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  • MIL-OSI: Alpine Banks of Colorado announces financial results for first quarter 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alpine Banks of Colorado (OTCQX: ALPIB) (“Alpine” or the “Company”), the holding company for Alpine Bank (the “Bank”), today announced results (unaudited) for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. The Company reported net income of $14.3 million, or $133.99 per basic Class A common share and $0.89 per basic Class B common share, for first quarter 2025.

    Highlights in first quarter 2025 include:

    • Basic earnings per Class A common share increased 3.9%, or $5.07, during first quarter 2025.
    • Basic earnings per Class A common share increased 36.3%, or $35.67, compared to first quarter 2024.
    • Basic earnings per Class B common share increased 3.9%, or $0.03, during first quarter 2025.
    • Basic earnings per Class B common share increased 36.3%, or $0.23, compared to first quarter 2024.
    • Net interest margin for first quarter 2025 was 3.38%, compared to 3.18% in fourth quarter 2024, and 2.81% in first quarter 2024.

    “We are pleased with the start to 2025 as shown in our first quarter 2025 financial performance,” said Glen Jammaron, Alpine Banks of Colorado President and Vice Chairman. “Customer deposit growth continued, led by a strong winter season in our resort markets. Additionally, we saw our loan portfolio totals begin growing again following a slow 2024. Net income increased 35% from the first quarter 2024. During first quarter 2025 we launched Mission Possible: Operation Streamline, our initiative to simplify and streamline operations. We anticipate modules of Mission Possible: Operation Streamline to continue through 2027.”

    Net Income

    Net income for first quarter 2025 and fourth quarter 2024 was $14.3 million and $13.8 million, respectively. Interest income decreased $0.7 million in first quarter 2025 compared to fourth quarter 2024, primarily due to decreases in yields on balances due from banks, decreased volume in the securities portfolio and two fewer days in the quarter. These decreases were slightly offset by increases in yields on the loan and securities portfolios and increases in volume in the loan portfolio and balances due from banks. Interest expense decreased $3.2 million in first quarter 2025 compared to fourth quarter 2024, primarily due to decreases in costs on the Company’s trust preferred securities, other borrowings, and cost of deposits. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in volume of deposits. Noninterest income decreased $0.8 million in first quarter 2025 compared to fourth quarter 2024, primarily due to decreases in earnings on bank‐owned life insurance and service charges on deposit accounts, partially offset by increases in other income. Noninterest expense increased $0.8 million in first quarter 2025 compared to fourth quarter 2024, due to increases in salary and employee benefit expenses and occupancy expenses, slightly offset by decreases in furniture and fixture expenses and other expenses. A provision for loan losses of $1.8 million was recorded in first quarter 2025 compared to a $1.5 million provision for loan losses recorded in the fourth quarter 2024.

    Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2025, and March 31, 2024, was $14.3 million and $10.6 million, respectively. Interest income increased $3.2 million in first quarter 2025 compared to first quarter 2024, primarily due to increases in volume in the loan portfolio and balances due from banks, along with increases in yields on the loan portfolio, the securities portfolio, and balances due from banks. These increases were slightly offset by a decrease in volume in the securities portfolio and a decrease in yield on the balances due from banks. Interest expense decreased $4.9 million in first quarter 2025 compared to first quarter 2024, primarily due to decreases in costs on the Company’s trust preferred securities, other borrowings, and cost of deposits. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in the volume of deposit balances. Noninterest income increased $1.1 million in 2025 compared to 2024, primarily due to increases in earnings on bankowned life insurance, service charges on deposit accounts, and other income. Noninterest expense increased $2.2 million in 2025 compared to 2024, due to increases in other expenses, salary and employee benefit expenses, and occupancy expenses, partially offset a decrease in furniture and fixtures expenses, Provision for loan losses increased $2.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2025 due to loan portfolio increases and a small volume of loan charge‐offs, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024.

    Net interest margin increased from 3.18% to 3.38% from fourth quarter 2024 to first quarter 2025. Net interest margin for the three months ended March 31, 2025, and March 31, 2024, was 3.38% and 2.81%, respectively.

    Assets

    Total assets increased $139.7 million, or 2.1%, to $6.64 billion as of March 31, 2025, compared to December 31, 2024, primarily due to increased cash and due from banks and loans receivable partially offset by decreased investment securities balances. The Alpine Bank Wealth Management* division had assets under management of $1.32 billion on March 31, 2025, compared to $1.37 billion on December 31, 2024, a decrease of 3.8%.

    Loans

    Loans outstanding as of March 31, 2025, totaled $4.1 billion. The loan portfolio increased $66.0 million, or 1.6%, during first quarter 2025 compared to December 31, 2024. This increase was driven by a $48.6 million increase in real estate construction loans, a $22.3 million increase in commercial real estate loans and a $1.7 million increase in consumer loans. This increase was slightly offset by a $3.4 million decrease in residential real estate loans and a $3.1 million decrease in commercial and industrial loans.

    Loans outstanding as of March 31, 2025, reflected an increase of $96.5 million, or 2.4%, compared to loans outstanding of $4.0 billion on March 31, 2024. This growth was driven by a $63.4 million increase in commercial real estate loans, a $30.4 million increase in real estate construction loans and a $7.8 million increase in consumer loans. This increase was slightly offset by a $3.4 million decrease in commercial and industrial loans and a $2.0 million decrease in residential real estate loans.

    Deposits

    Total deposits increased $118.0 million, or 2.0%, to $5.9 billion during first quarter 2025 compared to December 31, 2024, primarily due to a $104.5 million increase in money market accounts, a $74.2 million increase in demand deposits, a $27.2 million increase in interest‐bearing checking accounts, and a $1.9 million increase in savings accounts. This increase was partially offset by a $89.8 million decrease in certificate of deposit accounts. Brokered certificates of deposit decreased 24.5% to $185.0 million on March 31, 2025, compared to $245.0 million on December 31, 2024. Noninterest‐bearing demand accounts comprised 30.8% of all deposits on March 31, 2025, compared to 30.2% on December 31, 2024.

    Total deposits of $5.94 billion on March 31, 2025, reflected an increase of $27.0 million, or 0.5%, compared to total deposits of $5.91 billion on March 31, 2024. This increase was due to a $278.1 million increase in money market accounts, a $26.8 million increase in demand deposits and a $10.2 million increase in interest‐bearing checking accounts. This increase was partially offset by a $275.6 million decrease in certificate of deposit accounts and a $12.5 million decrease in savings accounts. Brokered certificates of deposit decreased 60.7% to $185.0 million on March 31, 2025, compared to $470.7 million on March 31, 2024. Noninterest‐bearing demand accounts comprised 30.8% of all deposits on March 31, 2025, compared to 30.5% on March 31, 2024.

    Capital

    The Bank continues to be designated as a “well capitalized” institution as its capital ratios exceed the minimum requirements for this designation. As of March 31, 2025, the Bank’s Tier 1 Leverage Ratio was 9.76%, Tier 1 Risk‐Based Capital Ratio was 14.13%, and Total Risk‐Based Capital Ratio was 15.28%. On a consolidated basis, the Company’s Tier 1 Leverage Ratio was 9.46%, Tier 1 Risk‐Based Capital Ratio was 13.69%, and Total Risk‐Based Capital Ratio was 15.92% as of March 31, 2025.

    Book value per share on March 31, 2025, was $4,940.82 per Class A common share and $32.94 per Class B common share, an increase of $204.63 per Class A common share and $1.37 per Class B common share from December 31, 2024.

    Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation

    On April 10, 2025, the shareholders of Alpine approved amended and restated articles of incorporation to affect the following actions, among other things:

    • Increase from 15,100,000 to 30,000,000 the total authorized shares of common stock that the Company is authorized to issue;
    • Increase from 100,000 to 15,000,000 the authorized shares of the Class A common stock;
    • Effect a forward stock split of the outstanding shares of the Class A common stock by a ratio of 150‐for‐one;
    • Provide that holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock shall be entitled to share equally, on a per share basis based upon the number of shares issued and outstanding, in dividends and other distributions;
    • Provide that each one share of Class B common stock shall be entitled to one vote;
    • Provide that each one share of Class A common stock shall be entitled to twenty votes;
    • Provide that unless otherwise required by law the Class A common stock and Class B common stock will vote together as a single class on all matters, including the election of directors;
    • Provide that a majority of the total voting power of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of shareholders; and
    • Provide that the approval of certain corporate actions requires the approval of more than 66 2/3% of the voting power of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote.

    Alpine anticipates that the amended and restated articles of incorporation and related stock split of the Class A common stock will become effective on May 1, 2025.

    Additional information can be found in the proxy materials for our 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders at www.alpinebank.com/who‐we‐are/investor‐relations.html.

    Dividends

    During first quarter 2025, the Company paid cash dividends of $31.50 per Class A common share and $0.21 per Class B common share. On April 10, 2025, the Company declared cash dividends of $31.50 per Class A common share and $0.21 per Class B common share payable on April 28, 2025, to shareholders of record on April 21, 2025.

    About Alpine Banks of Colorado

    Alpine Banks of Colorado, is a $6.7 billion, independent, employee‐owned organization founded in 1973 with headquarters in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Alpine Bank employs 890 people and serves 170,000 customers with personal, business, wealth management*, mortgage, and electronic banking services across Colorado’s Western Slope, mountains and Front Range. Alpine Bank has a five‐star rating – meaning it has earned a superior performance classification – from BauerFinancial, an independent organization that analyzes and rates the performance of financial institutions in the United States. Shares of the Class B non‐voting common stock of Alpine Banks of Colorado trade under the symbol “ALPIB” on the OTCQX® Best Market. Learn more at www.alpinebank.com.

    *Alpine Bank Wealth Management services are not FDIC insured, may lose value, and are not guaranteed by the Bank.

    Contacts: Glen Jammaron Eric A. Gardey
      President and Vice Chairman Chief Financial Officer
      Alpine Banks of Colorado Alpine Banks of Colorado
      2200 Grand Avenue 2200 Grand Avenue
      Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
      (970) 384‐3266 (970) 384‐3257


    A note about forward‐looking statements

    This press release contains “forward‐looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward‐looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “reflects,” “believes,” “can,” “would,” “should,” “will,” “estimates,” “looks forward to,” “continues,” “expects” and similar references to future periods. Examples of forward‐looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make regarding our evaluation of macro‐environment risks, Federal Reserve rate management, and trends reflecting things such as regulatory capital standards and adequacy. Forward‐looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward‐looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward‐looking statements. We caution you therefore against relying on any of these forward‐looking statements. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward‐looking statement include, but are not limited to:

    • The ability to attract new deposits and loans;
    • Demand for financial services in our market areas;
    • Competitive market‐pricing factors;
    • Changes in assumptions underlying the establishment of allowances for loan losses and other estimates;
    • Effects of future economic, business and market conditions, including higher inflation;
    • Adverse effects of public health events, such as the COVID‐19 pandemic, including governmental and societal responses;
    • Deterioration in economic conditions that could result in increased loan losses;
    • Actions by competitors and other market participants that could have an adverse impact on expected performance;
    • Risks associated with concentrations in real estate‐related loans;
    • Risks inherent in making loans, such as repayment risks and fluctuating collateral values;
    • Market interest rate volatility, including changes to the federal funds rate;
    • Stability of funding sources and continued availability of borrowings;
    • Geopolitical events, including global tariffs, acts of war, international hostilities and terrorist activities;
    • Assumptions and estimates used in applying critical accounting policies and modeling, including under the CECL model, which may prove unreliable, inaccurate, or not predictive of actual results;
    • Actions of government regulators, including potential future changes in the target range for the federal funds rate by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve;
    • Sale of investment securities in a loss position before their value recovers, including as a result of asset liability management strategies or in response to liquidity needs;
    • Any increases in FDIC assessments;
    • Risks associated with potential cybersecurity incidents, data breaches or failures of key information technology systems;
    • The ability to maintain adequate liquidity and regulatory capital, and comply with evolving federal and state banking regulations;
    • Changes in legal or regulatory requirements or the results of regulatory examinations that could restrict growth;
    • The ability to recruit and retain key management and staff;
    • The ability to raise capital or incur debt on reasonable terms; and
    • Effectiveness of legislation and regulatory efforts to help the U.S. and global financial markets.

    There are many factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by forward‐looking statements. Any forward‐looking statement made by us in this press release or in any subsequent written or oral statements attributable to the Company are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to update any forward‐looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    https://alpinebank.kcmspreview.com/_/kcms-doc/1507/91579/Alpine-Banks-of-Colorado-Consolidated-Financial-Statements-3.31.25.pdf

    Contact: Eric A. Gardey, Chief Financial Officer
      Alpine Banks of Colorado
      (970) 384‐3257
      ericgardey@alpinebank.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government must distance itself from Blair’s latest ‘dodgy dossier’ say Greens

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    / by Green Party

    Commenting on Tony Blair’s call for a major rethink of net zero policies which comes as the Climate Change Committee warns the UK is critically unprepared for the escalating threats of the climate crisis, co-leader of the Green Party, Carla Denyer, said:

    “Tony Blair has decided to mimic Nigel Farage on net zero and sounds like he is speaking on behalf of petro-states like Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan for whom he has lobbied for more years than he was prime minister.

    “It is vital that the government distance itself from this latest dodgy dossier from Blair and turn its attention instead to what the Climate Change Committee is saying today. Their report could not be clearer: we are woefully unprepared for the impacts of climate breakdown as a country. Tomorrow is likely to be the hottest local election day on record – a potent reminder that we need a comprehensive plan to prepare for increasingly extreme weather events.

    “Tony Blair and Nigel Farage apparently need reminding that a huge 89% of the world’s people want stronger action to fight the climate crisis, not a reset or watering down of ambition. And the CBI points to the fact that the UK’s net zero sector expanded 10 per cent last year, three times faster than the rest of the economy.

    “The future is green; Labour must not allow yesterday’s man to drag us back into the dark ages. The government must press ahead with the drive towards clean energy and the green economy and all the advantages that will bring in creating good quality jobs, cutting energy bills and creating a healthier society.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Businesses commended for exceptional workplace support of disabled people in award ceremony

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Businesses commended for exceptional workplace support of disabled people in award ceremony

    Large and small businesses who have carried out exceptional work in hiring, retaining and supporting disabled people in the workplace have been recognised in the annual Disability Confident Awards in London.

    • Businesses supporting disabled people in the workplace have been commended in an award ceremony.
    • The Disability Confident scheme is a Government initiative designed to encourage employers to recruit, retain, and develop disabled people.
    • Minister Sir Stephen Timms, praised the efforts to support disabled people in work.

    Large and small businesses who have carried out exceptional work in hiring, retaining and supporting disabled people in the workplace have been recognised in the annual Disability Confident Awards in London.

    Judged by DWP’s Disability Confident team, winners were chosen from a wide selection of strong nominations ranging from tech companies developing accessible equipment to a heritage trust breaking down barriers for disabled people.

    The two winners, chosen for their work in the travel industry and fitness sector, were:

    • Small organisation winner (less than 250 employees) – Seable, a bespoke travel agent who provide experiences for people who are visually impaired. The company hires blind and partially sighted people who share their lived experiences, so holidays reflect the needs of their customers.

    • Big organisation winner (More than 250 employees) – The Gym Group, who run schemes such as the Inclusive Traineeship which helps disabled people in the workplace with dedicated support staff and programmes to help them break into the fitness industry.

    The Disability Confident scheme is a Government initiative designed to encourage employers to recruit, retain, and develop disabled people. It has more than 19,000 members, with more than 12 million employees working in their businesses.

    To become a Disability Confident employer, organisations must provide accessible and inclusive recruitment practices and a public commitment to supporting employees with a disability. These also signal to disabled jobseekers which companies may be suitable for their needs.

    Minister for Social Security and Disabled People Sir Stephen Timms, said:

    It has been great to see so many organisations leading by example to support disabled employees in the workplace. I congratulate everyone who has been nominated.

    The standard of the nominations for each category have been outstanding and it was difficult to select the finalists and winners who have all showed inspiring best practice to help other employers to start their Disability Confident journey.

    A Seable spokesperson said:

    We’re incredibly proud to win the Disability Confident Award.

    We are dedicated to creating inclusive and accessible travel experiences for the visually impaired community and reinforces our mission to break down barriers within the travel industry and champion true inclusivity in everything we do.

    The Disability Confident scheme helps businesses make a first step towards making their workplaces more suitable for disabled employees. These start with companies making commitments to support disabled people in the workplace which can include making sure recruitment processes are accessible, offering work experience, and providing reasonable adjustments for existing employees.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: SAIC and Bluescape Announce Strategic Partnership to Deliver Secure, Mission-Critical Operations Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RESTON, Va., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Science Applications International Corp. (NASDAQ: SAIC) – a mission integrator for delivering advanced technology solutions to the government – announced today that it has established a strategic partnership with Bluescape® – a collaborative operations platform – to bring a commercially-developed, unlimited virtual workspace to the Department of Defense (DoD), space, intelligence and civilian agencies. The innovative alliance delivers Bluescape’s best-in-class, dual-use technology for today’s critical national security missions to SAIC’s vast ecosystem.

    Through the alliance, SAIC will seamlessly integrate Bluescape’s government-compliant unlimited virtual workspace to securely bring data, individuals and applications together for knowledge sharing, visual planning, data analysis and effective mission coordination. The platform is authorized to operate at FedRAMP Moderate+ and by the DoD at IL4/IL5 for CUI data – empowering dispersed teams to share, organize, and interact with critical intel for accelerated decision advantage and response times.

    More than just a collaboration tool, Bluescape is a trusted, secure and scalable collaborative operations platform that creates a common operating picture by unifying teams and information streams, providing a centralized, visual workspace for real-time collaboration, information sharing and decision-making. It provides a highly secure, virtual workspace for exchanging information, integrating mission applications and producing content jointly. Bluescape is a commercial platform that enables warfighters and decision-makers to deliver mission outcomes. It can be used across enterprise IT systems, operational forces and interagency or mission partners.

    “Today’s warfighters and intelligence community decision-makers face a myriad of complex national security challenges that continually reinforce the imperative need for advanced, secure and efficient solutions,” said Bob Ritchie, SAIC Chief Technology Officer. “Combining Bluescape’s secure and collaborative insight platform with SAIC’s mission-oriented commercial delivery provides the adaptability, speed and decision advantage our government customers require.”

    “Bluescape enhances every aspect of mission command and coordinated response. It can accommodate large-scale government organizations and the ability to onboard thousands of users simultaneously,” explained Norm Litterini, Vice President of Public Sector Channels and Partners for Bluescape. “It eliminates the “place problem” that can be a challenge in mission partner environments and across dispersed workforces.”

    Bluescape workspaces are persistent and repeatable, so the information and actions taken remain intact after a meeting concludes, providing an automatic record of how decisions were made to jump-start future project work. The platform also allows for the use of existing processes and tools under one secure environment – eliminating the need for a complete overhaul and delay in operations.

    About SAIC
    SAIC® is a premier Fortune 500 mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

    We are approximately 24,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

    Media Contact
    Caralyn Duke
    Caralyn.duke@saic.com

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Certain statements in this release contain or are based on “forward-looking” information within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by words such as “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “guidance,” and similar words or phrases. Forward-looking statements in this release may include, among others, estimates of future revenues, operating income, earnings, earnings per share, charges, total contract value, backlog, outstanding shares and cash flows, as well as statements about future dividends, share repurchases and other capital deployment plans. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risk, uncertainties and assumptions, and actual results may differ materially from the guidance and other forward-looking statements made in this release as a result of various factors. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause or contribute to these material differences include those discussed in the “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Legal Proceedings” sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated in any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the SEC, which may be viewed or obtained through the Investor Relations section of our website at saic.com or on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. Due to such risks, uncertainties and assumptions you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. SAIC expressly disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statement provided in this release to reflect subsequent events, actual results or changes in SAIC’s expectations. SAIC also disclaims any duty to comment upon or correct information that may be contained in reports published by investment analysts or others.

