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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Energy Star, on the Trump administration’s target list, has a long history of helping consumers’ wallets and the planet

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Magali A. Delmas, Professor of Management, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, Anderson School of Management, University of California, Los Angeles

    The blue Energy Star label is widely recognized across the U.S. Alex Tai/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

    Since the early 1990s, the small blue Energy Star label has appeared on millions of household appliances, electronics and even buildings across the United States. But as the Trump administration considers terminating some or all of the program, it is worth a look at what exactly this government-backed label means, and why it has become one of the most recognizable environmental certifications in the country.

    Energy Star was launched by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 and later expanded in partnership with the Department of Energy with a simple goal: making it easier for consumers and businesses to choose energy-efficient products, helping them reduce energy use and save money, without sacrificing quality or performance.

    As a scholar of energy conservation, I have studied the Energy Star program’s development and public impact, including how it has shaped consumer behavior and environmental outcomes.

    According to the EPA, it has saved consumers an average of US$15 billion a year on energy costs since its inception, a massive return on a program that costs taxpayers an estimated $32 million a year.

    How Energy Star works

    When you see an Energy Star label on a product, it means that product has met strict energy efficiency standards set by the EPA in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, which tests how much energy appliances use. The federal agencies also consult with product manufacturers, utilities and others to figure out how best to improve products and determine how cost-effective changes might be.

    Products that earn the Energy Star certification typically use significantly less energy than standard models, often between 10% and 50% less. The energy – and financial – savings can add up quickly, especially when homes or buildings have multiple Energy Star appliances and systems.

    Energy Star itself does not manufacture or sell products. Instead, it acts as a trusted third-party certifier, providing consumers and businesses with reliable information and clear labeling. It also offers information to help people estimate energy savings and compare long-term costs, making it easier to identify high-performing, cost-effective options. Manufacturers participating in Energy Star seek to improve their environmental reputation and increase their market share, giving them a strong incentive to meet the program’s efficiency criteria.

    Today, the label appears on refrigerators, dishwashers, laptops, commercial buildings and even newly built homes. The government says people in more than 90% of American households recognize the label.

    Energy Star-certified appliances include upright freezers, clothes washers and many other types of home equipment, which use between 10% and 50% less energy than uncertified items.
    AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel

    People don’t always choose efficient products

    Energy Star seeks to tackle a wide range of problems that can result in people deciding not to buy energy-efficient products.

    One problem is that efficient models often come with higher up-front costs. While efficient models save money over time, that higher purchase price can discourage buyers. Energy Star helps counter this problem by clearly showing how much money can be saved on energy costs over the lifetime of the product – as compared with noncertified products – and by offering rebates that reduce the initial expense.

    Another problem involves what economists call “split incentives.” A landlord might not want to pay a higher price up front for energy-efficient appliances if the tenants are the ones who will save money on the utility bills. And renters may not want to spend a lot of money on appliances or equipment in a place they do not own. Energy Star tries to bridge this divide by promoting whole-building certifications, which encourage landlords to invest in their buildings’ energy efficiency with the goal of making their properties more attractive to tenants.

    The countless varieties of refrigerators, dishwashers, air conditioners and other items on the market can also create confusion. Consumers who just look at manufacturers’ promotional material may find it very hard to determine which appliances truly deliver better energy efficiency. The Energy Star label makes this comparison easier: If the label is there, it is among the most efficient choices available.

    And consumers are often skeptical of manufacturers’ claims – especially when it comes to new technologies or environmental promises. Energy Star’s status as a program backed by the government, rather than a private company, gives it a level of independence and credibility that many other labels lack. People know the certification is based on science, not sales tactics.

    Lastly, Energy Star helps overcome the problem that many people are not aware of how much energy their appliances consume, or how those choices contribute to climate change. By connecting everyday products to larger environmental outcomes, Energy Star helps consumers understand the effects of their decisions, without needing to become energy experts.

    The program delivers real results

    Since its inception, more than 800,000 appliance models have earned Energy Star certification based on the criteria for their type of product.

    The same principles that make the label valuable for consumer appliances – independent certification, clear metrics and a focus on results – have proved equally effective in real estate. Nearly 45,000 commercial buildings and industrial plants have earned certification. And there have been more than 2.5 million Energy Star-certified homes and apartments built in the U.S.

    In 2023 alone, over 190,000 new homes and apartments were certified, representing more than 12% of all new residential construction nationwide.

    Energy Star-certified homes are designed to be at least 10% more energy efficient than those built to standard building codes, with more insulation and windows and lights that are energy-efficient, as well as appliances. These enhancements can translate to better quality, comfort and long-term cost savings for homeowners.

    Commercial buildings, which account for about 18% of total U.S. energy use, have also benefited substantially. Research I was involved in found that certified commercial buildings use an average of 19% less energy than their noncertified counterparts.

    Computers can sleep, too – not just cats. Both types conserve energy.
    Markus Scholz/picture alliance via Getty Images

    Why government leadership matters

    Energy Star’s status as a government-led label contributes to its credibility as a more neutral and science-based source of information than commercial labels.

    Energy Star’s government connections also bring scale: By requiring federal purchases to have Energy Star certifications, the federal government can influence manufacturers. For example, a federal executive order in 1993 required government agencies to purchase only computers that had been Energy Star-certified, which required them to have energy-saving sleep functions.

    In response, manufacturers began including the feature so they could sell their products to the government. Consumers soon came to expect the sleep feature on all computers.

    A quiet success story in energy and climate

    Energy Star does not grab headlines. It does not rely on regulation or mandates. Yet it has quietly become one of the most effective tools the U.S. has for improving energy efficiency across homes, offices and public buildings.

    That said, the program is not without its limitations. Some critics have pointed out that not all certified products consistently perform at the highest efficiency levels. Other critics note that the benefits of Energy Star are more accessible to wealthier consumers who can afford up-front investments, even with available rebates. And the EPA itself has, at times, struggled to manage the certification process and update standards in line with the latest technological advances.

    At a time when energy costs and climate concerns are rising, Energy Star stands out as a rare example of a practical, nonpartisan program that delivers real benefits. It helps individuals, businesses and communities save money, lower emissions and take part in a more sustainable future – one smart decision at a time.

    Magali Delmas received funding from the US EPA in 2002 for research on Environmental Management Strategies and Corporate Performance.

    – ref. Energy Star, on the Trump administration’s target list, has a long history of helping consumers’ wallets and the planet – https://theconversation.com/energy-star-on-the-trump-administrations-target-list-has-a-long-history-of-helping-consumers-wallets-and-the-planet-258152

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Video games teach students in this class how religion works in the modern world

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Michael Naparstek, Associate Teaching Professor Religious Studies, University of Tennessee

    A man plays the Chinese action role-playing game ‘Black Myth: Wukong’ during its launch day in Hangzhou, in eastern China’s Zhejiang province, on Aug. 20, 2024. STR/AFP via Getty Images

    Uncommon Courses is an occasional series from The Conversation U.S. highlighting unconventional approaches to teaching.

    Title of the course

    Religion and Gameworlds

    What prompted the idea for the course?

    Most of my research is in Chinese religions, and I find it fascinating that popular video games – like many popular films before them – draw from the mythologies, cosmologies, unseen powers and heroic narratives found across the world’s religious traditions.

    Recent examples such as “Black Myth: Wukong” and “Raji: an Ancient Epic” draw explicitly from mythologies and religious narratives of China and India, respectively, putting the player in direct contest against pantheons of gods. Meanwhile, games such as “Sid Meier’s CIV VI,” where players develop an historical civilization from the Stone Age to Space Age in a quest for global domination, explicitly utilize religion as ways to develop and conquer the world.

    At the same time, the interactive experience of a video game makes it an especially interesting place to study religion. When your character uses magic, interacts with powerful deities, or even achieves godlike status themselves, the player also shares such experiences on some level as well. Sometimes, viewers’ experiences blur the lines between “real life” and on-screen.

    Some churches have even used the game “Second Life” to offer worshippers the option of getting baptized using their digital avatar in the game. This kind of practice raises poignant questions about how we understand religion in our modern world.

    A still from the ‘Second Life’ game.
    Strawberry/Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA

    What does the course explore?

    What makes this course different from many others that utilize video games is that the student experience of playing the games influences how we frame our investigation of religion. Students wrestle with questions about how religion helps build the worlds they are experiencing.

    We meet in the game lab as a class once a week to observe and analyze each other’s experiences playing different kinds of games.

    We start the week with relevant theoretical and historical framing in the traditional classroom. For example, in our investigation of “Black Myth: Wukong,” a game inspired by the 16th-century novel “Journey to the West,” students first read selections from the work as they learn about its protagonist, the trickster monkey god Sun Wukong.

    In the novel, Wukong picks fights with all the gods in an attempt to overthrow the cosmic order, only to eventually be violently put in his place by the highest gods of the Chinese pantheon. Our class discussions thus serve as a general introduction to Chinese religions, while we also get to discuss the theoretical basis for culturally defined ideas such as what makes a hero.

    Playing as a descendant of Sun Wukong, students explore enchanted landscapes, interact with local spirits and engage in magical combat against the very gods that we learned about in class.

    Each week, students note their observations, carefully detailing their experience playing the game, as well as the experience of watching others do the same. Students are also asked to analyze the ways in which religious themes, narratives and practices played a role in the game world they experienced.

    We conclude the class with weekly reflections on the overall experience.

    What will the course prepare students to do?

    In 2024, the video game industry boasted over US$184 billion generated in market value. The global reach of games allows new audiences to experience and learn about religious narratives and practices in new ways.

    Popular media has long been a powerful mode of cultural exchange. Video games are just a recent example, but the scale to which gamers around the world connect with each other through playing demands more attention.

    The wild popularity following the 2024 release of the game “Black Myth: Wukong,” the first premier produced game out of China for an international audience, suggests that this kind of experience is truly a global phenomenon that will only continue to grow. It only makes sense that video games can serve as powerful pedagogical tools as well.

    The goal of the course is to prepare students to better understand the broader contexts in which their shared experience of enjoying video games derives. Learning about the role of religion in shaping that experience allows students to better understand how religion shapes our modern world.

    Michael Naparstek 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. Video games teach students in this class how religion works in the modern world – https://theconversation.com/video-games-teach-students-in-this-class-how-religion-works-in-the-modern-world-257511

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: From Washington’s burned letters to Trump’s missing transcripts, partial presidential records limit people’s full understanding of history

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Shannon Bow O’Brien, Associate Professor of Instruction, The University of Texas at Austin

    The presidential Resolute Desk at the White House on Feb. 12, 2025. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

    President Donald Trump’s second term as president will surely go down in history, though of course, just six months into his four-year term, much of this story has yet to be written.

    But it is already clear that most Americans will not be able to read exactly what Trump has said, as they have with previous presidents, during his current term in the White House.

    The White House has removed the official transcripts of Trump’s public remarks from its government website, NBC News reported in May 2025, replacing the written transcripts with select videos and audio of Trump’s public appearances.

    White House officials told NBC News that this switch should help people get a fuller, more consistent and accurate sense of Trump by watching and listening to him, rather than reading what he says verbatim at official events.

    Government stenographers are also still recording and transcribing all of Trump’s remarks, though these are no longer being published on the White House’s website or elsewhere. It is not clear where or how those transcriptions are being saved.

    For years, translators, reporters, students, historians and presidential scholars like me have used official presidential transcripts to understand a president’s exact words and track government decisions. Without these written transcripts, it becomes harder to get the full story of exactly what the president has done or said.

    President Donald Trump, joined by members of his cabinet, delivers a statement on natural disaster preparedness in the Oval Office at the White House on June 10, 2025.
    Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

    A partial history

    A nation’s history is etched in its records. The preservation of official proceedings provides the bedrock for understanding a country’s past and navigating its future.

    A growing chorus of historians, public officials and transparency advocates is raising alarms about how the Trump administration is curating and potentially manipulating the government’s records and actions.

    The White House’s recent decision to not share official, written transcripts of what the president has said is not the first time this issue has emerged under Trump.

    As I wrote in 2021, the first Trump administration did not consistently submit the transcripts of the president’s political rally speeches to the National Archives, as was the custom with previous presidents. The National Archives is an independent government agency within the executive branch that preserves the nation’s historical records.

    This official recordkeeping is important, and it’s more than a tradition – it’s a legal obligation. A law called the Presidential Records Act of 1978 says that everything a president does in office – from making speeches to writing emails – belongs to the public.

    This includes not just formal speeches, but also public remarks and oral exchanges, which are traditionally included in a compilation of presidential documents.

    My examination of this compilation for 2025 appears to show a gap in such records from mid-April 2025 onward. While the transcript of Trump’s full remarks when speaking with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was published on this government site on April 18, for example, publicly available documents from May only include a checklist of White House press releases, a digest of White House announcements and a list of acts that the president signed into law.

    In the absence of complete official records from government sources, external, independent organizations that also monitor the presidency, like The American Presidency Project at the University of California, Santa Barbara, have become crucial repositories.

    The American Presidency Project diligently logs and, when transcripts are unavailable, provides video of public presidential messaging, striving to create as complete a record as possible for all curious viewers and readers.

    Workers secure scaffolding on the side of the National Archives building in Washington on April 2, 2025.
    Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images

    Washington’s letters up in flames

    The fight over keeping an honest record of presidents is a problem that comes up again and again in American history.

    Perhaps the most powerful example of losing historical records comes from the country’s very first president, George Washington. He knew he was setting an example for all future presidents and kept very careful records. He wanted to leave a complete story of his life and his work for the future.

    But there is very little of it left.

    After Washington died, his wife, Martha, burned most of the letters they wrote to each other to keep their lives private.

    Washington left his official papers to his nephew, Supreme Court Justice Bushrod Washington. But Bushrod gave many of them to Chief Justice John Marshall, who was writing a book about the president. The papers were not treated carefully, and many were damaged. To make matters worse, Bushrod would often tear off scraps of Washington’s writings and give them to people as souvenirs.

    The result is that Americans have an incomplete picture of their first president. What now exists is a weaker version of the real story, created more by what other people did than by what Washington himself had planned.

    Memories fade, and people are not around forever.

    The main way that the U.S. can preserve its story is through accurate records. The current arguments over saving transcripts and official papers are about more than just rules. They are about the future. The records that Trump and other presidents leave behind will decide if people in the future see them as they really were, or just how they wanted others to view them.

    Shannon Bow O’Brien 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. From Washington’s burned letters to Trump’s missing transcripts, partial presidential records limit people’s full understanding of history – https://theconversation.com/from-washingtons-burned-letters-to-trumps-missing-transcripts-partial-presidential-records-limit-peoples-full-understanding-of-history-258275

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wraps coming off new Wolverhampton City Learning Quarter college campus

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The majority of the building’s exterior is now exposed for all to see as contractor McLaughlin & Harvey continue to remove the protective covering and scaffolding to unveil the distinctive terracotta coloured cladding.

    Construction works are ongoing on the state of the art facility, which forms part of phase 2 of Wolverhampton Council’s masterplan to boost skills and employment.

    Situated around the Old Hall Street and St George’s Parade area, incorporating a site on the corner of Garrick Street and Bilston Street where the former Faces nightclub building once stood, the development is also utilising the existing Metro One building – it will open to City of Wolverhampton College students in the autumn.

    Alongside improvements to the neighbouring Adult Education Wolverhampton and Central Library facilities, the £61 million scheme – supported by Government funding – will establish new educational provision that will enhance skills and employment outcomes for residents across the city and wider region.

    It will offer A Levels in a range of subjects and vocational qualifications in art, design and photography, business and management, catering and hospitality, computing and digital, creative media, games design and e-sports, hair and beauty, health and social care, music technology, performing arts, and science.

    Prospective students can find out more about what will be on offer at the new campus at the college’s Open Day this Saturday (14 June), at its existing Wellington Road and Paget Road campuses, between 10am and 2pm. Book your place at Open Events | 14 June 2025 | City of Wolverhampton College.

    Construction on phase 1 of the City Learning Quarter masterplan – a new £8.1 million Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre at the college’s Wellington Road campus – has been completed and opened to students in September 2024.

    Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “As we get the first look at the exterior finish of the new City Learning Quarter there is no doubt it is going to provide an inspirational setting for students and staff.

    “It will also act as a focal point in the city centre, increasing footfall to support neighbouring businesses, especially with its excellent connectivity to rail, bus, tram and cycle routes.

    “The City Learning Quarter has been a long held ambition of the council to drive education and skills in the city and it will unlock opportunities for the people of Wolverhampton and beyond.”

    Warinder Juss MP, Wolverhampton West, said: “The development of the City Learning Quarter provides exciting opportunities to not only the students of the college, but also to help with the regeneration of the city centre.”

    Paul Davies, Director of Finance at the college, said: “The unveiling of the new City Learning Quarter campus is a major milestone for the college and for education in Wolverhampton. It’s the result of years of planning and investment, and it’s exciting to see the vision becoming a reality.

    “Relocating from our long standing Paget Road site to this purpose built, centrally located campus will allow us to deliver a modern, high quality learning experience that has greater accessibility through public transport links. The new facilities will not only benefit our staff, students and apprentices, but also play a key role in supporting skills development and economic growth across the wider region.”

    The exciting City Learning Quarter proposals were initially supported by investment from the council with a further £49 million coming through UK Government funding, plus additional government grants and contributions from the college and council.

    It will pave the way for City of Wolverhampton College to move from its 1960s Paget Road site, which has been identified as land to build much needed housing.

    The college forecasts that over a 10 year period approximately 45,000 people will benefit from learning at the City Learning Quarter and around 7,500 apprenticeships will be started.

    Its central location and close proximity to the new £150 million transport interchange will make it easily accessible. It will also boast environmental benefits in line with council’s climate emergency agenda.
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Sagtec Projects 92% Revenue Growth for FY2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sagtec Global Limited (NASDAQ: SAGT) (“Sagtec” or the “Company”), a next-generation provider of customizable AI, robotics, and automation platforms, today issued financial guidance for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. The Company is forecasting FY2025 revenue of approximately US$22.3 million, a 92% year-over-year increase compared to US$11.6 million in FY2024.

    This sharp growth trajectory is being driven by robust commercial adoption of Sagtec’s proprietary AI-powered Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) and software platforms, which are being deployed across multiple high-growth sectors, including hospitality, logistics, and smart retail. Expansion into underserved markets in Southeast Asia and the Gulf region is also contributing significantly to the Company’s pipeline.

    FY2025 Financial Highlights & Strategic Growth Catalysts

         
      FY2024 Results   FY2025 Financial Guidance   Change  
      USD   USD   %  
    Revenue 11,631,930     22,333,305     92 %
    Cost of Service (8,912,274 )   (17,468,057 )   96 %
    Gross Profit 2,719,656     4,865,248     79 %
    Operating Expenses (655,713 )   (1,219,626 )   86 %
    EBIDTA 2,340,791     3,932,528     68 %
    Net Profit 1,602,879     2,564,606     60 %

    Key Investor Highlights:

    • Rapid deployment of AI robotics across Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and the UAE
    • Recurring revenue growth via SaaS + RaaS subscription models
    • Expansion of proprietary platform stack into logistics automation and smart retail
    • Strategic investment in AI intellectual property, software licensing, and backend infrastructure
    • Increasing operating leverage through modular platform standardization

    Platform Momentum and Sectoral Expansion

    Sagtec’s AI-powered service robotics platform, launched in Q2 2025, is already being adopted by leading hospitality and F&B groups. The platform combines hardware leasing, computer vision, and predictive analytics into a modular, revenue-generating stack. Management expects a strong acceleration in annual recurring revenue (ARR) through high-margin upselling of AI features, smart workflow automation, and cross-sector integrations.

    “This forecast reflects our conviction in Sagtec’s platform scalability, market readiness, and execution discipline. We are building a high-margin, high-velocity business model with AI at its core,” said Kevin Ng, Chairman, Executive Director, and CEO of Sagtec. “With a growing client base, expanding IP, and intensifying regional demand, 2025 is shaping up to be an inflection point for Sagtec’s long-term value creation.”

    Strategic Focus: Emerging Markets and Smart Automation

    Sagtec is strategically targeting digitally underserved economies in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, where rising labor costs and digital transformation tailwinds create an urgent demand for automation. In tandem, the Company is doubling down on platform R&D to extend its AI applications from hospitality to logistics, retail operations, and smart city automation.

    To support scalable growth, Sagtec is actively investing in:

    • Core AI algorithm optimization
    • Hardware-agnostic automation interfaces
    • Seamless RaaS and SaaS monetization across verticals
    • Regional support infrastructure and partner enablement programs

    Upcoming Earnings Call

    Sagtec will announce its first half 2025 financial results and host earnings call in July 2025, providing investors with further visibility into:

    • Revenue composition and ARR momentum
    • Client acquisition and market entry performance
    • Operational and margin expansion initiatives

    About Sagtec Global Limited

    Sagtec Global Limited (NASDAQ: SAGT) is a leading provider of customizable AI and automation platforms. Focused initially on the F&B sector, the Company now serves cross-sector industries with its proprietary Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) and AI software stack. Sagtec also operates a nationwide network of mobile charging stations through its subsidiary, CL Technology (International) Sdn Bhd.

    For more information on the Company, please log on to https://www.sagtec-global.com/.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws. These statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on the current expectations, assumptions, and projections of Sagtec Global Limited (the “Company”) regarding future events. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “seeks,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “estimates,” “potential,” or similar expressions, including the negative thereof.

    These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the Company’s ability to expand its regional presence, scale its Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offerings, strengthen its AI software and automation infrastructure platforms, and commercialize its AI-powered service robotics; as well as broader risks relating to macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical developments, global health crises, competitive dynamics, and evolving data privacy and cybersecurity regulations.

    The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required under applicable law. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements.

    Further information on these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Contact Information:

    Sagtec Global Limited Contact:
    Ng Chen Lok
    Chairman, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer
    Phone: +6011-6217 3661
    Email: info@sagtec-global.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NextNRG Partners with $13 Billion Renewable Energy Investor Hudson Sustainable Group to Accelerate U.S. Energy Infrastructure Buildout

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NextNRG, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXXT), a pioneer in AI-driven energy solutions revolutionizing production, management, and delivery with the Next Utility Operating System®, smart microgrids, wireless EV charging, and on-demand mobile fuel, today announced a strategic partnership with Hudson Sustainable Group LLC, one of the most experienced investment firms in global renewable energy and climate infrastructure.

    The agreement establishes a framework for NextNRG and Hudson to jointly develop, finance, and deploy a national portfolio of energy assets — including utility-scale solar, battery storage, distributed smart microgrids, wireless EV charging infrastructure, and NextNRG’s proprietary Next Utility Operating System®.

    Under the Master Framework Agreement, Hudson will receive priority consideration to fund select projects in NextNRG’s expanding national pipeline. The collaboration also provides NextNRG access to Hudson-led development opportunities in high growth sectors such as fleet electrification, data center power, and municipal energy resiliency.

    Hudson Sustainable Group has mobilized and deployed over $13 billion in capital across renewable power, energy efficiency, and clean transport infrastructure and is recognized for its support of scalable, long-term energy transition projects worldwide. Led by CEO Neil Auerbach, a former Goldman Sachs partner, Hudson brings an innovative approach to clean energy finance, having backed global players such as Recurrent Energy, Sunlight Financial, Powermat and Landis + Gyr.

    “This partnership with Hudson enhances our ability to scale AI-optimized, distributed energy infrastructure at a time when demand for smarter, more resilient power solutions is accelerating,” said Michael D. Farkas, Founder and CEO of NextNRG. “By aligning innovation with growth capital, we believe we’re well positioned to drive project execution, strengthen our commercial pipeline and advance the deployment of next-generation systems that can reduce cost, improve reliability, and support the evolving energy needs of both today and tomorrow.”

    “We are excited to partner with NextNRG,” said Neil Auerbach, Founder and CEO of Hudson Sustainable Group. “Michael is a pioneer in EV charging, and a seasoned entrepreneur. The technology under the hood at NextNRG is breathtaking in its scope and potential. We look forward to assisting the company in monetizing both its IP and downstream portfolios.”

    Execution of individual project financings and terms will be subject to final due diligence, mutual agreement, and completion of definitive documentation.

    About Hudson Sustainable Group
    Hudson Sustainable Group LLC is a private equity firm dedicated to investing in sustainable investments in the energy transition and the built environment. Founded in 2007, Hudson has a long-standing focus on investing in the dynamic sectors of the sustainable economy, including renewable power, energy efficiency, energy storage, sustainable transportation, and sustainable real estate. For more information, visit www.hudsonsustainable.com.

    About NextNRG, Inc.
    NextNRG Inc. (NextNRG) is Powering What’s Next by implementing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into renewable energy, next-generation energy infrastructure, battery storage, wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging and on-demand mobile fuel delivery to create an integrated ecosystem.

    At the core of NextNRG’s strategy is its Next Utility Operating System®, which leverages AI and ML to help make existing utilities’ energy management as efficient as possible; and the deployment of NextNRG smart microgrids, which utilize AI-driven energy management alongside solar power and battery storage to enhance energy efficiency, reduce costs and improve grid resiliency. These microgrids are designed to serve commercial properties, healthcare campuses, universities, parking garages, rural and tribal lands, recreational facilities, and government properties, expanding energy accessibility while supporting decarbonization initiatives.

    NextNRG continues to expand its growing fleet of fuel delivery trucks and national footprint, including the acquisition of Yoshi Mobility’s fuel division and Shell Oil’s trucks, further solidifying its position as a leader in the on-demand fueling industry. NextNRG is also integrating sustainable energy solutions into its mobile fueling operations. The company hopes to be an integral part of assisting its fleet customers in their transition to EV, providing fuel delivery while advancing efficient energy adoption. The transition process is expected to include the deployment of NextNRG’s innovative wireless EV charging solutions.

    To find out more visit: www.nextnrg.com

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statement describing NextNRG’s goals, expectations, financial or other projections, intentions, or beliefs is a forward-looking statement and should be considered an at-risk statement. Words such as “expect,” “intends,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those related to NextNRG’s business and macroeconomic and geopolitical events. These and other risks are described in NextNRG’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. NextNRG’s forward-looking statements involve assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove correct, could cause its results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although NextNRG’s forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment of its management, these statements are based only on facts and factors currently known by NextNRG. Except as required by law, NextNRG undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements.

    Investor Relations Contact
    NextNRG, Inc.
    Sharon Cohen
    SCohen@nextnrg.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Opens Doors for Syrian Users Enabling Full-Service Suite of Products

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has now enabled onboarding of Syrian citizens on the platform. This comes following the recent suspension of OFAC sanctions. Syrian citizens and residents can now register on the platform, complete identity verification, and access the full suite of services—ranging from P2P and spot trading to futures and yield-generating products.

    This update holds particular significance for a country that has faced prolonged conflict, economic isolation, and limited access to reliable financial systems. In the absence of stable banking infrastructure, crypto has strong real-life use cases, as a tool for survival, growth, and connectivity to the broader world. The adoption of crypto in Syria shows a deeper truth about the role of crypto in places where traditional systems have failed or aren’t accessible either.

    With this, Syrian users now have access to all major Bitget features, including peer-to-peer (P2P) trading with local currency support, spot and futures markets, copy trading, and Bitget Earn products that enable passive income on crypto holdings. The mobile app and web platform also offer multi-language support and 24/7 security monitoring to ensure safe transactions. Educational content, trading tools, and customer assistance are readily available to guide new users at every step.

    Bitget’s decision to welcome Syrian users stems from a focused strategy to support real use cases in regions where crypto is vital. The inclusion of Syria signals intent to enable access where it is most urgently needed.

     “At Bitget, the priority is clear—reach those who need crypto the most. Our platform is built to serve individuals navigating unstable economies, restricted banking, or political uncertainty. Extending access to Syrian users is part of a larger effort to deliver impactful financial tools where they make the greatest difference,” said Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget.

    Bitget remains focused on expanding access in regions where crypto plays a critical role in everyday life. For Syrian users, Bitget will play an important role in actively maintaining safe, efficient, and user-friendly channels for participation in crypto. Resources will be allocated to support regional engagement, improve accessibility, and ensure users in Syria are equipped to navigate the cryptospace with industry-leading products and best-in-class tools.

    Effective immediately, Syrian users can now begin their journey with full platform functionality.

    To sign up, please visit here.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a leading non-custodial crypto wallet supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens. It offers multi-chain trading, staking, payments, and direct access to 20,000+ DApps, with advanced swaps and market insights built into a single platform. Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/16978e0d-1c0f-49bc-83eb-007e71f08762

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: AI tools collect and store data about you from all your devices – here’s how to be aware of what you’re revealing

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Christopher Ramezan, Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity, West Virginia University

    AI tools gather information about you from many types of devices, including smartphones. Prostock-Studio/Getty Images

    Like it or not, artificial intelligence has become part of daily life. Many devices – including electric razors and toothbrushes – have become “AI-powered,” using machine learning algorithms to track how a person uses the device, how the device is working in real time, and provide feedback. From asking questions to an AI assistant like ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot to monitoring a daily fitness routine with a smartwatch, many people use an AI system or tool every day.

    While AI tools and technologies can make life easier, they also raise important questions about data privacy. These systems often collect large amounts of data, sometimes without people even realizing their data is being collected. The information can then be used to identify personal habits and preferences, and even predict future behaviors by drawing inferences from the aggregated data.

    As an assistant professor of cybersecurity at West Virginia University, I study how emerging technologies and various types of AI systems manage personal data and how we can build more secure, privacy-preserving systems for the future.

    Generative AI software uses large amounts of training data to create new content such as text or images. Predictive AI uses data to forecast outcomes based on past behavior, such as how likely you are to hit your daily step goal, or what movies you may want to watch. Both types can be used to gather information about you.

    How AI tools collect data

    Generative AI assistants such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini collect all the information users type into a chat box. Every question, response and prompt that users enter is recorded, stored and analyzed to improve the AI model.

    OpenAI’s privacy policy informs users that “we may use content you provide us to improve our Services, for example to train the models that power ChatGPT.” Even though OpenAI allows you to opt out of content use for model training, it still collects and retains your personal data. Although some companies promise that they anonymize this data, meaning they store it without naming the person who provided it, there is always a risk of data being reidentified.

    ChatGPT stores and analyzes everything you type into a prompt screen.
    Screenshot by Christopher Ramezan, CC BY-ND

    Predictive AI

    Beyond generative AI assistants, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok continuously gather data on their users to train predictive AI models. Every post, photo, video, like, share and comment, including the amount of time people spend looking at each of these, is collected as data points that are used to build digital data profiles for each person who uses the service.

    The profiles can be used to refine the social media platform’s AI recommender systems. They can also be sold to data brokers, who sell a person’s data to other companies to, for instance, help develop targeted advertisements that align with that person’s interests.

    Many social media companies also track users across websites and applications by putting cookies and embedded tracking pixels on their computers. Cookies are small files that store information about who you are and what you clicked on while browsing a website.

    One of the most common uses of cookies is in digital shopping carts: When you place an item in your cart, leave the website and return later, the item will still be in your cart because the cookie stored that information. Tracking pixels are invisible images or snippets of code embedded in websites that notify companies of your activity when you visit their page. This helps them track your behavior across the internet.

    This is why users often see or hear advertisements that are related to their browsing and shopping habits on many of the unrelated websites they browse, and even when they are using different devices, including computers, phones and smart speakers. One study found that some websites can store over 300 tracking cookies on your computer or mobile phone.

    Here’s how websites you browse can track you using cookies or tracking pixels.

    Data privacy controls – and limitations

    Like generative AI platforms, social media platforms offer privacy settings and opt-outs, but these give people limited control over how their personal data is aggregated and monetized. As media theorist Douglas Rushkoff argued in 2011, if the service is free, you are the product.

    Many tools that include AI don’t require a person to take any direct action for the tool to collect data about that person. Smart devices such as home speakers, fitness trackers and watches continually gather information through biometric sensors, voice recognition and location tracking. Smart home speakers continually listen for the command to activate or “wake up” the device. As the device is listening for this word, it picks up all the conversations happening around it, even though it does not seem to be active.

    Some companies claim that voice data is only stored when the wake word – what you say to wake up the device – is detected. However, people have raised concerns about accidental recordings, especially because these devices are often connected to cloud services, which allow voice data to be stored, synced and shared across multiple devices such as your phone, smart speaker and tablet.

    If the company allows, it’s also possible for this data to be accessed by third parties, such as advertisers, data analytics firms or a law enforcement agency with a warrant.

    Privacy rollbacks

    This potential for third-party access also applies to smartwatches and fitness trackers, which monitor health metrics and user activity patterns. Companies that produce wearable fitness devices are not considered “covered entities” and so are not bound by the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act. This means that they are legally allowed to sell health- and location-related data collected from their users.

    Concerns about HIPAA data arose in 2018, when Strava, a fitness company released a global heat map of user’s exercise routes. In doing so, it accidentally revealed sensitive military locations across the globe through highlighting the exercise routes of military personnel.

    Smart speakers can collect information even when they’re sleeping.
    recep-bg/Getty Images

    The Trump administration has tapped Palantir, a company that specializes in using AI for data analytics, to collate and analyze data about Americans. Meanwhile, Palantir has announced a partnership with a company that runs self-checkout systems.

    Such partnerships can expand corporate and government reach into everyday consumer behavior. This one could be used to create detailed personal profiles on Americans by linking their consumer habits with other personal data. This raises concerns about increased surveillance and loss of anonymity. It could allow citizens to be tracked and analyzed across multiple aspects of their lives without their knowledge or consent.

    Some smart device companies are also rolling back privacy protections instead of strengthening them. Amazon recently announced that starting on March 28, 2025, all voice recordings from Amazon Echo devices would be sent to Amazon’s cloud by default, and users will no longer have the option to turn this function off. This is different from previous settings, which allowed users to limit private data collection.

    Changes like these raise concerns about how much control consumers have over their own data when using smart devices. Many privacy experts consider cloud storage of voice recordings a form of data collection, especially when used to improve algorithms or build user profiles, which has implications for data privacy laws designed to protect online privacy.

    Implications for data privacy

    All of this brings up serious privacy concerns for people and governments on how AI tools collect, store, use and transmit data. The biggest concern is transparency. People don’t know what data is being collected, how the data is being used, and who has access to that data.

    Companies tend to use complicated privacy policies filled with technical jargon to make it difficult for people to understand the terms of a service that they agree to. People also tend not to read terms of service documents. One study found that people averaged 73 seconds reading a terms of service document that had an average read time of 29-32 minutes.

    Data collected by AI tools may initially reside with a company that you trust, but can easily be sold and given to a company that you don’t trust.

    AI tools, the companies in charge of them and the companies that have access to the data they collect can also be subject to cyberattacks and data breaches that can reveal sensitive personal information. These attacks can by carried out by cybercriminals who are in it for the money, or by so-called advanced persistent threats, which are typically nation/state- sponsored attackers who gain access to networks and systems and remain there undetected, collecting information and personal data to eventually cause disruption or harm.

    While laws and regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation in the European Union and the California Consumer Privacy Act aim to safeguard user data, AI development and use have often outpaced the legislative process. The laws are still catching up on AI and data privacy. For now, you should assume any AI-powered device or platform is collecting data on your inputs, behaviors and patterns.

    Using AI tools

    Although AI tools collect people’s data, and the way this accumulation of data affects people’s data privacy is concerning, the tools can also be useful. AI-powered applications can streamline workflows, automate repetitive tasks and provide valuable insights.

    But it’s crucial to approach these tools with awareness and caution.

    When using a generative AI platform that gives you answers to questions you type in a prompt, don’t include any personally identifiable information, including names, birth dates, Social Security numbers or home addresses. At the workplace, don’t include trade secrets or classified information. In general, don’t put anything into a prompt that you wouldn’t feel comfortable revealing to the public or seeing on a billboard. Remember, once you hit enter on the prompt, you’ve lost control of that information.

    Remember that devices which are turned on are always listening – even if they’re asleep. If you use smart home or embedded devices, turn them off when you need to have a private conversation. A device that’s asleep looks inactive, but it is still powered on and listening for a wake word or signal. Unplugging a device or removing its batteries is a good way of making sure the device is truly off.

    Finally, be aware of the terms of service and data collection policies of the devices and platforms that you are using. You might be surprised by what you’ve already agreed to.

    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.

    Previous articles in the series:

    How illicit markets fueled by data breaches sell your personal information to criminals

    Christopher Ramezan receives funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission.

    – ref. AI tools collect and store data about you from all your devices – here’s how to be aware of what you’re revealing – https://theconversation.com/ai-tools-collect-and-store-data-about-you-from-all-your-devices-heres-how-to-be-aware-of-what-youre-revealing-251693

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: AI literacy: What it is, what it isn’t, who needs it and why it’s hard to define

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Daniel S. Schiff, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Purdue University

    AI literacy is a lot more than simply knowing how to prompt an AI chatbot. DNY59/E+ via Getty Images

    It is “the policy of the United States to promote AI literacy and proficiency among Americans,” reads an executive order President Donald Trump issued on April 23, 2025. The executive order, titled Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth, signals that advancing AI literacy is now an official national priority.

    This raises a series of important questions: What exactly is AI literacy, who needs it, and how do you go about building it thoughtfully and responsibly?

    The implications of AI literacy, or lack thereof, are far-reaching. They extend beyond national ambitions to remain “a global leader in this technological revolution” or even prepare an “AI-skilled workforce,” as the executive order states. Without basic literacy, citizens and consumers are not well equipped to understand the algorithmic platforms and decisions that affect so many domains of their lives: government services, privacy, lending, health care, news recommendations and more. And the lack of AI literacy risks ceding important aspects of society’s future to a handful of multinational companies.

    How, then, can institutions help people understand and use – or resist – AI as individuals, workers, parents, innovators, job seekers, students, employers and citizens? We are a policy scientist and two educational researchers who study AI literacy, and we explore these issues in our research.

    What AI literacy is and isn’t

    At its foundation, AI literacy includes a mix of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are technical, social and ethical in nature. According to one prominent definition, AI literacy refers to “a set of competencies that enables individuals to critically evaluate AI technologies; communicate and collaborate effectively with AI; and use AI as a tool online, at home, and in the workplace.”

    AI literacy is not simply programming or the mechanics of neural networks, and it is certainly not just prompt engineering – that is, the act of carefully writing prompts for chatbots. Vibe coding, or using AI to write software code, might be fun and important, but restricting the definition of literacy to the newest trend or the latest need of employers won’t cover the bases in the long term. And while a single master definition may not be needed, or even desirable, too much variation makes it tricky to decide on organizational, educational or policy strategies.

    Who needs AI literacy? Everyone, including the employees and students using it, and the citizens grappling with its growing impacts. Every sector and sphere of society is now involved with AI, even if this isn’t always easy for people to see.

    Exactly how much literacy everyone needs and how to get there is a much tougher question. Are a few quick HR training sessions enough, or do we need to embed AI across K-12 curricula and deliver university micro credentials and hands-on workshops? There is much that researchers don’t know, which leads to the need to measure AI literacy and the effectiveness of different training approaches.

    Ethics is an important aspect of AI literacy.

    Measuring AI literacy

    While there is a growing and bipartisan consensus that AI literacy matters, there’s much less consensus on how to actually understand people’s AI literacy levels. Researchers have focused on different aspects, such as technical or ethical skills, or on different populations – for example, business managers and students – or even on subdomains like generative AI.

    A recent review study identified more than a dozen questionnaires designed to measure AI literacy, the vast majority of which rely on self-reported responses to questions and statements such as “I feel confident about using AI.” There’s also a lack of testing to see whether these questionnaires work well for people from different cultural backgrounds.

    Moreover, the rise of generative AI has exposed gaps and challenges: Is it possible to create a stable way to measure AI literacy when AI is itself so dynamic?

    In our research collaboration, we’ve tried to help address some of these problems. In particular, we’ve focused on creating objective knowledge assessments, such as multiple-choice surveys tested with thorough statistical analyses to ensure that they accurately measure AI literacy. We’ve so far tested a multiple-choice survey in the U.S., U.K. and Germany and found that it works consistently and fairly across these three countries.

    There’s a lot more work to do to create reliable and feasible testing approaches. But going forward, just asking people to self-report their AI literacy probably isn’t enough to understand where different groups of people are and what supports they need.

    Approaches to building AI literacy

    Governments, universities and industry are trying to advance AI literacy.

    Finland launched the Elements of AI series in 2018 with the hope of educating its general public on AI. Estonia’s AI Leap initiative partners with Anthropic and OpenAI to provide access to AI tools for tens of thousands of students and thousands of teachers. And China is now requiring at least eight hours of AI education annually as early as elementary school, which goes a step beyond the new U.S. executive order. On the university level, Purdue University and the University of Pennsylvania have launched new master’s in AI programs, targeting future AI leaders.

    Despite these efforts, these initiatives face an unclear and evolving understanding of AI literacy. They also face challenges to measuring effectiveness and minimal knowledge on what teaching approaches actually work. And there are long-standing issues with respect to equity − for example, reaching schools, communities, segments of the population and businesses that are stretched or under-resourced.

    Next moves on AI literacy

    Based on our research, experience as educators and collaboration with policymakers and technology companies, we think a few steps might be prudent.

    Building AI literacy starts with recognizing it’s not just about tech: People also need to grasp the social and ethical sides of the technology. To see whether we’re getting there, we researchers and educators should use clear, reliable tests that track progress for different age groups and communities. Universities and companies can try out new teaching ideas first, then share what works through an independent hub. Educators, meanwhile, need proper training and resources, not just additional curricula, to bring AI into the classroom. And because opportunity isn’t spread evenly, partnerships that reach under-resourced schools and neighborhoods are essential so everyone can benefit.

    Critically, achieving widespread AI literacy may be even harder than building digital and media literacy, so getting there will require serious investment – not cuts – to education and research.

    There is widespread consensus that AI literacy is important, whether to boost AI trust and adoption or to empower citizens to challenge AI or shape its future. As with AI itself, we believe it’s important to approach AI literacy carefully, avoiding hype or an overly technical focus. The right approach can prepare students to become “active and responsible participants in the workforce of the future” and empower Americans to “thrive in an increasingly digital society,” as the AI literacy executive order calls for.

    Funding from Google Research helped to support part of the authors’ research on AI literacy.

    Funding from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research under the funding code 16DHBKI051 helped to support part of the authors’ research on AI literacy.

    Arne Bewersdorff 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. AI literacy: What it is, what it isn’t, who needs it and why it’s hard to define – https://theconversation.com/ai-literacy-what-it-is-what-it-isnt-who-needs-it-and-why-its-hard-to-define-256061

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Video: EU targets Russia’s energy and banking sectors

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    With the 18th sanctions package against Russia, announced on June 10th, the EU goes for the Russia’s energy and banking sectors.

    Europe is putting Nord Stream 1 and 2 behind for good. We are also listing additional 77 vessels that are part of the Russian shadow fleet. Oil is one third of Russia’s government revenues. We need to cut this source. That’s why we propose to lower the oil price cap from 60 to 45 $ per barrel.

    Banking – We are targeting the Russian banking sector by limiting its ability to raise funding and conduct transactions. We propose to transform the existing prohibition to use the SWIFT system into a full transaction ban. And we propose to apply such a transaction ban to another 22 Russian banks.
    Our message is very clear: this war must end. We need a real ceasefire, and Russia has to come to the negotiating table with a serious proposal.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8UJUvjGXec

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Crime reduction a priority for Seventh Administration

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The South African government is determined to deal with crime despite media reports to the contrary.

    This is the word from Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who briefed the media in Cape Town on Thursday.

    “Cabinet has noted the continuous debate about crime in South Africa and allegations that there is a lack of a concrete government plan to deal with crime in South Africa. This is despite that on the 23rd of May 2025, the Minister of Police released the 2024/25 fourth quarter [statistics].

    “During this crime statistics release, the Minister of Police outlined the Seventh Administration’s policing priorities,” she said.

    Those priorities are:
    •    Reducing the murder rate;
    •    reducing illegal firearms and tightening controls over legal firearms.
    •    Fighting gender-based violence and femicide (GBV+F) and
    •    dismantling organised crime, including drug trafficking syndicates, cash-in-transit heists, extortion and kidnappings, tackling gang violence and combating corruption both within the South African Police Service (SAPS) and across the country.

    READ | Sexual offences and commercial crime remain a concern

    “The…statistics showed progress of a general decline compared to the same period in the previous financial year. For example, of the 30 high crime police stations in terms of reporting, 13 have recorded lower counts [of crime reporting] and two recorded no change.

    “On farm murders…whereas in principle, government does not categorise South Africans in terms of race, in light of recent misinformation, the following are the statistics; of the farm owners killed – both… were African. Of the farm workers killed, both…of them were Africans and of the five farm managers killed, one was African [thereby] dismantling the misinformation that there is a targeted attack on White commercial farmers or White farmers in general,” she explained.

    READ | More farm murder victims are African, Police Minister

    Furthermore, Operation Shanela continues to score gains against illegal firearms with 128 of those seized recently.

    “The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations is also continuing its work which resulted in 656 suspects appearing in court, including 364 linked to serious organised crimes, 220 from serious commercial crimes and 72 from serious corruption.

    “On GBVF, a roundtable led by [the] Inter-Ministerial Committee on GBVF will be held…tomorrow at the Atteridgeville Community Hall in Pretoria and this will focus on the National Strategic Plan implementation and progress thereof. It will also evaluate and reinforce the effectiveness and efficiencies of services provided to GBVF victims,” she said.

    Political killings

    Cabinet also welcomed the guilty plea entered into by Sibusiso Ngcengwa in the murder of former ANC Youth League Secretary General and municipal councilor, Sindiso Magaqa.

    Magaqa was killed in 2017 in an apparent hit in KwaZulu-Natal.

    “Cabinet takes political killings seriously more so because the victims of those are people who are committed to the fight against corruption in municipalities or in government.

    “We are hopeful that this breakthrough will shed further light on other players involved in the murder of Mr Sindiso Magaqa,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Government, judiciary reaffirm commitment to justice

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Cabinet has welcomed government’s recent engagement with leading members of the judiciary, including Chief Justice Mandisa Maya.

    Last Friday’s engagement was led by President Cyril Ramaphosa and held at the President’s official residence in Pretoria.

    “[The Constitutional Court] is an important instrument in the protection of our Constitutional democracy.

    “It is in this spirit that Cabinet welcomed the engagement between government and the judiciary led by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya and heads of courts – hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

    “The engagement focused on discussing the implementation of outstanding administrative measures to give effect to the Constitutional provisions of ensuring the judiciary, like Parliament, operates as an independent arm of the state,” Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said at a media briefing on Thursday.

    READ | President Ramaphosa to meet with the Judiciary  

    Currently, the budget of the Constitutional Court is administered by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development whereas Parliament administers its own budget.

    “Both the Executive and the Judiciary reaffirmed the shared commitment to building a stronger, more effective justice system, firmly anchored in the values of our Constitution,” she said at the post Cabinet briefing held in Cape Town.

    Repatriating heroes

    Turning to the launch of the second phase of the South African government’s exile repatriation and reburial project, Ntshavheni highlighted the importance of bringing back the remains of loved ones who died in exile. 

    Government has already announced that 58 indigenous Khoi and San ancestral remains will be reburied in the Northern Cape.

    READ | Government to bring back 58 Khoi and San ancestral remains for reburial in SA

    “While tracing, exhuming and returning back home the remains of liberation fighters who died in exile remains a focus, the initiative to bring home and rebury the remains of the Khoi and San from outside the country is important in the accurate recording of the ancestry of this country.

    “The process of the reburial of the 58 ancestral remains of the Khoi and San that originated from the Northern Cape is at an advanced stage and consultations with the affected communities are underway.

    “This initiative builds on the success of the repatriation of 49 former freedom fighters in 2024 and it is a testament to government’s commitment to addressing historical injustices and fostering a sense of unity and healing within the nation,” she said.

    A joint delegation is expected to embark on a technical mission to Southern African counterparts, Angola, Lesotho, Zambia and Zimbabwe to “conduct further research, cemetery record inspections and grave mapping.” – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China appoints new special representative of the PRC government for Eurasian affairs

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 12 (Xinhua) — China has appointed Sun Linjiang as the government’s special representative for Eurasian affairs, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Thursday.

    He noted that Sun Linjiang, an experienced diplomat familiar with Eurasian affairs, will replace Li Hui in this post.

    “We believe that Sun Linjiang will actively fulfill his duties and establish good working relations with all parties. He will make every effort to deepen the traditional friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Eurasian countries and promote the common development and prosperity of the region,” Lin said. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: TEO-developed micro-credentials – funding and fees

    Source: Tertiary Education Commission

    On this page:

    Funding for micro-credentials
    We want to invest in micro-credentials, delivered by highly capable TEOs, that meet the needs of industries and communities, and support government priorities. To be funded, micro-credentials need to meet a clearly established industry or community need, be tightly focused on a set of skills, and have stand-alone value.
    Not all quality-assured micro-credentials can be funded by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) as we have to prioritise how we distribute funding. Our investment in micro-credentials will complement rather than replace existing privately funded training. Alongside the micro-credentials we fund, we expect employers, industries, and learners will cover the full cost of others themselves.
    We are open to funding micro-credentials at any level of the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF), but we want to ensure learners are supported to make good choices, including enrolling in full qualifications where appropriate.
    For more information on the micro-credential funding conditions, see the DQ1-2, DQ3-7 and DQ7-10 funding conditions for the relevant year.
    Eligible organisations
    All TEOs eligible for Delivery on the NZQCF funding, at any level (DQ1-2, DQ3-7 (non-degree) and DQ7-10), can apply for funding to deliver micro-credentials.
    If your organisation is not currently approved to receive any funding from us via an Investment Plan, you will first need to apply for funding as a new provider. For more information about this, see Application to receive TEC funding.
    Talk to us early
    If you are a TEO creating a new micro-credential, you may choose to get in touch with us early in the development process before submitting it to the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
    We may be able to advise you if it is something we could potentially fund before you invest resources into developing it.
    Any advice is provisional, based on the information known to us at the time, and does not replace the application and assessment process.
    To receive guidance from the TEC on funding eligibility for your micro-credential, please email micro-credential@tec.govt.nz.
    How to apply
    The current TEC criteria and guidelines for the approval of TEO-developed micro-credentials came into effect on 1 November 2022. All applications must meet the approval criteria and use the form below.  

    How to submit your application
    Please read the criteria and guidelines carefully and submit your completed application through DXP Ngā Kete.
    Let us know when you’ve submitted, by emailing micro-credential@tec.govt.nz.  
    You can apply at any time. We expect to advise outcomes within six weeks. It may take longer in some circumstances or if we require additional information.
    WDC-developed micro-credentials
    Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) developing micro-credentials for which TEOs may seek TEC funding approval will need to be familiar with what we will and won’t fund.
    Funding requirements can be found in the DQ1-2, DQ3-7 and DQ7-10 funding conditions for the relevant year.
    You can also find more information at:
    WDC-developed micro-credentials and qualifications 
    Please be aware that where a WDC-developed micro-credential does not meet our investment requirements, we will not fund its delivery.
    A TEO wanting to gain accreditation to deliver a micro-credential developed by a WDC must first apply to NZQA. If granted accreditation by NZQA, the TEO can then enter the micro-credential into DXP Ngā Kete.
    If you have any questions about this, please call us on 0800 601 301 or email customerservice@tec.govt.nz.
    Fee limits on micro-credentials
    For information on fee limits on micro-credentials, including exception criteria, see Fee cap for micro-credentials.
    Re-prioritising funding from existing allocation
    If we approve a micro-credential for funding, we expect that in most cases TEOs will re-prioritise funding from within their existing allocation. To do this, you need to make an in-year Plan Amendment via a Mix of Provision (MoP) change in DXP Ngā Kete.
    You can increase the number of learners you enrol in the micro-credential over time (and make any necessary changes to the MoP), but you need to ensure the micro-credential continues to meet the priorities set out in the Tertiary Education Strategy, Plan Guidance and Supplementary Plan Guidance in force at the time of the proposed increase.

    If we approve your micro-credential for funding and you would like to seek additional funding for it, you can submit an additional funding request either at the time of your micro-credential application, or after it is approved. You will need to follow the standard process for additional funding. You can do that as part of the annual investment round or as an in-year additional funding request.
    We may consider investing additional funding to support micro-credentials if there is an exceptionally compelling case for strong employer or community demand and a clear contribution to government priorities.
    In considering further funding, we will look at your TEO’s performance in existing provision, including whether existing allocation can be reprioritised from lower-performing provision to the micro-credential.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Improving Urban Land Access for Agriculture in Connecticut

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Land is a fixed resource, and while we cannot create more, it is possible to use available land and infrastructure more efficiently. Connecticut farmers, especially those in urban and peri urban locations, consistently cite land access as one of their biggest challenges.

    A UConn Extension team is expanding urban agriculture in Connecticut through a new project focusing on vacant lot activation and peri-urban farmland access linking, led by Jacqueline Kowalski, an associate extension educator based in UConn Extension’s Bethel office.

    Connecticut has five cities – Bridgeport, Stamford, New Haven, Hartford, and Waterbury – with over one hundred thousand residents, and 88% of the state’s population lives in urban areas. Meanwhile, the number of urban agricultural operations is also increasing, and there is more interest in beginning new operations. Urban agriculture’s growth is driven by increasing food security through local production, and a greater interest among more people in connecting with the land and growing their own food.

    “Secure land access is one of the greatest challenges that urban producers grapple with in Connecticut,” Kowalski says. “It is our hope that through this project, municipalities will see urban agriculture as integral to resilient communities and that urban producers can access underutilized space to start and expand their operations.”

    Kowalski currently works with urban farmers throughout the state to improve their operations, provide resources, expand agricultural involvement, and increase the number of urban agriculture operations statewide. Urban agriculture benefits include improving food security, contributing to sustainable landscapes, and aiding economic development.

    The new project builds upon UConn Extension’s current urban agriculture resources and will conduct a needs assessment with urban farmers on their land needs and the characteristics of vacant lots in urban and peri-urban areas to make them usable.

    The group is partnering with local organizations and has a 13-member advisory team working with them. Next, the research results will help the group identify potential land using geospatial analysis, including state and public land parcels. Municipalities and land trust organizations are providing input on these parcels, currently focusing on urban areas in western and southwestern Connecticut.

    Existing resources and training available through UConn Extension’s urban agriculture programs include site selection and modification and then working with cities and navigating zoning requirements. Programs provide education on intensive vegetable and flower production, season extension, business management, and product marketing. Complementary resources are available through UConn Extension’s food safety program and Center for Land Use Education and Research (UConn CLEAR).

    The project’s final phase is connecting urban farmers with the identified land and ensuring agricultural-friendly leases. The team’s goal is expanding or starting 20 urban farming operations. Partner organizations include the Councils of Governments (COGs), land trusts, and Land For Good, a nonprofit focused on the future of farming in New England. Team members will use existing resources, including CT Farm Link, a site managed by Connecticut Farmland Trust, to assist farmers and land use officials.

    “UConn Extension has over a century of experience supporting and strengthening food systems in Connecticut,” says Amy Harder, associate dean for UConn Extension. “We are excited to continue that commitment by helping farmers find success in urban areas, creating more opportunities for all families to have access to Connecticut Grown foods and products.”

    Connecticut has a heightened awareness about urban agriculture and land access because of the Northeast region’s population density. UConn Extension’s urban agriculture program, including this initiative, is building infrastructure for a more resilient and vibrant agricultural and food system. The broader impacts include helping other regions develop stronger urban agriculture programs through improved land access.

    This work is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2024-70019-42200.

    This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Ensuring a Vibrant and Sustainable Agricultural Industry and Food Supply.

    Follow UConn CAHNR on social media

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Aemetis CEO Meets with White House, Congress, and Agencies Regarding Support for Domestic Energy and Rural Communities in Budget Bill

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CUPERTINO, Calif., June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX), a renewable natural gas and renewable fuels company, announced today that its Chairman and CEO, Eric McAfee, has held meetings regarding support for domestic energy and rural communities in the federal tax bill with members of the Senate and House of Representatives, and with officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, Treasury Department, and the White House National Economic Council. The meetings included a one hour presentation on transferable tax credits and the benefits of Section 45Z production tax credits to the Chief of Staff and biofuels policy staff of the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation.

    “The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a generational opportunity to support domestic energy and rural communities through Section 45Z production tax credits for biofuels and biogas,” Mr. McAfee stated. “This year, we have travelled to Washington D.C. more than ten times to meet with the White House, Senate and House, as well as to present to agencies related to biofuels and biogas to communicate the important role of 45Z in the expansion of American energy and the importance of funding to farmers and rural communities through higher value crops.”

    The 45Z production tax credit (PTC) was established in 2022 and went into effect in January 2025. If enacted, the federal tax and spending bill version passed by the House would modify the Section 45Z PTC to extend the credit availability by four years from 2027 to 2031, require the use of domestic feedstocks, and eliminate the indirect land use penalty for ethanol and other biofuels.

    The value of the Section 45Z production tax credits earned by Aemetis is directly correlated with the quantity of biofuels and biogas produced. From 12 dairies currently operating, Aemetis Biogas is rapidly scaling up the construction of dairy digesters to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) using feedstock from 50 dairies that have already entered agreements with Aemetis Biogas. This summer, 16 dairies are scheduled to be operating in the Aemetis Biogas Central Digester Project near Modesto, California, with 36 miles of biogas pipeline and a central biogas-to-RNG production facility already in operation delivering RNG into the PG&E utility gas pipeline.

    Aemetis renewable energy and energy efficiency projects include the expansion of dairy renewable natural gas production to generate more than 1 million MMBtu per year of renewable natural gas; the Keyes ethanol plant mechanical vapor recompression system that is expected to generate $32 million of increased annual cash flow starting in 2026; the Riverbank carbon sequestration project to inject 1.4 million tons per year of CO2 per year underground; and the 78 million gallon per year sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel plant that has already received Authority To Construct air permits and other key approvals.

    About Aemetis

    Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Aemetis is a renewable natural gas and renewable fuel company focused on the operation, acquisition, development and commercialization of innovative technologies that replace petroleum products and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Founded in 2006, Aemetis is operating and actively expanding a California biogas digester network and pipeline system to convert dairy waste gas into Renewable Natural Gas. Aemetis owns and operates a 65 million gallon per year ethanol production facility in California’s Central Valley near Modesto that supplies about 80 dairies with animal feed. Aemetis owns and operates an 80 million gallon per year production facility on the East Coast of India producing high quality distilled biodiesel and refined glycerin. Aemetis is developing a sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel fuel biorefinery in California that will use renewable hydrogen and hydroelectric power to produce low carbon intensity renewable jet and diesel fuel. For additional information about Aemetis, please visit www.aemetis.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding assumptions, projections, expectations, targets, intentions or beliefs about future events or other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, projections of financial results in 2025 and future years; statements relating to the development, engineering, financing, construction and operation of the Aemetis ethanol, biogas, SAF and renewable diesel, and carbon sequestration facilities; our ability to promote, develop, finance, and construct facilities to produce biogas, renewable fuels, and biochemicals; and statements about future market prices and results of government actions. Words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “showing signs,” “targets,” “view,” “will likely result,” “will continue” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions and predictions and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. Actual results or events could differ materially from those set forth or implied by such forward-looking statements and related assumptions due to certain factors, including, without limitation, competition in the ethanol, biodiesel and other industries in which we operate, commodity market risks including those that may result from current weather conditions, financial market risks, customer adoption, counter-party risks, risks associated with changes to federal policy or regulation, and other risks detailed in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, and in our other filings with the SEC. We are not obligated, and do not intend, to update any of these forward-looking statements at any time unless an update is required by applicable securities laws.

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Oportun Lead Independent Director Neil Williams Issues Letter to Stockholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Highlights Board’s proactive measures to increase long-term stockholder value and record of effective oversight

    Urges stockholders to vote “FOR” Oportun’s two highly qualified nominees – CEO Raul Vazquez and Carlos Minetti – on the GREEN proxy card

    SAN CARLOS, Calif., June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oportun (Nasdaq: OPRT), a mission-driven financial services company, today issued a letter to stockholders from Lead Independent Director Neil Williams detailing the actions that Oportun’s Board of Directors has taken to drive improved financial performance and reposition the Company for future success.

    After nearly eight years of dedicated service to Oportun’s Board, Mr. Williams plans to retire at the Company’s upcoming 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. In his letter urging shareholders to vote in favor of Oportun’s skilled and experienced nominees, Mr. Williams highlights:

    • In response to the changing economic environment, Oportun announced a detailed plan to reduce expenses and streamline operations in February 2023.
    • The announcement of that plan took place nearly two months before the Company was aware that Findell Capital Management was a stockholder. Over the next two years, Oportun:
      • Executed multiple reductions in force; eliminated expenses across the organization; initiated a strategic review process for the Company’s credit card portfolio that eventually resulted in its sale; and discontinued several non-core businesses.
    • Oportun has driven $240 million in cost savings since mid-2022, and over the last two quarters returned to GAAP profitability.
    • Oportun’s highly engaged and qualified Board possesses the right mix of skills and experience to continue driving Oportun’s strong momentum. The expertise of the Company’s nominees, CEO Raul Vazquez and Carlos Minetti, aligns with the needs of the business and provides a strong foundation to guide Oportun moving forward.

    The Board urges stockholders to vote “FOR” Oportun’s two highly qualified nominees using the GREEN proxy card or GREEN voting instruction form. The letter to stockholders and other important information related to the Annual Meeting can be found at VoteForOportun.com.

    The full text of the letter to stockholders follows:

    Dear Fellow Oportun Financial Stockholders,

    My name is Neil Williams and I am the Lead Independent Director at Oportun Financial Corporation.

    At our upcoming Annual Meeting of Stockholders, one of Oportun’s stockholders, Findell Capital, is seeking to remove our CEO, Raul Vazquez, from the Board of Directors. Findell seeks to replace Raul on the Board with an individual who we believe is substantially less qualified and lacks Raul’s institutional knowledge and experience with Oportun. Earlier this year, the Board conducted a comprehensive review of Raul’s performance – as we do every year – and unanimously concluded that Raul is the right person to lead the Company forward. Removing him from the Board would leave Oportun without a seasoned leader and risk destabilizing the Company at a critical time.

    I joined the Board in 2017, at a time when the Board’s focus was on capitalizing on favorable economic conditions to accelerate the Company’s growth. The Board recognized an opportunity to deepen and extend our relationship with our customers and, in doing so, increase long-term stockholder value.

    Together with management, we developed and executed a plan to expand the Company’s offerings to include credit cards, secured personal loans, and tools for savings, budgeting and investing, while also expanding our personal loan portfolio and its regional footprint. That strategy initially resulted in significant growth and improved credit metrics until the economic environment changed dramatically beginning in early 2022. At that point, it became clear that our growth-focused approach was no longer viable.

    Findell would like stockholders to believe that the Board was unresponsive to the challenges the Company faced and only took action after being prompted by Findell and its designees.

    Nothing could be further from the truth.

    When conditions changed, the Board did what responsible fiduciaries are expected to do: we acted decisively with management to put the Company on a better path. In February 2023 – nearly two months before we were even aware that Findell was a stockholder – we announced a detailed plan to reduce expenses and streamline operations. Over the next two years, we:

    • Executed multiple reductions in force;
    • Eliminated expenses across the organization;
    • Initiated a strategic review process for our credit card portfolio that eventually resulted in its sale; and
    • Discontinued several non-core businesses.

    Since we took these actions, our team has been executing well and delivering on our commitments. We have driven $240 million in cost savings since mid-2022, and over the last two quarters Oportun returned to GAAP profitability.

    We also focused on tightening our credit standards in light of the new environment. Our credit tightening actions have been effective in improving the quality of our loan portfolio, as evidenced by the $439 million asset-backed securitization transaction we executed earlier this month, featuring our first class of notes rated AAA. At a 5.67% average yield, this pricing was 128 basis points lower than our January ABS financing, under arguably a more uncertain macroeconomic backdrop.

    All of these actions were initiated before we added two individuals identified by Findell to the Board, and were part of a plan to reposition the Company we had developed independently of Findell.
    It is no coincidence that our longer-serving directors were able to develop and oversee a plan to transform Oportun. These individuals are exceptionally talented and deeply committed to the Company, each bringing complementary and relevant skills to the Board. Their expertise is aligned with the needs of our business and forms a strong foundation for effective oversight.

    • Jo Ann Barefoot is experienced in consumer finance regulation. Her background as former Deputy Comptroller of the Currency, as well as her experience serving on the Consumer Advisory Board of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, gives her critical insight into some of the Company’s most significant risks and opportunities. Since joining the Board in 2016, her background and expertise have been instrumental in navigating the regulatory landscape as we expanded our geographic footprint and evolved our business model.
    • As the former President and COO of Khan Academy, Ginny Lee has experience driving growth and operational excellence at a mission-driven, technology-focused organization. In addition, she spent more than 17 years at Intuit where she held multiple senior executive operational and technical roles, including Chief Information Officer. In that role, she helped grow Intuit, now one of the world’s largest fintech companies.
    • As a former senior and managing partner at KPMG, Louis Miramontes has advised hundreds of large public and private companies and their boards on audit, compliance and regulatory matters in the U.S. and Latin America. His expertise in public company financial reporting ensures strong oversight of the Company’s financial reporting processes and compliance.
    • Sandra Smith has a strong track record of building and scaling financial operations at leading technology companies. For example, she held senior financial roles at both public and venture-backed technology companies, including Twilio and Akamai Technologies, where she also led the investor relations program, enabling her to provide a valuable stockholder perspective in the boardroom. Her experience makes her an ideal Chair of our Audit Committee.
    • Raul Vazquez has served as Oportun’s CEO for more than a decade and has helped grow the Company’s loan portfolio from $100 million in 2012 to approximately $3 billion today. Under Raul’s leadership, Oportun grew loan originations from $243 million to $1.8 billion and expanded from 2 to 41 states. Before joining Oportun, he was a senior executive at Walmart.com and Walmart Inc., where he helped shape and scale the company’s multi-channel strategy and developed deep expertise in retail, operations and digital innovation – which prepared him well to lead a multi-channel, customer-centric business like Oportun.

    Over the last 16 months, we have appointed four new independent directors to the Board – Mohit Daswani, Carlos Minetti, Scott Parker and Richard Tambor. In addition, over the last two years, four other directors have stepped down. Importantly, two of the newly appointed directors, Scott and Richard, were recommended by Findell.

    Despite having a strong set of qualified directors, the Company’s 10-member Board was larger than our historical practice, and larger than the boards of many of our peers. We recognized that a smaller Board would be more in line with industry practice, increase focus and improve effectiveness, while also being consistent with feedback from stockholders, including Findell. Accordingly, to facilitate a reduction in Board size from 10 to eight directors, my colleague Scott and I are not standing for reelection at the upcoming Annual Meeting and will step down from the Board at that time.

    As I approach the end of my tenure at Oportun, I am confident that the Company is in good hands and on the right path, as demonstrated by continually improving financial performance in 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. The Board has worked energetically with the management team to create value. While there is more work to do, I am proud of the progress we have made to reposition the business for long-term success.

    Oportun’s transformation has occurred not because the Board was pushed reluctantly into action as Findell claims, but because the Board and management recognized the need for a different approach to address an evolving macroeconomic environment. We proactively set a new direction and have worked diligently to oversee its execution. The incumbent directors have driven that change, and, in my view, are best equipped to ensure Oportun’s momentum continues.

    For these reasons, I strongly encourage you to vote FOR Oportun’s director nominees – Raul Vazquez and Carlos Minetti – by following the instructions on the GREEN proxy card or GREEN voting instruction form.

    Sincerely,

    Neil Williams

    Your Vote Is Important!

    Please vote on the GREEN proxy card “FOR” the Company’s two nominees using one of the following options:

    • Follow the instructions set forth on the enclosed GREEN proxy card or GREEN voting instruction form to vote via the Internet,
    • Follow the instructions set forth on the enclosed GREEN proxy card or GREEN voting instruction form to vote by telephone, or
    • Sign and date the enclosed GREEN proxy card or GREEN voting instruction form and return it in the postage-paid envelope provided.

    Remember, please discard any white proxy card or white voting instruction form that you may receive from Findell. If you have already voted using a white proxy card or white voting instruction form, you may cancel that vote by simply voting again using the Company’s GREEN proxy card or GREEN voting instruction form. Only your latest-dated vote will count!

    If you have any questions about how to vote your shares, please call the firm assisting us with the solicitation of proxies:

    INNISFREE M&A INCORPORATED
    Shareholders may call:
    (877) 800-5195 (toll-free from the U.S. and Canada) or
    +1 (412) 232-3651 (from other countries)

    Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements
    Certain statements in this communication are “forward-looking statements”. These forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this communication, including statements as to our future performance, financial position and our strategic initiatives, and the Annual Meeting, are forward-looking statements. These statements can be generally identified by terms such as “expect,” “plan,” “goal,” “target,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “predict,” “project,” “outlook,” “continue,” “due,” “may,” “believe,” “seek,” or “estimate” and similar expressions or the negative versions of these words or comparable words, as well as future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “likely” and “could.” These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events, financial trends and risks and uncertainties that we believe may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. These risks and uncertainties include those risks described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as well as our subsequent filings with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and, except to the extent required by federal securities laws, we disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there is no assurance that the events or results suggested by the forward-looking statements will in fact occur, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/24cd006c-d8c9-4110-a2e8-aecbc29376a0

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CLEAR and Greenhouse Announce Partnership to Enable Candidate Verification

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CLEAR (NYSE: YOU), the secure identity company, today announced a new partnership with Greenhouse, trusted HR tech leader and hiring platform, to implement CLEAR1, the identity platform for businesses, to improve hiring trust and reduce manual screening. This innovative partnership will elevate the Greenhouse Real Talent solution by verifying the candidate behind the application. Together, CLEAR1 and Greenhouse will deliver an unprecedented layer of trust with a reusable identity, making candidate verification effortless and secure for organizations and applicants alike.

    Recruiters today face overwhelming candidate pipelines driven by remote work, economic uncertainty, and AI-fueled mass applications. AI has also brought on a surge in fake and fraudulent applications, including deepfakes and identity spoofing, which pose real risks, threatening data security and degrading the quality of hiring. Gartner predicts that by 2028, up to 25% of job applicants could be fraudulent, leveraging sophisticated AI tools to bypass standard hiring controls.

    Greenhouse Real Talent was designed to cut through this noise, applying AI-driven sorting and fraud detection so recruiters can focus on candidates who truly fit the role. With CLEAR1 embedded directly into Greenhouse workflows, teams will be able to verify candidates securely and efficiently. For candidates, the experience is as simple as snapping a selfie within their MyGreenhouse profile.

    “Greenhouse is committed to giving organizations confidence that every hire is the right hire,” said Daniel Chait, CEO of Greenhouse. “CLEAR is the gold standard of identity verification. By integrating it into Real Talent, candidates can have a fast and secure way to verify their identity, and customers can trust that their candidate pipelines are filled with real people—not bad actors.”

    “At CLEAR, we believe that identity is foundational to trust,” said Caryn Seidman Becker, CEO of CLEAR. “In an age where AI can create fake candidates as easily as real ones, our partnership with Greenhouse helps ensure that every applicant is a real person. By integrating CLEAR1 into the hiring process, we’re giving employers peace of mind—and real people a faster, more secure way to prove who they are.”

    With CLEAR1, Greenhouse Real Talent will enable:

    • An integrated approach to identity that matches a candidate’s selfie to their government-issued ID and corroborates details across trusted sources
    • Seamless verification across key touchpoints in the hiring process. Over 31 million existing CLEAR users verify instantly with a selfie, while new users enjoy the same experience after a quick, one-time setup — minimizing friction for both candidates and recruiters
    • Enhanced trust, with CLEAR meeting the highest standards for privacy and data protection. 89% of people agree that CLEAR represents security and trust.

    Key benefits for customers:

    • Know with certainty that candidates are authentic individuals, not AI-generated fakes or impersonators
    • Save recruiter time with smart filtering and verified candidates, so hiring efforts focus on the right people, in a fraction of the time it would take to do this manually
    • Reduce exposure to confidential data leaks and regulatory risk by minimizing fraudulent activity

    Key benefits for candidates:

    • A fast and secure way to verify their identity and build trust with recruiters
    • Verify in seconds if a candidate is already a CLEAR user
    • Built into the existing job application workflow through MyGreenhouse

    Availability

    The Greenhouse Real Talent + CLEAR1 integration will launch for select customers starting in Q3 2025, with expanded rollout and details to be announced soon. Stay updated here.

    About Greenhouse
    Greenhouse is the leading hiring platform to help companies get measurably better at hiring.

    With Greenhouse, organizations can cut recruiting costs and ensure every hire is the right hire, today and as their business grows. Our industry-leading, AI-powered software supports every stage of the hiring process, from sourcing to onboarding. As the only hiring platform you’ll ever need, Greenhouse combines our structured hiring approach – which enables internal alignment and confident data-backed decisions – with technology-forward tools to give companies everything they need to hire top talent quickly, consistently and fairly.

    We’ve helped over 7,500 companies across diverse industry verticals and scaling goals turn talent into a strategic advantage, so they can be ready to hire for what’s next. Some of the most successful companies, like HubSpot, Duolingo, Gong, J.D. Power and Scout24, use Greenhouse for data and guidance on the behaviors and capabilities they need to improve their overall hiring performance.

    Greenhouse has won numerous awards, including Fortune Best Workplaces, Inc. Magazine Best Workplace, Glassdoor #1 Best Place to Work, Forbes Cloud 100, Deloitte Technology Fast 500, Inc. 5000, Crain’s Best Places to Work NYC and Mogul’s Top 100 Workplaces for Diverse Representation.

    © 2025, Greenhouse Software, Inc. All rights reserved. “Hire for what’s next,” “The/Your all-together hiring platform,” “Talent Makers” and the G Logo are trademarks of Greenhouse Software, Inc.

    Writing about Greenhouse? We’ve got everything you need. For access to company logos, images, information and more, contact press@greenhouse.io.

    About CLEAR

    CLEAR’s mission is to strengthen security and create frictionless experiences. With over 31 million Members and a growing network of partners across the world, CLEAR’s identity platform is transforming the way people live, work, and travel. Whether you are traveling, at the stadium, or on your phone, CLEAR connects you to the things that make you, you – making everyday experiences easier, more secure, and friction-free. CLEAR is committed to privacy done right. Members are always in control of their own information, and we never sell Member data. For more information, visit clearme.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This release may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that any and such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results, developments and events may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those described in the Company’s filings within the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the sections titled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10- K. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein.

    For media inquiries:
    media@clearme.com
    press@greenhouse.io

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: KraneShares Expands Single-Stock Levered ETF Suite With 2X Investment Exposure to Mercado Libre (KMLI)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Krane Funds Advisors (“KraneShares”), an asset management firm known for its global exchange-traded funds (ETFs), today announced the expansion of its Single-Stock Levered ETF Suite with the KraneShares 2X Long MELI Daily ETF (Ticker: KMLI), which listed today.

    KMLI seeks daily investment results, before expenses and fees, of 2 times (200%) the daily percentage change of Mercado Libre, a key player in the digitalization of commerce in the developing world.

    Mercado Libre is Latin America’s most popular E-Commerce platform, beating out Amazon in the region in terms of users.1 Mercado Libre helps power the digital transformation in 18 developing and middle-income countries through frictionless commerce and financial inclusion.2

    “Global consumer internet companies continue to represent an important growth theme, as internet adoption increases, especially in the developing world,” said James Maund, KraneShares Head of Capital Markets. “We are excited to expand our Single-Stock Levered ETF Suite with KMLI, whose underlying exposure, Mercado Libre, is a cornerstone of the digital transformation in Latin America. We hope to continue to expand the Suite to help our investors capitalize on the latest growth trends within international internet and technology markets.”

    The global middle class already accounts for two-thirds of global spending,3 and an increasing portion of that spending is occurring online. Mercado Libre is an innovative player facilitating this transition and stands to benefit substantially from increasing E-Commerce penetration rates in global markets.

    For more information on the KraneShares Single Stock Levered ETFs, please visit https://kraneshares.com/kmli or consult your financial advisor.

    Investors should be aware that they can lose their entire investment. Single-stock ETFs, unlike traditional ETFs that diversify across a range of stocks, focus solely on the performance of a single stock, significantly increasing investment risk. KraneShares Single Stock Levered ETFs aim for daily investment results that match 2x the daily performance of the underlying stock. Investors should be aware that returns may diverge from the stock’s actual performance if held for more than a day.

    Due to their leveraged nature, these funds require close monitoring, as they can magnify both potential gains and losses. A flat performance of the underlying stock may lead to a loss, and in certain scenarios, these funds can incur losses even when the stock price fluctuates positively or negatively over several days. Therefore, they are not suitable for every investor and are specifically intended for knowledgeable individuals who grasp the mechanics of leveraged investing and are willing to actively manage risks. Understanding volatility is essential, as minor stock movements and increased volatility can result in returns that significantly deviate from the expected target.

    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. Westberg Peter. “Mercado Libre: The Digital Backbone of Latin America,” Quartr. January 3, 2025.
    2. Company Reports as of 12/31/2025.
    3. Data from Brookings Institution as of 12/31/2021.

    Important Notes:

    Carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risk factors, charges, and expenses before investing. This and additional information can be found in the Fund’s full and summary prospectus, which may be obtained by visiting: www.kraneshares.com/kmli. 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.

    The Fund may invest in derivatives, which are often more volatile than other investments and may magnify Fund’s gains or losses. Derivatives (i.e., futures/forward contracts, swaps, and options) are contracts that derive their value from the performance of underlying assets. The primary risk of derivatives is that changes in the assets’ market values and the derivatives may not be proportionate, and some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses. Derivatives are also subject to liquidity and counterparty risks. The Fund is subject to liquidity risks, meaning that certain investments may become difficult to purchase or sell at a reasonable time and price. If transactions for these securities are large, it may not be possible to initiate them, which may cause the Fund to suffer losses. Counterparty risks are the risks of loss in the event that the counterparties to an agreement fail to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the derivatives.

    The Underlying Stocks are exposed to numerous risks that can impact their revenues and viability, such as price volatility, management, inflation, global economic conditions, and natural disasters. Their performances may be influenced by trends in commerce, cloud computing, international trade policies, and regulatory changes. The Fund’s daily returns rely on the Underlying Stocks’ performances and volatility. Issuer-specific factors may increase Fund investment volatility compared to the overall market. Mercado Libre faces risks from competition in E-Commerce, economic uncertainties, demand declines, revenue concentration, geopolitical events, intellectual property issues, exchange rates, reliance on third-party manufacturing, shortages, cybersecurity threats, system failures, rising costs, government regulations, compliance expenses, litigation, taxes, debt, and talent retention.

    The Fund aims for daily investment results of 200% of the daily percentage changes of the Underlying Stock. Their performances over longer periods will likely differ from the Underlying Stock due to compounded returns, which significantly affect leveraged funds. If the Underlying Stock perform poorly, the dollar losses for shareholders will be smaller if their investments have already decreased. Conversely, if the stocks perform well, future losses will be larger as the investment values have increased. Compounding effects become more pronounced with higher volatility and longer holding periods, impacting shareholders differently based on their investment durations and the stocks’ volatility. Various factors can impact the Fund’s correlations with Underlying Stocks, and achieving high correlations is not guaranteed. If the Fund fails to achieve correlation, they may not meet their investment objectives, with NAV changes varying significantly from 200% of the Underlying Stocks’ changes. To maintain correlations, the Fund’s attempt daily rebalancing for consistent exposures. Major deviations can increase leverage risks. Market disruptions and volatility can hinder the Fund’s ability to adjust. Target exposures fluctuate, making perfect 200% exposures unlikely, especially on volatile days. Other elements, like fees and market conditions, can also affect correlations. The Fund may change positions for tax efficiency, which could harm correlations. Large asset movements or trading discrepancies may lead to under- or overexposures, reducing the Fund’s ability to meet their daily objectives. The Fund uses leverage to gain investment exposure beyond their net assets, leading to potentially greater losses in adverse conditions than non-leveraged funds. A decline in the Underlying Stocks’ daily performance can magnify losses, decreasing the Fund’s value by 2% for each 1% drop, excluding costs. Losses could exceed net assets if the Underlying Stock falls over 50%. Due to limited investments, the Fund may need to limit or suspend the creation or redemption of Creation Units. During these times, shares might trade at significant premiums or discounts to their net asset values. If creations are halted, large redemptions could force the Fund to sell securities at unfavorable prices, increasing costs and taxable distributions to shareholders. The Underlying Stock is listed on an exchange, but an active trading market isn’t guaranteed, and trading can be halted. A halt in the Underlying Stock usually leads to a halt in the Fund’s shares. Trading may stop due to market conditions or exchange decisions, and halts can occur from extraordinary volatility under circuit breaker rules. Extended trading halts may hinder the Fund’s ability to arrange necessary swaps for its investment strategy.

    Narrowly focused investments typically exhibit higher volatility. The Fund’s assets are expected to be concentrated in a single stock. The securities or futures in that concentration could react similarly to market developments. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect that concentration. In addition to the normal risks associated with investing, investments in smaller companies typically exhibit higher volatility. KMLI is non-diversified.

    The Latin American economy is an emerging market, vulnerable to domestic and regional economic and political changes, often showing more volatility than developed markets. Companies face risks from potential government interventions, and the export-driven economy is sensitive to downturns in key trading partners, impacting the Fund. Regulatory standards in these markets are less stringent than in the U.S., resulting in limited information about issuers. Tax laws are unclear and subject to change, potentially impacting the Fund and leading to unexpected liabilities for foreign investors. The economies of certain Latin American countries have experienced high interest rates, economic volatility, inflation, and high unemployment rates. Fluctuations in the currencies of foreign countries may have an adverse effect on domestic currency values. The Fund is new and does not yet have a significant number of shares outstanding. If the Fund does not grow in size, it will be at greater risk than larger funds of wider bid-ask spreads for its shares, trading at a greater premium or discount to NAV, liquidation and/or a trading halt.

    ETF shares are bought and sold on an exchange at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. However, shares may be redeemed at NAV directly by certain authorized broker-dealers (Authorized Participants) in very large creation/redemption units. The returns shown do not represent the returns you would receive if you traded shares at other times. Shares may trade at a premium or discount to their NAV in the secondary market. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns. Beginning 12/23/2020, market price returns are based on the official closing price of an ETF share or, if the official closing price isn’t available, the midpoint between the national best bid and national best offer (“NBBO”) as of the time the ETF calculates the current NAV per share. Prior to that date, market price returns were based on the midpoint between the Bid and Ask price. NAVs are calculated using prices as of 4:00 PM Eastern Time.

    The KraneShares ETFs and KFA Funds ETFs are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Company (SIDCO), 1 Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA 19456, which is not affiliated with Krane Funds Advisors, LLC, the Investment Adviser for the Fund, or any sub-advisers for the Fund.

    Contact:
    KraneShares Investor Relations
    info@kraneshares.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: FBI Special Agent Chris Wong Joins TRM Labs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Christopher Wong, one of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)’s foremost experts on cryptocurrency investigations, has joined TRM Labs.

    Wong served with the FBI for ten years, most recently as a Supervisory Special Agent in the Bureau’s Virtual Assets Unit. In that role, he led and supported some of the most complex cryptocurrency-related investigations in US law enforcement, including multi-year efforts to disrupt North Korea’s use of digital assets to finance its weapons programs.

    Wong, in partnership with now-TRM colleague Chris Janczewski — then a special agent with IRS-Criminal Investigation — led the FBI’s investigation into the 2016 Bitfinex hack, resulting in the recovery of approximately USD 3.6 billion in cryptocurrency, the largest seizure in US history. He also played a critical role in the US government’s response to the USD 600 million Axie Infinity Ronin Bridge hack, attributed to North Korea’s Lazarus Group. That incident became a watershed moment in US national security policy on crypto threats, driving a coordinated interagency response and leading to the first-ever sanctions on cryptocurrency mixing services.

    Most recently, Wong supported the Department of Justice’s civil forfeiture action involving over USD 7.7 million in cryptocurrency linked to a North Korean IT worker laundering network. That investigation uncovered a sophisticated global scheme in which DPRK operatives used false identities to gain employment in the tech sector and funnel illicit earnings back to Pyongyang.

    In addition to his investigative work, Wong has trained law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges in dozens of countries, helping to build international capacity to respond to crypto-enabled crime.

    “I’m incredibly proud of the mission I served at the FBI — supporting agents, partners, and prosecutors as we tackled some of the most impactful crypto investigations in the world,” said Wong. “At TRM, I have the opportunity to continue that mission — this time by helping amplify the work law enforcement is doing globally to disrupt illicit finance and protect victims.”

    “Chris is one of the most respected agents in the space,” said Esteban Castaño, co-founder and CEO of TRM Labs. “He combines elite investigative skill with a deep sense of purpose, and his work has shaped how governments respond to nation-state cyber threats and financial crime. We’re honored to welcome him to TRM as we expand our support for public sector partners and the broader mission of safeguarding the financial system.”

    Wong joins a growing team of former law enforcement and national security officials at TRM Labs working to detect, investigate, and prevent illicit activity involving digital assets.

    About TRM Labs

    TRM Labs provides blockchain analytics solutions to help law enforcement and national security agencies, financial institutions, and cryptocurrency businesses detect, investigate, and disrupt crypto-related fraud and financial crime. TRM’s blockchain intelligence platform includes solutions to trace the source and destination of funds, identify illicit activity, build cases, and construct an operating picture of threats. TRM is trusted by leading agencies and businesses worldwide who rely on TRM to enable a safer, more secure crypto ecosystem. TRM is based in San Francisco, CA, and is hiring across engineering, product, sales, and data science. To learn more, visit www.trmlabs.com.

    Contact: press@trmlabs.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Fiduciary Services Group Selects Midaxo to Drive Programmatic M&A Strategy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON and PHILADELPHIA, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fiduciary Services Group (FSG), a forward-thinking retirement services firm, has selected Midaxo, a leading mergers and acquisitions (M&A) software platform, to power the company’s shift toward a scalable, programmatic M&A strategy.

    “Transitioning from ad-hoc M&A activity to a structured repeatable acquisition program is essential to FSG’s growth strategy,” said Christian Fulmino, Head of Corporate Development and M&A at FSG. “Midaxo’s purpose-built M&A platform will help us create a faster, higher-quality, and more efficient M&A program by improving the organization and structure of our diligence process, increasing the repeatability of our activities, and enhancing visibility through robust analytics and reporting.”

    FSG’s adoption of Midaxo underscores its commitment to utilizing technology to drive sustainable growth.

    “We are excited to partner with FSG as they scale their M&A program,” said Jude McColgan, CEO of Midaxo. “FSG recognized that Midaxo’s integrated platform—offering best-practice frameworks, reusable diligence workflows, and real-time process insights—can help unlock the inorganic growth they are targeting.”

    About Fiduciary Services Group
    Fiduciary Services Group Family of Companies (FSG) is a leader in enhancing all aspects of retirement services. With a comprehensive focus on recordkeeping services, compliance, government reporting, actuarial services, trust and custody solutions, and investment advisory services, FSG is committed to delivering innovative and reliable support to its clients. As the parent company of PCS Retirement, Advisor Trust, Aspire, ABGRM, DWC, and others, FSG champions a collaborative approach to empowering organizations, advisors, and participants in achieving their retirement goals.

    For further information, please contact fsg-marketing@fsgretire.com.

    About Midaxo  
    Midaxo provides the most widely used work management solution for corporate development. Digitally transforming the transaction process, Midaxo Cloud leverages automation, AI, and machine learning to deliver accelerated inorganic growth while decreasing deal risk. The platform can be customized to fit the needs of each company to enable corporate development and M&A leaders to find, evaluate, and deliver inorganic growth with unprecedented speed and accuracy. Users of the M&A capabilities report identifying and managing 5x more targets, reducing diligence time by 50%, and accelerating time to value realization up to 40%. More than 500 Midaxo customers, including Banner Health, Daimler AG, Professional Services Co., and United Site Services, have closed over 5,000 transactions valued in excess of $1 trillion.  

    Contact:  
    Hanna Brenner  
    Midaxo  
    Hanna.brenner@midaxo.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Can the African Energy Bank Transform the Continent’s Refining and Downstream Future?


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    Set to launch in June 2025 with an initial $5 billion in capital, the African Energy Bank (AEB) is positioned to catalyze a shift in Africa’s energy sector. Established by the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) in partnership with multilateral financial institution Afreximbank, the AEB aims to mobilize capital for upstream, midstream and downstream energy projects, addressing a continent-wide investment shortfall estimated at up to $50 billion annually. By providing accessible, Africa-focused financing, the AEB is expected to reduce dependency on foreign capital and imports, especially in the downstream sector where over 80% of refined petroleum products are currently imported.

    The AEB’s role in advancing refining capacity and downstream development will take center stage at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 conference – taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. As Africa’s premier platform for energy dialogue and investment, AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 will spotlight the AEB’s potential to transform Africa’s energy landscape.

    Driving Refining Capacity Through Local Investment

    Despite holding over 125 billion barrels of oil and 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, Africa continues to struggle with insufficient refining capacity, forcing nations to export crude oil and re-import refined products at a premium. Institutions such as the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA) have long-advocated for investment in modernizing and expanding Africa’s refining infrastructure. Current projections indicate that African petroleum demand will increase from 4.1 million barrels per day (bpd) to 5.3 million bpd by 2040 – a trend that underscores the urgency of building self-sufficient refining systems.

    As such, the AEB – headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria and scheduled to begin operations in the second quarter of 2025 – is uniquely positioned to support strategic investment across Africa’s downstream and refining sectors. With an ambition to grow its asset base to $120 billion, the bank is positioned to unlock domestic value chains and catalyze large-scale projects that meet the continent’s rising demand for petroleum.

    Momentum in Downstream Expansion

    Recent developments across the continent reflect growing momentum to scale refining capacity. Angola expects phase one of the Cabinda refinery to begin operations in 2025, bringing 60,000 bpd to the market. The country has a goal to increase capacity to 445,000 bpd and is on track to reduce imports of derivatives by 14% by 2026. Nigeria’s 650,000-bpd Dangote Refinery began producing diesel and aviation fuel in 2024, marking a significant milestone for domestic processing. Similarly, upgrades to the Port Harcourt Refinery and ongoing expansion to Ghana’s Sentuo Oil Refinery highlight national efforts to meet growing demand.

    Equatorial Guinea’s recent agreement with Shanghai SupeZet to build a new refinery and expand the Bata facility further illustrates the strategic push toward local processing. These efforts not only reduce import dependency but also create jobs, enhance energy security and promote regional trade in refined products.

    Aligning Regional Integration and Investment

    Africa’s refining and energy infrastructure ambitions are closely tied to broader goals of economic integration. The African Continental Free Trade Agreement, ratified by more than 48 countries, creates a platform for cross-border energy projects by removing trade barriers and harmonizing investment policies. It also supports the development of regional supply chains, enhancing the commercial viability of shared infrastructure.

    The AEB will play a central role in supporting these regional ambitions by working with over 700 African financial institutions and APPO member states to channel funding into integrated, cross-border energy systems. By reducing the time, cost and risk associated with project development, the bank could accelerate the pace of infrastructure buildout across the continent.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Luis de Guindos: “More Europe” and financial integration

    Source: European Central Bank

    Keynote speech by Luis de Guindos, Vice-President of the ECB, at the annual Joint Conference of the European Commission and the European Central Bank on European financial integration

    Brussels, 12 June 2025

    Introduction

    I am once again delighted to speak at the annual joint conference of the European Commission and the European Central Bank on European financial integration. This is an important event for us as we come together to appraise and advance financial integration in Europe.

    The recent sea change in US economic policy and the multilateral rules-based system has been an important wake-up call for Europe. The pattern of globalisation is set to shift significantly and give way to increased economic fragmentation on a global scale. Unreliability and unpredictability are likely to persist for years to come, making uncertainty a defining feature that will not be overcome any time soon. This uncertainty extends beyond trade to other domains such as monetary, fiscal or national security policy.

    The European Union’s success rests on the pillars of free trade and openness. Compromising these ideals threatens the very foundation upon which the EU is built. Multilateralism and international cooperation are the principles that form the basis of the EU’s global governance and economic strategies. Despite this period of heightened geopolitical and policy uncertainty, the EU should stick to its values and strengthen its resolve. We must take this opportunity to strengthen the European project as its future depends on us and us alone.

    While our conference is clearly centred on advancing financial integration, my main message today is that we must make progress on all fronts. The Single Market is the focal point and driving force of European integration, intrinsically linked to the EU’s strategic objectives.[1] However, a true single market for goods and services within the EU remains elusive, hindered by persistent barriers and divergent national rules. National markets still often represent a major impediment to growth and innovation in sectors where global competition requires action on a European scale.

    Progress on integration in the real economy – entailing the strengthening of the performance and scalability of European businesses – requires progress in its financing through banks and capital markets. But the banking union remains incomplete, while EU capital markets remain fragmented. We need to seize the moment and make progress on these three fronts in order to reinforce the Economic and Monetary Union and foster growth.

    The outlook for growth and inflation

    Let me say a few words about the euro area economy. Compared with the situation a year ago, our concerns have shifted from high inflation to slow growth.

    The euro area economy grew more than expected in the first quarter of 2025, by 0.6% quarter on quarter. This however reflects temporary factors likely to revert. Survey data point overall to weaker prospects in the near term. Higher tariffs and the stronger euro make it harder to export, and high uncertainty is weighing on investment. At the same time, the strong labour market, rising real incomes and easier financing conditions should support growth in the medium term. This outlook is confirmed by our projections, indicating real growth rates gradually increasing from 0.9% in 2025 to 1.3% in 2027. Inflation is currently at around our 2% medium-term target. Importantly, we see wage growth moderating from still elevated levels. In our new projections, it is set to average 2.0% in 2025, 1.6% in 2026 and 2.0% in 2027. The downward revisions for this and next year, mainly reflect lower assumptions for energy prices and a stronger euro.

    Given the progress with inflation approaching our medium-term target on a sustained basis, we have been able to lower our key interest rates several times, by a total of 200 basis points since June last year.

    Now, though, we face exceptional uncertainty generated by geopolitical fragmentation and the volatile trade policy. The euro area economy has proved fairly resilient to date, supported by a strong labour market. That said, there may be challenges ahead, considering the size and frequency of shocks amid elevated uncertainty. While it is impossible to predict exactly what will happen, these developments may well have a dampening impact on growth in the euro area. It is therefore important for us to closely monitor what is happening in the real economy, partly as an early indicator for the inflation outlook. With inflation around our 2% target, structural reforms and growth-oriented fiscal policy become crucial to foster productivity and competitiveness in the EU.

    Financial integration in the EU

    This brings me back to the European project. The Single Market continues to be a cornerstone of European integration and values, serving as a powerful catalyst for growth. Given the rapidly shifting geopolitical environment we face right now, the current juncture is the right moment to look inwards and make progress on competitiveness and growth by taking bolder steps towards a truly unified single market for goods and services. The fact that integration has advanced so little in the EU real economy has, to a large extent, failed to prompt decisive integration in the banking sector and EU capital markets.

    Last year I lamented the fact that financial integration was back to the levels seen at the start of the monetary union. Today I can say that we have recently observed a positive trend in the price and quantity-based measures of financial integration.[2] Importantly, this holds true for measures of integration in an equity market which is critical for sourcing risk capital for innovative and high-growth companies. This improvement also applies to the banking market, which is key to financing the small and medium-sized enterprises that form the backbone of the euro area economy. At the same time, we are still far from the levels we might wish for a truly integrated financial market.

    An incomplete banking union is a large gap in our institutional framework. Despite Single Supervisory Mechanism and Single Resolution Mechanism, deposit insurance remains at the national level. This leaves the link between banks and sovereigns impossible to sever. Confidence in the safety of bank deposits still varies across countries. The geographical location of a bank also influences the outcome of a resolution process, as there is no common backstop and divergencies in national laws persist. This level of integration in the banking sector is insufficient to facilitate cross-border lending, reduce intermediation costs, foster cross-border consolidation and significantly enhance financing capacity.

    The same holds true for integration in EU capital markets. Harmonising regulations and removing national divergences are crucial to simplifying the regulatory framework and creating a single, resilient market. Furthermore, having established the Single Supervisory Mechanism for banks, we need to work towards integrated supervision of EU capital markets. This could be achieved gradually and considering specific sectoral features.

    The European Commission has put forward a savings and investments union strategy which provides a range of policy actions regarding financial markets. The two panel sessions today consider key bottlenecks in our capital markets: attracting more investors and channelling investments into the future.

    The European Union boasts a high saving rate, which often results in capital being exported outside of our borders. A more supportive environment for investment within the EU can be created by harmonising the regulatory framework and reducing red tape. Removing obstacles in tax, insolvency and corporate law would greatly facilitate cross-border investment. This in turn would render the EU capital market more attractive for investors. Capital will naturally follow integration in the real economy.

    We can also do a better job at facilitating cross-border access to the European funds market. This would help to promote access to low-cost products for retail investors and the distribution of funds across the EU. Deep and integrated equity markets are crucial for providing the necessary financing to support the European economy, which would serve to enhance productivity and resilience. Better functioning markets across borders can ensure that EU firms have access to adequate sources of finance throughout their lifecycle. When their financing needs increase and cannot be met by small and fragmented European markets, companies can decide to list elsewhere, or even relocate their operations entirely. Enhancing access to venture capital is therefore a strategic aim to enable firms with high growth potential to list domestically.

    Conclusion

    Let me conclude.

    The call for “more Europe” resonates more strongly than ever. This arises from the growing risk of over-reliance on non-European powers and the decreasing importance of any single country on the global stage. High levels of uncertainty, elevated risks from geopolitical tensions and potential disruptions in global trade leave the EU’s economic outlook fragile.

    The use of the US dollar in international funding, payment and trade transactions, or as a reserve currency, will not be challenged in the short term. But the role of the euro can gradually expand, especially if we deliver on “more Europe”. Dismantling long-standing barriers to full integration in the single market for goods and services and taking decisive steps towards a true banking and capital markets union will only enhance the international role of the euro.

    The stakes have never been higher for Europe. To deliver on its fundamental values, Europe needs to deliver on the long-term growth and resilience of its economy. Completing the banking union and deepening Europe’s financial markets are essential for allocating capital more effectively and providing benefits to savers. They are also essential to promote and retain innovative companies, as well as to attract talent and investment.

    Banks and capital markets are not competing for a limited amount of investment opportunities ­– they are closely interconnected as parts of a wider financial ecosystem that finances the real economy. To move on to the next level, we need integration in the real economy and political will to give priority to the European project over national interests. There is no way around it. We need decisive progress on all three fronts.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CDP attends 2025 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Software Industry High-quality Development Conference, 13th Guangdong-Hong Kong Cloud Computing Conference and 8th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao ICT Conference in Guangzhou (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CDP attends 2025 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Software Industry High-quality Development Conference, 13th Guangdong-Hong Kong Cloud Computing Conference and 8th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao ICT Conference in Guangzhou  
    Speaking at the main forum of the conference, Mr Wong said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been endeavouring to develop artificial intelligence as a core industry in recent years and to promote the robust development of the AI ecosystem in Hong Kong on all fronts. In this regard, Cyberport’s AI Supercomputing Centre (AISC) has commenced operation. Meanwhile, the HKSAR Government has launched a $3 billion AI Subsidy Scheme to support local institutions, research and development (R&D) centres and enterprises in leveraging the computing power of the AISC to achieve scientific breakthroughs. The HKSAR Government also supported, through the AIR@InnoHK under the InnoHK Research Clusters focusing on the development of AI and robotics technologies, the establishment of the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center (HKGAI). HKGAI is formed by a group of R&D teams from local universities and focuses on R&D of local self-developed general-purpose large language models and applications, including the document processing application “HKPilot”, which is now in pilot use in all government departments.
     
    In addition, Mr Wong mentioned that the Digital Policy Office (DPO) is actively taking forward the preparatory work on the establishment of the Hong Kong AI Research and Development Institute, facilitating upstream R&D of AI, midstream and downstream transformation of R&D outcomes and application scenarios. He invited Guangdong technology enterprises and talent to learn more about Hong Kong’s I&T development and to leverage Hong Kong’s distinctive advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle of having strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, to jointly venture into the global market with Hong Kong’s I&T industry and tell good stories of the country’s I&T development.
     
    The conference attracted around 400 industry experts, scholars and practitioners from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. Government representatives from the three places and representatives from research institutions and industry organisations also attended the conference. Being one of the major annual events of the Hong Kong/Guangdong co-operation in informatisation, the conference was jointly organised by the Guangdong Software Industry Association, the Yangcheng Evening News, the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, the Computer Chambers of Macau and the China Software Industry Association, under the steer of the Department of Industry and Information Technology of Guangdong Province, the DPO of the HKSAR Government, the Economic and Technological Development Bureau of the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region and the Yangcheng Evening News Group.
     
    Mr Wong visited two local technology enterprises in Guangzhou in the afternoon. He was briefed by the enterprises’ representatives on products and solutions of new-generation information technology application innovation and cybersecurity, and also learned how the enterprises apply large language models and generative AI technology to product development.
     
    Mr Wong returned to Hong Kong this afternoon after the visit.
    Issued at HKT 19:50

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by FS at Reception in Celebration of 127th Anniversary of Proclamation of Philippine Independence (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Speech by FS at Reception in Celebration of 127th Anniversary of Proclamation of Philippine Independence (English only) 
         Good evening. It is a great pleasure to join you tonight in celebrating the 127th anniversary of the Republic of the Philippines’ proclamation of independence.  
     
         Let me take this opportunity to extend a formal and warm welcome to Consul General Israel, who assumed his new post in Hong Kong this April. With your extensive diplomatic career in the Philippines and abroad, I am confident that your experience and insight will further help strengthen the close ties between Hong Kong and the Philippines.  
         Tourism is a shining example. Last year, we welcomed nearly 1.2 million visitors from the Philippines, a remarkable increase of over 55 per cent compared to 2023. This positive momentum has continued, with over 550 000 Filipino visitors arriving in the first five months of this year, representing a 27 per cent year-on-year growth.   
     
         Our trade relationship remains robust. Hong Kong plays a vital role as a gateway for China’s exports to the Philippines. Hong Kong is the Philippines’ fifth largest trading partner. Last year, our value of merchandise trade grew to HK$108 billion. Hong Kong handled around 13 per cent of the total merchandise trade between China and the Philippines.
     
         Besides, I am pleased to note that we have started negotiations on a Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement. I trust such an agreement will further simulate our bilateral trade and investments. 
     
         All these encouraging developments point to a future of even closer business ties and new opportunities for collaboration. 
     
         The Philippines stands out as one of the fastest-growing economies in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). I am pleased to learn that your Government is making proactive efforts to implement pro-business reforms to simplify company formation process, lower entry barriers and attract foreign businesses. These measures will facilitate trade and investments with your economic and trade partners. Meanwhile, more infrastructure flagship projects will bolster the economy, improve connectivity and make your country more attractive to businesses from abroad. 
     
         In an era marked by rising protectionism and increasing geopolitical uncertainty, globalisation is facing backlashes. Countries are seeking to diversify their export markets and development drivers. In this context, enhancing intra-regional trade and collaboration will be key to achieving sustainable growth. In this connection, we greatly appreciate the Philippines’ continued support for our accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
     
         Under the “one country, two systems” arrangement, Hong Kong is a “super connector” and “super value-adder” between the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world. We steadfastly uphold our free port status, with the free movement of goods, capital, information and talent. Our world-class transport and logistics infrastructure provides a perfect springboard for your country’s products and services to reach the Mainland, across North Asia, and beyond.
     
         Now, given the policy uncertainties in the US and shifting global investment landscape, Hong Kong has emerged as a safe harbour for international capital. This is reflected by capital inflows and investors’ optimism. Our stock market has performed exceptionally well, rising by 20 per cent so far this year, on top of the 18 per cent increase last year. It is one of the top-performing markets globally.
     
         With deep liquidity and a comprehensive suite of funding options, Hong Kong offers an ideal platform for Filipino enterprises to raise funds to support their business development. They can consider listing on our Stock Exchange, or connecting with angel investors, venture capital and private equity for collaboration. 
     
         For sure, Hong Kong has more to offer. You will find Hong Kong an ideal location to raise funds for quality infrastructure and green transition projects. Beyond traditional means, such as bond issuance, there are innovative financing models such as infrastructure loan securitisation, or catastrophe bonds, which are designed to share natural disaster risks with investors. Hong Kong has already issued seven catastrophe bonds, covering events from earthquakes to storms across Asia and the Americas. 
     
         In short, the potential for deeper co-operation between our two economies is vast and far-reaching.
     
         Before I conclude, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the more than 220 000 Filipino nationals in Hong Kong. They are an integral part of our community and have made invaluable contributions to the economic and social fabric of this city.  
     
         On behalf of the Hong Kong SAR Government, I extend my warmest congratulations to the people of the Philippines on your Independence Day. May the friendship between Hong Kong and the Philippines continue to flourish and prosper for years to come.  
     
         I wish you all a most enjoyable evening. Thank you very much.
    Issued at HKT 19:30

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: LIS Technologies Inc. Appoints Former Deputy Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration Brent Park Ph.D., as its Executive Director of Nuclear Security and Safeguards Policy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Oak Ridge, Tennessee, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LIS Technologies Inc. (“LIST” or “the Company”), a proprietary developer of advanced laser technology and the only USA-origin and patented laser uranium enrichment company, today announced that it has appointed Brent Park, Ph.D., as its Executive Director of Nuclear Security and Safeguards Policy.

    “LIST’s technology arrives at a pivotal moment, as the United States accelerates efforts to build a secure, domestic nuclear‑fuel supply chain,” said Brent Park, Ph.D., Executive Director of Nuclear Security and Safeguards Policy of LIS Technologies Inc. “This proprietary technology can be a key step toward reducing reliance on foreign sources of enriched uranium and strengthening our national energy independence. I’m honored to join the Company and look forward to advising the leadership team as they advance the CRISLA technology from revival to commercialization.”

    Brent is a nuclear physicist and a former government official with demonstrated leadership experience at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Nevada Test Site (NTS), and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Between 2018 and 2021, with Senate confirmation just 6 weeks after being nominated by President Donald J. Trump, Brent served as Deputy Administrator at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). He led Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation programs to support the nation’s efforts in nonproliferation treaties and international arms control, international nuclear security, safeguards, and export control policies. Prior to joining NNSA, Brent was Associate Laboratory Director at ORNL, leading the science-to-application efforts for national security programs. Research topics are wide-ranging, with particular focus on materials science and engineering, cybersecurity, high-performance computing and big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and nuclear science and engineering.

    Figure 1 – LIS Technologies Inc. Appoints Brent Park, Ph.D., as its Executive Director of Nuclear Security and Safeguards Policy.

    Previously, Brent was the director of NNSA’s Remote Sensing Laboratory, where he led efforts to advance and field cutting-edge diagnostics and communications instruments in support of counterterrorism and radiological incident response for the nation. As the NNSA’s non-proliferation chief, he led efforts and engagements to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation and to reduce the threat of nuclear and radiological terrorism around the world. Earlier, Brent managed and contributed to basic and applied research programs at LANL in the areas of physics and engineering, modeling and analysis, and nuclear weapons physics and engineering in support of stockpile stewardship, as well as nuclear emergency response and nuclear facility operations. Brent earned a bachelor’s degree in physics and mathematics at Illinois State University and a master’s degree in physics with an emphasis on remote sensing at Indiana State University. Later he shifted the direction of his research to nuclear physics and earned a master’s degree at Indiana University. Brent performed a thesis experiment using the spallation neutron source at LANL and earned a PhD in physics at Ohio University. He held a prestigious Physics Division postdoctoral fellowship at LANL before becoming a technical staff member.

    “Brent steps into this role with real enthusiasm, and we’re honored to welcome him to our team,” said Jay Yu, Executive Chairman and President of LIS Technologies Inc. “A distinguished leader, public official, and scientist, he brings a depth of experience that will benefit the Company both now and well into the future. During his tenure at the NNSA, Brent worked with some of the most advanced nuclear technologies in the industry. Now, his decision to join LIST reflects the promise of our patented, proprietary and U.S.-based CRISLA technology and the dedication that has shaped our company’s growth.”

    “Brent’s depth of experience and extensive network are a testament to his distinguished career, and it is a pleasure to welcome him to LIS Technologies,” said Christo Liebenberg, CEO and Co-Founder of LIS Technologies Inc. “His technical expertise, combined with his longstanding relationships across key institutions, will be instrumental as we navigate complex licensing, regulatory and non-proliferation pathways and advance our CRISLA technology through testing, demonstration activities and eventually to commercialization.”

    About LIS Technologies Inc.

    LIS Technologies Inc. (LIST) is a USA based, proprietary developer of a patented advanced laser technology, making use of infrared lasers to selectively excite the molecules of desired isotopes to separate them from other isotopes. The Laser Isotope Separation Technology (L.I.S.T) has a huge range of applications, including being the only USA-origin (and patented) laser uranium enrichment company, and several major advantages over traditional methods such as gas diffusion, centrifuges, and prior art laser enrichment. The LIST proprietary laser-based process is more energy-efficient and has the potential to be deployed with highly competitive capital and operational costs. L.I.S.T is optimized for LEU (Low Enriched Uranium) for existing civilian nuclear power plants, High-Assay LEU (HALEU) for the next generation of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and Microreactors, the production of stable isotopes for medical and scientific research, and applications in quantum computing manufacturing for semiconductor technologies. The Company employs a world class nuclear technical team working alongside leading nuclear entrepreneurs and industry professionals, possessing strong relationships with government and private nuclear industries.

    In Dec 2024, LIS Technologies Inc. was selected as one of six domestic companies to participate in the Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) Enrichment Acquisition Program. This initiative allocates up to $3.4 billion overall, with contracts lasting for up to 10 years. Each awardee is slated to receive a minimum contract of $2 million.

    For more information please visit: LaserIsTech.com

    For further information, please contact:
    Email: info@laseristech.com
    Telephone: 800-388-5492
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    Forward Looking Statements

    This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For LIS Technologies Inc., particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following which are, and will be, exacerbated by any worsening of global business and economic environment: (i) risks related to the development of new or advanced technology, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, development of competitive technology, loss of key individuals and uncertainty of success of patent filing, (ii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations and (iii) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to commercially deploy a competitive laser enrichment technology, (iv) risks related to the impact of government regulation and policies including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission; and other risks and uncertainties discussed in this and our other filings with the SEC. Only after successful completion of our Phase 2 Pilot Plant demonstration will LIS Technologies be able to make realistic economic predictions for a Commercial Facility. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Joint Summary of the Visit by H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, to the Kingdom of Norway

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    At the invitation of the Government of Norway and on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of ASEAN-Norway Sectoral Dialogue Partnership, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, undertook a working visit to Norway, from 9 to 12 June 2025.
     
    The visit underscored the growing and multifaceted cooperation between ASEAN and Norway since the formalisation of the Sectoral Dialogue Partnership in 2015. It also reflected both sides’ shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation on sustainable ocean management and green transition, trade and investments, as well as on peace and conflict management and human rights.
     
    While in Oslo, the Secretary-General paid a courtesy call on H.E. Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Norway. He also held meetings with H.E. Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and with H.E. Cecilie Myrseth, Minister of Trade and Industry. The discussions touched on the deepening of ASEAN-Norway relations, trade and investment, blue economy, regional and global developments, and the importance of ASEAN as a regional consensus builder and a stabilising role in the Indo-Pacific region. The Meetings also emphasised the importance of upholding and strengthening ASEAN Centrality, rules-based international order and the importance of practical cooperation pursued through the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
     
    The Secretary-General also engaged with the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) delegation at the Norwegian Parliament, took part in a roundtable discussion at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI), delivered a lecture at the Centre of Geopolitics, and participated in Oslo Forum where he exchanged views with a range of stakeholders on peace, diplomacy, and regional security issues. The Secretary-General and his delegation also visited Bergen where he engaged with Norwegian businesses and institutions related to sustainable ocean management, circular economy and smart cities.
     
    The visit demonstrated the scope and depth of ASEAN-Norway relations over the past decade and reaffirmed both sides’ mutual commitment to further strengthening the partnership. Both sides look forward to the finalisation of the ASEAN-Norway Practical Cooperation Areas (2026-2030) that is ambitious yet practical and implementable, which will serve as a framework for tangible cooperation in the years ahead.
    The post Joint Summary of the Visit by H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, to the Kingdom of Norway appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chancellor invests in Britain’s renewal with up to 4 million additional NHS tests and procedures over the next five years

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Chancellor invests in Britain’s renewal with up to 4 million additional NHS tests and procedures over the next five years

    Families across the country will benefit from this investment in the NHS, delivering up to 4 million additional NHS tests and procedures over the next five years.

    • The £6 billion investment will deliver new scanners, more community diagnostic centre capacity, ambulances, and Urgent Treatment Centres to support emergency care teams, with increased capacity in community care to reduce pressure on hospitals and provide more convenient care for patients.
    • The additional £6 billion of funding will help deliver the Plan for Change promise that 92% of patients start consultant-led treatment within 18 weeks and is part of the largest ever investment in the Department of Health and Social Care’s capital budgets.

    Up to 4 million additional tests, scans and procedures will be delivered across the UK as the Chancellor confirms £6 billion of investment over the next five years in Britain’s health to make working people better off.

    It comes after the Chancellor’s Spending Review where she pledged to invest in Britain’s renewal, with the biggest ever investment in the Department of Health and Social Care, where she told the commons “there’s no strong economy without a strong NHS”.

    Today (11 June), the Chancellor is confirming this investment in the NHS which will deliver new scanners, more community diagnostic centres – on top of the 170 already delivered across the country – ambulances and Urgent Treatment Centres to support emergency care teams, with increased capacity in community care to reduce pressure on hospitals. 

    The funding injection will give patients better access to vital diagnostic scans and treatment in more convenient locations, including shopping centres and local high streets, providing faster diagnoses and improved outcomes.

    This will help cut hospital waiting lists and deliver the Government’s Plan for Change commitment that 92% of patients should start consultant-led treatment within 18 weeks of referral and follows record investment of £232 billion in the NHS announced at the Spending Review.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

    Over a decade of underinvestment from the previous government put the NHS on its knees, with people across the country unable to get the care they need. We are investing in Britain’s renewal, and we will turn that around.

    Part of our record investment will deliver 4 million tests, scans and procedures, so hard working people can get the health care they and their families need. There is no strong economy without a strong NHS, and we’ll deliver on our Plan for Change to end the hospital backlog, improve living standards and get more money in people’s pockets.

    £30 billion will also be invested over the next five years in day-to-day maintenance and repair of the NHS estate, with over £5 billion specifically allocated to address the most critical building repairs, reducing the most serious and critical infrastructure risk in a targeted way. This will begin to address the recommendations of the Darzi review and will turn the tide on the trends of the past 15 years.  

    Record investment must go hand-in-hand with reform across the health service, to deliver 2% productivity growth each year and unlock £17 billion of savings over the next three years to be reinvested back into the Health Service and support a radical transformation of the Service to be set out in the 10 Year Health Plan.

    Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said:

    Since taking office we have been relentless in our drive to cut waiting times for patients, delivering over 3.6 million extra elective care appointments and reducing the overall waiting list by over 200,000.

    The £6 billion investment we are announcing today will generate millions more vital diagnostic tests, scans and procedures for patients across the country.

    Through our Plan for Change we are delivering the investment and reform needed to put the NHS on the road to recovery.

    The government is already putting the latest technology in the hands of patients and staff with a national expansion of the NHS App and a recent £70 million investment in new radiography machines to give cancer patients faster and better treatment.

    Reforms to general practice will also slash red tape and bring back the family doctor, allowing GPs to spend more time treating patients.

    This settlement also supports the shift from treatment to prevention, improving the health of the nation and reducing demand on the Health Service.

    The government will also deliver its manifesto commitment of recruiting an additional 8,500 mental health staff by the end of the Parliament and expanding mental health support teams in schools to 100% of schools in England by 2029-30. An extra £4 billion a year will be made available for adult social care by 2028-29, supporting the sector to improve adult social care and deliver a Fair Pay Agreement.

    Today’s announcement is the latest milestone in the governments mission to reform the NHS through the Plan for Change, having already delivered over 3.6 million extra elective care appointments, recruited an additional 1,500 GPs, financed the upgrade of over 1,000 GP surgeries and allocated over £750 million for vital maintenance repairs at hospitals across the country.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eastern Cape search and recovery operations continue

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Search and recovery efforts are ongoing across the Eastern Cape, following the recent inclement weather.

    Torrential rains over the past few days have caused devastating landslides and flooding, leaving hundreds of families displaced. The adverse weather has also caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure.

    Updating the media on Wednesday, Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, said that he has ordered the suspension of all other provincial programmes in the province, to enable Members of the Executive Council (MECs), including himself, to be on the ground and offer support to the affected communities.

    This after assessing the extent of widespread devastation, following the rains and strong winds that hit the province’s OR Tambo District Municipality enduring most of the severe weather.

    “Each of the MECs are looking at the service delivery needs of this and other affected communities across the province as mop-up operations begin in earnest. Together with the leadership of the OR Tambo District and King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, the provincial government is on the ground assessing the damage, to support relief operations, and engage directly with affected families and communities,” Mabuyane said.

    The Premier extended his deepest condolences to the families of the 49 people who passed away in OR Tambo District alone. Among the deceased are children whose scholar transport was swept away by floodwaters. 

    “The number of people confirmed to have been in the minibus taxi…. sadly, four learners have been confirmed to be deceased, together with the driver and a conductor of the minibus taxi. The rest of the deceased people are citizens of different ages. Four learners are still missing,” the Premier said.

    The heavy rains in the Amathole District have also displaced hundreds of residents from informal settlements, with many relocated to temporary shelters. The severe weather also caused power outages across several areas in the district.

    Mabuyane said a coordinated, multi-disciplinary emergency and rescue services team has been deployed across the province and remains actively involved in recovery, evacuation, and support efforts across the affected areas.

    The continuous provision of shelter, food, psychosocial support services, blankets, and other essentials to displaced families, through partnerships with the South African Social Service Agency (SASSA), the Department of Social Development, and local municipalities are some of the interventions that have been put in place by the provincial government.

    “Through the Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management (ICDM), technical experts are addressing damage to water infrastructure. When necessary, water tankers will be dispatched to ensure access to clean drinking water,” the Premier said.

    Search and rescue operations for the scholars is being led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) while the Department of Education is intervening to bring in the necessary support to the affected families during this tragic time.

    Restoration of electricity, reopening of roads

    Mabuyane also noted progress being made in reopening major roads affected by snowfall, and the continuous restoration of electricity following outages caused by gale-force winds and heavy snow.

    “Over the past 48 hours, at least 136 000 customers have since been brought back online, down from 300 000 that were without electricity. Eskom teams have resumed to continue with restoration to outstanding customers,” Mabuyane said.

    The Premier commended the South African Weather Service (SAWS) for their forecasts confirming that the inclement weather is coming to an end, as the cut-off low system responsible for the recent conditions moves out to sea.

    He also expressed gratitude to the provincial disaster management teams, including SAPS K-9 divers, the SAPS Search and Rescue Airwing, as well as residents for their swift response.

    The Premier further urged those that are yet received assistance to remain calm and patient, and that relief efforts will move faster with the easing of the inclement weather.

    “Infrastructure technical teams have been activated to carry out assessment to ascertain the extent of the damage as well as interventions that are required across the province. At this stage 20 health facilities have suffered damages to varying levels.

    “In terms of road infrastructure, engineers are on the ground assessing the impact and extent of the damage on our road network including rural roads. The R58 Khowa to Barkey through the Barkely is now open,” Mabuyane said.

    He advised motorists to exercise caution due to slippery conditions. He further called on citizens, and organisations to support the communities, as they continue to deal with this tragedy.

    “Condolences once again to the families who lost their loved ones,” he said.

    The Premier’s update on Wednesday came ahead of the visit of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa’s visit to the province on Thursday.

    READ | Minister Hlabisa visits flood-affected Eastern Cape

    –SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Georgia’s Foreign Agents Registration Act: joint statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Georgia’s Foreign Agents Registration Act: joint statement to the OSCE

    Ambassador Holland delivers a joint statement on behalf of Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and the United Kingdom expressing deep concern over Georgia’s Foreign Agents Registration Act.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

    I am delivering this statement on behalf of Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and my own country the United Kingdom.

    Our countries express our deep concern about Georgia’s Foreign Agents Registration Act which came into force on 31 May 2025. This legislation represents a serious setback for democratic governance, civil liberties, and Georgia’s stated European aspirations.

    As ODIHR has said, the Act profoundly impacts the work of civil society and all those working to defend human rights in Georgia. It undermines the independence of civil society and political plurality as well as restricting media freedom.

    In doing so it also threatens the independent institutions and fundamental freedoms which all OSCE participating States – including Georgia – have agreed are essential foundations of democracy and regional security.

    ODIHR has confirmed that it stands ready to use its longstanding expertise to assist Georgia. We encourage Georgia to work with ODIHR, civil society and other international actors to bring their approach into line with international human rights standards as well as OSCE principles and commitments.   

    The Act risks further isolating Georgia from its partners, by directly contradicting the democratic values and human rights standards that must underpin Georgia’s European future.

    Our countries reiterate our unwavering commitment to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and support for the people of Georgia in their pursuit of a democratic, open, and European future. We urge the Georgian government to repeal or substantially revise this law.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –