1,395

Selected per Common Share Data:
Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.37		$	(1.06	)	$	0.21
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.37		$	(1.06	)	$	0.21
Dividend per share	$	–		$	–		$	0.12
Book value per common share (1)	$	14.07		$	13.53		$	14.43

Selected Balance Sheet Data:
Assets	$	1,063,363		$	1,067,094		$	1,080,191
Loans, net		877,354			905,075			917,685
Deposits		957,065			962,562			939,202
Average assets		1,059,902			1,098,885			1,087,960
Average earning assets		1,028,563			1,064,872			1,057,338
Average shareholders’ equity		93,620			101,307			97,471
Nonperforming loans		17,447			27,754			41,548
Net loans recovered (charged-off)		509			(8,343	)		281
Other real estate owned		4,437			4,437			–
Total nonperforming assets		21,884			32,191			41,548

Selected Ratios:
Return (loss) on average assets (2)		0.95	%		-2.59	%		0.51	%
Return (loss) on average common shareholders’ equity (2)		10.80	%		-28.04	%		5.74	%
Efficiency ratio (3)		71.68	%		121.76	%		76.60	%
Net interest margin (2)		3.18	%		2.88	%		2.81	%
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio		10.47	%		10.14	%		10.37	%
Tier 1 capital ratio		10.47	%		10.14	%		10.37	%
Total capital ratio		12.22	%		11.89	%		12.24	%
Tier 1 leverage ratio		9.45	%		8.87	%		9.21	%
Common dividend payout ratio (4)		0.00	%		0.00	%		58.27	%
Average shareholders’ equity to average assets		8.83	%		9.22	%		8.96	%
Nonperforming loans to total loans		1.96	%		3.02	%		4.45	%
Nonperforming assets to total assets		2.06	%		3.02	%		3.85	%
Allowance for credit losses to total loans		1.53	%		1.49	%		1.66	%
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans		78.09	%		49.34	%		37.27	%

(1) Total shareholders’ equity divided by total common shares outstanding.
(2) Annualized.
(3) Non-interest expenses to net interest and non-interest income, net of securities gains.
(4) Common dividends divided by net income available for common shareholders.

Contact: Brian Reed, President and CEO, Summit State Bank (707) 568-4908

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025

MIL-OSI: Riverview Bancorp Reports Net Income of $1.1 Million in Fourth Fiscal Quarter 2025 and $4.9 Million for Fiscal 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

FISCAL Q4 2025 HIGHLIGHTS


$1.1 Million	$0.05	$6.33	0.01%
Net Income	Diluted Earnings per Common Share	Tangible Book Value per Share	NPAs to Total Assets

Fiscal Quarter Comparison Highlights
Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin	$9.2 million net interest income for the quarter compared to $8.6 million in Fiscal Q4 2024 Net interest margin at 2.65% for the quarter compared to 2.32% in Fiscal Q4 2024	Credit Quality	Non-performing assets at 0.01% of total assets and 0.01% of total loans – similar to year ago quarter No provision booked for the quarter and net recoveries were minimal

Non-Interest Income and Non-Interest Expense	Non-interest income of $3.7 million for the quarter compared to $494 thousand in Fiscal Q4 2024 (due to strategic investment restructure) Non-interest expense of $11.4 million for the quarter compared to $13.1 million in Fiscal Q4 2024	Shareholder Returns and Stock Activity	On April 25, 2025, the Company paid a cash dividend of $0.02 per share $2.0 million stock repurchase plan completed during the quarter

VANCOUVER, Wash., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Riverview Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq GSM: RVSB) (“Riverview” or the “Company”) today reported earnings of $1.1 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, in the fourth fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to $1.2 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, in the third fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2024. During the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024, Riverview strategically restructured a portion of its balance sheet resulting in an after-tax impact of $2.1 million and recorded $2.3 million in non-interest expense related to a litigation charge. Including the effects of the investment portfolio restructuring and litigation charge, Riverview reported a net loss of $3.0 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, in the fourth fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2024.

For fiscal 2025, net income was $4.9 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, compared to $3.8 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, for fiscal 2024.

“We closed out our fiscal fourth quarter and fiscal year end on solid footing despite the economic uncertainty and market volatility impacting all banks,” stated Nicole Sherman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Riverview’s operating performance during the quarter once again reflected steady improvements, with net interest margin expansion as a result of stabilizing funding costs and higher loan yields compared to a year ago. Loan growth was strong during the quarter, and I am proud of our team’s relationship-focused approach to clients and prospects which resulted in loan production outperforming the previous four quarters. A top priority remains improving our operating performance while also being the bank of choice to our SW Washington and NW Oregon clients that we have served for over 100 years. With our strong capital levels, disciplined credit culture and stable balance sheet, we have a great foundation to build upon in fiscal 2026.

Riverview recently completed our three-year strategic plan focusing on profitable growth, digital leadership, and data empowerment, with our employees, clients, and communities being seen, heard, and valued in everything we do. We continue to expand revenue opportunities through our C&I, business banking, and treasury management initiatives. Strategic investments in people and technology will be important, while managing operating expenses. At Riverview we are unwavering in our dedication to exceed the needs of our employees, clients, shareholders and all stakeholders,” Sherman concluded.

Fourth Quarter Highlights (at or for the period ended March 31, 2025)

Net interest income was $9.2 million for the quarter, compared to $9.4 million in the preceding quarter and $8.6 million in the fourth fiscal quarter a year ago.
Net interest margin (“NIM”) was 2.65% for the quarter, a five basis point improvement compared to the preceding quarter and a 33 basis point improvement compared to the year ago quarter.
Riverview Trust Company assets under management were $877.9 million at March 31, 2025. Asset management fees continue to improve and increased to $1.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.
Asset quality remained strong, with non-performing assets at $155,000, or 0.01% of total assets at March 31, 2025.
Riverview recorded no provision for credit losses during the current quarter, the preceding quarter, or in the year ago quarter.
Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) was $6.33 at March 31, 2025 compared to $6.20 at December 31, 2024.

Fiscal 2025 Highlights (at or for the period ended March 31, 2025)

Total loans increased to $1.06 billion at March 31, 2025 compared to $1.02 billion at March 31, 2024.
Total deposits were $1.23 billion at both March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024.
Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) was $6.33 at March 31, 2025 compared to $6.07 at March 31, 2024.
Net income increased to $4.9 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 compared to $3.8 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024.
Return on average assets for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 increased to 0.32% compared to 0.24% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024.

Income Statement Review

Riverview’s net interest income was $9.2 million in the current quarter, compared to $9.4 million in the preceding quarter, and $8.6 million in the fourth fiscal quarter a year ago. The decrease compared to the preceding quarter was primarily due to the recognition of a loan prepayment fee and related loan fees totaling $318,000 during the preceding quarter. The increase compared to the year ago quarter was driven by higher interest earning asset yields due to higher origination rates on new loan growth as well as loan repricing. In fiscal 2025, net interest income was $36.3 million, compared to $38.1 million in fiscal 2024. The decrease is attributed to the increase in interest expense over the respective periods. Investment income decreased compared to the year ago period due to the strategic investment restructuring that was executed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.

Riverview’s NIM was 2.65% for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, a five basis point increase compared to 2.60% in the preceding quarter and a 33 basis-point increase compared to 2.32% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. “Our NIM improved during the quarter, compared to the preceding quarter, as the decrease in funding costs more than offset the modest decrease in asset yields. The preceding quarter’s loan yield included the favorable impact from the recognition of the previously mentioned loan prepayment fee and related loan fees,” said David Lam, EVP and Chief Financial Officer. “With the Federal Reserve rate reductions implemented near the end of 2024, we anticipate deposit costs to further stabilize in future quarters. Additionally, the rate cuts reduced the interest expense on borrowings, which also benefitted NIM during the fourth quarter.” In fiscal 2025, the net interest margin was 2.54% compared to 2.56% in fiscal 2024.

Investment securities decreased $14.7 million during the quarter to $322.5 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $337.2 million at December 31, 2024, and decreased $50.2 million compared to $372.7 million at March 31, 2024. The average securities balances for the quarters ended March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024, and March 31, 2024, were $346.0 million, $364.2 million, and $444.1 million, respectively. The weighted average yields on securities balances for those same periods were 1.84%, 1.82%, and 2.02%, respectively. The duration of the investment portfolio at March 31, 2025, was approximately 5.1 years. The anticipated investment cashflows over the next twelve months is approximately $37.4 million. There were no investment purchases during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2025.

Riverview’s yield on loans was 4.91% during the fourth fiscal quarter, compared to 4.97% in the preceding quarter, and 4.63% in the fourth fiscal quarter a year ago. “Loan yields declined during the current quarter compared to the prior quarter due to the impact on the loan yield in the prior quarter from the recognition of the loan prepayment and related loan fees. Compared to a year ago, loan yields have increased as a result of the current yield curve which has resulted in higher yields on loans when compared to the existing loan portfolio. We continue to explore opportunities to enhance our loan yield by expanding our commercial business portfolio offerings to include more variable rate loan structures,” said Mike Sventek, EVP and Chief Lending Officer. Deposit costs improved to 1.30% during the fourth fiscal quarter compared to 1.32% in the preceding quarter and increased compared to 1.00% in the fourth fiscal quarter a year ago. The increase from clients seeking higher deposit yields has moderated quarter over quarter compared to the increase from the fourth fiscal quarter a year ago given the relative change in the interest rate environment during those respective periods.

Non-interest income increased to $3.7 million during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2025 compared to $3.3 million in the preceding quarter and $494,000 in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024. Non-interest income during the quarter included a $261,000 BOLI death benefit. The fourth fiscal quarter of 2024 included a $2.7 million loss on the sale of investment securities from the balance sheet restructure. In fiscal 2025, non-interest income increased to $14.3 million compared to $10.2 million in fiscal 2024.

Asset management fees were $1.5 million during the fourth fiscal quarter, compared to $1.4 million in both the third fiscal quarter and in the fourth fiscal quarter a year ago. Asset management fees from new client relationships more than offset a volatile market performance during the fourth fiscal quarter. Riverview Trust Company’s assets under management were $877.9 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $872.6 million at December 31, 2024, and $961.8 million at March 31, 2024.

Non-interest expense was $11.4 million during the fourth fiscal quarter, compared to $11.2 million in the preceding quarter and $13.1 million in the fourth fiscal quarter a year ago. Salary and employee benefits, the largest component of non-interest expense, increased during the current quarter compared to the preceding quarter due to open positions being filled. Professional fees increased during the current quarter compared to the preceding quarter due to higher consulting fees. The efficiency ratio was 88.7% for the fourth fiscal quarter, compared to 87.6% for the preceding quarter and 144.9% in the fourth fiscal quarter a year ago. In fiscal 2025, non-interest expense was $44.3 million compared to $43.7 million in fiscal 2024.

Riverview’s effective tax rate for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2025 was 21.5%, compared to 21.8% for the preceding quarter and (27.0)% for the year ago quarter.

Balance Sheet Review

Total loans increased $17.4 million during the quarter to $1.06 billion at March 31, 2025, compared to $1.05 billion three months earlier and increased $38.4 million compared to $1.02 billion a year earlier. Riverview’s loan pipeline was $41.1 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $49.1 million at the end of the preceding quarter and $18.4 million at March 31, 2024. New loan originations during the quarter increased to $49.4 million, compared to $31.1 million in the preceding quarter and $12.7 million in the fourth fiscal quarter a year ago.

Undisbursed construction loans totaled $18.2 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $19.5 million at December 31, 2024, with the majority of the undisbursed construction loans expected to be funded over the next several quarters. Undisbursed homeowner association loans for the purpose of common area maintenance and repairs totaled $18.3 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $14.5 million at December 31, 2024. Revolving commercial business loan commitments totaled $48.9 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $46.9 million at December 31, 2024. Utilization on these loans totaled 28.90% at March 31, 2025, compared to 17.60% at December 31, 2024. The weighted average rate on loan originations during the quarter was 7.16% compared to 7.04% in the preceding quarter. Loan repricing and maturities with respective weighted average rate for fiscal year 2026 totaled $76.6 million with a weighted average rate of 4.65%. Looking ahead, loan repricing and maturities for fiscal year 2027 total $77.1 million with a weighted average rate of 4.03%, for fiscal year 2028 total $96.2 million with a weighted average rate of 5.42% and in aggregate for fiscal years after 2028 total $108.3 million with a weighted average rate of 6.09%.

The office building loan portfolio totaled $110.9 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $113.4 million at December 31, 2024. The average loan balance of the office building loan portfolio was $1.5 million with an average loan-to-value ratio of 53.5% and an average debt service coverage ratio of 1.80x at March 31, 2025. Office building loans within the Portland core consist of two loans totaling $20.5 million which is approximately 18.5% of the total office building loan portfolio or 1.92% of total loans.

Non-interest checking and interest checking accounts, as a percentage of total deposits, totaled 48.7% at March 31, 2025, compared to 46.8% at December 31, 2024, and 51.9% at March 31, 2024. The increase during the quarter was in part due to Riverview Bank reciprocation of $20 million of balances back from Riverview Trust. Riverview Bank had moved customer deposits to Riverview Trust as a higher yielding deposit alternative and those assets were all retained within the Company during the period of increasing interest rates. CDs decreased during the quarter as Riverview allowed higher cost CDs to run off. Total deposits increased $13.3 million during the quarter to $1.23 billion at March 31, 2025, compared to $1.22 billion at December 31, 2024, and were unchanged compared to a year ago.

FHLB advances decreased $7.8 million during the quarter to $76.4 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $84.2 million at December 31, 2024. FHLB advances decreased during the quarter as a result of the increase in deposits.

Shareholders’ equity increased to $160.0 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $158.3 million three months earlier and $155.6 million one year earlier. Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) increased to $6.33 at March 31, 2025, compared to $6.20 at December 31, 2024, and $6.07 at March 31, 2024. Riverview paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.02 per share on April 25, 2025, to shareholders of record on April 14, 2025.

Credit Quality

“Asset quality remains a priority during uncertain economic conditions, and we continue to closely monitor our portfolio mix, loan growth, and local and national conditions to maintain an appropriate allowance,” said Robert Benke, EVP and Chief Credit Officer. Non-performing loans, excluding SBA and USDA government guaranteed loans (“government guaranteed loans”) (non-GAAP) totaled $155,000 or 0.01% of total loans as of March 31, 2025, compared to $168,000, or 0.02% of total loans at December 31, 2024, and $173,000, or 0.02% of total loans at March 31, 2024. There were no non-performing government guaranteed loans at March 31, 2025, and one non-performing government guaranteed loan totaling $301,000 at December 31, 2024. At March 31, 2025, non-performing assets were $155,000, or 0.01% of total assets.

Riverview recorded $22,000 in net loan recoveries for the current quarter. This compared to $114,000 in net loan charge-offs for the preceding quarter. Riverview recorded no provision for credit losses for the current quarter, or for the preceding quarter.

Classified assets were $2.9 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $226,000 at December 31, 2024, and $723,000 at March 31, 2024. The classified assets to total capital ratio was 1.6% at March 31, 2025, compared to 0.1% at December 31, 2024, and 0.4% a year earlier. The increase in classified assets during the quarter was primarily due to one $2.0 million loan for which a plan is in place to either return to performing status or payoff. Additionally, there was a borrowing relationship with two loans totaling $725,000 that credit administration is working with the borrower to bring current or seek full payoff. Criticized assets were $48.5 million at March 31 2024, compared to $50.4 million at December 31, 2024, and $36.7 million at March 31, 2024. Criticized assets decreased during the current quarter compared to the prior quarter as a result of one loan payoff. The increase compared to a year ago was primarily due to one relationship that was moved to the criticized asset category as the loans go through probate. The Company does not anticipate any loss from this relationship.

The allowance for credit losses was $15.4 million at March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024, and March 31, 2024, respectively. The allowance for credit losses represented 1.45% of total loans at March 31, 2025, compared to 1.47% at December 31, 2024, and 1.50% a year earlier. The allowance for credit losses to loans, net of government guaranteed loans (non-GAAP), was 1.51% at March 31, 2025, compared to 1.54% at December 31, 2024, and 1.58% a year earlier.

Capital/Liquidity

Riverview continues to maintain capital levels well in excess of the regulatory requirements to be categorized as “well capitalized” with a total risk-based capital ratio of 16.27% and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 11.10% at March 31, 2025. Tangible common equity to average tangible assets ratio (non-GAAP) was 8.93% at March 31, 2025.