    About Bluescape
    Bluescape is the mission-ready visual workplace. Bluescape empowers distributed teams with easy-to-use tools to bring agility to complex processes—eliminating miscommunications, missed deadlines, and wasted time. Available as both FedRAMP authorized cloud solution and air-gapped software, Bluescape is built for the security needs of the public sector. Customers include Fortune 100 companies and government agencies. Bluescape is headquartered in Chicago, IL. For more information on how Bluescape drives innovation and transformation in government and commercial organizations, visit bluescape.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

    Media Contact
    Josette Oder Moynihan
    Josette.moynihan@bluescape.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: OSS Receives Record $6.5 Million Contract from a Leading Defense and Technology Solutions Company

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OSS to deliver 80 best-in-class high performance servers and field-programmable gate array systems designed for a mobile intelligence platform

    Record $6.5 million contract reflects the Company’s multi-year growth strategy that is focused on establishing production platform positions

    ESCONDIDO, Calif., April 30, 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) and sensor processing at the edge, today announced a $6.5 million contract from a leading defense and technology solutions company. OSS expects shipments to commence in 2025 and contribute to revenue throughout the year.

    Under the terms of the contract, OSS will deliver 80 high performance servers and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) systems engineered for mobile, tactical military environments. The platform will be built around the Company’s 3U SDS rugged servers and 4UP PCIe expansion systems. OSS’ equipment is a key element in a U.S. Department of Defense program that is collecting sensor information, providing users with AI generated real-time analysis, and storing the collected data, all in a tactical environment.

    The contract is the third program win over the past eight months with this customer, embedding the Company’s Enterprise Class compute and storage products deeper into next-generation U.S. Department of Defense initiatives.

    “OSS is pleased to have been selected by a leading defense and technology solutions company to support a new mobile intelligence platform. This record contract reflects the first large-scale success of our growth strategy, confirms we believe we are on track to achieve our guidance and is indicative of the growing demand for our Enterprise Class compute and storage products that are specifically designed to operate on the edge and in tactical military environments. Additional development and platform opportunities are underway with this customer, which we believe will support our sales growth in 2025 and beyond,” stated OSS President and CEO, Mike Knowles.

    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.

    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 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 its plans or expectations will be achieved, including but not limited to the potential and/or the results of this contract, program or future programs with defense contractors and the U.S. Department of Defense, any potential or actual revenue derived from the agreements, the future adoption of technologies or applications, and the expansion of the Company’s offerings and/or relationship with different branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. 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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Sugar Baby Websites and Apps: Top Sugar Daddy Sites For Sugar Dating in 2025 By Sugar Daddy Meet

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Vaughan,Ontario, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Understanding Sugar Dating in 2025

    We have seen so many aspects of life evolve with respect to technology, innovations, and all it aligns with the modern world today. And this has also applied in the world of finding love, companionship, or dating. Traditional dating scenes have also evolved with more people turning towards finding connections That align with their respective lifestyles, personal goals, and expectations. We are trying to talk about sugar dating, it has gained popularity over the last one decade and has become the alternative to finding a very unique relationship dynamic that focuses on emotional support, mutual understanding, financial assistance along with companionship. 

    ⇒ Join the Best Sugar Daddy Website for Free!

    The most fundamental approach of sugar dating is a consensual agreement between two individuals or adults; typically, a sugar baby is one who is considered to be younger and is seeking gifts, membership, or financial stability, whereas a sugar daddy is one who might offer these resources to the sugar baby in exchange of emotional connection, and companionship.

    What Is a Sugar Baby Website?

    It is a very non-traditional dynamic in the world of dating. Sugar dating is simply when one person dons the role of a sugar baby who is often the younger one with someone who is referred to as a sugar daddy or a sugar mommy who is often the elder one, and they are in a relationship in exchange for financial support, experiences, gifts.

    Flirt Smarter. Join SugarDaddyMeet Now – It’s Free to Start!

    How sugar dating platforms work?

    Unlike the normal dating applications, a sugar baby dating website or apps are built using unique tools to harness honest conversations. Several unique features such as identity checks, income verification, and arrangement based filtration help the users connect with their compatible matches with common relationship values. And in this world where cheating and deceit is so common, finding a sugar baby site that is not just about aesthetics or use of friendliness but also about safety and success rates is very crucial. Especially if you are someone who is just entering the world of sugar, baby dating, then finding a supportive digital experience can make a lot of difference.

    Who are sugar babies and sugar daddies?

    Sugar baby: The very meaning of sugar baby translates to a mutual benefit. A sugar baby is someone who tends to value mentorship, support, and financial security for exchange of intimacy, companionship, or emotional support. All of these dynamics are discussed, beforehand and agreed upon, which makes the whole experience empowering and not exploitative. Sugar babies tend to be younger men and women, including students or people in their earlier careers who really seek financial support from their dating arrangements.

    Sugar daddy: A sugar daddy is considered to be the person who is older, financially sound individual, who loves providing financial support, lifestyle, benefits, or gifts to their younger companion, known by the name of sugar, baby.the arrangement between a sugar daddy and a sugar baby is built purely on mutual understanding where both of the parties come to agreement of certain terms of the relationship, it could be mentorship, companionship, financial support, or emotional support.

    Don’t Chase. Attract. Join SugarDaddyMeet & Let Him Find You.

    Things to Look for in a Good Sugar Baby Website

    If you are someone who has just entered the world of sugar dating, then finding a good sugar baby website can be both empowering and exciting. These platforms have enabled opportunities for connections that are mutually beneficial, where transparency as well as consent play a vital role. However, we need to keep in mind that not every interaction can be ideal and some can be dangerous. Therefore, identifying the red flags especially on the platform where you are trying to find a sugar baby or a daddy is very crucial. Sure are a couple of things you might want to look out for while finding a good sugar baby website for yourself:

    • Safety and privacy features: it is crucial to find sugar baby websites that are of high-quality, which offer features such as control over the privacy of profile, offer encryption of messages, and come with inbuilt fraud prevention systems.
    • Verification process: user verification is the ultimate necessity when it comes to sugar baby or sugar daddy. To prevent fake profiles from registering on the website and to prevent falling prey to any scam which could potentially create safety concerns, the best sugar baby websites, verify their users through government ID checks, phone, confirmation, or photo verification.
    • Member quality (real vs fake profiles): a good sugar baby website will provide transparent intentions to its users. Such platforms support open dialogues wherein the individual from both the sites can voice out their expectations, goals, and arrangements. This helps distinguish between real profiles versus fake profiles.
    • Costs and premium features: every sugar baby website comes with its own set of unique features, and some of its primary features might come at a cost. Therefore, it is essential for you to hunt for a sugar baby website that fits your budget and alliance with every feature that you are looking out for.
    • Ease of use (mobile apps, design): an intuitive and clean design of a sugar baby website will help its users Stay more focused on meaningful communication to find their perfect sugar daddy or sugar baby to enjoy sugar dating.

    Be Bold. Be Desired. Be Spoiled. Join SugarDaddyMeet Today.

    How to Find a Sugar Daddy (The Fun + Flirty Way )

    Looking for a sugar daddy who’s generous, charming, and knows how to spoil you? You’re not alone, babe—and yes, he’s out there. Finding him isn’t about chasing—it’s about attracting. And with a little confidence and sparkle, you can have him wrapped around your finger (Rolex optional ).

    First things first: choose the right playground. Apps like SugarDaddyMeet.com are full of upscale, successful men who are ready to invest in a connection that’s as exciting as it is mutually rewarding. No more guessing games—just real men with real intentions.

    Dress your profile to impress. Flirty but classy pics, a fun and confident bio, and a hint of what makes you irresistible. Show your charm, wit, and ambition. Remember: sugar daddies love confidence and a little sass.

    When you chat, keep it light, playful, and polished. Flirt with finesse. Ask about his passions, tease him a little, and show you’re not just pretty—you’ve got presence.

    And don’t forget, sugar—it’s your world. Set your boundaries, know your worth, and only say yes to someone who makes you feel like the main character.

    Because you’re not just looking for a sugar daddy—you’re looking for your upgrade.

    Best Sugar Baby Website and App

    SugarDaddyMeet.com

    When it comes to dating and building meaningful connections, trust is important — but sometimes, it’s the little extras that make all the difference. SugarDaddyMeet.com creates a space where people can form mutually rewarding relationships without worrying about social stigma, especially when age is a factor.

    For women interested in meeting successful, generous partners, the site opens the door to connecting with confident, well-established men. Meanwhile, men in search of elegance and charm can discover genuine connections with attractive, engaging women.
    If you’re looking to explore relationships based on mutual benefit, respect, and understanding — without judgment — this platform offers a welcoming environment for just that. This platform has been around for nearly two decades and continues to perform reliably. With a user base that has grown to over 2 million people, it’s clear that many still trust and actively use the service. 
    That kind of ongoing popularity speaks volumes about its quality and consistency.

    Key Features

    Primary features of sugar daddy include:

    • Emphasising customer support: Sugardaddymeet.com gives excellent customer support to all of its members. The support team is available always to assist its users with any questions or concerns they might have using the platform. The team is efficient and well trained in handling all types of user queries. The sugardaddymeet.com platform also provides priority customer support for premium members, ensuring that their queries get priority, attention and are solved swiftly.
    • Secret photos and videos: The Sugardaddymeet.com website provides all of its members with several unique functionalities and features that immensely enhance the users online dating experience. Once such feature has to be the incredible ability to view hidden videos and photos of a particular particular user’s match. it grants them exclusive media and details, understanding the particular match’s likes, dislikes, interest, and personalities.
    • Higher search in rankings: The Sugardaddymeet.com platform offers its users, options of purchasing credit bundles, which can be unlocked to enjoy an array of premium benefits and features, including the ability to increase one’s ranking on the website. With the help of these credit bundles the users can improvise their visibility when a potential match Looks for similar interest. This feature helps users to stand out and create a strong impression on the platform.
    • Conversation starters: The Sugardaddymeet.com platform has a very distinctive system of credit which allows its users to begin conversations by using credits in multiples of tens and unlocking them in a permanent manner. This allows users to revisit conversations with their potential matching individuals without having to pay for an entire month’s subscription as in the case of other platforms. This approach has been celebrated as a very unique feature.
    • The swipe and match method: this matching game on the sugardaddymeet.com platform is very engaging and follows. A straightforward approach where the users are presented with potential profiles or pictures of sugar, daddies or sugar babies and asked if they are interested. Members can swipe right if they find the profile interesting and if they do not want to go forward with it, all they have to do is swipe left. When two users swipe right on each other’s profile, that is considered a match.

    Ready to Be Pampered? Create Your Free Profile Now.

    Pros of using Sugardaddymeet.com platform

    • Active user base: the platform has several users who live in nearby areas, this increases the likelihood of finding a suitable match which is practical.
    • User friendly interface: The platform is very easy for users to navigate and comes in an attractive design and rich functionality.
    • Successful dates in a short span of time: The platform is efficient in helping its users go on real time dates within a small time frame.
    • Comprehensive filter and search options: the platform comes with an advanced search functionality that allows its users to do filtering of potential matches in a precise manner. This makes it easier to find ideal partners quickly.
    • Privacy protection: site gives utmost importance on its users privacy by providing options to hide profiles completely or in a selective manner.
    • 24/7 live support: the customer support is available round the clock to its users to solve any issue that they might face.
    • Robust verification for credibility: several verification methods are conducted on its users, such as email, photo, and phone validations to ensure an authentic and safe dating environment.

    Cons of using sugardaddymeet.com platform

    • Unfamiliar features: the sugardaddymeet.com platform offers so many features that some users might get overwhelmed and will have difficulty in understanding how to explore it or might take time.
    • Cost of sugar babies: unlike other sugar daddy websites that charge only for sugar daddy and not for sugar babies, the sugardaddymeet.com platform charges both parties which might be a drawback.

    Who it’s best for: well, the answer to this can be limitless, but the sugardaddymeet.com platform is best for those who are on a lookout for a transparent dating relationship with common understanding. It is for the younger ones who seek financial support along with a relationship. It is also for those older ones who are longing to feel young again, but do not want to jump into relationships.

    Join the Elite Circle of Sugar Babies – Your Dream Sugar Daddy Awaits!

    Sugar Daddy Meet Customer Reviews 

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Alina M. Toronto, Canada
    I never imagined a dating site could lead to something this magical. I met Daniel here—a thoughtful, successful gentleman who sees me for who I am, not just how I look. From candlelit dinners in Yorkville to weekend getaways in the Rockies, our connection keeps deepening. SugarDaddyMeet made it feel effortless to find someone who values both luxury and genuine affection.

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Luca R. Milan, Italy
    As a busy entrepreneur, I didn’t have time to play games. SugarDaddyMeet introduced me to Sofia, a kind and ambitious woman with elegance and heart. We share more than just lavish tastes—we share values. Whether we’re sipping Barolo on the lake or talking till sunrise, she brings out the best in me. It’s not just dating, it’s an experience of romance on a whole new level.

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Chloe W. Sydney, Australia
    When I joined, I hoped for someone mature and sincere—and that’s exactly what I found. Mark is everything I didn’t know I needed: generous with both his time and heart. From sunrise walks on Bondi Beach to private dinners overlooking the harbor, every moment feels like a chapter in a love story. SugarDaddyMeet gave me the fairytale I thought only existed in movies.

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Noah J. New York City, USA
    I was searching for more than just beauty—I wanted substance wrapped in elegance. SugarDaddyMeet helped me find Ana, a smart, stylish woman with a soft heart. Our weekends in the Hamptons, shared laughter, and romantic strolls in Central Park made me believe in real, grown-up love again. This site doesn’t just match profiles—it connects soulmates.

    Don’t Wait for Him to Find You – Take Control and Join SugarDaddyMeet!

    Free vs Paid Sugar Baby Sites: Which Is Better?

    • A lot of doubts and questions pop-up for this and we are here to tell you that most of the sugar daddy websites allow users to join for free, but for the best experience a premium membership is required. It means that you will be able to set your profile and browse on the platform for free, but you might need to pay in order to send messages, unlock certain premium features, and also see as to who has viewed your profile. 
    • For the safest and most practical experience, we recommend opting for premium membership because this will ensure that you have access to premium features which helps you understand your match better and communicate without any hindrance.

    How to Stay Safe While Using Sugar Baby Apps

    • Safety must be regarded as the most important part of using a sugar daddy website. So if you’re someone who are new to the same or have been a part of such dating websites for a while, it is very important for you to understand how to protect yourself online. And it is vital for both sugar, daddies and sugar babies to spot the red flax and follow smart and effective safety habits right from the beginning.
    • Always remember to opt for public venues for your first meeting such as cafes or restaurants. It is best to avoid private residences or secluded locations for safety purposes. If possible, inform a trusted family member of Friend about your meeting whereabouts.
    •  Discuss expectations clearly as honest discussions about what is expected mutually with your such as the frequency of meetings, financial support, and boundaries. This will ensure that both of you are on the same page.

    ⇒ Join a Top-Rated Sugar Daddy Website Today

    Sugar Dating vs. Traditional Dating: What’s the Real Difference?

    When it comes to relationships, one size doesn’t fit all. Sugar dating and traditional dating offer very different experiences—and understanding those differences can help you choose the path that truly suits your lifestyle and values.

    Traditional dating often revolves around trial and error. It can mean endless swiping, unclear intentions, and investing time in people who may not share your goals. It’s romantic, yes—but sometimes frustratingly vague. You might go on several dates before figuring out if someone wants commitment, fun, or simply attention.

    Sugar dating, on the other hand, is refreshingly direct. Both sugar babies and sugar daddies (or mommies) are upfront about what they’re looking for—whether that’s companionship, mentorship, emotional connection, or financial support. There’s no pretending. Expectations are clear, and relationships are built on mutual benefit and respect.

    In sugar dating, luxury and lifestyle aren’t side perks—they’re part of the equation. It’s dating with clarity, class, and a little extra sparkle. While traditional dating often hopes to grow into something meaningful, sugar dating begins with intention and purpose.

    So if you’re tired of mixed signals and ready for a relationship that reflects your worth, sugar dating may just be the upgrade you’ve been looking for.

    ✨ Your Perfect Sugar Daddy is Waiting – Create Your Free Profile Now!

    Tips for Creating a Successful Sugar Baby Profile

    • Choosing the right photos: Posting a mix of photos and videos helps others get a clearer sense of who you are. This kind of visual insight often draws more attention to your profile and can boost the likelihood of someone reaching out to connection
    • Writing an attractive bio: providing comprehensive information. While you are registering on the platform, helps the system accurately match you with a suitable candidate. You can include everything in the bio right from why you are seeking out for a match, what are your expectations, and what you can contribute as a partner to an individual. All these will help in highlighting your profile to a potential match.
    • Messaging tips: before starting a conversation, take some time to review the profile to understand common hobbies and interests. This will help you start a more engaging conversation.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Is it legal to be a sugar baby?
    It is completely fine to be a sugar baby as long as the relationship is consensual and nothing illegal is undertaken in the arrangement.

    How much allowance do sugar babies usually get?
    This varies depending on location and relationship but according to the platform, most of the sugar babies receive anywhere between $2500-$5000 per month. Certain allowances are non-monetary such as vacations, tuition assistance, shopping spree, and so on.

    Are there sugar baby sites without upfront payment?
    Yes, there are several websites that offer free or free – trial memberships, which do not require any payment.

    What’s the best sugar baby app for beginners?
    We would highly recommend sugardaddymeet.com platform as it is safe, trusted, and comes with good user reviews.

    Is Sugar Dating Right for You as a Sugar Baby?

    Are you a woman who knows what she wants—and isn’t afraid to ask for it? If you dream of rooftop dinners, designer gifts, and deep conversations with someone who appreciates your beauty and brains, sugar dating might just be your perfect match.

    Being a sugar baby isn’t about gold digging—it’s about goal setting. Whether you’re building your career, funding your education, or simply love the finer things in life, sugar dating connects you with successful, sophisticated partners who get it. Think mentorship over meaningless swiping, and luxury over late-night “wyd” texts.

    Sugar dating is for the bold, the confident, and the classy. It’s for women who value their time and expect the same in return. It’s about mutual respect, clear expectations, and—let’s be honest—a little bit of sparkle.

    Of course, this lifestyle comes with responsibilities: setting boundaries, knowing your worth, and owning your power. But if you’re ready to step into a world where affection and ambition go hand in hand, sugar dating might be more than right for you—it might be your glow-up moment.

    Final Thoughts: Finding the Best Sugar Dating Site for You

    Sugar Daddy Meet stands out as a go-to platform for those exploring sugar dating, thanks to its simple, easy-to-use layout that makes finding local connections straightforward. While there’s room for improvement — like the addition of live customer chat — the site still offers a solid experience. Navigation is smooth, the links and features are clearly laid out, and the support team is responsive when needed.

    Getting started is quick, and the search tools are surprisingly effective, making it a good fit whether you’re new to this scene or have some experience. Many users describe it as a safe and dependable space where age-gap relationships are welcomed without judgment. For those seeking genuine arrangements without the hassle, Sugar Daddy Meet can be a refreshing change of pace. Some users have also claimed that they found real connection through these platforms who value their sense of living life without any thread attached. And that these connections have lasted for a long duration of time as the platform encourages one to express their expectations in the most honest way.

    Project name: SugarDaddyMeet.com
    10 – 8707 Dufferin St,
    Suite 160 Vaughan,
    Ontario L4J 0A6
    Canada
    Company website: https://www.sugardaddymeet.com/
    email: support@SugarDaddyMeet.com
    Content Accuracy Disclaimer
    Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this article. However, due to the dynamic nature of product formulations, promotions, and availability, details may change without notice. The publisher makes no warranties or representations as to the current completeness or accuracy of any content, including product claims, pricing, or ingredient lists.
    It is the responsibility of the reader to verify product information directly through the official website or manufacturer prior to making a purchasing decision. Any reliance placed on the information in this article is done strictly at your own risk.
    Affiliate Disclosure
    This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service through these links, the publisher may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the creation of in-depth reviews and educational wellness content.
    The publisher only promotes products that have been independently evaluated and deemed potentially beneficial to readers. However, this compensation may influence the content, topics, or products discussed in this article. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliate partner or product provider.
    All product reviews and descriptions reflect the author’s honest opinion based on available public data, user feedback, and scientific references at the time of writing. The inclusion of affiliate links does not influence the objectivity or integrity of the content. However, readers are encouraged to independently verify product information and consult with healthcare professionals prior to purchase or use.
    No warranties, either expressed or implied, are made about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the content provided. The publisher and all affiliated parties expressly disclaim any and all liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of any information contained herein.
    Product and Trademark Rights
    All product names, logos, and brands mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Use of these names does not imply endorsement unless explicitly stated. SDM® , SUGARDADDYMEET® are the trademarks of its respective brand owner.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: In the $250B influencer industry, being a hater can be the only way to rein in bad behavior

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jessica Maddox, Assistant Professor of Journalism and Creative Media, University of Alabama

    Influencer Alix Earle, a self-described ‘hot mess,’ has legions of online haters. Greg Doherty/Getty Images for Revolve

    Since 2020, content creator Remi Bader had accumulated millions of TikTok followers by offering her opinions on the fits of popular clothing brands as a plus-size woman.

