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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Consultation launched into incinerator permit draft decision

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Consultation launched into incinerator permit draft decision

    The Environment Agency has launched a consultation into its ‘minded to’ decision to issue a permit to a Teesside incinerator.

    Viridor Tees Valley Ltd applied for an environmental permit to operate an Energy Recovery Facility incinerating non-hazardous waste at Grangetown in Redcar.

    After reviewing 27 comments and evidence from the original consultation last year the Environment Agency is ‘minded to’ issue the environmental permit.

    This means after exploring the issues and concerns that have been raised, it can’t find any reason to refuse the application, but is yet to make a final decision.

    A draft permit document and draft decision document can be found here.

    The consultation into the ‘minded to’ decision documents will close at the end of Tuesday 3 June.

    Documents have been ‘carefully considered’

    Gary Wallace, Area Environment Manager for the Environment Agency in the North East, said:

    We have carefully considered all the documents provided to us by Viridor, as well as the consultation comments, and currently can’t find any reason to refuse the permit application.  

    We’re keen to hear people’s views on this draft decision and encourage those interested to view the decision documents and send us their comments.

    We will make our final decision once we have reviewed the responses to this consultation.

    The original consultation into this application took place between 2 September and 14 October 2024.

    The Environment Agency may only refuse a permit application if it does not meet one or more of the legal requirements under environmental legislation, including if it will have an unacceptable impact on the environment or harm human health.

    If all the requirements are met, it is legally obliged to issue a permit. 

    The draft decision document explains the Environment Agency’s decision-making and outlines how it has considered the comments from the original consultation. The draft permit outlines the conditions would need to meet if the permit is granted.

    The Environment Agency would only issue the permit if it is satisfied the operator could comply with the permit conditions and has appropriate systems in place to operate the incinerator without causing harm to the environment, human health or wildlife.

    People can respond to the consultation directly on the website or alternatively by email to pscpublicresponse@environment-agency.gov.uk

    Background

    Environmental permits 

    • Environmental permits set out strict legal conditions by which an operator must comply in order to protect people and the environment. Should an environmental permit be issued, the Environment Agency has responsibility for enforcing its conditions.
    • The Environment Agency’s powers include enforcement notices, suspension and revocation of permits, fines and ultimately criminal sanctions, including prosecution.
    • The Environment Agency may only refuse a permit if it does not meet one or more of the legal requirements under environmental legislation, including if it will have a significant impact on the environment or harm human health. If all the requirements are met, we are legally required to issue a permit.

    Consultation responses  

    • Responses to the consultation can be made electronically.
    • People can respond directly on the website or alternatively by email to pscpublicresponse@environment-agency.gov.uk
    • Those unable to view the documents or make representation via the consultation website or by email should contact the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Join a friendly bike ride to Stoneywell and get free access to a National Trust gem

    Source: City of Leicester

    A FRIENDLY group cycle ride to Stoneywell is being planned for Sunday 11 May.

    The ride will set off at 11am from the Bike Park in Town Hall Square, and will use cycle tracks and country roads as it winds through the beautiful Charnwood countryside to Stoneywell, a historic National Trust property.

    Cyclists who join the ride – which is free to sign up to – will also get free access to the property. The cottage is an architectural gem designed and built by Ernest Gimson, one of the most influential architects and designers of the Arts and Crafts movement, and is filled with original hand-crafted furniture and family treasures. The cottage is nestled in an idyllic four acres of garden, featuring a vegetable patch, tennis court, and around 150 varieties of rhododendron. Beyond, paths wind across 11 acres of semi-ancient woodland. 

    Andy Salkeld, active travel team leader at Leicester City Council, said: “We are delighted that this ride is being supported by The National Trust and by Ride Leicester. We’re also really pleased to be able to offer free ebike loans so that we can widen participation in the ride.

    “Non-electric bikes are welcome too, but we ask that riders can ride at a pace of at least 10 miles per hour, and the route will include a steep hill as we approach Stoneywell. Please bring an inner tube if you are using your own bike, and dress accordingly for the weather. First-timers are very welcome so if you’ve never joined a group ride before, come along and give it a go!”

    Assistant city mayor Cllr Geoff Whittle, who leads on environment and transport, said: “We’re very pleased to support a regular programme of group bike rides like this one. They are aimed at helping everyone to discover just how easy and enjoyable it can be to get around by bike, and being in a group can also help to build your cycle confidence.

    “Whether you’re commuting, exploring the city, or just enjoying the fresh air, an electric bike could be perfect for your journey, which is why we’re delighted to be offering free ebike loans for this ride, too.”

    Zsolt Schuller from the National Trust said: “Cycling is a fantastic way to visit many of the places in the care of the National Trust and more than a quarter of them (26%) are within a mile of the National Cycle Network. It’s great to be working with organisations such as Ride Leicester, linking up a visit to somewhere as special as Stoneywell with initiatives to help build people’s cycling confidence”.

    The ride and visit to Stoneywell – plus the all-important stop at Stoneywell’s tearoom, which serves hot and cold drinks, light meals, and snacks – will take approximately three hours. To register for the ride, visit https://www.letsride.co.uk/rides/national-trust-stoneywell-cottage-1

    Ebike loans for the Stoneywell ride are free of charge and include a helmet if required. Ebikes must be booked in advance by 4pm on Friday 9 May at the latest – email ecycles@leicester.gov.uk to enquire about a loan. Please also ensure that you have registered for a place on the ride.

    Entry to Stoneywell is free for ride participants but if you are a member of the National Trust, please bring your membership card with you. Stoneywell is open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays until 2 November 2025. Visits must be booked in advance. Find out more about Stoneywell at: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/leicestershire-northamptonshire/stoneywell

    Ride Leicester’s goal is to enable fun, safe, inclusive, organised and free guided rides and events as part of the city council’s Cycle City Action Plan. Find out more about Ride Leicester group rides at: https://letsride.co.uk/groups/ride-leicester

    ENDS

    Picture of Stoneywell ©National Trust Images/Andrew Butler

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Repealing the estate tax could create headaches for the rich – as well as worsen inequality

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Reid Kress Weisbord, Distinguished Professor of Law and Judge Norma Shapiro Scholar, Rutgers University – Newark

    As it stands, only a tiny fraction of America’s wealthy are ever subjected to the estate tax. Krisanapong Detraphiphat/Getty Images

    Nothing is more certain than death and taxes, Benjamin Franklin famously declared. And, since 1916, the federal government has imposed an estate tax on the transfer of property owned at death.

    But the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers may be on the verge of changing all that. GOP legislators are now considering a massive bill that includes major tax law changes and could pass by June or July 2025. Among the measures under consideration in both the House and Senate is the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would end the federal estate tax and reduce the tax rate on lifetime gifts.

    If the Death Tax Repeal Act were to become law, it would happen at a pivotal moment. In the coming years, baby boomers are expected to leave an estimated US$84 trillion to their heirs, in what’s been called the largest wealth transfer in human history.

    As law professors who specialize in trusts and estates, we’re interested in what might happen next. Interestingly, while the long-term impact to the federal budget would be significant, repealing the estate tax would complicate estate planning for the wealthy taxpayers who might not save all that much money. To understand why, let’s consider how the estate tax works now.

    Estate planning under current law

    The estate tax – which opponents of the policy have long derided as “the death tax” – is imposed on property that is transferred at death. It is part of the federal gift and estate tax system, which imposes a 40% tax on gifts made during life or transferred at death. Supporters of the estate tax argue that it reduces inequality and encourages charitable giving.

    But most Americans, even the very rich, will never pay any gift or estate tax. That’s because millions of dollars of assets transferred after death are completely exempt from it.

    For 2025, the cumulative gift and estate tax exemption is $13.99 million for individuals and $27.98 million for married couples. The current exemption doubled under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law in 2017. And it sunsets this year. Unless Congress passes new legislation, the exemption amount will go back to its 2017 base of $5 million for individuals, plus an inflation adjustment. That would increase the number of estates on which it would be levied.

    If the Death Tax Repeal Act passes, of course, then there will be no federal transfer tax imposed on estates.

    The estate tax is a lightning rod on Capitol Hill, even though it doesn’t affect many Americans. In 2022, the U.S. Treasury collected $22.5 billion in estate tax revenues from 3,170 estates. More than 3 million people died, so only 0.1% of decedents left enough assets for their estates to pay the tax.

    The big freeze: How the ultrarich reduce their tax liability

    Beyond taking advantage of this generous exemption, wealthy taxpayers currently use several planning techniques to reduce or eliminate estate taxes.

    A common strategy involves minimizing tax on assets that are likely to grow in value. Suppose, for example, a person owns property worth $25 million, and they have already used up their exemption (currently $13.99 million). If that $25 million property appreciates in value to $125 million, and the person waits until death to transfer it to the next generation, the entire investment – all $125 million – would be subject to the 40% estate tax.

    To reduce those taxes without entirely giving up control, sophisticated “estate freeze” planning techniques allow owners to keep some powers over the gifted property while transferring it for gift tax purposes before assets appreciate in value. In our example, if the $25 million asset were transferred through a freeze device such as an intentionally defective grantor trust, then the only tax would be a 40% gift tax on the $25 million. All of the appreciation – the other $100 million – would incur no gift or estate tax.

    Other estate planning techniques could further reduce the valuation for transfer tax purposes through minority interest, lack of marketability and other discounts. It’s through techniques like this that wealthy Americans are able to pass along approximately $200 billion each year in inherited assets without paying estate taxes.

    The Death Tax Repeal Act would not directly affect the tax treatment of charitable giving at death – over $40 billion – but it could alter incentives for philanthropic giving.

    Repealing the estate tax could upend existing estate plans

    If Congress repeals the estate tax but keeps the gift tax as proposed, many estate freeze planning techniques previously used by the ultrarich would become obsolete. There would be no incentive to make a lifetime gift of property that would appreciate: Individuals who hold onto their property until death would avoid both federal transfer and capital gains taxes.

    As a result, repealing the estate tax would turn existing estate plans on their head. Estate freeze strategies are premised on a calculated trade-off: To reduce or eliminate estate taxation at death, wealthy donors choose to make lifetime gifts even though doing so alters lifetime ownership rights, generates gift tax liability and sacrifices other tax benefits at death.

    Without an estate tax, existing estate freeze plans lock in the costs of lifetime gifting without any payoff at death. What’s more, some estate freeze plans can’t be changed. For example, an intentionally defective grantor trust must be irrevocable to freeze valuation for gift tax purposes.

    So while repealing the estate tax might seem appealing to wealthy Americans, the actual tax benefit could be modest at best for taxpayers who established estate plans under the current system. Financial advisers have also expressed concern about creating new estate plans designed to benefit from estate tax repeal because a future Congress could revive the tax.

    Repealing the estate tax could also have macroeconomic implications. Tax incentives to retain ownership until death could tie up capital in ways that dampen economic growth. Individuals tend to become increasingly risk-averse with age, so the Death Tax Repeal Act could skew investments toward safer asset classes. That could deprive younger generations of access to capital for new ventures, such as startups.

    The bottom line is that repealing the estate tax may hurt both taxpayers and the government. People with sufficient wealth to exhaust the high exemption are likely to have established estate plans that can’t be changed to benefit from estate tax repeal. Meanwhile, for new estate plans that seek to retain property ownership until death, the government will lose an important source of tax revenue – $22.5 billion in 2022 – collected from a tiny number of very wealthy estates that can afford to pay the tax.

    And, of course, repeal would also abandon the original purpose of the estate tax, which sought to reduce extreme concentrations of wealth.

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

    – ref. Repealing the estate tax could create headaches for the rich – as well as worsen inequality – https://theconversation.com/repealing-the-estate-tax-could-create-headaches-for-the-rich-as-well-as-worsen-inequality-254871

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Measles could again become widespread as cases surge worldwide

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Rebecca Schein, Assistant Professor of Infectious Disease Pediatrics, Michigan State University

    Measles is one of the most infectious diseases on the planet. Kateryna Kon/Science Photo Library via Getty Images

    Globally, measles is on the rise across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South America and parts of Europe. In 2025, North and South America saw 11 times more cases than during the same period last year. In Europe, measles rates are at their highest point in 25 years.

    In the U.S., as of May 2, 2025, health authorities have confirmed 935 cases of measles affecting 30 states. This is a huge surge compared with the 285 cases reported in 2024. A large measles outbreak is happening in Canada, too, with over 1,000 cases.

    The Conversation asked Rebecca Schein, a specialist in pediatric infectious diseases, to explain what this spike at home and abroad might mean for a disease that was declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000.

    How do measles cases this year compare with previous years?

    From 2000 to 2010, less than 100 measles cases were reported each year in the U.S. Since 2010, there have been isolated outbreaks, mainly in unvaccinated communities, with approximately 200 to 300 cases a year. The latest major outbreak in the U.S. was in 2019, with 1,274 cases, primarily in the New York City metropolitan area and parts of New Jersey.

    Cases fell in 2020 to 2023 during the COVID-19 pandemic, returning to prepandemic levels in 2024. Currently, most U.S. cases are coming from an epidemic in Texas, with 702 confirmed cases as of May 6. Of these, 91 people were hospitalized and three people, two of them children, died. Measles cases are still being reported. Texas is one of 12 measles outbreaks documented in the U.S. in 2025 to date.

    The World Health Organization has declared both North and South America to be at high risk for measles. Canada reported a total of 1,177 cases as of April 19, with 951 of them linked to an outbreak that began in New Brunswick in October 2024 and spread to seven provinces. In 2023, there were 12 measles cases in all of Canada.

    Mexico reported 421 confirmed measles cases as of April 18, and another 384 cases are under investigation. There are also small measles outbreaks in South America, with Belize reporting its first two cases since 1991. Brazil reported five cases, and in Argentina there are 21 confirmed cases of measles, mainly in the capital city of Buenos Aires.

    U.S. exports these days include measles.

    In Europe, measles cases rose tenfold, hitting 35,212 in 2024, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

    How did the US eliminate measles?

    Measles is one of the most contagious infections ever identified. One person with measles can spread the infection to 12 to 18 others. That number, which epidemiologists call R0, is 1 to 4 for the flu and 2 to 5 for COVID-19.

    In 1912, measles became a nationally reportable disease tracked by all the health departments in the U.S. At that time, there were about 3 million to 4 million cases and 6,000 deaths each year in the country. Medical care improved and the death rate decreased, but cases spiked to epidemic levels every two to three years.

    It was not until 1963, when the first measles vaccine became widely available, that cases dropped dramatically. The current measles vaccine, which is called the MMR vaccine because it also includes vaccines against mumps and rubella, was released in 1971. In 1977, the U.S. government launched the National Childhood Immunization Initiative to ensure that school children received vaccination against polio, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, mumps, rubella and measles. Vaccination rates in children starting elementary school rose to 96% by 1981. Beginning in 1993, the Vaccines for Children program helped ensure that every child could receive vaccinations regardless of ability to pay.

    Vaccination programs were a resounding success. By 2000, measles cases arising in the U.S. had fallen to zero, with infections occurring only in people who traveled abroad. That year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared that measles was eliminated in the country.

    Why are rising measles rates so worrisome?

    Measles is a virus, like the common cold. Unlike bacterial infections, which can be treated with antibiotics, viral infections are typically not treatable but can often be prevented through vaccination programs.

    Vaccination stimulates the body’s immune system to make antibodies to fight a specific infection. For most people, just one dose of the measles vaccine protects them from infection. The second dose helps ensure long-term protection. Measles is so infectious that 95% of the population must be vaccinated to protect the community, a concept called herd immunity.

    A man holds a sign at a rally for science in St. Paul, Minn., on March 7, 2025.
    Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    During the past 20 years, however, vaccination rates are decreasing globally, with an especially sharp drop during the pandemic from limited exposure to medical care. Aligned with this trend, measles cases in the U.S. have been rising. As a result, some infectious disease experts worry that measles is heading toward becoming a common infection again.

    What happens if measles rates continue to rise?

    Public health officials define endemic infections as being consistently present within a region. For example, the common cold and now COVID-19 are endemic in the U.S.

    A higher-than-normal number of cases in an area is termed an outbreak. For measles, an outbreak is defined as more than three cases in a county or local area. When cases from an outbreak spread outside the local area, that is an epidemic, and if an epidemic spreads into many countries across the world, it becomes a pandemic.

    The measles outbreak in Texas started in January 2025 as an outbreak in six counties and quickly reached epidemic levels, hitting a total of 29 counties and a count of 702 cases as of May 6.

    A 2022 study used a computer algorithm to model the trajectory of measles cases in the U.S. given the drop in vaccination rates during the pandemic. If children who missed vaccines due to the pandemic do not receive catch-up vaccinations, and vaccine hesitancy continues at current rates, the study found, then 21% of U.S. children – about 15 million – will be vulnerable to measles over the following five years. That is well below the number needed to prevent measles outbreaks.

    A study using a similar approach published in April 2025 found that measles is likely to become endemic again in the U.S. and predicted that the country could experience 850,000 cases over the next 25 years if vaccination rates remain the same. If vaccine rates decrease further, the study found, case numbers could increase to 11 million over the next 25 years.

    What would it take to reverse the rise in measles?

    Reversing this trend will require steadily increasing community vaccination rates. The April 2025 study found that boosting community vaccination rates by 5% would tamp down the increase in cases to between 3,000 and 19,000 over the next 25 years.

    Another epidemiological model that estimates measles spread, published in February, predicted that by intervening early in an outbreak with local health department support, measles outbreaks can be contained as long as 85% of the population is vaccinated against the disease.

    That, of course, requires ensured ongoing access to free and accessible childhood vaccinations and restoration of the public’s trust in measles vaccines.

    Rebecca Schein 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. Measles could again become widespread as cases surge worldwide – https://theconversation.com/measles-could-again-become-widespread-as-cases-surge-worldwide-255501

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Contaminated milk from one plant in Illinois sickened thousands with ‘Salmonella’ in 1985 − as outbreaks rise in the US, lessons from this one remain true

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Michael Petros, Clinical Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago

    A valve that mixed raw milk with pasteurized milk at Hillfarm Dairy may have been the source of contamination. This was the milk processing area of the plant. AP Photo/Mark Elias

    In 1985, contaminated milk in Illinois led to a Salmonella outbreak that infected hundreds of thousands of people across the United States and caused at least 12 deaths. At the time, it was the largest single outbreak of foodborne illness in the U.S. and remains the worst outbreak of Salmonella food poisoning in American history.

