Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Global: How illicit markets fueled by data breaches sell your personal information to criminals

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Thomas Holt, Professor of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University

    Criminals often buy illicit information with cryptocurrencies. Boris Zhitkov via Getty Images

    Every year, massive data breaches harm the public. The targets are email service providers, retailers and government agencies that store information about people. Each breach includes sensitive personal information such as credit and debit card numbers, home addresses and account usernames and passwords from hundreds of thousands – and sometimes millions – of people.

    When National Public Data, a company that does online background checks, was breached in 2024, criminals gained the names, addresses, dates of birth and national identification numbers such as Social Security numbers of 170 million people in the U.S., U.K. and Canada. The same year, hackers who targeted Ticketmaster stole the financial information and personal data of more than 560 million customers.

    As a criminologist who researches cybercrime, I study the ways that hackers and cybercriminals steal and use people’s personal information. Understanding the people involved helps us to better recognize the ways that hacking and data breaches are intertwined. In so-called stolen data markets, hackers sell personal information they illegally obtain to others, who then use the data to engage in fraud and theft for profit.

    The quantity problem

    Every piece of personal data captured in a data breach – a passport number, Social Security number or login for a shopping service – has inherent value. Offenders can use the information in different ways. They can assume someone else’s identity, make a fraudulent purchase or steal services such as streaming media or music.

    The quantity of information, whether Social Security numbers or credit card details, that can be stolen through data breaches is more than any one group of criminals can efficiently process, validate or use in a reasonable amount of time. The same is true for the millions of email account usernames and passwords, or access to streaming services that data breaches can expose.

    This quantity problem has enabled the sale of information, including personal financial data, as part of the larger cybercrime online economy.

    eg: In headline of the following chart, U.S. doesn’t need periods.

    The sale of data, also known as carding, references the misuse of stolen credit card numbers or identity details. These illicit data markets began in the mid-1990s through the use of credit card number generators used by hackers. They shared programs that randomly generated credit card numbers and details and then checked to see whether the fake account details matched active cards that could then be used for fraudulent transactions.

    As more financial services were created and banks allowed customers to access their accounts through the internet, it became easier for hackers and cybercriminals to steal personal information through data breaches and phishing. Phishing involves sending convincing emails or SMS text messages to people to trick them into giving up sensitive information such as logins and passwords, often by clicking a false link that seems legitimate.

    One of the first phishing schemes targeted America Online users to get their account information to use their internet service at no charge.

    Selling stolen data online

    The large amount of information criminals were able to steal from such schemes led to more vendors offering stolen data to others through different online platforms.

    In the late 1990s and early 2000s, offenders used Internet Relay Chat, or IRC channels, to sell data. IRC was effectively like modern instant messaging systems, letting people communicate in real time through specialized software. Criminals used these channels to sell data and hacking services in an efficient place.

    In the early 2000s, vendors transitioned to web forums where individuals advertised their services to other users. Forums quickly gained popularity and became successful businesses with vendors selling stolen credit cards, malware and related goods and services to misuse personal information and enable fraud.

    One of the more prominent forums from this time was ShadowCrew, which formed in 2002 and operated until being taken down by a joint law enforcement operation in 2004. Their members trafficked over 1.7 million credit cards in less than three years.

    Forums continue to be popular, though vendors transitioned to running their own web-based shops on the open internet and dark web, which is an encrypted portion of the web that can be accessed only through specialized browsers like TOR, starting in the early 2010s. These shops have their own web addresses and distinct branding to attract customers, and they work in the same way as other e-commerce stores. More recently, vendors of stolen data have also begun to operate on messaging platforms such as Telegram and Signal to quickly connect with customers.

    Cybercriminals and customers

    Many of the people who supply and operate the markets appear to be cybercriminals from Eastern Europe and Russia who steal data and then sell it to others. Markets have also been observed in Vietnam and other parts of the world, though they do not get the same visibility in the global cybersecurity landscape.

    The customers of stolen data markets may reside anywhere in the world, and their demands for specific data or services may drive data breaches and cybercrime to provide the supply.

    The goods

    Stolen data is usually available in individual lots, such as a person’s credit or debit card and all the information associated with the account. These pieces are individually priced, with costs differing depending on the type of card, the victim’s location and the amount of data available related to the affected account.

    Vendors frequently offer discounts and promotions to buyers to attract customers and keep them loyal. This is often done with credit or debit cards that are about to expire.

    Some vendors also offer distinct products such as credit reports, Social Security numbers and login details for different paid services. The price for pieces of information varies. A recent analysis found credit card data sold for US$50 on average, while Walmart logins sold for $9. However, the pricing can vary widely across vendors and markets.

    Illicit payments

    Vendors typically accept payment through cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin that are difficult for law enforcement to trace.

    Bitcoin is often used as payment for elicit information because it’s difficult to trace.
    AP Photo/Charles Krupa

    Once payment is received, the vendor releases the data to the customer. Customers take on a great deal of the risk in this market because they cannot go to the police or a market regulator to complain about a fraudulent sale.

    Vendors may send customers dead accounts that are unable to be used or give no data at all. Such scams are common in a market where buyers can depend only on signals of vendor trust to increase the odds that the data they purchase will be delivered, and if it is, that it pays off. If the data they buy is functional, they can use it to make fraudulent purchases or financial transactions for profit.

    The rate of return can be exceptional. An offender who buys 100 cards for $500 can recoup costs if only 20 of those cards are active and can be used to make an average purchase of $30. The result is that data breaches are likely to continue as long as there is demand for illicit, profitable data.

    This article is part of a series on data privacy that explores who collects your data, what and how they collect, who sells and buys your data, what they all do with it, and what you can do about it.

    Thomas Holt 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. How illicit markets fueled by data breaches sell your personal information to criminals – https://theconversation.com/how-illicit-markets-fueled-by-data-breaches-sell-your-personal-information-to-criminals-251586

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI USA: Deluzio, Other Next-Generation Lawmakers Unveil Legislative Plan to Fight Corruption in the Executive Branch

    Source: US Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday afternoon, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) joined with Assistant Leader Joe Neguse (CO-02) and a wider group of next-generation reformers in the House of Representatives to introduce the End Corruption Now’ legislative agenda. Their effort to confront political corruption and clean up government includes six bills designed to put power back in the hands of the American people by preventing the President, Executive Branch officials, and Members of Congress from personally benefiting from their offices. Along with Congressmen Deluzio and Neguse, the group of representatives includes Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), and Angie Craig (MN-02). Congressman Deluzio introduced the No Corporate Crooks Act which prohibits CEOs convicted of financial crimes from serving in the executive branch. 

    “Corporate power has long rigged the system against the American people,” said Rep. Deluzio. “We must root out this corruption to restore the American Dream. Stopping corporate criminals from taking power from inside our government is a great place to start. I’m introducing the No Corporate Crooks Act as a part of the ‘End Corruption Now’ legislative agenda because someone convicted of crimes like bribery, embezzlement, fraud, insider trading, and more shouldn’t be let anywhere near the levers of power in the executive branch.” 

    “Donald Trump’s first 100 days back in office were marked by chaos, corruption, and self-dealing. He spent the time stacking his administration with billionaire donors and promoting shameless cryptocurrency scams, all while his Republican supporters in Congress trade stocks to benefit their own portfolios. The time for this corruption to end is now. We must clean up government for future generations and ensure our government is serving the American people, not special interests,” said Rep. Neguse.  

    “Elected officials are elected to serve their constituents, not their own self-interests,” said Rep. Craig. “It’s past time we pass legislation to clean up Washington and ensure our tax dollars are being spent as they should – on improving the lives of everyday Americans. That’s why I’m proud to be partnering with my colleagues on this anti-corruption campaign to make common-sense reforms that will restore integrity, transparency and efficiency to our government.”   

    “Members of Congress are elected to serve the American people, not to enrich themselves,” said Rep. Magaziner. “We must ban Member of Congress from trading stocks, because there should be no opportunity for elected officials to profit off of their positions. I am proud to join Representative Neguse and other colleagues in our effort to bring real ethics reform to Washington.” 

    “For too long, politicians in both parties have put their own gain ahead of what’s best for the American people. The brazen corruption of the last few months has only highlighted the need for urgent action. It is time for comprehensive reform to ensure politicians serve the people, not themselves,” said Rep. Ryan. “No more getting rich off trading stocks. An end to Members of Congress becoming lobbyists. Getting rid of kickbacks for billionaire friends. I’m proud to be working alongside a group of next-generation lawmakers who refuse to accept the status quo – we’re here to clean things up.” 

    “At a time when public trust in our institutions is at a breaking point, the Integrity in Government Act is about restoring accountability at the highest levels of power. This bill protects the nonpartisan watchdogs who work on behalf of the American people and ensures that the White House–regardless of who is in office–is subject to real oversight to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure efficiency. Our democracy depends on transparency, and the American people deserve nothing less,” said Rep. Scholten.  

    “When public officials use their power for personal gain and are shielded from accountability, we undermine democracy itself,” said Rep. Sykes. “This bill – and the broader End Corruption Now agenda – is about restoring public trust and ensuring that no one is above the law. The American people deserve a government that works for them, not for the biggest wallets or the best connections.” 

    The End Corruption Now legislative agenda targets conflicts of interest and would put a stop to the selling of access and influence, including banning Members of Congress from trading stocks or becoming lobbyists, and strengthening anti-corruption laws. It includes the following bills:  

    • The No Corporate Crooks Act, introduced by Rep. Chris Deluzio, prohibits any chief executive officers, in either the public or private sector, convicted of covered financial crimes from serving in the executive branch. Read the bill text here.
    • The Close the Revolving Door Act, introduced by Rep. Joe Neguse, places a lifetime ban on Members of Congress from serving as lobbyists. Read the bill text here.
    • The Transparent Representation Upholding Service and Trust (TRUST) in Congress Act, introduced by Rep. Seth Magaziner, effectively bans Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from trading individual stocks by requiring them to either divest from individual stock holdings or move their investments into a qualified blind trust during their entire tenure in Congress. Read the bill text here
    • The Millionaires Using Service for Kickbacks (MUSK) Act, introduced by Rep. Pat Ryan, requires government employees defined as Executive Schedule (I-IV) employees, Special Government Employees, and people in the Executive Office of the President to recuse themselves from any matters affecting the financial interests of their previous employers for the four-year period. Learn more about this bill here.
    • The Integrity in Government (IG) Act, introduced by Rep. Hillary Scholten, strengthens checks and balances by installing new oversight measures for the White House and its top offices and protecting independent watchdogs from political retaliation. Learn more about this bill here.
    • The Closing the Bribery Loopholes Act, introduced by Rep. Emilia Sykes, closes loopholes in the federal bribery statute by clarifying the definition of an “official act” by a public official. The bill expands the definition to prohibit public officials from improperly using their position for private gain. Read the bill text here. 
    • The Restoring Integrity in Democracy Resolution, introduced by Rep. Angie Craig, would prohibit Members of Congress from serving on corporate boards. Read the bill text here. 

    The End Corruption Now agenda is endorsed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), Public Citizen, and Project On Government Oversight (POGO). 

    “When people who have been convicted of bribery, corruption or fraud are allowed to serve in the Executive Branch, it erodes public trust,” said Debra Perlin, Vice President for Policy for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). “The American people need to know that government officials are working to advance the public’s interest, not their personal profit. CREW applauds Rep. Deluzio’s efforts to prevent corrupt CEOs from serving as government appointees, and urges Congress to pass the No Corporate Crooks Act expeditiously.” 

    “Rep. Deluzio’s No Corporate Crooks Act is heartly endorsed by Public Citizen. Serving key roles in the presidential administration should be off limits to those convicted of corporate crimes. It is in the same vein as the current lobbying laws that require lobbyists to declare any criminal convictions involving bribery or fraud. Americans deserve a clean and honest governmental process. A good place to start is to steer clear of corporate criminals.” — Craig Holman, Ph.D., Public Citizen 

    “At a time when the federal government does not have the trust and confidence of the American people, it is more important than ever for leaders to lead and respond accordingly,” said Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette, Acting Vice-President of Policy and Government Affairs at the Project On Government Oversight (POGO). “Not since the post-Watergate era has there been such a need for a comprehensive anti-corruption, good governance reform agenda. This is why Rep. Neguse and his colleagues should be applauded for this bold reform initiative, aimed at cracking down on corruption and bringing about the government that the American people deserve. Whether it’s reining in the corruption of the revolving door or banning the unethical practice of congressional stock trading or strengthening oversight tools like inspectors general, these reforms are long overdue and now is the time to get them done.” 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Harshbarger Introduces Legislation to Support Reproductive Healthcare

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-TN)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger, alongside co-lead Congressman Riley Moore (R-WV), introduced H.R. 3589, the Reproductive Empowerment and Support through Optimal Restoration (RESTORE) Act. The Senate companion bill is being introduced by Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) and James Lankford (R-OK).