    In 2023, however, Bader appeared noticeably thinner. When some fans asked her whether she’d undergone a procedure, she blocked them. Later that year, she announced that she would no longer be posting about her body.

    Enter snark subreddits. On Reddit, these forums exist for the sole purpose of calling out internet celebrities, whether they’re devoted to dinging the late-night antics of self-described “hot mess” Alix Earle or venting over Savannah and Cole LaBrant, a family vlogging couple who misleadingly implied that their daughter had cancer.

    While the internet is synonymous with fan culture, snark subreddits aren’t for enthusiasts. Instead, snarkers are anti-fans who hone the art of hating.

    Remi Bader attends New York Fashion Week on Feb. 10, 2025.
    Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tory Burch

    After Bader’s refusal to talk about her weight loss, the Remi Bader snark subreddit blew up. Posters weren’t upset that Bader had lost weight or had stopped posting about her body size. Instead, they believed Bader the influencer, who’d built her brand on plus-size inclusion in fashion, wasn’t being straight with her fans and needed to be taken to account.

    It worked. During a March 2025 appearance on Khloe Kardashian’s podcast, Bader finally revealed that she had, in fact, had weight-loss surgery.

    Some critics see snarkers as a big problem and understandably denounce their tendency to harass, body shame and try to cancel influencers.

    But completely dismissing snark glosses over the fact that it can serve a purpose. In our work as social media researchers, we’ve written about how snark can actually be thought of as a way to call out bad actors in the largely unregulated world of influencing and content creation.

    Grassroots policing

    Before there were influencers, there were bloggers. While bloggers covered topics that ranged from entertainment to politics to travel, parenting and fashion bloggers probably have the closest connection to today’s influencers.

    After Google introduced AdSense in 2003, bloggers were easily able to run advertising on their websites. Then brands saw an opportunity. Parenting and fashion bloggers had large, loyal followings. Many readers felt an intimate connection to their favorite bloggers, who seemed more like friends than out-of-touch celebrity spokespersons.

    Brands realized they could send bloggers their products in exchange for a write-up or a feature. Furthermore, advertisers understood that parenting and fashion bloggers didn’t have to adhere to the same industry regulations or code of ethics as most news media outlets, such as disclosing payments or conflicts of interest.

    This changed the dynamic between bloggers and their fans, who wondered whether bloggers could be trusted if they were sometimes being paid to promote certain products.

    In response, websites emerged in 2009 to critique bloggers. “Get Off My Internets,” for example, fashioned itself as a “quality control watchdog” to provide constructive criticism and call out deceptive practices. As Instagram and YouTube became more popular, the subreddit “r/Blogsnark” launched in 2015 to critique early influencers, in addition to bloggers.

    Few guardrails in place

    Today the influencer industry has a valuation of over US$250 billion in the U.S. alone, and it’s on track to be worth over $500 billion by 2027.

    Yet there are few regulations in place for influencers. A few laws have emerged to protect child influencers, and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has established legal guidelines for sponsored content.

    That said, the influencing industry remains rife with exploitation.

    It goes both ways: Corporations can exploit influencers. For example, a 2021 study found that Black influencers receive below-market offers compared with white influencers.

    Savannah and Cole LaBrant came under fire for implying that their daughter had cancer, in what their critics called a ploy for attention.
    Danielle Del Valle/Getty Images for Lionsgate

    Likewise, influencers can deceive or exploit their followers. They might use unrealistic body filters to appear thinner than they are. They could hide who’s paying them. They may promote health misinformation such as the controversial ParaGuard cleanse, a fake treatment pushed by wellness influencers that claimed to rid its users of parasites.

    Or, in the case of Remi Bader, they might gain a huge following by promoting body positivity, only to conceal a weight-loss procedure from their fans.

    For disappointed fans or followers who feel burned, snark can seem like the only regulatory guardrail in an industry that has gone largely unchecked. Think of snark as a Better Business Bureau for the untamable world of influencing – a form of accountability that brings attention to the scammers and hustlers.

    Keeping it real

    Todays’s snark exists at the intersection of gossip and cancel culture.

    Though cancel culture certainly has its faults, we approach cancel culture in our writing as a worthy tool that allows audiences to hold the powerful accountable. For example, communities of color have joined forces to call out racists, as they did in 2024 when they exposed lifestyle influencer Brooke Schofield’s anti-Black tweets.

    Influencers build trust with their audiences based on being “real” and relatable. But there’s nothing preventing them from breaking that trust, and snarkers can swoop in to point out bad behavior or hypocrisy.

    Within the competitive world of family vlogging, snarkers see themselves as doing more than stirring the pot. They’re truth-tellers who bring injustices to light, such as abuse and child labor exploitation. Some of this exposure is paying off, with more and more states introducing and passing family vlogger laws that require children to one day receive a portion of their parents’ earnings or restrict how often children can appear in their parents’ videos.

    Yes, snark can veer into cyberbullying. But that shouldn’t discount its value as a tool for transparency. Influencers are ultimately brands. They sell audiences ideas, lifestyles and products.

    When people feel as if they’ve been misled, we think they have every right to call it out.

    Jess Rauchberg receives funding from Microsoft Research.

    Jessica Maddox 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. In the $250B influencer industry, being a hater can be the only way to rein in bad behavior – https://theconversation.com/in-the-250b-influencer-industry-being-a-hater-can-be-the-only-way-to-rein-in-bad-behavior-253010

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gross Domestic Product, 1st Quarter 2025 (Advance Estimate)

    Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis

    Real gross domestic product (GDP) decreased at an annual rate of 0.3 percent in the first quarter of 2025 (January, February, and March), according to the advance estimate released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the fourth quarter of 2024, real GDP increased 2.4 percent.

    The decrease in real GDP in the first quarter primarily reflected an increase in imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, and a decrease in government spending. These movements were partly offset by increases in investment, consumer spending, and exports. For more information, refer to the “Technical Notes” below.

    Compared to the fourth quarter, the downturn in real GDP in the first quarter reflected an upturn in imports, a deceleration in consumer spending, and a downturn in government spending that were partly offset by upturns in investment and exports.

    Real final sales to private domestic purchasers, the sum of consumer spending and gross private fixed investment, increased 3.0 percent in the first quarter, compared with an increase of 2.9 percent in the fourth quarter.

    The price index for gross domestic purchases increased 3.4 percent in the first quarter, compared with an increase of 2.2 percent in the fourth quarter. The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index increased 3.6 percent, compared with an increase of 2.4 percent. Excluding food and energy prices, the PCE price index increased 3.5 percent, compared with an increase of 2.6 percent.

    Real GDP and Related Measures
    (Percent change from Q3 to Q4)
      Advance Estimate
    Real GDP -0.3
    Current-dollar GDP 3.5
    Real final sales to private domestic purchasers 3.0
    Gross domestic purchases price index 3.4
    PCE price index 3.6
    PCE price index excluding food and energy 3.5
    For definitions, statistical conventions, updates to GDP, and more, visit “Additional Information.”

    Next release:
    May 29, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. EDT
    Gross Domestic Product (Second Estimate),
    Corporate Profits (Preliminary Estimate),
    1st Quarter 2025

    Technical Notes

    Sources of change for real GDP

    Real GDP decreased at an annual rate of 0.3 percent (less than 0.1 percent at a quarterly rate1) in the first quarter, primarily reflecting an increase in imports and a decrease in government spending that were partly offset by increases in investment, consumer spending, and exports.

    • Exports and imports primarily reflected Census-BEA U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services data as well as the Census Advance Economic Indicators Report for March.
      • Within imports, the increase primarily reflected an increase in imported goods, led by consumer goods, except food and automotive (mainly medicinal, dental, and pharmaceutical preparations, including vitamins); and by capital goods, except automotive (mainly computers, peripherals, and parts).
      • Within imports of industrial supplies and materials in the National Economic Accounts (NEAs), BEA identified and removed an increase in imports of silver bars as a form of investment in the first quarter. Similar to nonmonetary gold, silver can be used for two purposes: for industrial use (as an input into the production of goods and services) and for investment (as a store of wealth and a hedge against inflation). BEA’s NEAs do not treat transactions in valuables, such as nonmonetary gold and silver, as investments and therefore purchases of metals as a form of investment are not included in consumer spending, gross private domestic investment, or government spending. For more information, refer to “How are exports and imports of nonmonetary gold treated in BEA’s National Economic Accounts?”.
    • The decrease in government spending reflected a decrease in federal government spending (led by defense consumption expenditures) that was partly offset by an increase in state and local government spending (led by compensation of employees).
    • The largest contributor to the increase in investment was private inventory investment, led by an increase in wholesale trade (notably, drugs and sundries). The estimates of private inventory investment were based primarily on Census Bureau inventory book value data and a BEA adjustment in March to account for a notable increase in imports. For more information on the source data and BEA assumptions for inventories, refer to the key source data and assumptions table (available at 10 a.m.).
    • The increase in consumer spending reflected increases in both services and goods. Within services, increases were widespread, led by spending on health care as well as housing and utilities. Within goods, an increase in nondurable goods was partly offset by a decrease in durable goods.

    More information on the source data and BEA assumptions that underlie the first-quarter estimate is shown in the key source data and assumptions table (available at 10 a.m.).

    Impact of California Wildfires on first-quarter 2025 estimates

    In January 2025, a series of wildfires burned across Southern California, primarily impacting Los Angeles County. These disasters disrupted consumer and business activities and prompted emergency services and remediation activities. The responses to this disaster are included, but not separately identified, in the source data that BEA uses to prepare the estimates of GDP; consequently, it is not possible to estimate the overall impact of the California wildfires on first-quarter GDP. The destruction of fixed assets, such as residential and nonresidential structures, does not directly affect GDP or personal income. BEA estimates disaster losses in NIPA table 5.1, “Saving and Investment.” BEA’s preliminary estimates show that the California wildfires resulted in losses of $34.0 billion in privately owned fixed assets ($136.0 billion at an annual rate) and $11.0 billion in state and local government-owned fixed assets ($44.0 billion at an annual rate).

    For additional information, refer to “How are the measures of production and income in the national accounts affected by a disaster?“ and “How are the fixed assets accounts (FAAs) and consumption of fixed capital (CFC) impacted by disasters?“.

    1 Percent changes in quarterly seasonally adjusted series are displayed at annual rates, unless otherwise specified. For more information, refer to the FAQ Why does BEA publish percent changes in quarterly series at annual rates?. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. energy flow and energy consumption by source and sector charts for 2024

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    A publication of recent and historical U.S. energy statistics. This publication includes total energy production, consumption, stocks, and trade; energy prices; overviews of petroleum, natural gas, coal, electricity, nuclear energy, renewable energy, and carbon dioxide emissions; and data unit conversions values.

    Each month, most MER tables and figures present data for a new month. These data are usually preliminary (and sometimes estimated or forecasted) and likely to be revised the following month. The first dissemination of most annual data is also preliminary. It is often based on monthly estimates and is likely to be revised later that year after final data are published from sources, according to source data revision policies and publication schedules. In addition, EIA may revise historical data when a major revision in a source publication is needed, when new data sources become available, or when estimation methodologies are improved. A record of current and historical changes to MER data is available on the What’s New in the Monthly Energy Review—Content Changes webpage.

    Data categories

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    Energy overview

    • 1.9Light-duty vehicle average miles travel by technology type
    • Available formats: PDF XLS CSV|Interactive
    • 1.10Electric and fuel cell electric light-duty vehicles overview
    • Available formats: PDF XLS CSV|Interactive
    • 1.13aNon-combustion use of fossil fuels in physical units
    • Available formats: PDF XLS CSV|Interactive
    • Section notes
    • Available formats: PDF

    Energy consumption by sector

    • 2.7U.S. government energy consumption by agency, fiscal years
    • Available formats: PDF XLS CSV|Interactive
    • 2.8U.S. government energy consumption by source, fiscal years
    • Available formats: PDF XLS CSV|Interactive
    • Section notes
    • Available formats: PDF

    Petroleum

    • 3.7Petroleum consumption by sector:
    • 3.8Heat content of petroleum consumption by sector:
    • Section notes
    • Available formats: PDF

    Natural gas

    • Section notes
    • Available formats: PDF

    Crude oil and natural gas resource development

    • Section notes
    • Available formats: PDF

    Coal

    • Section notes
    • Available formats: PDF

    Electricity

    • 7.2Electricity net generation:
    • 7.3Consumption of combustible fuels for electricity generation:
    • 7.4Consumption of combustible fuels for electricity generation and useful thermal output:
    • 7.7Electric net summer capacity:
    • 7.8Capacity factors and usage factors at electric generators:
    • Section notes
    • Available formats: PDF
    • Other notes:
    • Notes on estimated monthly data (1989–2000)
    • Available formats: PDF
    • Estimating power sector fuel use
    • Available formats: PDF
    • Allocating municipal solid waste to biogenic and nonbiogenic energy
    • Available formats: PDF

    Nuclear energy

    • Section notes
    • Available formats: PDF

    Energy prices

    • 9.2F.O.B. costs of crude oil imports from selected countries
    • Available formats: PDF XLS CSV|Interactive
    • 9.3Landed costs of crude oil imports from selected countries
    • Available formats: PDF XLS CSV|Interactive
    • 9.4Retail motor gasoline and on-highway diesel fuel prices
    • Available formats: PDF XLS CSV|Interactive
    • Section notes
    • Available formats: PDF

    Renewable energy

    • Section notes
    • Available formats: PDF
    • Allocating municipal solid waste to biogenic and non-biogenic energy
    • Available formats: PDF

    Environment

    • Carbon dioxide emissions from energy consumption:
    • Section notes
    • Available formats: PDF

    Appendices (heat rates, conversion factors, and more)

    • Appendix A
    • Available formats: PDF
    • Approximate heat content of:
    • A1Petroleum and biofuels
    • Available formats: PDF
    • A6Approximate heat rates for electricity, and heat content of electricity
    • Available formats: PDF XLS CSV|Interactive
    • Appendix A documentation
    • Available formats: PDF
    • Appendix B
    • Available formats: PDF
    • B1Metric conversion factors
    • Available formats: PDF
    • B2Metric prefixes
    • Available formats: PDF
    • B3Other physical conversion factors
    • Available formats: PDF
    • Appendix C
    • Available formats: PDF
    • C1Population, U.S. gross domestic product, and U.S. gross output
    • Available formats: PDF XLS CSV|Interactive
    • Appendix D
    • Available formats: PDF
    • D1Estimated primary energy consumption in the United States, selected years, 1635–1945
    • Available formats: PDF XLS
    • Appendix D section notes
    • Available formats: PDF
    • Appendix E
    • Available formats: PDF
    • E1Primary Energy Overview, Fossil Fuel Equivalency Approach
    • Available formats: PDF XLS CSV|Interactive
    • E2Primary Energy Production by Source, Fossil Fuel Equivalency Approach
    • Available formats: PDF XLS CSV|Interactive
    • E3Primary Energy Consumption by Source, Fossil Fuel Equivalency Approach
    • Available formats: PDF XLS Glossary
      • Glossary
      • Available formats: PDF

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Blue Foundry Bancorp Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RUTHERFORD, N.J., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Blue Foundry Bancorp (NASDAQ:BLFY) (the “Company”), the holding company for Blue Foundry Bank (the “Bank”), today reported a net loss of $2.7 million, or $0.13 per diluted common share, for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to net loss of $2.7 million, or $0.13 per diluted common share, for the three months ended December 31, 2024, and a net loss of $2.8 million, or $0.13 per diluted common share, for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

    James D. Nesci, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are pleased with the improvement experienced in yields on assets and cost of liabilities as both contributed to a 27 basis points increase in net interest margin. In addition, we continue to maintain our strong capital position, increasing tangible book value to $14.81 per share.”

    Mr. Nesci also noted, “Deposit growth continued in the first quarter, funding loan growth of $42 million. Increases in our commercial real estate and consumer portfolios drove loan growth during the quarter as we remain focused on growing our commercial portfolio, supplemented with consumer loan purchases. Credit quality remained strong with a non-performing asset to total asset ratio of 0.27% and our allowance for credit losses on loans at 81 basis points of our loan portfolio covers non-performing loans by 2.3 times.”

    Highlights for the first quarter of 2025:

    • Deposits increased $43.9 million to $1.39 billion and Loans increased $42.2 million to $1.63 billion compared to the linked quarter.
    • Uninsured deposits to third-party customers totaled approximately 11% of total deposits as of March 31, 2025.
    • Net interest margin increased 27 basis points from the linked quarter to 2.16%.
    • Interest income for the quarter was $22.7 million, an increase of $928 thousand, or 4.3%, compared to the linked quarter.
    • Interest expense for the quarter was $12.0 million, a decrease of $343 thousand, or 2.8%, compared to the linked quarter.
    • Provision for credit losses of $201 thousand was primarily due to the increase in the provision for loans attributed to the increase in the commercial real estate portfolio.
    • Book value per share was $14.82 and tangible book value per share was $14.81. See the “Supplemental Information – Non-GAAP Financial Measures” tables below for additional information regarding our non-GAAP measures.
    • 464,085 shares were repurchased under our share repurchase plans at a weighted average share price of $9.52 per share.

    Loans

    Loans increased by $42.2 million during the first three months of 2025. The Company continues to focus on diversifying its lending portfolio by growing its commercial portfolios. Additionally, we purchased unsecured consumer loans with credit reserves. These loans improved yields while having low exposure to credit loss. During the first three months of 2025, the consumer loan portfolio increased by $34.3 million as a result of these purchases. In addition, the commercial real estate portfolio increased by $28.5 million, of which $14.4 million was in owner-occupied properties and the construction portfolio increased by $7.3 million. The multifamily and residential portfolios decreased by $25.7 million and $5.5 million, respectively.

    The details of the loan portfolio are below:

        March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   March 31, 2024
        (In thousands)
    Residential   $ 512,793     $ 518,243     $ 516,754     $ 526,453     $ 540,427  
    Multifamily     645,399       671,116       666,304       671,185       671,011  
    Commercial real estate     288,151       259,633       241,711       241,867       244,207  
    Construction     92,813       85,546       80,081       71,882       63,052  
    Junior liens     26,902       25,422       24,174       23,653       22,052  
    Commercial and industrial     18,079       16,311       14,228       12,261       13,372  
    Consumer and other     41,518       7,211       7,731       83       56  
    Total loans     1,625,655       1,583,482       1,550,983       1,547,384       1,554,177  
    Less: Allowance for credit losses     13,152       12,965       13,012       13,027       13,749  
    Loans receivable, net   $ 1,612,503     $ 1,570,517     $ 1,537,971     $ 1,534,357     $ 1,540,428  


    Deposits

    As of March 31, 2025, deposits totaled $1.39 billion, an increase of $43.9 million, or 3.27%, from December 31, 2024, driven by increases of $28.8 million and $19.6 million in NOW and demand accounts and time deposits, respectively, partially offset by decreases in savings accounts of $3.6 million. The Company’s strategy is to focus on attracting the full banking relationship of small- to medium-sized businesses through an extensive suite of deposit products. While there is strong competition for deposits in the northern New Jersey market, we were able to increase core customer deposits during the quarter. Brokered deposits increased $50.0 million during the first quarter of 2025 as higher cost customer time deposits matured and were supplemented with brokered deposits.