Riverview has approximately $471.3 million in available liquidity at March 31, 2025, including $174.0 million of borrowing capacity from the FHLB and $297.3 million from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (“FRB”). At March 31, 2025, the Bank had $76.4 million in outstanding FHLB borrowings.

The uninsured deposit ratio was 23.4% at March 31, 2025. Available liquidity under the FRB borrowing line would cover nearly 100% of the estimated uninsured deposits and available liquidity under both the FHLB and FRB borrowing lines would cover 163.7% of the estimated uninsured deposits.

On September 25, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a stock repurchase program. Under this repurchase program, the Company may repurchase up to $2.0 million of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock, in the open market, based on prevailing market prices, or in privately negotiated transactions. Once the repurchase program is effective, the repurchase program will continue until the earlier of the completion of the repurchase or 12 months after the effective date, depending upon market conditions. During the fiscal fourth quarter, the Company repurchased 158,558 shares of common stock at an average price of $5.65. As of February 2, 2025, the Company had completed the full $2.0 million stock repurchase plan, repurchasing 358,631 shares at an average price of $5.53 per share.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), this press release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures. Management has presented these non-GAAP financial measures in this earnings release because it believes that they provide useful and comparative information to assess trends in Riverview’s core operations reflected in the current quarter’s results and facilitate the comparison of our performance with the performance of our peers. However, these non-GAAP financial measures are supplemental and are not a substitute for any analysis based on GAAP. Where applicable, comparable earnings information using GAAP financial measures is also presented. Because not all companies use the same calculations, our presentation may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures as calculated by other companies. For a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures, see the tables below.

Tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets and tangible book value per share:

(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024			March 31, 2024

Shareholders’ equity (GAAP)	$	160,014		$	158,270		$	155,588
Exclude: Goodwill		(27,076	)		(27,076	)		(27,076	)
Exclude: Core deposit intangible, net		(171	)		(196	)		(271	)
Tangible shareholders’ equity (non-GAAP)	$	132,767		$	130,998		$	128,241

Total assets (GAAP)	$	1,513,323		$	1,508,609		$	1,521,529
Exclude: Goodwill		(27,076	)		(27,076	)		(27,076	)
Exclude: Core deposit intangible, net		(171	)		(196	)		(271	)
Tangible assets (non-GAAP)	$	1,486,076		$	1,481,337		$	1,494,182

Shareholders’ equity to total assets (GAAP)		10.57	%		10.49	%		10.23	%

Tangible common equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)		8.93	%		8.84	%		8.58	%

Shares outstanding		20,976,200			21,134,758			21,111,043

Book value per share (GAAP)		7.63			7.49			7.37

Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)		6.33			6.20			6.07


Pre-tax, pre-provision income
	Three Months Ended									Twelve Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024			March 31, 2024			March 31, 2025		March 31, 2024

Net income (loss) (GAAP)	$	1,148		$	1,232		$	(2,968	)	$	4,903	$	3,799
Include: Provision (credit) for income taxes		314			343			(1,095	)		1,335		802
Include: Provision for credit losses		–			–			–			100		–
Pre-tax, pre-provision income (loss) (non-GAAP)	$	1,462		$	1,575		$	(4,063	)	$	6,338	$	4,601


Net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share excluding securities restructure and litigation expense

	Three Months Ended									Twelve Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024			March 31, 2024			March 31, 2025		March 31, 2024

Net income (loss) (GAAP)	$	1,148		$	1,232		$	(2,968	)	$	4,903	$	3,799
Exclude impact of securities loss restructure, net of tax		–			–			2,074			–		2,074
Exclude impact of litigation expense, net of tax		–			–			1,748			–		1,748
Net income excluding securities restructure and litigation expense (non-GAAP)	$	1,148		$	1,232		$	854		$	4,903	$	7,621

Basic earnings (loss) per share (GAAP)	$	0.05		$	0.06		$	(0.14	)	$	0.23	$	0.18
Exclude impact of securities loss restructure, net of tax		–			–			0.10			–		0.10
Exclude impact of litigation expense, net of tax		–			–			0.08			–		0.08
Basic earnings per share excluding securities restructure and litigation expense (GAAP)	$	0.05		$	0.06		$	0.04		$	0.23	$	0.36

Diluted earnings (loss) per share (GAAP)	$	0.05		$	0.06		$	(0.14	)	$	0.23	$	0.18
Exclude impact of securities loss restructure, net of tax		–			–			0.10			–		0.10
Exclude impact of litigation expense, net of tax		–			–			0.08			–		0.08
Diluted earnings per share excluding securities restructure and litigation expense (GAAP)	$	0.05		$	0.06		$	0.04		$	0.23	$	0.36


Allowance for credit losses reconciliation, excluding Government Guaranteed loans

(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024			March 31, 2024

Allowance for credit losses	$	15,374		$	15,352		$	15,364

Loans receivable (GAAP)	$	1,062,460		$	1,045,109		$	1,024,013
Exclude: Government Guaranteed loans		(47,373	)		(49,024	)		(51,013	)
Loans receivable excluding Government Guaranteed loans (non-GAAP)	$	1,015,087		$	996,085		$	973,000

Allowance for credit losses to loans receivable (GAAP)		1.45	%		1.47	%		1.50	%

Allowance for credit losses to loans receivable excluding Government Guaranteed loans (non-GAAP)		1.51	%		1.54	%		1.58	%


Non-performing loans reconciliation, excluding Government Guaranteed Loans

	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024			March 31, 2024

Non-performing loans (GAAP)	$	155		$	469		$	178
Less: Non-performing Government Guaranteed loans		–			(301	)		(5	)
Adjusted non-performing loans excluding Government Guaranteed loans (non-GAAP)	$	155		$	168		$	173

Non-performing loans to total loans (GAAP)		0.01	%		0.04	%		0.02	%

Non-performing loans, excluding Government Guaranteed loans to total loans (non-GAAP)		0.01	%		0.02	%		0.02	%

Non-performing loans to total assets (GAAP)		0.01	%		0.03	%		0.01	%

Non-performing loans, excluding Government Guaranteed loans to total assets (non-GAAP)		0.01	%		0.01	%		0.01	%

About Riverview

Riverview Bancorp, Inc. (www.riverviewbank.com) is headquartered in Vancouver, Washington – just north of Portland, Oregon, on the I-5 corridor. With assets of $1.51 billion at March 31, 2025, it is the parent company of Riverview Bank, as well as Riverview Trust Company. The Bank offers true community banking services, focusing on providing the highest quality service and financial products to commercial, business and retail clients through 17 branches, including 13 in the Portland-Vancouver area, and 3 lending centers. For the past 11 years, Riverview has been named Best Bank by the readers of The Vancouver Business Journal and The Columbian.

“Safe Harbor” statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This press release contains forward-looking statements which include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, assumptions, future economic performance and projections of financial items. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated or implied by our forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: potential adverse impacts to economic conditions in our local market areas, other markets where the Company has lending relationships, or other aspects of the Company’s business operations or financial markets, including, without limitation, as a result of employment levels, labor shortages and the effects of inflation, a potential recession, the failure of the U.S. Congress to increase the debt ceiling, or slowed economic growth caused by increasing political instability from acts of war including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as supply chain disruptions, recent bank failures and any governmental or societal responses thereto; the credit risks of lending activities, including changes in the level and trend of loan delinquencies and write-offs and changes in the Company’s allowance for credit losses and provision for credit losses that may be impacted by deterioration in the housing and commercial real estate markets; changes in the levels of general interest rates, and the relative differences between short and long-term interest rates, deposit interest rates, the Company’s net interest margin and funding sources; the transition away from London Interbank Offered Rate toward new interest rate benchmarks; fluctuations in the demand for loans, the number of unsold homes, land and other properties and fluctuations in real estate values in the Company’s market areas; secondary market conditions for loans and the Company’s ability to originate loans for sale and sell loans in the secondary market; results of examinations of the Bank by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Banks, and of the Company by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or other regulatory authorities, including the possibility that any such regulatory authority may, among other things, require the Company to increase its allowance for credit losses, write-down assets, reclassify its assets, change the Bank’s regulatory capital position or affect the Company’s ability to borrow funds or maintain or increase deposits, which could adversely affect its liquidity and earnings; legislative or regulatory changes that adversely affect the Company’s business including changes in banking, securities and tax law, and in regulatory policies and principles, or the interpretation of regulatory capital or other rules; the Company’s ability to attract and retain deposits; the unexpected outflow of uninsured deposits that may require us to sell investment securities at a loss; the Company’s ability to control operating costs and expenses; the use of estimates in determining fair value of certain of the Company’s assets, which estimates may prove to be incorrect and result in significant declines in valuation; difficulties in reducing risks associated with the loans on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet; staffing fluctuations in response to product demand or the implementation of corporate strategies that affect the Company’s workforce and potential associated charges; disruptions, security breaches or other adverse events, failures or interruptions in or attacks on our information technology systems or on the third-party vendors who perform several of our critical processing functions; the Company’s ability to retain key members of its senior management team; costs and effects of litigation, including settlements and judgments; the Company’s ability to implement its business strategies; the Company’s ability to successfully integrate any assets, liabilities, customers, systems, and management personnel it may acquire into its operations and the Company’s ability to realize related revenue synergies and cost savings within expected time frames; future goodwill impairment due to changes in Riverview’s business, changes in market conditions, or other factors; increased competitive pressures among financial services companies; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; the availability of resources to address changes in laws, rules, or regulations or to respond to regulatory actions; the Company’s ability to pay dividends on its common stock; the quality and composition of our securities portfolio and the impact of and adverse changes in the securities markets, including market liquidity; inability of key third-party providers to perform their obligations to us; changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the financial institution regulatory agencies or the Financial Accounting Standards Board, including additional guidance and interpretation on accounting issues and details of the implementation of new accounting standards; the effects of climate change, severe weather events, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics and other public health crises, acts of war or terrorism, and other external events on our business; and other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, and technological factors affecting the Company’s operations, pricing, products and services, and the other risks described from time to time in our reports filed with and furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Moreover, you should treat these statements as speaking only as of the date they are made and based only on information then actually known to the Company. The Company does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to revise any forward-looking statements included in this report or the reasons why actual results could differ from those contained in such statements, whether as a result of new information or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements. These risks could cause our actual results for fiscal 2025 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements by, or on behalf of, us and could negatively affect the Company’s consolidated financial condition and consolidated results of operations as well as its stock price performance.

RIVERVIEW BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Balance Sheets


(In thousands, except share data) (Unaudited)	March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024			March 31, 2024
ASSETS

Cash (including interest-earning accounts of $14,375, $12,573,	$	29,414		$	25,348		$	23,642
and $12,164)
Investment securities:
Available for sale, at estimated fair value		119,436			124,874			143,196
Held to maturity, at amortized cost		203,079			212,295			229,510
Loans receivable (net of allowance for credit losses of $15,374,
$15,352 and $15,364)		1,047,086			1,029,757			1,008,649
Prepaid expenses and other assets		12,523			12,945			14,469
Accrued interest receivable		4,525			4,639			4,415
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost		4,342			4,742			4,927
Premises and equipment, net		22,304			22,731			21,718
Financing lease right-of-use assets		1,125			1,144			1,202
Deferred income taxes, net		8,625			9,471			9,778
Goodwill		27,076			27,076			27,076
Core deposit intangible, net		171			196			271
Bank owned life insurance		33,617			33,391			32,676

TOTAL ASSETS	$	1,513,323		$	1,508,609		$	1,521,529

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

LIABILITIES:
Deposits	$	1,232,328		$	1,219,002		$	1,231,679
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		14,777			17,634			16,205
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance		614			317			581
Junior subordinated debentures		27,091			27,069			27,004
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		76,400			84,200			88,304
Finance lease liability		2,099			2,117			2,168
Total liabilities		1,353,309			1,350,339			1,365,941

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Serial preferred stock, $.01 par value; 250,000 authorized,
issued and outstanding, none		–			–			–
Common stock, $.01 par value; 50,000,000 authorized,
March 31, 2025 – 20,976,200 issued and outstanding;
December 31, 2024 – 21,134,758 issued and outstanding;		208			209			211
March 31, 2024 – 21,111,043 issued and outstanding;
Additional paid-in capital		53,392			54,227			55,005
Retained earnings		119,717			118,988			116,499
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(13,303	)		(15,154	)		(16,127	)
Total shareholders’ equity		160,014			158,270			155,588

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	1,513,323		$	1,508,609		$	1,521,529

RIVERVIEW BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Income
	Three Months Ended							Twelve Months Ended
(In thousands, except share data) (Unaudited)	March 31, 2025		Dec. 31, 2024		March 31, 2024			March 31, 2025		March 31, 2024
INTEREST INCOME:
Interest and fees on loans receivable	$	12,685	$	13,201	$	11,743		$	50,621	$	46,031
Interest on investment securities – taxable		1,484		1,589		2,145			6,918		8,971
Interest on investment securities – nontaxable		64		65		65			260		261
Other interest and dividends		261		272		338			1,163		1,292
Total interest and dividend income		14,494		15,127		14,291			58,962		56,555

INTEREST EXPENSE:
Interest on deposits		3,910		4,101		3,021			15,313		8,285
Interest on borrowings		1,391		1,638		2,718			7,305		10,184
Total interest expense		5,301		5,739		5,739			22,618		18,469
Net interest income		9,193		9,388		8,552			36,344		38,086
Provision for credit losses		–		–		–			100		–

Net interest income after provision for credit losses		9,193		9,388		8,552			36,244		38,086

NON-INTEREST INCOME:
Fees and service charges		1,446		1,492		1,398			6,002		6,269
Asset management fees		1,472		1,443		1,408			5,906		5,328
Bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”)		226		225		222			941		891
BOLI death benefit in excess of cash surrender value		261		–		–			261		–
Loss on sale of investment securities		–		–		(2,729	)		–		(2,729	)
Other, net		302		181		195			1,146		483
Total non-interest income, net		3,707		3,341		494			14,256		10,242

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE:
Salaries and employee benefits		6,763		6,471		6,225			26,099		24,204
Occupancy and depreciation		1,873		1,871		1,942			7,560		6,872
Data processing		746		743		686			2,948		2,782
Amortization of core deposit intangible		25		25		27			100		108
Advertising and marketing		284		317		326			1,278		1,276
FDIC insurance premium		170		174		178			688		708
State and local taxes		265		327		196			1,042		1,010
Telecommunications		62		54		50			215		211
Professional fees		577		429		414			1,800		1,375
Other		673		743		3,065			2,532		5,181
Total non-interest expense		11,438		11,154		13,109			44,262		43,727

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES		1,462		1,575		(4,063	)		6,238		4,601
PROVISION (CREDIT) FOR INCOME TAXES		314		343		(1,095	)		1,335		802
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$	1,148	$	1,232	$	(2,968	)	$	4,903	$	3,799

Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic	$	0.05	$	0.06	$	(0.14	)	$	0.23	$	0.18
Diluted	$	0.05	$	0.06	$	(0.14	)	$	0.23	$	0.18
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic		21,007,294		21,037,246		21,111,043			21,063,467		21,137,976
Diluted		21,007,294		21,037,246		21,111,043			21,063,467		21,139,322


(Dollars in thousands)	At or for the three months ended									At or for the twelve months ended
	March 31, 2025			Dec. 31, 2024			March 31, 2024			March 31, 2025		March 31, 2024
AVERAGE BALANCES
Average interest–earning assets	$	1,412,406		$	1,436,130		$	1,484,628		$	1,433,071	$	1,492,002
Average interest-bearing liabilities		1,011,116			1,019,265			1,047,712			1,010,592		1,028,042
Net average earning assets		401,290			416,865			436,916			422,479		463,960
Average loans		1,047,718			1,053,342			1,020,457			1,044,370		1,011,420
Average deposits		1,219,130			1,232,450			1,210,818			1,220,120		1,229,011
Average equity		159,766			160,532			158,776			158,570		156,137
Average tangible equity (non-GAAP)		132,506			133,245			131,413			131,271		128,733


ASSET QUALITY	March 31, 2025			Dec. 31, 2024			March 31, 2024

Non-performing loans	$	155		$	469		$	178
Non-performing loans excluding SBA Government Guarantee (non-GAAP)		155			168			173
Non-performing loans to total loans		0.01	%		0.04	%		0.02	%
Non-performing loans to total loans excluding SBA Government Guarantee (non-GAAP)		0.01	%		0.02	%		0.02	%
Real estate/repossessed assets owned	$	–		$	–		$	–
Non-performing assets	$	155		$	469		$	178
Non-performing assets excluding SBA Government Guarantee (non-GAAP)		155			168			173
Non-performing assets to total assets		0.01	%		0.03	%		0.01	%
Non-performing assets to total assets excluding SBA Government Guarantee (non-GAAP)		0.01	%		0.01	%		0.01	%
Net loan charge-offs (recoveries) in the quarter	$	(22	)	$	114		$	(3	)
Net charge-offs (recoveries) in the quarter/average net loans		(0.01	)%		0.04	%		0.00	%

Allowance for credit losses	$	15,374		$	15,352		$	15,364
Average interest-earning assets to average
interest-bearing liabilities		139.69	%		140.90	%		141.70	%
Allowance for credit losses to
non-performing loans		9918.71	%		3273.35	%		8631.46	%
Allowance for credit losses to total loans		1.45	%		1.47	%		1.50	%
Shareholders’ equity to assets		10.57	%		10.49	%		10.23	%


CAPITAL RATIOS
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)		16.27	%		16.47	%		16.32	%
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)		15.01	%		15.21	%		15.06	%
Common equity tier 1 (to risk weighted assets)		15.01	%		15.21	%		15.06	%
Tier 1 capital (to average tangible assets)		11.10	%		10.86	%		10.29	%
Tangible common equity (to average tangible assets) (non-GAAP)		8.93	%		8.84	%		8.58	%


DEPOSIT MIX	March 31, 2025			Dec. 31, 2024			March 31, 2024

Interest checking	$	285,035		$	257,975		$	289,824
Regular savings		168,287			169,181			192,638
Money market deposit accounts		236,044			236,912			209,164
Non-interest checking		315,503			312,839			349,081
Certificates of deposit		227,459			242,095			190,972
Total deposits	$	1,232,328		$	1,219,002		$	1,231,679


COMPOSITION OF COMMERCIAL AND CONSTRUCTION LOANS

			Other				Commercial
	Commercial		Real Estate		Real Estate		& Construction
	Business		Mortgage		Construction		Total
March 31, 2025	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial business	$	232,935	$	–	$	–	$	232,935
Commercial construction		–		–		18,368		18,368
Office buildings		–		110,949		–		110,949
Warehouse/industrial		–		114,925		–		114,925
Retail/shopping centers/strip malls		–		88,815		–		88,815
Assisted living facilities		–		358		–		358
Single purpose facilities		–		277,137		–		277,137
Land		–		4,610		–		4,610
Multi-family		–		91,452		–		91,452
One-to-four family construction		–		–		10,814		10,814
Total	$	232,935	$	688,246	$	29,182	$	950,363

March 31, 2024	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial business	$	229,404	$	–	$	–	$	229,404
Commercial construction		–		–		20,388		20,388
Office buildings		–		114,714		–		114,714
Warehouse/industrial		–		106,649		–		106,649
Retail/shopping centers/strip malls		–		89,448		–		89,448
Assisted living facilities		–		378		–		378
Single purpose facilities		–		272,313		–		272,313
Land		–		5,692		–		5,692
Multi-family		–		70,771		–		70,771
One-to-four family construction		–		–		16,150		16,150
Total	$	229,404	$	659,965	$	36,538	$	925,907




LOAN MIX	March 31, 2025		Dec. 31, 2024		March 31, 2024
Commercial and construction	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial business	$	232,935	$	224,506	$	229,404
Other real estate mortgage		688,246		657,380		659,965
Real estate construction		29,182		49,956		36,538
Total commercial and construction		950,363		931,842		925,907
Consumer
Real estate one-to-four family		97,683		97,760		96,366
Other installment		14,414		15,507		1,740
Total consumer		112,097		113,267		98,106

Total loans		1,062,460		1,045,109		1,024,013

Less:
Allowance for credit losses		15,374		15,352		15,364
Loans receivable, net	$	1,047,086	$	1,029,757	$	1,008,649


DETAIL OF NON-PERFORMING ASSETS
	Southwest
	Washington		Total
March 31, 2025	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial business	$	37	$	37
Commercial real estate		88		88
Consumer		30		30
Total non-performing assets	$	155	$	155


	At or for the three months ended									At or for the twelve months ended
SELECTED OPERATING DATA	March 31, 2025			Dec. 31, 2024			March 31, 2024			March 31, 2025			March 31, 2024

Efficiency ratio (4)		88.67	%		87.63	%		144.91	%		87.47	%		90.48	%
Coverage ratio (6)		80.37	%		84.17	%		65.24	%		82.11	%		87.10	%
Return on average assets (1)		0.31	%		0.32	%		(0.76	)%		0.32	%		0.24	%
Return on average equity (1)		2.91	%		3.04	%		(7.52	)%		3.09	%		2.43	%
Return on average tangible equity (1) (non-GAAP)		3.51	%		3.67	%		(9.08	)%		3.74	%		2.95	%

NET INTEREST SPREAD
Yield on loans		4.91	%		4.97	%		4.63	%		4.85	%		4.55	%
Yield on investment securities		1.84	%		1.82	%		2.02	%		1.96	%		2.02	%
Total yield on interest-earning assets		4.17	%		4.18	%		3.88	%		4.12	%		3.80	%

Cost of interest-bearing deposits		1.76	%		1.81	%		1.41	%		1.74	%		0.97	%
Cost of FHLB advances and other borrowings		5.21	%		5.43	%		5.87	%		5.70	%		5.80	%
Total cost of interest-bearing liabilities		2.13	%		2.23	%		2.20	%		2.24	%		1.80	%

Spread (7)		2.04	%		1.95	%		1.68	%		1.88	%		2.00	%
Net interest margin		2.65	%		2.60	%		2.32	%		2.54	%		2.56	%

PER SHARE DATA
Basic earnings (loss) per share (2)	$	0.05		$	0.06		$	(0.14	)	$	0.23		$	0.18
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (3)		0.05			0.06			(0.14	)		0.23			0.18
Book value per share (5)		7.63			7.49			7.37			7.63			7.37
Tangible book value per share (5) (non-GAAP)		6.33			6.20			6.07			6.33			6.07
Market price per share:
High for the period	$	5.75		$	5.88		$	6.40		$	5.88		$	6.48
Low for the period		5.08			4.59			4.53			3.64			4.17
Close for period end		5.65			5.74			4.72			5.65			4.72
Cash dividends declared per share		0.0200			0.0200			0.0600			0.0800			0.2400

Average number of shares outstanding:
Basic (2)		21,007,294			21,037,246			21,111,043			21,063,467			21,137,976
Diluted (3)		21,007,294			21,037,246			21,111,043			21,063,467			21,139,322

(1) Amounts for the periods shown are annualized.
(2) Amounts exclude ESOP shares not committed to be released.
(3) Amounts exclude ESOP shares not committed to be released and include common stock equivalents.
(4) Non-interest expense divided by net interest income and non-interest income.
(5) Amounts calculated based on shareholders’ equity and include ESOP shares not committed to be released.
(6) Net interest income divided by non-interest expense.
(7) Yield on interest-earning assets less cost of funds on interest-bearing liabilities.

Contacts:

Nicole Sherman
David Lam
Riverview Bancorp, Inc. 360-693-6650

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025

MIL-OSI: Beeline Hits $1 Billion in Originations, Driving the Future of Digital Mortgage Lending
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Providence, RI, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beeline Loans, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Beeline Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLNE), a tech-forward mortgage originator delivering fast and flexible financing solutions, today announced it has surpassed $1 billion in closed loan originations since its inception.

“We are certainly moving in a strong direction,” said Nick Liuzza, Co-founder and CEO of Beeline. “Reaching the $1 billion mark is a major milestone for our company. While the broader market has yet to fully normalize, Beeline’s momentum highlights the strength of our platform and the value we are delivering to customers, even in challenging conditions.”

Recent milestones for Beeline include:
- Receiving approval to continue listing on Nasdaq
- Strategic partnerships with Rabbu and Red Awning to expand reach and offerings
- April 2025 is expected to be the strongest month since the market downturn
- 38% year-over-year growth from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9% average industry growth
- Surpassing $1 billion in total loan origination volume
Beeline remains focused on expanding its digital lending platform, strengthening strategic partnerships, and accelerating growth in the evolving mortgage landscape.

About Beeline
Beeline Financial Holdings, Inc. is a trailblazing mortgage fintech transforming the way people access property financing. Through its fully digital, AI-powered platform, Beeline delivers a faster, smarter path to home loans—whether for primary residences or investment properties. Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Beeline is reshaping mortgage origination with speed, simplicity, and transparency at its core. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Beeline Holdings and also operates Beeline Labs, its innovation arm focused on next-generation lending solutions.

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

Contact
ir@makeabeeline.com

The MIL Network –
April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Vodafone Business and Fortinet Expand Global Partnership to Secure Hybrid Work
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
- Vodafone Business expands its converged networking and cybersecurity services powered by the Fortinet Unified SASE solution to new global markets.
- Vodafone Business has been also designated “Fortinet Global Partner” due to its expertise in designing, deploying, and managing secure connected enterprise solutions globally.
LONDON and SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

News Summary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vodafone Business Secure Networking offers organizations several future-proofed managed solutions connecting their users, devices, and machinery. They are:
- Vodafone Business Secure Firewall with Fortinet delivers a comprehensive managed security service to set up, operate, run, manage, and maintain customer firewalls in a highly secure manner.
- Vodafone Business Secure SD-WAN with Fortinet, which is ideal for organizations that need to ensure that their operations meet security and compliance regulation, and who need a secure, reliable, and agile network as they embrace the advantages of moving workloads to the cloud.
- Vodafone Business FortiSASE is aimed at customers looking to adopt flexible, robust, and secure hybrid work.
More information around the partnership and Vodafone Business’ offerings can be found here.

Contact details

About Vodafone Group
everyone.connected

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

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

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

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

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

The MIL Network –
April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Brett Snortland Joins Rate as Senior Vice President of Market Growth & Development

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CHICAGO, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rate, a leader in fintech mortgage solutions, today announced that Brett Snortland has joined the company as Senior Vice President of Market Growth and Development. Based in Houston, Snortland will focus on expanding Rate’s presence and production across the West Division, helping drive growth through recruitment, development, and sales strategy.

With more than 30 years of experience in sales and recruiting within the mortgage industry, Snortland brings a proven track record of success. He has funded more than $20 billion in his career, including $3.1 billion in 2020 and 2021 alone. A seasoned relationship manager and coach to originators, he specializes in growth, P&L management, relationship selling, and strategic recruiting.

“Joining Rate at this time of innovation and opportunity is truly energizing,” said Snortland. “This team is unmatched in its commitment to both technology and talent. I’m excited to build on that foundation and help drive significant growth across the West.”

Snortland is married to his wife Carrie of 32 years and is a proud father to three sons. A former collegiate golfer at The University of Texas, he played professionally from 1993 to 1995.

“Brett’s leadership style and experience in cultivating high-performing teams will be a huge asset to Rate,” said Todd Heaton, EVP and Western Divisional Manager for Rate. “He’s joining at the perfect time as we continue investing in both people and platforms to expand our reach and better serve homebuyers.”

About Rate

Rate Companies is a leader in mortgage lending and digital financial services. Headquartered in Chicago, Rate has over 850 branches across all 50 states and Washington D.C. Since its launch in 2000, Rate has helped more than 2 million homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. The company has cemented itself as an industry leader by introducing innovative technology, offering low rates, and delivering unparalleled customer service.

Honors and awards include Best Mortgage Lender for First-Time Homebuyers by NerdWallet for 2023; HousingWire’s Tech100 award for the company’s industry-leading FlashClose℠ digital mortgage platform in 2020, MyAccount in 2022, and Language Access Program in 2023; the most Scotsman Guide Top Originators for 11 consecutive years; Chicago Agent Magazine’s Lender of the Year for seven consecutive years; and Chicago Tribune’s Top Workplaces list for seven straight years.

Visit rate.com for more information.

Media Contact

press@rate.com

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: SUNation Energy Announces $1.0 Million Line of Credit

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

RONKONKOMA, N.Y., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SUNation Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: SUNE) (“SUNation” or “the Company”), a leading provider of sustainable solar energy and backup power solutions for households, businesses, and municipalities, announced that it has entered into a new $1.0 million line of credit agreement with MBB Energy, LLC (“MBB”). As previously disclosed in our SEC filings, MBB Energy, LLC is an affiliate and related party of the Company by virtue of MBB being an entity controlled by Scott Maskin. The revolving line of credit agreement is annexed as an exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on April 17, 2025.

The line of credit, if utilized, will be used primarily for working capital and corporate purposes. The Company may request one or more loans of up to an aggregate principle amount $1.0 million under this line of credit for a period of one year from the date or entry. Any loans drawn by the Company under this line of credit facility will carry interest on an annualized basis of 8%.

“We have made significant progress in strengthening our financial profile, with a primary focus on strengthening our balance sheet and enhancing future cash flows, while meeting our financial obligations on a timely basis,” said Jim Brennan, Chief Financial Officer. “Our ability to access this fresh capital on favorable terms provides us with greater financial flexibility to invest in areas that support our long-term growth initiatives. We appreciate the continuing support of MBB.”

With this line of credit established, the Company intends to seek a new commercial banking relationship that will include a larger commercial line of credit facility.

About SUNation Energy, Inc.

SUNation Energy, Inc. is focused on growing leading local and regional solar, storage, and energy services companies nationwide. Our vision is to power the energy transition through grass-roots growth of solar electricity paired with battery storage. Our portfolio of brands (SUNation, Hawaii Energy Connection, E-Gear) provide homeowners and businesses of all sizes with an end-to-end product offering spanning solar, battery storage, and grid services. SUNation Energy, Inc.’s largest markets include New York, Florida, and Hawaii, and the company operates in three (3) states.

Forward Looking Statements

Our prospects here at SUNation Energy Inc. are subject to uncertainties and risks. This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. The Company intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbor provided by the foregoing Sections. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations or forecasts of future events, can be affected by inaccurate assumptions, and are subject to various business risks and known and unknown uncertainties, a number of which are beyond the control of management. Therefore, actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this presentation. The Company cannot predict or determine after the fact what factors would cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements or other statements. The reader should consider statements that include the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “estimates”, “plans”, “projects”, “should”, or other expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events or trends, to be uncertain and forward-looking. We caution readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional information respecting factors that could materially affect the Company and its operations are contained in the Company’s filings with the SEC which can be found on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Contacts:
Scott Maskin
Chief Executive Officer
smaskin@sunation.com

SUNation Energy Investor Relations
IR@sunation.com
(631) 350-9340

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: From shrinking bladders to severe stomach pain: survey reveals the painful realities of ketamine addiction

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rebecca Harding, PhD Candidate, Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, UCL

Ketamine’s rising popularity has created a paradox. While it’s hailed by some doctors as a breakthrough psychiatric treatment, it’s also driving a surge in addiction and harming people’s health. To better understand people’s experience of ketamine and how it might be best used in medical treatment, we surveyed hundreds of people who self-identify as struggling with ketamine addiction.

Ketamine is gaining recognition as a promising, rapid-acting intervention for mental health conditions for many. Phase three clinical trials are now underway for its use with people with alcohol problems. A ketamine-based nasal spray, Spravato, has also been approved as a standalone therapy for treatment-resistant depression,

But for others, particularly recreational users in their 20s, ketamine use can lead to more harm than healing.

Once seen as a fringe party drug, ketamine – also known as “K” – has now entered the mainstream, gaining popularity as a nightlife narcotic and reports of widespread use in Hollywood. But with its rise have come warnings: several high-profile deaths, including actor Matthew Perry and drag artist The Vivienne, have sparked public concern.

Medical ketamine is a regulated drug used in hospitals and clinics under professional supervision. Illegal ketamine, often used recreationally, is unregulated, may be contaminated and carries higher risks of overdose, addiction and health complications due to unknown purity and unsafe use.