    With 15 to 16 percent of couples in the U.S. facing infertility struggles, this bill aims to support genuine solutions and empower couples with autonomy over how they build their families. The RESTORE Act seeks to address fertility concerns among individuals of childbearing age through a cost-effective, holistic approach to healing infertility. Originally introduced in the last Congress, the bill has been updated to provide more substantive solutions, focusing on expanding access to holistic fertility treatments and restorative reproductive medicine for both women and men.

    Congresswoman Harshbarger issued the following statement.

    “Having children is one of God’s greatest gifts, and we should be empowering modern medicine and investing in solutions that address the root causes of infertility to bring hope to prospective parents.

    “The RESTORE Act will provide essential tools not only for women and men trying to conceive but also for medical professionals, equipping them to better treat reproductive health conditions. I’m honored to join Senators Hyde-Smith and Lankford in introducing the House companion to this legislation.”

    Congressman Moore noted.

    “America is facing a fertility crisis. Far too often, couples struggling with infertility are told that their only options are expensive procedures that fail to restore natural fertility and overall health

    “I’m proud to co-lead this legislation aimed at making Americans healthy again by promoting root cause treatments for infertility and reproductive health conditions.”

    Senator Hyde-Smith said the following.

    “So many couples of today’s childbearing-aged generations face an uphill battle with fertility struggles that are complex and unique to every woman and man. The holistic fertility policy promoted through the RESTORE Act aims to treat the root causes of infertility, many of which stem from chronic conditions and environmental factors that are the focus of President Trump’s MAHA movement.

    “If we are going to truly support women and men who are ready to embrace parenthood, then we should promote substantive fertility solutions that ensure access to restorative reproductive medicine—fully healing couples and empowering them with autonomy over how they start and build their families.” 

    Senator Lankford added:

    “Infertility is one of the most difficult challenges couples can face, and most Americans have either faced or know someone who is facing the difficult journey to have a baby. IVF is an incredible scientific advancement that allows families to bring life into the world, but IVF is very expensive and shouldn’t be the only option available to families. The RESTORE Act prioritizes addressing underlying causes of infertility to help families to bring the miracle of life into the world.”

    Learn more about the legislation by clicking HERE.

    View the bill text HERE.

    Groups Supporting: American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG) Action, Americans United for Life, Ethics & Public Policy Center, Family Policy Alliance, Heritage Action for America, March for Life Action, Students for Life Action, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi signs order to promulgate rules on developing military facilities 2025-06-05 21:26:21 Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission, has signed an order to promulgate regulations on developing military facilities.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) — Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission, has signed an order to promulgate regulations on developing military facilities.

      The regulations, which will take effect on Aug. 1, focus on enhancing combat readiness and aim to adapt to the new command system and support mechanisms.

      The regulations also standardize the fundamental principles, management frameworks, operational procedures, and institutional requirements for military facility development.

      The regulations comprise 11 chapters and 63 articles. 

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    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: China to promote healthy development of automotive industry: commerce ministry

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

    BEIJING, June 5 — China will work to remove bottlenecks and obstacles restricting the circulation and consumption of automobiles, and promote the healthy development of the automotive sector, He Yongqian, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

    The automotive industry is a strategic and pillar industry of China’s national economy and plays a key role in maintaining stable growth and expanding consumption, He told a regular press conference.

    In recent years, the ministry has implemented a car trade-in program and piloted reforms in automobile circulation and consumption to unlock market potential and foster new growth points, the spokesperson added.

    The ministry recently organized a symposium with industry associations, research institutions, and related enterprises to gather opinions and explore further measures to improve automobile circulation and consumption, He said.

    Moving forward, the ministry will collaborate with relevant departments to strengthen market research and policy guidance, ensuring better alignment with diverse and personalized consumer demands.

    To address rat-race competition in the sector, the ministry will also enhance compliance oversight and market rectification efforts to maintain a fair and competitive market order, He emphasized.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi signs order to promulgate rules on developing military facilities

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

    BEIJING, June 5 — Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission, has signed an order to promulgate regulations on developing military facilities.

    The regulations, which will take effect on Aug. 1, focus on enhancing combat readiness and aim to adapt to the new command system and support mechanisms.

    The regulations also standardize the fundamental principles, management frameworks, operational procedures, and institutional requirements for military facility development.

    The regulations comprise 11 chapters and 63 articles.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: China intensifies legal protection for environment

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

    Chinese courts concluded 219,000 first-instance environmental cases in 2024, including 4,168 environmental public interest lawsuits and 246 ecological damage compensation cases, the Supreme People’s Court (SPC) announced Thursday.

    Courts ordered violators to pay 9.6 billion yuan (about 1.34 billion U.S. dollars) in reparations, the SPC said in an annual report.

    The figures showcased the country’s intensified legal efforts to combat pollution and ecological degradation, and rigorous enforcement of laws on environmental protection and pollution control.

    Chinese courts closed 1.03 million first-instance environmental cases from 2019 to 2023, up 18.9 percent increase from the previous five years.

    Meanwhile, China has bolstered judicial specialization, establishing 2,424 environmental tribunals and staffing them with over 16,000 judges and assistants by 2024.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Spokesperson: China to firmly defend legitimate rights of Chinese students, scholars overseas

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

    China will resolutely defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students and scholars overseas, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

    Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a daily press briefing when responding to a relevant media query on U.S. announcement to restrict international student visas at Harvard University.

    Lin said that education cooperation between China and the United States is mutually beneficial, adding that China has always been opposed to politicizing education cooperation.

    What the United States did will only damage its own image and international credibility, Lin said.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Joins Colleagues in Pressing Administration to Stand by America’s Promises of Safety for Afghan Allies, Who Protected and Fought Alongside U.S. Troops

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-Md.), and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) in pressing for answers from the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State on the decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghan nationals living in the United States. The lawmakers’ letter, sent to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, notes the devastating impact of this decision, including on the many Afghans who supported the U.S. military during the war in Afghanistan and who face significant danger upon their return. The letter was signed by more than 100 lawmakers. 
      “We write with deep concern about the Department of Homeland Security’s termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan, which is scheduled to take effect on July 14, 2025. This decision is devastating for resettled Afghan nationals in the United States who have fled widespread violence, economic instability, challenging humanitarian conditions, and human rights abuses in their home country. Many of these Afghans fearlessly served as strong allies to the United States military during the war in Afghanistan, and we cannot blatantly disregard their service. We respectfully ask that you redesignate Afghanistan for TPS to ensure Afghan nationals in the U.S. are not forced to return to devastating humanitarian, civic, and economic conditions,” the lawmakers began.  
     They go on to note, “The Secretary of Homeland Security ‘may designate a foreign country for TPS due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately.’  This is why, following the withdrawal of American troops and the return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan, in May 2022 the U.S. designated Afghanistan for TPS.”  
      “The grave conditions that forced Afghan nationals to flee and seek refuge in the U.S. following the return of the Taliban to power remain. Because of this harsh reality, forcing Afghan nationals in the U.S. to return to Afghanistan would be reckless and inhumane, and would threaten the safety and well-being of thousands of individuals and families, especially women and girls,” they stress.  
     The lawmakers close the letter urging the Administration to reverse course and seeking the following information:  
      Please provide any reports that credibly determine that conditions have improved in Afghanistan since 2023.   
     The TPS termination announcement stated that “there are recipients who have been under investigation for fraud and threatening our public safety and national security.” Please provide additional details on how the Administration made this determination and how widespread these allegations of fraud and threats are. 
     Describe the collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State to reach the determination that Afghanistan no longer meets the conditions for designation for TPS.  
     Please provide any reports that indicate the Taliban is no longer a threat to Afghan nationals that assisted the United States military during the war in Afghanistan.  
      What steps are you taking to ensure that Afghan nationals who previously had TPS will not be sent back to persecution or torture in Afghanistan? 
    The letter was signed by Senator Welch, and led by Senator Van Hollen, Congressman Ivey, and Senator Klobuchar. The letter was also signed by Senators Alsobrooks, Baldwin, Blumenthal, Booker, Coons, Cortez Masto, Duckworth, Durbin, Fetterman, Gillibrand, Heinrich, Hirono, Kaine, Kelly, Kim, King, Markey, Padilla, Reed, Rosen, Sanders, Schiff, Smith, Warner, Warnock, and Wyden and Representatives Amo, Ansari, Balint, Bell, Beyer, Budzinski, Carbajal, Carter, Casten, Castro, Chu, Clarke, Cleaver, Courtney, Dean, DeGette, DelBene, Elfreth, Evans (Pa.), Fields, Garcia (Calif.), García (Ill.), Garcia (Texas), Goldman, Gomez, Gonzalez, Gottheimer, Hayes, Jackson (Ill.), Jayapal, Johnson (Ga.), Johnson (Texas), Kaptur, Keating, Kelly (Ill.), Kennedy (N.Y.), Krishnamoorthi, Landsman, Larson, Latimer, Levin, Lieu, Lofgren, Lynch, McClain Delaney, McClellan, McCollum, McGovern, Meeks, Mfume, Moulton, Norton, Olszewski, Pallone, Panetta, Peters (Calif.), Raskin, Sánchez, Scanlon, Schakowsky, Sherman, Sorensen, Subramanyam, Swalwell, Titus, Tlaib, Tokuda, Tonko, Vargas, Veasey, and Watson Coleman. 
      The full text of the letter is available here and below.  
      Dear Secretary Noem and Secretary Rubio: 
     We write with deep concern about the Department of Homeland Security’s termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan, which is scheduled to take effect on July 14, 2025. This decision is devastating for resettled Afghan nationals in the United States who have fled widespread violence, economic instability, challenging humanitarian conditions, and human rights abuses in their home country. Many of these Afghans fearlessly served as strong allies to the United States military during the war in Afghanistan, and we cannot blatantly disregard their service. We respectfully ask that you redesignate Afghanistan for TPS to ensure Afghan nationals in the U.S. are not forced to return to devastating humanitarian, civic, and economic conditions.  
     The Secretary of Homeland Security “may designate a foreign country for TPS due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately.”  This is why, following the withdrawal of American troops and the return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan, in May 2022 the U.S. designated Afghanistan for TPS.  In September 2023, the U.S. extended and redesignated TPS for Afghanistan. The Administration’s decision to terminate TPS for Afghanistan negatively impacts approximately 9,000 Afghan nationals.  
     In your announcement, you state that “there are notable improvements in the security and economic situation such that requiring the return of Afghan nationals to Afghanistan does not pose a threat to their personal safety due to armed conflict or extraordinary and temporary conditions.”  But you also concede that threats of violence and terrorism, as well as humanitarian concerns, remain.  The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), the Afghan affiliate of the Islamic State (ISIS), continues to launch attacks against ethnic and religious minorities and against the Taliban, leading to innocent civilian casualties. If Afghan nationals are forced to return to Afghanistan, they will be caught in the crossfire between the Taliban and ISKP.  According to Human Rights Watch, in 2024, Taliban authorities intensified their crackdown on human rights, especially against women and girls. Women and girls are banned from attending secondary school or university and are unable to move freely. The Taliban also continues to detain and torture journalists, curtailing free speech and media. The 2023 U.S. State Department Human Rights Report covering Afghanistan found that women’s rights rapidly declined and restrictions on freedom of expression increased. The horrific human rights conditions in Afghanistan are unsafe for Afghan nationals to return to and returning would put their personal safety at immediate risk.  
     We are also deeply concerned about the State Department Human Rights Report finding that widespread arbitrary and unlawful killings against officials associated with the pre-August 2021 government have occurred.  Afghan nationals who assisted the U.S. military should not be put in harm’s way because they supported the U.S. in its fight against the Taliban. This would be a betrayal of those who bravely served alongside our servicemembers for nearly two decades.  
     Afghan civilians still face devastating humanitarian and economic conditions. Over half of the population in Afghanistan needs urgent humanitarian assistance. Human Rights Watch reports that in 2024, 12.4 million people were facing food insecurity and 2.9 million were at emergency levels of hunger.  The World Bank also found that in Afghanistan, as of May 2025, “per capita income has stagnated, while poverty and food insecurity remain pressing challenges, exacerbated by high unemployment and restrictions on women’s economic participation.”   
     The grave conditions that forced Afghan nationals to flee and seek refuge in the U.S. following the return of the Taliban to power remain. Because of this harsh reality, forcing Afghan nationals in the U.S. to return to Afghanistan would be reckless and inhumane, and would threaten the safety and well-being of thousands of individuals and families, especially women and girls.  
     In August 2021, Americans welcomed Afghan nationals at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia with open arms, and we refuse to turn our backs on them now.  We strongly urge you to reconsider your decision to terminate TPS for Afghanistan and ask that you respond to the following requests no later than two weeks of receipt of this letter: 
     Please provide any reports that credibly determine that conditions have improved in Afghanistan since 2023.   
     The TPS termination announcement stated that “there are recipients who have been under investigation for fraud and threatening our public safety and national security.” Please provide additional details on how the Administration made this determination and how widespread these allegations of fraud and threats are.  
    Describe the collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State to reach the determination that Afghanistan no longer meets the conditions for designation for TPS.   
    Please provide any reports that indicate the Taliban is no longer a threat to Afghan nationals that assisted the United States military during the war in Afghanistan.  
     What steps are you taking to ensure that Afghan nationals who previously had TPS will not be sent back to persecution or torture in Afghanistan? 
     Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter and we hope to receive your responses soon. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Anesthesia Breathing Circuit Kit Correction: Draeger, Inc. Updates Use Instructions for VentStar Flex and Anesthesia Circuit Kits Due to Cracks in Hose That May Cause Inadequate Ventilation

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    This recall involves removing certain devices from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it.
    Affected Product

    Part No. 