    Many questions circulated during the outbreak. How could this contamination occur in a modern dairy farm? Was it caused by a flaw in engineering or processing, or was this the result of deliberate sabotage? What roles, if any, did politics and failed leadership play?

    From my 50 years of working in public health, I’ve found that reflecting on the past can help researchers and officials prepare for future challenges. Revisiting this investigation and its outcome provides lessons on how food safety inspections go hand in hand with consumer protection and public health, especially as hospitalizations and deaths from foodborne illnesses rise.

    Contamination, investigation and intrigue

    The Illinois Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention led the investigation into the outbreak. The public health laboratories of the city of Chicago and state of Illinois were also closely involved in testing milk samples.

    Investigators and epidemiologists from local, state and federal public health agencies found that specific lots of milk with expiration dates up to April 17, 1985, were contaminated with Salmonella. The outbreak may have been caused by a valve at a processing plant that allowed pasteurized milk to mix with raw milk, which can carry several harmful microorganisms, including Salmonella.

    Overall, labs and hospitals in Illinois and five other Midwest states – Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin – reported over 16,100 cases of suspected Salmonella poisoning to health officials.

    To make dairy products, skimmed milk is usually separated from cream, then blended back together in different levels to achieve the desired fat content. While most dairies pasteurize their products after blending, Hillfarm Dairy in Melrose Park, Illinois, pasteurized the milk first before blending it into various products such as skim milk and 2% milk.

    Subsequent examination of the production process suggested that Salmonella may have grown in the threads of a screw-on cap used to seal an end of a mixing pipe. Investigators also found this strain of Salmonella 10 months earlier in a much smaller outbreak in the Chicago area.

    Salmonella is a common cause of food poisoning.
    Volker Brinkmann/Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology via PLoS One, CC BY-SA

    Finding the source

    The contaminated milk was produced at Hillfarm Dairy in Melrose Park, which was operated at the time by Jewel Companies Inc. During an April 3 inspection of the company’s plant, the Food and Drug Administration found 13 health and safety violations.

    The legal fallout of the outbreak expanded when the Illinois attorney general filed suit against Jewel Companies Inc., alleging that employees at as many as 18 stores in the grocery chain violated water pollution laws when they dumped potentially contaminated milk into storm sewers. Later, a Cook County judge found Jewel Companies Inc. in violation of the court order to preserve milk products suspected of contamination and maintain a record of what happened to milk returned to the Hillfarm Dairy.

    Political fallout also ensued. The Illinois governor at the time, James Thompson, fired the director of the Illinois Public Health Department when it was discovered that he was vacationing in Mexico at the onset of the outbreak and failed to return to Illinois. Notably, the health director at the time of the outbreak was not a health professional. Following this episode, the governor appointed public health professional and medical doctor Bernard Turnock as director of the Illinois Department of Public Health.

    In 1987, after a nine-month trial, a jury determined that Jewel officials did not act recklessly when Salmonella-tainted milk caused one of the largest food poisoning outbreaks in U.S. history. No punitive damages were awarded to victims, and the Illinois Appellate Court later upheld the jury’s decision.

    Raw milk is linked to many foodborne illnesses.

    Lessons learned

    History teaches more than facts, figures and incidents. It provides an opportunity to reflect on how to learn from past mistakes in order to adapt to future challenges. The largest Salmonella outbreak in the U.S. to date provides several lessons.

    For one, disease surveillance is indispensable to preventing outbreaks, both then and now. People remain vulnerable to ubiquitous microorganisms such as Salmonella and E. coli, and early detection of an outbreak could stop it from spreading and getting worse.

    Additionally, food production facilities can maintain a safe food supply with careful design and monitoring. Revisiting consumer protections can help regulators keep pace with new threats from new or unfamiliar pathogens.

    Finally, there is no substitute for professional public health leadership with the competence and expertise to respond effectively to an emergency.

    Michael Petros 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. Contaminated milk from one plant in Illinois sickened thousands with ‘Salmonella’ in 1985 − as outbreaks rise in the US, lessons from this one remain true – https://theconversation.com/contaminated-milk-from-one-plant-in-illinois-sickened-thousands-with-salmonella-in-1985-as-outbreaks-rise-in-the-us-lessons-from-this-one-remain-true-254036

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: China appreciates Spain’s emphasis on developing bilateral relations: FM spokesperson

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

    China appreciates the Spanish government’s emphasis on developing relations with China and its continuous promotion of practical cooperation and personnel exchanges between the two countries, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday.

    Lin made the remarks at a daily press briefing when asked to comment on Spain’s 2025-2028 foreign action strategy, which, among others, emphasizes the need to deepen its comprehensive strategic partnership with China.

    Citing Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s visit to China not long ago, Lin noted that the two countries had jointly issued an action plan on strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership, proposing to build a more strategically resilient and dynamic comprehensive strategic partnership.

    He mentioned that the two sides had jointly signed a number of documents of cooperation in economy and trade, education, science and technology, and had achieved important cooperation results in the field of new energy such as electric vehicle and power batteries.

    China is willing to work with Spain to continue deepening open cooperation, especially in areas such as green development, artificial intelligence and digital economy, to enhance the well-being of the two peoples and add impetus to China-EU relations, Lin said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greens on track for Senedd breakthrough as countdown begins

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    by Green Party

    With today (7 May) marking one year until the Senedd election, Wales Green Party has said it is on track to elect its first MS. Last night’s YouGov poll would see the party win its first seat in Caerdydd Penarth, according to a projection by Cavendish Consulting[1].

    Anthony Slaughter, party leader will top the list in the Caerdydd Penarth constituency. At last year’s Westminster election, the Green Party finished second in Cardiff South and Penarth, which forms half of the new Senedd constituency.

    Anthony said:

    “Living costs are out of control, public services are collapsing, and the climate and nature crises are being left to get worse. We’re on track to break through to the Senedd, where we’ll challenge the cosy consensus that has allowed things to get so bad.

    “I’m working flat out until the election to speak to residents, champion their needs, and campaign for the bold policies we need to turn things around.

    Candidate selections are currently underway across Wales, with announcements expected next month.

    Anthony Slaughter continued:

    “I’m excited about the people putting their names forward for the party next year – they would all make excellent Senedd members, and I’m looking forward to campaigning alongside them in the next year.”

    ENDS
    [1] https://x.com/CavendishCymru/status/1920060028683268448

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Lindsay Chorale to Perform Free Concert at the Guildhall in Support of Mayor’s Charity

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    The Lindsay Chorale to Perform Free Concert at the Guildhall in Support of Mayor’s Charity

    7 May 2025

    Derry City and Strabane District Council is delighted to announce that renowned Saintfield-based choir, The Lindsay Chorale, will be performing a special concert at the Guildhall on Sunday 18th May.

    The event, which takes place from 3pm, hopes to raise much needed funds for the Mayor’s chosen charity, The BUD Club, a vital local organisation supporting children and young adults with additional needs.

    Established in 1997, The Lindsay Chorale is known for its rich repertoire of classical, sacred, and contemporary choral music. Their visit to Derry~Londonderry offers music lovers a unique opportunity to hear one of Northern Ireland’s most accomplished amateur choirs in the majestic surroundings of the Guildhall. Having previously performed with The Priests and for Derry Girls creator, Lisa McGee, audience members are in for a treat with this special afternoon of music.

    The choir will be led by Musical Director Keith Acheson on the day. Keith is an Irish composer and conductor based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. After obtaining a BMus (Hons) in 1996 he was awarded a PhD in Composition from the Ulster University. Along with many pieces for choir, he has had work performed by the likes of the Ulster Orchestra, Gemini Ensemble, HuuJ Ensemble and Arco String Quartet.

    Taking to the famous Guildhall organ, Daniel Clements will accompany the choir and provide the decadent musical background that will add to the atmospheric afternoon.

    Speaking ahead of the event, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr, encouraged the public to come along and support the cause:

    “I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome The Lindsay Chorale to our beautiful Guildhall for what promises to be a very special afternoon of music and community spirit. This free concert is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy world-class choral singing while supporting a cause that is close to my heart. The BUD Club provides life-changing support for families across our district, and I would encourage everyone to come along, donate what they can, and enjoy a truly uplifting event.”

    The choir, which has performed across the UK and Ireland, also expressed their excitement about the upcoming concert:

    “We are honoured to be performing in the historic Guildhall and to be part of an event that supports such an inspiring local charity. Music has the power to connect communities, and we hope our performance will not only entertain but also make a meaningful contribution to the vital work of The BUD Club,” said Keith Acheson, Musical Director.

    The concert is free to attend, and no booking is required. The concert will start at 3pm, and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Voluntary donations will be collected on the day in aid of The BUD Club.

    For more information about the Mayor’s charity, please visit:
     www.derrystrabane.com/about-council/mayor/mayor-s-charity

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

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    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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    Why 7Bit Casino Is One of the Best Online Casinos in NJ?

    7Bit Casino has earned its place among the best New Jersey online casinos through its exceptional features and player-focused approach. Since its launch in 2014, it has built a reputation for reliability, operating under a Curacao eGaming license.

    Here’s why it stands out as a top online casino in NJ:

    Extensive Game Library:

    Boasting over 10,000 games from providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, and Evolution Gaming, 7Bit Casino offers unmatched variety. From slots to live dealer games, every player finds their niche, making it a leader among NJ online casinos.

    Lucrative Bonuses:

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    Cryptocurrency withdrawals are processed in under an hour, and fiat withdrawals within 24 hours, outpacing many NJ online casinos. This efficiency ensures players access their winnings quickly.

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    Promotions & Bonuses at 7Bit Casino

    7Bit Casino’s promotions are designed to maximize player value. Here’s what’s available for NJ Players:

    Welcome Bonus:

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    ✅SIGN UP, DEPOSIT, AND UNLOCK 325% MATCH BONUS + FREE SPINS!

    Weekly Reload Bonuses:

    • Monday Reload: 25% up to 5.5 mBTC.
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    Cashback:

    Players receive up to 20% cashback on losses, credited weekly based on VIP level, softening losses and encouraging play.

    Other Promotions:

    • New Game Offer: 45 Free Spins
    • Telegram Offer: 50 Free Spins
    • Telegram Friday Offer: 111 Free Spins
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    Tournaments:

    • Titans` Arena: Prize pool of $8000
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    • 10 Years of Platipus: Total prize pool of €100 000
    • Lucky Spin: $1500 + 1500 Free Spins

    Seasonal Promotions:

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    Game Categories

    7Bit Casino’s game library is a treasure trove for players, offering something for everyone. Here’s a detailed look:

    Online Slots

    Slots dominate with thousands of titles, from classic three-reel games to feature-rich video slots. Favorites like Starburst dazzle with vibrant graphics, while Book of Dead offers Egyptian-themed adventures with free spins. High-volatility slots like Gonzo’s Quest introduce innovative mechanics like the Avalanche feature. Progressive jackpots such as Mega Moolah promise life-changing wins, making 7Bit Casino a go-to for slot enthusiasts among NJ online casinos.

    Table Games

    Classic casino fans enjoy a robust selection of table games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps. Variants like European Blackjack, American Roulette, and Punto Banco Baccarat cater to different strategies. High-quality graphics and smooth gameplay replicate a land-based casino, ensuring 7Bit Casino ranks high among New Jersey online casinos for table game lovers.

    Video Poker

    Video poker blends slots and poker, offering strategic gameplay in titles like Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Joker Poker. With multiple pay lines and bonus features, these games appeal to skill-based players. The variety ensures video poker fans find ample options at this top NJ online casino.

    ✅JUMP INTO NONSTOP ACTION—PLAY TOP GAMES AT 7BIT TODAY!

    Jackpot Games

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    Live Casino Games

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    Loyalty Program And Payment Options

    Loyalty Program

    The 12-level loyalty program rewards every wager with points convertible to bonuses. Higher tiers unlock up to 20% cashback, reduced wagering, and personalized perks, making it a standout feature among New Jersey online casinos.

    Payment Options

    7Bit Casino offers a wide range of secure and flexible payment options to suit every player’s preference. Whether you’re into crypto transactions or traditional fiat methods, 7Bit makes deposits and withdrawals fast and hassle-free.

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    • Dogecoin (DOGE)
    • Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
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    • Skrill
    • Neteller
    • Paysafe Card
    • Rapid Transfer
    • EcoPayz
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    ✅GET IN. PLAY HARD. CASH-OUT FAST. ONLY AT 7BIT!

    Pros And Cons Of 7Bit Casino

    Pros Cons
    Over 10,000 games from top providers Some fiat withdrawals take 1-3 days
    325% welcome bonus up to 5.25 BTC + 250 free spins  
    Fast crypto payouts (under an hour)  
    24/7 multilingual support  
    Mobile-friendly, no app needed  
    Crypto and fiat payment options  
    SSL encryption and 2FA security  
    12-level VIP program with 20% cashback  


    How To Get Started With 7Bit Casino? Key Steps to Follow

    Joining 7Bit Casino is a breeze, whether you’re a first-time player or a seasoned gamer looking for a new platform. This easy-to-follow guide breaks down the steps to create an account, deposit funds, and dive into the action, showcasing why 7Bit is a top pick for both crypto and traditional currency users. Here’s how you can be playing in just a few minutes:

    1. Go to the 7Bit Casino Website
    Open your browser on any device—mobile or desktop—and head to the official 7Bit Casino site. The platform is designed to work smoothly on all devices, but double-check you’re on a legitimate site to stay safe from scams.

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    Find the “Sign Up” option in the top-right corner of the homepage and click it to begin creating your account.

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    Provide your email address, set a strong password, and choose your currency (options include USD, EUR, BTC, ETH, and more). Verify your legal age and your acceptance of the terms and conditions.

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    5. Deposit Funds
    Select a payment option like a credit card, Neosurf, or cryptocurrency, then make your first deposit to claim the welcome bonus.

    6. Jump into the Games
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    ✅PLAY SMART, AND EARN MORE—LOYAL PLAYERS WIN BIG AT 7BIT CASINO!

    Safety And Trustworthiness At 7Bit Casino

    When it comes to online gaming, safety is a top priority, and 7Bit Casino delivers a secure and reliable experience for its players. Operating under a reputable license from Curacao eGaming, the platform adheres to strict regulations to guarantee fairness and transparency.

    All games use certified Random Number Generators (RNGs), which are regularly tested by independent third-party auditors to ensure unbiased outcomes. To safeguard personal and financial information, 7Bit employs advanced 128-bit SSL encryption, a gold standard in data protection, and offers optional two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of account security.

    Additionally, the casino promotes responsible gaming by providing practical tools such as deposit limits, session reminders, and self-exclusion options, empowering players to stay in control of their gaming habits. With these robust measures, 7Bit Casino earns its reputation as a trusted and player-focused choice among New Jersey’s online casino community, offering peace of mind alongside an enjoyable gaming environment.

    Responsive Support:

    Available 24/7 via live chat, email, and phone, the multilingual support team resolves issues promptly, enhancing the player experience at this best NJ online casino.

    1. Mobile Accessibility: The fully optimized mobile platform requires no app, allowing seamless gaming on smartphones and tablets, a key feature for modern NJ online casinos.
    2. Versatile Payments: Supporting cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and fiat methods like Visa, 7Bit Casino offers low-fee, high-limit transactions, catering to diverse player needs.

    These attributes make 7Bit Casino a standout in the competitive landscape of New Jersey online casinos, delivering quality and excitement to players.

    Software Providers

    7Bit Casino partners with industry leaders:

    • NetEnt: Offers Starburst and Gonzo’s Quest.
    • Microgaming: Features Mega Moolah and table games.
    • Evolution Gaming Powers live dealer games like Crazy Time.
    • Play’n GO: Provides Book of Dead.
    • Pragmatic Play: Includes Wolf Gold.

    These providers ensure a high-quality, diverse game library.

    User Interface And Experience

    The vintage Las Vegas-themed website is intuitive, with clear menus and a powerful search function. Filters help sort games by type or provider. A ‘How to Play’ section guides beginners, and demo modes allow risk-free trials. The mobile site mirrors desktop functionality, ensuring seamless play on the go.

    Summing Up 7Bit Casino’s Winning Edge

    7Bit Casino stands out as a premier NJ online casino, offering an impressive array of over 10,000 games, enticing bonuses, and swift payouts that cater to diverse player preferences. Its robust security measures, intuitive interface, and responsive customer support create a seamless and trustworthy gaming environment. With a strong focus on mobile accessibility and player satisfaction, 7Bit Casino delivers a high-quality experience, making it a top choice for New Jersey players seeking variety, innovation, and rewarding gameplay.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What makes 7Bit Casino one of the best NJ online casinos?

    It’s 10,000+ games, generous bonuses, fast payouts, and top security set it apart. The mobile-friendly platform and 24/7 support enhance accessibility. It’s a top choice for New Jersey online casinos.

    2. What games can I play at 7Bit Casino?

    Enjoy slots, table games, video poker, jackpots, and live dealer games from providers like NetEnt and Evolution Gaming. The variety ensures something for every player. This diversity makes 7Bit Casino the best NJ online casino.

    3. How do I claim the welcome bonus at 7Bit Casino?

    Sign up, verify your email, and deposit. The 325% bonus up to 5.25 BTC plus 250 free spins spans four deposits. A 40x wagering requirement applies.

    4. What payment methods are available at 7Bit Casino?

    Use cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, LTC) or fiat methods (Visa, Skrill, Neteller). Deposits are instant, and crypto withdrawals are processed in under an hour. This flexibility suits NJ online casino players.

    5. Is 7Bit Casino safe to play at?

    Yes, it’s licensed by Curacao eGaming, uses SSL encryption, and offers 2FA. Third-party audits ensure fair play. It’s a secure choice among NJ online casinos.

    6. How can I get in touch with 7Bit Casino customer service?

    Reach support 24/7 via live chat, email (support@7bitcasino.com), or phone. The multilingual team is responsive, ensuring a smooth experience. This reliability makes 7Bit Casino the best New Jersey online casino.

    Contact Information

    Contact 7Bit Casino’s 24/7 support via live chat, email (support@7bitcasino.com), or phone.