To better understand the experience of ketamine addiction and to help inform improved treatments, our research team at the University of Exeter and University College London surveyed 274 people with self-identified ketamine addiction from Europe, North America and Australia**. We believe the results offer the most in-depth data of its kind to date.

While ketamine is chemically distinct from opioids, some users described its emotional and social toll as equally devastating. One participant described it as “the heroin of a generation”.

This stark characterisation underscores the growing number of people seeking treatment – not only for addiction, but also for physical health complications that can follow heavy, prolonged use.

Sixty percent of respondents reported bladder problems – a side effect well known among long-term ketamine users, but rarely discussed outside specialist circles. Many also described intense psychological symptoms such as cravings, low mood, anxiety and irritability.

While these experiences probably reflect heavier users than the average recreational consumer, they highlight the serious harms experienced by those who become dependent.

Alarming statistics

Alarmingly, over a third of our respondents had never sought treatment. Among those who had, only 36% were satisfied with the care they received. One person noted: “I think they need to research drugs or options that fight K bladder, K kidneys and K stomach cramps. Ketamine can make your lifespan much shorter.”

A recurring theme throughout the survey responses was frustration at the lack of awareness – among peers, educators, healthcare providers and even addiction specialists – about ketamine’s risks.

“No one even understands what ketamine is or what it does,” said one participant. They added: “It shouldn’t be our job to explain the science. It should be taught. People need to be educated. There’s so much less information out there compared to drugs like cocaine.”

Most participants had first encountered ketamine in recreational settings. Only four participants first encountered it through prescription, primarily in the United States, where at-home ketamine therapy is becoming more common. In contrast, the UK restricts ketamine use to clinical supervision.

Crucially, the doses reported by participants were far higher than those used in medical settings. Rapid tolerance development and escalating use were common concerns.

New treatment strategies

To support those struggling with ketamine addiction, our findings point to the urgent need for new treatment strategies. These include pharmacological options to address physical complications like “K cramps” (severe abdominal pain often described as excruciating) and improved understanding of how ketamine causes bladder and kidney damage.

Equally vital is improving education – both for the public and for healthcare professionals – about the risks of ketamine use and the realities of addiction. We hope our survey offers a platform for those with experience to be heard and for their voices to shape future research, clinical care and public health messaging.

Read more:
Ketamine: what you need to know about the UK’s growing drug problem

This survey comes at a crucial time in ketamine’s evolving story. In response to rising recreational use and recent fatalities, the UK government is reportedly considering reclassifying ketamine as a Class A drug. However, when ketamine was reclassified from Class C to Class B in 2014, use among 16–24-year-olds increased by 231%, suggesting that harsher penalties do little to curb demand.

Instead of relying on punitive measures, we must focus on expanding treatment access, reducing stigma and investing in prevention. Our study shows the urgent need for more research into what makes ketamine addictive, how to prevent its physical harms and, most importantly, how to help people recover and reclaim their lives.

Celia Morgan receives funding from National Institute of Health Research (UK), Medical Research Council (UK), Economic and Social Research Council UK; Medical Research Foundation; Wellcome Trust; Awakn Life Sciences.

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

– ref. From shrinking bladders to severe stomach pain: survey reveals the painful realities of ketamine addiction – https://theconversation.com/from-shrinking-bladders-to-severe-stomach-pain-survey-reveals-the-painful-realities-of-ketamine-addiction-255197

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: The world needs climate change leadership – it’s time for China to step up

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Yixian Sun, Associate Professor in International Development, University of Bath

The second Trump administration has announced various anti-climate policies under its “America first” strategy. Leaving the Paris agreement, kicking off a trade war, shutting down USAid and drilling for more oil and gas will not only undermine the US’s international reputation but will undermine the global effort to combat climate change.

With the US in retreat from climate action and Europe preoccupied by security challenges, new leadership is urgently needed. China may be poised to fill this gap.

The country is already dominant in most clean technologies, and its top leaders say climate action can help the country fulfil its responsibilities as a major power. The Chinese president, Xi Jinping, reiterated this message at a recent closed-door meeting of heads of state, organised by the UN secretary general to discuss the climate crisis.

After nodding to the Trump-initiated global economic shock, Xi said China “will overcome the headwinds and steadily move forward global climate governance”.

But to take on this leadership, Beijing must first strengthen China’s domestic policies along with its support for climate action in the global south. The country has made remarkable progress on clean energy and its carbon emissions may peak this year.

But more than 60% of the electricity generated in the country still comes from coal, and it remains unclear how fast the government plans to phase out fossil fuels. Meanwhile, some provincial governments are still issuing permits to add new coal-fired power plants.

Coal storage in Ningbo, China.
Alex Tao Wang / shutterstock

There are things China can do almost immediately to show its commitment to climate action and rebuild international confidence in the Paris agreement. First, it must set very ambitious pledges to reduce its emissions for the coming decades ahead of this year’s UN climate conference (Cop30) to be held in November in Belém, Brazil.

China was one of the many countries that missed a February deadline for submitting its targets (only 15 countries were on time). Until now, Beijing’s strategy has been to “wait and see” given the turbulence caused by the new Trump administration.

What China ends up pledging will have a profound impact on global ambition. An ambitious target might mean reducing its emissions from their peak level by at least 30%. This is still achievable if the country can maintain its current progress in renewables.

Despite the missed deadline, there are some positive noises coming from Beijing. In a recent high-level meeting organised by the UN secretary general, Xi announced that China’s next set of emission reduction targets, covering the period up to 2035, will cover all economic sectors and all greenhouse gases.

This will be a major progress compared to China’s previous pledges, which only covered carbon dioxide (China is the world’s biggest emitter of the potent greenhouse gas methane, for instance) and did not integrate national targets into individual sectoral policies.

More support for developing countries

China has also been instrumental in bridging gaps between developed and developing countries in recent international talks. This was especially the case during negotiations at Cop29 last year in Baku, Azerbaijan, for a new global climate finance goal.

Climate finance, in this context, refers to providing developing countries with the resources to help them reduce their emissions and adapt to climate change. China still has developing country status in the UN’s climate change convention and, as such, has no official obligation to provide international climate finance.

Despite this, it has already provided or helped raise around US$24.5 billion (£18.32 billion) for clean energy, disaster recovery and other climate actions in developing countries. That makes it the world’s fifth-largest climate finance donor according to some estimates.

But for this investment to have a lasting impact, Beijing needs to be more transparent about where its funding goes and how projects are financed. It should also get local people more involved in designing and implementing the projects it funds.

Reform the system

China should also play a major role in reforming the global financial system to make it aligned with the Paris agreement. As a strong supporter of green finance, it can influence upcoming international talks such as the Financing for Development conference in Seville, as well as the UN’s negotiations on international tax cooperation. As co-chair of the G20’s sustainable finance working group, China also has the opportunity to push for more funding to support net zero.

China is by far the world’s biggest producer of renewables, batteries, electric vehicles and many other clean technologies, and is in a unique position to supply them affordably.

While it has already exported lots of these products, many developing countries still don’t have the know-how or the basic infrastructure to make the most of them (solar farms are of limited use if you don’t have a battery capable of storing the electricity they generate, for instance). China can address this by partnering with other governments in the global south to share technologies and invest in manufacturing.

With global climate leadership at risk, China has the chance to step up. As an emerging superpower with advantages in clean technologies and a leadership that recently reaffirmed their commitment to climate action, the country is well positioned. The world is watching to see if China will follow through.

Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

Yixian Sun receives funding from UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (grant number: MR/X035956/1).

– ref. The world needs climate change leadership – it’s time for China to step up – https://theconversation.com/the-world-needs-climate-change-leadership-its-time-for-china-to-step-up-252698

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Co-working spaces aren’t just about convenience – they bring a whole range of benefits for employees and communities

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Mariachiara Barzotto, Senior Lecturer in Management Strategy and Organisation, University of Bath

Master1305/Shutterstock

When you think of co-working spaces – where workers from different industries come together to share a convenient workplace – you might picture a group of young freelancers hunched over laptops. But today’s co-working spaces have evolved into something more powerful – particularly in a world still reshuffling office work practices in the wake of the COVID pandemic.

As workplaces adapt to new ways of operating, from hybrid to “digital nomadism”, co-working spaces can do more than simply offer flexibility. They can support workers’ wellbeing and work–life balance by enhancing a sense of community, building trust and new friendships, and encouraging continuous learning.

Research I undertook with colleagues shows these spaces may also play a role in addressing societal challenges. They can provide support for workers with family or caring responsibilities and enhance digital connectivity in under-served areas by offering faster, stable internet access. They can also encourage knowledge-sharing around new technology – while reducing the need for long commutes, which brings environmental benefits.

Other research shows that co-working staff tend to report higher levels of job satisfaction and wellbeing, particularly compared with those working at home. There are various reasons for this.

The ability to choose how and where to work, to exchange knowledge with others on-site, and to avoid long commutes all contribute to better mental health, happiness and wellbeing.

Productivity can also be boosted by, for example, the social support and interactions encouraged by open architecture and flexible workstations, as well as by a workplace that is much closer to home.

Some co-working spaces have gone a step further, integrating childcare, wellness programmes and even care for older dependants. One example is COWORCare, a European initiative linking co-working spaces with family support such as kindergartens and elderly-care services. This helps parents (especially mothers) participate more fully in the labour market.

Workers often need to update their skills to stay competitive. While informal learning happens in traditional offices too, co-working spaces can offer advantages by connecting professionals, entrepreneurs and freelancers across industries. This encourages knowledge-sharing between sectors.

Many also host training sessions, workshops and networking events, making it easier to develop skills than when working from home or in more homogeneous office settings.

Some of these spaces also create opportunities, both formal and informal, for young people to learn from more skilled and experienced workers. They can also help youngsters who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) into the workforce.

This all matters because the shift to greener and more digital economies – known as the “twin transition” – is creating both opportunities and risks. Many workers, especially in rural and older populations, could be left behind without access to training or digital infrastructure. Co-working spaces specifically for older people are ideally placed to address this.

Such spaces can act as “infrastructures of care” by helping workers feel like part of a community. Perhaps one of the most underrated benefits of co-working is how it can combat loneliness and boost morale for staff who might otherwise be working from home or face a long commute to their employer’s office.

Remote working can be lonely – and people in the early stages of their career can miss out on chances to learn from more experienced workers.
fizkes/Shutterstock

During the pandemic, many people realised how much they missed casual chats and social interaction. Co-working can bring that back – even for remote workers. In fact, co-working spaces can create the kind of “light-touch” community that encourages inclusion without being overwhelming.

Left-behind places

Co-working isn’t just for buzzing city centres. Some of the most exciting developments are happening in small towns and rural areas.

Governments across Europe are supporting this shift. Ireland’s Connected Hubs scheme has built a national network of remote-working hubs, aiming to revitalise rural communities and reduce the urban-rural divide.

These hubs can provide better internet than workers may have at home, and keep talented young people in the region. They can also spark local entrepreneurship, especially when paired with funding and mentoring. For example, the Youth Re-Working Rural project across Norway, Italy, Spain, Greece, Latvia and Slovenia supports youth and creative industries through co-working and digital training.

But these spaces aren’t a silver bullet. Our research also shows they are most effective when public investment simultaneously targets specific areas.

This could be extending high-speed broadband to rural areas, improving transport connections and providing vocational and digital skills training. Policies that support back-to-work programmes – for example, mentoring for unemployed people, parents returning after career breaks, or those who have lost jobs reintegrating into the labour market – are crucial, alongside access to affordable housing.

Co-working spaces can be part of the solution to making work better – not just more convenient and efficient, but more human. They can improve wellbeing, encourage new skills, and bring life back into places that have been left behind after traditional local industries declined.

Rethinking the future of work in the face of multiple transitions – digital, green and demographic – means also thinking about the kind of spaces that make learning, connection and wellbeing possible.

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

– ref. Co-working spaces aren’t just about convenience – they bring a whole range of benefits for employees and communities – https://theconversation.com/co-working-spaces-arent-just-about-convenience-they-bring-a-whole-range-of-benefits-for-employees-and-communities-255281

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: RFK Jr. said many autistic people will never write a poem − even though there’s a rich history of neurodivergent poets and writers
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Bradley J. Irish, Associate Professor of English, Arizona State University

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

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

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

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

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

It couldn’t be further from the truth.

Working poets

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

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

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

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

In writer and poet Tito Rajarshi Mukhopadhyay’s 2010 poem “Misfit,” the speaker of the poem notes that other people often ostracize him for his differences. But he doesn’t care:
My hands, as usual, were flapping The birds knew I was Autistic; They found no wrong with anything.
Poets from the past

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

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

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

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

Unique voices, unique perspectives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

– ref. RFK Jr. said many autistic people will never write a poem − even though there’s a rich history of neurodivergent poets and writers – https://theconversation.com/rfk-jr-said-many-autistic-people-will-never-write-a-poem-even-though-theres-a-rich-history-of-neurodivergent-poets-and-writers-255367
MIL OSI – Global Reports –
April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: No whistleblower is an island – why networks of allies are key to exposing corruption

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Kate Kenny, Professor of Business and Society, University of Galway

Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen speaks at a conference in 2022. Kimberly White/Getty Images for SumOfUs

Whistleblowers – people who expose wrongdoing within their organizations – play a crucial role in holding governments and corporations accountable. But speaking up can come at a cost. People who report misconduct often face retaliation, job loss or legal threats, making whistleblowing risky and challenging. And when legal protections for whistleblowers are weakened, the risks only grow.

That’s exactly the situation many workers face today.

In the U.S., a Trump administration executive order threatens to effectively strip thousands of federal workers’ rights to whistleblower protection. The executive order is part of a larger effort to reclassify civil servants as “at-will” workers who can be sacked at any time for any reason. While federal workers have enjoyed protection against whistleblower reprisal for decades, those safeguards are now under threat. And this comes as private-sector whistleblowers have increasingly faced reprisal, too.

Yet while the risks are real, whistleblowing isn’t impossible. Indeed, after researching whistleblowing for over 10 years, I’ve observed that insiders who successfully sound the alarm often do so with help − by partnering with allies who can amplify their message and help shield them from retaliation.

Meet the ‘regulators of last resort’

My new book, “Regulators of Last Resort: Whistleblowers, the Limits of the Law and the Power of Partnerships,” tells the stories of whistleblowers from Facebook, Amazon, Theranos, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers and Ireland’s public electricity service. In each case, the worker suffered reprisal and was aggressively silenced. In each case, they persisted, and allies emerged to help.

For Facebook employee Frances Haugen, finding an ally meant teaming up with Wall Street Journal reporter Jeff Horwitz, a specialist in tech who had been writing about Facebook’s misdeeds for some time. When Haugen decided to go public about the social media platform’s knowing exploitation of teenagers and its awareness of the violence incited by poorly regulated non-English versions of its site, Horwitz was pivotal in orchestrating when and how the newspaper articles would appear, helping maximize their impact and granting Haugen control over how her story was told.

This partnership was no accident; Haugen chose the reporter and tech expert carefully. “I auditioned Jeff for a while,” she later told a reporter. “One of the reasons I went with him is that he was less sensationalistic than other choices I could have made.”

Indeed, many whistleblowers disclose with the wrong journalist, leaving themselves open to attack.

At Theranos – a multibillion-dollar biotech company that turned out to be a fraud – a lawyer “friend of a friend” gave whistleblower Erika Cheung critical advice about disclosing to a regulator. This was a lifeline for the recent graduate, who feared for her career and safety after being threatened by bosses and lawyers and warned to stay silent and obey her nondisclosure agreement. Meanwhile, Cheung had no money for formal legal representation. It was that call to the lawyer that made all the difference, Cheung told me. “He said, ‘You can whistleblow.’”

Her contact explained that if she disclosed to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, she could avail of whistleblower protection and break her NDA. She would have to do it right and focus on the details: to highlight Theranos’ “regulatory noncompliance” and demonstrate the firm was violating the rules for proficiency testing. But all it would require of Cheung was a simple email to the right organization.

Finally, my research also detailed the many colleagues at Amazon who supported whistleblowing manager Chris Smalls in disclosing risks to life and health during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York. When Smalls was fired for speaking out and subject to racist language in internal memos about the incident that were later leaked, his close colleague Derrick Palmer described his response. “I was appalled,” Palmer said. “I just knew that they wanted to – pretty much – silence the whole effort. Anyone speaking out. That was how they were going to treat them, moving forward. Including myself.”

Labor leader Chris Smalls speaks during a conference in Chicago, Ill., in 2022.
Jeremy Hogan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

This strengthened Palmer’s determination to help Smalls. Meanwhile, the leaked memo prompted letters of support and emails “from people from all over the country – Amazon workers, non-Amazon workers, that just want to help advocate as well,” as Smalls put it. In the days and weeks after, workers held demonstrations at Amazon facilities all across the U.S., with banners declaring solidarity with the New York warehouse whistleblowers.

No whistleblower is an island

These allies often go overlooked when the media focuses on whistleblowers. But their support is critical, particularly in an era when protections for workers who speak up are coming under increasing threat worldwide.

Organizing whistleblowing allies involves strategy, and some nonprofit and civil society groups have become experts in this domain. Leading the way is the U.S. Government Accountability Project and its “information matchmaking” approach. The idea is simple: Whistleblowers need a whole team of other people – from experts to members of the public – on their side. And this takes planning.

For years, lawyer-activists like those at the Government Accountability Project have been treating whistleblower protection and support efforts as holistic campaigns that entail a media operation and networking effort, as well as a legal defense.

Take the example of Dawn Wooten, a former nurse at the Irwin County Detention Center – a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement contractor – who encountered and disclosed medical misconduct and critical failures. Dana Gold at the Government Accountability Project supported her whistleblowing with other activists, enlisted civil society groups and politicians in the cause, helped land newspaper articles in The Guardian and The New York Times, and even arranged a New Yorker podcast in which Wooten told her story.

The information went viral, and multiple investigations ensued. Within a year, the Department of Homeland Security directed ICE to formally end its contract with the Irwin County Detention Center, citing the revelations made public by Wooten and some of the detained women.

None of this is straightforward. In most whistleblowing disputes, the organization holds the balance of power. It has the files, the witnesses and the money to pay good lawyers. I’ve found that whistleblower allies must work with whatever limited resources they can marshal to give themselves an advantage. This means engaging influential people who might help, including pro bono lawyers, specialists who can give evidence, concerned regulators and beat journalists. In short, what is necessary is experts across all domains who are interested in the story and willing to help. And it’s the collective effort that matters.

Even with this support, however, whistleblowers don’t have it easy. In many high-profile cases where a disclosure is made public and a whistleblower is clearly vindicated and recognized as a courageous truth-teller, they can suffer afterward. Potential employers can balk at the prospect of hiring a whistleblower, even a celebrated one. And vindictive organizations can and do continue retaliating, even years after a story has dropped off the front pages.

Whistleblower allies and their strategies don’t offer a magic bullet. But they can help tip the balance of power, bringing public opinion to bear on an employer bent on reprisal or a government intent on coddling the powerful.

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

– ref. No whistleblower is an island – why networks of allies are key to exposing corruption – https://theconversation.com/no-whistleblower-is-an-island-why-networks-of-allies-are-key-to-exposing-corruption-250721

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Florida panthers and black bears need a literal path for survival – here’s how the Florida Wildlife Corridor provides it in one of the fastest-growing US states

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Thomas Hoctor, Research Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture, University of Florida

Florida panthers are a federally endangered species. Carlton Ward Jr./Wildpath

Imagine a Florida panther slinking its way 400 miles (645 kilometers) from the Big Cypress Swamp, in the southwest part of the state, to Okefenokee Swamp, on Florida’s northern border with Georgia, without ever being spotted by a human.

No one has yet documented a panther making this journey. But evidence suggests it happens.

Florida panthers were once distributed throughout most of the southeast U.S., but now their number is tiny – maybe 200 or so – and their known breeding range has greatly shrunk, now concentrated in southwest Florida.

They do show up in north Florida and Georgia on occasion when young males travel north looking to escape social pressure from adult males. Biologists have found their tracks not far south of Okefenokee. One panther made it almost to Atlanta before it was shot by a hunter.

Large mammals such as the Florida panther and black bear literally need room to roam in order to hunt, breed and thrive. Such journeys across the state of Florida are possible thanks to the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a statewide system of interconnected wildlife habitat that turns 15 this year.

The Florida Wildlife Corridor built on conservation efforts that date back to the 1980s and 1990s, when researchers from the University of Florida, including the two of us and our mentor Larry Harris, created maps of existing and proposed conservation areas that interlinked across the state.

A family of Florida black bears scratches on a log in the dry season.
Carlton Ward Jr./Wildpath

Today, the Florida Wildlife Corridor spans 18 million acres – about half of the state.

Ten million of these acres are protected from development. They are either local, state, regional or federal public conservation lands or they are private conservation easements. These easements restrict the landowners’ uses of the land to activities compatible with wildlife conservation, such as ranching, timber production and other sustainable activities.

The other 8 million acres are the focus of state-funded land protection efforts to close the unprotected gaps. For now, these lands could be converted to intensive residential, commercial or industrial development.

The corridor is an ambitious conservation project. It provides sufficient habitat to sustain healthy wildlife populations while also protecting Florida’s key ecosystem services, including water quality and flood storage. Ecosystem services refers to the benefits that ecosystems provide humans.

The corridor is also a unique example of how conservationists can combine science with public education and outreach to protect important natural habitats – even in regions like Florida that face burgeoning population growth.

Florida’s population boom

Until the early 20th century, Florida was the most remote and undeveloped state on the East Coast.

After World War II and the introduction of affordable home air conditioning, Florida transformed from a sleepy winter holiday destination to the third-most-populated state in the nation.

Currently, about 300,000 new residents move to Florida each year.

With this population growth came a rapid loss of natural habitat and rural landscapes. Using federal land use data, we calculate that approximately 60,000 acres of Florida habitat are lost each year.

Florida’s development was initially concentrated along the coasts, especially in areas with extensive beaches. With the opening of tourist attractions such as Disney World near Orlando in 1971, central Florida also became a hub of rapid growth.

It became clear to concerned Floridians that virtually all land not protected by permanent conservation designations could eventually be lost to urban and suburban sprawl.

Responding to these concerns, Florida became a leader in land protection, which has generally been popular and bipartisan in the Sunshine State.

Since the 1970s, Florida has protected millions of acres of conservation lands through programs including the Florida Preservation 2000 Act of 1990, the Florida Forever acquisition program that replaced it in 2001, and the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, also created in 2001.

The authors estimate that approximately 60,000 acres of Florida habitat are lost each year to development.
Carlton Ward Jr./Wildpath

Scientists identify key areas to protect

Wildlife biologists since the 1930s have observed how birds and mammals use wooded fencerows, hedgerows, streamsides and other natural corridors to travel through agricultural regions in the U.S. and Canada.

When corridors are protected, they allow animals to travel safely across landscapes and they can save animals from extinction. They also provide people with ecosystem services such as clean water and flood protection.

Since 1995, the Florida Ecological Greenways Network, or FEGN, has identified a statewide system of large, intact natural areas and connecting green spaces. It is now part of the state-legislated Florida Greenways and Trails System, a statewide network of recreational trails and ecological corridors.

As conservation scientists who are deeply involved with the FEGN, we were able to make use of the state’s early investment in geographic information systems. GIS produces digital maps and other high-quality data on the locations of wildlife habitat and other conservation priorities.

The Florida Wildlife Corridor covers nearly 18 million acres of Florida. A little over half of the acres, pictured in dark green, are conserved lands while the rest, pictured in light green, are considered opportunity areas for future conservation.
University of Florida Center for Landscape Conservation Planning

We continue to work with state agencies and other partners to continually update the FEGN as land use changes and as better data and tools become available to identify conservation priority areas.

Getting the public on board

While the FEGN proved fundamental for supporting state conservation programs, it was not widely known by Floridians or visitors to the state.

In 2010, conservation photographer Carlton Ward and colleagues proposed a simple, unified map and a public campaign to promote protection of the top-priority lands in the Florida Ecological Greenways Network.

Ward called it the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

He organized a team of photographers, videographers and scientists who trekked across large swaths of the corridor to document Florida’s natural ecosystems and native species that were threatened by development.

The expeditioners highlighted species like the Florida panther, Florida black bear and Florida grasshopper sparrow. They raised awareness about the corridor’s connection to water conservation, lands managed by ranchers and foresters, and recreational opportunities. And they produced documentary films, media and social media coverage, and public talks and events to educate the public on the importance of protecting the corridor.

Photographer Carlton Ward Jr. paddles to set up cameras at a site in the Fakahatchee Strand in southwest Florida.
Carlton Ward Jr./Wildpath

Bipartisan support continues

In June 2021, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act into law. The legislation, which had unanimous support from the state Legislature, officially recognized the corridor’s critical role in Florida’s economy, cultural and natural heritage, and protection of imperiled species and ecosystems.

The law also reenergized legislative support and funding to acquire land directly for conservation and to establish conservation easements on private lands.

Ranchers with the Seminole Tribe of Florida steer cattle through wooden sorting pens at the Big Cypress Reservation in southern Florida.
Carlton Ward Jr./Wildpath

The 2025-2026 Florida budget, which is still under negotiation, earmarks US$300 million to $450 million for land protection programs.

And on April 23, 2025, the Florida Senate passed a resolution to proclaim April 22 as Florida Wildlife Corridor Day. The resolution affirmed the corridor’s importance as “a unique natural resource” that is essential for “preserving the green infrastructure that is the foundation of this state’s economy and quality of life.”

There is a lot of land protection work left to be done in a race against a burgeoning human population. But Florida has proved ready to implement science-based strategies and work with willing landowners to protect a statewide wildlife corridor as a key element of Florida’s future.

The Florida Wildlife Corridor is also a potential model for other states and regions that want to protect viable wildlife populations and ecosystem services.

Uplands and wetlands east of Fort Myers, in the core of Florida panther territory, are part of the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
Carlton Ward Jr./Wildpath

Thomas Hoctor receives funding from state government related to working on the science and planning associated with the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

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

– ref. Florida panthers and black bears need a literal path for survival – here’s how the Florida Wildlife Corridor provides it in one of the fastest-growing US states – https://theconversation.com/florida-panthers-and-black-bears-need-a-literal-path-for-survival-heres-how-the-florida-wildlife-corridor-provides-it-in-one-of-the-fastest-growing-us-states-251790

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: The ‘sacramental shame’ many LGBTQ+ conservative Christians wrestle with – and how they find healing

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Dawne Moon, Professor of Social and Cultural Sciences, Marquette University

Not all LGBTQ+ Christians belong to congregations that support that aspect of their identity. D-Keine/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Kai found Jesus as a teenager. A person of white and Hawaiian descent, Kai now goes by gender-neutral pronouns and identifies as “māhū,” the traditional Hawaiian term for someone in-between masculine and feminine. But when they first became Christian, the high-schooler identified as gay – and was committed to celibacy.

Kai – a pseudonym to protect their privacy – embraced their church’s “welcoming but not affirming” teachings about LGBTQ+ people, agreeing that same-sex intimacy was incompatible with being Christian. It felt good to be sacrificing for the Lord, Kai recalls. But they eventually realized they were harming themself.

“I found myself unconsciously shutting down connection,” Kai told us. “Inside, I was crumbling in every moment because I was so fervently policing myself.”

Kai believed – and their church taught – that God’s own love is a gift, freely given. Nevertheless, they still felt that to be worthy of that love, Kai had to “surrender” their orientation and need for emotional connection, even with friends.

“It took me a long time to be able to look back on that and say, ‘Those were days when I hated myself,’” Kai said. “I hated myself for the sake of demonstrating how much I loved God.”

Kai began to reflect on what it meant to be Christian and concluded that Jesus didn’t have a problem with same-sex marriage, or gender beyond clear ideas of “male” and “female.” Christian “friends” quietly cut Kai out of their lives.

As a sociologist and a philosopher, we’ve worked together to understand the experiences of LGBTQ+ conservative Christians. Kai’s story illustrates a dynamic that in our 2025 book, “Choosing Love,” we call “sacramental shame.”

In Christianity, the word “sacrament” often refers to a particular rite, like baptism, that provides a tangible sign of God’s presence. Many of the LGBTQ+ Christians we spoke with felt that conservative congregations expected them to demonstrate shame for their identity to prove they hadn’t turned their backs on God – that God was still present in their lives.

Weight of shame

Some Protestant denominations fully affirm LGBTQ+ identities, same-sex marriage and gender transition, and other churches are split.

Two women at a church in Suffolk, England, on Dec. 17, 2023, after blessings for same-sex couples were approved for Church of England services.
Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty Images

But when we learned that LGBTQ+ people and their allies were advocating for change in conservative churches, we wanted to hear their stories.

In interviews and fieldwork, LGBTQ+ evangelicals told us that their churches often treated being cisgender and straight as though it were more important than the Ten Commandments. In some congregations, being LGBTQ+ is treated as an especially grave sin. But since people can’t change their sexual orientation or gender identity at will, treating these things as sins creates an experience of endless shame.

In the “sacramental shame” dynamic, churches require LGBTQ+ people to feel and display shame as the sign that they have not rejected God. Their churches, families and friends more or less require them to act as though their very capacity to love others, and to recognize the truth about themselves, is a danger to the people they love.

As one person recalled, “there were a lot of [friends] that I cut off. And I thought I was endangering them. I thought that I was going to poison them.”

Feeling unworthy of the love of God and other people can make people feel like their lives are not worth living. We heard about countless struggles with addiction, depression and suicide attempts – and sometimes even physical symptoms, like unexplained asthma attacks or autoimmune disorders that developed as LGBTQ+ people wrestled with the stress of trying fervently to be worthy of love.

Queer Christians of color

Sacramental shame isn’t easy for anyone, but often it can be more complicated for Black or Indigenous Christians and other Christians of color. In part, that’s because centuries-old racist tropes often depict minority groups in a sexualized way, as “promiscuous” or “exotic.” Not wanting to affirm those stereotypes can make it harder for LGBTQ+ Christians of color to navigate life.

Kai, like many Christians, was drawn to the faith’s message of love and justice for the oppressed. Religion can offer support and strength for dealing with the realities of racism. But that can sometimes turn into a pressure to disprove racism by behaving as “respectably” as possible.

LGBTQ+ Christians who are people of color sometimes feel added pressure.
bojanstory/E+ via Getty Images

A Black, bisexual pastor we’ll call Imani grew up in a church that quietly supported LGBTG+ people, but she never knew it. As a young person, Imani worried that her own sexuality might cause trouble for her mother, who had already been through a lot:

I was scared of embarrassing my mother. … All I could think about was the swirling doom that would be, if people found out. … I never even thought for a second that it was an option.

Some white respondents, too, feared that coming out would embarrass their parents. But for Imani, silence about her sexuality seemed necessary to protect the Black community’s respectability, as well as her family’s belonging in the church.

We also met Darren: a Black, gay man who was urged to try to fight being gay. His pastor’s ideas about how to “fix” Darren involved having him live in an out-of-state church building for four years, sleeping on the altar and fasting two days a week.

It ended when Darren heard Christ telling him to stop hiding from life. So he went home, and his pastor told the church not to talk to him.

Shifting views

Some conservative Christians, including allies who aren’t LGBTQ+, are starting to change the conversation – and their own views.

In 2024, New Testament scholar Richard Hays and his son Christopher Hays drew ire from some fellow evangelicals by publishing a book arguing that God’s mercy creates room in the church for LGBTQ+ people. Before them, evangelical leaders such as Tony Campolo, David Gushee and James Brownson had also changed their minds.

Leaders or laypeople who have rethought the issue often pointed out to us that Jesus said all of the Ten Commandments come down to loving God and your neighbor. Some said their views began to shift when they remembered to exercise humility, realizing that they might not know everything about gender, sexuality and God’s plan.

In interviews, many Christians talked about the power of humility.
Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty Images

For example, the Book of Genesis says that God created male and female; it also says God created day and night, and sea and dry land. But as transgender Bible scholar Austen Hartke writes in his 2018 book “Transforming,” recognizing night and day doesn’t preclude sunsets. The fact that there are seas and dry land doesn’t mean marshes are abominable.

As Kai tried to share God’s love with other LGBTQ+ people, Kai came to realize that their church’s expectation for all LGBTQ+ people to be celibate “wasn’t just hurting me; it was hurting other people.” Kai decided that “As holy as this feels, it’s not the spirit of the Jesus I fell in love with when I became a Christian.”

Humility is not the opposite of pride; it is a realistic awareness of your gifts and your limitations. When LGBTQ+ people celebrate pride, they are celebrating the often hard-won knowledge that they are human beings, worthy of love.

Dawne Moon received funding for this project from the Templeton Religion Trust, the Association for the Sociology of Religion, the Louisville Institute, and Marquette University. In the course of conducting research for the project this draws from, she served from 2015-2017 on the board of the Center for Inclusivity.

Theresa Tobin received funding from the Templeton Religion Trust and Marquette University.

– ref. The ‘sacramental shame’ many LGBTQ+ conservative Christians wrestle with – and how they find healing – https://theconversation.com/the-sacramental-shame-many-lgbtq-conservative-christians-wrestle-with-and-how-they-find-healing-248961

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Almost Zion: Remembering a short-lived Jewish state in New York

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘City of refuge’

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

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

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

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

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

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

Failure to launch

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

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

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

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

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

Birth of Zionism

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Spider-Man’s lessons for us all on the responsibility to use our power, great or small, to do good

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spider-Man is relatable

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morality is Spider-Man’s strength

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How Trump promotes a radical, unscientific theory about sex and gender in the name of opposing ‘gender ideology extremism’

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Ina Seethaler, Associate Professor and Director of Women’s and Gender Studies, Coastal Carolina University

Sexual diversity has been documented in every species in the animal kingdom, including among humans. smartboy10/DigitalVision Vectors via Getty Images

The Trump administration claims to be rooting out “gender ideology extremism” and “restoring biological truth” in the United States.

In a January 2025 executive order, President Donald Trump decreed that there are only two genders – male and female – and that anyone who believes differently denies “the biological reality of sex.”

Yet as a gender studies scholar, I know what the science really says about gender and sex.

Most researchers in my field, as well as those in other disciplines such as sociology and biology, agree that biological sex is vastly more complicated than solely the two variants of male and female. Sexual diversity has been documented among all animals, including humans.

Trump’s claim otherwise is itself a gender “ideology” – that is, a set of beliefs and values about gender.

Sex and gender are not the same thing

Experts in many disciplines have shown how gender is different from sex. Sex refers to bodily attributes such as genitals, hormones and chromosomes; gender is made up of the norms, roles, behaviors and expectations people are supposed to comply with based on the culture and society they live in.

As such, gender is socially constructed – that is, defined by a community’s beliefs and rituals. In other words, gender does not follow biology. Instead, people have what’s called a “gender identity” – an internal sense of themselves as masculine, feminine or somewhere in-between.

There are many ways in which gender and sex don’t necessarily line up.

Among humans, a conservative estimate by the United Nations suggests that up to 1.7% of the world’s population are intersex, meaning their bodies vary from what has been labeled typical combinations of chromosomes, hormones and genitals.

Intersex rights advocates have long pushed for medical treatment that reflects this fact, rather than common expectations of the human body. Recognition of gender and sex diversity can significantly reduce the stigma and trauma of being an intersex person.

In the animal kingdom, female spotted hyenas have a penis. Male seahorses get pregnant.

It took biologists a long time to figure out that some male animals do things that defy socially determined understandings of masculinity. But once they did, groundbreaking insights into the complexity of evolutionary processes have emerged.

By labeling the concept of gender identity as an “ideology,” the Trump administration has reduced all people – but especially transgender and nonbinary people – to a belief system, ignoring their complex human identities.

Don’t tell this dad he can’t give birth. A seahorse couple at the New England Acquarium’s 2009 Pregnant Male Seahorse exhibit.
Matt Stone/MediaNewsGroup/Boston Herald via Getty Images

What is gender ideology, really?

Trump’s executive order on gender is itself based on a gender ideology called “biological determinism” – the belief that there are only two genders and that the sex assigned at birth permanently determines one’s role in society.

This ideology dismisses research and data that document the complexity of human life. This can have serious social consequences.

Because adherents of biological determinism see sex and gender as one and the same, they generally want to ban puberty blockers, hormone therapy and other gender-affirming health care for trans youth. These are important and sometimes lifesaving treatments; the Trump administration and other adherents of their ideology dismiss them as medical malpractice.

The executive order also claims that enforcing a rigid male-female divide will keep women and girls safe because bathrooms and domestic violence shelters become dangerous for women when transgender people are allowed to use them.

Research has consistently debunked this notion. Privacy and safety problems have not increased due to the legal recognition of transgender individuals. There is no evidence that cisgender women – that is, those assigned female at birth – should fear violence committed against them by transgender women.

Biology is not destiny

Much of my academic work has focused on how societies rooted in biological determinism tend to be patriarchal. They are designed by men for the benefit of men, and men hold most positions of authority.

Patriarchal countries, including the U.S., tend to value masculinity over femininity. Political and religious leaders, the media and social norms suggest women are weaker than men, more emotional and better suited for care work. As a result, they portray women as less effective leaders than men.

Historically, these societies have limited women’s sphere of influence to the household. That, in turn, prevented them from widespread access to, and success in, economic, religious and political leadership positions, just to name a few.

U.S. feminists in the 1960s and 1970s protested the idea that a person’s body should dictate what they can and cannot do with their life. Back then, patriarchal beliefs restricted women’s participation in sports – they weren’t allowed to run marathons – and jobs, with fields such as practicing law and surgery essentially off-limits.

Women in the U.S. also lacked full bodily autonomy for much of the 20th century. Access to contraception was limited, and terminating a pregnancy was illegal.

By the 1980s, women had succeeded in convincing much of U.S. society that they had the same abilities and should enjoy the same rights as men. By the early 2000s, they had made great strides toward attaining equality in education, career choice and reproductive freedom, among others.

Trans people began making similar progress in the 2010s.

Moving backward

As the Trump administration reverts to a simplistic interpretation of sex and gender, public debate on these basic social and political rights is reemerging.

There is legislation at the state and federal level banning transgender women athletes from participating in sports, bills that would make it a crime to identify as transgender and challenges to women serving in combat roles in the U.S. military.

Abortion, established as a constitutional right in 1973, had that constitutional protection reversed in 2022. Abortion is now outlawed in 12 states; others severely limit the ability to get the procedure.

Trump signs the ‘No Men in Women’s Sports’ executive order barring transgender women from women’s sports on Feb. 5, 2025. It was his third order targeting transgender people.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

To enforce Trump’s “gender ideology” executive order, the Department of Veterans Affairs is phasing out gender-affirming health care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention temporarily scrubbed data about women’s health that has been vital in raising public awareness and fueling ongoing research into aspects of women’s health, such as safe forms of contraception.

The administration’s policies and ideas are ingrained in a gender ideology that predates the feminist movement of the mid-20th century.

When asked in court during proceedings in lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of Trump’s executive order, lawyers representing the Trump administration have repeatedly failed to define what exactly the administration is referring to with the term “radical gender ideology.”

One lawyer, when prompted by a judge, replied that he was “loathe to speculate” what the president means by the phrase.

In my assessment, the administation’s inability to define “gender ideology” is a meaningful signal. The Trump administration is pursuing, in essence, its own gender ideology masked as anti-gender ideology.

Ina Seethaler serves on the boards of the Palmetto State Abortion Fund and the Family Justice Center of Horry and Georgetown Counties.

– ref. How Trump promotes a radical, unscientific theory about sex and gender in the name of opposing ‘gender ideology extremism’ – https://theconversation.com/how-trump-promotes-a-radical-unscientific-theory-about-sex-and-gender-in-the-name-of-opposing-gender-ideology-extremism-250552

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: From cats and dogs to penguins and llamas, treating animals with acupuncture has become mainstream in veterinary medicine

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Joe Smith, Assistant Professor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee

Kevin, a King Charles spaniel, receives acupuncture treatment at a Washington, D.C. animal hospital. Alastair Pike/AFP via Getty Images

A perentie lizard in Dallas, an African penguin in Boston and an Oberhasli goat in Chicago are just a few recent examples of animals at zoos and aquariums benefiting recently from acupuncture therapy. As acupuncture has gained wide use in human medicine in the U.S., it also has become increasingly common in veterinary practice, especially for pain management.

The Conversation U.S. interviewed University of Tennessee Assistant Professor of Veterinary Medicine Joe Smith, a specialist in farm animal medicine and veterinary clinical pharmacology, about this trend. He describes acupuncture’s current uses for treating many species, from household dogs and cats to large animals like horses, cows and llamas:

Is veterinary acupuncture modeled on the traditional Chinese version?

There are two schools of thought about veterinary acupuncture. The original form of acupuncture, which has been practiced for thousands of years, follows principles of traditional Chinese medicine. It views the patient through a lens of five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water.

Each element is associated with a different type of energy. Practitioners work to maintain balance between those energies, which they believe is essential for a healthy body to function.

Another approach focuses on anatomical effects on the body. Practitioners place needles to achieve specific effects by stimulating muscles or nerves.

Both versions of acupuncture can help veterinary patients. They use very small, flexible needles, about two-tenths of a millimeter wide – less than one-hundredth of an inch. The needles are placed at various parts of the body to elicit specific responses from connective tissues, muscles and nerves.

The needles can be used by themselves, or with low levels of electrical current – a process called electroacupuncture. Both approaches are effective, but research suggests that benefits from electroacupunture last longer.

Veterinary acupuncturists can treat nearly any animal, from a bear to a porcupine, a dog or a sea turtle.

What does research show about using acupuncture on animals?

Acupuncture and electroacupuncture both increase the body’s levels of compounds called endogenous opioids. These are pain-relieving substances that the body produces naturally. They work similarly to pharmaceutical opioids, such as fentanyl and morphine.

Acupuncture increases these compounds so dramatically that the effect can be reversed with opioid antidotes, such as Narcan.

Studies in small animal medicine show that using acupuncture can speed up healing from nerve injuries, such as spinal cord damage from herniated disks. This is a condition in which material from the disks in between the vertebra of the spinal cord is damaged, and puts pressure on the spinal cord and other parts of the nervous system.

Herniated disks can be very painful for animals. A 2023 study found that when dogs with this condition were treated with acupuncture, nearly 80% recovered, compared with 60% of animals whose cases were managed conservatively without acupuncture. Acupuncture can also make other techniques, such as epidural nerve blocks, more effective when both methods are used together.

Many vets are using acupuncture creatively for other purposes, such as increasing sick animals’ appetites, improving their digestion and accelerating healing from injuries.

How does your veterinary medicine group use acupuncture?

Our practice at the University of Tennessee has used acupuncture most extensively to help rehabilitate animals recovering from conditions like radial nerve paralysis and femoral nerve injury. We can use acupuncture to stimulate muscles or to provide pain relief, either by itself or combined with other therapies.

In our Farm Animal Hospital, we regularly use acupuncture for recumbent or “down” animals. That’s a veterinary term for animals that have been unable to stand for extended periods of time.

With acupuncture, and occasionally electroacupuncture, we can stimulate muscles and nerves that aren’t functioning normally. This help to prevent atrophy, or wasting and thinning of muscle mass.

For every day that a large animal is down, its muscles atrophy and fluid builds up around injured limbs or joints. These effects can prolong their recovery, or even make it less likely that they will recover.

By using acupuncture to stimulate atrophied muscles, veterinarians can start to reverse this process. We have used acupuncture extensively on large animals, including cattle, horses, llamas, alpacas, sheep, goats, pigs and even camels.

One example is goats that have spinal cord injuries caused by parasite migration – a condition called cerebrospinal nematodiasis, or “meningeal worm.” Worm larvae that normally are parasites of white tail deer infect goats through the animals’ digestive tracts, then migrate to the spinal cord and nervous system. They get lost and die there, causing inflammation that can do significant damage.

We use acupuncture and electroacupuncture to stimulate the goats’ large and accessory spinal nerves and the muscles in the animals’ legs and backs. This gives the goats more muscle function when the inflammation clears, and we believe it helps reduce their pain.

We’ve also had good results with acupuncture treatment for llamas and alpacas, which are widely used in Tennessee’s Smokey Mountains to carry tourists’ gear up- and downhill. As large animals like these age, they can develop osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that’s incredibly painful and debilitating for them. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture can help keep them moving.

Our equine services mainly use acupuncture for rehabilitation, helping horses recover from injuries.

One advantage of acupuncture and electroacupuncture in large animals is that they don’t have many adverse effects. Drugs can have side effects such as nausea and diarrhea, and may cause potentially serious complications. An acupuncture needle placed by a trained veterinarian has few to no adverse effects when it’s done correctly.

A crow and an opossum at the Nashville Zoo receive acupuncture treatment for mobility issues.

Can pet owners be confident if their vet recommends acupuncture?

If there is a nerve or muscle involved, there is probably a veterinary treatment option using acupuncture or electroacupuncture. New studies regularly add to our understanding of the neurology and biochemistry that underlie these therapies.

Although we’re still learning, if your vet recommends acupuncture for an aging dog or cat – especially for chronic pain – you can be confident that it’s not a fringe treatment. As long as the person treating your pet is a licensed veterinarian, and is certified by a professional organization like Curacore, Chi University or the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, acupuncture should make your pet more comfortable and improve its quality of life.

Joe Smith has attended attended Curacore Inc’s Medical Acupuncture for Veterinarians course.

– ref. From cats and dogs to penguins and llamas, treating animals with acupuncture has become mainstream in veterinary medicine – https://theconversation.com/from-cats-and-dogs-to-penguins-and-llamas-treating-animals-with-acupuncture-has-become-mainstream-in-veterinary-medicine-226451

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Grangemouth closure is devastating loss for workers and community

Source: Scottish Greens

29 Apr 2025 Energy Just Transition

The workers and community of Grangemouth deserve better.

More in Energy

The news of Grangemouth refinery coming to an end is devastating for workers and the community, says Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay.

Ms Mackay grew up 200 yards from the refinery and represents Grangemouth, was responding to the news that Petroineos has ceased oil refining in Scotland.

Ms Mackay said:

“This is devastating for the workers and community of Grangemouth. We should have seen our Governments doing more to protect jobs and modernise the refinery into a space that would help our transition to a greener future.

“It is a further blow to the community. It is deeply disappointing that Labour have not stepped in to protect workers or to future proof jobs in the same way that they have with steelworks down south.

“Grangemouth is my home, and it has been frustrating to see promises being made and dropped as easily as Petroineos’ detached billionaire has now dropped the workforce.

“I am concerned about what this will look like in the short term for the town. Warm words will not pay the bills. Grangemouth holds a lot of potential, as do the workers who offer the skills we need for transitioning away from fossil fuels.

“Governments have not done enough to protect the workers, and my fear is that Grangemouth will now go the same way as so many other communities and towns, where big businesses have cut their losses and left at the expense of the communities and livelihoods.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Global Artificial Intelligence Influence on Diabetic Retinopathy Market Expected to See Significant Growth

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PALM BEACH, Fla., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – According to reports from industry insiders the Global AI in Diabetic Retinopathy market is projected to continue to grow at a substantial rate for years to come. According to Metastat, Global AI in Diabetic Retinopathy Market is witnessing unprecedented growth, reshaping the landscape of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for this prevalent and sight-threatening complication of diabetes. As technology continues to advance, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative force in healthcare, particularly in the domain of diabetic retinopathy (DR), where early detection and timely intervention are critical. The report said “AI applications in diabetic retinopathy are gaining momentum due to their ability to augment traditional diagnostic methods. Image analysis, a cornerstone in the detection of retinal abnormalities, has witnessed a paradigm shift with the incorporation of AI algorithms. These algorithms, trained on vast datasets of retinal images, demonstrate remarkable accuracy in identifying subtle changes indicative of diabetic retinopathy. Consequently, they empower healthcare professionals with more efficient and precise tools for early diagnosis. One of the notable contributions of AI in diabetic retinopathy lies in its potential to address the challenge of limited access to ophthalmic expertise, especially in resource-constrained regions. Automated screening processes, driven by AI, enable remote and quick assessment of retinal images, offering a scalable solution to bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility. This democratization of expertise has the potential to revolutionize the way diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed and managed globally.” According to a report issued by Grand View Research: “the global diabetic retinopathy market size was estimated at USD $9.48 Billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2025 to 2030. One of the main factors expected to fuel market expansion is the growing incidence of diabetes in older individuals and the rising prevalence of blindness caused by diabetes. The introduction of novel diagnostic technologies and treatments and the increased awareness are driving the market expansion.”   Active healthcare/tech companies active in the markets include: Avant Technologies Inc. (OTCQB: AVAI), Recursion (NASDAQ: RXRX), Tempus AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: TEM), Predictive Oncology Inc. (NASDAQ: POAI), ADMA Biologics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADMA).

The Metastat report continued: “Moreover, AI is not confined to diagnosis alone; it extends its influence on the realm of personalized treatment strategies. Tailoring interventions based on individual patient profiles; AI algorithms enhance the efficacy of therapeutic approaches. This marks a significant departure from conventional one-size-fits-all methodologies, allowing for more precise and targeted treatment plans. The continuous evolution of AI models also holds promise for prognostic applications in diabetic retinopathy. Predictive analytics, driven by machine learning algorithms, analyzes diverse patient data to forecast the progression of the disease. This foresight equips healthcare providers with valuable information to strategize long-term management plans, optimizing outcomes for patients with diabetic retinopathy.”

Avant Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: AVAI) and Ainnova Request Pre-Submission Meeting with US FDA for VisionAI Platform Technology – Avant Technologies, Inc. (“Avant” or the “Company”), and its JV partner, Ainnova Tech, Inc., (Ainnova), a leading healthcare technology company focused on revolutionizing early disease detection using artificial intelligence (AI), today announced that The Center for Devices and Radiological Health of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received the company’s submission package requesting a pre-submission meeting with the FDA for its VisionAI platform technology and is now under review.

Ainnova is requesting a pre-submission meeting with the FDA’s review team to discuss any questions and/or concerns about its proposed formal submission, including seeking advice to finalize the protocol and obtain agency guidance for a clinical trial of its VisionAI platform in the early detection of diabetic retinopathy. A pre-submission meeting allows companies to clarify regulatory requirements, get feedback on their plans, and potentially avoid delays or issues during the formal review process.

The clinical studies will aim to support an FDA 510(k) submission to obtain clearance from the regulatory agency to market its technology in the U.S.

Ai-nova Acquisition Corp. (AAC), the company formed by the partnership between Avant and Ainnova to advance and commercialize Ainnova’s technology portfolio, including its VisionAI platform and its versatile retinal cameras, has worldwide licensing rights for this portfolio. The licensing rights include the U.S., where the FDA regulates drug and medical device development, so the success of Ainnova’s interactions with the FDA are paramount to marketing the technology portfolio in the United States.

Vinicio Vargas, Chief Executive Officer at Ainnova and a member of AAC’s Board of Directors, said, “This milestone reflects our two-tiered strategy, rapid deployment in low-regulation markets where VisionAI operates as a screening tool, and simultaneous progress toward FDA clearance for the U.S. market. Entering the U.S. will unlock significant commercial potential, and early engagement with regulators ensures we do so with speed, credibility, and a validated product.”

For medical device applicants like Ainnova, the FDA’s pre-submission program is useful to determine a clear regulatory pathway for the successful launch of the device, including the number of patients and the number of clinics that will be needed to generate the necessary clinical data for the FDA to make an informed decision on Ainnova’s VisionAI platform. For Avant, the pre-submission meeting will help define a precise budget for the strategic partnership’s entire FDA process.   CONTINUED… Read this and more news for Avant Technologies at:   https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-avai/

In other developments and happenings in the markets recently include:

Recursion (NASDAQ: RXRX) recently announced it will present preliminary data during the 2025 Digestive Disease Week (DDW) meeting from its ongoing Phase 1b/2 clinical trial, TUPELO, which is evaluating the safety and preliminary activity of REC-4881 for the treatment of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). The data will be presented as a late-breaking oral presentation during the Research Forum session on Hereditary GI cancer syndromes on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in San Diego.

“We are pleased that DDW has recognized the importance of our data in addressing the unmet needs of the FAP patient population, where no FDA-approved therapies currently exist,” said Najat Khan, PhD, Chief R&D Officer and Chief Commercial Officer at Recursion. “MEK 1/2 inhibition for the potential treatment of FAP was identified through our AI-powered Recursion OS platform, which analyzed cellular models of APC gene loss to uncover a potential first-in-disease treatment. We look forward to sharing our preliminary findings in our upcoming DDW presentation in May.”

Tempus AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: TEM), a technology company leading the adoption of AI to advance precision medicine and patient care, recently announced Tempus Loop, a new oncology-focused platform for target discovery and validation. Loop is Tempus’ proprietary approach to novel target identification that integrates real-world patient data (RWD) with human-derived biological models and CRISPR-screens, all leveraging AI to rapidly uncover insights for pre-clinical therapeutic development.

One of the biggest industry challenges has been translating promising preclinical experiments into treatments that can benefit patients. Conventional approaches in target discovery and validation rely on cell lines or animal models, which may not be reliable representations of human tumors. Loop’s approach is uniquely powerful because it leverages Tempus’ rich RWD to identify patient subpopulations with similar clinical, pathologic, and molecular patterns, followed by use of systems biological approaches to help reveal novel target genes and multimodal signatures. These signatures allow Tempus to seamlessly map patient subcohorts to relevant patient-derived organoids (PDOs), which the company has been expanding for years. By ensuring continuity between RWD and PDOs, Tempus can validate targets using high-throughput functional screens in models that more closely reflect patient attributes. This seamless integration—RWD to PDO and back—can help to enable rapid hypothesis generation and testing in the most relevant disease models, accelerating target discovery and validation.

Predictive Oncology Inc. (NASDAQ: POAI), a leader in AI-driven drug discovery, recently announced that it has made significant progress along the continuum of biomarker discovery, drug discovery and drug repurposing. These latest developments build upon Predictive’s ongoing initiative to combine its in-house biomarker identification platform with its AI screening capabilities.   Identifying new indications using active machine learning and a biobank of patient derived dissociated tumor cells (DTCs) represents a novel and commercially sustainable approach to repurposing abandoned oncology drugs.

“This efficient screening approach on a small, curated cohort of abandoned drugs identified three compounds that warrant further exploration in tumor indications that have never been examined in this way,” said Dr. Arlette Uihlein, SVP of Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery and Medical Director at Predictive Oncology. “The work that we have done successfully demonstrates our ability to utilize our active machine learning and biobank of tumor samples to capture patient response heterogeneity in less than 12 weeks.”

ADMA Biologics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADMA) (“ADMA” or the “Company”) recently announced U.S. FDA approval of its innovative yield enhancement production process. This innovative process has demonstrated an ability to increase production yields by approximately 20% from the same starting plasma volume.

“This approval represents a pivotal milestone for ADMA, unlocking the opportunity for meaningful acceleration in our revenue and earnings trajectory beginning in late 2025 and accelerating further into 2026 and beyond,” said Adam Grossman, President and Chief Executive Officer of ADMA. “As the first U.S. producer of plasma-derived products to achieve regulatory approval for its innovative yield enhancement production process, ADMA continues to demonstrate its leadership in modernizing and advancing plasma fractionation through agile, forward-thinking scientific development and execution. We commend our team for driving this novel process from concept to approval with speed and capital efficiency, and we thank the FDA for its thorough and timely review as well as the Agency’s commitment to expanding immune globulin access for immunocompromised patients. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue to advance our internal R&D platform—further optimizing production capabilities and progressing novel pipeline programs, most notably SG-001, our pre-clinical, investigative hyperimmune globulin targeting S. pneumonia, which exemplify our commitment to product and process innovation.”

About FN Media Group:

At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

Follow us on Facebook to receive the latest news updates: https://www.facebook.com/financialnewsmedia

Follow us on Twitter for real time Market News: https://twitter.com/FNMgroup

Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/financialnewsmedia/

DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM was compensated forty nine hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by Avant Technologies, Inc. by a non-affiliated third party. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

Contact Information:

Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757

SOURCE: FN Media Group

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Chang Yong Rhee: Navigating political uncertainty while maintaining independence

Source: Bank for International Settlements

Thank you, Mr. Fernandez, for that generous introduction. And good evening to the distinguished guests who joined the dinner tonight, including President Lateef and Mr. Euywhan Kim, Korean Consul General in New York. Your warm welcome means more than I can express.

For over a century, the Foreign Policy Association has been a leader in promoting international collaboration through public dialogue and education. Its role as a nonpartisan forum for intellectual discourse is more important than ever today, as the world experiences a rising political divide, geopolitical tensions, and global fragmentation.

I’m deeply humbled and honored to receive this award from the FPA, and especially feel undeserving when I consider past awardees like Chairman Volcker, President Trichet, Managing Director Georgieva, and many others. Also, sharing this award ceremony with the Secretary-General of the OECD, the Honorable Mathias Cormann, makes it even more special.

On a personal note, this medal holds a very special meaning within my family. When I got married, I made a joke to my wife, saying, “As I’ll devote my whole life to promoting world peace, you need to take care of everything else for our family.” I thank the FPA for vindicating my joke and justifying the many evenings I’ve spent away from my wife and children.

Acknowledging Global and Korean Headwinds

Currently, we are facing heightened uncertainties. Globally, despite some easing of post-pandemic inflation, trade tensions are intensifying and geopolitical risks persist, reshaping supply chains and deepening global fragmentation, or reglobalization. They have triggered the global financial market turbulence and slowed down global growth. My understanding is that the IMF is going to consider lowering its world economic outlook significantly tomorrow.

Korea is not an exception. As an export-driven economy, it is particularly vulnerable to these external headwinds. Tariffs directly reduce our exports. And, given our deep integration with key supply chain partners, our semiconductor production in Vietnam, electronics and automobile manufacturing in Mexico, and battery production in Canada will all likely be significantly affected. At the same time, weak demand from China-which accounts for over 19% of Korea’s exports-is expected to further weigh on our economy.

To make matters worse, current challenges have been especially difficult for Koreans. As you may know, political uncertainty intensified following the former president’s declaration of martial law late last year. After about five months of turbulence, we now hope that the Constitutional Court’s recent upholding of the impeachment, along with the upcoming presidential election in June, will help settle this uncertainty behind us.

Nevertheless, “Every cloud has a silver lining.” These political events also demonstrated the powerful resilience of Korean democracy.

There had been moments of unrest and deep confrontation among citizens with differing political views. However, the situation was resolved peacefully and constitutionally, and now we are advancing toward the presidential election.

Political Polarization and Central Bank Independence

One thing that I learned as a central banker during this period of political turmoil is the importance of central bank independence-but from a different angle.

We usually understand central bank independence to mean freedom from government interference or fiscal dominance. However, navigating through recent political challenges has made it clear to me that independence from politics is much more vital.

This is particularly true in deeply divided political environments such as Korea right now, where the presidency and parliamentary majority are decided by only a narrow margin of the popular vote.

Governments are appointed by an elected power. By this very nature, during times of heightened political tension, any policy decisions and announcements by governments are often filtered through a political lens and struggle to gain broad trust.

In contrast, a central bank, as Paul Tucker describes it, is an “Unelected Power”-more free from political preference and generally perceived as politically neutral. This allowed us to communicate balanced and apolitical assessments of economic conditions, such as the economic impact of political instability, along with policy recommendations when they were most needed.

Independence with Flexibility

Of course, as Paul Tucker rightly points out in his book, central banks must not exploit the privileges that come with their independence.¹ He argues that central banks should strictly confine themselves to a narrow interpretation of their mandate, which includes price stability and political neutrality in general.

I agree with the spirit of that argument. But I also believe that some degree of flexibility is necessary-particularly in unexpected extreme situations, such as the political instability that Korea just experienced or crises like the pandemic.

Let me recall a conversation I had with a central bank governor from emerging Asia when I served as the IMF’s Asia-Pacific Department Director. As many of you know, avoiding fiscal deficit monetization is generally considered one of the non-negotiable mandates of central banks.

However, in 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 crisis, that central bank took the unusual step of purchasing government bonds in the primary market under the spirit of shared burden with the government. As the governor explained to me, it was seen as inevitable to help those suffering from COVID-19, given the unusually large need for fiscal support, the limited financial market depth, and the importance of protecting sovereign credit rating.

Fortunately, the temporary deviation from text book central bank principles turned out to be a happy ending: the country navigated the COVID crisis without damaging its creditworthiness and returned to its pre-pandemic deficit target within two years as planned.

Fundamental concerns about deficit monetization remain valid. However, this case demonstrates how limited, temporary policy flexibility may be necessary depending on the specific nature of economic crisis and the maturity of capital markets.

Likewise, while leading the central bank through recent political turmoil, I often faced situations where my statements could be misinterpreted as political. For example, when both parties held opposing views on fiscal policy during the impeachment process and incoming election, discussing fiscal stimulus risked appearing partisan. Yet as central bank governor, I could not remain silent on its necessity, for two reasons.

First, after the martial law declaration, domestic demand was falling faster than expected. Some degree of fiscal stimulus was needed to alleviate a sharp decline in major market players’ economic forecasts early in the year. Second, a bipartisan fiscal package seemed to be the best tool to send the message to global investors that Korea’s economy operates independently of political divisions and to protect our credit rating.

While my public advocacy for fiscal stimulus created some controversy over political neutrality as expected, I believe that my decisions will stand the test of time. Yes, central bankers must be politically neutral, but as Keynes said of his mentor Marshall, economists need to be “sometimes as near the earth as a politician.”

U.S.-Korea Relationship & Closing

Before I close, I would like to take a moment to highlight the enduring importance of the U.S.-Korea relationship, especially in the presence of many distinguished American leaders here tonight.

Since Korea’s liberation in 1945, the U.S. and Korea have stood together as trusted allies, sharing common values, such as freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity.

I mentioned the resilience of Korean democracy earlier in my remarks, and indeed, the U.S. has always remained alongside us throughout our democratic journey. At a critical crossroads in history, it helped guide Korea away from communism and toward democracy. Especially for the Bank of Korea, it also provided instrumental support in shaping our legal foundations-most notably, the Bank of Korea Act.

Despite the leadership transition and the complex geo-economic landscape in Korea, I remain confident that the U.S.–Korea relationship will be taken to the next level. I believe the ongoing support of those in this room will be truly invaluable.

Once again, I offer my deepest thanks to the FPA for this honor, and I wish the FPA continued flourishing in the years to come.

Thank you.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Cambodia, KOICA and WFP launch initiative to boost national homegrown school feeding programme

Source: World Food Programme

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA – The Royal Government of Cambodia, through the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), has launched a US$ 10 million initiative from 2025 to 2029 to accelerate the expansion of Cambodia’s national homegrown school feeding programme.

The programme currently reaches 190,000 children across 686 schools. The renewed support from South Korea builds on the achievements of Phase I (2020—2024) and will enable MoEYS and WFP to provide hot, nutritious meals to 133,300 schoolchildren across 428 schools. These schools will be progressively integrated into the national programme with full government ownership and management expected by 2028.

“The Ministry is deeply grateful for the continued support from the Government of the Republic of Korea, KOICA, and WFP,” said H.E. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport. “Through this programme, we are not only improving access to nutritious food but also investing in Cambodia’s future by building a stronger, more resilient education system that supports our national development goals.”

The Royal Government of Cambodia has shown strong leadership and commitment to school meals. In August 2024, it approved the School Feeding Policy, a landmark step that formalized the programme’s role in contributing to education, nutrition, agriculture and social protection. This approach aligns closely with Cambodia’s broader human capital development agenda and the priorities of the Pentagonal Strategy—building a healthier, more educated, and resilient generation.

“We are honoured to continue this important collaboration with the Royal Government of Cambodia and WFP,” said Moon Jung Choi, Country Director of KOICA Cambodia Office. “This second phase of support reaffirms the Government of Republic Korea’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development for the Cambodian people by supporting national systems that deliver lasting improvements in education, nutrition and rural livelihoods.”

The national school feeding programme adopts a home-grown approach, linking education and nutrition with local agriculture by sourcing food from smallholder farmers. In a country where over half of the population relies on agriculture, this approach stimulates local economies, strengthens food systems and serves as a safety net for vulnerable families affected by recurrent shocks.

“WFP is proud to continue supporting Cambodia’s journey towards a nationally owned, sustainable school feeding programme,” said Claire Conan, WFP Representative in Cambodia. “The renewed partnership with KOICA and MoEYS is a powerful example of how partnership can improve children’s well-being, enhance learning, and build more resilient communities.”

In addition to meal provision, the programme focuses on capacity strengthening, infrastructure upgrades and institutional development at national, sub-national, and school levels. These efforts are designed to enable MoEYS to take ownership, while ensuring the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of the programme.

# # #

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies, building prosperity and supporting a sustainable future for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Police are appealing for the assistance of the public to help find missing 14-year-old

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police are appealing for the assistance of the public to help find 14-year-old Hanna Balcer who is missing from her home in Barnet.

Hanna was last seen at New Barnet train station at around 19:50hrs on Thursday, 24 April after leaving her home earlier that evening.

Hanna has brown hair, is about 5ft 5ins, and was last seen wearing a dark tracksuit and black trainers and carrying a black rucksack.

She has links to Barnet, Shepherd’s Bush and Ladbroke Grove. Officers believe she may be travelling across London.

Detective Inspector Mark Young, from the Met’s North West Missing Persons unit said: “Hanna’s disappearance is completely out of character and her family are understandably incredibly concerned.

“Local officers have been carrying out a number of enquiries in an effort to trace her and we are now turning to the public for help. Please get in touch if you have seen Hanna.

“While there is no suggestion she has come to any harm or is in any immediate danger, as time passes we are growing increasingly concerned for her welfare and just want to bring her home safely.”

Hanna’s mum, Izabela, said: “Hanna’s family are beside themselves with worry and desperate for information on her whereabouts.

“She is just 14 years old and her father and I are naturally very concerned about her safety.

“We urgently need the public’s help to find her. Please take a look at these images we are making public today and reach out to the police if you have seen Hanna or have information about her whereabouts.

“Hanna, if you’re out there reading this, then please pick up the phone.

“Your family loves you and we are anxious to make sure you’re all right.”

MIL Security OSI –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Primech AI Secures Foothold in Europe’s Rapidly Growing €10+ Billion Service Robotics Market Through Strategic Partnership with TCOrobotics GmbH

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: MEMO: First 100 Days Economy
Source: The White House
TO: White House Communications Staff
FROM: Council of Economic Advisers Staff
SUBJECT: First 100 Days Economy Memo

Jobs Statistics:
- President Trump has created 345,000 jobs since taking office in January.
  
  188,000 (54%) of these were in non-government and government-adjacent sectors. This is a dramatic improvement from the last two years of the Biden Administration, when three-fourths of all new jobs were in government or government-adjacent sectors.
  
  2,000 of which were mining and logging jobs.
  
  27,000 of which were construction jobs.
  
  9,000 manufacturing jobs were created (compared to the 6,000 manufacturing jobs lost per month from Jan 2023 to Dec 2024).
  
  At the same time that there were large private sector job gains, 15,000 federal government jobs were cut.
- The labor force participation rate for those without a high school diploma is up by 0.7% since President Trump took office.
- The veteran unemployment rate is down from 4.2% in January to 3.8% in March.
- 228,000 jobs were created in March alone, well above expectations.
  
  This was the fourth best month in the last two years for private payroll growth.
- Remote work among federal employees has fallen over 16 percentage points from March last year to March this year, showcasing the success of President Trump’s initiative to bring federal workers back to the office.
  
  Federal telework numbers are now in-line with the private sector.
Inflation Statistics:
- Prescription drug prices are down over 2% since President Trump took office.
- Last month’s drop in the price of prescription drugs was the largest ever recorded.
- Gasoline prices, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), are down 7% since President Trump took office.
- Energy prices are down 2% since President Trump took office.
- Wholesale egg prices down are about 50% since President Trump took office. Most consumers have seen relief in prices on the shelf, but all consumers should see it within the next month or two.
- February inflation (the month prior to the most recent data) showed the smallest annual increase in core inflation in over four years (since March 2021).
- Both of the last two CPI inflation prints came in below expectations.
- Last month’s (March) decline was only the second monthly decline in inflation (CPI) in the last two-and-a-half years.
- These price declines are in contrast to the persistently high inflation under President Biden, which reached the highest annual rate in the past 40 years. After suffering for years under Biden Administration inflation, consumers are now getting welcome relief. On Biden’s watch, grocery prices rose 23%, and energy prices rose 34%.
- As a result of biting inflation, real wages in President Biden’s term were down about 2.4%.
- Moreover, in the most recent inflation print from March, airfare, used motor vehicles, and motor insurance all saw price decreases.
- Prices for wholesale goods fell nearly 1% last month and prices for wholesale services fell 0.2% last month, which will eventually lead to lower consumer prices.
- Last month, retail egg price inflation continued to slow.
Misc. Economic Statistics:
- Real average hourly earnings for middle- and low-income workers are up 0.4% and up 1% for workers in the manufacturing sector since President Trump took office.
- The automotive sector is growing: under President Trump, we already had the biggest one-month increase in auto sales in March in more than a year.
- Mortgage rates have declined roughly four-tenths of a percentage point since President Trump took office.
  
  Assuming the most recent median home price in the U.S., a new homebuyer making a 20% down payment on a 30-year mortgage would save roughly $32,400 over the course of the loan, or about $1,080 per year.
- Industrial production was at the seventh-highest monthly level ever recorded in March. The only higher monthly levels occurred during the first Trump Administration in 2018 and in February of this year.
- Since the beginning of the Trump Administration, at least $5 trillion in new investment in the U.S. has been pledged from both foreign governments and private companies.
Economic Policy Wins:
- Upon taking office, President Trump immediately blocked all unfinalized Biden-era rules, saving Americans over $180 billion — $2,100 per family of four over the next decade — and launched a bold, multi-agency effort to roll back existing federal regulations that drive up the cost of living. This effort is projected to yield significant cost savings in the coming months, including the EPA’s rollback of tailpipe emission rules for light-duty and medium-duty vehicles ($667 billion in total savings) and the Department of Transportation’s latest Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards ($88 billion in savings). These two efforts alone yield $755 billion in total savings or over $8,800 per family of four over the next decade. The combined savings from all of these actions equal just over $935 billion or nearly $11,000 per family of four over the coming decade.
- The Trump Administration has implemented an aggressive 10-to-1 deregulatory initiative, which requires that whenever an agency proposes a new rule or guidance document, it must eliminate 10 existing rules or guidance documents. This effort builds on the successful deregulatory initiative introduced in President Trump’s first term, which required the repeal of at least two existing regulations for each new rule, and in practice eliminated 5.5 rules for each new significant rule.
- To date, President Trump has issued over 20 significant deregulatory presidential actions (i.e., executive orders, presidential memoranda, and presidential proclamations).
Charts:
MIL OSI USA News –
April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Three new schools join Birmingham’s ‘School Streets’ initiative

Source: City of Birmingham

Birmingham City Council is continuing to ensure safer and healthier streets for children walking, wheeling and cycling to school.

Three new additions to its ‘School Streets’ initiative has taken the overall number across the city to 21.

Cotteridge Primary School (Stirchley ward), The Oval School (Garretts Green ward) and Whitehouse Common Primary School (Sutton Trinity ward) are the latest schools to join the scheme.

The School Streets programme restricts the movement of motor vehicles on roads outside schools at the start and end of the day. The aim is to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and make it safer to walk, wheel and cycle to school.

Since the initial launch of the programme in Birmingham in 2019 more than 70% of people (consisting of residents, parents, and school staff) have shown support for the programme at their school. This feedback has also shown that the initiative reduces school-related congestion, helping to make roads feel safer and less polluted.

Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment and Transport, Councillor Majid Mahmood, welcomed the latest expansion of the programme, saying: “School Streets is a programme that has already been proven to make roads safer, less congested and less polluted, and we are pleased to add a further three schools to those who are benefitting from the scheme.

“Reducing the number of cars on our roads and encouraging people to use active travel and public transport is key to both the Birmingham Transport Plan and our Clean Air Strategy, and School Streets is key to ensuring we are on track to do just that. I wish the schools involved the best of luck as they launch the programme.”

Ed Wicks, Project Coordinator of Living Streets, added: “We’re delighted to support the launch of these School Streets. Fewer cars outside school gates means children can walk to school safely and breathe cleaner air.

“We know that many of us are put off walking to school because of speeding vehicles and inconsiderate parking. By removing cars, we remove these barriers and support more families to choose cleaner and healthier ways to travel.”

The School Streets programme is funded through net surplus revenues from the Clear Air Zone, which must be spent on transport-related strategies and policies that help improve air quality.

School Streets is just one way that the Council is working to promote safer, greener and healthier travel, with the Modeshift STARS national award scheme available to all schools.

Notes to editor:

About School Streets

Birmingham City Council uses Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders to trial a time-limited street closure at the start and end of the school day. This can stay in place for a maximum of 18 months, during which time we will monitor and assess the effect of this change before deciding whether it should be made permanent. As part of this we are asking for feedback on these schemes.

Local residents are able to apply for a free permit which allows them to drive their vehicle in the area where this restriction is in place in order to access their property. There are some other exemptions for traffic that can access streets at these times, including blue badge holders and emergency services. Anyone else driving in the restricted zone at these times (without a valid permit or exemption) can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice charge of £50.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Aemetis to Benefit From EPA’s Approval of 15 Percent Ethanol Blend

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CUPERTINO, Calif., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX), a diversified global renewable natural gas and biofuels company, announced today that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a waiver allowing a 15 percent blend of ethanol (E15) to continue to be sold after May 1st which will benefit the company through increased demand and sales of the renewable fuel nationwide. The average blend of ethanol in the U.S. in 2024 was 10.4% and 14.2 billion gallons. The adoption of E15 allows up to a 50% increase in the market for ethanol in the U.S.

“The EPA’s action allowing nationwide E15 sales to continue is a significant step toward increasing the demand for ethanol and has broad support for permanent approval from the President, as well as numerous members of Congress,” stated Eric McAfee, Chairman and CEO of Aemetis. “Permanent national approval of E15 would allow the demand for ethanol to grow as consumers nationwide benefit from lower-cost, domestic, renewable fuel that lowers the price of gasoline and supports rural communities with good jobs throughout the country.”

The EPA has indicated its intent to ensure that E15 remains available throughout the summer driving season. The EPA’s action applies throughout the United States, except California. The E15 blend is expected to help American drivers save money at the pump, reduce carbon emissions, strengthen rural economies, and enhance U.S. energy independence, according to the Renewable Fuels Association.

California is now the only state in the US that has not approved the E15 blend and typically has the highest average gasoline prices nationwide. To address the situation, Governor Gavin Newsom earlier this year issued a letter to the California Air and Resources Board (CARB) requesting completion of the study required to adopt E15 in California.

The adoption of a 15 percent ethanol blend in California is projected to create more than 600 million gallons per year of new biofuels demand and save consumers an estimated twenty cents per gallon, or approximately $2.7 billion at the pump each year, according to a UC Berkeley and US Naval Academy study. Californians would also benefit from reduced greenhouse gas emissions from the increased use of ethanol, and reduced exposure to benzene and other carcinogens in gasoline.

Senate Bill 2707, the “Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act,” was recently introduced into the U.S. Congress by 14 senators. This bill proposes the permanent sale of year-round E15 throughout the United States, except in states such as California that have their own fuel regulations. The E15 blend is approved for use in more than 95 percent of vehicles on the road today, according to the EPA.

About Aemetis

Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Aemetis is a renewable natural gas and biofuels company focused on the operation, acquisition, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies that support energy independence and security. Founded in 2006, Aemetis operates and is expanding a California biogas digester network and pipeline system to convert dairy waste into renewable natural gas. Aemetis owns and operates a 65 million gallon per year ethanol production facility in California’s Central Valley near Modesto that also supplies about 80 dairies with animal feed. Aemetis owns and operates an 80 million gallon per year biofuels facility on the East Coast of India producing high quality distilled biodiesel and refined glycerin. Aemetis is developing a sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel biorefinery and a carbon sequestration project in California. For additional information about Aemetis, please visit www.aemetis.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding assumptions, projections, expectations, targets, intentions or beliefs about future events or other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, projections of financial results; statements related to the development, engineering, financing, construction, timing, and operation of biodiesel, biogas, sustainable aviation fuel, CO2 sequestration, and other facilities; our ability to promote, develop, finance, and construct such facilities; and statements about future market demand and market prices and results of government actions. Words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “targets,” “view,” “will likely result,” “will continue” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions and predictions and are subject to many risks and uncertainties. Actual results or events could differ materially from those set forth or implied by such forward-looking statements and related assumptions due to certain factors, including, without limitation, competition in the ethanol, biodiesel and other industries in which we operate, commodity market risks including those that may result from current weather conditions, financial market risks, customer adoption, counter-party risks, risks associated with changes to government policy or regulation, and other risks detailed in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, and in our other filings with the SEC. We are not obligated, and do not intend, to update any of these forward-looking statements at any time unless an update is required by applicable securities laws.

Company Investor Relations
Media Contact:
Todd Waltz
(408) 213-0940
investors@aemetis.com

External Investor Relations
Contact:
Kirin Smith
PCG Advisory Group
(646) 863-6519
ksmith@pcgadvisory.com

The MIL Network –

April 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Kaltura Announces “Connect on the Road 2025” Conference Schedule: Join Experts from IBM, AWS, JPMorgan Chase & Co, Bloomberg, Adobe, and more in Exploring Digital Immortality and Institutional Knowledge Activation in the Age of Agentic AI
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

With hundreds of executives and leaders in Marketing, Communications, and Enterprise Media expected to attend, guests will have the opportunity to hear from some of the expert voices leading AI-driven transformations within their organizations, including:
- Toni VanWinkle, Vice President Digital Employee Experience, Adobe
- Phil Le-brun, Director, Enterprise Strategy, AWS
- Bill Macaitis, Advisor, former CMO, Slack & Zendesk
- Judy Lee, Senior Director, Global Brand Experiences, Pinterest
- Bruce Ableson, Senior Director of Global Readiness and Enablement, Adobe 
- Viral Sanghvi, Senior Manager, Global Sales & Communications Platforms, Vanguard
- Davood Shamsi, Director of AI/ML, JPMorgan Chase & Co. 
- RJ Crowder-Schaefer, Global Head of Event Product & Technology, Bloomberg
- Jennifer Sacks Tobener, VP, Digital & Marketing Technology, Salesforce
- Rodrigo Davies, AI Product Leader, Figma
- Amy Tennison, VP of TechXchange, IBM
- Unmesh Suryawanshi, Head of Streaming and Security, Visa
- Chris Hamilton, Senior Global Communications Director, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals
- Santiago Casto, Global Head of Automation and AI, MUFG
Among the topics that will be explored are:
1) Agentic AI that can think and execute decisions is turning corporate knowledge into a proactive, hyper-personalized, intelligent system. 
2) Transforming content into “Living archives” with content that self-updates, contextualizes insights, and delivers hyper-relevant knowledge based on a user’s real-time needs. 
3) Creating enduring, engaging institutional memory sources that don’t disappear with employee turnover but scale across teams, leveraging proven messaging and strategies. 
4) Ensuring brand continuity with consistent messaging across customer and user interactions to enhance engagement. 
5) Tackling AI ethics & ownership questions, such as who controls knowledge? How can organizations shape, govern, and direct AI-driven decision-making?

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

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

Reserve your spot at a location that works for you here.

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

The MIL Network –
April 30, 2025

Category: housing

Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) v1.1

Simplifications informed by the value chain

What this means

Join the Circular Economy stakeholder forum

Share this page

Updates to this page

Alarming statistics

New treatment strategies

More support for developing countries

Reform the system

Left-behind places

Working poets

Poets from the past

Unique voices, unique perspectives

Meet the ‘regulators of last resort’

No whistleblower is an island

Florida’s population boom

Scientists identify key areas to protect

Getting the public on board

Bipartisan support continues

Weight of shame

Queer Christians of color

Shifting views

‘City of refuge’

Failure to launch

Birth of Zionism

Spider-Man is relatable

Morality is Spider-Man’s strength

Sex and gender are not the same thing

What is gender ideology, really?

Biology is not destiny

Moving backward

Is veterinary acupuncture modeled on the traditional Chinese version?

What does research show about using acupuncture on animals?

How does your veterinary medicine group use acupuncture?

Can pet owners be confident if their vet recommends acupuncture?

More in Energy

Acknowledging Global and Korean Headwinds

Jobs Statistics:

Inflation Statistics:

Misc. Economic Statistics:

Economic Policy Wins:

Charts:

Simplifications informed by the value chain 

Join the Circular Economy stakeholder forum  