    Product Name 

    UDI-DI 

    Potential Affected Lots 

    MP00355 

    VentStar Flex 220 

    04048675248996 

    All Lot Numbers 

    MP02737 

    Anesthesia Circuit Kit Flex 1 

    04048675389620 

    All Lot Numbers 

    MP02738 

    Anesthesia Circuit Kit Flex 2 

    04048675389637 

    All Lot Numbers 

    MP02744 

    Anesthesia Circuit Kit Flex 6 

    04048675389675 

    All Lot Numbers 

    MP02752 

    Anesthesia Circuit Kit Flex (P)2 

    04048675389729 

    All Lot Numbers 

    MP17103 

    Anesthesia Circuit Kit Flex HEPA 

    04048675695660 

    All Lot Numbers  

    What to Do

    Follow updated Instructions for Use.
    Perform a leak test before every use of these breathing circuits, after stretching the hose to the required length, to check for cracks or leaks.
    Use hose holders with a larger contact surface to avoid creating cracks in the hose.
    Do not use any breathing circuit that shows signs of damage or fails the leak test.

    On March 3, 2025, Draeger, Inc. sent all affected customers an Urgent Medical Device Notification recommending the following actions when using these breathing circuits:

    Use holders with a larger contact surface.
    Perform leak testing after stretching the flexible hose to the required length for the application. Please observe the products Instructions for Use.
    Inspect all inventory for affected products and ensure all device users in your facility are aware of the updated use instructions.
    If you have distributed affected products to other locations, forward this correction notice to those users.
    Report any device malfunctions or adverse events to FDA MedWatch and Draeger Customer Service.

    Reason for Updates to Use Instructions
    Draeger, Inc. is updating the use instructions on breathing circuits after receiving reports that cracks may form in the hose during use. These cracks may cause leaks, potentially resulting in the ventilator or anesthesia device providing inadequate ventilation.
    The use of affected products may cause serious adverse health consequences, including low oxygen levels (hypoxia), high carbon dioxide levels (hypercarbia), and death.
    Draeger has not reported any serious injuries or deaths related to this issue.
    Device Use  
    The affected breathing circuits are used in hospitals and clinical settings to deliver breathing gases to patients under anesthesia or during mechanical ventilation.
    Contact Information  
    Customers in the U.S. with questions about this recall should contact Draeger, Inc. Customer Service at (267) 664-1131.
    Additional FDA Resources:  

    FDA’s Enforcement Report  

    Medical Device Recall Database:

    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)  
    The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from manufacturing through distribution to patient use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified, and problems potentially corrected more quickly.  

    How do I report a problem?  
    Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

    Content current as of:
    06/05/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Flexible Tracheostomy Tube Recall: Medtronic Removes Shiley Adult Flexible Tracheostomy Tube with TaperGuard Cuff Reusable Inner Cannula Due to Risk for Disconnection of the Flange from the Device Cannula

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    This recall involves removing certain devices from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it.
    Affected Product 

    Product Names: Shiley Adult Flexible Tracheostomy Tube with TaperGuard Cuff Reusable Inner Cannula
    Unique Device Identifier (UDI): A8845212054401, 20884521205441, 10884521205444
    Lot/Serial Numbers: Lot: 202405258X, SKU/CFN: 7CN80R

    What to Do  

    Assess the overall patient risk when considering the timing of replacement.
    Continue to follow current product Instructions for Use (IFU) along with facility specific policies and procedures.

    On Feb. 26, 2025, Medtronic sent all affected customers an Urgent Medical Device Recall notice recommending the following actions:  

    Quarantine all unused product from the affected lot of Shiley Adult Flexible Tracheostomy Tube with TaperGuard Cuff Reusable Inner Cannula.
    Return all unused product from the affected lot in your inventory to Medtronic as described on the Customer Confirmation Form.
    Share this notice with all those who need to be aware within your organization and to any organization where potentially affected product from the specified lot has been transferred or distributed.
    Complete and return the Customer Confirmation Form attached to the letter even if you do not have unused inventory.

    Reason for Recall    
    Medtronic and its subsidiary Covidien are recalling Shiley Adult Flexible Tracheostomy Tube with TaperGuard Cuff Reusable Inner Cannula because the tube may become dislodged or move out of place if the securement flange becomes disconnected. This could prevent the patient from breathing and/or block the airway, which may lead to a serious or life-threatening emergency.
    The use of a device that has disconnected the flange from the device cannula may result in respiratory failure, airway tissue injury, choking (aspiration), respiratory tract infection, tightening of the airways (bronchospasm), treatment delay and/or death.
    Medtronic has not reported any serious injuries or deaths related to this issue.
    Device Use  
    The Shiley Adult Flexible Tracheostomy Tube with TaperGuard Cuff and reusable inner cannula is used to help patients breathe by providing access to the windpipe (trachea). It can also be used during a procedure called Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheotomy (PDT), which is a method to create an opening in the neck to place the tube.
    Contact Information  
    Customers in the U.S. with questions about this recall should contact their Medtronic Representative or Customer Service at (800) 962-9888 and select “Option 2” when prompted.
    Additional FDA Resources:  

    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)  
    The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from manufacturing through distribution to patient use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified, and problems potentially corrected more quickly.  

    How do I report a problem?  
    Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

    Content current as of:
    06/05/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Infusion Pump Correction: Baxter Issues Correction for Novum IQ Large Volume Pump due to Potential for Underinfusion

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    This recall involves removing certain devices from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it.
    Affected Product

    The FDA is aware that Baxter has issued a letter to affected customers recommending that Novum IQ Large Volume Pumps be corrected prior to continued use.
    Affected Product:

    Product Code
    Product Description
    Serial Numbers
    UDI-DI Number

    40700BAXUS
    Novum IQ LVP
    All
    05413765851797

    What to Do
    On April 24, Baxter sent all affected customers a letter recommending the following actions:

    For flow rates greater than 50 mL/hour, do not exceed a programmed standby time of 2 hours and 30 minutes. Monitor patients frequently to ensure that the appropriate infusion is being delivered.
    Please remove the set upon powering off the device.
    Post the enclosed informational poster with Novum IQ LVPs in your facility.
    Please forward a copy of this communication to the Chief Medical Officer, Medical Director, Director of Nursing, Director of Pharmacy, Facility Risk Manager, Director of Purchasing/Central Supply, and any other departments within your institution who use the affected product.

    Reason for Correction
    Baxter has become aware of the potential for underinfusion with the Novum IQ large volume pump following use of the “standby mode” feature, or if the device is powered off with the set loaded. Keeping the administration set loaded in the pump for an extended period of time may result in an underinfusion on the subsequent infusion due to compression of the set. The risk increases when infusing at higher flow rates after longer duration in standby mode or powered off.
    Testing has identified that at flow rates above 50 mL/hour, certain infusions may experience flow rate variability of more than 10% after 2 hours and 30 minutes. In the worst-case scenario, 50% underinfusion can be observed at the maximum flow rate of 1200 mL/hour and the maximum standby time of 12 hours. This may lead to underinfusion of infusates, including drugs, IV nutrition, blood, and blood products.
    Note that even at 10% variability, pediatric patients (infants > 29 days to 2 years) may be at risk of dehydration, inadequate drug therapy and nutrition, as well as insufficient blood infusion, leading to increased risk of morbidity and mortality.
    Baxter has reported one serious injury, and no deaths associated with this issue.
    Device Use
    The Baxter Novum IQ Syringe Pump is intended to provide intravenous infusion of parenteral fluids, blood, and blood products to a patient under the direction or supervision of a physician or other certified health care professional.
    Contact Information
    Customers in the U.S. with adverse reactions, quality problems, or questions about this recall should contact Baxter at 847-948-4770.
    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)  
    The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from manufacturing through distribution to patient use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified, and problems potentially corrected more quickly.  

    How do I report a problem?  
    Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

    Content current as of:
    06/05/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sanders Announces Trade Mission to France, Switzerland

    Source: US State of Arkansas

    LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders released the following statement today announcing her overseas trade mission to the Paris Air Show and Switzerland from June 14 to 19:

    “After the success of my first visit to the Paris Air Show in 2023 and Farnborough Airshow in 2024, during which we secured investments from aerospace and defense giants like Dassault Falcon Jet and RTX, I am excited that I will be representing Arkansas again this year. I will begin in Normandy, paying tribute to our fallen soldiers shortly after the 81st anniversary of D-Day, before continuing onto the Paris Air Show to meet with major aerospace and defense companies, and then concluding the trip in Switzerland to discuss investing in Arkansas with several large corporations. International trade missions are a great way to pitch Arkansas to companies that might not otherwise have our state on their radar and have a proven track record of bringing in jobs and investment.”

    The Governor’s trip will include appearances on a panel at the Air Show hosted by the Aerospace Industries Association and a fireside chat hosted by the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce. She will also pay tribute to Arkansans including U.S. Army Private Rodger D. Andrews, who is memorialized at the Normandy American Cemetery’s Wall of the Missing and whose remains were only recently identified and who will be laid to rest in Arkansas on June 9.

    During the Governor’s previous trip to the Paris Air Show, her discussions helped facilitate Dassault Falcon Jet’s $100 million, 800 job expansion in Little Rock and RTX’s new, $33 million manufacturing facility in East Camden, which was later expanded to a $63 million investment. The Governor’s trip to the Farnborough Airshow last summer helped secure Taber Extrusions’ $60 million, 70 job expansion in Russellville.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: LPL Financial Welcomes Loomis Wealth Management

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial LLC announced today that financial advisors William “Bill” Curtis Loomis, III, CFP®, William Curtis “Curt” Loomis, IV and Justin K. Hitt of Loomis Wealth Management have joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) and custodial platforms. The team reported serving approximately $180 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets* and joins LPL from L.M. Kohn & Company.

    Based in Harrisonburg, Va., Bill and Curt founded Loomis Wealth Management in 2010 with the goal of empowering individuals and families to achieve their financial goals through comprehensive, fiduciary-driven wealth management. The father and son team have a combined six decades of financial industry experience and have earned a reputation in the Shenandoah Valley for their holistic approach to wealth management. Hitt, who spent a decade as an educator for the Rockingham County Public Schools before transitioning to the financial industry, joined the team in 2023. Together they offer a full range of investment management, financial planning and risk management services, allowing them to address all aspects of their clients’ financial lives.

    “We take the time to get to know our clients, their lifestyle, their family and their financial aspirations. Our personal service does more than just build bonds; it gives us a greater sense of how to work for our clients,” Curt said. “We appreciate that just as no two snowflakes are alike, no two investment portfolios will be identical. Who our clients are, how they live and their fiscal goals provide insight into how we can help.”

    Looking for more autonomy, improved technology offerings and the opportunity to provide an elevated client experience, the Loomis Wealth Management team turned to LPL.

    “LPL is a forward-thinking firm, and one aspect that particularly attracted us is their ongoing investment in resources to help advisors provide a next-level client experience — specifically their integrated and open architecture technology platform which will enable us to access everything with a single sign-on,” said Hitt. ”LPL’s commitment to its advisors, paired with our personal and in-depth approach, will allow us to serve our clients and build our business the way we envision.”

    Scott Posner, LPL Managing Director, Business Development, said, “We welcome Bill, Curt and Justin to LPL and congratulate them on this milestone in the evolution of their practice. Just as the Loomis Wealth Management team prioritizes their clients, everything we do at LPL revolves around empowering advisors to run thriving practices and provide an elevated client experience. We look forward to a long-lasting relationship with Loomis Wealth Management.”

    Related
    Advisors, learn how LPL Financial can help take your business to the next level.

    About LPL Financial

    LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace, LPL supports nearly 29,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,200 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $1.8 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of approximately 7 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit www.lpl.com.

    Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Loomis Wealth Management and LPL Financial are separate entities.

    Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial.

    We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “Investor Relations” or “Press Releases” section of our website.

    *Value approximated based on asset and holding details provided to LPL from end of year, 2024.

    Media Contact: 
    Media.relations@LPLFinancial.com 

    Tracking #745820

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: rPlus Energies Secures Over $500 Million in Tax Equity Financing with RBC Community Investments for 800 MW Green River Energy Center

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SALT LAKE CITY, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — rPlus Energies announced today the successful close of a tax equity financing commitment exceeding $500 million with RBC Community Investments and a syndicate of investors to support Green River Energy Center, a landmark solar-plus-storage project in Emery County, Utah. The financing will utilize the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC).

    Green River Energy Center includes 400 megawatts AC (MWAC) of solar PV and 400 MWAC/1,600 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage and has a long-term power purchase agreement in place with PacifiCorp.

    The project is among the largest solar-plus-storage projects currently under construction in the United States and is expected to generate more than $55 million in direct economic benefits for Emery County over the next 20 years. It has created hundreds of construction jobs.

    “Green River Energy Center is an investment in the long-term resilience of a region that has powered the American West for generations,” said Luigi Resta, President and CEO of rPlus Energies. “This project honors Emery County’s legacy as an energy-producing region while helping to secure its future. By utilizing federal tools, such as the investment tax credit, we ensure that rural communities continue to lead our country’s energy production and dominance.”

    “We are proud to partner with rPlus and provide tax equity financing for this landmark clean energy project. The economic and energy benefits that the Green River Energy Center will bring to the region were key factors in the transaction for RBC and our co-investors, including locally based FJ Management,” said Jonathan Cheng, Managing Director and Head of RBC’s renewable energy tax equity investments and syndications.

    This milestone follows the successful close of over $1 billion in construction debt financing for the project announced last year, marking continued momentum.

    As further commitment to local impact, several project stakeholders have collectively contributed $375,000 to fund two scholarship programs, the Local First Scholarship and the Energy First Scholarship, in partnership with Utah State University Eastern. These scholarships, which rPlus Energies establishes with each project that enters construction, are strategically designed to support workforce development by retaining local talent, reducing the out-migration of skilled workers, and preparing the next generation for high-demand roles in the evolving energy economy.

    Norton Rose Fulbright, CCA, and Dorsey & Whitney advised rPlus Energies, and Sidley Austin and Snell & Wilmer advised RBC on behalf of the tax equity syndicate.

    The project is expected to be complete in 2026.

    About rPlus Energies
    rPlus Energies is a team of committed energy industry professionals working together to develop, own and operate large-scale renewable energy generation and electric storage projects in the United States. The company specializes in bringing projects to market through partnership with the private sector, municipalities, utilities, and industry-leading technology, service and finance providers. Its portfolio consists of a strategic mix of solar, battery, wind, and pumped storage hydro facilities. To date, rPlus Energies has raised over $650,000 to support local scholarships in the project communities. rPlus Energies is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah and is backed by Sandbrook Capital and Gardner Group.

    About RBC Community Investments

    www.rbccm.com/communityinvestments

    RBC Community Investments is a leading syndicator of Renewable Energy Tax Credits, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Workforce Housing Investments, Historic Tax Credits, and State Tax Credits. By creating well-structured investments, our team of experienced professionals deliver equity solutions that help drive the successful development of affordable multifamily communities and renewable energy projects nationwide. As of May 2025, our team of over 137 professionals has raised over $20.4 billion in equity with 98 institutional investors.

    rPlus Energies Media Contact
    Brad Carl
    Silverline
    brad@teamsilverline.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/86512011-0136-4093-97dc-97362875d75d.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Crowd Street Introduces New Platform Enhancements to Improve Transparency, Efficiency, and Experience for Members

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Crowd Street, the direct-access private market investment platform dedicated to helping members reach their financial ambitions, today announced a series of platform enhancements designed to make investing in private markets easier, clearer, and more rewarding. These latest updates signal Crowd Street’s ongoing commitment to a first-class member experience and building one of the industry’s leading self-directed platforms for private market investing.

    “The updates are more than just features – they’re foundational improvements that reflect our vision of unlocking direct access to the private markets for accredited investors,” said John Imbriglia, CEO of Crowd Street. “We’re building a platform that reduces friction and empowers individual investors to make confident decisions about their portfolio. This is another exciting step toward setting a new industry standard for self-directed private market investing.”

    Over the past several months, Crowd Street’s product and design teams have delivered targeted updates that improve usability, enhance transparency, and reduce friction across key workflows. Notable improvements include:

    • Improved Portfolio Transparency: Clearer labeling of multi-asset deals and non-reporting offerings that help investors better understand portfolios and reporting expectations from its sponsors.
    • Streamlined Sponsor Reporting Tools: Enhancements that simplify and accelerate quarterly report uploads, surfacing the most relevant data for investors.
    • Tax-Time Enhancements: Helpful nudges and backend improvements during tax season that reduce confusion and make it easier for members to access the documents they need.
    • Refined Offering Detail Page: A redesigned experience that features clearer data, better navigation, and faster access to key documents, all of which enable quicker evaluation and decision-making.

    “These enhancements are the result of close cross-functional collaboration and an ongoing dialogue with our members,” said Shaun Mulreed, Chief Operating Officer of Crowd Street. “From onboarding to tax season, we are focused on removing obstacles and delivering clarity where it matters most. These changes are about empowering our Members through better tools, smarter processes, and a more seamless member experience.”

    The Crowd Street platform enhancements come as interest in private market investing is expected to rise. Today, only about three percent of individual investors’ assets are allocated to private market opportunities. However, industry research projects that number will rapidly expand, and become a market opportunity in the trillions of dollars by 2028.

    About Crowd Street
    Crowd Street empowers its members to reach their financial ambitions through self-directed private market investments. The platform offers a carefully selected marketplace of alternative investment opportunities that have historically only been available to a small group of people. In addition to providing advanced tools, research, and insights to help investors confidently explore these exclusive opportunities, Crowd Street is also building a member experience rooted in trust and experience – further bridging the gap between investment opportunities and true financial wealth. Learn more at https://www.crowdstreet.com/.

    Media Contact
    LaunchSquad
    CrowdStreet@launchsquad.com

    CrowdStreet, Inc. (“Crowd Street”) offers investment opportunities and financial services on its website. Broker dealer services provided in connection with an investment are offered through CrowdStreet Capital LLC (“Crowd Street Capital”), a registered broker dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through CrowdStreet Advisors, LLC (“Crowd Street Advisors”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crowd Street and a federally registered investment adviser. Investment opportunities available through Crowd Street are speculative and involve substantial risk. You should not invest unless you can sustain the risk of loss of capital, including the risk of total loss of capital. All investors should consider their individual factors in consultation with a professional advisor of their choosing when deciding if an investment is appropriate.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Dangerous Blind Spots Costing Enterprises Time, Trust, and Agility Exposed in Check Point’s 2025 Cloud Security Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    REDWOOD CITY, Calif., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a pioneer and global leader of cyber security solutions, today released its 2025 Cloud Security Report. Based on a global survey of more than 900 CISOs and IT leaders, the report reveals systemic weaknesses, including alert fatigue, fragmented toolsets, and a widespread inability for organizations to detect lateral movement or defend against AI-driven attacks leaving enterprises dangerously exposed. The findings also include actionable strategies for closing the gap between cloud innovation and cyber resilience.

    As hybrid, multi-cloud, and edge architectures expand, many organizations are relying on outdated security models that can’t keep up. According to the report, 65% of organizations experienced a cloud-related security incident in the past year—up from 61% the previous year. Alarmingly, only 9% detected the incident within the first hour, and a mere 6% managed to remediate it within that time frame, allowing intruders to remain undetected across cloud environments.

    “Security teams are chasing an ever-moving target,” said Paul Barbosa, VP of Cloud Security at Check Point Software Technologies. “As cloud environments grow more complex and AI-driven threats evolve, organizations can’t afford to be stuck with fragmented tools and legacy approaches. It’s time to shift toward unified, intelligent, and automated defenses designed for the realities of today’s decentralized world.”

    Key findings from the 2025 Cloud Security Report include:

    • Cloud Adoption Outpaces Security Readiness: 62% of organizations have adopted cloud edge technologies, 57% use hybrid cloud, and 51% operate in multi-cloud environments. Legacy, perimeter-based defenses can’t keep up with these distributed infrastructures
    • Detection and Remediation Are Too Slow: Only 9% of organizations detected an incident within the first hour. Meanwhile, 62% took more than 24 hours to remediate breaches—giving attackers ample time to escalate access
    • Tool Sprawl is Fueling Alert Fatigue: A significant 71% of respondents rely on over 10 different cloud security tools, while 16% utilize more than 50. More than half of them face nearly 500 alerts daily hindering response times and overwhelming analysts
    • Application Security Lags Behind: 61% still rely on outdated, signature-based Web Application Firewalls (WAFs), which are increasingly ineffective against sophisticated, AI-enhanced threats
    • AI is a Priority — but Defenders Aren’t Ready: While 68% list AI as a top priority for cyber defense, only 25% feel prepared to counter AI-driven attacks, highlighting a critical capability gap
    • Lateral Movement Remains a Blind Spot: Only 17% of organizations have full visibility into east-west cloud traffic. Once attackers breach the perimeter, they can move undetected within cloud environments
    • Detection Often Comes from People, Not Tools: Only 35% of cloud incidents were detected via security monitoring platforms. The majority were identified through employees, audits, or external reports—revealing alarming gaps in real-time threat detection
    • Internal Challenges Undermine Progress: 54% cite the pace of technological change as a major hurdle, while 49% face a shortage of skilled security professionals. Tool fragmentation and poor platform integration (40%) further slow response times and exacerbate blind spots

    To close these gaps, Check Point recommends a shift toward decentralized, prevention-first cloud security strategies. The report advises organizations to consolidate their toolsets, adopt AI-powered threat detection, and deploy real-time telemetry to gain full visibility across edge, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments. By leveraging Check Point CloudGuard and the Check Point Infinity Platform, organizations can unify their cloud defenses, automate incident response, and ensure consistent policy enforcement—regardless of platform or provider.

    Deryck Mitchelson, Global CISO at Check Point Software Technologies provides guidance within the 2025 cloud security report and emphasizes that, “cloud transformation is accelerating faster than our defenses. With attackers moving in minutes and defenders responding in days, the gap between detection and remediation is becoming a danger zone. CISOs must consolidate fragmented tools into unified platforms, gain visibility into lateral movement, and prepare their teams and technologies to counter AI-driven threats, or risk ceding control of the cloud to increasingly sophisticated adversaries.”

    To access the full report and receive actionable CISO advice for safeguarding against the cloud-related issues discussed, please visit our website and read our blog.

    About the Survey:
    The 2025 Cloud Security Report, carried out by Cybersecurity Insiders in the beginning of 2025, gathered insights from 937 cyber security professionals across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and other regions. Respondents included CISOs, cloud architects, security analysts, and IT leaders responsible for securing hybrid, multi-cloud, and SaaS environments. The study focused on how businesses using cloud services tackle security issues and highlight advancements, like artificial intelligence, emphasizing the complexity of modern cloud security.

    Follow Check Point via:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/check-point-software-technologies
    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/checkpointsw
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/checkpointsoftware
    Blog: https://blog.checkpoint.com
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CPGlobal

    ​​​About Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.   

    Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (checkpoint.com) is a leading protector of digital trust, utilizing AI-powered cyber security solutions to safeguard over 100,000 organizations globally. Through its Infinity Platform and an open garden ecosystem, Check Point’s prevention-first approach delivers industry-leading security efficacy while reducing risk. Employing a hybrid mesh network architecture with SASE at its core, the Infinity Platform unifies the management of on-premises, cloud, and workspace environments to offer flexibility, simplicity and scale for enterprises and service providers.

    Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements   
    This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements related to our expectations regarding future growth, the expansion of Check Point’s industry leadership, the enhancement of shareholder value and the delivery of an industry-leading cyber security platform to customers worldwide. Our expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize, and actual results or events in the future are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those projected. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2024. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Check Point as of the date hereof, and Check Point disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: New Traliant training empowers retail and hospitality teams to defuse conflict, protect themselves and improve guest experiences

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Traliant, a leader in online compliance training, today announced new de-escalation training specifically tailored for the retail and hospitality sectors. Designed to provide front-line employees with the skills and confidence to defuse conflict, the interactive courses create safer, more respectful workplaces.

    From overbooked hotel rooms to irate guests disputing charges, customer conflicts are becoming more frequent and more intense — and employees are often left to manage them without the tools they need. Traliant’s de-escalation courses empower retail and hospitality employees to effectively manage tense or challenging moments safely and confidently. Through short, relatable training rooted in real-world scenarios, employees learn how to stay calm, recognize the early signs of escalation, set boundaries and respond with empathy — even when a customer is being unreasonable.

    “In hospitality and retail ─ industries where service and guest experiences are top priorities ─ de-escalation training empowers employees to handle high-pressure, challenging situations with professionalism, empathy and care,” said Mike Dahir, CEO of Traliant. “Giving employees the tools to defuse tense situations makes them feel better supported in their roles, reducing burnout, mistakes and turnover.”

    Traliant’s training is short — just 10 minutes — but packed with actionable techniques for transforming high-stress encounters into loyalty-building moments. By providing employees with the skills to avoid customer conflicts, physical confrontation or viral incident, the training enhances workforce safety and brand reputation.

    To learn more about Traliant, visit: https://www.traliant.com/.

    About Traliant
    Traliant, a leader in compliance training, is on a mission to help make workplaces better, for everyone. Committed to a customer promise of “compliance you can trust, training you will love,” Traliant delivers continuously compliant online courses, backed by an unparalleled in-house legal team, with engaging, story-based training designed to create truly enjoyable learning experiences.
      
    Traliant supports over 14,000 organizations worldwide with a library of curated essential courses to broaden employee perspectives, achieve compliance and elevate workplace culture, including sexual harassment training, inclusion training, code of conduct training, and many more.  
      
    Backed by PSG, a leading growth equity firm, Traliant holds a coveted position on Inc.’s 5000 fastest-growing private companies in America for four consecutive years, along with numerous awards for its products and workplace culture. For more information, visit http://www.traliant.com and follow us on LinkedIn

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Anterix Sets Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2025 Earnings Conference Call for Wednesday, June 25, at 9:00 a.m. ET

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WOODLAND PARK, N.J., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Anterix (NASDAQ: ATEX) announced today that it will hold a conference call on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET. Anterix senior management, led by President and CEO Scott Lang, will discuss the Company’s fourth quarter fiscal 2025 results. A press release regarding the results will be issued after the close of the market on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

    Participants interested in joining the call’s live question and answer session are required to pre-register by clicking here to obtain a dial-in number and unique PIN. It is recommended that you join the call at least 10 minutes before the conference call begins. The call is also being webcast live and will be accessible on the Investor Relations section of Anterix’s website at https://investors.anterix.com/events-presentations. Following the event, a replay of the call will also be available on the Anterix website.

    About Anterix Inc.

    At Anterix, we work with leading utilities and technology companies to harness the power of 900 MHz broadband for modernized grid solutions. Leading an ecosystem of more than 125 members, we offer utility-first solutions to modernize the grid and solve the challenges that utilities are facing today. As the largest holder of licensed spectrum in the 900 MHz band (896-901/935-940 MHz) throughout the contiguous United States, plus Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico, we are uniquely positioned to enable private LTE solutions that support cutting-edge advanced communications capabilities for a cleaner, safer, and more secure energy future. To learn more and join the 900 MHz movement, please visit www.anterix.com.

    Shareholder Contact

    Natasha Vecchiarelli
    Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
    Anterix
    973-531-4397
    nvecchiarelli@anterix.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: American Rebel Light Beer Completes Production Run to Meet Surging National Customer and Consumer Demand

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • American Rebel Light Beer Expanded Presence in Nashville, Motorsports (NHRA) & Music Events—Fueling Surging Demand for America’s Patriotic Beer

    NASHVILLE, TN, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) (“American Rebel” or the “Company”), creator of American Rebel Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) and a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of branded safes, personal security and self-defense products and apparel (americanrebel.com), proudly reports that American Rebel Premium Light Lager Beer (“Rebel Light”) American Rebel Light Beer, America’s Patriotic Beer, continues to see surging consumer and customer demand driven by its strategic presence at major events and iconic establishments in Nashville, motorsports partnerships, and music sponsorships. This rising demand has led to the completion of another production run, with additional runs planned throughout the year to support expanding retail placements, distributor partnerships, and new market entries.

    “American Rebel Holdings and American Rebel Light Beer remain committed to supporting military events, motorsports, and music festivals—bringing Americans together under one shared belief: Good beer, great moments, and unwavering patriotism.” Andy Ross, CEO – American Rebel Holdings. “We are experiencing unstoppable momentum. Motorsports, music, and Nashville’s patriotic culture are fueling our expansion. With more production runs planned, retail growth accelerating, and new distributors coming on board, American Rebel Light Beer is quickly becoming a dominant force in the market. Our continued partnership with AlcSource and City Brewing ensures we can scale at speed and meet the growing demand nationwide.”

    Strategic Positioned for Continued Growth & Market Expansion

    • Production Scaling Success – American Rebel Light Beer recently completed another production run to meet increasing consumer and retail demand. The company is well-positioned to scale rapidly thanks to its key partnerships with AlcSource and City Brewing, with the ability for production capacity of up to 2M+ annual cases.

    American Rebel Light Beer is brewed in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, using 100% natural ingredients for a refreshing, better-for-you domestic light lager with 100 calories, 3.2 carbs, and 4.3% ABV per 12oz serving.

    • Recent Retail Expansion Announcement – American Rebel Light Beer to expand into 62 Total Wine & More locations across seven states, further cementing its presence in the U.S. market. This strategic retail placement reinforces the brand’s rapid growth, fueled by increasing consumer demand, patriotic branding, and key distributor partnerships. As America’s Patriotic Beer, American Rebel Light Beer continues its mission to bring high-quality domestic light lager to new audiences through music, motorsports, and retail expansion.

    For the full press release, visit: American Rebel Light Beer Expands into Total Wine & More.

    Todd Porter, President of American Rebel Beverages, emphasized the beer’s meteoric rise. “I believe that American Rebel Beer will be the fastest-growing beer in U.S. history. I’ve been in the beverage industry for much of my professional life, and I’ve never seen consumers so aligned with a beverage brand. American Rebel Light Beer delivers a refreshing, all-natural taste that stands out in the domestic light beer market. With no corn, rice, or added sweeteners, it’s a clean, crisp lager that resonates with consumers looking for a high-quality, better-for-you beer option.”

    • Nashville Momentum – American Rebel Light Beer continues to thrive in high-profile venues, offering millions of visitors and locals a true American beer experience.

      CEO Andy Ross often refers to Nashville as the heartbeat of America, embodying the nation’s spirit of resilience and tradition. The American Rebel Light Beer’s epic launch at Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk (https://www.kidrockshonkytonkandsteakhouse.com/) on Broadway packed the American Rebel Light Beer Suite, as fans enjoyed music by legendary Broadway icon John Stone (https://johnstonecountry.com), with a special appearance by Ross himself.

      Since its launch, American Rebel Light Beer has secured premier Nashville accounts and is now an official sponsor of the summer-long Loser’s (Midtown) Parking Lot Concert Series, further solidifying its presence in Music City’s vibrant scene and ensuring that visitors experience the beer as part of their Nashville experience.

    For information on Loser’s Parking Lot Concert Series visit Loser’s Original

    • Motorsports Impact – Key partnerships with TSR Nitro Racing and the NHRA have connected the brand with influential distributors and retail accounts at the track, proving that beer and motorsports are a proven winning combination.

      CEO Andy Ross, presented by American Rebel Beer will be performing this weekend on Saturday June 6th at the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, TN.

      Andy Ross is scheduled to perform at the American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals at North Dinwiddle, VA on June 20 – 22. In addition to being the title sponsor American Rebel Light Beer will also be the primary sponsor for the Tony Stewart Top Fuel Dragster and the Matt Hagan Funny Car.

    • Event & Music Partnerships – Sponsorship of Loser’s Midtown Parking Lot Concert Series, CMA Fest, and other major events further solidifies American Rebel’s presence in entertainment-driven consumer markets.

      Special Announcement: American Rebel Light Beer Joins Week of the Eagles Celebration Honoring the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army at Fort Campbell, KY

      American Rebel Light Beer, America’s Patriotic Beer, is proud to be a key sponsor of the Week of the Eagles celebration at Fort Campbell, honoring the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army. This special event brings together the soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division, veterans, and patriotic Americans to pay tribute to the legacy, sacrifice, and strength of our nation’s military.

      On Saturday June 14th, 2025, American Rebel CEO Andy Ross, a passionate advocate for American values and patriotism, will headline the Week of the Eagles Concert, delivering a performance that embodies the spirit of freedom and patriotic rock and roll. His presence reinforces American Rebel’s deep commitment to honoring the men and women who serve and celebrating the traditions that make our country great.

      The event is free and open to the public, welcoming soldiers, veterans, and civilians to honor the legacy of the 101st Airborne Division and the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army.

    About American Rebel Light Beer

    American Rebel Light is more than just a beer—it’s a celebration of freedom, passion, and quality. Brewed with care and precision, our light beer delivers a refreshing taste that’s perfect for every occasion.

    Since its launch in September 2024, American Rebel Light Beer has rolled out in Tennessee, Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Iowa, Missouri, North Carolina, Florida and Indiana and is adding new distributors and territories regularly. For more information about the launch events and the availability of American Rebel Beer, please visit americanrebelbeer.com or follow us on our social media platforms.

    Produced in partnership with AlcSource, American Rebel Light Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) is a domestic premium light lager celebrated for its exceptional quality and patriotic values. It stands out as America’s Patriotic, God-Fearing, Constitution-Loving, National Anthem-Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer.

    American Rebel Light is a Premium Domestic Light Lager Beer – All Natural, Crisp, Clean and Bold Taste with a Lighter Feel. With approximately 100 calories, 3.2 carbohydrates, and 4.3% alcoholic content per 12 oz serving, American Rebel Light Beer delivers a lighter option for those who love great beer but prefer a more balanced lifestyle. It’s all natural with no added supplements and importantly does not use corn, rice, or other sweeteners typically found in mass produced beers.

    For more information about American Rebel Light Beer follow us on social media @AmericanRebelBeer

    For more information, visit americanrebelbeer.com

    About American Rebel Holdings, Inc.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) has operated primarily as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded safes and personal security and self-defense products and has recently transitioned into the beverage industry through the introduction of American Rebel Light Beer.. The Company also designs and produces branded apparel and accessories. To learn more, visit www.americanrebel.com and www.americanrebelbeer.com. For investor information, visit www.americanrebel.com/investor-relations.

    Watch the American Rebel Story as told by our CEO Andy Ross visit The American Rebel Story

    Media Inquiries:
    Matt Sheldon
    Matt@Precisionpr.co
    917-280-7329

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc.
    info@americanrebel.com
    ir@americanrebel.com

    American Rebel Beverages, LLC
    Todd Porter, President
    tporter@americanrebelbeer.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. American Rebel Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ: AREB; AREBW) (the “Company,” “American Rebel,” “we,” “our” or “us”) desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include benefits of our continued sponsorship of high profile events, continued scheduled placements in Total Wine & More locations, success and availability of the promotional activities, our ability to effectively execute our business plan, and the Risk Factors contained within our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein 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 statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Upexi Approved for Options Trading on Nasdaq

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAMPA, Fla., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Upexi, Inc. (NASDAQ: UPXI), a brand owner specializing in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of consumer products with diversification into the cryptocurrency space, today announced that options on its common stock are approved for trading on the Nasdaq Options Market.

    The options will trade under the ticker symbol “UPXI” and include a range of standard expiration dates and strike prices. The listing of options on UPXI shares provides investors with additional tools for managing risk and capitalizing on the Company’s performance and future growth prospects.

    “The introduction of options trading is a milestone that reflects Upexi’s increasing visibility and liquidity in the public markets,” said Allan Marshall, Chief Executive Officer of Upexi. “We view this as a positive development that enhances the ways in which investors can invest in our company as we continue to execute our growth strategy.”

    Options trading is expected to support broader investor participation and flexibility. Investors can access UPXI options through major brokerage platforms and trading networks that support equity options on the Nasdaq exchange.

    About Upexi, Inc.
    Upexi is a brand owner specializing in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of consumer products. The Company has entered the Cryptocurrency industry and cash management of assets through a Cryptocurrency Portfolio. For more information on Upexi’s treasury strategy and future developments, visit www.upexi.com.

    Follow Upexi on X – https://twitter.com/upexitreasury
    Follow CEO, Allan Marshall, on X – https://x.com/marshall_a22015
    Follow CSO, Brian Rudick, on X – https://x.com/thetinyant

    Forward Looking Statements
    This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. For example, the Company is using forward looking statements when it discusses the anticipated use of proceeds. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with business strategy, potential acquisitions, revenue guidance, product development, integration, and synergies of acquiring companies and personnel. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the beliefs, plans, expectations, and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Company Contact
    Brian Rudick, Chief Strategy Officer
    Email:brian.rudick@upexi.com
    Phone: (216) 347-0473

    Investor Relations Contact
    KCSA Strategic Communications
    Valter Pinto, Managing Director
    Email: Upexi@KCSA.com
    Phone: (212) 896-1254

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI:  ibex to Showcase Industry’s Best AI-Powered CX Solutions at CCW Customer Contact Week 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ibex (NASDAQ: IBEX), a leading global provider of business process outsourcing (BPO) and AI-powered customer engagement technology solutions, today announced it will showcase its award-winning AI-powered CX solutions at CCW Customer Contact Week Las Vegas, June 9-12. CCW is the world’s largest customer contact event, bringing together customer care, CX, and contact center leaders.

    “We are excited to engage with CX leaders at CCW and showcase the industry’s leading AI technology and best practices,” said Julie Casteel, Chief Strategic Accounts Officer and CMO at ibex. “ibex is the AI-powered CX leader. We combine cutting-edge AI technology with more than 20 years CX expertise to deliver groundbreaking AI-powered solutions. Our award-winning Wave iX solutions enable organization to refine and elevate every customer interaction, ensure a seamless customer journey while accelerating growth, enhancing service delivery, and maximizing impact.”

    ibex CX experts will be on site to discuss how to elevate your CX and to demonstrate the industry’s leading AI powered solutions. Stop by the Parloa booth (#151 in the Main Hall), where the ibex Wave iX team will be providing live demos, including:

    On Wednesday, June 11, ibex will host a Fireside Chat, titled “Is Your AI Ready For Real World Customers?” The session, which will feature speakers: Allessa Coffey, Vice President Call Center, Training, and Strategy for Leslie’s Pools; Brooke Lynch, Divisional Director of Digital at Customer Management Practice; and Eric Guarro, SVP of Digital Transformation at ibex, will provide real-world AI implementation best practices and drill down on:

    • The Importance of a Trusted AI for CX Partner
    • The AI Customization Process
    • The Top AI Tools For Maximum Customer Impact

    Later that day, ibex will crown the recipients of the 2025 CX Leadership Awards at an invite-only dinner reception at Ceasar’s Palace. The 4th annual ibex CX Leadership Awards will recognize the individuals and companies that leverage their industry leadership, technology innovation, and ability to address dynamic market challenges to drive superior customer engagement, deliver exceptional customer experiences, and simplify the customer journey.

    “We are excited to honor those CX innovators who are raising the bar – through vision, technology, and innovation – and transforming the customer experience for their brands,” added Casteel.

    About ibex
    ibex delivers innovative business process outsourcing (BPO), smart digital marketing, online acquisition technology, and end-to-end customer engagement solutions to help companies acquire, engage and retain valuable customers. Today, ibex operates a global CX delivery center model consisting of approximately 30 operations facilities around the world, while deploying next generation technology to drive superior customer experiences for many of the world’s leading companies across retail, e-commerce, healthcare, fintech, utilities and logistics.

    ibex leverages its diverse global team of more than 31,000 employees together with industry-leading technology, including the AI-powered ibex Wave iX solutions suite, to manage nearly 175 million critical customer interactions, adding over $2.2B in lifetime customer revenue each year and driving a truly differentiated customer experience. To learn more, visit our website at ibex.co and connect with us on LinkedIn.

    Media Contact:
    Dan Burris
    ibex
    Daniel.Burris@ibex.co

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7a1ca52c-a6ff-41df-ad85-5a0e9771bd50

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Life Insurance Company Meanwhile Achieves Historic Bitcoin Milestone with First-Ever Audited BTC-Denominated Financial Statements

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAMILTON, Bermuda, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Meanwhile Insurance Bitcoin (Bermuda) Limited (“Meanwhile” or the “Company”), the world’s first life insurance company fully denominated in Bitcoin (“BTC”), today announced the completion and public release of its 2024 audited financial statements as required by statute. Notably, this marks the first time globally that a company has ever released audited statements of its financial details denominated entirely in BTC.

    Licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (“BMA”), Meanwhile operates entirely in Bitcoin, blending insurance and cryptocurrency in a groundbreaking way. The public audited financials, prepared in accordance with Bermuda’s Insurance Act 1978 and reviewed by Harris & Trotter LLP and their dedicated digital asset arm which trades as ht.digital, showcase Meanwhile’s robust financial position: 220.4 BTC in total assets and a net income of 25.29 BTC (a 300% increase year-on-year) for the year ended December 31, 2024. These results reflect Meanwhile’s disciplined approach to building a sustainable, Bitcoin-based business, with all operations and financials denominated in BTC.

    “We’ve just made history as the first company in the world to have Bitcoin-denominated financial statements externally audited,” said Zac Townsend, CEO of Meanwhile. “This is an important, foundational step in reimagining the financial system based on a single, global, decentralized standard outside the control of any one government. As the first regulated Bitcoin life insurance company, we view the BTC held by Meanwhile as inherently long-term in nature—primarily held to support the Company’s insurance liabilities over decades. This makes it significantly “stickier” and resistant to market pressures compared to the BTC held by other companies as part of their treasury management strategies.”

    Unlike other companies, including famous “BTC Treasury”-style companies, Meanwhile is prohibited by regulation from selling its assets regardless of market conditions. Most of Meanwhile’s BTC is held on behalf of its policyholders as part of their life insurance policies and is subject to strict regulatory rules. Disposals of BTC can only happen when policyholders redeem their BTC through claims or surrenders, which can take decades to become eligible under life insurance policies. Meanwhile, therefore, offers a preferred method for policyholders to optimize their holdings for the long term, because it is also required to keep Bitcoin in its treasury permanently.

    Tia Beckmann, Meanwhile’s CFO, added, “We are incredibly proud of today’s news as it underscores how Meanwhile is at the forefront of the next phase of the convergence between Bitcoin and institutional financial markets. And, now having generated net income in BTC, we have demonstrated that we are earning it through a sustainable insurance business model designed for the long term and providing a critical financial service to our policyholders.”

    Key Highlights of Meanwhile’s 2024 Audited Financials:

    • Global First: Harris & Trotter completed the first-ever external audit of a fully BTC-denominated balance sheet, a milestone not just in insurance but across all industries.
    • Financial Strength: Total assets reached 220.4 BTC, driven by prudent investments in Bitcoin-based investments, including collateral loans and bonds, alongside disciplined underwriting of Bitcoin Whole Life policies.
    • Profitability: Net income of 25.29 BTC reflects strong underwriting performance, with 23.02 BTC in net premiums and 4.35 BTC in net investment income, underscoring Meanwhile’s ability to generate BTC through its business operations.
    • Regulatory Milestone: The BMA’s approval of Meanwhile’s use of BTC as the reporting currency in its statutory financial statements sets a precedent for regulators worldwide, affirming Bitcoin’s legitimacy as a financial asset and functional currency within a licensed and regulated financial services regime.
    • Actuarial Innovation: An Approved Actuary from WTW reviewed and approved Meanwhile’s Bitcoin-based reserves, a first in the insurance sector, ensuring actuarial rigor in a crypto context.

    Meanwhile’s Bitcoin Whole Life product protects policyholders’ families, builds savings in Bitcoin, enables loans against policy cash value, and supports legacy planning—all denominated in BTC. As a Class IILT insurer, Meanwhile graduated from Bermuda’s innovation sandbox in July 2024, becoming the first fully licensed Bitcoin-denominated life insurer.

    Meanwhile plans to expand its product offerings in 2025, continuing to serve long-term savers and investors globally with integrity and simplicity. By operating exclusively within the crypto ecosystem, Meanwhile remains insulated from traditional currency volatility while aligning with the growing institutional adoption of cryptocurrency.

    About Meanwhile Insurance Bitcoin (Bermuda) Limited
    Meanwhile is the world’s first life insurance company to operate entirely in Bitcoin, offering innovative products like Bitcoin Whole Life to policyholders worldwide. Licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority, Meanwhile combines the stability of traditional insurance with the potential of cryptocurrency, providing long-term financial solutions for Bitcoin savers. For more information, visit meanwhile.bm.

    Media Contact:
    Dukas Linden Public Relations
    Meanwhile@dlpr.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Progress Software Unveils Powerful New ShareFile Features for Accountants to Automate Administrative Tasks and Deliver a Great Client Experience

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AI-powered document insights, client mobile app and unified client hub help firms work faster and better

    BURLINGTON, Mass., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Progress Software (Nasdaq: PRGS), the trusted provider of AI-powered digital experience and infrastructure software, today announced significant new enhancements to Progress® ShareFile®, its SaaS-native document-based collaboration and client workflow product. Designed for accounting professionals, these enhancements cut friction, elevate client interactions and give firms a competitive edge.

    With staffing shortages and client expectations on the rise, many accounting firms are struggling to keep pace, especially when administrative burdens reduce time for strategic advisory services. The latest ShareFile product enhancements directly address these pressures by providing AI-powered document insights, centralizing client interactions, automating repetitive tasks and simplifying workflows. With these new AI-powered capabilities, accounting firms can cut up to 4.25 hours off each tax engagement and extract key insights from financial documents up to 96% faster—enabling them to serve more clients, more effectively, without increasing headcount.

    “ShareFile is helping accounting professionals spend less time on administrative work and more time delivering value to their clients,” said Loren Jarrett, EVP & GM, Digital Experience, Progress Software. “For example, Strategic Treasurer has saved over 1,000 hours a year by consolidating their e-signature processes to ShareFile. From faster client onboarding to automated tax workflows, these features reflect our commitment to enabling firms to work smarter and better with AI-powered tools.”

    These key enhancements provide:

    • Streamlined client management: The new client hub (beta) provides a centralized view of client information, files, folders and projects—streamlining client management and simplifying day-to-day work. Whether managing a single client or an entire organization, firms gain quick access to the details they need to move work forward.
    • Accelerated time to insights: Firms can bypass manual reviews of financial documents and focus on higher-level, revenue-driving work. The AI document assistant transforms lengthy documents into clear, actionable insights with just one click or question. Key details are extracted instantly, reducing time spent on document review and enhancing decision-making.
    • Unified client interactions: Accounting firms can manage client tax engagements from start to finish within the ShareFile product. The upgraded income tax return solution now includes enhanced client onboarding workflows that allow firms to create multiple engagements in bulk to accelerate onboarding, making it easy to initiate service for numerous clients at once.
    • Improved client response time: Available for both iOS and Android, the new ShareFile for Clients mobile app (beta) gives clients an easy, secure way to stay engaged on the go. Clients can view and complete tasks, upload and scan documents and track service status—all from their mobile devices. This helps improve responsiveness and keep engagements on schedule.

    “I think the client hub is a really impressive tool—it genuinely makes things easier,” said Faisal Farah, Managing Director of Numerical CPA Professional Corporation. “Being able to see all client documents in one place and request what I need directly from there is a huge time-saver. It has the potential to be a very valuable part of our workflow.”

    Unlike fragmented tools that only solve part of the problem, ShareFile brings together client touchpoints in a single product. With built-in AI-powered workflows, firms can analyze financial documents faster, reduce client turnaround times and eliminate manual follow-ups—freeing staff to focus on high-value, advisory work.

    Progress will showcase the latest ShareFile product innovations at AICPA ENGAGE 2025, June 9–12, 2025, in Las Vegas. Attendees can experience hands-on demos and learn how thousands of accounting professionals are transforming their firms with the ShareFile product.

    To learn more about ShareFile and its latest capabilities, visit the website.

    About Progress Software
    Progress Software (Nasdaq: PRGS) empowers organizations to achieve transformational success in the face of disruptive change. Our software enables our customers to develop, deploy and manage responsible AI-powered applications and digital experiences with agility and ease. Customers get a trusted provider in Progress, with the products, expertise and vision they need to succeed. Over 4 million developers and technologists at hundreds of thousands of enterprises depend on Progress. Learn more at www.progress.com.

    Progress and ShareFile are trademarks or registered trademarks of Progress Software Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries or affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. Any other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. 

    Press Contacts:
    Kim Baker
    Progress Software
    +1-800-477-6473
    pr@progress.com

    A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/10eb631f-a142-4eae-a9f9-7711bf4ea9ff

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: KraneShares Launches First Global Humanoid & Embodied Intelligence ETF (Ticker: KOID) On Nasdaq

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“KraneShares”), an asset management firm known for its global exchange-traded funds (ETFs), announced the launch of the KraneShares Global Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence Index ETF (Ticker: KOID). KOID represents the first US-listed thematic equity ETF that captures the global humanoid opportunity.1

    Thanks to breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, advanced materials, and robotics manufacturing, commercial and retail applications of humanoid robotics and embodied intelligence are now a reality. Humanoid robots—including Tesla’s Optimus, Figure AI, and Unitree—are already demonstrating impressive performance in human tasks, including in both factory and home settings. The Morgan Stanley Global Humanoid Model projects there could be 1 billion humanoids and $5 trillion in annual revenue by 2050.2

    KOID seeks to capture the global humanoid and embodied intelligence ecosystem, which refers to AI systems integrated into physical machines that can sense, learn, and interact with the real world. Humanoid robotics, a key subset of embodied intelligence, focuses on robots with human-like forms and capabilities designed to work seamlessly in environments built for people, like factories, hospitals, and homes. The acceleration of bringing robots to the commercial and retail markets stems from the need to address urgent global challenges like labor shortages, aging populations, and greater efficiency and safety across industries.

    “Soon, the cost of a humanoid robot could be less than a car3,” said KraneShares Senior Investment Strategist Derek Yan, CFA. “We see compelling investment opportunities among the humanoid enablers and supply-chain partners that will bring humanoid robots into our daily lives at scale.”

    Unlike legacy robotics‐focused ETFs, KOID focuses exclusively on humanoid robotics and embodied AI, positioning itself at the forefront of the next generation of robotics innovation. KOID aims to capture the full spectrum of enabling technologies that form the foundation of humanoid development, including humanoid integration & manufacturing, mechanical systems, sensing & perception, actuation systems (the “muscle” of the robot), semiconductors & technology, and critical materials. KOID offers global exposure to companies based primarily in the United States, China, and Japan within the information technology, industrial, and consumer discretionary sectors.

    “We are excited to bring the Humanoid opportunity to global investors through KOID, the latest addition to our suite of innovative global thematic ETFs,” said KraneShares CEO Jonathan Krane. “At KraneShares, our core goal is to launch strategies like KOID to capture emerging megatrends, giving our clients access to powerful growth opportunities as they accelerate.”

    The KOID ETF will track the MerQube Global Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence Index, which is designed to capture the performance of companies engaged in humanoid and embodied intelligence-related business.

    For more information on the KraneShares Global Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence Index ETF (Ticker: KOID), please visit https://kraneshares.com/koid or consult your financial advisor.

    About KraneShares

    KraneShares is a specialist investment manager focused on China, Climate, and Alternatives. KraneShares seeks to provide innovative, high-conviction, and first-to-market strategies based on the firm and its partners’ deep investing knowledge. KraneShares identifies and delivers groundbreaking capital market opportunities and believes investors should have cost-effective and transparent tools for attaining exposure to various asset classes. The firm was founded in 2013 and serves institutions and financial professionals globally. The firm is a signatory of the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI).

    Citations:

    1. Data from Bloomberg as of 5/27/2025.
    2. “Humanoids: 1bn Robots and $5tn Revenues by 2050, China is in Pole Position” Morgan Stanley Research, 4/28/2025.
    3. “Could AI Robots Help Fill the Labor Gap?” Morgan Stanley Research, 8/13/2024.

    Carefully consider the Funds’ investment objectives, risk factors, charges and expenses before investing. This and additional information can be found in the Funds’ full and summary prospectus, which may be obtained by visiting https://kraneshares.com/koid. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

    Risk Disclosures:

    Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. There can be no assurance that a Fund will achieve its stated objectives. Indices are unmanaged and do not include the effect of fees. One cannot invest directly in an index.

    This information should not be relied upon as research, investment advice, or a recommendation regarding any products, strategies, or any security in particular. This material is strictly for illustrative, educational, or informational purposes and is subject to change. Certain content represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results; material is as of the dates noted and is subject to change without notice.

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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Cloudera Joins AI-RAN Alliance to Drive Real-Time Data Innovation and AI-Native Telecommunications

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cloudera, the only true hybrid platform for data, analytics and AI, today announced it has joined the AI-RAN Alliance, a global consortium committed to integrating AI into telecommunications infrastructure. Cloudera joins a pioneering group of innovative telecommunication providers that has joined forces with data and AI companies all focused on driving the AI-RAN agenda and transforming telecommunication networks into intelligent, revenue-generating platforms with real-time data and AI.

    As telecommunication providers race to optimize the cost of network operations through virtualization and next generation infrastructure and architectures, AI provides a unique opportunity. AI drives better business outcomes through network service efficiency while at the same time opening up significant opportunities for services innovation. The complexity of deploying AI across distributed edge environments is not trivial and telecommunication providers will have to drive strategic enterprise-wide efforts to operationalize AI at scale across the radio access network (RAN) to unlock its full commercial potential.

    The AI-RAN Alliance—which counts NVIDIA as a founding member and Dell, SoftBank, T-Mobile, KT and LG U+ as members—was created to solve these issues while driving innovation at the intersection of AI and telecommunications. Together, the AI-RAN Alliance members are standardizing the integration of AI into existing and new networks, enabling shared infrastructure for AI optimization, accelerating the development of edge AI applications, and establishing real-world proof points to help telecommunications deploy AI reliably and profitably.

    As a recognized leader in enterprise AI and modern data architecture, Cloudera brings a powerful combination of scalable data management, edge-to-AI orchestration, and an open-source-first approach that complements the AI-RAN Alliance’s mission. Cloudera is uniquely positioned to enable telecommunication providers to deploy, manage, and scale AI workloads across hybrid, edge, and on-premises environments.

    As the newest member of the AI-RAN Alliance, Cloudera will:

    • Participate in the new ‘Data for AI-RAN’ working group, aimed at standardizing data orchestration, LLM-driven network automation, and hybrid-enabled MLOps across telecommunications and AI workloads. Cloudera’s involvement will bring data and AI platform expertise to the AI-RAN Alliance, and help align data and AI pipelines with telecom operational needs—unlocking faster innovation and deployment of AI-native use cases.
    • Support the AI-RAN Alliance’s three core objectives, including AI-for-RAN, AI-and-RAN, and AI-on-RAN.
    • Accelerate real-world AI use cases with AI-RAN Alliance members to pilot and deploy AI applications, such as SLA-driven network availability and real-time anomaly detection. This includes building and validating reference architectures that telecommunications operators can deploy against in live environments, shortening the path from innovation to implementation, and maximizing model reusability and collaboration.
    • Leverage the Cloudera platform to demonstrate real-time decision-making at the edge, enabling scalable training data preparation/MLOps, and operationalizing AI inference at scale while ensuring governance, observability, and edge-to-core orchestration.

    “Cloudera is proud to bring its data and AI expertise to the AI-RAN Alliance. The network is the heart of the telecom business, both in driving margin growth and in service transformation, and AI can unlock substantial value across those dimensions,” said Abhas Ricky, Chief Strategy Officer at Cloudera. “Given our leadership in the domain — having powered data and AI automation strategies for hundreds of telecommunications providers around the world, we now look forward to accelerating innovation alongside fellow AI-RAN Alliance members, and bringing our customers along. Our goal is to help define the data standards, orchestration models, and reference architectures that will power intelligent, adaptive, and AI-native networks of the future.”

    “We are proud to collaborate with Cloudera and fellow AI-RAN Alliance members in the ‘Data for AI-RAN’ working group,” said Jemin Chung, VP Network Strategy, KT. “As AI becomes increasingly central to next-generation networks, the ability to harness data securely and at scale will be a key differentiator. Through this initiative, we look forward to defining best practices that enable AI-centric RAN evolution and improve operational intelligence.”

    “Cloudera is an incredible addition to the AI-RAN Alliance, which has grown rapidly as demand for improved AI access and success increases across the industry,” said Dr. Alex Jinsung Choi, Principal Fellow, SoftBank’s Research Institute of Advanced Technology, and Chair of the AI-RAN Alliance. “The company’s leadership in data and AI, combined with their extensive telecommunications footprint, will play a vital role in advancing our shared vision of intelligent, AI-native networks.”

    To learn more about Cloudera’s role in the AI-RAN Alliance and how it’s enabling next-generation telecommunications, visit www.cloudera.com/solutions/telecommunications.html.

    About Cloudera
    Cloudera is the only true hybrid platform for data, analytics, and AI. With 100x more data under management than other cloud-only vendors, Cloudera empowers global enterprises to transform data of all types, on any public or private cloud, into valuable, trusted insights. Our open data lakehouse delivers scalable and secure data management with portable cloud-native analytics, enabling customers to bring GenAI models to their data while maintaining privacy and ensuring responsible, reliable AI deployments. The world’s largest brands in financial services, insurance, media, manufacturing, and government rely on Cloudera to use their data to solve what seemed impossible—today and in the future.

    To learn more, visit Cloudera.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X. Cloudera and associated marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cloudera, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

    Contact
    Jess Hohn-Cabana
    cloudera@v2comms.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: CAI Certified as a 2025 Top Employer in the United States by Top Employers Institute

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ALLENTOWN, Pa., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CAI, a global services firm, announced today its certification as a 2025 Top Employer in the United States by Top Employers Institute.

    Top Employers Institute, the global authority on HR strategies, certifies organizations based on their performance in the HR Best Practices Survey. The assessment audits six HR domains covering several categories including People Strategy, Work Environment, Technology, Talent Acquisition, Diversity, Well-being, and more.

    Highlights of CAI’s top-performing areas included its learning practices, talent acquisition, employer branding, diversity programs, and business strategy.

    “Our north star is to be an employer of choice,” said Tammy Harper, chief human resources officer at CAI. “Having earned the Top Employers certification underscores our commitment to foster a dynamic workplace that empowers our employees to thrive professionally and personally. As we continue to innovate our people strategies, we will measure success based on our growth and impact on the areas of opportunity identified and future assessments. Maintaining an exceptional employee experience for our talented workforce is our ultimate goal.”

    “Consistency in a not-so-consistent world? Amidst constant change—through technological advances, economic shifts, and evolving social landscapes—it is inspiring to see people and organizations rise to the challenge,” said David Plink, chief executive officer of Top Employers Institute. “This year, the Top Employers Certification Program highlights the dedication of our Top Employers as they continue to set the standard, consistently delivering world-class HR strategies and practices. These Top Employers strive to foster growth and well-being, all while enriching the world of work. We are proud to celebrate these people-first leaders and teams as the Top Employers for 2025!”

    For career opportunities at CAI, visit https://careers.cai.io/us/en

    About CAI

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

    About Top Employers Institute
    Top Employers Institute is the #1 global authority on HR strategies. With our world-leading Certification and data-led insights, we guide and empower organizations in delivering transformational people practices, driving business outcomes and helping them attract, engage and retain top talent.

    In 2025, Top Employers Institute has certified more than 2,400 organizations in 125 countries/regions. These certified Top Employers positively impact the lives of over 13 million employees globally.

    Top Employers Institute. For a better world of work.

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

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Silynxcom Secures $140,000 Order from Asia-Pacific Special Forces for Advanced In-Ear Communication Systems

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Netanya, Israel, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Silynxcom Ltd. (NYSE American: SYNX) (“Silynxcom” or the “Company”), a manufacturer and developer of ruggedized tactical communication headset devices, today announced that it has received a $140,000 purchase order from a special forces unit in the Asia-Pacific region for its advanced in-ear communication systems.

    The Company believes that this order reinforces Silynxcom’s expanding global footprint and the growing demand for its cutting-edge communication solutions among elite military units worldwide. The Company’s in-ear headset systems are renowned for their durability, advanced technology, and critical in-ear sound protection, making them a preferred choice for defense organizations operating in challenging environments.

    “We believe that securing this order from a prestigious special forces unit in the Asia-Pacific region is a testament to the reliability and effectiveness of our communication systems,” said Nir Klein, Chief Executive Officer of Silynxcom. “Our products are designed to meet the rigorous demands of elite military operations, and this order reflects the trust placed in our technology by top-tier defense units.”

    Silynxcom’s in-ear communication systems incorporate proprietary technology that allows for “talking from the ear,” combined with enhanced environmental hearing and sound compression features. These systems provide users with clear communication capabilities while protecting their hearing in high-noise environments, thereby enhancing operational effectiveness and safety.

    The Company continues to strengthen its position in the specialized tactical communications market, with recent orders from elite units in various regions, including the Israel Defense Forces and European special forces units.

    About Silynxcom Ltd.

    Silynxcom Ltd. develops, manufactures, markets, and sells ruggedized tactical communication headset devices as well as other communication accessories, all of which have been field-tested and combat-proven. The Company’s in-ear headset devices, or In-Ear Headsets, are used in combat, the battlefield, riot control, demonstrations, weapons training courses, and on the factory floor. The In-Ear Headsets seamlessly integrate with third party manufacturers of professional-grade ruggedized radios that are used by soldiers in combat or by police officers in leading military and law enforcements units. The Company’s In-Ear Headsets also fit tightly into the protective gear to enable users to speak and hear clearly and precisely while they are protected from the hazardous sounds of combat, riots or dangerous situations. The sleek, lightweight, In-Ear Headsets include active sound protection to eliminate unsafe sounds, while maintaining ambient environmental awareness, giving their customers 360° situational awareness. The Company works closely with its customers and seek to improve the functionality and quality of the Company’s products based on actual feedback from soldiers and police officers “in the field.” The Company sells its In-Ear Headsets and communication accessories directly to military forces, police and other law enforcement units. The Company also deals with specialized networks of local distributors in each locale in which it operates and has developed key strategic partnerships with radio equipment manufacturers.

    For additional information about the company please visit: https://silynxcom.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. For example, the Company uses forward-looking statements when it discusses: the belief that the order from the special forces unit in the Asia-Pacific region reinforces Silynxcom’s expanding global footprint and the growing demand for its cutting-edge communication solutions among elite military units worldwide; the belief that securing this order is a testament to the reliability and effectiveness of its communication systems; and the belief that this order reflects the trust placed in the Company’s technology by top-tier defense units. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on May 13, 2025, and other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC which are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

    Capital Markets & IR Contact

    Michal Efraty
    ir@silynxcom.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Global: Cuts to school lunch and food bank funding mean less fresh produce for children and families

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Marlene B. Schwartz, Professor of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut

    For many American children, school lunches are their most nutritious meal of the day. SDI Productions/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    The U.S. government recently cut more than US$1 billion in funding to two long-running programs that helped schools and food banks feed children and families in need. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the reductions are a “return to long-term, fiscally responsible initiatives.” But advocacy groups say the cuts will hurt millions of Americans.

    The reductions came just days before the release of the Trump administration’s Make America Healthy Again report, an analysis of the factors causing chronic disease in children. One of those factors, the report says, is poor diet.

    Dr. Marlene Schwartz, a professor of human development and family sciences and director of the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Health at the University of Connecticut, discusses why cutting the Local Food for Schools and the Local Food Purchase Assistance programs means less fresh food will be available to children and families – and could hurt local farmers and ranchers too.

    Dr. Marlene Schwartz discusses why these programs were cut.

    The Conversation has collaborated with SciLine to bring you highlights from the discussion, edited here for brevity and clarity.

    Could you explain the two programs that were cut?

    Marlene Schwartz: Most schools were eligible for Local Food for Schools, a $660 million program, which has now been cut. The funds for Local Food for Schools were on top of the reimbursement that schools get for meals and would have allowed them to buy more local, fresh food.

    The Local Food Purchase Assistance program was designed primarily for food banks. Again, the idea was to provide federal money, about $500 million, so food banks could buy from local farmers and support local agriculture. But that too was cut.

    How will these cuts affect families and schoolchildren?

    Schwartz: Many children eat two of their meals, five days a week, at school. During the 2022-2023 school year, about 28 million kids ate lunch at school. More than 14 million had breakfast there.

    Having fresh, local produce in the school cafeteria provides the opportunity to introduce children to more fruits and vegetables and teach them about the food grown in their own communities. Think about how powerful a lesson about nutrition and local agriculture can be when you not only hear and read about it but can taste it too.

    How will these cuts affect farmers and ranchers?

    Schwartz: When the funding was there, the farmers and ranchers knew they had guaranteed buyers for their products. So the loss of these funds, especially so quickly, will have a very negative effect on them. Suddenly, the buyers they counted on don’t have the money to buy from them.

    Food banks provide fresh foods as well as canned.
    RyanJLane/E+ via Getty Images

    How does nutritious food in schools impact kids?

    Schwartz: Both the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program are required to comply with the dietary guidelines for Americans, so they’ve always had nutrition standards. These guidelines are updated every five years to reflect the most recent science and public health needs.

    The regulations on school meal nutrition were strengthened significantly with the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. We’ve done a number of studies showing that because of these changes, healthier meals are available at schools, and children eat better. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also did a large national study that reported much the same.

    Another study looked at the nutritional quality of the food at school, from home and at restaurants. It found that school food was the healthiest of all. Many people were surprised by this, but when you think about it, schools are the only setting required to follow federal and state nutrition regulations – restaurants and grocery stores don’t have to do that.

    But getting kids to eat nutritious food can be a challenge.

    Schwartz: We’ve known for decades that American children are not eating enough fruits and vegetables. We know they’re eating too much added sugar, saturated fat and sodium.

    This is due in part to the millions of dollars food companies spend to entice children to eat more sugary cereals, sweetened beverages and fast food.

    I think the best nutrition education happens on your plate. By maximizing the quality of food served in schools, policymakers can influence the diets of millions of children every single day.

    How nutritious are the foods at food banks?

    Schwartz: Food banks often measure their success in terms of the pounds of food they distribute into a community. But families relying on the charitable food system often have a higher risk of diet-related illness – like high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes – and many want healthier foods.

    In response, food banks, which nationwide serve about 50 million Americans, have made a concerted effort to improve the nutritional quality of their food. There’s now a system to help food banks consistently track the nutritional quality of what they provide.

    Watch the full interview to hear more.

    SciLine is a free service based at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a nonprofit that helps journalists include scientific evidence and experts in their news stories.

    Marlene B. Schwartz receives funding from the USDA, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Partnership for a Healthier America, and the CT State Department of Education.

    ref. Cuts to school lunch and food bank funding mean less fresh produce for children and families – https://theconversation.com/cuts-to-school-lunch-and-food-bank-funding-mean-less-fresh-produce-for-children-and-families-256772

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Global: Game theory explains why reasonable parents make vaccine choices that fuel outbreaks

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Y. Tony Yang, Endowed Professor of Health Policy and Associate Dean, George Washington University

    Vaccination is an example of how people make decisions in an interconnected system. MichelleLWilson via iStock/Getty Images Plus

    When outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles occur despite highly effective vaccines being available, it’s easy to conclude that parents who don’t vaccinate their children are misguided, selfish or have fallen prey to misinformation.

    As professors with expertise in vaccine policy and health economics, we argue that the decision not to vaccinate isn’t simply about misinformation or hesitancy. In our view, it involves game theory, a mathematical framework that helps explain how reasonable people can make choices that collectively lead to outcomes that endanger them.

    Game theory reveals that vaccine hesitancy is not a moral failure, but simply the predictable outcome of a system in which individual and collective incentives aren’t properly aligned.

    Game theory meets vaccines

    Game theory examines how people make decisions when their outcomes depend on what others choose. In his research on the topic, Nobel Prize-winning mathematician John Nash, portrayed in the movie “A Beautiful Mind, showed that in many situations, individually rational choices don’t automatically create the best outcome for everyone.

    Vaccination decisions perfectly illustrate this principle. When a parent decides whether to vaccinate their child against measles, for instance, they weigh the small risk of vaccine side effects against the risks posed by the disease. But here’s the crucial insight: The risk of disease depends on what other parents decide. If nearly everyone vaccinates, herd immunity – essentially, vaccinating enough people – will stop the disease’s spread. But once herd immunity is achieved, individual parents may decide that not vaccinating is the less risky option for their kid.

    In other words, because of a fundamental tension between individual choice and collective welfare, relying solely on individual choice may not achieve public health goals.

    A 1963 poster featuring Wellbee, the CDC’s national symbol of public health, encouraged people to get the polio vaccine.
    CDC via Wikimedia Commons

    This makes vaccine decisions fundamentally different from most other health decisions. When you decide whether to take medication for high blood pressure, your outcome depends only on your choice. But with vaccines, everyone is connected.

    This interconnectedness has played out dramatically in Texas, where the largest U.S. measles outbreak in a decade originated. As vaccination rates dropped in certain communities, the disease – once declared eliminated in the U.S. – returned. One county’s vaccination rate fell from 96% to 81% over just five years. Considering that about 95% of people in a community must be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity, the decline created perfect conditions for the current outbreak.

    This isn’t coincidence; it’s game theory playing out in real time. When vaccination rates are high, not vaccinating seems rational for each individual family, but when enough families make this choice, collective protection collapses.

    The free rider problem

    This dynamic creates what economists call a free rider problem. When vaccination rates are high, an individual might benefit from herd immunity without accepting even the minimal vaccine risks. Game theory predicts something surprising: Even with a hypothetically perfect vaccine – faultless efficacy, zero side effects – voluntary vaccination programs will never achieve 100% coverage. Once coverage is high enough, some rational individuals will always choose to be free riders, benefiting from the herd immunity provided by others.

    And when rates drop – as they have, dramatically, over the past five years – disease models predict exactly what we’re seeing: the return of outbreaks.

    Game theory reveals another pattern: For highly contagious diseases, vaccination rates tend to decline rapidly following safety concerns, while recovery occurs much more slowly. This, too, is a mathematical property of the system because decline and recovery have different incentive structures. When safety concerns arise, many parents get worried at the same time and stop vaccinating, causing vaccination rates to drop quickly.

    But recovery is slower because it requires both rebuilding trust and overcoming the free rider problem – each parent waits for others to vaccinate first. Small changes in perception can cause large shifts in behavior. Media coverage, social networks and health messaging all influence these perceptions, potentially moving communities toward or away from these critical thresholds.

    Mathematics also predicts how people’s decisions about vaccination can cluster. As parents observe others’ choices, local norms develop – so the more parents skip the vaccine in a community, the more others are likely to follow suit.

    Game theorists refer to the resulting pockets of low vaccine uptake as susceptibility clusters. These clusters allow diseases to persist even when overall vaccination rates appear adequate. A 95% statewide or national average could mean uniform vaccine coverage, which would prevent outbreaks. Alternatively, it could mean some areas with near-100% coverage and others with dangerously low rates that enable local outbreaks.

    Not a moral failure

    All this means that the dramatic fall in vaccination rates was predicted by game theory – and therefore more a reflection of system vulnerability than of a moral failure of individuals.
    What’s more, blaming parents for making selfish choices can also backfire by making them more defensive and less likely to reconsider their views.

    Much more helpful would be approaches that acknowledge the tensions between individual and collective interests and that work with, rather than against, the mental calculations informing how people make decisions in interconnected systems.

    People make decisions by balancing individual and collective interests – a calculation that’s crucial for how infectious diseases spread.

    Research shows that communities experiencing outbreaks respond differently to messaging that frames vaccination as a community problem versus messaging that implies moral failure. In a 2021 study of a community with falling vaccination rates, approaches that acknowledged parents’ genuine concerns while emphasizing the need for community protection made parents 24% more likely to consider vaccinating, while approaches that emphasized personal responsibility or implied selfishness actually decreased their willingness to consider it.

    This confirms what game theory predicts: When people feel their decision-making is under moral attack, they often become more entrenched in their positions rather than more open to change.

    Better communication strategies

    Understanding how people weigh vaccine risks and benefits points to better approaches to communication. For example, clearly conveying risks can help: The 1-in-500 death rate from measles far outweighs the extraordinarily rare serious vaccine side effects. That may sound obvious, but it’s often missing from public discussion. Also, different communities need different approaches – high-vaccination areas need help staying on track, while low-vaccination areas need trust rebuilt.

    Consistency matters tremendously. Research shows that when health experts give conflicting information or change their message, people become more suspicious and decide to hold off on vaccines. And dramatic scare tactics about disease can backfire by pushing people toward extreme positions.

    Making vaccination decisions visible within communities – through community discussions and school-level reporting, where possible – can help establish positive social norms. When parents understand that vaccination protects vulnerable community members, like infants too young for vaccines or people with medical conditions, it helps bridge the gap between individual and collective interests.

    Health care providers remain the most trusted source of vaccine information. When providers understand game theory dynamics, they can address parents’ concerns more effectively, recognizing that for most people, hesitancy comes from weighing risks rather than opposing vaccines outright.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. Game theory explains why reasonable parents make vaccine choices that fuel outbreaks – https://theconversation.com/game-theory-explains-why-reasonable-parents-make-vaccine-choices-that-fuel-outbreaks-256975

    MIL OSI – Global Reports