    Email: support@7bitcasino.com

    Disclaimer and Affiliate Disclosure

    Disclaimer: 7Bit Casino promotes responsible gambling. Verify local laws before playing, as it may not be licensed for New Jersey. Gamble only with funds you can afford to lose.

    Gambling online comes with financial risks. Make sure you meet the legal age requirement (19+) in your region and follow local laws. Always engage in responsible gambling and check 7Bit’s official site for the latest terms, as promotions and payment methods may be updated.

    General Disclaimer

    This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only, not legal or financial advice. Content is based on research and user reviews as of writing. No warranties are made, and users must verify information before acting.

    Casino and Gambling Disclaimer

    Online gambling carries risks and isn’t for everyone. Confirm you’re of legal gambling age in your jurisdiction. Gambling laws vary, and compliance is your responsibility. We don’t promote gambling; participation is at your risk. 7Bit Casino is a third-party platform, and we’re not liable for losses or disputes.

    Affiliate Disclosure

    This article may include affiliate links, earning us a commission at no cost to you for qualifying actions. These support our content. Our reviews are unbiased, and we recommend only valuable products.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2cf9608b-01d0-40c9-a2c3-85704b318828

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Arax Recognizes Partner Firms Named on USA Today’s List of Best Financial Advisory Firms 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Arax Investment Partners (“Arax”), a premier wealth and asset management platform company backed by RedBird Capital Partners (“RedBird”), today celebrates the inclusion of partner firms Ashton Thomas Private Wealth (“Ashton Thomas” or “ATPW”), U.S. Capital Wealth (“USCW”) and SRS Capital Advisors (n.k.a. “Arax Advisory Partners”) on USA Today’s list of Best Financial Advisory Firms 2025.

    Key highlights include:

    • Ashton Thomas Private Wealth was named one of the Top 10 Best Financial Advisory Firms in the United States and ranked second nationally in its assets under management (“AUM”) subcategory.
    • U.S. Capital Wealth was ranked one of the top three RIAs in Texas in its AUM subcategory.
    • SRS Capital Advisors was ranked one of the top two RIAs in Colorado.
    • Platform-wide, all Arax firms ranked in the top 20% of the 500 named on the list, selected from a pool of over 17,000 firms evaluated nationally.

    “We’re pleased to recognize the accomplishments of our partner firms over the past year as we advance our boutique strategy,” said Haig Ariyan, Chief Executive Officer of Arax Investment Partners. “We are joining forces with the best in wealth management to pursue expansive growth across our platform, and the industry is taking notice. I am very proud of our teams and look forward to continuing our work together.”

    This year’s accolades follow a period of significant growth for Arax, driven by the firm’s differentiated approach to capitalizing on opportunities within the fragmented investment advisory space. By partnering with leading independent wealth management providers and financial advisory teams, Arax delivers the resources necessary to scale business development, pursue complementary investment opportunities, and elevate the client experience. Today, Arax has established a nationwide presence, with a platform that supports more than $26 billion in AUM/A.

    USA Today awards spots on the list to the top performing registered investment advisory firms in the United States. The ranking is based on recommendations from financial advisors, clients and industry experts, and each firm’s development of assets under management (“AUM”). In partnership with Statista, recommendations were collected through an independent survey of over 30,000 individuals, and short-term (12 month) and long-term (five years) AUM development were analyzed using publicly available data. This year, USA Today and Statista included asset-based subgroupings to allow for comparison of firms of similar sizes.

    About Arax Investment Partners
    Arax Investment Partners is a rapidly growing boutique wealth management platform making strategic control investments in leading RIAs and elite advisor teams. Founded and led by CEO Haig Ariyan — a seasoned industry executive with a distinguished track record of building and scaling wealth management businesses — Arax empowers its partners to be entrepreneurial and focus on delivering exceptional client service. Firms benefit from a management team with deep M&A expertise, capital sourcing capabilities, and the backing of RedBird Capital Partners. For more information, visit www.araxpartners.com.

    About Ashton Thomas Private Wealth
    Ashton Thomas is a diversified financial services firm committed to a culture of excellence, integrity, and respect in every aspect of its business. Through its various entities listed below, Ashton Thomas serves foundations, businesses, and affluent individuals and families by providing a range of services which include fee-based financial planning and investment portfolio management, retirement plan consulting, securities brokerage, life and health insurance, and income tax preparation. The firm also strives to remain at the forefront of technological innovation and thought leadership within the financial services industry.

    Ashton Thomas Private Wealth, LLC, (“ATPW”), founded in 2010, and Ashton Thomas Advisors, LLC (“ATA”), founded in 2024, are SEC-registered investment advisers which provide fee-based financial planning, portfolio management, pension consulting, and fund manager selection services. Ashton Thomas Securities, LLC, (“ATS”) is a dually registered entity. ATS registered with FINRA as a broker-dealer in 1984 and provides securities brokerage services. ATS became an SEC-registered investment adviser in 2008 and provides fee-based financial planning, portfolio management, pension consulting, and fund manager selection services. Ashton Thomas Insurance Agency, LLC, (“ATIA”) provides life and health insurance brokerage services. ATIA also provides income tax services through its DBA, Ashton Thomas Tax Advisory. Representatives of the entities listed may only conduct business for which they are licensed, if required, and with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered and/or licensed.

    About U.S. Capital Wealth, LLC
    Headquartered in Houston, Texas, with a strategic Texas presence across Austin, Dallas, and Georgetown, as well as offices in New York City, Massachusetts, and Florida, U.S. Capital Wealth LLC (“USCW”) is a premier independent, full-platform Registered Investment Advisor dedicated to delivering institutional-quality financial solutions with the personalized service of a boutique firm.

    Founded in 2010, USCW was created to empower clients with access to a comprehensive wealth management experience. As a full-platform RIA, USCW offers the best of both worlds — integrating brokerage and advisory capabilities to deliver flexible solutions tailored to each client’s needs. Clients benefit from the capabilities of a large financial institution, while maintaining the personalized, high-touch approach of a boutique advisory firm.

    USCW’s team of seasoned financial professionals brings decades of institutional experience to help clients navigate complexity with clarity and confidence.

    USCW serves distinguished clientele, including high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families, business owners, specialized industry professionals, institutions, and municipalities. Comprehensive offerings span investment management, risk mitigation, lending solutions, and fully integrated family office services — all tailored to each client’s unique goals. To learn more, please visit: https://uscwealth.com.

    About Arax Advisory Partners
    Formerly known as SRS Capital Advisors, Inc., Arax Advisory Partners is a privately owned, independent Registered Investment Advisor specializing in customized investment platforms and highly sophisticated wealth planning solutions for high-net-worth families and individuals, businesses, and foundations. Founded in 2004, Arax Advisory Partners’ unique integrated and comprehensive approach provides the highest possible level of client service to establish lasting partnerships with all their clients while combining comprehensive asset management with leading edge financial planning services. Arax Advisory Partners is headquartered in Denver, CO with offices in Pittsburgh, PA and Philadelphia, PA.

    About RedBird Capital Partners
    RedBird Capital Partners is a private investment firm that builds high-growth companies with strategic capital solutions to founders and entrepreneurs. The firm currently manages $12 billion in assets on behalf of a global group of blue chip institutional and family office investors. Founded in 2014 by Gerry Cardinale, RedBird integrates sophisticated private equity investing with a hands-on business building mandate that focuses on three core industry verticals – Financial Services, Sports and Media & Entertainment. Over his 30-year investment career, Cardinale has partnered with founders and entrepreneurs to build some of the most iconic growth companies in their respective industries. For more information, please go to www.redbirdcap.com.

    Media Contact:

    Dan Gagnier
    Gagnier Communications
    RedBird@gagnierfc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Households with Children Emerge as Power Users of the Gig Economy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — While gig economy services are popular with American consumers overall, households with children have emerged as power users. This cohort reports using gig services on a weekly basis at an overall rate nearly 50% higher than households without children.

    More telling, 23% of households with children spend $500 or more per month on ridesharing, food delivery and other gig services, a rate almost five times higher than households without children—just 5% of which spend that amount each month. These findings and more are available in TransUnion’s (NYSE: TRU) 2025 Gig Economy Consumer Report.

    “Given how much families have to balance in their day-to-day, it’s no surprise that they have come to rely on the convenience of gig economy services,” said Cecilia Seiden, VP of TransUnion’s Communities and Marketplaces business. “TransUnion’s research provides some essential insights for how platforms can better engage this key segment.”

    Gig economy services used once or more per week by U.S. households
     
      Food Delivery Grocery/Retail
    Delivery    		 Ride
    Share    		 Online
    Freelancer    		 Vehicle
    Share    		 In-person
    Contractor
    With
    Children    		 61% 54% 53% 39% 38% 31%
    Without
    Children    		 40% 33% 36% 19% 21% 15%
     

    While households with children generally outpace those without children in their use of gig services, the difference was even more pronounced for emerging gig services, such as digital freelancing or in-person contract work (inclusive of home services and caregiving), where households with children were twice as likely to be weekly users.

    In-person contracting work comprises services like babysitting, dog walking and furniture assembly. Digital freelancing services include app building, web design, presentation design, etc. The amount of consumers using digital freelancing services suggests that, while some may be engaging workers to help with their small business needs, the majority may be outsourcing parts of their day jobs.

    Related, households with children were much more likely than households without children to cite the wide selection of providers (43% vs. 25%) and ease of finding the service they need (51% vs. 40%) as a reason for using these services. 

    The report also found that households with children prioritized promotions and loyalty programs when selecting a service. Gig platforms can differentiate themselves by running attractive promotions that enhance consumer satisfaction and build long-term loyalty. 

    Trust and safety

    If loyalty programs and promotions are among the best ways to attract and retain customers, breaches of trust and safety are likely the fastest ways to lose them. While 83% of respondents said they were satisfied with the trust and safety features available, more than half said they would stop using a platform if they were scammed, felt physically threatened, or had their account compromised.

    The report found nearly 4 out of 10 users are worried about encountering fraud or scams. When asked which steps platforms can take to reduce fraud and scams, 67% of users said verification of worker identity. Conducting background checks (58%) and utilizing biometrics (58%) to confirm that verified gig workers are the ones performing the services were also popular. 

    “Users understand that a certain amount of friction is necessary to keep people safe,” said Seiden. “Platforms that employ identity-based fraud protections can much more effectively strike the right balance necessary for a seamless and safe customer experience.”

    Learn more about TransUnion’s identity-based products, including TruAudience® marketing solutions and TruValidate™ fraud solutions.

    Read the full 2025 Spring Gig Economy Consumer Report.

    Research Methodology
    This online survey of 1,051 adults was conducted in February 2025 by TransUnion in partnership with third-party research provider Toluna. Participants included current and past consumers of gig economy services. All U.S. regions are represented in the study survey responses. These research results are unweighted and statistically significant at a 95% confidence level within ±3 percentage points based on calculated error margin. Please note some chart percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding or multiple answers being accepted.

    About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU)
     TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries. We make trust possible by ensuring each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this with a Tru™ picture of each person: an actionable view of consumers, stewarded with care. Through our acquisitions and technology investments we have developed innovative solutions that extend beyond our strong foundation in core credit into areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world. http://www.transunion.com/business

    Contact Dave Blumberg
    TransUnion
    E-mail david.blumberg@transunion.com
    Telephone 312-972-6646

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Ashton Thomas Private Wealth Ranked #7 on USA Today’s List of Best Financial Advisory Firms 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ashton Thomas Private Wealth (“Ashton Thomas” or “the Company”), an Arax Investment Partners firm, is pleased to announce that it was ranked #7 out of 500 firms on USA Today’s list of Best Financial Advisory Firms 2025. In addition to making the Top 10, Ashton Thomas also ranked second nationally in its assets under management (“AUM”) subcategory.

    USA Today’s ranking of Best Financial Advisory Firms recognizes the top performing registered investment advisory companies in the United States based on recommendations from clients and peers, and an analysis of each firm’s development of AUM. Ashton Thomas has made the list every year since the ranking was launched in 2023.

    This year’s recognition caps off a period of robust growth for Ashton Thomas, which continues to develop its wealth management business supported by the Arax platform. Since joining Arax in 2023, Ashton Thomas has developed its footprint and operations across the U.S., welcoming elite advisor teams based in New York, NY, Boston, MA, Aspen, CO and San Francisco, CA, and establishing a new San Francisco office to support the firm’s growing presence in the Western market. Ashton Thomas expanded its services and offerings with the acquisition of a full-service broker-dealer to provide advisors and clients with access to cutting edge technology, additional compliance infrastructure and access to world class management.

    “We are thrilled to have been honored as one of the best of the best in the wealth management industry,” said Aaron Brodt, CEO of Ashton Thomas. “Our Top 10 ranking is a credit to the work we have done expanding our business to meet the needs of institutions, families and individuals across the country, as well as the top-tier client service provided by our advisors on a daily basis. I commend the full Ashton Thomas team for their contributions to this achievement.”

    “This recognition validates our strategy of partnering with forward-thinking advisory teams and providing the support they need to scale their practices,” added Haig Ariyan, Chief Executive Officer of Arax Investment Partners. “Access to the synergies, management expertise and growth opportunities afforded by our platform allows our Ashton Thomas advisor teams to capitalize on their established reputations and reach more clients with a wide range of services. I look forward to continuing to build on our momentum.”

    About Ashton Thomas Private Wealth
    Ashton Thomas is a diversified financial services firm committed to a culture of excellence, integrity, and respect in every aspect of its business. Through its various entities listed below, Ashton Thomas serves foundations, businesses, and affluent individuals and families by providing a range of services which include fee-based financial planning and investment portfolio management, retirement plan consulting, securities brokerage, life and health insurance, and income tax preparation. The firm also strives to remain at the forefront of technological innovation and thought leadership within the financial services industry.

    Ashton Thomas Private Wealth, LLC, (“ATPW”), founded in 2010, and Ashton Thomas Advisors, LLC (“ATA”), founded in 2024, are SEC-registered investment advisers which provide fee-based financial planning, portfolio management, pension consulting, and fund manager selection services. Ashton Thomas Securities, LLC, (“ATS”) is a dually registered entity. ATS registered with FINRA as a broker-dealer in 1984 and provides securities brokerage services. ATS became an SEC-registered investment adviser in 2008 and provides fee-based financial planning, portfolio management, pension consulting, and fund manager selection services. Ashton Thomas Insurance Agency, LLC, (“ATIA”) provides life and health insurance brokerage services. ATIA also provides income tax services through its DBA, Ashton Thomas Tax Advisory. Representatives of the entities listed may only conduct business for which they are licensed, if required, and with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered and/or licensed.

    About Arax Investment Partners
    Arax Investment Partners is a rapidly growing boutique wealth management platform making strategic control investments in leading RIAs and elite advisor teams. Founded and led by CEO Haig Ariyan — a seasoned industry executive with a distinguished track record of building and scaling wealth management businesses — Arax empowers its partners to be entrepreneurial and focus on delivering exceptional client service. Firms benefit from a management team with deep M&A expertise, capital sourcing capabilities, and the backing of RedBird Capital Partners. For more information, visit www.araxpartners.com.

    Media Contact:

    Dan Gagnier
    Gagnier Communications
    RedBird@gagnierfc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Intermex Reports First-Quarter Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company to Host Conference Call Today at 9 a.m. ET

    MIAMI, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — International Money Express, Inc. (NASDAQ: IMXI) (“Intermex” or the “Company”), one of the nation’s leading global omnichannel money transfer services to Latin America and the Caribbean, today reported financial and operating results for the first quarter of 2025.

    Financial performance highlights for the first quarter of 2025:

    • Revenues of $144.3 million
    • Net income of $7.8 million
    • Diluted EPS of $0.25
    • Adjusted Diluted EPS of $0.35
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $21.6 million

    Bob Lisy, Chairman, President, and CEO of Intermex, stated “Intermex’s first quarter results reflect the strength and discipline of the Intermex business model, despite an economic and political backdrop that was difficult to anticipate. Year-over-year volume growth reflects our highly resilient consumer base and our ability to serve them effectively through our omnichannel strategy.”

    First Quarter 2025 Financial Results (all comparisons are to the First Quarter 2024)
    Year over year volumes grew at 3.7%, however total revenues for the Company were down 4.1% to $144.3 million. This was driven by a shift in retail consumer sending behavior as consumers sent fewer transactions, but in larger amounts transferred per transaction in the quarter. The reduction in service fees from lower transactions was partially offset by an increase in revenue primarily related to growth in digital channels. The Company’s user base generated 12.8 million money transfer transactions, down 5.2% from last year. The total principal amount transferred for the period was $5.6 billion, an increase of 3.7%.

    The Company reported net income of $7.8 million, a decrease of 35.5%. Diluted earnings per share were $0.25, a decrease of 28.6%. The decreases in net income and diluted earnings per share were driven primarily by the items noted above for revenues, partly offset by lower services charges from agents and banks. It is worth noting that while revenue was down from lower transactions, the higher year over year volume offset much of the interest and banking expense reductions that would otherwise typically be captured with a lower number of transactions. Lower income tax provision also positively impacted net income. Diluted earnings per share was positively impacted by the reduction in share count from the Company’s stock repurchase activity.

    Adjusted net income totaled $10.9 million, a decrease of 25.9%. Adjusted diluted earnings per share totaled $0.35, a decrease of 18.6%. Adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share were impacted by the items noted above, adjusted for certain items detailed in the reconciliation tables below following the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Adjusted diluted earnings per share was positively impacted by the reduction in share count from the Company’s stock repurchases.

    Adjusted EBITDA decreased 15.0% to $21.6 million, attributable to the same items noted above, partially offset by the higher net effect of the adjusting items detailed in the reconciliation tables below following the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

    Adjusted and other non-GAAP measures discussed above and elsewhere in this press release are defined below under the heading, Non-GAAP Measures.

    Other Items
    The Company ended the first quarter of 2025 with $151.8 million in cash and cash equivalents. Net Free Cash Generated for the first quarter of 2025 was $10.3 million, up from the first quarter of 2024. Year-over-year Net Free Cash Generated primarily reflects the investments in assets placed into service as a result of the Company’s move to the new U.S. headquarters facility in the first quarter of 2024, partially offset by the decrease in net income.

    The Company incurred $1.2 million in transaction costs for the first quarter, primarily legal and professional fees incurred in relation to its previously announced evaluation of strategic alternatives. In addition, the Company incurred restructuring costs of approximately $0.3 million primarily related to the Company’s foreign operations.

    The Company repurchased 367,873 shares of its common stock for $5.0 million during the first quarter of 2025 through its underlying share repurchase program and a privately-negotiated transaction.

    Guidance
    Based on our first quarter 2025 financial results and the underlying market dynamics we have observed to date, the Company is revising its previously issued full-year guidance below. Current levels of uncertainty and volatility affecting market conditions and consumer behavior, have increased the difficulty of reliably forecasting short-term results.   Moreover, as previously announced, the Company is in the process of executing on a long-term strategy of investing in its digital business offerings to increase their contribution to the Company’s revenue and to increase its profitability.   Accordingly, the Company is discontinuing issuing quarterly guidance.

    Full-year 2025:
    •Revenue of $634.9 million to $654.2 million.
    •Diluted EPS of $1.53 to $1.65.
    •Adjusted Diluted EPS of $1.86 to $2.02.
    •Adjusted EBITDA of $103.6 million to $106.8 million.

    Non-GAAP Measures
    Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Earnings per Share, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Net Free Cash Generated, each a Non-GAAP financial measure, are the primary metrics used by management to evaluate the financial performance of our business. We present these Non-GAAP financial measures because we believe they are frequently used by analysts, investors, and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry. Furthermore, we believe they are helpful in highlighting trends in our operating results, because certain of such measures exclude, among other things, the effects of certain transactions that are outside the control of management, while other measures can differ significantly depending on long-term strategic decisions regarding capital structure, the jurisdictions in which we operate and capital investments.

    Adjusted Net Income is defined as Net Income adjusted to add back certain charges and expenses, such as non-cash amortization of certain intangible assets resulting from business and asset acquisition transactions, non-cash compensation costs, and other items outlined in the reconciliation table below, as these charges and expenses are not considered a part of our core business operations and are not an indicator of ongoing future Company performance.

    Adjusted Earnings per Share – Basic and Diluted is calculated by dividing Adjusted Net Income by GAAP weighted-average common shares outstanding (basic and diluted).

    Adjusted EBITDA is defined as Net Income before depreciation and amortization, interest expense, income taxes, and adjusted to add back certain charges and expenses, such as non-cash compensation costs and other items outlined in the reconciliation table below, as these charges and expenses are not considered a part of our core business operations and are not an indicator of ongoing future Company performance.

    Adjusted EBITDA Margin is calculated by dividing Adjusted EBITDA by Revenues.

    Net Free Cash Generated is defined as Net Income before provision for credit losses and depreciation and amortization adjusted to add back certain non-cash charges and expenses, such as non-cash compensation costs, and reduced by cash used in investing activities and servicing of our debt obligations.

    Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Earnings per Share, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, and Net Free Cash Generated are non-GAAP financial measures and should not be considered as an alternative to operating income, net income, net income margin or earnings per share, as a measure of operating performance or cash flows, or as a measure of liquidity. Non-GAAP financial measures are not necessarily calculated the same way by different companies and should not be considered a substitute for or superior to U.S. GAAP.

    Reconciliations of Net Income, the Company’s closest GAAP measure, to Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA, and Net Free Cash Generated, as well as a reconciliation of Earnings per Share (Basic and Diluted) to Adjusted Earnings per Share (Basic and Diluted) and Net Income Margin to Adjusted EBITDA Margin, are outlined in the tables below following the condensed consolidated financial statements. A quantitative reconciliation of projected Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Diluted EPS to the most comparable GAAP measure is not available without unreasonable efforts because of the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying the amounts necessary under GAAP guidance for operating or other adjusted items including, without limitation, costs and expenses related to acquisitions and other transactions, share-based compensation, tax effects of certain adjustments and losses related to legal contingencies or disposal of assets. For the same reasons, we are unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information.

    Investor and Analyst Conference Call / Presentation
    Intermex will host a conference call and webcast presentation at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time today. Interested parties are invited to join the discussion and gain firsthand knowledge about Intermex’s financial performance and operational achievements through the following channels:

    • A live broadcast of the conference call may be accessed via the Investor Relations section of Intermex’s website at https://investors.intermexonline.com/.
    • To participate in the live conference call via telephone, please register HERE. Upon registering, a dial-in number and unique PIN will be provided to join the conference call.
    • Following the conference call, an archived webcast of the call will be available for one year on Intermex’s website at https://investors.intermexonline.com/.

    Safe Harbor Compliance Statement for Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, which reflect our current views concerning certain events that are not historical facts but could have an effect on our future performance, including but without limitation, statements regarding our plans, objectives, financial performance, business strategies, projected results of operations, restructuring initiatives and expectations for the Company. These statements may include and be identified by words or phrases such as, without limitation, “would,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “continues,” “could,” “may,” “might,” “plans,” “possible,” “potential,” “predicts,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “assumes,” “estimates,” “approximately,” “shall,” “our planning assumptions,” “future outlook,” “currently,” “target,” “guidance,” and similar expressions (including the negative and plural forms of such words and phrases). These forward-looking statements are based largely on information currently available to our management and our current expectations, assumptions, plans, estimates, judgments, projections about our business and our industry, and macroeconomic conditions, and are subject to various risks, uncertainties, estimates, contingencies, and other factors, many of which are outside our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and liquidity. Such factors include, among others: changes in immigration laws and their enforcement, including any adverse effects on the level of immigrant employment, earning potential and other commercial activities; our success in expanding customer acceptance of our digital services and infrastructure, as well as developing, introducing and marketing new digital and other products and services; new technology or competitors that disrupt the current money transfer and payment ecosystem, including the introduction of new digital platforms; loss of, or reduction in business with, key sending agents; our ability to effectively compete in the markets in which we operate; economic factors such as inflation, the level of economic activity, recession risks and labor market conditions, as well as volatility in market interest rates; international political factors, including ongoing hostilities in Ukraine and the Middle East, political instability, tariffs, including the effects of tariffs on domestic markets and industrial activity and employment, border taxes or restrictions on remittances or transfers from the outbound countries in which we operate or plan to operate; volatility in foreign exchange rates that could affect the volume of consumer remittance activity and/or affect our foreign exchange related gains and losses; consumer confidence in our brands and in consumer money transfers generally; expansion into new geographic markets or product markets; our ability to successfully execute, manage, integrate and obtain the anticipated financial benefits of key acquisitions and mergers; cybersecurity-attacks or disruptions to our information technology, computer network systems, data centers and mobile devices applications; the ability of our risk management and compliance policies, procedures and systems to mitigate risk related to transaction monitoring; consumer fraud and other risks relating to the authenticity of customers’ orders or the improper or illegal use of our services by consumers, sending agents or digital partners; our ability to maintain favorable banking and paying agent relationships necessary to conduct our business; bank failures, sustained financial illiquidity, or illiquidity at the clearing, cash management or custodial financial institutions with which we do business; changes to banking industry regulation and practice; credit risks from our agents, digital partners and the financial institutions with which we do business; our ability to recruit and retain key personnel; our ability to maintain compliance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements, including those intended to prevent use of our money remittance services for criminal activity, those related to data and cybersecurity protection, and those related to new business initiatives; enforcement actions and private litigation under regulations applicable to money remittance services; changes in tax laws in the countries in which we operate; our ability to protect intellectual property rights; our ability to satisfy our debt obligations and remain in compliance with our credit facility requirements; public health conditions, responses thereto and the economic and market effects thereof; the use of third-party vendors and service providers; weakness in U.S. or international economic conditions; and other economic, business, and/or competitive factors, risks and uncertainties, including those described in the “Risk Factors” and other sections of periodic reports and other filings that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, we caution investors and all others not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date such statement is made and we undertake no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements.

    About International Money Express, Inc.
    Founded in 1994, Intermex applies proprietary technology enabling consumers to send money from the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom and Germany to more than 60 countries. The Company provides the digital movement of money through a network of agent retailers in the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom and Germany; Company-operated stores; our mobile apps; and the Company’s websites. Transactions are fulfilled and paid through thousands of retail and bank locations around the world. Intermex is headquartered in Miami, Florida, with international offices in Puebla, Mexico, Guatemala City, Guatemala, London, England, and Madrid, Spain. For more information about Intermex, please visit www.intermexonline.com.

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

    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
             
        March 31,   December 31,
    (in thousands of dollars)     2025     2024
    ASSETS   (Unaudited)    
    Current assets:        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 151,764   $ 130,503
    Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $4,095 and $3,546, respectively     131,026     107,077
    Prepaid wires, net     32,577     49,205
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     10,561     10,998
    Total current assets     325,928     297,783
             
    Property and equipment, net     52,603     50,354
    Goodwill     55,195     55,195
    Intangible assets, net     26,058     26,847
    Deferred tax asset, net     18     —
    Other assets     30,787     32,198
    Total assets   $ 490,589   $ 462,377
             
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
    Current liabilities:        
    Accounts payable   $ 23,410   $ 19,520
    Wire transfers and money orders payable, net     115,081     85,044
    Accrued and other liabilities     47,977     47,434
    Total current liabilities     186,468     151,998
             
    Long-term liabilities:        
    Debt, net     147,385     156,623
    Lease liabilities, net     17,493     18,582
    Deferred tax liability, net     —     250
    Total long-term liabilities     164,878     175,455
             
    Stockholders’ equity:        
    Total stockholders’ equity     139,243     134,924
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 490,589   $ 462,377
             
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
         
        Three Months Ended March 31,
    (in thousands of dollars, except for per share data)     2025     2024
        (Unaudited)
    Revenues:        
    Wire transfer and money order fees, net   $ 120,167   $ 126,921
    Foreign exchange gain, net     20,181     20,346
    Other income     3,962     3,145
    Total revenues     144,310     150,412
             
    Operating expenses:        
    Service charges from agents and banks     93,788     97,934
    Salaries and benefits     18,288     18,106
    Other selling, general and administrative expenses     10,989     9,953
    Provision for credit losses     2,066     1,595
    Restructuring costs     306     —
    Transaction costs     1,169     10
    Depreciation and amortization     3,629     3,228
    Total operating expenses     130,235     130,826
             
    Operating income     14,075     19,586
             
    Interest expense     2,700     2,702
             
    Income before income taxes     11,375     16,884
             
    Income tax provision     3,606     4,778
             
    Net income   $ 7,769   $ 12,106
             
    Earnings per common share:        
    Basic   $ 0.25   $ 0.36
    Diluted   $ 0.25   $ 0.35
             
    Weighted-average common shares outstanding:        
    Basic     30,587,949     33,675,441
    Diluted     30,831,633     34,188,814
    Reconciliation from Net Income to Adjusted Net Income
         
        Three Months Ended March 31,
    (in thousands of dollars, except for per share data)     2025       2024  
        (Unaudited)
             
    Net Income   $ 7,769     $ 12,106  
             
    Adjusted for:        
    Share-based compensation (a)     2,112       2,153  
    Restructuring costs (b)     306       —  
    Transaction costs (c)     1,169       10  
    Other charges and expenses (d)     327       437  
    Amortization of intangibles (e)     711       977  
    Income tax benefit related to adjustments (f)     (1,466 )     (1,012 )
    Adjusted Net Income   $ 10,928     $ 14,671  
             
    Adjusted earnings per common share:        
    Basic   $ 0.36     $ 0.44  
    Diluted   $ 0.35     $ 0.43  

    (a) Represents share-based compensation relating to equity awards granted primarily to employees and independent directors of the Company.

    (b) Represents primarily severance, write-off of assets and, legal and professional fees related to the execution of restructuring plans.

    (c) Represents primarily financial advisory, professional and legal fees related to business acquisition transactions and strategic alternatives.

    (d) Represents primarily loss on disposal of fixed assets.

    (e) Represents the amortization of certain intangible assets that resulted from business and asset acquisition transactions.

    (f) Represents the current and deferred tax impact of the taxable adjustments to Net Income using the Company’s blended federal and state tax rate for each period. Relevant tax-deductible adjustments include all adjustments to Net Income.

    Reconciliation from Basic Earnings per Share to Adjusted Basic Earnings per Share
         
        Three Months Ended March 31,
          2025       2024  
        (Unaudited)
    Basic Earnings per Share   $ 0.25     $ 0.36  
    Adjusted for:        
    Share-based compensation     0.07       0.06  
    Restructuring costs     0.01       —  
    Transaction costs     0.04       NM  
    Other charges and expenses     0.01       0.01  
    Amortization of intangibles     0.02       0.03  
    Income tax benefit related to adjustments     (0.05 )     (0.03 )
    Adjusted Basic Earnings per Share   $ 0.36     $ 0.44  

    NM—Amount is not meaningful

    The table above may contain slight summation differences due to rounding

    Reconciliation from Diluted Earnings per Share to Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share
         
        Three Months Ended March 31,
          2025       2024  
        (Unaudited)
    Diluted Earnings per Share   $ 0.25     $ 0.35  
    Adjusted for:        
    Share-based compensation     0.07       0.06  
    Restructuring costs     0.01       —  
    Transaction costs     0.04       NM  
    Other charges and expenses     0.01       0.01  
    Amortization of intangibles     0.02       0.03  
    Income tax benefit related to adjustments     (0.05 )     (0.03 )
    Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share   $ 0.35     $ 0.43  

    NM—Amount is not meaningful

    The table above may contain slight summation differences due to rounding

    Reconciliation from Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA
         
        Three Months Ended March 31,
    (in thousands of dollars)     2025     2024
        (Unaudited)
    Net Income   $ 7,769   $ 12,106
             
    Adjusted for:        
    Interest expense     2,700     2,702
    Income tax provision     3,606     4,778
    Depreciation and amortization     3,629     3,228
    EBITDA     17,704     22,814
    Share-based compensation (a)     2,112     2,153
    Restructuring costs (b)     306     —
    Transaction costs (c)     1,169     10
    Other charges and expenses (d)     327     437
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 21,618   $ 25,414

    (a) Represents share-based compensation relating to equity awards granted primarily to employees and independent directors of the Company.

    (b) Represents primarily severance, write-off of assets and legal and professional fees related to the execution of restructuring plans.

    (c) Represents primarily financial advisory, professional and legal fees related to business acquisition transactions and strategic alternatives.

    (d) Represents primarily loss on disposal of fixed assets.

    Reconciliation from Net Income Margin to Adjusted EBITDA Margin
         
        Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025     2024  
        (Unaudited)
    Net Income Margin   5.4 %   8.0 %
    Adjusted for:        
    Interest expense   1.9 %   1.8 %
    Income tax provision   2.5 %   3.2 %
    Depreciation and amortization   2.5 %   2.1 %
    EBITDA Margin   12.3 %   15.2 %
    Share-based compensation   1.5 %   1.4 %
    Restructuring costs   0.2 %   — %
    Transaction costs   0.8 %   — %
    Other charges and expenses   0.2 %   0.3 %
    Adjusted EBITDA Margin   15.0 %   16.9 %

    The table above may contain slight summation differences due to rounding

    Reconciliation of Net Income to Net Free Cash Generated
         
        Three Months Ended March 31,
    (in thousands of dollars)     2025       2024  
        (Unaudited)
             
    Net income for the period   $ 7,769     $ 12,106  
             
    Depreciation and amortization     3,629       3,228  
    Share-based compensation     2,112       2,153  
    Provision for credit losses     2,066       1,595  
    Cash used in investing activities     (5,313 )     (13,480 )
    Term loan pay downs     —       (1,641 )
             
    Net Free Cash Generated during the period   $ 10,263     $ 3,961  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: KVH Launches CommBox Edge Secure Suite for Advanced Cybersecurity Threat Detection & Response

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIDDLETOWN, R.I., May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, KVH Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq: KVHI) unveiled the newest expansion to its CommBox™ Edge Communications Gateway–the Secure Suite threat detection and response service. Focused on detecting, preventing, and reporting cybersecurity threats, CommBox Edge Secure Suite actively identifies and blocks harmful traffic in real time to reduce the risks to vessel communications, operations, and network security. Secure Suite is fully compatible with both the CommBox Edge 6 and Edge 2 belowdeck appliances and the CommBox Edge virtual machine option, making it an easy-to-use and versatile cybersecurity upgrade to the CommBox Edge’s robust network and bandwidth management capabilities.

    “The modern commercial vessel is an extension of the corporate office–a mobile, connected network node that can face the threat of malicious cyber activities that put people, cargo, vessels, and business operations at risk,” observed Chad Impey, KVH’s senior vice president of global sales. “CommBox Edge Secure Suite is designed for rapid, easy, and affordable deployment while delivering advanced detection, prevention, and reporting capabilities. Combined with the CommBox Edge network and bandwidth management capabilities, Secure Suite delivers enhanced security for individual vessels and entire fleets while simultaneously maximizing your IT team’s resources and optimizing your communications.”

    CommBox Edge Secure Suite employs some of the most advanced cybersecurity and proactive monitoring technology available, including:

    • Cisco Talos, one of the world’s most advanced threat-blocking and detection solutions, focuses on emerging and existing cyber threats, enabling CommBox Edge Secure Suite to recognize and respond to new threat IDs and threat patterns.
    • Cisco Snort monitors, analyzes, and responds to malicious network traffic in real time using Cisco Talos rulesets, helping CommBox Edge Secure Suite identify and mitigate potential security threats.

    Secure Suite also includes a robust Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), active quarantine capabilities, and an intuitive cloud-based Threat Dashboard to reduce cyber risks to vessels, networks, and crews. The service helps mitigate those risks as part of a comprehensive network and onboard cybersecurity solution focused on:

    • Detection – The CommBox Edge Secure Suite IPS monitors incoming and outgoing traffic for suspicious patterns or signatures that match known attack types (like malware, vulnerabilities, or exploits).
    • Prevention – The IPS responds in real time to malicious actions by blocking harmful traffic (e.g., malware, viruses, denial of service, ping of death, etc.), resetting connections, adjusting firewalls, initiating quarantines, and sending alerts to administrators.
    • Reporting – Secure Suite includes an intuitive cloud-based Threat Dashboard. Also, it captures and reports detailed threat logs (including syslogs/rsyslogs) to an offsite Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system or Security Operations Center (SOC) for future analysis and actionable insights.