    The details of deposits are below:

        March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   March 31, 2024
        (In thousands)
    Non-interest bearing deposits   $ 25,222     $ 26,001     $ 22,254     $ 24,733     $ 25,342  
    NOW and demand accounts     398,332       369,554       357,503       368,386       373,172  
    Savings     236,779       240,426       237,651       246,559       250,298  
    Core deposits     660,333       635,981       617,408       639,678       648,812  
    Time deposits     726,908       707,339       701,262       671,478       642,372  
    Total deposits   $ 1,387,241     $ 1,343,320     $ 1,318,670     $ 1,311,156     $ 1,291,184  


    Financial Performance Overview:

    First quarter of 2025 compared to the fourth quarter of 2024

    Net interest income compared to the fourth quarter of 2024:

    • Net interest income was $10.7 million for the first quarter of 2025 compared to $9.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 as interest earned on interest-earning assets increased and interest paid on time deposits decreased.
    • Net interest margin increased by 27 basis points to 2.16%.
    • The yield on average interest-earning assets increased 14 basis points to 4.51%, while the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities decreased eight basis points to 2.89%.
    • Average interest-earning assets increased by $22.7 million and average interest-bearing liabilities increased by $30.3 million.

    Non-interest expense compared to the fourth quarter of 2024:

    • Non-interest expense increased $748 thousand primarily driven by an increase of $895 thousand in compensation and benefits expenses due to normal salary increases and a reset of variable compensation accruals. Variable compensation, achieved at less than target in 2024, was reset at the start of 2025. In addition, an increase of $109 thousand in occupancy and equipment was largely due to snow removal expenses in the first quarter partially offset by decreases in furniture and equipment expense. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $174 thousand in other expenses.

    Income tax expense compared to the fourth quarter of 2024:

    • The Company did not record a tax benefit for the losses incurred during the first quarter of 2025 and the fourth quarter of 2024 due to the full valuation allowance required on its deferred tax assets.
    • The Company’s current tax position reflects the previously established full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets. At March 31, 2025, the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was $25.4 million.

    First quarter of 2025 compared to the first quarter of 2024

    Net interest income compared to the first quarter of 2024:

    • Net interest income was $10.7 million for the first three months of 2025 compared to $9.4 million for the same period in 2024. The increase was largely due to increases in interest earned on interest-earning assets and lower interest costs on time deposits.
    • Net interest margin increased by 24 basis points to 2.16%.
    • The yield on average interest-earning assets increased 26 basis points to 4.51%, partially offset by a three basis point increase in the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.
    • Average interest-earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities increased by $44.3 million and $70.2 million, respectively. Average loans drove the growth in interest-earning assets, with an increase of $45.7 million. Average interest-bearing deposits increased by $96.6 million, while average FHLB advances decreased by $26.5 million.

    Non-interest expense compared to the first quarter of 2024:

    • Non-interest expense was $13.6 million for the first quarter of 2025, an increase of $387 thousand driven by increases of $289 thousand, $111 thousand and $100 thousand in compensation and benefits expenses, occupancy and equipment expenses and data processing, respectively.

    Income tax expense compared to the first quarter of 2024:

    • The Company did not record a tax benefit for the losses incurred during the first quarters of 2025 and 2024 due to the full valuation allowance required on its deferred tax assets.
    • The Company’s current tax position reflects the previously established full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets. At March 31, 2025, the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was $25.4 million.

    Balance Sheet Summary:

    March 31, 2025 compared to December 31, 2024

    Cash and cash equivalents:

    • Cash and cash equivalents increased $3.7 million to $46.2 million.

    Securities available-for-sale:

    • Securities available-for-sale decreased $10.4 million to $286.6 million due to maturities, calls and pay downs offset by a decrease in unrealized losses of $4.1 million.

    Securities held-to-maturity

    • Securities held-to-maturity decreased $1.0 million due to pay downs in the portfolio.

    Total loans:

    • Total loans held for investment increased $42.2 million to $1.63 billion.
    • Consumer, commercial real estate and construction loans increased $34.3 million, $28.5 million, and $7.3 million, respectively. Partially offsetting these increases were decreases in multifamily loans of $25.7 million and residential loans of $5.5 million.
    • During the first quarter, the Company purchased consumer and residential loans totaling $35.0 million and $6.6 million, respectively.

    Deposits:

    • Deposits increased $43.9 million from December 31, 2024 to $1.39 billion at March 31, 2025. This was largely the result of a $28.8 million increase in NOW and demand accounts and a $19.6 million increase in certificates of deposits.
    • Core deposits (defined as non-interest bearing checking, NOW and demand accounts and savings accounts) represented 47.6% of total deposits, compared to 47.3% at December 31, 2024.
    • Brokered deposits totaled $205.0 million and $155.0 million at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. The increase in brokered deposits supplemented the reduction in retail time deposits.
    • Uninsured and uncollateralized deposits to third-party customers were $159.8 million, or 11% of total deposits, at the end of the first quarter.

    Borrowings:

    • FHLB borrowings decreased $5.5 million to $334.0 million.
    • As of March 31, 2025, the Company had $275.6 million of additional borrowing capacity at the FHLB, $107.5 million in secured lines at the Federal Reserve Bank and $30.0 million of other unsecured lines of credit.

    Capital:

    • Shareholders’ equity decreased $5.5 million to $326.7 million. The decrease was primarily driven by the repurchase of shares, including shares netted for income tax withholding on vested equity awards, at a cost of $4.8 million. Additionally, the year-to-date loss, partially offset by favorable changes in accumulated other comprehensive income, contributed to the decrease in shareholders’ equity.
    • Tangible equity to tangible assets was 15.61% and tangible common equity per share outstanding was $14.81. See the “Supplemental Information – Non-GAAP Financial Measures” tables below for additional information regarding our non-GAAP measures.
    • The Bank’s capital ratios remain above the FDIC’s “well capitalized” standards.

    Asset quality:

    • As of March 31, 2025, the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on loans as a percentage of gross loans was 0.81%.
    • The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $201 thousand for the first quarter of 2025. For the first quarter of 2025, there was a provision of $203 thousand in the ACL for loans, offset by a release of $1 thousand in the ACL for both off-balance-sheet commitments and held-to-maturity securities. The provision was primarily driven by the increase in loan balances and the shift in composition of the portfolio.
    • Non-performing loans totaled $5.7 million, or 0.35% of total loans compared to $5.1 million, or 0.33% of total loans at December 31, 2024.
    • Net charge-offs were $16 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2025.
    • The ratio of allowance for credit losses on loans to non-performing loans was 229.81% at March 31, 2025 compared to 254.02% at December 31, 2024.

    About Blue Foundry

    Blue Foundry Bancorp is the holding company for Blue Foundry Bank, a place where things are made, purpose is formed, and ideas are crafted. Headquartered in Rutherford NJ, with a presence in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset and Union counties, Blue Foundry Bank is a full-service, innovative bank serving the doers, movers, and shakers in our communities. We offer individuals and businesses alike the tailored products and services they need to build their futures. With a rich history dating back more than 145 years, Blue Foundry Bank has a longstanding commitment to its customers and communities. To learn more about Blue Foundry Bank visit BlueFoundryBank.com or call (888) 931-BLUE. Member FDIC.

    Conference Call Information

    A conference call covering Blue Foundry’s first quarter 2025 earnings announcement will be held today, Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. (EDT). To listen to the live call, please dial 1-833-470-1428 (toll free) or +1-404-975-4839 (international) and use access code 556514. The webcast (audio only) will be available on ir.bluefoundrybank.com. The conference call will be recorded and will be available on the Company’s website for one month.

    Contact:
    James D. Nesci
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    BlueFoundryBank.com
    jnesci@bluefoundrybank.com
    201-972-8900

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements contained herein are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, which are based on certain current assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “plan,” “potential,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “target” and similar expressions.

    Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements: inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins and yields, the fair value of financial instruments or our level of loan originations, or increase in the level of defaults, losses and prepayments on loans we have made and make; general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas, that are worse than expected, including potential recessionary conditions, the imposition of tariffs or other domestic or international governmental policies; including potential recessionary conditions, the imposition of tariffs or other domestic or international governmental policies; changes in the level and direction of loan delinquencies and write-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses; our ability to access cost-effective funding; fluctuations in real estate values and both residential and commercial real estate market conditions; demand for loans and deposits in our market area; our ability to implement and change our business strategies; competition among depository and other financial institutions; adverse changes in the securities or secondary mortgage markets; changes in laws or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including changes in regulatory fees, capital requirements and insurance premiums; changes in monetary or fiscal policies of the U.S. Government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board; changes in the quality or composition of our loan or investment portfolios; technological changes that may be more difficult or expensive than expected; a failure or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, including cyber-attacks; the inability of third party providers to perform as expected; our ability to manage market risk, credit risk and operational risk in the current economic environment; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the bank regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; our ability to retain key employees; the current or anticipated impact of military conflict, terrorism or other geopolitical events; the ability of the U.S. Government to manage federal debt limits; and changes in the financial condition, results of operations or future prospects of issuers of securities that we own.

    Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law or regulation, we do not undertake, and we specifically disclaim any obligation, to release publicly the results of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

     
    BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
     
        March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
        (unaudited)   (audited)   (unaudited)
        (Dollars in Thousands)
    ASSETS            
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 46,220     $ 42,502     $ 53,753  
    Securities available-for-sale, at fair value     286,620       297,028       265,191  
    Securities held to maturity     32,038       33,076       33,217  
    Other investments     17,605       17,791       17,908  
    Loans, net     1,612,503       1,570,517       1,540,428  
    Real estate owned, net     —       —       593  
    Interest and dividends receivable     8,746       8,014       8,001  
    Premises and equipment, net     28,805       29,486       31,696  
    Right-of-use assets     22,778       23,470       24,454  
    Bank owned life insurance     22,638       22,519       22,153  
    Other assets     14,253       16,280       30,393  
    Total assets   $ 2,092,206     $ 2,060,683     $ 2,027,787  
                 
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
    Liabilities            
    Deposits   $ 1,387,241     $ 1,343,320     $ 1,291,184  
    Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank     334,000       339,500       342,500  
    Advances by borrowers for taxes and insurance     9,743       9,356       9,368  
    Lease liabilities     24,490       25,168       26,081  
    Other liabilities     10,069       11,141       8,498  
    Total liabilities     1,765,543       1,728,485       1,677,631  
    Shareholders’ equity     326,663       332,198       350,156  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,092,206     $ 2,060,683     $ 2,027,787  
    BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data) (Unaudited)
     
        Three months ended
        March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
        (Dollars in thousands)
    Interest income:            
    Loans   $ 18,892     $ 17,777     $ 17,192  
    Taxable investment income     3,785       3,972       3,614  
    Non-taxable investment income     36       36       36  
    Total interest income     22,713       21,785       20,842  
    Interest expense:            
    Deposits     9,026       9,573       8,413  
    Borrowed funds     2,943       2,739       3,012  
    Total interest expense     11,969       12,312       11,425  
    Net interest income     10,744       9,473       9,417  
    Provision for (release of) credit losses     201       (301 )     (535 )
    Net interest income after provision for (release of) credit losses     10,543       9,774       9,952  
    Non-interest income:            
    Fees and service charges     243       306       329  
    Gain on sale of loans     —       —       36  
    Other income     151       114       86  
    Total non-interest income     394       420       451  
    Non-interest expense:            
    Compensation and employee benefits     7,838       6,943       7,549  
    Occupancy and equipment     2,303       2,194       2,192  
    Data processing     1,487       1,514       1,387  
    Advertising     67       81       72  
    Professional services     699       737       730  
    Federal deposit insurance     223       226       199  
    Other     1,012       1,186       1,113  
    Total non-interest expense     13,629       12,881       13,242  
    Loss before income tax expense     (2,692 )     (2,687 )     (2,839 )
    Income tax expense     —       —       —  
    Net loss   $ (2,692 )   $ (2,687 )   $ (2,839 )
    Basic loss per share   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.13 )
    Diluted loss per share   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.13 )
    Weighted average shares outstanding            
    Basic     20,404,941       20,826,845       22,095,260  
    Diluted (1)     20,404,941       20,826,845       22,095,260  
    (1) The assumed vesting of outstanding restricted stock units had an anti-dilutive effect on diluted earnings per share due to the Company’s net loss for the 2025 and 2024 periods.
    BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    Consolidated Financial Highlights
    (Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data) (Unaudited)
     
        Three months ended
        March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   March 31, 2024
        (Dollars in thousands)
    Performance Ratios (%):                    
    Loss on average assets     (0.53 )     (0.52 )     (0.79 )     (0.47 )     (0.56 )
    Loss on average equity     (3.29 )     (3.17 )     (4.68 )     (2.71 )     (3.23 )
    Interest rate spread (1)     1.62       1.40       1.29       1.43       1.40  
    Net interest margin (2)     2.16       1.89       1.82       1.96       1.92  
    Efficiency ratio (3) (4)     122.36       130.20       140.04       130.73       134.19  
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities     120.01       120.84       121.37       122.28       122.50  
    Tangible equity to tangible assets (4)     15.61       16.11       16.50       16.88       17.25  
    Book value per share (5)   $ 14.82     $ 14.75     $ 14.76     $ 14.70     $ 14.61  
    Tangible book value per share (4) (5)   $ 14.81     $ 14.74     $ 14.74     $ 14.69     $ 14.60  
                         
    Asset Quality:                    
    Non-performing loans   $ 5,723     $ 5,104     $ 5,146     $ 6,208     $ 6,691  
    Real estate owned, net     —       —       —       —       593  
    Non-performing assets   $ 5,723     $ 5,104     $ 5,146     $ 6,208     $ 7,284  
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans (%)     0.81       0.83       0.84       0.84       0.88  
    Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans (%)     229.81       254.02       252.86       209.84       205.48  
    Non-performing loans to total loans (%)     0.35       0.33       0.33       0.40       0.43  
    Non-performing assets to total assets (%)     0.27       0.25       0.25       0.30       0.36  
    Net charge-offs to average outstanding loans during the period (%)     —       —       —       —       —  
    (1) Interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
    (2) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
    (3) Efficiency ratio represents adjusted non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income plus non-interest income.
    (4) See the “Supplemental Information – Non-GAAP Financial Measures” tables below for additional information regarding our non-GAAP measures.
    (5) March 31, 2025 per share metrics computed using 22,047,649 total shares outstanding.
    BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    Analysis of Net Interest Income
    (Dollars in Thousands) (Unaudited)
     
        Three Months Ended,
        March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
        Average Balance   Interest   Average Yield/Cost   Average Balance   Interest   Average Yield/Cost   Average Balance   Interest   Average Yield/Cost
        (Dollars in thousands)
    Assets:                                    
    Loans (1)   $ 1,601,262   $ 18,892   4.72 %   $ 1,557,342   $ 17,777   4.57 %   $ 1,555,534   $ 17,192   4.45 %
    Mortgage-backed securities     189,820     1,323   2.79 %     185,382     1,254   2.71 %     160,349     876   2.20 %
    Other investment securities     163,590     1,689   4.13 %     164,392     1,573   3.83 %     183,717     1,652   3.62 %
    FHLB stock     17,680     399   9.02 %     17,153     411   9.58 %     20,123     492   9.83 %
    Cash and cash equivalents     43,195     410   3.80 %     68,536     770   4.50 %     51,561     630   4.92 %
    Total interest-earning assets     2,015,547     22,713   4.51 %     1,992,805     21,785   4.37 %     1,971,284     20,842   4.25 %
    Non-interest earning assets     61,518             61,586             59,357        
    Total assets   $ 2,077,065           $ 2,054,391           $ 2,030,641        
    Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:                                    
    NOW, savings, and money market deposits   $ 619,234     2,031   1.33 %   $ 614,623     1,988   1.29 %   $ 616,169     1,937   1.26 %
    Time deposits     712,796     6,995   3.98 %     698,801     7,585   4.32 %     619,220     6,476   4.21 %
    Interest-bearing deposits     1,332,030     9,026   2.75 %     1,313,424     9,573   2.90 %     1,235,389     8,413   2.74 %
    FHLB advances     347,394     2,943   3.39 %     335,686     2,739   3.26 %     373,874     3,012   3.24 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     1,679,424     11,969   2.89 %     1,649,110     12,312   2.97 %     1,609,263     11,425   2.86 %
    Non-interest bearing deposits     25,411             24,945             26,491        
    Non-interest bearing other     40,679             43,016             41,569        
    Total liabilities     1,745,514             1,717,071             1,677,323        
    Total shareholders’ equity     331,551             337,320             353,318        
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,077,065           $ 2,054,391           $ 2,030,641        
    Net interest income       $ 10,744           $ 9,473           $ 9,417    
    Net interest rate spread (2)           1.62 %           1.40 %           1.39 %
    Net interest margin (3)           2.16 %           1.89 %           1.92 %
    (1) Average loan balances are net of deferred loan fees and costs, premiums and discounts and include non-accrual loans.
    (2) Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
    (3) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

    BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    Supplemental Information – Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    (Unaudited)

    This press release contains certain supplemental financial information, described in the table below, which has been determined by methods other than U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) that management uses in its analysis of Blue Foundry’s performance. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide information useful to investors in understanding Blue Foundry’s financial results. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered a substitute for GAAP basis measures and results and Blue Foundry strongly encourages investors to review its consolidated financial statements in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies’ non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names.

    Net income, as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, includes the provision for credit losses and income tax expense, while pre-provision net revenue does not.

        Three months ended
        March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   March 31, 2024
        (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
    Pre-provision net revenue and efficiency ratio:                        
    Net interest income   $ 10,744     $ 9,473     $ 9,087     $ 9,573     $ 9,417  
    Other income     394       420       387       536       451  
    Total revenue     11,138       9,893       9,474       10,109       9,868  
    Operating expenses     13,629       12,881       13,267       13,215       13,242  
    Pre-provision net loss   $ (2,491 )   $ (2,988 )   $ (3,793 )   $ (3,106 )   $ (3,374 )
    Efficiency ratio     122.4 %     130.2 %     140.0 %     130.7 %     134.2 %
                         
    Core deposits:                    
    Total deposits   $ 1,387,241     $ 1,343,320     $ 1,318,670     $ 1,311,156     $ 1,291,184  
    Less: time deposits     726,908       707,339       701,262       671,478       642,372  
    Core deposits   $ 660,333     $ 635,981     $ 617,408     $ 639,678     $ 648,812  
    Core deposits to total deposits     47.6 %     47.3 %     46.8 %     48.8 %     50.2 %
                         
    Total assets   $ 2,092,206     $ 2,060,683     $ 2,055,093     $ 2,045,452     $ 2,027,787  
    Less: intangible assets     189       244       300       386       473  
    Tangible assets   $ 2,092,017     $ 2,060,439     $ 2,054,793     $ 2,045,066     $ 2,027,314  
                         
    Tangible equity:                    
    Shareholders’ equity   $ 326,663     $ 332,198     $ 339,299     $ 345,597     $ 350,156  
    Less: intangible assets     189       244       300       386       473  
    Tangible equity   $ 326,474     $ 331,954     $ 338,999     $ 345,211     $ 349,683  
                         
    Tangible equity to tangible assets     15.61 %     16.11 %     16.50 %     16.88 %     17.25 %
                         
    Tangible book value per share:                    
    Tangible equity   $ 326,474     $ 331,954     $ 338,999     $ 345,211     $ 349,683  
    Shares outstanding     22,047,649       22,522,626       22,990,908       23,505,357       23,958,888  
    Tangible book value per share   $ 14.81     $ 14.74     $ 14.74     $ 14.69       14.60  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: China revises law to strengthen infectious disease prevention, control

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

    BEIJING, April 30 — China on Wednesday adopted a revised Law on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases, aiming to improve its prevention of epidemics and protect the life and health of its people.

    The revised law, passed at a session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, will take effect on Sept. 1, 2025.

    Liu Xia, deputy secretary-general of the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association, said that the new law provides a strong legal safeguard for the development of a disease control system led by medical and health institutions, integrating prevention and treatment, and supported by cooperation across all sectors of society.

    The new law will significantly strengthen China’s core capabilities in the fields of infectious disease monitoring and early warnings, emergency response, testing and diagnostics, and medical treatment, Liu said.

    “The new law further clarifies the rights, obligations and responsibilities of various parties — including government departments, disease control agencies, medical institutions, businesses and individuals — in the prevention and control of infectious diseases, and strengthens cross-departmental coordination mechanisms,” said Shen Weixing, a professor at Tsinghua University’s School of Law.

    This revised version effectively enhances the authority and enforceability of the law, Shen added

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Rigetti Computing Closes Investment by Quanta Computer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BERKELEY, Calif., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rigetti Computing, Inc. (Nasdaq: RGTI) (“Rigetti” or the “Company”), a pioneer in full-stack quantum-classical computing, announced today that it has closed the previously announced investment by Quanta Computer Inc. (“Quanta”, TWSE: 2382.TW) related to their strategic collaboration agreement. In connection with the closing, Quanta purchased approximately $35 million of shares of Rigetti common stock at approximately $11.59 per share.

    “We are pleased to take this next step in our strategic collaboration with Quanta,” says Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, Rigetti CEO. “Quanta’s world-leading expertise in notebook and server manufacturing paired with Rigetti as a pioneer in superconducting quantum computing will help put us at the forefront of the quantum computing industry.”

    About Rigetti
    Rigetti is a pioneer in full-stack quantum computing. The Company has operated quantum computers over the cloud since 2017 and serves global enterprise, government, and research clients through its Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services platform. In 2021, Rigetti began selling on-premises quantum computing systems with qubit counts between 24 and 84 qubits, supporting national laboratories and quantum computing centers. Rigetti’s 9-qubit Novera QPU was introduced in 2023 supporting a broader R&D community with a high-performance, on-premises QPU designed to plug into a customer’s existing cryogenic and control systems. The Company’s proprietary quantum-classical infrastructure provides high-performance integration with public and private clouds for practical quantum computing. Rigetti has developed the industry’s first multi-chip quantum processor for scalable quantum computing systems. The Company designs and manufactures its chips in-house at Fab-1, the industry’s first dedicated and integrated quantum device manufacturing facility. Learn more at https://www.rigetti.com/.

    Rigetti Media Contact
    press@rigetti.com

    Cautionary Language and Forward-Looking Statements
    Certain statements in this communication may be considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements with respect to the Company’s future success and performance, including expectations with respect to timing of the development and commercialization of superconducting quantum computing; expectations regarding the advantages and impact of the strategic collaboration agreement with Quanta on the Company’s operations, technology roadmap, milestones, and the Company’s position in the industry. These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company and its management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: the Company’s ability to achieve milestones, technological advancements, including with respect to its technology roadmap; the ability of the Company to obtain government contracts successfully and in a timely manner and the availability of government funding; the potential of quantum computing; the success of the Company’s partnerships and collaborations, including the strategic collaboration with Quanta; the Company’s ability to accelerate its development of multiple generations of quantum processors; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company or others; the ability to maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and attract and retain management and key employees; costs related to operating as a public company; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that the Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, or competitive factors; the Company’s estimates of expenses and profitability; the evolution of the markets in which the Company competes; the ability of the Company to implement its strategic initiatives and expansion plans; the expected use of proceeds from the Company’s past and future financings or other capital; the sufficiency of the Company’s cash resources; unfavorable conditions in the Company’s industry, the global economy or global supply chain, including rising inflation and interest rates, deteriorating international trade relations, political turmoil, natural catastrophes, warfare and terrorist attacks; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements other than as required by applicable law. The Company does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Voxtur Announces Financial Results for the Year and Quarter Ended December 31, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO and TAMPA, Fla., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Voxtur Analytics Corp. (TSXV: VXTR; OTCQB: VXTRF) (“Voxtur” or the “Company”), a North American technology company creating a more transparent and accessible real estate lending ecosystem, today announced its financial results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024. The Company’s Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) are available at www.sedarplus.ca and at www.voxtur.com.

    Financial Results:

    Continuing Operations Unaudited   Audited
      Three months ended December 31   Year ended December 31
    (In thousands of Canadian dollars)  2024   2023     2024   2023 
               
    Revenue 1 $ 9,307   $ 9,886     $ 45,737   $ 48,959  
    Gross profit 1   5,391     6,073       28,889     31,527  
    Gross profit as a % of Revenue 1   58%     61%       63%     64%  
               
               

    1 Calculations include only the results from continuing operations and do not include results of discontinued operations. On November 1, 2023, the Company finalized the sale of its wholly owned appraisal management company (“AMC”) business for $35,135 ($25,324 USD). Results of the AMC business are classified as discontinued operations.

    Throughout 2024, the Company remained focused on implementing meaningful operational improvements and driving disciplined cost management. These efforts are reflected in full-year financial results, which show that while total revenue decreased by approximately $3.2 million and total gross profit declined by approximately $2.6 million compared to fiscal 2023, the Company was able to reduce cash used in operations by approximately $13.2 million, being a year-over-year improvement of approximately 46%. The Company anticipates continued improvement in this regard into early 2025 as previously implemented efficiencies take full effect.

    Further discussion with respect to the financial results can be found in the Company’s MD&A available at www.sedarplus.ca and at www.voxtur.com.

    “Despite macroeconomic uncertainty, including persistently high mortgage rates and industry volatility, we are staying focused on the fundamentals we can control — operational efficiency, debt reduction, and strategic execution,” said Ryan Marshall, CEO. “With leadership transitions behind us, we believe 2025 is a pivotal year to reposition the business and unlock long-term value.”

    In connection with the strategic review process announced in January 2025, the Company continues to work closely with its advisor to evaluate a number of opportunities. No material updates are available at this time; however, the Company remains actively engaged in the process of evaluating the economic value and long-term alignment of each of the opportunities in front of us. The Company intends to host a shareholder call once there is material progress to report.

    “We are encouraged by the level of interest in various components of our business and continue to evaluate each opportunity with discipline,” added Marshall. “Our focus remains on pursuing outcomes that are both financially and strategically sound for the company and its stakeholders.”

    About Voxtur

    Voxtur is a proptech company. The company offers targeted data analytics to simplify the multifaceted aspects of the lending lifecycle for investors, lenders, government agencies and servicers. Voxtur’s proprietary data hub and workflow platforms more accurately and efficiently value real estate assets, providing critical due diligence that enables market participants to effectively originate, trade, or service defaults on mortgage loans. As an independent and transparent mortgage technology provider, the company offers primary and secondary market solutions in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit www.voxtur.com. 

    Forward-Looking Information

    This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking information”) which reflect the expectations of management regarding the Company’s future growth, financial performance and objectives and the Company’s strategic initiatives, plans, business prospects and opportunities. These forward-looking statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and the Company’s financial and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this press release. By their very nature, forward-looking statements require management to make assumptions and involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future events, performance or results, and give rise to the possibility that management’s predictions, forecasts, projections, expectations or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that the assumptions may not be correct and that the Company’s future growth, financial performance and objectives and the Company’s strategic initiatives, plans, business prospects and opportunities, including the duration, impact of and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, will not occur or be achieved. Any information contained herein that is not based on historical facts may be deemed to constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian and United States securities laws. Forward-looking information may be based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release, and may be identified by the words “may”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” or similar expressions. Forward-looking information may include but is not limited to the anticipated financial performance of the Company and other events or conditions that may occur in the future. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the information is provided. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance, or achievements of the Company. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information include but are not limited to: additional costs related to acquisitions, integration of acquired businesses, and implementation of new products; changing global financial conditions, especially in light of the COVID-19 global pandemic; reliance on specific key employees and customers to maintain business operations; competition within the Company’s industry; a risk in technological failure, failure to implement technological upgrades, or failure to implement new technological products in accordance with expected timelines; changing market conditions related to defaulted mortgage loans, and the failure of clients to send foreclosure and bankruptcy referrals in volumes similar to those prior to the COVID-19 global pandemic; failure of governing agencies and regulatory bodies to approve the use of products and services developed by the Company; the Company’s dependence on maintaining intellectual property and protecting newly developed intellectual property; operating losses and negative cash flows; and currency fluctuations. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information contained herein. Factors relating to the Company’s financial guidance and targets disclosed in this press release include, in addition to the factors set out above, the degree to which actual future events accord with, or vary from, the expectations of, and assumptions used by, Voxtur’s management in preparing the financial guidance and targets.

    This forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise this information to reflect new events or circumstances except as required in accordance with applicable laws.

    Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Voxtur’s common shares are traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol VXTR and in the US on the OTCQB under the symbol VXTRF.

    Company Contact: 

    Jordan Ross
    Tel: (416)708-9764

    jordan@voxtur.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Warning issued against unauthorised building work in Bassetlaw

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Warning issued against unauthorised building work in Bassetlaw

    The Environment Agency has issued a warning against unauthorised building near rivers and flood defences in Bassetlaw, North Nottinghamshire.

    • Unauthorised works prompts warning to residents, landowners and developers
    • Environmental permits may be needed before works can begin
    • Offenders could face an unlimited fine or two years imprisonment

    The Environment Agency is reminding residents, landowners and developers in Bassetlaw about the law for carrying out work near main rivers and flood defences.

    Among the Environment Agency’s statutory duties are powers to manage flood risk from the sea and main rivers.

    These types of works, known as flood risk activities, may need an environmental permit before they can begin.

    The warning comes after the Environment Agency has become aware of unauthorised works in the Bassetlaw district in north Nottinghamshire.

    The environment permitting process ensures that proposed works are not going to increase flood risk or cause other environmental harm.

    A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said:

    We are encouraging anyone planning work near a river or flood defence to seek advice early.

    People may need an environmental permit before they can begin the work.

    It is a criminal offence to undertake unauthorised flood risk activities and offenders could face an unlimited fine and up to 2 years imprisonment.

    If people have concerns about works being carried out near a river or flood defence they should call our hotline on 0800 807060.

    More information

    Our officers have visited several sites in the Bassetlaw area where works have been conducted without the right permission.

    Check if your activity is regulated.

    You may need to apply for permission to do any of the following regulated flood risk activities:

    • erecting any temporary or permanent structure in, over or under a main river, such as a culvert, outfall, weir, dam, pipe crossing, erosion protection, scaffolding or bridge
    • altering, repairing or maintaining any temporary or permanent structure in, over or under a main river, where the work could affect the flow of water in the river or affect any drainage work
    • building or altering any permanent or temporary structure designed to contain or divert flood waters from a main river
    • dredging, raising or removing any material from a main river, including when you are intending to improve flow in the river or use the materials removed
    • diverting or impounding the flow of water or changing the level of water in a main river
    • quarrying or excavation within 16 metres of any main river, flood defence (including a remote defence) or culvert
    • any activity within 8 metres of the bank of a main river, or 16 metres if it is a tidal main river
    • any activity within 8 metres of any flood defence structure or culvert on a main river, or 16 metres on a tidal river
    • any activity within 16 metres of a sea defence structure
    • activities carried out on the floodplain of a main river, more than 8 metres from the river bank, culvert or flood defence structure (or 16 metres if it is a tidal main river), if you do not have planning permission (you do not need permission to build agricultural hay stacks, straw stacks or manure clamps in these places)

    To find out more or to apply for a permit, visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-risk-activities-environmental-permits

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Local elections: what would a good night look like for Nigel Farage’s Reform?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Hannah Bunting, Senior Lecturer in Quantitative British Politics and Co-director of The Elections Centre, University of Exeter

    English local elections on May 1 mark the first time widespread voting has happened in the UK since last year’s general election. They are therefore the first big test for the Labour government – but also for Reform’s Nigel Farage. Farage has led his party into elections before but not since becoming an MP.

    Reform achieved 14.3% of the vote in July 2024 and opinion polls put them at around 25% now. Farage has declared his party is therefore the “opposition to the Labour government”.

    These elections in 23 English local authorities are about selecting the representatives that will serve communities, both in day-to-day essential operations, and during council reorganisations amid plans for decentralisation of British democracy. Yet attention is also being paid to the challenge Reform have set themselves – can they continue the transition from anti-establishment outsiders to a winning party engine?

    There are 1,641 local councillor vacancies up for election this week, in 1,401 wards. Reform are contesting more seats than any other party. In fact, there’s only a handful without their candidate on the ballot, amounting to 99.3% coverage. This is a major step forward for the party. Ukip contested 80% of this set of seats near the height of its popularity 12 years ago.

    The Conservatives are contesting 97.2%, Labour 94%, the Liberal Democrats 85.1% and the Greens 72.2%. There are candidates from others and independents, including local parties, also standing in every local authority.

    This year’s elections see the Conservative heartlands up for grabs. Known as the shire counties, some of these local authorities, such as Devon and Leicestershire, have been solidly Conservative for over 20 years. So if Reform see themselves as replacing the Tories, then these are the contests Farage’s party should be winning.

    Notably, these seats also have the lowest female representation, which has partly been driven by the Conservative dominance. Analysis of this year’s candidates shows that Reform is fielding the fewest women, meaning this gender disparity could be about to get worse.

    The gender distribution of candidates per party, with women represented in the lighter shades and men in the darker.
    H Bunting, CC BY-ND

    Recent successes

    There have been 241 vacancies in council byelections across Britain since the general election. Reform has won 15 of them. Where it fielded candidates, they’ve generally received significant vote shares, taking seats from both the Conservatives and Labour and gaining momentum. In the six-month period between October and March, Reform contested 64 of 78 council byelections (82%) and either won or came second in half of them.

    This shows that Reform can be successful – and usually on the low turnouts generally seen in byelections. With turnout being less than a third at the last two local election cycles, followed by the second lowest ever general election turnout, it’s these dedicated voters who will be affecting change this week.

    The seats up for election now were last contested in 2021 – when a “vaccine bounce” for Boris Johnson delivered the Conservatives their best local results since 2008. Now they are bracing for a bad night. If Reform and the Liberal Democrats wipe out the Tories in different areas but to the same degree, there may be no Conservative heartlands left in the country.

    Want more politics coverage from academic experts? Every week, we bring you informed analysis of developments in government and fact check the claims being made.

    Sign up for our weekly politics newsletter, delivered every Friday.

    Labour, meanwhile, did so badly in 2021 that it could even make gains due to the areas up for election. In council byelections, Reform has taken seats from Labour in some of the areas that are up now (Lancashire and Kent) but overall these locals are in Tory heartlands. Labour is defending 287 of the seats up this time – and at least 25 are vulnerable.

    How will Reform fare?

    However, local elections are often fought on local issues, which puts Reform in a difficult spot. On one hand, they could position the new faces they are putting forward for councils as members of the community.

    On the other, the party is often seen as a national entity whose main messages are on immigration and the economy, which councils don’t control. And while Farage has set his sights on damaging the two main parties in a continuation of anti-establishment sentiment, he is now trying to do so as a semi-establishment figure.

    In similar local elections in 2013, Ukip received more than a fifth of votes but only ended up with a tenth of the seats. Therein lies the biggest hurdle for new entrants to the British voting system.

    Farage’s parties have often polled well but failed to gain the concentrated pockets of support needed to win representatives. This was most recently in evidence at the general election, where Reform received a higher vote share than the Liberal Democrats but only came away with five seats, compared to Ed Davey’s 72.

    This is a particularly difficult set of elections to call for a number of reasons. Boundary changes in more than 42% of seats are confusing the picture, for one thing, and the fact that such a small number of areas are voting makes projections more difficult. Reform is also so new to these races that there aren’t past comparisons to draw on.

    But as an indicator, there are around 200 seats with no boundary changes that are particularly vulnerable to a challenger win. Of these, 60% are defended by the Conservatives, and it’s feasible that Reform could take a chunk of them. More than 900 seats are considered a Tory defence (when boundary changes are taken into consideration), but at least 400 of them are relatively safe.

    Some local authorities sit in areas that returned a Reform MP in July, such as Boston and Skegness in Lincolnshire, and many of them house constituencies that saw Reform come in second place. However, there are also areas like Cornwall where the Liberal Democrats are a strong challenger.

    What it may come down to is the strength of the party engine. Reform has found the candidates, but the test is whether its campaign has built on a growing base of support. If Reform wins are in the hundreds, they’ll be able to claim they’re on track.

    But Reform candidates then have to start the hard work of being councillors. They’ll need to adapt their “Britain is broken” slogan to start evidencing that they’re fixing it. That takes more than words.

    Hannah Bunting receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

    – ref. Local elections: what would a good night look like for Nigel Farage’s Reform? – https://theconversation.com/local-elections-what-would-a-good-night-look-like-for-nigel-farages-reform-255641

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: During visit to Eswatini, Foreign Minister Lin meets with Prime Minister Dlamini and announces additional funding for women’s microfinance revolving fund

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    April 24, 2025

    No. 115

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung is currently visiting Eswatini as President Lai Ching-te’s special envoy. He continues to carry out important engagements in Taiwan’s African ally. 

     

    On the morning of April 23, the second day of his visit, Special Envoy Lin called on Prime Minister Russell Dlamini to thank him for his friendship with Taiwan. Prime Minister Dlamini, who assumed office in November 2023, led a delegation to Taiwan in March 2024. In the same year, he spoke up for Taiwan on behalf of the government of Eswatini at major international events, including the United Nations General Assembly and the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, demonstrating staunch support for the diplomatic alliance between the two countries.

     

    Prime Minister Dlamini warmly welcomed Special Envoy Lin to Eswatini and thanked Taiwan for its long-standing support. He reaffirmed that relations with Taiwan were rock-solid and emphasized that Eswatini, as a sovereign nation, had the right to choose its own friends without being influenced by other countries. He underlined that Eswatini was firmly committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with Taiwan.

     

    Also on the morning of April 23, Special Envoy Lin joined Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu; Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo; and other high-level officials at an event to showcase the results of a microfinance revolving fund implemented by Taiwan and Eswatini to help women start businesses.

     

    In his remarks, Special Envoy Lin stated that Taiwan had announced an investment of US$1 million to establish the revolving fund in September 2023. He said the program provided start-up loans for women in rural areas, increased household incomes, and contributed to the economic and social development of Eswatini. In the past year or more since the fund was launched, over 500 loans had been approved, leading to changes in people’s lives and helping women achieve economic independence, he added. Highlighting a touching result of the initiative, Special Envoy Lin noted that one beneficiary had named her newborn baby Taiwan to thank Taiwan for its assistance. He further announced that the Taiwan government would inject an additional US$500,000 into the fund to further expand the virtuous cycle.  Special Envoy Lin said this underscored Taiwan’s strong commitment to economic empowerment in Eswatini.

     

    Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Dladla recalled her 2019 visit to Taiwan as foreign minister, during which she presented a proposal to the Taiwan government for the revolving fund on behalf of Queen Mother Ntombi Tfwala. She said that in 2020 the Technical Mission of the International Cooperation and Development Fund in Eswatini had introduced the Women’s Microenterprise Mentoring and Capacity Building Project, under which more than 6,000 women had received entrepreneurship skills training. Deputy Prime Minister Dladla said this was followed by a bilateral cooperation agreement to launch the fund, signed at a ceremony witnessed by the heads of state of both nations in September 2023. She praised the results that the program had achieved since it was launched just over a year ago in effectively giving women in rural areas of Eswatini an avenue to finance their start-up plans.

     

    Around 100 beneficiaries of the fund attended the event. Participants sang classic Taiwanese songs such as “Fight to Win,” creating a warm and lively atmosphere. Special Envoy Lin presented a stuffed leopard cat to the child named Taiwan, highlighting the profound friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini.

     

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work with the government of Eswatini to enhance the well-being of the peoples of both countries and further deepen bilateral relations. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign Minister Lin meets with Eswatini king and queen mother, cohosts groundbreaking for strategic oil reserve facility

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    Foreign Minister Lin meets with Eswatini king and queen mother, cohosts groundbreaking for strategic oil reserve facility

    • Date：2025-04-24
    • Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

    April 24, 2025  
     No. 116  

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, serving as President Lai Ching-te’s special envoy to Taiwan’s African ally Eswatini, met with Queen Mother Ntombi Tfwala and had an audience with King Mswati III on the afternoon of April 23. He and King Mswati III jointly presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for a strategic oil reserve facility, broadening bilateral cooperation into a new area.

     

    The king and the queen mother expressed appreciation for President Lai’s appointment of Minister Lin as special envoy for the king’s 57th birthday celebrations. They thanked Taiwan for its long-term assistance in developing Eswatini’s infrastructure, which they said had played an important role in economic growth. The king and the queen mother reaffirmed the robust diplomatic partnership between the two countries and pledged to continue to support Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.

     

    Special Envoy Lin extended birthday wishes to King Mswati III on behalf of President Lai and presented the king with a congratulatory letter from the president as well as special envoy credentials. He also delivered birthday gifts to the king, including cattle in accordance with local customs, high-tech products and delicacies from Taiwan, and a wooden sculpture entitled Infinite Wisdom by Taiwanese artist Kang Mu-xiang. 

     

    In his remarks, Special Envoy Lin thanked King Mswati III for leading a delegation to the inauguration of President Lai in May 2024 to convey support for Taiwan’s new administration. He said that Taiwan, as an important ally of Eswatini, would continue to contribute to the development of key infrastructure projects. He commended the king for fully supporting the launch of the strategic oil reserve facility and noted that it was the largest cooperation project to be undertaken by the two nations since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Special Envoy Lin said the project demonstrated that Taiwan was Eswatini’s steadfast partner, adding that the two countries had always supported each other. He stressed that Taiwan would continue to promote and expand the scope of bilateral exchanges and cooperation to further assist Eswatini in realizing its development goals.

     

    Following their meeting, Special Envoy Lin and King Mswati III jointly presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the strategic oil reserve facility. The milestone in bilateral relations was witnessed by prominent leaders from all sectors of Eswatini society. King Mswati III also hosted a reception for Special Envoy Lin, the delegation, and other guests, demonstrating the high regard of the Eswatini royal family and government for the visitors and the project.

     

    Taiwan and Eswatini established diplomatic relations in 1968. Over the past 57 years, bilateral ties have been stable and cordial. The government of Eswatini has actively and unfailingly supported Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. It is one of Taiwan staunchest allies. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Warren Reads 100 Acts of Trump Corruption Into Congressional Record To Mark 100 Days of the Trump Administration

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    April 30, 2025
    “[I]nstead of following through on his promise [to lower costs], Trump and his administration have paved the way for the president, his top officials, and his billionaire buddies to personally feed at the trough of government corruption.” 
    “That’s 100 corrupt acts in 100 days. Americans deserve accountability. We need to fight back—all of us.” 
    Video of Speech (YouTube)
    Washington, D.C. – On the 100th day of this Trump administration, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) read 100 reports of corruption from President Trump’s term so far into the Congressional record. 
    Senator Warren pointed to all the ways President Trump, his family, and associates like Elon Musk have used the presidency to enrich themselves, give favors to donors, and made it more difficult to hold him accountable for corruption. 
    Transcript: “One Hundred Days, One Hundred Acts of Corruption”U.S. Senate FloorApril 29, 2025
    As Prepared for Delivery
    Senator Elizabeth Warren: So here we are: one hundred days; one hundred acts of corruption.
    Today, I’m reading into the congressional record 100 reports of corruption from Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office. When he ran for office, Trump promised repeatedly that he would lower costs “on day 1.”  But instead of following through on his promise, Trump and his administration have paved the way for the president, his top officials, and his billionaire buddies to personally feed at the trough of government corruption. 
    So, count with me: In just one hundred days, Donald Trump, his family, and his Administration have:
    Turned the White House into a Tesla dealership.
    Fired independent commissioners at the FTC.
    Punished former officials who opposed his 2020 election lies.
    Paid for the White House Easter Egg roll by soliciting corporate sponsors who have business pending with the government.
    Helped Trump’s son set up a club — pay $500,000 for access to Trump’s cabinet.
    Declared that there would be NO tariff exceptions. Then permitted Apple’s CEO “behind the scenes” access — and poof, iPhone tariffs were cut.
    Created an opening for insider trading by reportedly giving Wall Street exclusive information about trade talks.
    Hosted million-dollar dinners between Big Pharma CEOs and their regulator RFK Jr.
    Launched crypto memecoin right before inauguration to make millions of dollars, then increased the value of those coins by signing executive orders making crypto a priority.
    Launched a meme coin for Melania, too. 
    Promised his “rich-as-hell” donors a giant tax handout, and is working to deliver. 
    Weakened rules insulating government workers from politics.
    Limited corporate foreign bribery investigations.
    Halted enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act.
    Offered a private dinner with Trump himself—and a special tour of the White House—for the top 220 holders of his memecoin, permitting Trump and his family to profit both from the run up in the value of the coin AND the increase in trading on the Trump platform.
    Accepted $40 million for First Lady Melania’s documentary from Jeff Bezos – way above the market rate.
    Pointed to Bezos’s multi-million-dollar documentary payment as a model, when Warner Bros. asked Trump’s team how to improve its own relationship with the White House.
    Struck a deal with Amazon to stream Trump’s old show The Apprentice, which will mean more money for Trump as Amazon seeks tax breaks and other federal benefits.
    Coercing law firms to offer almost $1 billion in free legal work in an arrangement that experts say could run afoul of anti-bribery laws.
    Started undermining Medicare’s ability to negotiate drug prices after Big Pharma companies gave millions to Trump’s inauguration.
    Filed a meritless lawsuit against 60 Minutes and launched a baseless FCC investigation.
    Tried to get the AP to bend the knee and kicked them out of the White House briefing room when they refused.
    Hired Defense Secretary Hegseth’s younger brother to serve in a key role.
    Hired a longtime former partner of Don Jr. to serve as Ambassador to Greece. 
    Nominated Jared Kushner’s father to serve as Ambassador to France. 
    Selected Tiffany Trump’s father-in-law to serve as an adviser.
    Appointed an oil and gas executive to lead the Department of Energy.
    Selected a Chief of Staff who was a big-time lobbyist for clients like tobacco and mining companies.
    Named officials who had recently lobbied for oil and chemical giants to help write E-P-A rules.
    Appointed Mehmet Oz, who has close ties to Medicare Advantage insurers, to lead CMS to set payment rates and otherwise help out Medicare Advantage insurers.
    Appointed John Phelan, a major donor with no military or government experience, to lead the Navy and hand out Navy construction contracts.  
    Appointed Pam Bondi, a former lobbyist for a federal detention contractor, to lead the DOJ.
    Announced the DOJ would stop prioritizing enforcement of restrictions on foreign lobbyists, under the leadership of Bondi, who herself is a former foreign lobbyist for Qatar.
    Appointed Howard Lutnick, who has billions invested in companies accused of illegally facilitating crypto money laundering, to lead the Commerce Department.
    Appointed Marty Makary, the former executive of a company selling weight-loss drugs, to lead the FDA, which would regulate his company.
    Appointed Sean Duffy, who lobbied for the airline industry, to Transportation Secretary.
    Tapped Pete Hegseth, whose wife owns stock in large defense contractors, to lead the Defense Department.
    Tapped Doug Burgum — who made money from leasing land to Big Oil — to lead the Interior Department.
    Nominated a Big Oil lobbyist to run the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
    Nominated as IRS head Billy Long, an aggressive salesman for a fraud-riddled tax credit, who received donations after being nominated to clear old campaign debts. 
    Tapped Paul Atkins, a former crypto lobbyist, to lead the SEC.
    Appointed a former tax lobbyist, to lead tax policy.
    Appointed RFK Jr., who planned to get paid for anti-vax lawsuits while heading up HHS.
    Appointed a top Pentagon official who led a firm investing in defense contractors and has directed D-O-D to outsource as much as it can.
    Appointed someone who lobbied to privatize Medicare to lead OMB’s healthcare budget.
    Installed Steve Davis to effectively lead DOGE while also leading a Musk company.
    Installed another DOGE leader to control Treasury’s payment system while still holding down his day job as a software CEO.
    Handed power over crypto policy to a White House crypto czar who leads a venture capital firm that heavily invests in crypto.
    Selected a border czar who led a firm that got tens of millions of dollars of federal contracts for homeland security companies.
    Appointed Treasury Secretary Bessent who is gutting the IRS so that it can’t audit rich tax cheats — he’s a tax-dodging mega-millionaire.
    Pardoned Rod Blagojevich, former Illinois governor convicted for corruption, after his vocal support for Trump.
    Pardoned January 6 insurrectionists who tried to overturn an election he lost.
    Pardoned a Trump loyalist found guilty of wire fraud.
    Pardoned the son of a longtime Republican donor.
    Pardoned a corporation that had been fined $100 million for money laundering.
    Launched his own stablecoin while preparing to sign legislation that will help the stablecoin and let him oversee it. 
    Sold merch with presidential branding.
    Disbanded DOJ’s crypto unit after business talks between Binance and a Trump-backed crypto company ramped up.
    Halted SEC enforcement actions against crypto companies that enriched Trump. 
    Met with crypto executives who are asking Treasury to back off of oversight of their companies — all while exploring a deal to list a Trump-linked crypto company’s new stablecoin.
    Maintained financial ties between Trump officials and Trump’s media company. That includes: FBI Director Kash Patel who was gifted a huge award of Trump media company stock.
    Nominated Attorney General Bondi who owned $2 million in DJT shares.
    Paid the Education Secretary almost $1 million in Trump Media company shares.
    Intelligence Board nominees who have millions in Trump Media company shares.
    Selected a Special Envoy to the Middle East who wants to develop real estate in Gaza while running his own real estate firm.
    Appointed an FBI Director who consulted for the Qatari government.
    Picked that FBI Director even though he also received millions from a Cayman Island holding company with ties to China.
    Decided to cancel the Direct File program, which will help the bottom line of Intuit, which gave $1 million to Trump’s inauguration.
    Took its largest inauguration donation from a poultry company under DOJ scrutiny. After the donation, the SEC approved its parent company for the New York Stock Exchange.
    Dropped a probe into sexual misconduct allegations against Trump’s Education Secretary’s husband.
    Hosted dozens of foreign, federal, and state officials at Mar-a-Lago, helping enrich Trump. 
    Hosted a GOP retreat at another one of Trump’s resorts.
    Circumvented the normal contracting process to pick a company with close ties to Trump’s former campaign manager.
    Awarded a $30 million ICE contract to Trump insider Peter Thiel.
    Continued developing new Trump properties overseas, including in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
    Hatched a plan for the State Department to pay Tesla $400 million dollars.
    Accepted a $4 million inauguration donation from a GOP megadonor and nominated him as UK ambassador the same day.
    And Donald Trump took actions that could advance the personal interests of his co-president Elon Musk: 

    Fired EEOC leaders investigating and suing Tesla.
    Illegally fired the NLRB Chair, which filed a complaint against SpaceX.
    Gutted CFPB staff and fired the Director after they investigated complaints against Musk’s companies.
    Gutted the Department of Labor office investigating Tesla and Space X.
    Fired the USAID Inspector General, who launched a probe into satellite terminals made by Musk’s Starlink. 
    Targeted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration staff who were reportedly, quote, a “thorn in Tesla’s side.”
    Said Musk would self-police his conflicts of interest. Yeah right…
    Pressured the Administrator of the FAA, which fined Musk’s SpaceX, to resign .
    Permitted Musk to keep his financial disclosure hidden. I’ve got a new bill to fix that!
    Allowed Musk’s Starlink to start working with the FAA after Musk criticized the FAA’s air traffic telecom system. 
    Made Musk’s SpaceX the frontrunner for a new lucrative Golden Dome contract.
    Stood by Musk when his X executives told an advertising firm to increase ad revenue — threatening that Musk could interfere with a pending merger.
    Permitted Musk to join Trump’s interview with the Air Force secretary nominee while SpaceX held billions of dollars in contracts with the Air Force. 
    Permitted the National Transportation Safety Board to share news related to the airplane crashes in Washington and Philadelphia only on Musk-owned X.
    Permitted the Social Security Administration to only share important public communication on X.
    Dropped DOJ’s anti-discrimination complaint against Musk’s SpaceX.
    Fired FDA staffers reviewing Elon Musk’s Neuralink clinical trial applications.
    And for our closing six moves that make every bit of this corruption even harder to root out, Trump got rid of cops on the beat:

    Fired 18 Inspectors General who make sure the federal agencies follow the law.
    Fired the head of the Office of Special Counsel who protects whistleblowers and makes sure that civil service laws are fired.
    Fired the head of the Office of Government Ethics who watches to see that the President and his Administration follow the laws on conflicts of interest, bribery and other ethics issues.
    Fired DOJ prosecutors who worked on January 6th investigations.
    Sidelined DOJ’s office that reviews the legality of executive orders.
    Gutted DOJ’s office that prosecutes misconduct by public officials.
    That’s 100 corrupt acts in 100 days. Americans deserve accountability. We need to fight back—all of us. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ofqual launches next phase in British Sign Language GCSE development

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Ofqual launches next phase in British Sign Language GCSE development

    New British Sign Language (BSL) consultation marks significant progress towards a fresh qualification that has the potential to connect communities.

    Ofqual has today launched a consultation on the rules that will govern the assessment of the new GCSE in British Sign Language (BSL), bringing the development of this unique qualification a step forward. 

    This second Ofqual consultation follows extensive collaborative work over the last 18 months to ensure the new qualification will be high quality. This has involved working with awarding organisations and BSL subject matter specialists, including those within the deaf community.

    Amanda Swann, Executive Director for General Qualifications at Ofqual, said:

    The GCSE in British Sign Language presents a great opportunity for more people to learn this important language. We recognise the positive impact this could have to improve communication between deaf and hearing communities, and we encourage everyone to share their views in response to our consultation.

    This consultation addresses the specific rules exam boards will need to follow when developing the qualification. The Department for Education sets the curriculum for the new GCSE in BSL while Ofqual ensures the assessments are valid, reliable and fair for all students. 

    Following the consultation and review period, Ofqual expects to confirm its decision on the qualification rules in autumn 2025. From that point, interested exam boards will develop their specific offers, which must then go through Ofqual’s accreditation process.

    “Creating a completely new qualification requires thorough development,” Ms Swann added. “While we understand the desire to see this qualification available quickly, our primary responsibility is to ensure it meets the high standards expected of all GCSEs so that grades will be trusted.”

    School  Standards Minister, Catherine McKinnell said:

    It’s fantastic to see this incredibly important GCSE one step closer to being taught in classrooms.

    British Sign Language is a rich and vibrant language, and this qualification will break down barriers between deaf and hearing communities while giving young people the opportunity to learn a new skill. Our priority is ensuring this qualification is the best it can be for students.

    This GCSE, alongside wider work with our independent curriculum review will ensure all young people benefit from a broad and rich curriculum that gives them the tools to achieve and thrive.

    Ofqual encourages all interested parties to contribute to the consultation, which can be accessed here.

    Background notes:

    • Ofqual is the independent qualifications regulator for England 
    • The Department for Education is responsible for setting the curriculum for the new GCSE in BSL 
    • Ofqual is responsible for making sure that assessments are valid, reliable and fair for students 
    • The consultation builds on DfE’s December 2023 curriculum announcement and Ofqual’s first consultation which looked at high-level principles for how the qualification will be assessed 
    • For media enquiries please contact the Ofqual press office on 0300 303 3014 or email media@ofqual.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Grigorenko: Global Digital Forum – a tool for disseminating experience and exchanging best practices

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Promising technologies and the development of artificial intelligence, bridging the digital divide between countries and effective forms of exchange of experience are key topics for discussion by Russian and international experts at the Global Digital Forum.

    The Global Digital Forum will be held on June 5 and 6 in Nizhny Novgorod. The event will become a platform for building a dialogue between representatives of Russian and foreign IT companies, government bodies, and the scientific and expert community. 1.5 thousand foreign guests and more than 10 thousand online connections are expected.

    “Digital technologies have become an integral part of improving the efficiency of processes in many areas in our country – from public administration and provision of public services in electronic form to medicine and creation of additional opportunities in education. Russian IT solutions, social platforms, audiovisual services are constantly developing and are in demand both within the country and abroad. Such platforms as the Global Digital Forum are becoming an effective tool for disseminating experience and exchanging best practices in digital transformation,” said Deputy Prime Minister – Chief of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko.

    As part of the Global Digital Forum agenda, participants will discuss current issues shaped by technology development – from the effects of artificial intelligence implementation to the problem of bridging the gap in the speed of digital transformation of different countries, approaches to improving digital and media literacy of different age groups. One of the central topics of the forum will be international information security in the context of achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Participants will also be able to see the exhibition exposition of the Digital Industry of Industrial Russia (CIPR) conference, dedicated to high-tech solutions.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Four Federal Treasury deposit auctions will take place on 30.04.2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    Application selection parameters
    Date of the selection of applications 04/30/2025
    Unique identifier of the application selection 22025110
    Deposit currency rubles
    Type of funds funds of the single treasury account
    Maximum amount of funds placed in bank deposits, million monetary units 480,000
    Placement period, in days 6
    Date of deposit 04/30/2025
    Refund date 06/06/2025
    Interest rate for placement of funds (fixed or floating) Fixed
    Minimum fixed interest rate for placement of funds, % per annum 20.05
    Basic floating interest rate for placement of funds –
    Minimum spread, % per annum –
    Terms of conclusion of a bank deposit agreement (fixed-term, replenishable or special) Urgent
    Minimum amount of funds placed for one application, million monetary units 1,000
    Maximum number of applications from one credit institution, pcs. 5
    Application selection form (open or closed) Open
    Application selection schedule (Moscow time)
    Venue for the selection of applications PAO Moscow Exchange
    Applications accepted: from 09:30 to 09:40
    Pre-applications: from 09:30 to 09:35
    Applications in competition mode: from 09:35 to 09:40
    Formation of a consolidated register of applications: from 09:40 to 09:50
    Setting a cut-off percentage rate and/or recognizing the selection of applications as unsuccessful: from 09:40 to 10:00
    Submission to credit institutions of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement: from 10:00 to 10:50
    Receiving acceptance of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement from credit institutions: from 10:00 to 10:50
    Deposit transfer time In accordance with the requirements of paragraph 63 and paragraph 64 of the Order of the Federal Treasury dated 04/27/2023 No. 10n
    Application selection parameters
    Date of the selection of applications 04/30/2025
    Unique identifier of the application selection 22025111
    Deposit currency rubles
    Type of funds funds of the single treasury account
    Maximum amount of funds placed in bank deposits, million monetary units 700,000
    Placement period, in days 14
    Date of deposit 04/30/2025
    Refund date 05/14/2025
    Interest rate for placement of funds (fixed or floating) Floating
    Minimum fixed interest rate for placement of funds, % per annum –
    Basic floating interest rate for placement of funds Ruonmds
    Minimum spread, % per annum 0.00
    Terms of conclusion of a bank deposit agreement (fixed-term, replenishable or special) Urgent
    Minimum amount of funds placed for one application, million monetary units 1,000
    Maximum number of applications from one credit institution, pcs. 5
    Application selection form (open or closed) Open
    Application selection schedule (Moscow time)
    Venue for the selection of applications PAO Moscow Exchange
    Applications accepted: from 12:00 to 12:10
    Preliminary applications: from 12:00 to 12:05
    Applications in competition mode: from 12:05 to 12:10
    Formation of a consolidated register of applications: from 12:10 to 12:20
    Setting a cut-off percentage rate and/or recognizing the selection of applications as unsuccessful: from 12:10 to 12:30
    Submission to credit institutions of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement: from 12:30 to 13:20
    Receiving acceptance of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement from credit institutions: from 12:30 to 13:20
    Deposit transfer time In accordance with the requirements of paragraph 63 and paragraph 64 of the Order of the Federal Treasury dated 04/27/2023 No. 10n

    RUONmDS = RUONIA – DS, where

    RUONIA – the value of the indicative weighted rate of overnight ruble loans (deposits) RUONIA, expressed in hundredths of a percent, published on the official website of the Bank of Russia on the Internet on the day preceding the day for which interest is accrued. In the absence of a RUONIA rate value published on the day preceding the day for which interest is accrued, the last of the published RUONIA rate values is taken into account.

    DS – discount – a value expressed in hundredths of a percent and rounded (according to the rules of mathematical rounding) to two decimal places, calculated by multiplying the value of the Key Rate of the Bank of Russia by the value of the required reserve ratio for other liabilities of credit institutions for banks with a universal license, non-bank credit institutions (except for long-term ones) in the currency of the Russian Federation, valid on the date for which interest is accrued, and published on the official website of the Bank of Russia on the Internet.

    Application selection parameters
    Date of the selection of applications 04/30/2025
    Unique identifier of the application selection 22025112
    Deposit currency rubles
    Type of funds funds of the single treasury account
    Maximum amount of funds placed in bank deposits, million monetary units 100,000
    Placement period, in days 182
    Date of deposit 04/30/2025
    Refund date 29.10.2025
    Interest rate for placement of funds (fixed or floating) Floating
    Minimum fixed interest rate for placement of funds, % per annum –
    Basic floating interest rate for placement of funds Ruonmds
    Minimum spread, % per annum 0.00
    Terms of conclusion of a bank deposit agreement (fixed-term, replenishable or special) Special
    Minimum amount of funds placed for one application, million monetary units 1,000
    Maximum number of applications from one credit institution, pcs. 5
    Application selection form (open or closed) Closed
    Application selection schedule (Moscow time)
    Venue for the selection of applications PAO Moscow Exchange
    Applications accepted: from 16:00 to 16:10
    Formation of a consolidated register of applications: from 16:10 to 16:20
    Setting a cut-off percentage rate and/or recognizing the selection of applications as unsuccessful: from 16:10 to 16:30
    Submission to credit institutions of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement: from 16:30 to 17:20
    Receiving acceptance of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement from credit institutions: from 16:30 to 17:20
    Deposit transfer time In accordance with the requirements of paragraph 63 and paragraph 64 of the Order of the Federal Treasury dated 04/27/2023 No. 10n

    RUONmDS = RUONIA – DS, where

    RUONIA – the value of the indicative weighted rate of overnight ruble loans (deposits) RUONIA, expressed in hundredths of a percent, published on the official website of the Bank of Russia on the Internet on the day preceding the day for which interest is accrued. In the absence of a RUONIA rate value published on the day preceding the day for which interest is accrued, the last of the published RUONIA rate values is taken into account.

    DS – discount – a value expressed in hundredths of a percent and rounded (according to the rules of mathematical rounding) to two decimal places, calculated by multiplying the value of the Key Rate of the Bank of Russia by the value of the required reserve ratio for other liabilities of credit institutions for banks with a universal license, non-bank credit institutions (except for long-term ones) in the currency of the Russian Federation, valid on the date for which interest is accrued, and published on the official website of the Bank of Russia on the Internet.

    Application selection parameters
    Date of the selection of applications 04/30/2025
    Unique identifier of the application selection 22025113
    Deposit currency rubles
    Type of funds funds of the single treasury account
    Maximum amount of funds placed in bank deposits, million monetary units 10,000
    Placement period, in days 6
    Date of deposit 04/30/2025
    Refund date 06/06/2025
    Interest rate for placement of funds (fixed or floating) Fixed
    Minimum fixed interest rate for placement of funds, % per annum 20.05
    Basic floating interest rate for placement of funds –
    Minimum spread, % per annum –
    Terms of conclusion of a bank deposit agreement (fixed-term, replenishable or special) Urgent
    Minimum amount of funds placed for one application, million monetary units 1,000
    Maximum number of applications from one credit institution, pcs. 5
    Application selection form (open or closed) Open
    Application selection schedule (Moscow time)
    Venue for the selection of applications PAO Moscow Exchange
    Applications accepted: from 18:30 to 18:40
    Preliminary applications: from 18:30 to 18:35
    Applications in competition mode: from 18:35 to 18:40
    Formation of a consolidated register of applications: from 18:40 to 18:50
    Setting a cut-off percentage rate and/or recognizing the selection of applications as unsuccessful: from 18:40 to 18:50
    Submission to credit institutions of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement: from 18:50 to 19:30
    Receiving acceptance of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement from credit institutions: from 18:50 to 19:30
    Deposit transfer time In accordance with the requirements of paragraph 63 and paragraph 64 of the Order of the Federal Treasury dated 04/27/2023 No. 10n

    Contact information for media 7 (495) 363-3232Pr@moex.kom

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

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

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.MO/N89940

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mikhail Mishustin and Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the DPRK Pak Thae-song took part in the ceremony to start construction of a road bridge across the Tumannaya River

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Construction of a bridge crossing over the Tumannaya River is beginning in Primorsky Krai. The automobile bridge will connect Russia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Currently, only a railway bridge and air traffic operate between Russia and the DPRK. The automobile bridge will increase cargo traffic and develop passenger transportation.

    The total length of the bridge crossing (with access roads) is 4.7 km. The length of the bridge itself is 1 km. The length of the Russian side is 424 m, the Korean side is 581 m. The width of the bridge is 7 m (two traffic lanes).

    Estimated construction time is one and a half years.

    A vehicle checkpoint will be set up near the bridge crossing.

    Mikhail Mishustin’s speech at the ceremony to mark the start of construction of a road bridge across the Tumannaya River

    12 hours ago

    Speech by Mikhail Mishustin:

    Dear Comrade Pak Tae-sung! Dear Colleagues! Dear Friends!

    I am pleased to welcome you to a significant event – the ceremony to begin construction of a road bridge across the Tumannaya River at the junction of the borders of the Russian Federation and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

    This is a truly significant stage for Russian-Korean relations. Its significance goes far beyond a simple engineering task. It symbolizes our common desire to strengthen friendly, good-neighborly relations, and to increase interregional cooperation. We are creating a reliable foundation for closer cooperation, a path for open and fruitful dialogue, the rapprochement of our peoples, an increase in the number of trips, meetings, exchange of new impressions, and acquaintance with the history and traditions of Russia and North Korea.

    Last year, Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Kim Jong-un signed a fundamental interstate Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This document secured the entry of our relations to a new qualitative level that meets the requirements of the time, and created the necessary conditions for launching mutually beneficial joint projects.

    Of course, the key priority for us is the construction of a bridge crossing, through which year-round automobile traffic will go. Currently, the only operating route is the railway connection along the Druzhby Bridge across the Tumannaya River. But its capabilities are no longer sufficient.

    The future bridge is of particular importance for the Russian Far Eastern Federal District, and above all for Primorsky Krai, where additional opportunities will appear for businesses and local residents. The transport and logistics infrastructure will begin to develop more actively.

    Another route that will be laid here will allow entrepreneurs to significantly increase the volume of transportation and reduce transportation costs, will ensure reliable and stable supplies of various products, which will contribute to the expansion of trade and economic cooperation between our countries. And of course, good prospects will open up for tourism.

    Dear friends!

    Mikhail Mishustin and Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the DPRK Pak Thae-song took part in the ceremony to start construction of a road bridge across the Tumannaya River

    April 30, 2025

    Mikhail Mishustin and Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the DPRK Pak Thae-song took part in the ceremony to start construction of a road bridge across the Tumannaya River

    April 30, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Mikhail Mishustin and Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the DPRK Pak Thae-song took part in the ceremony to start construction of a road bridge across the Tumannaya River

    I cannot help but separately mention everyone who makes a significant contribution to the implementation of this project, who participated in the preparation of the design documentation. These are builders, engineers, workers, specialists of many professions on both sides of the border.

    You have months of intense and difficult work ahead of you. We are counting on your experience, work and initiative, which will allow us to do everything efficiently and on time.

    I am convinced that the new bridge will become a lasting symbol of peace and good-neighborliness between Russia and the DPRK.

    I wish you all success. Thank you for your attention.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Confirmed: Australian weapons sold to Israel, reveals Declassified Australia

    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. –

    SPECIAL REPORT: By Michelle Fahy

    The Australian counter-drone weapons system seen at a weapons demonstration in Israel recently is actually just one of a few that were sold by the Canberra-based company Electro Optic Systems (EOS) and sent through its wholly-owned US subsidiary to Israel, Declassified Australia can reveal.

    It was the ABC who broke the news of the EOS weapons system being provided for the demonstration trial. In response, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese continued to insist, as he has since the war in Gaza began, that Australia does not sell weapons to Israel.

    However the weapon displayed wasn’t just provided on loan for the demonstration – the weapon has been “sold” to the Israelis. Declassified Australia can reveal that EOS, by its own admission, sold more than one of its R400 weapons systems to the Israelis prior to the demonstration.

    • READ MORE: Other Declassified Australia reports

    An EOS company presentation, titled “2024 Full Year Results”, describes a “potential new customer” for the R400 weapon in the “Middle East” (page 36). The presentation, prepared for EOS shareholders and lodged with the Australian Stock Exchange, is dated 25 February 2025.

    EOS describes this potential new customer for its R400 as a “Preliminary” stage opportunity, valued at less-than-A$100 million, and states that more than one weapon was sold:

    “Sample products sold, demo held, discussions underway.” [Emphasis added]

    The company also points out a sense of urgency with the potential sale:

    “Potential to accelerate due to operational requirements.”

    In another section of the report (page 16), EOS reports a single entry in the “Preliminary” stage of a potential sale of R400 weapons, with the “Bid being prepared or submitted”.

    EOS states (page 36) the “estimated opportunity size” of the sale is up to “$100 million”. At a unit price per system of A$1.55 million that potential contract is enough to purchase 60 of the R400 counter-drone system.

    Under the heading “Notable Demonstrations” (page 15), EOS refers to “Counter Drone evaluation testing with New Customer”, held in January 2025, with an accompanying photograph of its R400 counter-drone cannon with five senior Israeli defence leaders posing beside it at the testing site.

    EOS itself has revealed that the new customer is clearly Israel.

    EOS states it had “supported a local prime [a major local weapons company] to demonstrate counter-drone capabilities in a high profile local demonstration”. EOS states that its R400 weapon system had “performed extremely well, earning high praise from the organisers.”

    An extract from the Electro Optic Systems (EOS) company document titled “2024 Full Year Results”, showing a photograph of the EOS R400 counter-drone weapon system that was demonstrated to gathered Israeli defence and industry officials in January 2025. Image: Electro Optic Systems

    The location of the demonstration of the Australian weapon is verified as being in Israel’s southern Negev Desert by a 5 February press release about the weapon testing, released by Israel’s Ministry of Defence.  [Note: Since publication of this article, the Press Release has been taken down from the Israeli Defense Ministry website, but is still available here, for now.]

    An Israel Defense Force photograph included with the press release, is the same photo of the R400 weapon and Israeli officials, as published in the EOS document. Israel’s Ministry of Defence also posted this video of the final demonstration event, with a firing of the EOS R400 weapons system appearing at 01:06.

    In the photograph standing behind the Australian company’s weapon are four senior Israeli defence officials, together with an Israeli defence industry CEO.

    A photo distributed with an Israel Ministry of Defense press release showing the EOS R400 counter-drone weapons system at operational trials testing advanced counter-drone technologies organised by the Directorate of Defence Research & Development in January 2025. Pictured: Acting director-general of the Israel Ministry of Defence, Itamar Graf (from left); Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz; CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Boaz Levy; Head of Israel Defence Force’s Planning and Force Build-Up Directorate, Maj.Gen. Eyal Harel; Head of the Israel Directorate of Defence Research & Development, Brig.Gen. (retd) Dr Daniel Gold. Image: Israel Ministry of Defense

    Countering drone attacks
     EOS’ powerful R400 remote weapons system has a 2km range and is renowned for its lethality and precision in targeting. Using a sophisticated gimbal, its accuracy is maintained even when the system is mounted and used atop a moving vehicle. The weapon can be seen in use on a moving vehicle here in this video clip.

    The EOS R400 is not solely a counter-drone weapons system. It can be configured to fire weapons ranging from machine guns, to 30mm cannons, automatic grenade launchers, anti-tank guided missiles and 70mm rockets, meaning it can be used against multiple types of targets in addition to drones — including people, buildings, armoured vehicles, and tanks.

    The R400 Slinger variation is marketed by EOS as a system designed solely to counter modern drone threats with a single, lethal shot.

    The Australian company’s customer in Israel is noted in the EOS company document as being an Israeli “local prime” arms manufacturer. Both Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Elbit Systems participated in the demonstration trials, each demonstrating a Counter Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) that incorporated a 30mm cannon.

    EOS sees a big future for the R400 and its suite of remote weapons systems. The EOS 2024 Financial Report was lodged with ASX on 25 February 2025. In the “Market Overview”section, it discusses weapons contracts signed in 2024, and notes (page 8) that:

    “[EOS] Defence Systems is in active discussions and contract negotiations for the provision of RWS [Remote Weapons Systems] and related components with other potential customers.”

    “Assuming the evaluation of these systems progresses positively, EOS would hope to move to sell larger, commercial quantities to these customers.” 

    EOS R-400S Mk 2 30mm Remote Weapons Station being fired while mounted to a tactical vehicle. Image: Video screen shot/Defence Technology Review Magazine

    Australia obliged to act on defence transfers
     In October 2024, the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory reported on the implementation of the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) findings that Israel may be committing “genocide”.

    As reported by Kellie Tranter in Declassified Australia in November, the Australian government’s international legal responsibilities extend to investigating and regulating individuals and corporate entities who act in and from Australia to support the legally proscribed conduct of the Israeli State.

    The Commission stated:

    “Thus, the Commission recommends that any State engaged in such transfer or trade to Israel shall cease its transfer or trade until the State is satisfied that the goods and technology subject to the transfer or trade are not contributing to maintaining the unlawful occupation or to the commission of war crimes or genocide and thereafter throughout any period when the State is not so satisfied.” [Emphasis added]

    The UN Commission makes clear what trade it refers to:

    “On the issue of arms and military transfer and trade relating to Israel’s military capability, States have a duty to conduct a due diligence review of all transfer and trade agreements with Israel, including but not limited to equipment, weapons, munitions, parts, components, dual use items and technology, to determine whether the goods or technology subject to the transfer or trade contribute to maintaining the unlawful occupation or are used to commit violations of international law.” [Emphasis added]

    If the government becomes aware of an impending military transfer of weapons or technology defined above, to Israel – as the stated intentions of EOS reported here make clear – it is obliged to investigate and if necessary intervene to halt the transfer:

    “This includes both preexisting agreements and future transfers to Israel. States are obliged to demonstrate that any transfer or trade relating to military capability is not being used by Israel to maintain the unlawful occupation or commit violations of international law.” [Emphasis added]

    Words are not enough
     The Australian government and the Defence Department have continued their obfuscation of Australia’s weapons trade with Israel, as Declassified Australia has been reporting repeatedly.

    ABC television has reported how the government continues to insist no weapons or ammunition had been supplied “directly to Israel” since its latest genocidal war on Gaza began. The addition of the word “directly” is a notable change to the government’s wording, since this EOS news emerged.

    In response to the ABC report, Prime Minister Albanese said: “We do not sell arms to Israel . . .  We looked into this matter and the company has confirmed with the Department of Defence that the particular system was not exported from Australia. Australia does not export arms to Israel.”

    Declassified Australia has previously reported on the Albanese Government’s repeated and misleading use of the phrase “to Israel”. Arms companies are known for exporting their weaponry, or parts and components thereof, via third party countries in an attempt to cover their tracks.

    A defence industry source told the ABC the Australian-made components of the EOS R400 remote weapons system were assembled at the company’s wholly-owned US subsidiary in Alabama USA, before being shipped to Israel without an Australian export approval.

    Military exports, including ammunition, munitions, parts and components, do not need to travel ‘directly’ to Israel to be prohibited under the Arms Trade Treaty.

    Governments are required to find out where their weapons will, or may, end up and then make responsible decisions that comply with the treaty. A government must consider and assess the potential ‘end users’ of its military exports.

    A UN expert panel has issued repeated demands that States and companies cease all arms transfers to Israel or risk complicity in international crimes, possibly including genocide. It stated:

    “An end to transfers must include indirect transfers through intermediary countries that could ultimately be used by Israeli forces, particularly in the ongoing attacks on Gaza.…” [Emphasis added.]

    Greens’ defence spokesperson, Senator David Shoebridge, has said, “What we might be seeing here is the impact of what’s called AUKUS Pillar 2, the removal of any controls for the passage of weapons between Australia and the United States, and then Australia permitting the United States to send Australian weapons anywhere”.

    The EOS R400 remote weapon system integrated with the Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. Image: US Army

    Not the first time
     EOS has a history of supplying its remote weapons systems to military regimes accused of extensive war crimes.

    During the catastrophic Yemen war which started in 2014, despite significant evidence of war crimes, EOS sold its weapons systems to both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. EOS enjoyed the full support of the Turnbull coalition government and its defence industry minister Christopher Pyne.

    In early 2019, ABC TV reported, Saudi Arabia awarded Australian weapons manufacturer EOS a contract to supply it with 500 of its R400 Remote Weapons Systems.

    The company has also benefited from the government-industry ‘revolving door’. Former chief of army, Peter Leahy, was on the EOS board from 2009 until late 2022, encompassing the period of the Yemen war. He served as the company’s chair from mid-2021 until his departure.

    The two longest-serving current members of the EOS board are former chief of air force, Geoff Brown (joined 2016) and former Labor senator for the ACT, Kate Lundy (joined 2018).

    The release of a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report in 2023 raised serious concerns about EOS and its Saudi Arabian arms deals.

    HRW’s report revealed that hundreds, possibly thousands, of unarmed migrants and asylum-seekers had been killed at the Yemen-Saudi border in the 15 months between March 2022 and June 2023, allegedly by Saudi officers.

    Human Rights Watch says it identified on Google Earth what looks like “a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle” near a Saudi border guard posts north of the Yemeni refugee trail in January 1, 2023.

    The vehicle has what appears to be “a heavy machine gun mounted in a turret on its roof”. This description closely matches the military equipment that Australia sold to Saudi Arabia a few years earlier.

    Declassified Australia put a number of questions to EOS, the Department of Defence, and the offices of the Prime Minister, the Defence Minister, and the Foreign Minister. None responded to our questions on this matter.

    Michelle Fahy is an independent writer and researcher, specialising in the examination of connections between the weapons industry and government, and has written in various independent publications. She is on X @FahyMichelle, and on Substack at UndueInfluence.substack.com. This article has been republished from Declassified Australia with permission.

    This article was first published on Café Pacific.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Tesla sales fall while its stock rallies – what this tells us about perceptions of Elon Musk

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Akhil Bhardwaj, Associate Professor (Strategy and Organisation), School of Management, University of Bath

    bluestork/Shutterstock

    Electric vehicle maker Tesla recently shared the news of disappointing first-quarter results when its earnings report was weaker than most Wall Street analysts had expected. Tesla’s revenue had tumbled 9% and its profit was down 71%.

    Typically, this would result in a sharp decline in investor confidence and share prices. Tesla’s share prices have indeed dropped over 40% this year. But after the earnings report, Tesla’s stock rallied when CEO Elon Musk vowed to scale back his involvement with the US Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) and focus on Tesla instead.

    He said that he would spend a day or two a week on government matters at president Donald Trump’s request. In any case, Musk is a “special government employee”, which means he can work in that role for 130 days in a year. Assuming his role started on January 20 – Trump’s inauguration day – it would need to be terminated by the end of May had he continued to work five days a week.

    Tesla maintains that the slump in its earnings can be attributed to many factors, including concerns about supply chains and tariffs, as well as energy prices.

    But Musk’s unpopularity has probably affected sales, with his approval among consumers souring. There will be a multitude of factors at play that can explain Tesla’s decline. What is less ambiguous is the response of the market to Musk – just the fact that he said that he would devote time to Tesla rallied the investors.

    Apparently, the boss’s attention is highly valuable. To some extent, this is not surprising – what a CEO (or leader) chooses to focus on and what they ignore sets the tone within a firm.

    That said, it hardly seems to be the case that this is about setting a tone. Rather, the market (or the investors) seems to trust Musk. This is no mean feat for a CEO prone to engage in bluster. This investor trust contrasts with consumer trust and goodwill, which seem to be eroding at the same time.

    Musk has been called an absent CEO and analysts have noted that the demands on his time imply that he cannot be very active in running Tesla. Perhaps that is true.

    Or perhaps Musk thinks that Tesla is too big to fail and will be protected by the US government. Short-term bumps are less relevant for a firm that is pivoting away from its core business, as Tesla now appears to be doing.

    The future for Tesla

    Musk has stated that Tesla is increasingly an AI and robotics company, saying this is where the firm believes the “future lies”.

    Setting aside energy, data is one of the most important resources powering AI. It is the key input for training large language models (LLMs) and machine algorithms.

    The quality of an AI algorithm is directly correlated with the data it trains on. The larger and more diverse the data set, the better (and more lucrative) the AI agent is likely to be. There seems to be substaintial overlap in the data that AI has been trained on, although details are closely guarded.

    In addition, there is a possibility of training data running out, which makes it an even more precious resource.

    Companies from OpenAI to Meta seem to be scraping the internet for the same publicly available information (while apparently ignoring copyright issues). Now Musk seems to have access to an unprecedented amount of data that is not available to his competitors.

    His department at Doge has reportedly pushed for access to sensitive social security information, for example, that includes dates of birth, citizenship status, income, addresses, other tax-related information.

    Musk-owned company xAI launched chatbot Grok in 2023.
    bella1105/Shutterstock

    Musk-owned interests have also developed an LLM chatbot called Grok. And while Musk and his spokespeople deny that they have siphoned data for training AI models, there seems to be some indicators that this could potentially be done.

    It appears that Musk has manoeuvred himself into a position where, despite his unpopularity among car buyers, he can still ensure that his companies will thrive.

    But what does Trump get in return? After all, the president of the US considers himself a dealmaker. At least one analyst has suggested that Musk is the “fall guy” to take the hit when the Doge cuts begin to bite ordinary Americans.

    Regardless, it does appear that some sort of bargain has been struck between Musk and Trump. And it seems to be paying off for Musk – regulations around self-driving cars have been slashed, leading to another surge in the price of Tesla stock.

    Trump has also signed an executive order for AI education in primary and secondary schools. This is sure to increase the size of the market, which is clearly good news for companies in the AI sector.

    It would be foolish to underestimate the world’s richest man or to bet against him. But it’s important not to lionise CEOs to the extent that they become cult figures.

    In the Wealth of Nations, 18th-century Scottish economist Adam Smith made the point that the butcher, brewer and baker do not act from altruism. Instead, it is their own self-interest that puts food and drink on people’s tables. We are far better served keeping that in mind to make sense of the actions of Musk – or the investors in Tesla.

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

    – ref. Tesla sales fall while its stock rallies – what this tells us about perceptions of Elon Musk – https://theconversation.com/tesla-sales-fall-while-its-stock-rallies-what-this-tells-us-about-perceptions-of-elon-musk-255469

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ventotene manifesto: why European politicians are arguing over a 1941 document written by a group of imprisoned Italian antifascists

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Edoardo Vaccari, PhD candidate in International History, London School of Economics and Political Science

    The Trump administration’s decision to distance itself from Nato obligations signals a potential dismantling of the historical transatlantic order – and not merely in military terms. As the United States disengages from European affairs and cuts ties with what secretary of defense Pete Hegseth called Nato’s “pathetic” freeloaders, it is abandoning the principle of international solidarity that had defined American leadership since the second world war and the signing of the Atlantic charter in 1941.

    European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen responded by declaring that “we urgently have to rearm Europe”. Her plan is to enable European Union member states to spend more on their militaries. This turn towards rearmament has revived a debate over the meaning of the European Union, with parties clashing over its foundational commitment to peace and cooperation.

    In Italy, a group of prominent leftwing intellectuals and activists recently organised a pro-European rally in Rome warning against the prioritisation of military rearmament over deeper political integration. The initiative drew around 30,000 people to the capital, with parallel demonstrations held in cities across the country.

    A recurring theme of the day was the invocation of a document published at the same time as the Atlantic charter and long symbolic of European internationalism: the 1941 Ventotene manifesto. Originally titled For a Free and United Europe, the manifesto was written by anti-fascist prisoners Altiero Spinelli and Ernesto Rossi. Contributions came from from fellow anti-fascists Ernesto Colorni and his wife, Ursula Hirschmann, during their internment on the island of Ventotene in the southern Tyrrhenian sea.

    The manifesto called for the creation of a supranational federal state. This, it asserted, was the only way to address the causes of fascism and prevent future wars. It condemned the nation-state system, urged a decisive break with existing political traditions and proposed a revolutionary vanguard to lead Europe toward a new constitutional order. Its authors saw political unification not as a distant ideal but as an urgent necessity in the aftermath of continental collapse.

    Although the postwar European project followed a more incremental path than that envisioned by Rossi and Spinelli, the Ventotene manifesto quietly endured as a touchstone for political federalism and as a seminal text for European integration. It has been invoked by EU leaders such as von der Leyen and former European Commission vice-president Josep Borrell as an ideological compass for the union’s identity.

    For the Italian left, the manifesto holds a dual symbolic significance. It is both a founding document of Europeanism and a symbol of anti-fascist resistance, whose memory is under attack from the right.

    A monument to Altiero Spinelli, author of the Ventotene manifesto, forms part of the the European Union Founders’ Monument in Bucharest.
    Shutterstock/brunocoelho

    This layered significance helps explain the repeated invocation of the manifesto at the Rome rally. Calls for a federal Europe were intertwined with a broader defence of the historical legacy of anti-fascism.

    In a flourish of nostalgic symbolism, the left-leaning newspaper La Repubblica even distributed free copies of the text. Days later, rightwing prime minister Giorgia Meloni denounced the document in parliament as an undemocratic, socialist relic incompatible with her vision of Europe.

    The backlash was swift and theatrical. The left erupted in defence of the manifesto and the president of the European parliament, Roberta Metsola, rushed to cement its place as a foundational text of the EU.

    The debate has taken a curiously historiographical turn. After years of vague and reverential invocation, Meloni’s intervention compelled members of the Italian parliament to publicly discuss the meaning of specific passages from the manifesto, probing their historical context and continued relevance.

    A flood of commentary followed from scholars and public intellectuals. Even oscar-winning director, Roberto Benigni chimed in and meanwhile proclaimed that the EU was “the greatest institutional, political, social, and economic construction of the last five thousand years”.

    However, both sides are getting it wrong. The left, cushioned by EU mythmaking, treats the manifesto like sacred scripture. This reading sidelines its radical ambitions, which went far beyond a generic pro-European stance. Rossi and Spinelli drew on Jacobin and Leninist revolutionary traditions and envisioned a vanguard party of committed federalists to lead a European revolution.

    Meloni, for all her opportunism, wasn’t wrong to highlight that. But she also distorts the manifesto. Her approach is to tear it from its wartime context in order to frame it as authoritarian and anti-democratic. This is part of a broader, ongoing effort to delegitimise the legacy of anti-fascism. Both camps weaponise history in service of their political concerns.

    Europe’s past and future

    The truth is both simpler and more inconvenient. The Ventotene manifesto was a product of its time. It was conceived in near-total isolation and drafted in secrecy on a remote detention island. Rossi and Spinelli envisioned a Europe on the brink of collapse, crushed under the machinery of the Axis powers. They believed that this destruction would create a “revolutionary situation” in which a complete political rebirth could be rapidly enacted.

    As the war drew to a close and the old parties reemerged, Rossi and Spinelli recognised that a swift revolutionary coup was unfeasible. They set the manifesto aside and instead launched the European Federalist Movement as an advocacy platform. What they did not renounce, however, was their ultimate goal: the creation of the “United States of Europe”. Spinelli, in particular, devoted the rest of his life to campaigning for this vision.

    Democracy in decline? The risk and rise of authoritarianism

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    Get tickets here

    Europe has moved toward deeper integration but not towards a full realisation of Spinelli’s federal dream. Leaders like von der Leyen and Borrell invoke the manifesto more for its symbolic weight than its ideas, repurposing it to suit current agendas.

    As a result, the manifesto is being diluted of its historical significance. Rather than continue to mythologise it, we should allow the manifesto to take its place alongside other historically significant texts. We should shift focus to actionable plans for the political challenges that lie ahead.

    This matters because the debate won’t stay in Italy. As Europe inches into a new era of rearmament, political unity is increasingly urgent. Beneath the quarrel lies a deeper question: should European rearmament proceed as a pragmatic response to security challenges, with individual nations acting alone, or should it be guided by a more ambitious internationalist vision?

    The Ventotene manifesto, for all its historical relevance and foresight, offers no roadmap for this moment. Paths to integration exist, from technical treaty reform to a more ambitious constitutional overhaul. That could involve drafting a new foundational charter for a federal union. But these paths require clarity, courage, and honesty – qualities Altiero Spinelli and Ernesto Rossi had in abundance.

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

    – ref. Ventotene manifesto: why European politicians are arguing over a 1941 document written by a group of imprisoned Italian antifascists – https://theconversation.com/ventotene-manifesto-why-european-politicians-are-arguing-over-a-1941-document-written-by-a-group-of-imprisoned-italian-antifascists-255237

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: William Morris: new exhibition reveals how Britain’s greatest designer went viral

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Marcus Waithe, Professor of Literature and the Applied Arts, University of Cambridge

    Hadrian Garrard, the curator of Morris Mania – an innovative exhibition now showing at the William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow, east London – tells the story of being in King’s Cross Station and spotting someone wheeling a shopping trolley covered in a plasticised Morris pattern. It reminded me of the time when a student thanked me for my teaching with a pair of Morris-themed flip-flops.

    Mugs, tea towels, notepads, handbags and all manner of other incongruous objects make up this world of Morris merchandise. Much of it is made in China and remote from the purposes William Morris had in mind. How did this Victorian designer and socialist, known for championing craftsmanship and preferring substance over style, become an icon of consumer culture?

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    The exhibition’s tagline – How Britain’s Greatest Designer Went Viral – makes good sense. It’s not just that Morris stages an escape from the Victorian decorative world, but that his art proliferates in uncontrolled ways. The walk from Walthamstow station lays the groundwork in this regard: exhibition posters in shop windows, end-of-terrace murals and even the civic architecture, speak of something leaking from the gallery walls.

    The first display in the exhibition tell the story of how we got here. Morris began spreading thanks to the commissions he received from aristocratic and royal clients. They were drawn to the medieval ethos of his work, and its rejection of industrialism in the arts. An important early contract was for the interiors at St James’s Palace.

    But these establishment associations soon morphed and mutated, first among the English middle classes, who welcomed Morris’s designs into their suburban villas despite his new fondness for revolution, and then more remotely: one photograph shows Morris-patterned walls at St Peterburg’s Winter Palace, taken shortly after the Bolsheviks stormed the building. The socialism as it were, is turned inside out.

    The earliest Morris merchandise was printed for a centenary exhibition at the V&A Museum in 1934. One of its patterned postcards appears in a display case, the souvenir of Morris’s own daughter, May, whose handwriting is on the back. In 1966, Morris’s designs went out of copyright, marking a watershed. Pop Victoriana and Laura Ashley floral dresses depended on it for their reproductive freedoms.

    George Harrison’s “golden lily” jacket, from the Chelsea boutique Granny Takes a Trip, stands out as a poignant example of the ways in which Morris was recut and repurposed for the counterculture.

    Morris’s “rose” pattern proves a particularly intrepid traveller, as the design chosen for the officers’ cushions on HMS Valliant, an early nuclear-powered submarine. Its onboard domesticity blends curiously with the menace of its mission.

    Three turning points prepare us for the newest forms of Morris mania. The V&A’s 1996 exhibition repopularised Morris’s work, and thanks to new digital technology, its merchandise included printed mugs.

    Then, in 2001, the British government instructed public collections to open their doors for free. In search of new income streams, museums turned to selling themed objects through their shops. The rise of China as a manufacturing hub complemented this emphasis – less by revolutionising working conditions and democratising design, as Morris had hoped, than with a flood of cheaply produced goods.

    Beyond this revealing timeline, what really impresses is the exhibition’s care in preserving distinctions. It’s particularly careful to show that going viral need not mean selling out. From Nanjing – a major centre of Chinese manufacturing – comes a poster for the 2023 exhibition Beyond William Morris at the Nanjing Museum. It attracted over a million visitors, reminding us that behind the merchandise are new wells of love and respect.

    Something similar applies at the level of making. For every sweatshop Hello Kitty, the same character appears in a beautifully crafted yukata (a casual kimono) in Liberty fabrics made in Japan.

    A Brompton Bike hangs from the wall – manufactured in London, and sporting a handsome “willow bough” livery. Likewise, a neon “strawberry thief” motif, made at Walthamstow’s God’s Own Junk Yard, rekindles the embers of local production. This emphasis extends to the exhibition’s own making. A film documents the weaving of the Axminster carpet that furnishes the main room. Even the labels were dyed by hand with weld, a natural pigment whose use Morris revived.

    In these ways, the exhibition champions ethical and bespoke production, while confronting the darker currents that move objects around our world. It also stays curious enough to push further by exploring the kitsch new frontier of “Morris” patterns generated by AI, or by populating a Victorian dresser with “crowdsourced” Morris bric-a-brac.

    There might have been more space to consider why the surface effects of pattern travel so readily, and to quote Morris’s writings on the subject. But much of that is implicit and there for audiences to follow up.

    Morris Mania excels by nurturing the joy behind all this promiscuous growth. Most pleasingly, that trolley from King’s Cross makes a reappearance, dressed here in an AI-adapted “strawberry thief”, courtesy of Sholley Trolleys, Clacton-on-Sea. Just like Morris himself, it was made in Essex.

    Morris Mania: How Britain’s Greatest Designer Went Viral is at the William Morris Gallery until September 21 2025.

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

    – ref. William Morris: new exhibition reveals how Britain’s greatest designer went viral – https://theconversation.com/william-morris-new-exhibition-reveals-how-britains-greatest-designer-went-viral-254761

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA sincerely thanks United States for condemning China’s misuse of UNGA Resolution 2758 for first time at UN Security Council

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA sincerely thanks United States for condemning China’s misuse of UNGA Resolution 2758 for first time at UN Security Council

    • Date：2025-04-24
    • Data Source：Department of International Organizations

    April 24, 2025 

    No. 117 

    At a United Nations Security Council meeting on April 23, the United States severely condemned China for misusing UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 in its attempts to isolate Taiwan, mischaracterize other countries’ policies, and constrain their choices. The United States also reiterated that the resolution did not preclude Taiwan’s participation in the UN system or other multilateral fora. This is the second time that the current US administration has spoken up for Taiwan at the United Nations, following its public statement rejecting China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758 at a meeting of the World Health Organization Executive Board in February. This is also the first time that the United States has clearly expressed its position on the resolution at the UN Security Council, which is of great significance.

     

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung thanks the Trump administration for staunchly supporting Taiwan’s efforts to participate in the international arena and for denouncing China’s relentless attempts to suppress Taiwan’s sovereign status and international participation by maliciously distorting UNGA Resolution 2758. The Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country, and neither Taiwan nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. This is the objective reality across the Taiwan Strait and an internationally recognized fact. UNGA Resolution 2758 makes absolutely no mention of Taiwan, nor does it state that Taiwan is part of the PRC. Only Taiwan’s democratically elected government can represent its 23 million people in the United Nations system and other international organizations. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement between PRC and Azerbaijan

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement between PRC and Azerbaijan

    • Date：2025-04-24
    • Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

    April 24, 2025  

      

    Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev visited China from April 22 to 24. Following a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on April 23, the two sides issued a joint statement on the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership. Among other spurious content, the statement falsely claimed that Taiwan was an inalienable part of Chinese territory.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly condemns the Chinese government for continuing to issue preposterous pronouncements that aim to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty on the international stage. It also expresses deep regret at the Azerbaijani government’s submission to, and compliance with, authoritarian China. 

    MOFA reaffirms that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is an independent, sovereign country and that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the Chinese Communist Party-governed People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. No statement intended to distort Taiwan’s sovereign status or undermine international peace and stability can alter the internationally recognized status quo across the Taiwan Strait.

    MOFA calls on the international community to recognize China’s authoritarian nature, as well as its efforts to deceitfully frame the issue of Taiwan as being a domestic matter and block international support for Taiwan. It also urges the international community to continue to respond with concrete action and clearly oppose China’s malicious attempts to alter the status quo across the Taiwan Strait so as to help jointly maintain peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign Minister Lin concludes successful visit to Eswatini, elevating bilateral relations to new heights

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    Foreign Minister Lin concludes successful visit to Eswatini, elevating bilateral relations to new heights

    • Date：2025-04-27
    • Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

    April 27, 2025  

    No. 122  

    On April 26, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, serving as a special presidential envoy, successfully completed a five-day visit to Eswatini and returned to Taiwan.

    On the final day of the trip, Special Envoy Lin announced that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would cooperate with Big Game Parks, an Eswatini wildlife conservation organization, and contribute one million emalangeni to assist the protection of rhinoceros habitat. The donation was witnessed by Eswatini Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu and Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane. In a gesture symbolizing the friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini, Special Envoy Lin named a newborn baby rhino in the national park Formosa. The announcement represented a further expansion of the scope of bilateral collaboration into the sphere of preserving ecological diversity.

    In his remarks, Special Envoy Lin thanked Big Game Parks for its contributions to conservation. He said that Taiwan attached great importance to biodiversity and understood that every species played an indispensable role in human survival. Special Envoy Lin explained that as well as prioritizing conservation work, the government of Taiwan had also enacted the Wildlife Conservation Act and incorporated the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora into national law. He added that Taiwan had worked hard to protect plants and animals at home and abroad to stop illegal exploitation of natural resources. Looking ahead, Special Envoy Lin said he hoped Taiwan and Eswatini would continue to jointly engage in related efforts.

    Acting on behalf of President Lai Ching-te, Special Envoy Lin led a large delegation including industry representatives to Eswatini from April 21 to 26 to join celebrations for the 57th birthday of King Mswati III. The visit demonstrated Taiwan’s high regard for Eswatini and further deepened the cordial relations and constructive cooperation between the two countries. 

    During the trip, Special Envoy Lin had audiences with the king and queen mother of Eswatini and met with other senior officials including the prime minister and foreign minister. He discussed bilateral cooperation plans and signed memorandums and joint statements that covered areas such as providing medical care, building 5G infrastructure, countering disinformation, and conserving wildlife. Special Envoy Lin also visited the referral and emergency complex and operating theater of Mbabane Government Hospital, which were built with assistance from Taiwan, as well as a factory that receives investment from local Taiwanese businesspeople.

    The successful trip further strengthened Taiwan-Eswatini diplomatic ties, broadened cooperation between the two nations, demonstrated Taiwan’s active contributions to the international community, and laid even more solid foundations for the countries to progress toward common prosperity. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA demands Somali government immediately revoke notification to airline operators not to accept Taiwan passport for travel to Somalia

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA demands Somali government immediately revoke notification to airline operators not to accept Taiwan passport for travel to Somalia

    • Date：2025-04-29
    • Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

    April 29, 2025  

    No. 128  

    The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) on April 22 issued a notification to all airline operators and stakeholders that, starting from April 30, passports and related travel documents issued by Taiwan and its subordinate authorities could no longer be used to enter, exit, or transit through Somalia. The SCAA stated that the Somali government’s decision was made in line with the “one China principle” based on United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758. 

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly protests Somalia’s imposition of restrictions on Taiwan nationals’ freedom and safety of travel at China’s instigation. It demands that the government of Somalia immediately revoke this notification. MOFA also solemnly refutes and strongly condemns the Somali government’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758, conflation of the resolution with the so-called “one China principle,” and propagation of the falsehood that Taiwan is subordinate to the People’s Republic of China.

    MOFA and the Taiwan Representative Office in the Republic of Somaliland as well as the government of Somaliland have jointly requested that like-minded nations and international organizations take concrete steps to press for the abjuration of this wrongful action. To ensure Taiwan nationals’ travel safety and convenience, MOFA reminds them not to travel to either Somalia or Somaliland until the Somali government revokes the notification.

    Since declaring independence in 1991, Somaliland has held four presidential elections. It enjoys political stability and a deepening democracy. Somaliland and Taiwan are like-minded countries that uphold freedom and democracy. The Somali government controls Somaliland’s airspace, and its crass efforts to halt interactions between peoples of democratic nations have a deleterious effect on the situation in the Horn of Africa. MOFA will provide timely updates should there be subsequent developments. (E) 

    MIL OSI China News –