    “With this data and Secure Suite’s advanced features, you can enable new proactive responses to threats, minimize recovery time, pass security audits, remain compliant with industry standards, and identify resource-intensive threats to ensure optimal network performance,” concluded Impey.

    Secure Suite is available now as a service option within CommBox Edge, KVH’s all-in-one management toolbox for maritime IT professionals who want to control the growing array of wide area network (WAN) options, such as the VSAT, low earth orbit (LEO) services, 5G cellular, and other services available through the KVH ONE® global network. CommBox Edge also supports as many as thirty onboard local area networks and provides secure remote access to any onboard networked device, high-speed VPN links, and deep packet inspection.

    Note to Editors: For more information about CommBox Edge, please visit https://www.kvh.com/edge. High-resolution images of KVH products are available at the KVH Press Room Image Library, https://www.kvh.com/imagelibrary.

    About KVH Industries, Inc.

    KVH Industries, Inc. is a global leader in maritime and mobile connectivity delivered via the KVH ONE network. The company, founded in 1982, is based in Middletown, RI, with research, development, and manufacturing operations in Middletown, RI, and more than a dozen offices around the globe. KVH provides connectivity solutions for commercial maritime, leisure marine, military/government, and land mobile applications on vessels and vehicles, including the TracNet®, TracPhone®, and TracVision® product lines, CommBox Edge, the KVH ONE OpenNet Program for non-KVH antennas, AgilePlans® Connectivity as a Service (CaaS), and the KVH Link crew wellbeing content service.

    This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. For example, forward-looking statements include claims regarding the anticipated efficacy of cybersecurity features to minimize risks to networks, operations, and crews. These and other factors are discussed in more detail in KVH’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 10, 2025. Copies are available through its Investor Relations department and website: https://investors.kvh.com. KVH does not assume any obligation to update our forward-looking statements to reflect new information and developments.

    KVH Industries, Inc., has used, registered, or applied to register its trademarks in the USA and other countries around the world, including but not limited to the following marks: KVH, KVH ONE, TracVision, TracPhone, TracNet, CommBox, and AgilePlans. Other trademarks are the property of their respective companies.

    For further information, please contact:
    Chris Watson
    Vice President, Marketing & Communications
    KVH Industries, Inc.
    Tel: +1 401 845 2441
    cwatson@kvh.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: One Stop Systems Reports Q1 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    First quarter of 2025 consolidated gross margin increased 320 basis points year-over-year to 32.6%, on consolidated revenue of $12.3 million

    OSS segment gross margin of 45.5%, on OSS segment revenue of $5.2 million

    OSS segment experienced strong first-quarter bookings of $10.4 million

    Management continues to expect double-digit consolidated revenue growth in 2025 and consolidated EBITDA break even for the year

    ESCONDIDO, Calif., May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — One Stop Systems, Inc. (“OSS” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: OSS), a leader in rugged Enterprise Class compute for artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), autonomy and sensor processing at the edge, reported results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2025. Comparisons for the three-month periods are to the same year-ago periods unless otherwise noted.

    “Our OSS segment achieved strong bookings during the first quarter of 2025, driven by growing demand from both new and existing commercial and defense customers. This positive trend highlights increased interest in our Enterprise Class compute solutions and validates our strategic focus on building multi-year, predictable revenue streams. Higher OSS segment orders are particularly encouraging amid ongoing uncertainty in business and government spending. Momentum remains strong, as the programs we are pursuing closely align with our customers’ evolving priorities on AI, ML, autonomy and sensor processing at the Edge,” stated OSS President and CEO, Mike Knowles.

    “As expected, our consolidated gross margin improved year-over-year and from the fourth quarter of 2024, supported by a 45.5% gross margin at our OSS segment, associated with a more profitable mix of products. While near-term market conditions affected the timing of certain OSS segment orders anticipated for the first and second quarters of 2025, we remain on track to achieve our 2025 annual guidance. In addition, we expect bookings to remain strong throughout the year within our OSS segment and support profitable revenue growth in the second half of 2025 and into 2026,” concluded Mr. Knowles.

    2025 First-Quarter Financial Summary

    Consolidated revenue was $12.3 million, compared to $12.7 million in the first quarter of 2024. OSS segment revenue decreased 5.9%, as compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to lower volume of shipments to a commercial aerospace customer, partially offset by higher volume of shipments to a defense customer. Bressner segment revenue decreased $65,637, or 0.9%, as compared to the same period in 2024.

    The following table sets forth net revenue by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2025, and March 31, 2024 (Dollars may not calculate due to rounding):

      Three Months Ended

    Entity:

    		 March 31,
    2025    		   % of Net
    Revenue    		   March 31,
    2024    		  
    % of Net
    Revenue
    		   %
    Change
    OSS $ 5,206,810       42.5 %   $ 5,533,872       43.7 %     (5.9 )%
    Bressner   7,052,277       57.5 %     7,117,914       56.3 %     (0.9 )%
    Total net revenue $ 12,259,088       100.0 %   $ 12,651,786       100.0 %     (3.1 )%
                                           

    Consolidated gross margin percentage was 32.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 29.4% in the prior year quarter. On a segment basis, the OSS segment had a gross margin of 45.5%, an increase of 11.3 percentage points as compared to the prior year of 34.2%. The increase in OSS segment gross margin was primarily due to higher volume of certain higher margin data storage units and componentry shipped in the quarter. The Company’s Bressner segment had a gross margin percentage of 23.1%, compared to 25.7% in the same period last year, due to product mix.

    Total operating expenses increased 19.2% to $5.9 million. This increase was predominantly attributable to higher marketing and selling costs due to an increase in personnel costs from the additions in headcount made during 2024 as well as an increase in research and development costs driven by higher engineering labor to support new product development.

    The Company reported a net loss of $2.0 million, or $(0.09) per share, as compared to a net loss of $1.3 million, or $(0.06) per share, in the prior year period.

    Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP metric, was a loss of $1.1 million, compared to adjusted EBITDA loss of $500,452 in the prior year period.

    As of March 31, 2025, the Company reported cash and short-term investments of $9.1 million and total working capital of $23.1 million, compared to cash and short-term investments of $10.0 million and total working capital of $24.0 million at December 31, 2024.

    2025 Full Year Outlook

    OSS is executing a strategic plan targeting both commercial and defense markets, aiming to provide integrated solutions and establish OSS as a platform incumbent on large, multi-year programs. This approach is expected to drive long-term value by increasing predictable, recurring revenue and building a strong, multi-year backlog.

    As a result of OSS’ multi-year strategy, the Company continues to anticipate consolidated revenue of $59 to $61 million for the full year of 2025. This includes expected OSS segment revenue of approximately $30 million, representing over 20% year-over-year growth. In addition, the Company expects to be EBITDA break-even for the full year of 2025. Management expects revenue and profitability to improve at a higher rate in the second half of 2025 based on current trends and the Company’s expanding sales pipeline.

    Conference Call

    OSS will hold a conference call to discuss its results for the first quarter of 2025, followed by a question-and-answer period.

    Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025
    Time: 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT)
    Toll-free dial-in: 1-800-717-1738
    International dial-in: 1-646-307-1865
    Conference ID: 57745 (required for entry)
    Webcast: https://viavid.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1710966&tp_key=28a1f0fc7f

    A replay of the call will be available after 1:00 p.m. ET on May 7, 2025, through May 21, 2025.

    Toll-free replay: 1-844-512-2921
    International replay: 1-412-317-6671
    Passcode: 1157745

    About One Stop Systems

    One Stop Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: OSS) is a leader in AI enabled solutions for the demanding ‘edge’. OSS designs and manufactures Enterprise Class compute and storage products that enable rugged AI, sensor fusion and autonomous capabilities without compromise. These hardware and software platforms bring the latest data center performance to harsh and challenging applications, whether they are on land, sea or in the air.

    OSS products include ruggedized servers, compute accelerators, flash storage arrays, and storage acceleration software. These specialized compact products are used across multiple industries and applications, including autonomous trucking and farming, as well as aircraft, drones, ships and vehicles within the defense industry.

    OSS solutions address the entire AI workflow, from high-speed data acquisition to deep learning, training and large-scale inference, and have delivered many industry firsts for industrial OEM and government customers.

    As the fastest growing segment of the multi-billion-dollar edge computing market, AI enabled solutions require—and OSS delivers—the highest level of performance in the most challenging environments without compromise.

    OSS products are available directly or through global distributors. For more information, go to www.onestopsystems.com. You can also follow OSS on X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    We believe that the use of adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or adjusted EBITDA, is helpful for an investor to assess the performance of the Company. The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as income (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, acquisition expense, impairment of long-lived assets, financing costs, government funded programs, fair value adjustments from purchase accounting, stock-based compensation expense, and expenses related to discontinued operations.

    Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or GAAP. Because of varying available valuation methodologies, subjective assumptions and the variety of equity instruments that can impact a company’s non-cash operating expenses, we believe that providing a non-GAAP financial measure that excludes non-cash and non-recurring expenses allows for meaningful comparisons between our core business operating results and those of other companies, as well as providing us with an important tool for financial and operational decision making and for evaluating our own core business operating results over different periods of time.

    Our adjusted EBITDA measure may not provide information that is directly comparable to that provided by other companies in our industry, as other companies in our industry may calculate non-GAAP financial results differently, particularly related to non-recurring and unusual items. Our adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of financial performance under GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to operating income or as an indication of operating performance or any other measure of performance derived in accordance with GAAP. We do not consider adjusted EBITDA to be a substitute for, or superior to, the information provided by GAAP financial results.

      For the Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025       2024  
    Net loss $ (2,017,634 )   $ (1,339,622 )
    Depreciation   223,847       289,547  
    Amortization of right-of-use assets net of change in lease liability   (2,032 )     55,997  
    Stock-based compensation expense   612,561       408,740  
    Interest expense   14,186       35,342  
    Interest income   (72,511 )     (141,725 )
    Provision for income taxes   109,466       191,269  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ (1,132,116 )   $ (500,452 )
           

    (Dollars may not calculate due to rounding)

    Adjusted EPS excludes the impact of certain items and, therefore, has not been calculated in accordance with GAAP. We believe that exclusion of certain selected items assists in providing a more complete understanding of our underlying results and trends and allows for comparability with our peer company index and industry. We use this measure along with the corresponding GAAP financial measures to manage our business and to evaluate our performance compared to prior periods and the marketplace. The Company defines non-GAAP income (loss) as income or (loss) before amortization, government funded programs, impairment of long lived assets, stock-based compensation, expenses related to discontinued operations, and acquisition costs. Adjusted EPS expresses adjusted income (loss) on a per share basis using weighted average diluted shares outstanding.

    Adjusted EPS is a non-GAAP financial measure and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information provided in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures may not be computed in the same manner as similarly titled measures used by other companies. We expect to continue to incur expenses similar to the adjusted income from continuing operations and adjusted EPS financial adjustments described above, and investors should not infer from our presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures that these costs are unusual, infrequent or non-recurring.

    The following table reconciles non-GAAP net income and basic and diluted earnings per share:

      For the Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025       2024  
    Net loss $ (2,017,634 )   $ (1,339,622 )
    Stock-based compensation expense   612,561       408,740  
    Non-GAAP net loss $ (1,405,073 )   $ (930,882 )
    Non-GAAP net loss per share:      
    Basic $ (0.07 )   $ (0.04 )
    Diluted $ (0.07 )   $ (0.04 )
    Weighted average common shares outstanding:      
    Basic   21,384,599       20,709,234  
    Diluted   21,384,599       20,709,234  
     

    (Dollars may not calculate due to rounding)

    Forward-Looking Statements

    OSS cautions you that statements in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements. . Words such as, but not limited to, “anticipate,” “aim,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “design,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “suggest,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions or phrases, or the negative of those expressions or phrases, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These statements include but are not limited to those relating to increased sales and revenues, non-GAAP financial measures, our multi-year strategy, increase in margins, and operating expenses. These statements are based on the company’s current beliefs and expectations. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by OSS or its partners that any of our plans or expectations will be achieved. Factors that could interfere with our ability to achieve our plans or expectations , include but are not limited to, our ability to expand our product offerings and further penetrate our target markets, future demand for AI/ML integrations, global socio-economic challenges, stock market uncertainty or volatility, reductions in business and/or government spending, and changes in our business strategies, management and/or senior leadership. Actual results may differ from those set forth in this press release due to the risk and uncertainties inherent in our business, including risks described in our prior press releases and in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including under the heading “Risk Factors” in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent filings with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, which is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

    Media Contacts:
    Robert Kalebaugh
    One Stop Systems, Inc.
    Tel (858) 518-6154
    Email contact

    Investor Relations:
    Andrew Berger
    Managing Director
    SM Berger & Company, Inc.
    Tel (216) 464-6400
    Email contact

    ONE STOP SYSTEMS, INC. (OSS)
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
     
      Unaudited   Audited
      March 31,   December 31,
        2025       2024  
    ASSETS      
    Current assets      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,498,468     $ 6,794,093  
    Short-term investments   2,620,169       3,217,065  
    Accounts receivable, net   7,245,983       8,177,371  
    Inventories, net   15,099,479       13,176,156  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   1,178,620       836,364  
    Total current assets   32,642,719       32,201,048  
    Property and equipment, net   1,472,160       1,669,026  
    Operating lease right-of use assets   1,463,099       1,536,094  
    Deposits and other   38,093       38,093  
    Goodwill   1,489,722       1,489,722  
    Total Assets $ 37,105,793     $ 36,933,982  
           
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
    Current liabilities      
    Accounts payable $ 4,475,684     $ 2,068,017  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   3,730,499       4,806,675  
    Current portion of operating lease obligation   272,865       285,937  
    Current portion of notes payable   1,079,484       1,035,050  
    Total current liabilities   9,558,532       8,195,679  
    Deferred tax liability, net   45,572       52,574  
    Operating lease obligation, net of current portion   1,451,728       1,513,684  
    Total liabilities   11,055,832       9,761,937  
    Commitments and contingencies      
    Stockholders’ equity      
    Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 21,582,196 and 21,148,810 shares issued and outstanding   2,158       2,115  
    Additional paid-in capital   49,824,911       49,082,737  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income   293,587       140,254  
    Accumulated deficit   (24,070,695 )     (22,053,061 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   26,049,961       27,172,045  
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 37,105,793     $ 36,933,982  
           
    ONE STOP SYSTEMS, INC. (OSS)
    UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (Dollars may not calculate due to rounding)
     
      For the Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025       2024  
    Revenue:      
    Product $ 11,848,713     $ 12,287,046  
    Customer funded development   410,375       364,740  
        12,259,088       12,651,786  
    Cost of revenue:      
    Product   7,912,314       8,818,756  
    Customer funded development   349,782       109,737  
        8,262,096       8,928,493  
    Gross profit   3,996,992       3,723,293  
    Operating expenses:      
    General and administrative   2,366,369       2,094,317  
    Marketing and selling   2,218,190       1,920,113  
    Research and development   1,357,293       970,877  
    Total operating expenses   5,941,852       4,985,307  
    Loss from operations   (1,944,860 )     (1,262,014 )
    Other (expense) income, net:      
    Interest income   72,511       141,725  
    Interest expense   (14,186 )     (35,342 )
    Other (expense) income, net   (21,633 )     7,278  
    Total other income, net   36,692       113,661  
    Loss before income taxes   (1,908,168 )     (1,148,353 )
    Provision for income taxes   109,466       191,269  
    Net loss $ (2,017,634 )   $ (1,339,622 )
           
    Net loss per share:      
    Basic $ (0.09 )   $ (0.06 )
    Diluted $ (0.09 )   $ (0.06 )
           
    Weighted average common shares outstanding:      
    Basic   21,384,599       20,709,234  
    Diluted   21,384,599       20,709,234  
           
    ONE STOP SYSTEMS, INC. (OSS)
    UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
     
      For the Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025       2024  
    Cash flows from operating activities:      
    Net loss $ (2,017,634 )   $ (1,339,622 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:      
    Deferred income taxes   1,737       (188,674 )
    Loss on disposal of property and equipment   –       354  
    Provision for bad debt   (100 )     –  
    Warranty reserves   –       (15,000 )
    Depreciation   223,847       289,547  
    Amortization of right-of-use assets   76,825       100,138  
    Inventory reserves   (146,200 )     94,063  
    Stock-based compensation expense   612,561       408,740  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
    Accounts receivable   1,068,100       842,057  
    Inventories   (1,418,185 )     (66,013 )
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   (332,400 )     (224,116 )
    Accounts payable   2,336,310       1,486,003  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   (1,461,601 )     700,041  
    Operating lease liabilities   (78,857 )     (44,141 )
    Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities   (1,135,596 )     2,043,378  
           
    Cash flows from investing activities:      
    Redemption of short-term investment grade securities   597,288       1,811,364  
    Purchases of property and equipment, including capitalization of labor costs for test equipment and ERP   (12,793 )     (167,168 )
    Net cash provided by investing activities   584,495       1,644,196  
           
    Cash flows from financing activities:      
    Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants   373,310       127,350  
    Payment of payroll taxes on net issuance of employee stock options   (243,654 )     (246,376 )
    Repayments on notes payable   –       (680,948 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   129,656       (799,974 )
           
    Net change in cash and cash equivalents   (421,445 )     2,887,600  
    Effect of exchange rates on cash   125,820       (32,446 )
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period   6,794,093       4,048,948  
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 6,498,468     $ 6,904,102  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Financial Times: The West’s shameful silence on Gaza – do more to restrain Benjamin Netanyahu

    EDITORIAL: The Financial Times editorial board

    After 19 months of conflict that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and drawn accusations of war crimes against Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu is once more preparing to escalate Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

    The latest plan puts Israel on course for full occupation of the Palestinian territory and would drive Gazans into ever-narrowing pockets of the shattered strip.

    It would lead to more intensive bombing and Israeli forces clearing and holding territory, while destroying what few structures remain in Gaza.

    This would be a disaster for 2.2 million Gazans who have already endured unfathomable suffering.

    Each new offensive makes it harder not to suspect that the ultimate goal of Netanyahu’s far-right coalition is to ensure Gaza is uninhabitable and drive Palestinians from their land. For two months, Israel has blocked delivery of all aid into the strip.

    Child malnutrition rates are rising, the few functioning hospitals are running out of medicine, and warnings of starvation and disease are growing louder. Yet the US and European countries that tout Israel as an ally that shares their values have issued barely a word of condemnation.

    They should be ashamed of their silence, and stop enabling Netanyahu to act with impunity.

    In brief remarks on Sunday, US President Donald Trump acknowledged Gazans were “starving”, and suggested Washington would help get food into the strip.

    But, so far, the US president has only emboldened Netanyahu. Trump returned to the White House promising to end the war in Gaza after his team helped broker a January ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

    Under the deal, Hamas agreed to free hostages in phases, while Israel was to withdraw from Gaza and the foes were to reach a permanent ceasefire.

    But within weeks of the truce taking hold, Trump announced an outlandish plan for Gaza to be emptied of Palestinians and taken over by the US.

    In March, Israel collapsed the ceasefire as it sought to change the terms of the deal, with Washington’s backing. Senior Israeli officials have since said they are implementing Trump’s plan to transfer Palestinians out of Gaza.

    On Monday, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said: “We are finally going to occupy the Gaza Strip.”

    Netanyahu insists an expanded offensive is necessary to destroy Hamas and free the 59 remaining hostages. The reality is that the prime minister has never articulated a clear plan since Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack killed 1200 people and triggered the war.

    Instead, he repeats his maximalist mantra of “total victory” while seeking to placate his extremist allies to ensure the survival of his governing coalition.

    But Israel is also paying a price for his actions. The expanded offensive would imperil the lives of the hostages, further undermine Israel’s tarnished standing and deepen domestic divisions.

    Israel has briefed that the expanded operation would not begin until after Trump’s visit to the Gulf next week, saying there is a “window” for Hamas to release hostages in return for a temporary truce.

    Arab leaders are infuriated by Netanyahu’s relentless pursuit of conflict in Gaza yet they will fete Trump at lavish ceremonies with promises of multibillion-dollar investments and arms deals.

    Trump will put the onus on Hamas when speaking to his Gulf hosts. The group’s murderous October 7 attack is what triggered the Israeli offensive.

    Gulf states agree that its continued stranglehold on Gaza is a factor prolonging the war. But they must stand up to Trump and convince him to pressure Netanyahu to end the killing, lift the siege and return to talks.

    The global tumult triggered by Trump has already distracted attention from the catastrophe in Gaza. Yet the longer it goes on, the more those who remain silent or cowed from speaking out will be complicit.

    This editorial was published by the London Financial Times under the original title “The west’s shameful silence on Gaza: The US and European allies should do more to restrain Benjamin Netanyahu” on May 6, 2025.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lofgren, Matsui, Merkley Reintroduce Legislation to Give Individuals an Opportunity to Invest in Building America’s Clean-Energy Future

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

    Modeled after WWII victory bonds, Clean Energy Victory Bonds would spur investment in clean-energy projects, create jobs, & help U.S. fight the climate crisis

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) and Doris Matsui (CA-07) and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) reintroduced the Clean Energy Victory Bond Act, bicameral legislation to give individuals the opportunity to buy Clean Energy Victory Bonds and help build America’s clean-energy future. Modeled after the highly successful victory bonds sold during World Wars I and II, which raised billions of dollars to finance the costs of war, Clean Energy Victory Bonds would help the country create jobs and save taxpayers money while investing in clean-energy infrastructure and fighting the climate crisis, protecting future generations.

    The bill would direct the U.S. Secretaries of Treasury, Energy, and Defense to develop and issue $50 billion in Clean Energy Victory Bonds that support energy efficiency, solar, wind, geothermal, and electric vehicle efforts. For as little as $50, all Americans would be able to voluntarily purchase these Treasury bonds to invest in clean energy.

    The sale of the $50 billion worth of bonds annually could be leveraged to inject $150 billion into clean-energy innovation and create more than one million jobs.

    “As climate-related emergencies become more and more common, I often hear from people who want to do their part in the fight against climate change, but don’t know how. The Clean Energy Victory Bond Act provides Americans with an opportunity to invest, within their means, in innovative technologies that will yield profits both for themselves and the world,” said Congresswoman Lofgren, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. “This is my seventh time reintroducing this bill. I feel strongly that, as momentum continues to build in California and around the country to be good stewards of our environment, we must employ proven economic growth-based tactics to tackle climate change. We all benefit when we invest in the future.”

    “Now, more than ever, we need collective action to fight climate change and support smart climate solutions,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “This legislation gives everyday Americans the opportunity to invest in the clean energy transition and help grow the American economy. This investment will flow back into our communities, creating good-paying jobs, lowering energy costs, and helping to make communities across the country more resilient to climate change, while also providing a strong return on investment and helping American families to safely and reliably grow their savings with government-backed bonds.”

    “Clean energy is America’s future, no matter how hard President Trump and his handpicked Fossil Fuel Cabinet try to sabotage its deployment,” said Senator Merkley. “As the Trump Administration slashes federal funds for renewable energy projects nationwide – including right here in Oregon – I’m fighting to advance solutions that will help end our dangerous dependence on fossil fuels and instead invest in public health and our environment. This bill expands access to affordable clean energy for families across America, delivering bold action to tackle climate chaos and creating jobs in the 21st-century economy.”

    Background

    The Clean Energy Victory Bonds would raise extra funds for investment in clean-energy and energy-efficiency deployment, including by:

    • Providing additional support to existing federal financing programs available to states for energy efficiency upgrades and clean energy deployment;
    • Providing funding for clean energy investments by all federal agencies;
    • Providing funding for electric grid enhancements and connections that enable clean energy deployment;
    • Providing funding to renovate existing inefficient buildings or building new energy efficient buildings;
    • Providing tax incentives and tax credits for clean energy technologies;
    • Providing funding for new innovation research, including ARPA-E, public competitions similar to those designed by the X Prize Foundation, grants provided through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy of the Department of Energy, or other mechanisms to fund revolutionary clean energy technology;
    • Providing additional funding for zero-emission vehicle infrastructure and manufacturing;
    • Providing additional funding to existing federal, State, and local grant programs that finance clean energy projects; and
    • Providing prioritized funding for clean energy projects that are located in and reduce energy rates in disadvantaged and vulnerable communities.  

    The Clean Energy Victory Bonds would:

    • be available to the public in denominations as low as $50;
    • accrue interest based on savings achieved through reduced-energy spending by the federal government and interest collected on loans provided from proceeds of the bonds; and
    • be capped at $50 billion each year.
    Click here for full text of the Clean Energy Victory Bond Act.

    In Connecticut, “Green Liberty Bonds” have been issued, and batches have sold out because the demand is so great. 

    Support from Sustainability & Business Groups

    The bill is supported by numerous organizations, includingGreen America, Communitas Financial Planning PBC, Transformative Wealth Management, Natural Investments, American Sustainable Business Council, Impact Investors, School Sisters of Notre Dame Collective Investment Fund, Figure 8 Investment Strategies, Greenvest/Vanderbilt Financial Group, Change the Chamber, Harkins Wealth Management, SharePower Responsible Investing, Your Best Path, LLC, and Chicory Wealth.

    “Americans from around the country support clean energy that will create jobs while addressing the climate crisis. In World War II, Victory Bonds offered Americans a way to support the war effort. Now, Clean Energy Victory Bonds will offer all Americans a safe investment, open to anyone, to support the rapid adoption of the solar, wind, and battery storage technologies that will benefit communities, workers, and the planet,” said Todd Larsen, Executive Co-Director For Consumer and Corporate Engagement, Green America.

    “Clean Energy Victory Bonds will provide a much-needed economic boost to our businesses and economy. This bill provides a reliable and highly-accessible financing mechanism that allows all Americans to provide the needed dollars for building a vibrant economy.” In an environment of reduced Federal Government spending this enables everyone to invest and work hand in hand with the private sector,” said David Levine, Co-founder and President, American Sustainable Business Council.

    “Taking a step forward to adjust our energy industry to meet the needs of the changing country, the Clean Energy Victory Bonds Act uses historical precedence to advance the U.S. toward a cleaner, brighter future for youth like us. While the transition to a clean energy economy may seem ambitious at times, this Act will allow everyday Americans to create an economy that works for all of us. It provides Americans the opportunity to help incentivize cleaner infrastructure and energy, paving the way for future steps to better our nation’s energy and climate,” said Evey Mengelkoch, Erika Pietrzak, and Sarah Hill, Climate Fellows of Change the Chamber

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Business – Sustainability start-ups Krosslinker and Ayrton Energy secure S$1 million each in catalytic funding at The Liveability Challenge 2025 Grand Finale

    Source: Eco-Business

    The 2025 Grand Finale witnessed another record-breaking year, attracting more than 1,200 submissions from over 100 countries competing for the top prize in two tracks: Decarbonisation and Cool Earth.

    Passive cooling using advanced aerogel technology and safe, cost-effective storage and transport to accelerate adoption of hydrogen as a clean fuel were the top winners at the Grand Finale.
    The Liveability Challenge, was presented by Temasek Foundation and organised by Eco-Business. 

    Singapore, 7 May 2025: Krosslinker and Ayrton Energy have emerged as the top winners at The Liveability Challenge (TLC) 2025 Grand Finale for their innovative solutions to drive decarbonisation and tackle climate challenges.

    The two groundbreaking projects were the standouts among eight finalists, each securing a S$1 million grant in catalytic funding to help advance and scale their solutions sustainably.

    The winner of the Cool Earth track was Singapore-based deep-tech start-up Krosslinker, which develops passive cooling technologies in the form of aerogel materials capable of reducing surface temperatures by up to 10 degrees Celsius and ambient temperatures by up to 5 degrees Celsius.

    The winner of the Decarbonisation track was Canada-based Ayrton Energy, which develops technology for safe and cost-effective hydrogen storage and transport, and addresses infrastructure challenges that currently hinder the widespread adoption of hydrogen energy.

    The two winners were selected after a competitive and rigorous judging session, where all eight finalists pitched their innovative solutions live to a judging panel at the Grand Finale, held at ParkRoyal Collection Marina Bay as part of Ecosperity Week.

    These pioneering climate solutions are integral in advancing progress towards the climate targets set under the Paris Agreement in 2015 – an urgent imperative as global temperatures reach dangerously new highs each year.  

    With rising heat, extreme weather events and ecological deterioration afflicting society and natural ecosystems, solutions must be mobilised to address these climate impacts while contributing to the global targets of reducing emissions by 43 per cent by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050.

    This will require coordinated efforts across society, enabling regulatory frameworks and strategic investments to enable the large-scale deployment of innovative climate technologies.

    Presented by Temasek Foundation and organised by Eco-Business, TLC was launched in 2018 as a platform to search for the most disruptive and innovative solutions that solve the pressing sustainability challenges of today.

    Today, TLC is Asia’s largest sustainability solutions platform and since its first edition, has attracted thousands of applications globally, shortlisted and incubated 53 finalists, and deployed more than S$12 million in funding to help these startups, who have gone on to raise hundreds of millions more.  

    In its eighth edition, TLC searched for solutions across two tracks: Decarbonisation and Cool Earth. The Decarbonisation track seeks disruptive deep-tech solutions that provide scalable and impactful solutions to reduce carbon emissions across diverse industries. The Cool Earth track seeks groundbreaking innovations that specifically address the challenges posed by climate-induced extreme weather conditions.

    The eight shortlisted finalist teams – Ayrton Energy, CatAmmon, Cetogenix, CO2Tech, D-CRBN, Eztia Corp, Krosslinker and SXD, Inc – represent various countries including Singapore, Australia, Belgium and the United States.

    TLC’s strategic partners this year are Enterprise Singapore, OCTAVE Well-being Economy Fund, TRIREC and Valuence Ventures. Amazon Web Services was the Tech for Good partner for the event.

    “We are very happy and excited [to have secured this award], but this is just the beginning. We have a very big job to do to make sure that we develop solutions that equitably reach everybody and not just the tech-savvy community. Many thanks to Temasek Foundation for all the inspiring work that you have been doing, and to all our investors who have specially flown in for this event. To all the fellow finalists who keep inspiring us – it’s such amazing work to solve some of the most difficult challenges in this world and committing to a cause rather than building easy solutions,” said Dr Gayathri Natarajan, Co-founder and CEO of Krosslinker Private Limited.  

    “We’re really excited to be able to have this funding support and cement our position in Singapore and Southeast Asia. I’m very grateful to Temasek Foundation for believing in the tech that we’re building, and in our ability to decarbonise these hard-to-abate sectors. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my fantastic team of nerds, as I like to call them back home, as well as the support that we have from our investors both locally and internationally,” said Dr Brandy Kinkead, Chief Technology Officer of Ayrton Energy Inc.

    “At Temasek Foundation, we believe in the urgency of supporting bold and deep-tech innovative solutions that can drive real progress in decarbonising our planet, and keeping our environment cool even with rising temperatures. Our catalytic funding reflects this important commitment – helping innovators move from promising innovations to operational prototypes with potential to scale. Beyond The Liveability Challenge, Temasek Foundation is growing our network of climate tech challenges across the region into China, Indonesia and Vietnam. By doing so, we aim to accelerate innovators’ paths to commercialisation and deliver real impact for both the people and the planet. Our heartiest congratulations to Krosslinker Private Limited and Ayrton Energy Inc on this exciting milestone,” said Heng Li Lang, Head of Climate and Liveability at Temasek Foundation.  

    “TLC has become a fixture in the global sustainability innovation ecosystem, providing a vital catalytic platform for promising start-ups with cutting-edge climate tech solutions from all over the world. By driving innovation, entrepreneurship, ecosystem collaboration and access to finance, it helps groundbreaking ideas move beyond the prototype stage to deliver real-world impact. In a world dangerously close to irreversible planetary thresholds, accelerating these solutions is no longer optional – it is critical,” said Jessica Cheam, Founder and CEO of Eco-Business.

    In addition to the two S$1 million in grants (S$1 million for each winner), a total of S$400,000 in investment and grant opportunities were awarded to the finalists by TLC’s strategic partners [see Appendix A].  

    The Grand Finale also hosted an Innovation Dialogue where speakers Mark Gainsborough, Chairman, Seatrium; Magdalene Loh, Director, Urban Systems and Solutions, Enterprise Singapore; and Dr Dazril Phua, Chief Operating Officer, Nandina REM, identified the solutions needed to advance climate tech solutions and innovation in Singapore and globally – including ecosystem building, policy and financial support and public private partnerships.

    Experts said that clear market signals and policy coherence were key to enabling climate technologies to scale. “Technology risk is (usually) the least of the problem. But is the market going to develop the way as expected and is there a supportive policy framework and regulation? Unfortunately, there are too many cases in the climate tech space where the market hasn’t developed as we expected because of an ever-changing policy and regulation landscape,” Mark Gainsborough, Chairman of Singapore-listed marine engineering company Seatrium, shared during the Innovation Dialogue.  

    Magdalene Loh, Director, Urban Systems and Solutions, Enterprise Singapore, noted that in addition to scaleability and exportability, climate tech solutions must be effectively priced to attract customers, and designed for easy integration into existing systems or processes.

    “Today, many of the climate tech solutions that we’re seeing do need to interact with existing infrastructure – existing systems that clients would already be used to. How would these tech solutions integrate? Many times, you need the buy-in internally within the organisation, not just with the innovation team. There are different facets of the clients to [consider] to secure buy-in as well,” Loh said.  

    For more information, visit The Liveability Challenge website at  www.theliveabilitychallenge.org.  

    About Temasek Foundation 

    Temasek Foundation supports a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and communities in Singapore and beyond. Temasek Foundation’s programmes are made possible through philanthropic endowments gifted by Temasek, as well as gifts and contributions from other donors. These programmes strive towards achieving positive outcomes for individuals and communities now and for generations to come. Collectively, Temasek Foundation’s programmes strengthen social resilience, foster international exchange and regional capabilities, advance science and protect the planet. 

    For more information, visit www.temasekfoundation.org.sg 

    About Eco-Business 

    Established in 2009, Eco-Business is Asia Pacific’s leading media organisation on sustainable development. Its independent journalism unit publishes high quality, trusted news and views that advance dialogue and enables measurable impact on a wide range of sustainable development and responsible business issues. Eco-Business is headquartered in Singapore, with a presence in Beijing, Hong Kong, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and correspondents across major cities in Asia Pacific. Visit www.eco-business.com  

    Appendix A

    Additional investment and grant opportunities:

    Singapore’s Krosslinker Private Limited received S$100,000 from OCTAVE Well-being Economy Fund to develop urban cooling solutions using zero energy aerogel coating.

    Canada’s Ayrton Energy Inc received S$100,000 from TRIREC and S$100,000 from Valuence Ventures to develop safe hydrogen storage and transport which seamlessly integrates with existing liquid fuel infrastructure.

    Australia’s CO2Tech received S$100,000 from Enterprise Singapore to develop a cost effective and compact CO2 capture solution which converts emissions into carbon-negative and valuable products.

    Appendix B

    Comments from our Strategic Partners:

    Emily Liew, Assistant Managing Director, Innovation, Enterprise Singapore, said: “As the world races to address pressing environmental challenges, we need platforms such as The Liveability Challenge more than ever to uncover and support breakthrough climate innovations. Start-ups can leverage Singapore’s robust innovation ecosystem, infrastructure and strategic networks to validate and scale their climate solutions. Enterprise Singapore is committed to working with important partners such as Temasek Foundation to accelerate the development of innovative solutions for a sustainable future.”

    Axel Tan, Venture Partner, OCTAVE Well-being Economy Fund, said: “Climate tech startups are pioneering vital solutions for a more liveable planet, but they face steep challenges in scaling. At the OCTAVE Well-being Economy Fund, we believe in backing these innovators by bridging capital, partnerships and purpose. Together with platforms like The Liveability Challenge, we can direct collective investment toward breakthrough technologies – accelerating the transition to a cleaner, more conscious and regenerative future.”

    Andrew Wong, Director, TRIREC, said: “The Liveability Challenge is crucial as it catalyses breakthrough innovations urgently needed to tackle escalating climate crises. By matching catalytic capital with the most promising solutions in climate change, the Challenge accelerates the commercialisation of transformative technologies, especially in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment. This platform not only empowers innovators to scale their impact but also drives collective action toward a net-zero and a climate-resilient future worldwide. TRIREC looks forward to supporting ambitious climate founders.”

    Andrew Hyung, General Partner, Valuence Ventures, said: “At a time when the world’s attention is pulled in many directions and the climate crisis is too often set aside, The Liveability Challenge brings much needed focus. It unites visionaries, doers and believers to shape a future we all deserve. By turning urgency into momentum and bold ideas into real solutions, this platform reminds us that hope backed by action can still change everything.”

    Ashley Tan, International Head of Social Impact & Sustainability at Amazon Web Services (AWS), said: “We’re excited by the powerful sustainability solutions presented by winners Krosslinker Private Limited and Ayrton Energy Inc, and the other finalists. Together with Temasek Foundation and Eco-business, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is committed to making a positive environmental and social impact around the world. We will continue to provide the latest AI-driven technologies and bench of deep technical expertise to power innovative solutions in the cloud and solve the climate crisis’s most pressing decarbonisation and food security challenges of our time.”

    Appendix C

    Finalists for The Liveability Challenge 2025:

    1. Ayrton Energy Inc (Canada)  

    Solution: Safe hydrogen storage and transport that seamlessly integrates with existing liquid fuel infrastructure for scalable deployment that is up to 50 per cent lower cost 

    2. CatAmmon (Israel) 

    Solution: ”Cold” (400ºC) ammonia cracking, catalysed by Ruthenium – free, ceramic nanomaterials that achieves over 30 per cent reductions in cost for hydrogen generation 

     3.  Cetogenix (New Zealand)

    Solution: Transforming urban waste into renewable natural gas, green ammonia and other circular bioeconomy products with carbon intensities 19 times less than those of fossil equivalents 

    4.  CO2Tech (Australia) 

    Solution: Cost effective and compact CO2 capture solution capable of converting emissions into carbon negative and valuable products  

    5. D-CRBN (Belgium) 

    Solution: Plasma-based CO2 recycling with a fossil price parity  

    6. Eztia Corp (US)

    Solution: Cooling wearables that absorb body heat, reducing skin temperature by 10°C  

    7. Krosslinker Private Limited (Singapore)

    Solution: Cooling cities 24/7 with a zero energy aerogel coating: passive, powerful and planet friendly 

    8. SXD, Inc (US) 

    Solution: SXD uses its patent-published AI to co-design and scale zero material waste garments, driving 10 times the material savings, approximately 80 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions and up to 55 per cent in cost savings.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA response to Chinese Foreign Ministry affirming Somalia’s entry ban on Taiwan nationals

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA response to Chinese Foreign Ministry affirming Somalia’s entry ban on Taiwan nationals

    • Date：2025-05-01
    • Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

    May 1, 2025  

    In response to a question from Reuters on April 30, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it highly commended Somalia for having banned the entry of Taiwan nationals. The comments from the Chinese ministry clearly show that the Somalian government’s extremely unfriendly action against Taiwan was instigated by China.

     

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) once again strongly condemns the Chinese authorities and demands that they immediately stop suppressing the Taiwanese people’s freedom of travel and deliberately misrepresenting United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. This egregious behavior of the Chinese and Somalian governments that ignores people’s freedom and safety of travel can do nothing but undermine international peace and cause more instability around the world.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Greystone Housing Impact Investors Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OMAHA, Neb., May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On May 7, 2025, Greystone Housing Impact Investors LP (NYSE: GHI) (the “Partnership”) announced financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

    Financial Highlights

    The Partnership reported the following results as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2025:

    • Net income of $0.11 per Beneficial Unit Certificate (“BUC”), basic and diluted
    • Cash Available for Distribution (“CAD”) of $0.31 per BUC
    • Total assets of $1.54 billion
    • Total Mortgage Revenue Bond (“MRB”) and Governmental Issuer Loan (“GIL”) investments of $1.18 billion

    The difference between reported net income per BUC and CAD per BUC is primarily due to the treatment of unrealized losses on the Partnership’s interest rate derivative positions. Unrealized losses of approximately $3.9 million are included in net income for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Unrealized losses are a result of the impact of decreased market interest rates on the calculated fair value of the Partnership’s interest rate derivative positions. Unrealized gains and losses do not affect our cash earnings and are added back to net income when calculating the Partnership’s CAD. The Partnership received net cash from its interest rate derivative positions totaling approximately $847,000 during the first quarter.

    In March 2025, the Partnership announced that the Board of Managers of Greystone AF Manager LLC declared a regular quarterly distribution to the Partnership’s BUC holders of $0.37 per BUC. The distribution was paid on April 30, 2025, to BUC holders of record as of the close of trading on March 31, 2025.

    Management Remarks

    “We continue to evaluate investment opportunities despite continuing market volatility,” said Kenneth C. Rogozinski, the Partnership’s Chief Executive Officer.  “Our successful Series B Preferred Units issuance provides low-cost, non-dilutive capital for us to deploy into accretive investment opportunities. In addition, the dedicated pool of capital that we have from the new BlackRock construction lending joint venture is a powerful tool for us to serve our affordable housing developer relationship base.”

    Recent Investment and Financing Activity

    The Partnership reported the following updates for the first quarter of 2025:

    • Advanced funds on MRB and taxable MRB investments totaling $21.5 million, offset by an MRB redemption of approximately $10.4 million.
    • Advanced funds on GIL and taxable GIL investments totaling $39.1 million.
    • GIL, taxable GIL, and property loan redemptions and paydowns totaling approximately $102.7 million.
    • Advanced net funds to joint venture equity investments totaling $5.6 million.
    • Received proceeds of $14.2 million upon sale of Vantage at Tomball, inclusive of return of capital and accrued preferred return.
    • Issued $20 million Series B Preferred Units with an annual distribution rate of 5.75% to an existing investor.

    In May 2025, the managing member of Vantage at Helotes sold the property to a governmental entity who in turn leased the property to a non-profit entity. That non-profit entity financed its purchase of the leasehold interest by issuing tax-exempt and taxable bonds. The Partnership received gross proceeds of approximately $17.1 million, inclusive of the return of capital contributions and accrued preferred return. The Partnership expects to recognize investment income of approximately $1.8 million and a gain on sale of approximately $163,000 in the second quarter of 2025, before settlement of final proceeds and expenses. The Partnership expects to recognize approximately $0.08 of net income per BUC, basic and diluted, and CAD per BUC, based on the number of BUCs outstanding on the date of sale.

    Investment Portfolio Updates

    The Partnership announced the following updates regarding its investment portfolio:

    • All MRB and GIL investments are current on contractual principal and interest payments and the Partnership has received no requests for forbearance of contractual principal and interest payments from borrowers as of March 31, 2025
    • The Partnership continues to execute its hedging strategy, primarily through interest rate swaps, to reduce the impact of changing market interest rates.
    • Six joint venture equity investment properties have completed construction, with three properties having previously achieved 90% occupancy. Four of the Partnership’s joint venture equity investments are currently under construction or in development, with none having experienced material supply chain disruptions for either construction materials or labor to date.

    Earnings Webcast & Conference Call

    The Partnership will host a conference call for investors on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the Partnership’s First Quarter 2025 results.

    For those interested in participating in the question-and-answer session, participants may dial-in toll free at (877) 407-8813. International participants may dial-in at +1 (201) 689-8521. No pin or code number is needed.

    The call is also being webcast live in listen-only mode. The webcast can be accessed via the Partnership’s website under “Events & Presentations” or via the following link:
    https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=a4hicNZA

    It is recommended that you join 15 minutes before the conference call begins (although you may register, dial-in or access the webcast at any time during the call).

    A recorded replay of the webcast will be made available on the Partnership’s Investor Relations website at http://www.ghiinvestors.com.

    About Greystone Housing Impact Investors LP

    Greystone Housing Impact Investors LP was formed in 1998 under the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act for the primary purpose of acquiring, holding, selling and otherwise dealing with a portfolio of mortgage revenue bonds which have been issued to provide construction and/or permanent financing for affordable multifamily, seniors and student housing properties. The Partnership is pursuing a business strategy of acquiring additional mortgage revenue bonds and other investments on a leveraged basis. The Partnership expects and believes the interest earned on these mortgage revenue bonds is excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes. The Partnership seeks to achieve its investment growth strategy by investing in additional mortgage revenue bonds and other investments as permitted by its Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, dated December 5, 2022 (the “Partnership Agreement”), taking advantage of attractive financing structures available in the securities market, and entering into interest rate risk management instruments. Greystone Housing Impact Investors LP press releases are available at www.ghiinvestors.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    Certain statements in this press release are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for “forward-looking statements” provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by use of statements that include, but are not limited to, phrases such as “believe,” “expect,” “future,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “estimates,” “potential,” “continue,” or other similar words or phrases. Similarly, statements that describe objectives, plans, or goals also are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the control of the Partnership. The Partnership cautions readers that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, implied, or projected by such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: defaults on the mortgage loans securing our mortgage revenue bonds and governmental issuer loans; the competitive environment in which the Partnership operates; risks associated with investing in multifamily, student, senior citizen residential properties and commercial properties; general economic, geopolitical, and financial conditions, including the current and future impact of changing interest rates, inflation, and international conflicts (including the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war) on business operations, employment, and financial conditions; uncertain conditions within the domestic and international macroeconomic environment, including monetary and fiscal policy and conditions in the investment, credit, interest rate, and derivatives markets; any effects on our business resulting from new U.S. domestic or foreign governmental trade measures, including but not limited to tariffs, import and export controls, foreign exchange intervention accomplished to offset the effects of trade policy or in response to currency volatility, and other restrictions on free trade; adverse reactions in U.S. financial markets related to actions of foreign central banks or the economic performance of foreign economies, including in particular China, Japan, the European Union, and the United Kingdom; the general condition of the real estate markets in the regions in which the Partnership operates, which may be unfavorably impacted by pressures in the commercial real estate sector, incrementally higher unemployment rates, persistent elevated inflation levels, and other factors; changes in interest rates and credit spreads, as well as the success of any hedging strategies the Partnership may undertake in relation to such changes, and the effect such changes may have on the relative spreads between the yield on investments and cost of financing; the aggregate effect of elevated inflation levels over the past several years, spurred by multiple factors including expansionary monetary and fiscal policy, higher commodity prices, a tight labor market, and low residential vacancy rates, which may result in continued elevated interest rate levels and increased market volatility; the Partnership’s ability to access debt and equity capital to finance its assets; current maturities of the Partnership’s financing arrangements and the Partnership’s ability to renew or refinance such financing arrangements; local, regional, national and international economic and credit market conditions; recapture of previously issued Low Income Housing Tax Credits in accordance with Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code; geographic concentration of properties related to investments held by the Partnership; changes in the U.S. corporate tax code and other government regulations affecting the Partnership’s business; and the other risks detailed in the Partnership’s SEC filings (including but not limited to, the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K). Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements.

    If any of these risks or uncertainties materializes or if any of the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements proves to be incorrect, the developments and future events concerning the Partnership set forth in this press release may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date of this document. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our expectations and beliefs to change. The Partnership assumes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this document or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, unless obligated to do so under the federal securities laws.

     
     
    GREYSTONE HOUSING IMPACT INVESTORS LP
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (UNAUDITED)
     
        For the Three Months Ended March 31,    
        2025     2024    
    Revenues:              
    Investment income   $ 21,878,167     $ 19,272,345    
    Other interest income     2,288,165       3,003,838    
    Other income     958,825       94,471    
    Total revenues     25,125,157       22,370,654    
    Expenses:              
    Provision for credit losses     (172,000 )     (806,000 )  
    Depreciation     3,542       5,967    
    Interest expense     14,134,816       13,803,935    
    Net result from derivative transactions     3,036,137       (6,267,664 )  
    General and administrative     4,570,261       4,930,388    
    Total expenses     21,572,756       11,666,626    
    Other income:              
    Gain on sale of investments in unconsolidated entities     5,220       50,000    
    Earnings (losses) from investments in unconsolidated entities     (233,334 )     (106,845 )  
    Income before income taxes     3,324,287       10,647,183    
    Income tax benefit     (2,733 )     (1,198 )  
    Net income     3,327,020       10,648,381    
    Redeemable Preferred Unit distributions and accretion     (760,679 )     (767,241 )  
    Net income available to Partners   $ 2,566,341     $ 9,881,140    
                   
    Net income available to Partners allocated to:              
    General Partner   $ 25,611     $ 98,311    
    Limited Partners – BUCs     2,483,685       9,725,097    
    Limited Partners – Restricted units     57,045       57,732    
        $ 2,566,341     $ 9,881,140    
    BUC holders’ interest in net income per BUC, basic and diluted   $ 0.11     $ 0.42   *
    Weighted average number of BUCs outstanding, basic     23,171,226       23,000,754   *
    Weighted average number of BUCs outstanding, diluted     23,171,226       23,000,754   *
    * The amounts indicated above have been adjusted to reflect the distribution completed on April 30, 2024 in the form of additional BUCs at a ratio of 0.00417 BUCs for each BUC outstanding as of March 28, 2024 on a retroactive basis.
       

    Disclosure Regarding Non-GAAP Measures – Cash Available for Distribution

    The Partnership believes that CAD provides relevant information about the Partnership’s operations and is necessary, along with net income, for understanding its operating results. To calculate CAD, the Partnership begins with net income as computed in accordance with GAAP and adjusts for non-cash expenses or income consisting of depreciation expense, amortization expense related to deferred financing costs, amortization of premiums and discounts, fair value adjustments to derivative instruments, provisions for credit and loan losses, impairments on MRBs, GILs, real estate assets and property loans, deferred income tax expense (benefit), and restricted unit compensation expense. The Partnership also adjusts net income for the Partnership’s share of (earnings) losses of investments in unconsolidated entities as such amounts are primarily depreciation expenses and development costs that are expected to be recovered upon an exit event. The Partnership also deducts Tier 2 income (see Note 22 to the Partnership’s condensed consolidated financial statements) distributable to the General Partner as defined in the Partnership Agreement and distributions and accretion for the Preferred Units. Net income is the GAAP measure most comparable to CAD. There is no generally accepted methodology for computing CAD, and the Partnership’s computation of CAD may not be comparable to CAD reported by other companies. Although the Partnership considers CAD to be a useful measure of the Partnership’s operating performance, CAD is a non-GAAP measure that should not be considered as an alternative to net income calculated in accordance with GAAP, or any other measures of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP.

    The following table shows the calculation of CAD (and a reconciliation of the Partnership’s net income, as determined in accordance with GAAP, to CAD) for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 (all per BUC amounts are presented giving effect to the BUCs Distributions described in Note 22 of the condensed consolidated financial statements on a retroactive basis for all periods presented):

        For the Three Months Ended March 31,  
        2025     2024  
    Net income   $ 3,327,020     $ 10,648,381  
    Unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives, net     3,883,196       (4,604,215 )
    Depreciation expense     3,542       5,967  
    Provision for credit losses (1)     (172,000 )     (806,000 )
    Amortization of deferred financing costs     381,334       367,418  
    Restricted unit compensation expense     234,047       332,321  
    Deferred income taxes     1,227       2,998  
    Redeemable Preferred Unit distributions and accretion     (760,679 )     (767,241 )
    Tier 2 income allocable to the General Partner (2)     –       –  
    Recovery of prior credit loss (3)     (16,967 )     (17,155 )
    Bond premium, discount and acquisition fee amortization, net of cash received     25,220       (40,475 )
    (Earnings) losses from investments in unconsolidated entities     233,334       106,845  
    Total CAD   $ 7,139,274     $ 5,228,844  
                 
    Weighted average number of BUCs outstanding, basic     23,171,226       23,000,754  
    Net income per BUC, basic   $ 0.11     $ 0.42  
    Total CAD per BUC, basic   $ 0.31     $ 0.23  
    Cash Distributions declared, per BUC   $ 0.37     $ 0.368  
    BUCs Distributions declared, per BUC (4)   $ –     $ 0.07  
    (1) The adjustments reflect the change in allowances for credit losses under the CECL standard which requires the Partnership to update estimates of expected credit losses for its investment portfolio at each reporting date.
       
    (2) As described in Note 22 to the Partnership’s condensed consolidated financial statements, Net Interest Income representing contingent interest and Net Residual Proceeds representing contingent interest (Tier 2 income) will be distributed 75% to the limited partners and BUC holders, as a class, and 25% to the General Partner. This adjustment represents 25% of Tier 2 income due to the General Partner. There was no Tier 2 income for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.
       
    (3) The Partnership determined there was a recovery of previously recognized impairment recorded for the Live 929 Apartments Series 2022A MRB prior to the adoption of the CECL standard effective January 1, 2023. The Partnership is accreting the recovery of prior credit loss for this MRB into investment income over the term of the MRB consistent with applicable guidance. The accretion of recovery of value is presented as a reduction to current CAD as the original provision for credit loss was an addback for CAD calculation purposes in the period recognized.
       
    (4) The Partnership declared the distribution completed on April 30, 2024 in the form of additional BUCs equal to $0.07 per BUC for outstanding BUCs as of the record date of March 28, 2024.
       

    MEDIA CONTACT: 
    Karen Marotta 
    Greystone 
    212-896-9149 
    Karen.Marotta@greyco.com

    INVESTOR CONTACT:
    Andy Grier
    Investors Relations
    402-952-1235

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NANO Nuclear Energy Completes Retrofit of its New York State Nuclear Technology Testing Facility 

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Facility operations to commence shortly to construct and test NANO Nuclear’s ALIP subsystem as well as key components of its microreactors in development

    New York, N.Y., May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear technology and energy company, today announced the completion of the retrofitting of its multimillion-dollar demonstration and testing facility in Westchester County, New York.

    The facility is now ready to play a central role in supporting the non-nuclear mechanical and thermal test work necessary to develop its microreactors (in particular ZEUSTM) and commercial products, such as its Annular Linear Induction Pump (ALIP), a critical non-nuclear subsystem for liquid metal and molten salt reactor technologies which NANO Nuclear plans to separately commercialize in the coming years. Testing at the Westchester facility is expected to commence shortly and continue throughout 2025 and into the future. The data generated will contribute to the final design and integration strategy for ALIP in both terrestrial and space reactor applications.

    The facility retrofit was executed in collaboration with aRobotics Company, a New York-based engineering and advanced fabrication firm specializing in robotic systems, component inspection, and high-precision prototyping. The firm led the mechanical build-out of the facility and the fabrication of test hardware and support structures for the development of NANO Nuclear’s products, as well as NANO Nuclear’s ongoing SBIR Phase III commercialization program for ALIP.

    “The Westchester County demonstration facility has been completed on schedule and to specification, and we’re pleased to extend our collaboration on critical ALIP components and our broader reactor portfolio with aRobotics, a fellow New York State headquartered company,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear. “This multimillion‑dollar facility will be central to our R&D program, giving us the resources to conduct essential physical testing and confirm that our non‑nuclear systems perform at their highest level.”

    Figure 1 – Image of Redeveloped NANO Nuclear’s Demonstration Facility for Key Components of its Nuclear Microreactor Designs in Westchester County, NY.

    The newly redeveloped testing site includes:

    • A Liquid-Metal and Molten-Salt Test Loop for evaluating fluid dynamics and pump efficiency.
    • A magnetic field mapping system for characterizing ALIP’s electromagnetic properties.
    • A custom-engineered thermal chamber for assessing high-temperature material behavior and component resilience.

    “Completing the redevelopment of this dedicated test facility is a significant milestone in our ALIP roadmap,” said Dr. Carlos O. Maidana, Head of Thermal Hydraulics and Space Program at NANO Nuclear. “The ability to perform real-time, high-fidelity component testing allows us to validate software models and refine system performance before moving to larger-scale assembly.”

    Figure 2 – Image of NANO Nuclear’s Annular Linear Induction Pump (ALIP) Technology Model (left) and Liquid-Metal and Molten-Salt Test Loop (right).

    The Westchester County demonstration facility will serve as a high-fidelity mechanical testbed for subsystems critical to reactor operation. These tests will inform future licensing, support industrial partnerships, and advance NANO Nuclear’s development, regulatory licensing and commercialization objectives. The facility now houses NANO Nuclear’s Liquid‑Metal and Molten‑Salt Test Loop, along with a magnetic‑field mapping system that will support development and commercialization activities for ALIP. In addition, a purpose‑built heat chamber, designed for evaluating reactor components and subsystems, has been installed at the site.

    “This facility gives us the infrastructure to simulate core pump operations in a safe, non-nuclear setting,” said James Walker, Chief Executive Officer of NANO Nuclear. “It’s close proximity to our New York City corporate headquarters enhances operational coordination and will serve as a valuable hub for collaborators and stakeholders to observe the development process firsthand.”

    About NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.

    NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) is an advanced technology-driven nuclear energy company seeking to become a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated company across five business lines: (i) cutting edge portable and other microreactor technologies, (ii) nuclear fuel fabrication, (iii) nuclear fuel transportation, (iv) nuclear applications for space and (v) nuclear industry consulting services. NANO Nuclear believes it is the first portable nuclear microreactor company to be listed publicly in the U.S.

    Led by a world-class nuclear engineering team, NANO Nuclear’s reactor products in development include patented KRONOS MMR™Energy System, a stationary high-temperature gas-cooled reactor that is in construction permit pre-application engagement U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in collaboration with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U. of I.), “ZEUS”, a solid core battery reactor, and “ODIN”, a low-pressure coolant reactor, and the space focused, portable LOKI MMR™, each representing advanced developments in clean energy solutions that are portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors.

    Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is led by former executives from the largest transportation company in the world aiming to build a North American transportation company that will provide commercial quantities of HALEU fuel to small modular reactors, microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs. Through NANO Nuclear, AFT is the exclusive licensee of a patented high-capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket developed by three major U.S. national nuclear laboratories and funded by the Department of Energy. Assuming development and commercialization, AFT is expected to form part of the only vertically integrated nuclear fuel business of its kind in North America.

    HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (HEF), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is focusing on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for NANO Nuclear’s own microreactors as well as the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry.

    NANO Nuclear Space Inc. (NNS), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is exploring the potential commercial applications of NANO Nuclear’s developing micronuclear reactor technology in space. NNS is focusing on applications such as the LOKI MMR™ system and other power systems for extraterrestrial projects and human sustaining environments, and potentially propulsion technology for long haul space missions. NNS’ initial focus will be on cis-lunar applications, referring to uses in the space region extending from Earth to the area surrounding the Moon’s surface.
    For more corporate information please visit: https://NanoNuclearEnergy.com/

    For further NANO Nuclear information, please contact:

    Email: IR@NANONuclearEnergy.com
    Business Tel: (212) 634-9206

    PLEASE FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES HERE:

    NANO Nuclear Energy LINKEDIN
    NANO Nuclear Energy YOUTUBE
    NANO Nuclear Energy X PLATFORM

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

    This news release and statements of NANO Nuclear’s management in connection with this news release contain or may contain “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”, “potential”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. In this press release, forward-looking statements related to, among other items, NANO Nuclear’s use of its new testing facility and its development and other plans in general. These and other 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 significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, 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: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) or related state or non-U.S. nuclear fuel licensing submissions, (ii) risks related the development of new or advanced technology and the acquisition of complimentary technology or businesses, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, regulatory delays, integration issues and the development of competitive technology, (iii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations, (iv) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor or other technology in the timelines we anticipate, if ever, (v) risks related to the impact of U.S. and non-U.S. government regulation, policies and licensing requirements, including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, including those associated with the recently enacted ADVANCE Act, and (vi) similar risks and uncertainties associated with the operating an early stage business a highly regulated and rapidly evolving industry. 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, and NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov and at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/financial-information/sec-filings. 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 United Kingdom: Stage 3 of the Crime Procurement Process opened on 1 May

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Stage 3 of the Crime Procurement Process opened on 1 May

    Stage 3 will be open until at least 30 September 2034, subject to any early notice, and is open to anyone who has not yet tendered.

    From July 2025, Stage 3 bids will be opened the month after they have been submitted.

    Subject to verification, contracts will commence – no longer than – three months after the date that the bid was opened. 

    Stage 2 of the procurement process closed on 30 April 2025. Those who tendered will be notified of the outcome of their bids by week commencing 26 May 2025.

    How do I tender?

    Tenders must be submitted using the LAA’s eTendering system. 

    For full details of the procurement process, please read the Application Guide which is available at Crime Contract 2025 Tender – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tango Meets Tokamak: Bill Bailey talks fusion energy with UKAEA

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Tango Meets Tokamak: Bill Bailey talks fusion energy with UKAEA

    British musician, comedian and television star Bill Bailey’s interest and passion for fusion energy saw a recent visit to UKAEA’s Culham Campus.

    Bill Bailey visits MAST Upgrade as part of tour at UKAEA’s Culham Campus – Image Credit United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority

    The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) welcomed British musician, comedian and television star, Bill Bailey, to its Culham Campus to explore the vital research being undertaken to advance fusion as a sustainable source of energy for future generations.

    The Strictly Come Dancing Glitterball Trophy winner visited UKAEA’s campus in Oxfordshire, after mentioning fusion during his ‘Thoughtifier’ stand-up tour. Spotted in the audience, UKAEA’s Executive Director for Engineering and Computing, Dr Joe Milnes, invited Mr Bailey to see fusion’s research and development in action.

    Mr Bill Bailey, said:

    The central premise of this show (‘Thoughtifier’) is celebrating human endeavour and the constant ingenuity of humans. I talk about it in terms of human evolution, about discovering music, and one of those fields is also fusion. It felt like a natural fit to put fusion into the show and to ask the members of the audience what they feel about it.

    I’ve noticed a change over the past year and half where, every time I mention fusion, there has been a gradual uptick in people’s awareness of it. When I say, ‘We need to find a solution to the world’s energy needs, what about fusion?’, there are cheers from the crowd.

    My visit to UKAEA was fascinating and eye-opening, and amazing to hear about how our understanding of fusion is progressing. Seeing all this being done in the English countryside gave me a huge surge of patriotic pride, and enormous hope for the future.

    Dr Joe Milnes, Executive Director for Engineering and Computing, UKAEA, said:

    I’ve always been a big fan of Bill’s, particularly his sense of humour combined with his obvious fascination with how the world works.

    Spending a few hours with Bill, showing him all the incredible things happening at UKAEA, revealed how excited he is about fusion and other endeavours where humans can demonstrate their incredible problem-solving abilities.

    Fusion promises to be a safe, low carbon and sustainable part of the world’s future energy supply. It has the potential to provide ‘base load’ power, complementing renewable and other low carbon energy sources.

    During his visit, Mr Bailey toured UKAEA’s MAST-Upgrade and the Joint European Torus (JET) facilities and recorded a fireside chat with Dr Joe Milnes.

    Watch the full fireside chat on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/7FS1yO3zs5k

    Bill Bailey in fireside chat with UKAEA’s Dr. Joe Milnes – Image Credit United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Guangdong Province Releases 30 Artificial Intelligence Application Scenarios

    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, May 7 (Xinhua) — South China’s Guangdong Province has unveiled 30 scenarios for the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in four areas: manufacturing, education, health care and security, the Science and Technology Daily reported Wednesday.

    In the education sector, the Guangdong government has identified typical application scenarios for this technology in five major areas: teaching, teaching, experimentation, resource allocation, and evaluation and decision support.

    In terms of healthcare, Guangdong Province reported 10 typical AI application scenarios in areas such as imaging diagnosis, clinical decision making, surgical planning, outpatient treatment, and medical consultation.

    “The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has advantages in areas such as electromechanical technology, as well as digital and intelligent technology,” the Keji Ribao article noted, citing Qu Xiaojie, deputy head of the Guangdong Province Bureau of Industry and Information Technology. The area also has a complete industrial chain for AI and robotics.

    Guangdong Province will support the industrialization of technologies, product marketing and service commercialization for enterprises in the field of AI and robotics, Qu Xiaojie concluded. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Foreign Ministry: Egypt’s sovereignty over Suez Canal is beyond doubt

    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, May 7 (Xinhua) — Egypt’s sovereignty over the Suez Canal and its right to manage and operate the canal are beyond question, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Wednesday.

    The Chinese diplomat made the statement at a regular departmental press conference, commenting at the request of journalists on a recent post by US President Donald Trump on the social platform Truth, in which he called for free transit of American commercial and military vessels through the Panama and Suez Canals, which provoked a strong protest from Egypt.

    “China firmly supports the Egyptian government and people in safeguarding their sovereignty, legitimate rights and interests, and opposes any form of bullying in words or actions,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman stressed. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s reunification remains an irreversible historical trend – Xi Jinping

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Moscow, May 7 (Xinhua) — China’s reunification remains an irreversible historical trend, according to an opinion piece by Xi Jinping published Wednesday by Rossiyskaya Gazeta ahead of his arrival in Russia on a state visit and participation in celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War.

    This year marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s liberation from Japanese occupation. Taiwan’s return to China is an important part of the outcome of World War II and the post-war world order, Xi Jinping noted.

    A number of international legally binding documents, most notably the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Declaration, have unequivocally affirmed China’s sovereignty over Taiwan, the article says. It adds that the historical and legal facts are beyond doubt, and the authority of UNGA Resolution 2758 is not contested.

    No matter how the situation in Taiwan changes, no matter what attempts at interference are made from outside, the complete reunification of China remains an irreversible historical trend, Xi Jinping stressed.

    Resolute support for each other on issues affecting the core interests and major concerns of the two countries is a constant for China and Russia, Xi Jinping noted. “We highly appreciate that the Russian side has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China principle and recognizes Taiwan as an inalienable part of China, opposes ‘Taiwan independence’ in any form, and firmly supports all measures taken by the Chinese government and people to achieve national reunification,” the article says. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Stamp duty bill passage welcomed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government welcomed the passage of the Stamp Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025 by the Legislative Council today, which implements the adjustment of the maximum value of properties chargeable to the $100 stamp duty from $3 million to $4 million.

     

    Proposed in the 2025-26 Budget, the adjustment aims to ease the burden on buyers of properties at lower values.

         

    Based on the 2024-25 property transaction data, the Government said it estimates that the measure will benefit about 15% of property transactions, with government revenue reduced by about $400 million annually.

         

    The legislation as passed will be published in the Government Gazette on May 16.

     

    The relevant adjustment, which took effect at 11am on February 26 this year under the Public Revenue Protection (Stamp Duty) Order 2025 gazetted on the same day, applies to instruments executed on or after February 26, 2025.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New rules to sack officers guilty of gross misconduct

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    New rules to sack officers guilty of gross misconduct

    Police officers to no longer be able to escape the sack for gross misconduct as major government reforms to boost standards in policing continue.

    Image: Getty Images

    Police officers found guilty of gross misconduct will no longer be able to escape dismissal under new rules that will help to root out rogue individuals and drive up standards.

    The new rules, being laid in parliament today and due to come into effect at the end of the month, will strengthen the ability of police chiefs to clean out their forces of officers unfit to serve by setting clear expectations about what should happen to those guilty of the most serious behaviour.

    Whilst many officers who are found guilty of gross misconduct do get sacked, with over 500 officers dismissed – or “would have been dismissed” if they hadn’t already left the service – last year, there currently is no guarantee that gross misconduct will lead to dismissal.

    In some cases, officers remain in post, with 56 officers remaining in policing last year despite being guilty of gross misconduct.

    Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said:

    We place a huge amount of faith and trust in the police officers we see in our communities, and it is vital that only those fit to wear the uniform are serving the public.

    We cannot let the majority of officers, who are brave and committed to keeping us safe, be tarnished by the few who commit serious criminality or gross misconduct. They, and the public, deserve certainty that those who are unfit to serve will be dismissed.

    With our Plan for Change, we are sending the clear message that no matter where you are in the country, the officers serving on our streets are only of the highest standards.

    Under the new rules, which will come into force from 28 May, a presumption of dismissal will be created for proven gross misconduct, which means there will be a clear expectation that officers will be sacked unless there are exceptional circumstances.

    These new rules will provide clarity and certainty to the public and officers that gross misconduct has no place in policing, and form part of a series of government reforms to boost public confidence in policing as part of its Safer Streets Mission and Plan for Change. It builds on a new process to sack officers who fail background checks that was announced last month, with holding vetting becoming a legal requirement.  

    Head of External Affairs at Women’s Aid, Isabelle Younane, said:

    Women’s Aid welcomes reforms to policing announced today by the Home Office, which will help ensure that forces are able to remove dangerous perpetrators from their ranks more swiftly.

    It is essential that women are able to trust that when they are bravely reporting their experiences of abuse to the police, they aren’t speaking to an officer who has been accused of violence against women and girls (VAWG) related misconduct themselves.

    These reforms, alongside those announced previously, are positive first steps to improving women’s trust in the police. We continue to urge for further action to ensure that no individuals with the misogynistic attitudes and beliefs that underpin VAWG are eligible to join.

    Victims’ Commissioner Baroness Newlove said:

    Today’s changes are a welcome and necessary step toward restoring public trust – and reaffirming the values policing must uphold. Too often and for far too long, red flags have been missed, minimised or ignored.

    While only one piece of the puzzle, I hope these measures will help to kick urgently needed cultural change into gear, ensuring only those worthy of the badge are allowed to serve.

    The new legislation being laid today will also create a presumption of accelerated hearings for former officers, ensuring swifter proceedings for those who resign or retire before they face a misconduct hearing. Former officers who would have been dismissed had they still been serving will continue to be barred from future service.

    Unsatisfactory performance procedures are also being streamlined so that underperforming officers are taken through the process more quickly.

    Serious criminal offences will also automatically amount to gross misconduct under these new measures. Whilst ‘indictable only’ criminal offences like rape and grievous bodily harm often lead to misconduct proceedings, this is not currently defined in law, and the government is therefore making it more straightforward for forces to deal with these cases quickly.

    As part of the government’s reform agenda, further measures will be brought in later this year to strengthen national vetting standards and ensure every force follows them, as well as introduce stronger requirements to suspend officers under investigation for violence against women and girls.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Celebrates National Small Business Week Following White House Proclamation

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON — Today, Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), joined the nation in recognizing National Small Business Week after President Donald J. Trump issued a formal proclamation declaring that the week would take place May 4-10, 2025.

    “This National Small Business Week, we honor the vital role that America’s entrepreneurs and job creators play in making our country the greatest in the world – and we celebrate the return of growth and prosperity to Main Street thanks to President Trump,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “From farms to factories, hardworking small businesses are the engine of our economy, the heartbeat of our communities, and the foundation of our nation’s strength. With the America First agenda, they are a key part of a historic comeback that is restoring opportunity and renewing the promise of the American Dream.”

    “Entrepreneurship is the foundation of a free and prosperous Nation and the engine of the American economy — built by men and women who work hard, take risks, and believe in the power of the American Dream.  From our fields to our factories to the frontiers of technology, our small businesses embody the American spirit, driving growth and creating new employment opportunities,” President Trump said as part of his proclamation. “Our history of ingenuity and grit is unrivaled, and by renewing our support of small businesses, we are raising wages, strengthening American families, and leading our country and the world into a new Golden Age.”

    National Small Business Week recognizes the contributions of America’s 34 million small businesses. Small businesses make up 99% of all businesses in America and create two out of every three new jobs – employing about half of America’s workforce. SBA honors National Small Business Week with dozens of events held in cities across the nation, designed to celebrate local small businesses, educate job creators, and deliver resources to supercharge growth.

    The agency recently concluded its National Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C., where it named the National Small Business Person of the Year. This week, Administrator Loeffler will also travel to Idaho, Arizona, and Tennessee for additional events honoring America’s job creators, innovators, and builders.

    # # #

    About the U.S. Small Business AdministrationThe U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to Chinese Foreign Ministry affirming Somalia’s entry ban on Taiwan nationals

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to Chinese Foreign Ministry affirming Somalia’s entry ban on Taiwan nationals

    Date：2025-05-01
    Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

    May 1, 2025  

    In response to a question from Reuters on April 30, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it highly commended Somalia for having banned the entry of Taiwan nationals. The comments from the Chinese ministry clearly show that the Somalian government’s extremely unfriendly action against Taiwan was instigated by China.
     
    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) once again strongly condemns the Chinese authorities and demands that they immediately stop suppressing the Taiwanese people’s freedom of travel and deliberately misrepresenting United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. This egregious behavior of the Chinese and Somalian governments that ignores people’s freedom and safety of travel can do nothing but undermine international peace and cause more instability around the world.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –