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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: NIH, CMS Partner to Advance Understanding of Autism Through Secure Access to Select Medicare and Medicaid Data

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2

    News Release
    Wednesday, May 7, 2025

    The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced a landmark partnership to enable NIH to build a real-world data platform enabling advanced research across claims data, electronic medical records, and consumer wearables.
    This partnership will focus first on enabling research around the root causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In the long term, the partnership will link real-world data, in a manner consistent with applicable privacy laws to protect Americans’ sensitive health information, for research on chronic conditions—a core priority of President Trump and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
    “We’re using this partnership to uncover the root causes of autism and other chronic diseases,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We’re pulling back the curtain—with full transparency and accountability—to deliver the honest answers families have waited far too long to hear.”
    CMS and NIH will start this partnership by establishing a data use agreement under CMS’ Research Data Disclosure Program focused on Medicare and Medicaid enrollees with a diagnosis of ASD. Using ASD as the pilot research program, teams at CMS and NIH will establish a secure tech-enabled mechanism to enhance this data sharing with timely, privacy and security compliant data exchange. This pilot research program will inform continued development of a landmark NIH platform to ultimately be used by researchers in understanding healthcare utilization, chronic disease etiology and treatment, and the economic burden of chronic conditions.
    “This partnership is an important step in our commitment to unlocking the power of real-world data to inform public health decisions and improve lives,” said NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya. “Linking CMS claims data with a secure real-world NIH data platform, fully compliant with privacy and security laws, will unlock landmark research into the complex factors that drive autism and chronic disease – ultimately delivering superior health outcomes to the Americans we serve.”
    Researchers will focus on:

    Autism diagnosis trends over time
    Health outcomes from specific medical and behavioral interventions
    Access to care and disparities by demographics and geography
    The economic burden on families and healthcare systems

    With ASD prevalence now affecting 1 in 31 children in the United States, and with more than 25% of those individuals experiencing profound or severe autism, the need for multi-source, real-world data insights have never been more urgent.
    “This joint effort aligns with our shared goal of fostering innovation to improve Americans’ lives while safeguarding patient privacy,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “I look forward to working with Dr. Bhattacharya on this critical project.”
    About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
    NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to ARIA’s announcement on research projects in the Exploring Climate Cooling programme

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    May 7, 2025

    Scientists comment on new research projects as part of ARIA’s Exploring Climate Cooling programme. 

    Prof Stuart Haszeldine, Professor of Carbon Capture and Storage, School of School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, said:

    “Humans are losing the battle against climate change.  Engineering cooling is necessary because in spite of measurements and meetings and international treaties during the past 70 years, the annual emissions of greenhouse gases have continued to increase.  The world is heading towards heating greater than any time in our civilisation.

    “Many natural processes are reaching a tipping point, where the earth may jump into a different pattern of behaviour.  Geological records of the past 20,000 years around the UK and globally show that rapid changes can happen within a few years and can take tens to hundreds of years to recover.

    “Natural processes can cool the climate, notably volcanic eruptions can place tiny rock particles and sulphur gases high into the stratosphere.  In the geological and recent past, these have cooled earth temperatures by 1 or 2 degrees C for 2 to 5 years.  The scientific understanding of short timescale earth behaviour is not yet good enough to make reliable predictions.  So research is needed, together with testing of remedies in the real world not just in laboratories.

    “Projects in geo-engineering will be subject to unusually strong and transparent governance.  Strong public reactions have resulted from previous investigations.  And novel and appropriate communication is especially needed, to explain to citizens in urban and remote communities how and why this work is necessary.

    “In a world before satellites and computer models for weather forecasting – the best that humans could do was appeal to the weather gods.  Or look out of the window to watch the rainstorm approach.  Or the drought continue.  Now humans need more information to work out how the climate, not just the imminent weather, can be predicted and managed.  Before making big interventions, it’s necessary to make sure the modelling works in controlled experiments.  And also to understand who could be winners or losers during global geo-engineering.  Ignoring the problem is not an answer to a situation which humans have created.”

     

    Dr Naomi Vaughan, Associate Professor of Climate Change, Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, UEA, said:

    Question: Lots of scientists, including many who research SRM, say they don’t want it to ever have to be deployed.  Why is that?

    “SRM methods do not address the causes of climate change – SRM methods seek to cool the climate by reflecting more sunlight back to space to offset the warming we are causing by increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere that come from the burning of coal, oil and gas and deforestation.

    “Deployment is a major issue for SRM ideas, because the way that SRM balances out the warming we’ve caused is not a perfect offset.  Deploying SRM would create a new risk to global society – the risk of stopping the SRM whilst greenhouse gas concentrations were still high, as it would cause very rapid warming.  To stop SRM once it had been deployed safely, would require global society to reach net zero emissions and pay to remove large amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere.

    “It’s for these reasons that many scientists are cautious about SRM research because of how it could be used or misused in the future.”

     

    Dr Phil Williamson, Honorary Associate Professor, UEA, said:

    “The ARIA research programme focuses on technical capabilities for five specific cooling approaches.  Progress will undoubtedly be made, with one or more indicating that we could abandon net-zero knowing there would be a safety net to avoid climate catastrophe.  Yet the most crucial component of the initiative is the one concerning ethics and governance: is there any chance at all that there could ever be international agreement on such action?  In our divided world, the answer is no.  We would then be faced with the intolerable situation of the global climate being controlled by the most powerful nations (maybe our friends, maybe our foes) with scant regard for worldwide human rights, despite ARIA’s stated concerns regarding “impacts on the Global South”.”

     

    Prof Mike Hulme, Professor of Human Geography, University of Cambridge, said:

    “£57m is a huge amount of tax-payers money to be spent on this assortment of speculative technologies intended to manipulate the Earth’s climate.  I say this because these technologies will always remain speculative, and unproven in the real world, until they are deployed at scale.  Just because they “work” in a model, or at a micro-scale in the lab or the sky, does not mean they will cool climate safely, without unwanted side-effects, in the real world.  There is therefore no way that this research can demonstrate that the technologies are safe, successful or reversible.  The UK Government is leading the world down what academic analysts call ‘the slippery slope’ towards eventual dangerous large-scale deployment of solar geoengineering technologies.  This is public money that would be far better invested in enhancing technologies to reduce dependence on fossil fuels or to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.”

     

     

     

    https://www.aria.org.uk/opportunity-spaces/future-proofing-our-climate-and-weather/exploring-climate-cooling

     

     

    Declared interests

    Prof Stuart Haszeldine: “Stuart Haszeldine has no competing interests.  His research on climate engineering is not funded by ARIA, or UKRI or commercial companies.”

    Dr Naomi Vaughan: “No industry links.  I worked on a NERC-funded geoengineering research project, which included SRM, in 2010-2014.”

    Dr Phil Williamson: “Formerly employed by Natural Environment Research Council, including as Science Coordinator of UK Greenhouse Gas Removal Programme (2016-2020); now retired, with no external funding.  Lead author of two reports (2012, 2016) on Climate Geoengineering for UN Convention on Biological Diversity.”

    Prof Mike Hulme: “I am a signatory to the international Solar Geoengineering Non-Use Agreement: https://www.solargeoeng.org/.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth to Trump’s VA Secretary: Your Work to Rehire Veterans Crisis Line Workers You Wrongly Fired Is Not Complete

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    May 07, 2025
    Senator criticized Sec. Collins for erroneously firing workers with Veterans Crisis Line without cause, jeopardizing the lives of Veterans who depend on it
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – As Donald Trump and Elon Musk continue their all-out assault against the VA and the brave Veterans it serves, today combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (SVAC)—called out VA Secretary Doug Collins for erroneously firing 24 probationary employees with the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL)—employees who help provide life-saving care and critical resources needed by Veterans in their darkest moments. While the VA may have reinstated some workers, Duckworth made it clear at today’s SVAC hearing that every position at the VCL is mission-critical and none of the fired or rehired workers should have been fired in the first place. The Senator also highlighted that the lack of transparency surrounding these VCL firings in the wake of mass layoffs underscores the urgent need for greater oversight from Congress. Duckworth’s full remarks can be found on the Senator’s YouTube.
    “While I’m relieved Secretary Collins is finally telling the truth and acknowledging that that Veteran Crisis Line employees were fired—and that this was due to his incompetence, not malicious intent—Secretary Collins himself acknowledged that as of today, he has still failed to reinstate all probationary employees, while conveniently refusing to disclose exactly how many wrongfully terminated VA civil servants are still waiting to get back to work serving our Veterans,” said Duckworth. “The firing of these mission-critical employees was shrouded in a lack of transparency that cannot be tolerated. If Secretary Collins wants to make cuts to the Veterans Crisis Line, he should report them to Congress so we can ensure these cuts won’t weaken the VCL’s mission. The lives of our Veterans in crisis depend on this lifeline—and I’ll keep pushing to defend it.”
    Duckworth has been a fierce leader and advocate for VA staff and Veteran Crisis Line (VCL) workers in the wake of the disastrous Trump-Musk layoffs at the VA. Last week, Duckworth slammed a senior official from the VA after he failed to publicly commit to rehiring VCL workers who were wrongfully fired in Trump-Musk layoffs.
    After the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate purge of Veterans and VA employees, including staff who help operate the VCL, Duckworth led her fellow Democratic colleagues in demanding answers from Trump and VA Secretary Doug Collins on exactly who was impacted—requesting a list of public answers detailing the specific job categories that were impacted, how many of those fired were Veterans and more. After the first purge at VA laid off workers with the VCL—including several Veterans—Duckworth successfully pushed the Trump Administration to reinstate these devoted public servants that work to support our Veterans in their darkest moments.
    Last month, Duckworth introduced a resolution to condemn the Trump-Musk layoffs and demand the immediate reinstatement of all Veteran federal employees illegally and indiscriminately fired since Trump took office. Ultimately, Republicans blocked the resolution.
    Pushing for this resolution came after Duckworth and U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) introduced their Protect Veteran Jobs Act last month, legislation that would reinstate the thousands of Veterans who were fired in the Trump-Musk layoffs. Duckworth and Kim subsequently introduced their legislation as an amendment to Republicans’ slush fund continuing resolution. Republicans shamefully blocked it from passing.
    In February, Duckworth also joined SVAC Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and a group of 34 Democratic Senators calling on VA Secretary Collins to immediately reinstate the more than 1,000 VA employees terminated earlier that month who serve Veterans and their families nationwide, including critical employees addressing Veteran suicide working at the Veterans Crisis Line.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: LPL Financial Welcomes Women-Led West Texas Investments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial LLC announced today that financial advisors Stephanie Stewart, Debra Hedgcoth, CFP®, RICP®, and Madison Wentland, CPA, of West Texas Investments have joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) and custodial platforms. They reported serving approximately $170 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets* and join LPL from B. Riley Wealth Advisors, Inc.

    Based in Lubbock, Texas, Stewart founded West Texas Investments in 2012 with her late partner, David Barber. Hedgcoth joined the team in 2018 following a 25-year career with the IRS, and Wentland joined two years later in 2019. With more than 40 years of combined industry experience, the all-female team takes a holistic and team approach to helping clients work towards their fiscal goals.

    “We understand that finances are a deeply personal topic, and we use a ‘Discover, Design and Deliver’ approach to help our clients pursue their financial goals,” Hedgcoth said. “First, we take the time to understand our clients’ dreams, goals and values. Then we work with them to design a financial plan with those in mind. After we share their customized plan, we work with them every step of the way, making changes as necessary, to help them work towards realizing their short- and long-term financial vision.”

    Looking to enhance their offerings and provide an elevated client experience, the West Texas Investments team turned to LPL.

    “I was taught that you design your own life, and part of that means working towards a future that aligns with your values and aspirations. Moving our business to LPL will help us achieve that goal,” Wentland said. “With LPL’s impressive integrated and streamlined technology and their extensive back-office services, like Marketing and Paraplanning Solutions, I am confident we will be able to provide our clients with a next-level customer experience.”

    Stewart added, “Our transition to LPL has been seamless, and I have been impressed with the constant communication and step-by-step instructions we’ve received from our transition team as we move our accounts over and answer our clients’ questions. It’s been a best-in-class experience.”

    Scott Posner, LPL Managing Director, Business Development, said, “We welcome Stephanie, Debra and Madison to LPL and look forward to helping them with this next chapter of their business. Just as the West Texas Investments team walks in lockstep with their clients to help them meet their goals, we are committed to helping our advisors differentiate themselves and enhance the client experience. We look forward to supporting the West Texas Investments team for years to come.”

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

    About LPL Financial

    LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace, LPL supports nearly 29,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,200 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $1.7 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of approximately 6 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit www.lpl.com.

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

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

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

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

    Media Contact: 
    Media.relations@LPLFinancial.com 

    Tracking #734052

    The MIL Network –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [ALPHA GROUP INTERNATIONAL PLC – 06 05 2025] – (CGAML)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 ALPHA GROUP INTERNATIONAL PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 06 MAY 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 0.2p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 1,502,500 3.5460    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 1,502,500 3.5460    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    0.2p ORDINARY SALE 5,000 2890p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 07 MAY 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Introducing the Wix Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server for Seamless AI-Driven Web App Development

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    With Wix MCP Server, users can leverage natural language prompts to seamlessly connect Wix’s comprehensive business functionality with their preferred compatible AI-powered tools, enabling them to build custom experiences on top of Wix or manage their Wix-based business

    NEW YORK – Wix.com Ltd. (NASDAQ: WIX), the leading SaaS website builder platform globally, today announced the launch of the Wix Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server. This enables anyone—from developers to business owners— to deliver production-ready Wix business solutions seamlessly through AI coding assistants and LLMs, ensuring they can generate code for a vast array of needs and manage Wix businesses using natural language. 

    The Wix MCP Server provides access to a wide range of Wix’s business solution functionalities, enabling users to manage their Wix-based business and generate code through AI assistants including Claude, Cursor, and Windsurf. Whether it’s a developer building a custom integration or a business owner chatting with Claude, the MCP provides the context and intelligence to get things done without coding or manual setup required. These powerful tools include inventory management, staff scheduling, secure checkouts, ticketing, a flexible CMS, and more. It also offers built-in CRM capabilities to capture and manage leads, such as  through forms, and comes with comprehensive back-office management as part of the Wix ecosystem, making it a robust platform for running, integrating, and building various aspects of your business.

    The Wix MCP Server is  a bridge between MCP-compatible AI clients and Wix’s robust headless infrastructure simply by using natural language prompts. Developers can operate directly from familiar Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), minimizing the need for manual integration and extensive documentation. Moreover, it is designed to cater to various user groups, including freelance web developers, agency teams, in-house development specialists, and AI automation experts.

    “We continue to invest in tools for developers, building on the momentum of our launch of Wix Studio. The addition of the Wix MCP Server expands this offering, making our powerful business solutions even more accessible to developers through instant, effective tools backed by Wix’s enterprise-grade infrastructure. This framework not only enhances productivity but also provides access to a wide variety of APIs and services, enabling the creation of seamless, cross-vertical solutions such as integrated commerce, blogs, scheduling, and events,” said Yaniv Even Haim, CTO at Wix. “As we step into the world of LLM-powered code generation, the quality and completeness of our APIs become one of our most important assets. Developers can now easily generate code that seamlessly integrates with Wix’s infrastructure, ensuring efficiency and reliability. This empowers them to provide secure, scalable solutions for their clients while harnessing the full potential of Wix’s headless platform. This initiative underscores the importance of continuing our efforts to open more APIs and enhance our documentation, marking just the beginning of a larger strategy to facilitate AI disruption within the industry.” 

    Wix will demonstrate the capabilities of the Wix MCP Server for payments at today’s Stripe Sessions. Developers will see firsthand how to generate reliable code for fully functional payment solutions using LLMs, creating a complete service website that accepts online payments via credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay through Wix Payments and Stripe.

    Developers can start coding with the MCP at no cost with the option to upgrade to a Premium Plan for extended functionality for business operations including accepting online payments.  Learn more about the Wix MCP here.

    About Wix.com Ltd.
    Wix is the leading SaaS website builder platform1 to create, manage and grow a digital presence. Founded  in 2006, Wix is a comprehensive platform providing users – self-creators, agencies, enterprises, and more – with industry-leading performance, security, AI capabilities and a reliable infrastructure. Offering a wide range of commerce and business solutions, advanced SEO and marketing tools, the platform enables users to take full ownership of their brand, their data and their relationships with their customers. With a focus on continuous innovation and delivery of new features and products, users can seamlessly build a powerful and high-end digital presence for themselves or their clients. 

    For more about Wix, please visit our Press Room
    Media Relations Contact:  PR@wix.com  

    1 Based on number of active live sites as reported by competitors’ figures, independent third-party data and internal data as of H1 2024.

    Attachments

    • Wix_ MCP_01
    • Wix_ MCP_02

    The MIL Network –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: VERB CEO Rory J. Cutaia Interview Live from the Floor of the NY Stock Exchange on Cheddar TV’s Power Players

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Verb Technology Company, Inc. (Nasdaq: VERB) (“VERB” or the “Company”), Transforming the Landscape of Social Commerce, Social Telehealth and Social Crowdfunding with MARKET.live, VANITYPrescribed, GoodGirlRx, and the GO FUND YOURSELF TV Show, today announced that CEO Rory J. Cutaia was featured on Cheddar TV’s Power Players live from the floor of the NY Stock Exchange on an episode that airs Friday, May 9, 2025, at 8PM ET.

    Hosted by J.D. Durkin, Power Players dives deep with business leaders to uncover the motivations, strategies, and defining decisions that shape today’s most influential companies. In this segment, Cutaia discusses his motivation for creating the innovative crowd funding TV show GO FUND YOURSELF, VERB’s original television series that blends real-time interactivity with investment access and product discovery — ushering in a new era for retail investing and consumer engagement, currently airing its first season on Cheddar TV. He will also provide a candid look into VERB’s ambitious growth plans — including its recent acquisition of Lyvecom, the popular new AI technology social commerce innovator for big brands.

    Here’s a sneak peek at the segment on Cheddar.com.

    Broadcast Information
    Power Players featuring Rory J. Cutaia
    Friday, May 9, 2025, at 8PM ET on Cheddar TV
    Encore presentations to air throughout the weekend and following week.

    About VERB
    Verb Technology Company, Inc. (Nasdaq: VERB), is transforming the landscape of social commerce, social telehealth and social crowdfunding with MARKET.live, LyveCom, VANITYPrescribed, GoodGirlRx, and the GO FUND YOURSELF TV Show. The Company operates multiple business units, each of which leverages the Company’s social commerce technology and video marketing expertise.
    MARKET.live, together with recently acquired AI social commerce technology innovator LyveCom, is a multi-vendor, livestream social shopping platform that allows brands and merchants to deliver a true omnichannel livestream shopping experience across their own websites, apps, and social platforms. Advanced AI capabilities power real-time user-generated-content creation, automated video content repurposing for high conversion video ads, and AI-powered virtual live shopping hosts that are virtually indistinguishable from human hosts, capable of real-time audience engagement. Brands utilize the Company’s proprietary AI model trained on tens of thousands of video commerce interactions to automate content creation and intelligent tools designed to optimize merchandising strategies and increase conversion rates. 
    GO FUND YOURSELF TV show is a revolutionary interactive social crowd funding platform for public and private companies seeking broad-based exposure for their crowd-funded Regulation CF and Regulation A offerings. The platform combines a ground-breaking interactive national TV show with MARKET.live’s back-end capabilities allowing viewers to tap, scan or click on their screen to facilitate an investment, in real time, as they watch companies presenting before the show’s panel of “Titans”. Presenting companies that sell consumer products are able to offer their products directly to viewers during the show in real time through shoppable onscreen icons.
    VANITYPrescribed.com and GoodGirlRx.com are telehealth portals, intended to redefine telehealth by offering a seamless, digital-first experience that empowers individuals to take control of their healthcare needs. They were designed and developed to disrupt the traditional healthcare model by providing tailored healthcare solutions at affordable, fixed prices – without hidden fees, membership costs, or inflated pharmaceutical markups. GoodGirlRx.com, a partnership with Savannah Chrisley, a well-known lifestyle personality and advocate for health and wellness, offers customers access to convenient, no-hassle telehealth services and pharmaceuticals, including the new weight-loss drugs, with fixed pricing regardless of dosage, breaking away from the industry’s traditional model of excessive pricing and pharmaceutical gatekeeping.
    The Company is headquartered in Las Vegas, NV and operates full-service production and creator studios in the Los Angeles, California vicinity.
    For more information, please visit: www.verb.tech

    Follow VERB here:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VerbTechCo

    X: https://twitter.com/VerbTech_Co

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/verb-tech

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0eCb_fwQlwEG3ywHDJ4_KQ

    Sign up for E-mail Alerts here: https://ir.verb.tech/news-events/email-alerts

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    Statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “designed,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “should” and other comparable terms. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding VERB’s intentions, beliefs, projections, outlook, analyses or current expectations and the other risk factors and other cautionary statements included in VERB’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and its subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including subsequent periodic reports on Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. All forward-looking statements made in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on management’s assumptions and estimates as of such date. Except as required by law, VERB undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events, changed conditions or otherwise after the date of this press release.

    Investor Relations Contact: investors@verb.tech
    Media Contact: info@verb.tech

    The MIL Network –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Fortinet Expands Hybrid Mesh Firewall Portfolio with FortiGate 700G

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SUNNYVALE, Calif., May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Fortinet® (NASDAQ: FTNT), the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, today announced the FortiGate 700G series, a next-generation firewall (NGFW) purpose-built for the modern campus. Powered by Fortinet’s proprietary Network Processor 7 (NP7), Security Processor 5 (SP5) ASIC, and FortiOS, Fortinet’s unified operating system, the FortiGate 700G series delivers up to 7x higher firewall throughput, 4x better threat protection, and 7x lower power consumption than competitor offerings. With support for advanced networking, FortiGuard AI-Powered Security Services, and new FortiOS enhancements, including post-quantum cryptography readiness, FortiAI-Protect for AI-driven threat detection, and generative AI (GenAI) risk assessment, the FortiGate 700G helps organizations reduce risk, optimize performance, and future-proof hybrid IT environments.

    “With the FortiGate 700G series, we’re delivering more than just industry-leading performance that customers have come to expect from Fortinet—we’re equipping organizations with advanced capabilities to stay ahead of current and emerging cyberthreats,” said Nirav Shah, Senior Vice President, Products and Solutions, at Fortinet. “From AI-powered threat detection and GenAI risk mitigation with FortiAI-Protect to post-quantum cryptography readiness built into FortiOS, this new next-generation firewall series helps our customers consolidate infrastructure, reduce cyber risk, and confidently build for the future.”

    FortiGate 700G: Industry-leading Performance with AI-Powered Security
    Today’s enterprises are under pressure to scale operations, secure expanding attack surfaces, and manage increasingly sophisticated cyberthreats while reducing costs and maintaining efficiency. The FortiGate 700G series is engineered to meet these demands, offering:

    • Unmatched performance and security: Delivering 7x higher firewall throughput (164 Gbps) and 4x better threat protection (26 Gbps) than the industry average, the FortiGate 700G series ensures businesses maintain high-speed, secure operations.
    • Energy resilience through ultra-efficient design: The FortiGate 700G series enables continuous security even in energy-constrained or sustainability-focused environments. Consuming 7x fewer watts per Gbps than the industry average, the FortiGate 700G series sets the standard for energy efficiency and significantly reduces operational costs.
    • Enhanced threat detection and response with AI-powered security: As attackers increasingly weaponize AI and automate cyberattacks, FortiGuard AI-Powered Security Services, enhanced by FortiAI-Protect, enables organizations to detect and block emerging, unknown, and increasingly sophisticated threats. FortiAI-Protect also delivers contextual risk assessments and enforces access controls for third-party GenAI applications, providing visibility into shadow AI usage across business groups and helping improve the overall data security posture of organizations.
    • Post-quantum cryptography readiness: New FortiOS capabilities help protect sensitive data against quantum-era threats by enabling quantum-resistant encryption, algorithm stacking for enhanced protection, and a seamless transition to post-quantum security, ideal for organizations in finance, healthcare, government, and other sectors handling long-term sensitive information.
    • Support for a wide range of network interfaces, ranging from 5GE to 25GE: Ensuring the flexibility to connect various devices and topologies, the FortiGate 700G series enables organizations to seamlessly adapt to developing technologies and accommodate future upgrades without costly overhauls.
    • Deeper protections for critical system files: FortiSentry is a unique out-of-band hardware module that provides continuous, non-intrusive file-system monitoring, adding another layer of protection to detect and prevent unauthorized access to critical system files.
    Specification FortiGate
    700G
    series    		 Security
    Compute
    Rating    		 Industry
    Average    		 Palo Alto
    Networks
    PA-3410
    series    		 Check
    Point
    6700    		 Cisco
    Secure
    Firewall
    3110
    Firewall Throughput 164 Gbps 7x 23.3 Gbps 14.0 Gbps 38.0 Gbps 18.0 Gbps
    IPsec VPN Throughput 55 Gbps 7x 7.7 Gbps 6.6 Gbps 4.6 Gbps 12.0 Gbps
    Threat Protection 26 Gbps 4x 6.7 Gbps 7.5 Gbps 5.8 Gbps –
    Concurrent Sessions 16M 3x 6.5M 1.4M 16M 2M
    Connections/Second 700K 3x 231K 145K 250K 300K
    Power Consumption FortiGate
    700G
    series    		 Energy
    Efficiency    		 Industry
    Average    		 Palo Alto
    Networks
    PA-3410
    series    		 Check
    Point
    Quantum
    9200
    series    		 Cisco
    Secure
    Firewall
    3100 series
    Watts/Gbps Firewall Throughput 1.8 W 7x 12.7 W 12.1 W 3.7 W 22.2 W
    Watts/Gbps IPsec VPN Throughput 5.4 W 6x 29.9 W 25.8 W 30.6 W 33.3 W
    • Threat Protection performance is measured with Firewall, IPS, Application Control and Malware Protection, and Logging enabled.
    • The numbers for competitive solutions are based on publicly available sources. Other vendors may have different testing methodologies.
    • All power consumption values are taken from external data sheets and hardware system guides using maximum power consumption.

    Fortinet Security Fabric: Powering a Unified and Scalable Cybersecurity Platform

    At the core of Fortinet’s approach is the belief that effective cybersecurity starts with the convergence of networking and security. The Fortinet Security Fabric, an integrated platform built on a common operating system and purpose-built technologies like the FortiGate 700G series, delivers consistent protection across hybrid environments. It empowers organizations with centralized management, automated threat intelligence, and real-time visibility. With seamless integration across Fortinet and third-party solutions, the Fortinet Security Fabric helps customers confidently scale from foundational network protection to advanced capabilities like SASE and AI-driven security operations. Fortinet continues to innovate and enable businesses to simplify complexity, reduce risk, and evolve their cybersecurity strategy with a platform approach that grows with them.

    Additional Resources

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

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

    The MIL Network –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: First Pacific Bancorp Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WHITTIER, Calif., May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Pacific Bancorp (the “Company”) (OTC Pink: FPBC), the holding company for First Pacific Bank (the “Bank”), today reported consolidated results for the first quarter ending March 31, 2025, marking its eighth consecutive quarter of profitability. The Company remains well-capitalized, with a healthy liquidity position supported by a stable core deposit base and access to substantial sources of liquidity.

    Highlights for the first quarter of 2025 include:

    • Total assets ended the first quarter 2025 at $456 million, up $23 million from $433 million at year end 2024.
    • Total deposits ended the first quarter 2025 at $390 million, up $39 million since year end 2024.
    • Total loans ended the first quarter 2025 at $294 million, up $17 million from year end 2024.
    • Asset quality remains excellent with minimal levels of classified or non-performing assets.
    • The Bank ended the first quarter with a strong capital position, with a leverage capital ratio of 9.0% and a total risk-based capital ratio of 12.7%.
    • As of March 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents totaled $47 million, including funds invested overnight, up $6 million since year end 2024.
    • Unused borrowing capacity from credit facilities on March 31, 2025, totaled $187 million.

    For the first quarter ending March 31, 2025, the Company realized a pre-tax, pre-provision profit of $550 thousand, compared to a pre-tax, pre-provision profit of $702 thousand in Q4 2024 and $222 thousand in Q1 2024. Net income for the first quarter of 2025 was $393 thousand, up from $162 thousand in Q1 2024.    

    Asset quality remains excellent with minimal non-performing assets, an allowance for credit losses of 1.08% of total loans, and zero loan losses.

    “We are pleased with the momentum we’ve carried into 2025. Our diversified business model, prudent risk management, and focus on operational discipline continue to position us for sustained performance in a dynamic environment,” said Joe Matranga, Chairman of the Board.

    “We delivered strong first quarter results, driven by consistent performance across our markets and continued growth in both loans and deposits,” said Nathan Rogge, President and Chief Executive Officer. “As we execute our client-focused strategy and invest in infrastructure and technology, we are well positioned for long-term success. Our recent move to a larger San Diego regional office reflects our confidence in future growth and our ongoing commitment to serving our clients.”

    ABOUT FIRST PACIFIC BANK

    First Pacific Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of First Pacific Bancorp (OTC Pink: FPBC) and is a growing community bank catering to individuals, professionals, and small-to-medium sized businesses throughout Southern California. Since opening in 2006, the Bank has offered a personalized approach, access to decision makers, a broad range of solutions, and a commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience. First Pacific Bank operates locations in Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, and the Inland Empire. For more information, visit firstpacbank.com or call 888.BNK.AT.FPB.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This news release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and First Pacific Bancorp intends for such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Future events are difficult to predict, and the expectations described above are necessarily subject to risk and uncertainty that may cause actual results to differ materially and adversely. Forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, our business plan, and strategies, and can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” or “may” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, nor should they be relied upon as representing management’s views as of any subsequent date. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to: successfully realizing the benefits of our business strategy and plans,; changes in general economic and financial market conditions, either nationally or locally, in areas in which First Pacific Bank conducts its operations; effects of inflation and changes in interest rates; continuing consolidation in the financial services industry; new litigation or changes in existing litigation; increased competitive challenges and expanding product and pricing pressures among financial institutions; impact of any natural disasters, including earthquakes; effect of governmental supervision and regulation, including any regulatory or other enforcement actions; legislation or regulatory changes which adversely affect First Pacific Bank’s operations or business; loss of key personnel; and changes in accounting policies or procedures as may be required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other regulatory agencies. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events, or circumstances after the date of such statements except as required by law.  

    — Summary Financial Tables Follow —

    First Pacific Bancorp 
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (Unaudited)
      Mar 31, 2025 Dec 31, 2024 Sep 30, 2024 Jun 30, 2024 Mar 31, 2024
    ASSETS          
    Cash and due from banks $ 8,042,164   $ 4,708,926   $ 23,584,084   $ 4,671,483   $ 7,317,500  
    Fed funds sold & int-bearing balances   39,250,000     36,290,000     25,520,000     37,860,000     37,575,000  
    Total cash and cash equivalents   47,292,164     40,998,926     49,104,084     42,531,483     44,892,500  
               
    Debt securities (AFS)   1,859,740     1,866,022     3,041,852     3,077,666     5,138,340  
    Debt securities (HTM)   99,099,346     100,257,560     101,260,391     102,202,926     103,474,749  
    Total debt securities   100,959,086     102,123,582     104,302,243     105,280,592     108,613,089  
               
    Construction & land development   25,245,823     23,320,351     23,067,204     24,651,513     25,480,398  
    1-4 Family residential   63,536,698     58,588,090     58,082,570     68,588,393     68,521,663  
    Multifamily residential   30,452,183     28,561,276     28,966,811     26,800,829     26,947,419  
    Nonfarm, nonresidential real estate   105,299,777     100,066,570     99,715,860     94,643,169     97,893,840  
    Commercial & industrial   64,956,570     62,322,690     57,342,017     53,504,969     54,785,564  
    Consumer & Other   4,572,607     4,525,108     780,639     1,831,036     1,123,918  
    Total loans   294,063,658     277,384,085     267,955,101     270,019,909     274,752,802  
    Allowance for credit losses (loans)   (3,179,637 )   (3,179,637 )   (3,109,975 )   (3,109,975 )   (3,109,975 )
    Total loans, net   290,884,021     274,204,448     264,845,126     266,909,934     271,642,827  
               
    Premises, equipment, and ROU net   2,822,403     1,328,964     1,452,886     1,714,833     1,992,588  
    Goodwill, core deposit & other intangibles   1,259,139     1,273,134     1,287,129     1,298,084     1,313,367  
    Bank owned life insurance   5,317,491     5,287,738     5,257,550     5,227,763     5,198,654  
    Accrued interest and other assets   7,703,693     7,755,355     7,505,380     7,476,554     7,415,609  
               
    Total Assets $ 456,237,997   $ 432,972,147   $ 433,754,398   $ 430,439,243   $ 441,068,634  
               
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
    Deposits:          
    Noninterest-bearing demand $ 143,205,484   $ 131,515,568   $ 129,473,091   $ 144,240,187   $ 133,945,262  
    Interest-bearing transaction accounts   39,203,360     28,454,639     24,660,000     24,797,108     28,166,207  
    Money market and savings   162,563,677     146,423,126     143,270,628     143,497,864     148,732,230  
    Time deposits   44,568,676     44,302,867     44,388,137     41,060,590     38,662,227  
    Total deposits   389,541,197     350,696,200     341,791,856     353,595,749     349,505,926  
               
    Borrowings   23,000,000     40,000,000     50,000,000     35,000,000     50,000,000  
    Accrued interest and other liabilities   3,952,095     3,122,902     3,430,132     3,781,444     3,936,909  
    Total liabilities   416,493,292     393,819,102     395,221,988     392,377,193     403,442,835  
               
    Shareholders’ Equity:          
    Capital stock and APIC   37,389,068     37,272,567     37,117,627     36,970,386     36,788,606  
    Retained earnings   3,043,502     2,650,877     2,151,305     1,902,788     1,705,174  
    Accum other comprehensive income   (687,865 )   (770,399 )   (736,522 )   (811,124 )   (867,981 )
    Total shareholders’ equity   39,744,705     39,153,045     38,532,410     38,062,050     37,625,799  
               
    Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity $ 456,237,997   $ 432,972,147   $ 433,754,398   $ 430,439,243   $ 441,068,634  
               
    First Pacific Bancorp
    Consolidated Income Statements – Quarterly
    (Unaudited)
               
      Mar 31, 2025 Dec 31, 2024 Sep 30, 2024 Jun 30, 2024 Mar 31, 2024
    INTEREST INCOME          
    Loans, including fees $ 4,788,107   $ 4,814,128   $ 4,817,174   $ 4,655,844   $ 4,700,535  
    Debt securities   462,472     484,508     499,268     514,613     543,857  
    Fed funds & int-bearing balances   339,864     419,597     450,166     573,022     410,685  
    Total interest income   5,590,443     5,718,233     5,766,608     5,743,479     5,655,077  
               
    INTEREST EXPENSE          
    Deposits   1,812,760     1,777,351     1,790,578     1,687,121     1,746,032  
    Borrowings   219,832     332,375     444,250     524,599     507,390  
    Total interest expense   2,032,592     2,109,726     2,234,828     2,211,720     2,253,422  
               
    Net interest income   3,557,851     3,608,507     3,531,780     3,531,759     3,401,655  
               
    Provision for credit losses   –     –     –     –     –  
               
    Net interest income after provision   3,557,851     3,608,507     3,531,780     3,531,759     3,401,655  
               
    NONINTEREST INCOME          
    Service charges, fees and other income   122,610     119,173     106,628     96,460     108,365  
    Sublease income   45,222     –     53,975     52,970     53,872  
    Gains (losses) on sale of assets   –     –     15,335     –     –  
    Gains on early payoff of debt   –     54,125     –     144,325     –  
    Total noninterest income   167,832     173,298     175,938     293,755     162,237  
               
    NONINTEREST EXPENSE          
    Salaries and benefits   2,119,302     1,984,774     2,154,290     2,182,674     2,178,486  
    Occupancy and equipment   259,480     258,180     374,069     363,695     368,816  
    Other expense   797,261     836,692     834,281     1,007,247     794,158  
    Total noninterest expense   3,176,043     3,079,646     3,362,640     3,553,616     3,341,460  
               
    Income before income tax expense   549,640     702,159     345,078     271,898     222,432  
               
    Income tax expense (benefit)   157,015     202,586     96,563     74,281     60,524  
               
    Net Income $ 392,625   $ 499,573   $ 248,515   $ 197,617   $ 161,908  
               
    Earnings per share basic (QTR) $ 0.09   $ 0.12   $ 0.06   $ 0.05   $ 0.04  
    Weighted average shares outstanding (QTR)   4,333,735     4,293,829     4,288,851     4,283,351     4,281,653  
               
    First Pacific Bancorp
    Quarterly Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited)
                 
        Quarterly
        2025 2024 2024 2024 2024
    ($$ in thousands except per share data)   1st Qtr 4th Qtr 3rd Qtr 2nd Qtr 1st Qtr
    EARNINGS            
    Net interest income $ 3,558   3,609   3,532   3,532   3,402  
    Provision for loan losses $ 0   0   0   0   0  
    Noninterest income $ 168   173   176   294   162  
    Noninterest expense $ 3,176   3,080   3,363   3,554   3,341  
    Income tax expense $ 157   203   97   74   61  
    Net income $ 393   500   249   198   162  
                 
    Earnings per share basic $ 0.09   0.12   0.06   0.05   0.04  
    Weighted average shares outstanding   4,333,735   4,293,829   4,288,851   4,283,351   4,281,653  
    Ending shares outstanding   4,335,088   4,294,500   4,291,927   4,283,351   4,283,351  
                 
    PERFORMANCE RATIOS            
    Return on average assets   0.37 % 0.47 % 0.23 % 0.18 % 0.15 %
    Return on average common equity   4.05 % 5.12 % 2.58 % 2.10 % 1.73 %
    Yield on loans   6.79 % 6.91 % 6.98 % 6.97 % 6.84 %
    Yield on earning assets   5.44 % 5.50 % 5.58 % 5.52 % 5.49 %
    Cost of deposits   2.00 % 1.98 % 2.05 % 1.96 % 2.05 %
    Cost of funding   2.12 % 2.18 % 2.32 % 2.28 % 2.35 %
    Net interest margin   3.46 % 3.47 % 3.42 % 3.40 % 3.31 %
    Efficiency ratio   85.2 % 81.4 % 90.7 % 92.9 % 93.8 %
                 
    CAPITAL            
    Tangible equity to tangible assets   8.46 % 8.77 % 8.61 % 8.57 % 8.26 %
    Book value (BV) per common share $ 9.17   9.12   8.98   8.89   8.78  
    Tangible BV per common share $ 8.88   8.82   8.68   8.58   8.48  
                 
    ASSET QUALITY            
    Net loan charge-offs (recoveries) $ 0   0   0   0   0  
    Allowance for credit losses (loans) $ 3,180   3,180   3,110   3,110   3,110  
    Allowance to total loans   1.08 % 1.15 % 1.16 % 1.15 % 1.13 %
    Nonperforming loans $ 849   672   991   77   160  
                 
    END OF PERIOD BALANCES            
    Total loans $ 294,064   277,384   267,955   270,020   274,753  
    Total assets $ 456,238   432,972   433,754   430,439   441,069  
    Deposits $ 389,541   350,696   341,792   353,596   349,506  
    Loans to deposits   75.5 % 79.1 % 78.4 % 76.4 % 78.6 %
    Shareholders’ equity $ 39,745   39,153   38,532   38,062   37,626  
    Full-time equivalent employees   46   49   44   44   46  
                 
    AVERAGE BALANCES (QTRLY)            
    Total loans $ 286,119   276,301   273,960   267,766   275,578  
    Earning assets $ 416,486   412,424   410,298   416,965   412,791  
    Total assets $ 430,891   425,750   424,199   430,830   426,592  
    Deposits $ 368,363   355,369   346,142   346,032   341,226  
    Shareholders’ equity $ 39,326   38,746   38,267   37,788   37,443  
                           

    The MIL Network –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Rate Supports Our Military Service Members and Veterans Beyond Offering Industry-Leading Mortgage Options

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In recognition of Military Appreciation Month, Rate, a leader in fintech mortgage solutions, is spotlighting its continued support for active-duty military members, veterans, and their families—support that extends well beyond the closing table.

    While Rate is nationally recognized for its industry-leading VA mortgage products and top-tier loan officers, the company’s dedication to the military community runs deeper. With no lender fee on VA loans, amounting to $65.3 million in waived fees, and no overlays, Rate delivers unmatched accessibility and affordability for eligible homebuyers. The company is also home to the #1 VA purchase loan officer in the country, supported by a team of specialized underwriters and credit experts dedicated to navigating the unique needs of VA borrowers.

    “Serving our military community is not a tagline. It’s a core part of who we are,” said Victor Ciardelli, CEO of Rate. “We’re proud to offer the most competitive VA loan options on the market, but just as important is how we show up for veterans and service members every day, through real outreach, education, and giving.”

    That commitment is evident in Rate’s year-round military initiatives:

    • $1.08 million raised for nine nonprofits benefiting military families in 2024.
    • VA loan education classes for service members at various points of their careers, including service members preparing to leave the barracks.
    • A 2025 clothing drive in partnership with Operation Deploy Your Dress, donating 1,000+ dresses and 200 suits for military community members.
    • A holiday toy and sweater drive benefiting families across multiple military bases.
    • A Military Appreciation Baseball Game hosted at Rate Stadium, honoring military spouses, recognizing a “Hero of the Game” servicemember, and welcoming parachuters delivering the White Sox game ball, complete with 500 tickets and concession vouchers donated to military families.

    At the heart of these efforts is HONOR, Rate’s internal employee resource group focused on military outreach and support. HONOR’s mission is to embrace the company’s proud community of active and retired service members, veterans, spouses, and their families through shared experiences and resources.

    “We are dedicated to educating Veterans as well as the real estate community about VA loans. VA loans are a true benefit and many veterans use their VA benefit to build generational wealth. I am honored to be part of their journey home as is every member of the Rate team,” said Jennifer Beeston, Rate’s EVP National Lending and the nation’s top VA purchase loan officer. “From planning to buying to 20 years from now, we’re here to make homeownership a reality for the people who’ve served our country.”

    As May marks Military Appreciation Month, Rate remains committed to honoring the sacrifices of our nation’s military community, not only with unmatched home financing solutions, but also through continued action, advocacy, and care.

    About Rate

    Rate Companies is a leader in mortgage lending and digital financial services. Headquartered in Chicago, Rate has over 850 branches across all 50 states and Washington D.C. Since its launch in 2000, Rate has helped more than 2 million homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. The company has cemented itself as an industry leader by introducing innovative technology, offering low rates, and delivering unparalleled customer service. Honors and awards include: Top 5 Mortgage Lender by Inside Mortgage Finance for 2024; Best Mortgage Lender for First-Time Homebuyers by NerdWallet for 2023; HousingWire’s Tech100 award for the company’s industry-leading FlashClose℠ digital mortgage platform in 2020, MyAccount in 2022, and Language Access Program in 2023; the most Scotsman Guide Top Originators for 11 consecutive years; Chicago Agent Magazine’s Lender of the Year for seven consecutive years; and Chicago Tribune’s Top Workplaces list for seven straight years. Visit rate.com for more information.

    Press Contact

    press@rate.com

    The MIL Network –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: John Snow Labs Wins 2025 Oracle Excellence Award for AI Innovation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEWES, Del., May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — John Snow Labs, the AI for healthcare company, today announced it has won a 2025 Oracle Customer Excellence Award in the AI category for North America. The Oracle Customer Excellence Awards celebrate the very best of business innovation, showcasing how organizations around the world—and their leaders—use Oracle technology to help reinvent business practices, reimagine the workday, and boost sales. The AI category honors the most innovative and creative use of generative AI to drive innovation and address real-world challenges to make a measurable impact.

    John Snow Labs has transformed business operations by embedding AI-powered automation, predictive analytics, and real-time decision support into healthcare, life sciences, and insurance. By leveraging Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) AI infrastructure, the company has reduced costs, improved efficiency, and accelerated AI adoption across multiple sectors for its customers, reinforcing its leadership in AI-driven healthcare innovation.

    John Snow Labs has optimized several of its medical language models for OCI, including Medical LLM and Healthcare NLP, enabling customers to leverage OCI’s robust infrastructure securely and compliantly and to quickly deploy and scale these models. John Snow Labs also runs its Medical Chatbot Platform on OCI, which provides tools for biomedical literature reviews, query resolution, clinical case analysis, and clinical text summarization. Applications running on OCI include FunctionalMind™, which is a specialized AI solution for functional and integrative medicine, real-world data curation in specialties like oncology and mental health, and regulatory-grade medical data de-identification. As evidenced by peer-reviewed papers, these solutions deliver state-of-the-art performance for improved decision-making, increased compliance, and higher adoption and trust of AI-driven healthcare solutions. Additionally, by using OCI’s AI-optimized cloud compute services, customers can benefit from reduced AI compute costs and energy consumption.

    “OCI’s AI-optimized infrastructure and privacy-focused approach to the cloud makes it a strong choice to power healthcare AI applications,” said David Talby, CEO, John Snow Labs. “We are honored to be recognized as a GenAI innovator and are excited to continue making customers successful in putting it to good use.”

    This award comes on the heels of several significant milestones for John Snow Labs, including the release of the first commercially available medical reasoning LLM and the release of Generative AI Lab 7.0, an update enabling domain experts, such as healthcare professionals, to evaluate and improve custom-built LLMs with precision and transparency.

    For additional information on the Oracle 2025 Customer Excellence Awards, please visit: https://www.oracle.com/corporate/customers/awards/.

    To learn more about John Snow Labs, visit https://www.johnsnowlabs.com/.

    About John Snow Labs
    John Snow Labs, the AI for healthcare company, provides state-of-the-art software, models, and data to help healthcare and life science organizations put AI to good use. Developer of Medical LLMs, Healthcare NLP, Spark NLP, the Generative AI Lab No-Code Platform, and the Medical Chatbot, John Snow Labs’ award-winning medical AI software powers the world’s leading pharmaceuticals, academic medical centers, and health technology companies. Creator and host of The NLP Summit, the company is committed to further educating and advancing the global AI community.

    Trademarks
    Oracle, Java, MySQL and NetSuite are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation. NetSuite was the first cloud company—ushering in the new era of cloud computing.

    Contact
    Gina Devine
    Head of Communications
    John Snow Labs
    gina@johnsnowlabs.com

    The MIL Network –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft volunteers improved more than 50 monuments to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War on the eve of the Victory Day anniversary

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    In anticipation of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, volunteers from Rosneft enterprises renovated and improved more than 50 monuments, memorials, obelisks, commemorative signs, and burial sites of heroes of the Great Patriotic War in different parts of Russia.

    In the regions where the Company operates, employees take an active part in commemorative events dedicated to the anniversary of the Great Victory.

    Volunteers from the Central Office and Moscow enterprises of Rosneft have landscaped the area around the monument to the workers of the Moscow Oil Depot who died on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War. In 1941-1945, the oil depot, located on Sormovskaya Street in Moscow, played a key role in supplying the capital with fuel, ensuring uninterrupted supplies of fuel for military equipment. The Company’s employees installed new stone vases near the monument and planted flower beds. The wall of the oil depot was decorated with a mural dedicated to the contribution of oil workers to the Victory.

    Environmentalists and activists of the Novokuibyshevsky and Kuibyshevsky Oil Refineries, the Novokuibyshevsk Petrochemical Company and the Novokuibyshevsky Oil and Additives Plant, together with volunteers from the EcoRavnovesie movement, improved the park in the village of Kryazh in the Samara urban district. There is a monument to soldiers who died during the Great Patriotic War. Volunteers collected and removed household waste from the area, laid out flower beds and planted a rowan alley.

    Employees of the Kuibyshev Oil Refinery have improved more than a dozen burial sites of veterans of the Great Patriotic War in the Kuibyshev District of Samara. The oil workers cleaned the graves of the front-line soldiers after the winter and painted the fences.

    Volunteers of the Novokuibyshevsk Oil Refinery improved the Victory Alley and the area adjacent to the monument to home front workers. The memorial was erected in Novokuibyshevsk in 2022 on the initiative and with the support of the enterprise. In addition, the plant workers restored four burial sites of fellow countrymen – participants in the Great Patriotic War, installed new monuments, and improved the adjacent territories.

    Samaraneftegaz employees tidied up the monument to fallen heroes of the Great Patriotic War in the village of Mirny in the Samara Region. Volunteers cleaned up, painted the fences, and planted bushes and trees.

    In the Republic of Bashkortostan, in the city of labor valor Ishimbay, Bashneft volunteers together with activists of the Movement of the First improved the territory of the memorial to the Ishimbay oil workers who died in battles for the Motherland. The participants of the action collected and removed more than a ton of dead wood and household waste, painted the curbs and tree trunks.

    For several years, RN-Krasnodarneftegaz employees have been looking after the monument to the residents of the 2nd Zapadny farmstead in the Krymsky District of Krasnodar Krai. The fascist occupiers destroyed the farmstead along with all its residents in May 1943. Their memory is carefully preserved by Rosneft volunteers, who have taken patronage over the monument.

    In addition, RN-Krasnodarneftegaz volunteers tidied up the territory of the Monument to the Separate 16th Rifle Brigade in the village of Sputnik in the Seversky District of the Krasnodar Territory, the Memorial to those killed in the battles for the liberation of the village of Saratovskaya, the cultural heritage site “Mass grave of 52 Soviet soldiers killed in battles with the fascist invaders in 1943” in the Khankov farm in the Slavyansky District, the Victory Obelisk and the Worship Cross at the site of the death of Soviet citizens.

    According to a long-standing tradition, employees of the Tuapse Oil Refinery improved the monument to oil refiners who died during the Great Patriotic War and cleaned up the territory of Victory Park in Tuapse.

    Volunteers of the Ryazan NPK improved three memorial sites: a memorial in the village of Nikulichi in honor of the villagers who fought in the Great Patriotic War, a street named after the Hero of the Soviet Union and National Hero of Italy, a native of the Ryazan region, Fyodor Poletaev, and a monument to the pilots who died in an unequal battle with the enemy at the end of 1941.

    Udmurtneft employees together with activists of the Movement of the First improved the monument to those killed in the Great Patriotic War in the village of Svetloye in the Votkinsk district of Udmurtia. The company’s volunteers also participated in the arrangement of memorials in six settlements in the Sarapul, Sharkansky and Igrinsky districts of the republic.

    A large-scale volunteer initiative to improve war memorials was carried out by RN-Service employees. They tidied up the monuments to soldiers who died in Moscow hospitals and to fallen soldiers of the Kremlin Regiment. In Ufa, volunteers looked after individual burials in city and rural cemeteries. In Krasnoyarsk, oil workers improved the monument to “Soldiers-athletes of the Krasnoyarsk Territory – participants in the Great Patriotic War”. In Nefteyugansk, the monument to “Loyal Sons of the Fatherland” was renovated. In Buzuluk, work was carried out at the memorial to “Mass grave of soldiers of the Czechoslovak People’s Army” and at the burial sites of veterans. In the village of Kolva in the Komi Republic, the “Memorial sign to soldiers of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945” was improved. In the village of Sernovodsk in the Samara Region, the monument to “Defenders of all generations” was tidied up. In all regions, the patriotic event ended with the ceremonial laying of wreaths and a minute of silence.

    Volunteers from Voronezhnefteprodukt organized the cleanup of the military burial ground in the village of Chertovitsy, Ramonsky District, Voronezh Region. 383 soldiers who died of wounds in hospitals in 1942-1943 are buried here.

    Workers of Kaluga Oil Products cleared and landscaped the area around the memorial sign to pilots near the village of Kosmachi in the Babyninsky District of the Kaluga Region. The sign was installed 10 years ago at the site of the heroic death of the Pe-2 aircraft crew in 1941.

    Employees of RN-North-West take care of the memorial to the sailors of the warship TShch-100 who died there, guarding the “Road of Life” during the siege of Leningrad. The memorial is located in the village of Vladimirovka in the Priozersky District of the Leningrad Region.

    For several years now, Orelnefteprodukt employees have been patronizing a mass grave in the village of Gnilets, Trosnyansky District, Oryol Region. Here are buried 427 soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 605th Infantry Regiment, 132nd Infantry Division, who died in the fiercest battles on the Northern Face of the Kursk Bulge on July 7, 1943. This year, in honor of the Victory anniversary, volunteers have decorated a flower bed in the form of a St. George ribbon on the territory of the Vyazhi military-historical complex in the Novosilsky District, Oryol Region, where the offensive operation to liberate Oryol began in July 1943.

    Rosneft supports projects and initiatives aimed at preserving the historical memory of the immortal feat of the Soviet people during the Great Patriotic War.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft May 7, 2025

    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 –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Well completions per location more than double in Lower 48 states as technology advances

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    May 7, 2025

    Data source: FracFocus
    Note: To calculate the number of wells completed per location, we grouped wells within a 50-foot radius into single locations. We then identified wells completed by their completion start and end dates, counting concurrent completions when their completion periods overlapped.

    We estimate that the average number of wells completed simultaneously at the same location in the Lower 48 states has more than doubled, increasing from 1.5 wells in December 2014 to more than 3.0 wells in June 2024. By completing multiple wells at once rather than sequentially, operators can accelerate their production timeline and reduce their cost per well. The increasing number of simultaneous completions reflects significant technological advances in hydraulic fracturing operations, particularly in equipment capabilities and operational strategies.

    Using data from FracFocus to estimate simultaneous completions, we defined wells that were drilled within a 50-foot radius to be at a single location. FracFocus reports the well completion date for each of these wells, and we calculated the average number of completions per month. By grouping the wells together by location, we derived the number of wells completed on the same day at the same location across the Lower 48 states.

    Simultaneous completions allow operators to reduce the time from post-drilling to production, lower overall completion costs per well, and increase operational efficiency through shared resources and equipment. Although the number of active locations has decreased since 2014, the number of wells has increased, likely because of simultaneous completions. Our analysis of FracFocus data suggests that simultaneous completions have increased since 2017, with operators now routinely completing multiple wells at a time on a single location. Although operators recognized the potential benefits of completing multiple wells at once prior to 2017, the practice initially faced technical barriers, such as the need for more hydraulic horsepower at the location to fracture multiple wells simultaneously.

    Data source: FracFocus
    Note: We define locations as clusters of wells within a 50-foot radius. A single location may contain one or multiple wells.

    The adoption of electric frac fleets, which provide better power management, has played a crucial role in the increase in simultaneous completions. Traditional operations relied entirely on diesel-powered pumps requiring constant fuel delivery by truck, but modern electric fleets use generators that can utilize field gas or compressed natural gas and electricity from the grid, if available.

    The transition from diesel-powered to electric frac fleets has streamlined operations by reducing costs and minimizing transportation logistics by utilizing locally available fuel sources. Additionally, improvements in equipment monitoring, optimization, and automation have helped operators manage the complexity of simultaneous completions.

    The trend toward more simultaneously completed wells continues to evolve as operators refine their simultaneous completion strategies. Although not all operators choose to perform simultaneous completions, the technology enabling these operations has become increasingly common across major shale basins. The penetration of electric frac fleets, advanced control systems, and improved process deployment suggests that simultaneous completions could continue to increase further.

    Principal contributors: Faouzi Aloulou, Merek Roman, Jozef Lieskovsky

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [GLOBALDATA PLC – 06 05 2025] – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 GLOBALDATA PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 06 MAY 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 0.01p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 11,085,810 1.3745    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 11,085,810 1.3745    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    0.01p ORDINARY SALE 3,260 187.25p
    0.01p ORDINARY SALE 1,750 191.88p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 07 MAY 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [ALLIANCE PHARMA PLC – 06 05 2025] – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 ALLIANCE PHARMA PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 06 MAY 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 1p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 11,170,178 2.0664    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 11,170,178 2.0664    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    1p ORDINARY SALE 760,175 64.5p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 07 MAY 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Things to Know: All About the New One UI 7

    Source: Samsung

    Artificial intelligence tools are making our lives easier — and frankly, way cooler — than ever before. Whether we’re talking appliances that automatically adjust to the task at hand or the kind of artistic creativity your smartphone can help you unleash.
    Beginning to roll out now in the U.S., the new One UI 7 interface is coming to Samsung devices1 like the Galaxy 24 series, Galaxy S24 FE, Galaxy Z Fold6, and Galaxy Z Flip6, Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold5 and Z Flip5, the Galaxy Tab S10 series, and the Galaxy Tab S9 series.
    At its core, One UI 7 delivers a refined, more intuitive experience through advanced AI integration. Whether you’re an everyday user or a content creator, the new interface streamlines your daily interactions while unlocking powerful creative possibilities.
    As part of our Things to Know series, we partnered with the Samsung Customer Care team to break down everything you need to know about how to use it and what it can do for you.

    What is Samsung’s One UI 7?
    One UI 7 represents Samsung’s most sophisticated interface update yet. This comprehensive redesign brings a fresh aesthetic to your Galaxy devices while introducing intelligent features that adapt to how you use your device.
    How to get the most out of the One UI 7 update
    The One UI 7 update is a game-changer for how you use your phone. The new Now Bar2 at the top of your screen keeps essential information at your fingertips without unlocking your device – from real-time news updates to workout progress and sports scores. Just tap it to get more details, or unlock your phone to work within the respective app.

    Using your phone to plan for everyday things like where to eat for dinner just got a lot more seamless, too. Want to check out a Mexican restaurant in your neighborhood with outdoor seating? Now you can connect to multiple apps in a single prompt with Google Gemini3, making it easier to find that perfect restaurant that meets all your requirements, without having to switch between apps.
    Plus, the revamped Settings menu now understands natural language commands.4 Tired eyes? Open Settings, tap on the mic, and simply share that with your device – your phone or tablet will come back with options to help you out ASAP, like adjusting brightness or activating the Eye Comfort Shield. If you’re not a fan of voice search, you can use the same upgraded search feature by going into Settings, tapping the magnifying glass search icon, and navigating the smartened-up results from there.

     
    How To Use One UI 7’s AI Updates For Content Creation
    The new AI Select5 feature serves as your intelligent creative assistant, suggesting relevant AI tools based on your activity – just look for the AI Select icon as you use your phone to see what it can do for you. For example, if you swipe the Edge Panel when you’re watching a video, the icon will prompt you to make a GIF from what you’re watching.
    There are also new One UI 7 editing features that use AI to help artists and creators use their phones and tablets for written, visual, and audio projects:
    Writing Assist6: Streamline your writing with intelligent summarization and formatting tools.
    Auto Trim: Create compelling video highlights automatically by letting AI identify key moments.

    Contextual photo enhancements: Let Galaxy AI7 analyze and suggest improvements for your photos, perfect for enhancing everything from family portraits to vacation memories.
    Drawing Assist8: Combine text prompts, images, and sketches in just one input, expanding the potential for your creative projects – it can even make illustrations and 3D cartoons. You can then download your art, share it with friends directly, or turn them into stickers for your messaging apps.
    Audio Eraser9: Precisely control your video’s sound quality by analyzing and filtering different audio elements.

    Looking for more tips or need additional support from the Samsung Care Team? Visit the Samsung Care YouTube Channel, check out the Samsung Members App and Samsung Communities or text us any time by messaging 1-800-SAMSUNG to start a conversation with a Samsung Care Pro.

    1 Release date and availability may vary per carrier network.
    2 Requires WIFI connection and Samsung and Google accounts.
    3 Gemini Extensions feature availability varies based on content. Internet connection, Android device, and set up required. Language availability varies. Results for illustrative purposes and may vary. Check responses for accuracy.
    4 Currently supported languages include Korean, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Portuguese. Available in Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy S24 FE, Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6, and Galaxy Tab S10 series. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.
    5 Results may vary depending on model. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Requires internet connection and Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by language or device model. Availability of supported languages may vary. Certain languages may require language pack download.
    6 For text in Samsung Notes only (200 – 4,000 characters); requires Samsung account login and internet connection.
    7 Galaxy AI features by Samsung are free through 2025 and require Samsung account login.
    8 Sketch to Image feature requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Editing with Sketch to Image may result in a resized photo up to 12MP. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed.
    9 Compatible with common video formats accessible in Gallery; helps minimize six sounds (Voice/speech, Music, Noise, Crowd, Nature, Wind) utilizes AI; results may vary.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: The MMR vaccine doesn’t contain ‘aborted fetus debris’, as RFK Jr has claimed. Here’s the science

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Hassan Vally, Associate Professor, Epidemiology, Deakin University

    Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the United States’ top public health official, recently claimed some religious groups avoid the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine because it contains “aborted fetus debris” and “DNA particles”.

    The US is facing its worst measles outbreaks in years with nearly 900 cases across the country and active outbreaks in several states.

    At the same time, Kennedy, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, continues to erode trust in vaccines.

    So what can we make of his latest claims?

    There’s no fetal debris in the MMR vaccine

    Kennedy said “aborted fetus debris” in MMR vaccines is the reason many religious people refuse vaccination. He referred specifically to the Mennonites in Texas, a deeply religious community, who have been among the hardest hit by the current measles outbreaks.

    Many vaccines work by using a small amount of an attenuated (weakened) form of a virus, or in the case of the MMR vaccine, attenuated forms of the viruses that cause measles, mumps and rubella. This gives the immune system a safe opportunity to learn how to recognise and respond to these viruses.

    As a result, if a person is later exposed to the actual infection, their immune system can react swiftly and effectively, preventing serious illness.

    Kennedy’s claim about fetal debris specifically refers to the rubella component of the MMR vaccine. The rubella virus is generally grown in a human cell line known as WI-38, which was originally derived from lung tissue of a single elective abortion in the 1960s. This cell line has been used for decades, and no new fetal tissue has been used since.

    Certain vaccines for other diseases, such as chickenpox, hepatitis A and rabies, have also been made by growing the viruses in fetal cells.

    These cells are used not because of their origin, but because they provide a stable, safe and reliable environment for growing the attenuated virus. They serve only as a growth medium for the virus and they are not part of the final product.

    You might think of the cells as virus-producing factories. Once the virus is grown, it’s extracted and purified as part of a rigorous process to meet strict safety and quality standards. What remains in the final vaccine is the virus itself and stabilising agents, but not human cells, nor fetal tissue.

    So claims about “fetal debris” in the vaccine are false.

    It’s also worth noting the world’s major religions permit the use of vaccines developed from cells originally derived from fetal tissue when there are no alternative products available.

    Are there fragments of DNA in the MMR vaccine?

    Kennedy claimed the Mennonites’ reluctance to vaccinate stems from “religious objections” to what he described as “a lot of aborted fetus debris and DNA particles” in the MMR vaccine.

    The latter claim, about the vaccine containing DNA particles, is technically true. Trace amounts of DNA fragments from the human cell lines used to produce the rubella component of the MMR vaccine may remain even after purification.

    However, with this claim, there’s an implication these fragments pose a health risk. This is false.

    Any DNA that may be present in this vaccine exists in extremely small amounts, is highly fragmented and degraded, and is biologically inert – that is, it cannot cause harm.

    Even if, hypothetically, intact DNA were present in the vaccine (which it’s not), it would not have the capacity to cause harm. One common (but unfounded) concern is that foreign DNA could integrate with a person’s own DNA, and alter their genome.

    Introducing DNA into human cells in a way that leads to integration is very difficult. Even when scientists are deliberately trying to do this, for example, in gene therapy, it requires precise tools, special viral delivery systems and controlled conditions.

    It’s also important to remember our bodies are exposed to foreign DNA constantly, through food, bacteria and even our own microbiome. Our immune system routinely digests and disposes of this material without incorporating it into our genome.

    This question has been extensively studied over decades. Multiple health authorities, including Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration, have addressed the misinformation regarding perceived harm from residual DNA in vaccines.

    Ultimately, the idea that fragmented DNA in a vaccine could cause genetic harm is false.

    The bottom line

    Despite what Kennedy would have you believe, there’s no fetal debris in the MMR vaccine, and the trace amounts of DNA fragments that may remain pose no health risk.

    What the evidence does show, however, is that vaccines like the MMR vaccine offer excellent protection against deadly and preventable diseases, and have saved millions of lives around the world.

    Hassan Vally 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. The MMR vaccine doesn’t contain ‘aborted fetus debris’, as RFK Jr has claimed. Here’s the science – https://theconversation.com/the-mmr-vaccine-doesnt-contain-aborted-fetus-debris-as-rfk-jr-has-claimed-heres-the-science-255718

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 8, 2025

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

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Consultation launched into incinerator permit draft decision

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Documents have been ‘carefully considered’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Background

    Environmental permits 

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

    Consultation responses  

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

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    Published 7 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 8, 2025

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

    Source: City of Leicester

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ENDS

    Picture of Stoneywell ©National Trust Images/Andrew Butler

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: AI isn’t replacing student writing – but it is reshaping it

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jeanne Beatrix Law, Professor of English, Kennesaw State University

    Studies have shown that many students are using AI to brainstorm, learn new information and revise their work. krisanapong detraphiphat/Moment via Getty Images

    I’m a writing professor who sees artificial intelligence as more of an opportunity for students, rather than a threat.

    That sets me apart from some of my colleagues, who fear that AI is accelerating a glut of superficial content, impeding critical thinking and hindering creative expression. They worry that students are simply using it out of sheer laziness or, worse, to cheat.

    Perhaps that’s why so many students are afraid to admit that they use ChatGPT.

    In The New Yorker magazine, historian D. Graham Burnett recounts asking his undergraduate and graduate students at Princeton whether they’d ever used ChatGPT. No one raised their hand.

    “It’s not that they’re dishonest,” he writes. “It’s that they’re paralyzed.”

    Students seem to have internalized the belief that using AI for their coursework is somehow wrong. Yet, whether my colleagues like it or not, most college students are using it.

    A February 2025 report from the Higher Education Policy Institute in the U.K. found that 92% of university students are using AI in some form. As early as August 2023 – a mere nine months after ChatGPT’s public release – more than half of first-year students at Kennesaw State University, the public research institution where I teach, reported that they believed that AI is the future of writing.

    It’s clear that students aren’t going to magically stop using AI. So I think it’s important to point out some ways in which AI can actually be a useful tool that enhances, rather than hampers, the writing process.

    Helping with the busywork

    A February 2025 OpenAI report on ChatGPT use among college-aged users found that more than one-quarter of their ChatGPT conversations were education-related.

    The report also revealed that the top five uses for students were writing-centered: starting papers and projects (49%); summarizing long texts (48%); brainstorming creative projects (45%); exploring new topics (44%); and revising writing (44%).

    These figures challenge the assumption that students use AI merely to cheat or write entire papers.

    Instead, it suggests they are leveraging AI to free up more time to engage in deeper processes and metacognitive behaviors – deliberately organizing ideas, honing arguments and refining style.

    If AI allows students to automate routine cognitive tasks – like information retrieval or ensuring that verb tenses are consistent – it doesn’t mean they’re thinking less. It means their thinking is changing.

    Of course, students can misuse AI if they use the technology passively, reflexively accepting its outputs and ideas. And overreliance on ChatGPT can erode a student’s unique voice or style.

    However, as long as students learn how to use AI intentionally, this shift can be seen as an opportunity, rather than a loss,

    Clarifying the creative vision

    It has also become clear that AI, when used responsibly, can augment human creativity.

    For example, science comedy writer Sarah Rose Siskind recently gave a talk to Harvard students about her creative process. She spoke about how she uses ChatGPT to brainstorm joke setups and explore various comedic scenarios, which allows her to focus on crafting punchlines and refining her comedic timing.

    Note how Siskin used AI in ways that didn’t supplant the human touch. Instead of replacing her creativity, AI amplified it by providing structured and consistent feedback, giving her more time to polish her jokes.

    Another example is the Rhetorical Prompting Method, which I developed alongside fellow Kennesaw State University researchers. Designed for university students and adult learners, it’s a framework for conversing with an AI chatbot, one that emphasizes the importance of agency in guiding AI outputs.

    When writers use precise language to prompt, critical thinking to reflect, and intentional revision to sculpt inputs and outputs, they direct AI to help them generate content that aligns with their vision.

    There’s still a process

    The Rhetorical Prompting Method mirrors best practices in process writing, which encourages writers to revisit, refine and revise their drafts.

    When using ChatGPT, though, it’s all about thoughtfully revisiting and revising prompts and outputs.

    For instance, say a student wants to create a compelling PSA for social media to encourage campus composting. She considers her audience. She prompts ChatGPT to draft a short, upbeat message in under 50 words that’s geared to college students.

    Reading the first output, she notices it lacks urgency. So she revises the prompt to emphasize immediate impact. She also adds some additional specifics that are important to her message, such as the location of an information session. The final PSA reads:

    “Every scrap counts! Join campus composting today at the Commons. Your leftovers aren’t trash – they’re tomorrow’s gardens. Help our university bloom brighter, one compost bin at a time.”

    The Rhetorical Prompting Method isn’t groundbreaking; it’s riffing on a process that’s been tested in the writing studies discipline for decades. But I’ve found that it works by directing writers how to intentionally prompt.

    I know this because we asked users about their experiences. In an ongoing study, my colleagues and I polled 133 people who used the Rhetorical Prompting Method for their academic and professional writing:

    • 92% reported that it helped them evaluate writing choices before and during their process.

    • 75% said that they were able to maintain their authentic voice while using AI assistance.

    • 89% responded that it helped them think critically about their writing.

    The data suggests that learners take their writing seriously. Their responses reveal that they are thinking carefully about their writing styles and strategies. While this data is preliminary, we continue to gather responses in different courses, disciplines and learning environments.

    All of this is to say that, while there are divergent points of view over when and where it’s appropriate to use AI, students are certainly using it. And being provided with a framework can help them think more deeply about their writing.

    AI, then, is not just a tool that’s useful for trivial tasks. It can be an asset for creativity. If today’s students – who are actively using AI to write, revise and explore ideas – see AI as a writing partner, I think it’s a good idea for professors to start thinking about helping them learn the best ways to work with it.

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

    – ref. AI isn’t replacing student writing – but it is reshaping it – https://theconversation.com/ai-isnt-replacing-student-writing-but-it-is-reshaping-it-254878

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: How to manage financial stress in uncertain times

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jeffrey Anvari-Clark, Assistant Professor of Social Work, University of North Dakota

    Having an action plan for personal finance is critical in uncertain times. Photo by Nicolas Guyonnet/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images

    American families are struggling to keep up with their bills.

    The cost of food soared by more than 23% from 2020 to 2024. Other price increases, which are especially steep for vehicles, insurance, child care and housing, come as nearly 40% more people are behind on their credit card payments than in 2022.

    Now, uncertainty arising from zigzagging tariffs, firing of tens of thousands of federal workers and contractors, and massive cuts and freezes to federally funded programs means that more people are increasingly pessimistic about the economy.

    As an assistant professor of social work, I have found through my research that differences in how people experience, behave toward and feel about their personal finances have as much of an impact as do their age and gender on certain financial decisions. And those decisions, in turn, can affect their income and wealth moving forward.

    Improving your ‘financial efficacy’

    Scholars like me use the term “financial efficacy” when we’re assessing whether someone has personal finance know-how and the ability to put it to good use. People with a high level of financial efficacy can be more able to weather bouts of financial hardship and build wealth.

    Although everyone’s situation is unique and individual resources vary, there are still five broad areas that personal finance experts say are linked to good financial outcomes: emotional regulation, problem-solving skills, an ability to achieve goals, self-confidence and risk management.

    1. Being calm and carrying on

    Remaining calm in the face of a potential – or real – financial crisis tends to make it easier to think through important decisions. In contrast, reacting out of fear often leads to mistakes or quick fixes with costly long-term consequences. For example, rushing to fix a problem could lead you to take out a pay-day loan with high interest rates and fees.

    That’s why you should avoid making big financial decisions in a hurry.

    Waiting until you feel calm, perhaps giving yourself 24 hours to think it over, can protect you from making a bad situation worse. But don’t wait too long – procrastination can lead to late fees and compound your problems.

    Keeping your emotions under control depends on having healthy coping mechanisms for stressful situations. And having healthy habits helps to manage that stress.

    Consult an expert if you’re not sure how to tackle a financial challenge.
    Photo by Jeff Gritchen/Digital First Media/Orange County Register via Getty Images

    2. Problem solving with some creativity

    Solving financial problems is an exercise in improvisation. This includes finding creative ways to increase your income through a new job or side hustles and to reduce your expenses. Or look for solutions that will buy you more time, such as negotiating a repayment plan for an outstanding bill.

    This perseverance and resourcefulness often requires relying on skills you’ve used in the past. And it may help if you seek advice from people who you know have made good financial choices before.

    When in doubt about how to solve a financial problem, go see a financial counselor or social worker who can help assess your situation and identify the next steps. But be wary of the so-called finfluencers – short for financial influencers – who are active on social media. Instead, learn from the experts who focus on consumer protection and unbiased education.

    3. Setting goals and keeping track of them

    Achieving goals can be a short-term activity, like solving an immediate problem, or a longer-term process. It means keeping a clear outcome in mind and being able to tell when you’ve met a goal. More complex goals may need to be broken down into multiple milestones to stay on track.

    Whenever you’re in deep financial trouble, try to closely monitor your income and expenses. Adapt your budget according to what’s important to you. This will increase your sense of control over the situation.

    Tally up all your debt, including from credit cards, autos, student loans, medical or utility bills, and home mortgages. Figure out what you owe and to whom, and put together a plan to repay them. And if this feels overwhelming, that’s OK: A credit counseling nonprofit can help walk you through the process.

    Listing all your debt on paper or in a spreadsheet helps reduce anxiety and fear of the unknown. Having the plan helps you see a real way toward a financially stronger future. Then, take action and start paying them down.

    One possibility is to ask creditors for an extension or modified repayment schedule for a mortgage or car loan. Communicating with them up front shows them you are taking responsibility, and they will be more likely to work with you.

    Americans now owe an average of $6,455 in credit card debt. Paying in full during the grace period instead of later, with interest, can result in a substantial difference in what you owe.

    You never know when extra savings will come in handy.
    Faga Almeida/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    4. Gaining more self-confidence through practice

    It’s always easier to be confident that you can achieve something if you’ve done it before. This is how confidence builds on itself.

    But what if you’re in a new situation? It can help reflecting back on your personal history, realizing that you’ve met challenges in the past, and being reasonably assured that you can do it again. Such confidence then helps you keep calm, think through some solutions and see that you can achieve your goals.

    Improving your money management confidence and skills can reduce your anxiety and stress in the moment. It can show you those areas of your financial life that are within your control and illumine the way forward to a healthier financial future.

    5. Planning ahead reduces your risks

    Even if your finances are OK today, I would advise you to plan ahead. It’s important to identify your own informal safety nets before you need them.

    Let’s say you had to pay an unexpected $400 bill. How would you handle it?

    Would you call a friend or a relative? Have that amount saved up, ready and waiting for emergency use? Cover it with your income? According to the Federal Reserve, only 63% of Americans could cover a $400 financial shock with the cash they have on hand.

    By regularly setting aside some of the money you earn, you can simultaneously manage your risks better and develop the skills to achieve bigger goals.

    Managing your own financial risks means doing your best to prevent a bad situation from getting worse. It also means you might be able to prevent a catastrophe in the future or be able to deal with it better.

    Having insurance policies, such as life and disability, homeowners or renters, and health and auto, is part of this. But so are maintaining enough savings to cover an emergency or having multiple income streams.

    The steps you take can also include something less tangible, such as caring for your health or tending to your relationships with friends and relatives so you can call on them when times are truly tough. Or better yet, they’ll be able to call on you.

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

    – ref. How to manage financial stress in uncertain times – https://theconversation.com/how-to-manage-financial-stress-in-uncertain-times-255583

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 8, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

    How do measles cases this year compare with previous years?

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

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

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

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

    U.S. exports these days include measles.

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

    How did the US eliminate measles?

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

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

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

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

    Why are rising measles rates so worrisome?

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

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

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

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

    What happens if measles rates continue to rise?

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

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

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

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

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

    What would it take to reverse the rise in measles?

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 8, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Contamination, investigation and intrigue

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Finding the source

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

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

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

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

    Raw milk is linked to many foodborne illnesses.

    Lessons learned

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 8, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI China News –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Wiring Africa’s industrial future: African Development Bank’s helping to spur Botswana’s automotive revolution

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, May 7, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The Botswanan town of Lobatse, some 70 km south of Gaborone, has been transformed into a vibrant manufacturing centre. Across sprawling factory floors, hundreds of skilled hands meticulously assemble intricate wiring harnesses – components that will eventually power Volkswagen and Nissan vehicles across Africa and beyond.

    In the automotive industry, wire harnesses are an intricate arrangement of wires, connectors, and components. They serve as vehicles’ central nervous systems, enabling the  transmission of electrical signals and power throughout the automobile.

    This is Delta Automotive Technologies, where strategic financing from the African Development Bank has catalysed a manufacturing renaissance that extends far beyond the factory wallsThe company makes wiring harnesses primarily for Volkswagen and Nissan.. For decades, Botswana’s economic history was written in diamonds. Today, a new chapter is unfolding as the African Development Bank’s $80 million credit line to the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) for businesses in the country fuels Delta Automotive’s transformation into a manufacturing powerhouse.

    “This funding hasn’t just built infrastructure – it’s built opportunity,” says Darryn Hattingh, Delta’s Director of Manufacturing. “We’ve built a world-class operation that competes globally while creating opportunity locally. The support enables us to industrialise not just today’s production lines, but tomorrow’s innovations. It will support us to industrialise future businesses obtained through Volkswagen.”

    The firm, which is based in Botswana, makes wiring harnesses for  Volkswagen’s Polo Vivo and Polo 270, and Nissan’s H60 brands.

    It currently makes 120 vehicle harness sets for Volkswagen South Africa per day. By 2027, it hopes to create 340 vehicle sets for Volkswagen and 111 for Nissan in South Africa.

    Women powering an industrial revolution

    As one walks through Delta’s expansive manufacturing facility, one fact is immediately apparent: in a traditionally male-dominated industry, women’s expertise is driving this operation forward. An impressive 75% of Delta’s workforce is female, shattering glass ceilings with every wire harness assembled.

    For Clara Kaekane, a product and process engineer at Delta, the significance goes beyond personal achievement: “Every component we make is a challenge to outdated assumptions about gender and engineering work. I’m not just building car parts – I’m building a new perception of what is possible for women in manufacturing across Africa.”

    Kaekane feels empowered to work at the management level in the automotive industry, which is normally male-dominated.

    “This is a great opportunity for our country and company,” she says.

    Connecting communities to global value chains

    The hum of activity at Delta’s plant represents more than manufacturing – it is the sound of Botswana’s integration into sophisticated global supply networks. Currently producing 120 vehicle wiring harnesses daily, with plans to nearly triple output by 2027, Delta is an example of how African manufacturers can excel in precision-demanding global industries.

    “What is happening here is the physical manifestation of our High 5 development priorities, particularly  ‘Industrialize Africa’ and ‘Integrate Africa’. It also provides skills to the people of Africa,” said the African Development Bank’s Deputy Director General for Southern Africa, Moono Mupotola. “Each wire harness connects not just vehicle components, but Botswana’s workforce to global value chains, rural communities to industrial opportunities, and traditional economies to a diversified future.”

     Scaling impact: From hundreds to thousands

    The numbers tell a compelling story: There are 327 employees today, expected to grow to 1,000 within four years. Behind those numbers are families supported, skills developed, and communities transformed. With 95% of the workforce Botswana nationals, the company has become a major driver of local economic empowerment.

    “We’re seeing multiple development dividends from this single investment,” says Benedicta Abosi of BDC. “Delta’s growth is generating export earnings, creating quality jobs, developing technical skills and, perhaps most importantly, demonstrating what’s possible when development finance meets entrepreneurial vision.”

    She explained that five years ago, the Botswana Development Corporation supported multiple businesses, including Delta Automotive Technologies, through a $80 million line of credit facility from the African Development Bank.

    A blueprint for African industrial transformation, Delta’s success offers a replicable model for industrial development across the continent. By strategically supporting companies integrated into global supply chains, development finance can simultaneously address unemployment, gender inequality, economic diversification, and regional integration.

    As workers at Delta Automotive Technologies continue to assemble the components that will power vehicles across the region; they’re also creating a template for how African development finance can catalyse inclusive industrial transformation.

    “This has definitely been a good investment for the African Development Bank, and this is how we see development financing working in Africa, Mupotola added.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Final defendant sentenced in DMV area dogfighting ring

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A North Carolina man was sentenced yesterday to two years and three months in prison for his role in a dogfighting ring.

    According to court documents, from at least March 2015 through December 2022, Charles Reginald McDougald, aka “Luke” and “Bottom Boy,” 55, and other conspirators from Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and North Carolina used a messaging app private group referred to as “The DMV Board” or “The Board,” to discuss training fighting dogs, exchange videos about dogfighting, and arrange and coordinate dog fights.

    Members of the DMV Board also used the app to compare methods of killing dogs that lost fights, circulate media reports about conspirators who had been caught by law enforcement, and discuss ways to avoid being caught. McDougald posted multiple offers to arrange dogfights for thousands of dollars per fight.

    McDougald’s sentencing follows the convictions of 19 of his fellow members of the DMV Board.

    On Dec. 22, 2017, Rodriguez Norman, aka “Tough Love,” 31, of Washington, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, conspiracy to traffic in contraband cigarettes, aggravated identity theft, and conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture.  On April 6, 2018, Norman was sentenced to nine years in prison for bank fraud, cigarette, and identity theft charges, and an additional year for the dogfighting conspiracy.

    On April 28, 2021, Carlos Harvey, aka “Roc9,” of King George, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture.  On Dec. 10, 2021, Harvey was sentenced to six months in prison.

    On Nov. 4, 2022, Charles Edward Williams, III, aka “Never Say Never,” 50, of Capital Heights, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On Feb. 21, 2023, Williams was sentenced to two years in prison.

    On Nov. 9, 2022, Michael Roy Hilliard, aka “No Dayz Off,” 38, of Fort Washington, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On March 1, 2023, Hilliard was sentenced to six months in prison.

    On Nov. 10, 2022, Laron West, aka “Frog” and “Get Sick,” 46, of Forestville, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. West was murdered on Feb. 12, 2023, prior to sentencing.

    On Nov. 29, 2022, Derek Aaron Garcia, aka “Fatal Attraction,” 40, of Woodbridge, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture.  On March 7, 2023, Garcia was sentenced to 10 days in prison.

    On Nov. 29, 2022, Ricardo Glen Thorne, aka “Rip,” 53, of Camp Springs, Maryland, pled guilty to advertising an animal for use in an animal fighting venture. On March 7, 2023, Thorne was sentenced to one year and one day in prison.

    On June 16, 2023, Tarry Jeron Wilson, aka “Tejai” and “City Limits,” 39, of Warsaw, Virginia, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On June 20, 2023, Wilson was sentenced to two years in prison.

    On March 18, 2024, Eldridge Jackson, aka “Big Head” and “4B,” 48, of Temple Hills, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On June 18, 2024, Jackson was sentenced to 30 months in prison.

    On March 21, 2024, Bashawn Allen, aka “425,” 35, of Trenton, New Jersey, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On June 18, 2024, Allen was sentenced to a year and six months in prison.

    On March 21, 2024, Larry Alston, aka “Big Goon,” 49, of Windsor Mills, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On June 18, 2024, Alston was sentenced to two years in prison.

    On March 21, 2024, Dandre Wallace, aka “Abstract,” 47, of Laurel, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On June 18, 2024, Wallace was sentenced to two years in prison.

    On March 22, 2024, Isaac Weathersby, aka “Big Fist” 43, of High Point, North Carolina, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On June 18, 2024, Weathersby was sentenced to a year and nine months in prison.

    On March 28, 2024, Charles Davis, aka “Cat Daddy” and “Deep in the Game,” 44, of Woodbridge, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On July 2, 2024, Davis was sentenced to 60 days in prison.

    On April 8, 2024, Mark Rodriguez, aka “Slow Poke,” of Stafford, was convicted at trial of conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On July 2, 2024, Rodriguez was sentenced to 14 days in jail.

    On May 28, 2024, Kevin Jackson, aka “4B1,” 47, of White Plains, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On Sept. 6, 2024, Jackson was sentenced to 10 days in prison.

    On Aug. 6, 2024, Elijah Loatman, aka “Nephew the Genius,” 33, of Elkton, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On Nov. 8, 2024, Loatman was sentenced to 30 days in prison.

    On July 23, 2024, Mario Flythe, aka “the Barber,” 50, of Glen Burnie, Maryland, pled guilty in U.S. District Court in the District of Maryland to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture and interstate travel or transportation in aid of a racketeering enterprise.  On Jan. 23, 2025, Flythe was sentenced to six months in prison.

    On Aug. 22, 2024, Frederick Moorfield, aka “Geehad,” 64, of Arnold, Maryland, pled guilty in the District of Maryland to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture and interstate travel or transportation in aid of a racketeering enterprise.  On Dec. 12, 2024, Moorefield was sentenced to a year and six months in prison.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Sean Ryan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, made the announcement. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland provided valuable assistance in the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gordon D. Kromberg and Vanessa K. Strobbe prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 1:22-cr-154 and 1:23-cr-176.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Spacecraft can ‘brake’ in space using drag − advancing craft agility, space safety and planetary missions

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Piyush Mehta, Associate Professor of Space Systems, West Virginia University

    Planetary space probes such as Mars Odyssey use a technique called aerobraking to save fuel. NASA/JPL

    When you put your hand out the window of a moving car, you feel a force pushing against you called drag. This force opposes a moving vehicle, and it’s part of the reason why your car naturally slows to a stop if you take your foot off the gas pedal. But drag doesn’t just slow down cars.

    Aerospace engineers are working on using the drag force in space to develop more fuel-efficient spacecraft and missions, deorbit spacecraft without creating as much space junk, and even place probes in orbit around other planets.

    Space is not a complete vacuum − at least not all of it. Earth’s atmosphere gets thinner with altitude, but it has enough air to impart a force of drag on orbiting spacecraft, even up to about 620 miles (1,000 kilometers).

    As an aerospace engineering professor, I study how drag affects the movement of spacecraft in orbit. Aerobraking, as the name suggests, is a type of maneuver that uses the thin air in space to apply a drag force in the direction opposite to a spacecraft’s motion, much like braking in a car.

    Changing an orbit

    In space, aerobraking can change the orbit of a spacecraft while minimizing the use of its propulsion system and fuel.

    Spacecraft that orbit around Earth do so in two types of orbits: circular and elliptical. In a circular orbit, the spacecraft is always at the same distance from the center of the Earth. As a result, it’s always moving at the same speed. An elliptical orbit is stretched, so the distance from Earth − and the speed the craft moves at − changes as the spacecraft travels along the orbit.

    The closest point in an elliptical orbit around Earth, where the satellite or spacecraft is moving fastest, is called the perigee. The farthest point, where it’s moving slowest, is called the apogee.

    The apogee is the point farthest from Earth in an elliptical orbit, while the perigee is the point closest to Earth.
    Iketsi/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    The general idea behind aerobraking is to start in a large circular orbit and maneuver the spacecraft into a highly elliptical orbit, so that the lowest point in the orbit − the perigree − lies in the denser part of the upper atmosphere. For Earth, that’s between about 62 and 310 miles (100 and 500 kilometers), with the choice depending on time required to complete the orbit change.

    As the spacecraft passes through this lowest point, the air exerts a drag force on it, which reduces the stretch of the orbit over time. This force pulls the craft toward a circular orbit smaller than the original orbit.

    Aerobraking brings a spacecraft from a large, circular orbit into a highly elliptical orbit, into a smaller, more circular one.
    Moneya/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    The first maneuver to put the spacecraft in an elliptical orbit so that drag can take effect does require using a propulsion system and some fuel. But once it’s in the elliptical orbit, drag from the atmosphere slows the craft, and it doesn’t need to use much, if any, fuel.

    Aerobraking brings a craft from a large orbit to a small orbit and is not reversible − it can’t increase the size of an orbit. Increasing the size of an orbit or raising the spacecraft to a higher orbit requires propulsion and fuel.

    Aerobraking uses

    A common case where spacecraft controllers use aerobraking is when changing the craft’s orbit from a geostationary orbit − GEO − to a low Earth orbit, LEO. A GEO orbit is a circular orbit with an altitude of roughly 22,236 miles (35,786 km). In GEO, the spacecraft makes one orbit around Earth in 24 hours, so the spacecraft always stays above the same point on Earth’s surface.

    In GEO orbit, a spacecraft orbits with Earth and stays above the same point on the surface the whole time.
    MikeRun/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    Before aerobraking, the spacecraft’s onboard propulsion system thrusts in the opposite direction of the GEO orbit’s motion. This thrust puts it into an elliptical orbit. The craft passes through the atmosphere multiple times, which eventually circularizes the orbit.

    Once it makes it to LEO, the spacecraft may need to use a little bit of fuel to propel itself up into its target orbit. Usually, the lowest point of the original elliptical orbit is lower than the final target circular orbit.

    This process is conceptually similar to how the U.S. Space Force’s X-37B used aerobraking in early 2025.

    The U.S. Space Force reported that its unmanned spaceplane, X-37B, used aerobraking. This test demonstrated the craft’s agility and maneuverability.

    Another application for aerobraking is to make a spacecraft deorbit − or reenter the atmosphere − after it has stopped working. This way, the company or agency can dispose of the spacecraft and avoid creating space junk, since it will burn up in the lower atmosphere.

    NASA’s Mars reconnaissance orbiter used aerobraking to orbit around Mars.
    NASA/JPL

    Aerobraking for interplanetary missions

    A few Mars missions, including the Mars reconnaissance orbiter and the Mars Odyssey orbiter, have used aerobraking to reach their target orbits around the red planet.

    For interplanetary missions like these, scientists use aerobraking in conjunction with the craft’s onboard propulsion system. When a spacecraft arrives at Mars, it does so in a hyperbolic orbit.

    While an elliptical orbit is closed, a hyperbolic orbit doesn’t go all the way around a planet.
    Maxmath12/Wikimedia Commons

    Unlike a circular or an elliptical orbit, the spacecraft’s path in hyperbolic orbit won’t keep it orbiting around Mars. Instead, it would fly through and depart Mars − unless it uses thrust from its propulsion system to get “captured” into a closed elliptical orbit.

    As the spacecraft arrives at Mars, the onboard propulsion system fires to provide the force necessary to capture the spacecraft into a highly elliptical orbit around Mars. Once captured, scientists use aerobraking over several orbital passes through the atmosphere to achieve the final orbit, generally a circular one.

    Aerobraking maneuvers can result in significant fuel savings. As humans get closer to landing on the surface of the red planet, the fuel savings enabled by aerobraking could save mass and allow each spacecraft headed to Mars to take more supplies.

    In the grand arc of space exploration, aerobraking is not just a maneuver. It has a crucial role to play in the future of space operations and planetary missions and colonization.

    Piyush Mehta receives funding from multiple federal agencies – NASA, NSF, NOAA, IARPA, and DoD.

    – ref. Spacecraft can ‘brake’ in space using drag − advancing craft agility, space safety and planetary missions – https://theconversation.com/spacecraft-can-brake-in-space-using-drag-advancing-craft-agility-space-safety-and-planetary-missions-254038

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Was it a stone tool or just a rock? An archaeologist explains how scientists can tell the difference

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By John K. Murray, Ph.D. Candidate in Anthropology, Arizona State University

    Stone tools are deliberately made by the hands of hominins, like these worked on by the author. John K. Murray

    Have you ever found yourself in a museum’s gallery of human origins, staring at a glass case full of rocks labeled “stone tools,” muttering under your breath, “How do they know it’s not just any old rock?”

    At first glance, it might seem impossible to decipher. But as an experimental archaeologist with over a decade of experience studying and manufacturing stone tools, I can say that there are telltale signs that a rock has been modified by humans or our very ancient ancestors, hominins.

    This process, known as flintknapping, can be boiled down to mastering force, angles and rock structure. When done properly, flintknapping creates the recognizable features that archaeologists use to identify stone tools.

    A demonstration of traditional flintknapping techniques.

    Why do stone tools matter?

    John Murray demonstrates his flintknapping skills for the Glendale Community College Anthropology Club.
    John K. Murray

    Stone tools are rocks that have been selected for use or intentionally altered. This technology appeared around 3.3 million years ago and became essential to hominins – all the living and extinct species that belong to the human lineage. Currently, we Homo sapiens are the only living hominin.

    We are not the only living species to make and use stone tools, though – many other primates do – but the extent to which hominins modify them is unparalleled in the animal kingdom. Monkeys and other apes may hold a large stone in their hands to crack a nut on a flat, tablelike stone.

    But most hominins don’t rely on stones collected as-is. They modify and shape them into useful tools for a variety of tasks, including cutting meat or plants, woodworking, scraping hide and even as projectiles.

    Stone tools are important to archaeologists because they are durable and preserve well. This makes them some of the best evidence for hominin behavior and allows us to better understand how different populations adapted to local environments across time and large geographic regions.

    How are stone tools made?

    Hominins manufacture stone tools by fracturing or abrading rock. Here, I am going to focus on fractured or flaked stone technology because tools made through this technique dominate the archaeological record.

    The process of flaking involves applying force to the edge of a stone, known as the striking platform, through percussion or pressure to remove portions of the rock, which are called flakes. With some guidance from a teacher and plenty of practice, flintknappers can learn how to identify a promising platform on a chunk of stone, called a core, and consistently remove flakes from it. When struck, the platform is removed from the core and is a key feature of the flake.

    Flakes offer an immediate sharp cutting edge. A flintknapper can also further modify them into more specific shapes for other uses. An iconic example of this is the hand ax, which is a core that’s been flaked into a teardrop shape.

    Cores, left, are the object being struck by the flintknapper, and flakes, right, are the sharp-edged material removed from the core. Some cores, like this one from the archaeological site Pinnacle Point 5-6 in South Africa, can be as small as the tip of a finger.
    John K. Murray

    We often use hammerstones or large pieces of antler, called billets, to strike the core’s edge. Repetitive flaking not only allows a flintknapper to produce a significant amount of sharp cutting edge in the form of flakes, but gives them the ability to shape the core to their desired form … often with the risk of personal injury along the way. My fingers can attest to this!

    A modern flintknapper’s toolkit consists of leather pads, gloves, safety glasses, antler billets (left), hard hammerstones (right), and abraders (center-right with grooves), used to rub the edge of the stone to strengthen the platform before striking.
    John K. Murray

    However, not every type of rock has the characteristics needed to be flaked into a tool. You want the stone to exhibit what’s called conchoidal fracture. If you’ve ever seen glass break, you’ve witnessed conchoidal fracture. This smooth break, with concentric wavelike ripples, is defined by the physics of how force moves through different materials.

    Obsidian hand ax made by John Murray, showcasing examples of conchoidal fracture produced while making flakes to shape it.
    John K. Murray

    When an experienced knapper is preparing to remove a flake, we understand how the material we’re working will break when we strike it, so we can predict the shape and size of the tools that we are producing. A stone like obsidian, which is volcanic glass, is the poster child for conchoidal fracture.

    Of course, there is a lot of variation in the quality of rock that hominins have used for manufacturing stone tools, and many have made use of lesser quality stone. Even some of the earliest toolmakers were preferentially selecting rocks for certain properties, such as durability.

    How can you recognize stone tools?

    You may hear people saying that rocks that they found in their garden were tools because they “fit perfectly in the hand” or are “tool shaped.” But it’s not quite that straightforward. Although shape and function may play a role in the final product of a stone tool, it is not the smoking gun.

    Archaeologists can determine whether a chunk of rock is a stone tool based on clues left behind from the process of conchoidal fracture during flintknapping.

    One such clue is the presence of flake scars, or what we call negative removals, which can be found on both cores and flakes. These have characteristic ridges on one or more sides of the rock that outline previous flake removals – hence the use of the term scar.

    When we see multiple flake scars that are consistent in their orientation and size as opposed to being random, it is likely the stone in question was deliberately worked on by a hominin.

    The second feature is what we call the bulb of percussion. This is a bulge in the flake, just below the striking platform, that results from the concentration of force when the knapper struck it.

    Considering that producing a bulb of percussion requires the rock to be struck on a platform at a specific angle with enough force to detach it from the stone, it is improbable that this feature would be created through natural processes – but not impossible. Scientists have found naturally produced sharp stone fragments, or naturaliths, all over the world, even in Antarctica.

    However, when a lot of flakes with these diagnostic characteristics are found together, it’s unlikely they were created naturally.

    A hand ax made by John Murray shows many flake scars, some of which are outlined in black. The inner surface of three flakes shows the bulb of percussion just below the platform.
    John K. Murray

    The final thing to consider when determining whether a rock is a stone tool is the context in which it was found. Are there many stones in the area that exhibit the characteristics that we look for when trying to identify a stone tool? Is the stone tool made of an exotic material, or is it like the rest of the rocks near it?

    If you find a lot of stone tools in the same area made from one type of rock, you might have stumbled across an ancient flintknapping workshop. However, if you discover a tool that was made from a type of stone that can only be found hundreds of miles away, maybe someone traded for this material or carried it with them.

    Try it for yourself

    I think the best way for you to be able to learn to recognize whether a chunk of stone was a tool or just a rock is to try flintknapping yourself. I have taught more than 100 people of all ages to manufacture stone tools, and most agree: It is harder than you’d think.

    This experience puts you into the minds of our hominin ancestors, trying to tackle one of the earliest problems our lineage faced: getting a sharp edge from a chunky piece of rock.

    John K. Murray 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. Was it a stone tool or just a rock? An archaeologist explains how scientists can tell the difference – https://theconversation.com/was-it-a-stone-tool-or-just-a-rock-an-archaeologist-explains-how-scientists-can-tell-the-difference-251126

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 8, 2025

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

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    7 May 2025 by Green Party

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

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

    Anthony said:

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

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

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

    Anthony Slaughter continued:

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

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

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Best Online Casinos NJ (New Jersey): 7Bit Casino, Ranked as a Premier Choice Among NJ Players

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JERSEY CITY, N.J., May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — After testing various online casinos in NJ and looking into their bonuses and rewards, we finally found 7Bit Casino, which is one of the best online casinos in NJ. We are surprised by its welcome bonus and fastest payout feature. With over 10,000 games, including slots, table games, and live dealer options, 7Bit Casino caters to all players. Its robust security, 24/7 support, and mobile-friendly platform ensure a seamless experience, making it a top pick for New Jersey online casinos.

    ✅FEELING LUCKY? TEST YOUR SKILLS AND LUCK AT 7BIT CASINO!

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

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

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

    Extensive Game Library:

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

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    The welcome package offers a 325% match up to 5.25 BTC plus 250 free spins, alongside weekly reloads and cashback. These promotions enhance gameplay, positioning 7Bit Casino as the best NJ online casino.

    Swift Payouts:

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

    Robust Security:

    With 128-bit SSL encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and certified RNG technology, 7Bit Casino guarantees a safe and fair gaming environment, a hallmark of top New Jersey online casinos.

    Promotions & Bonuses at 7Bit Casino

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

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    New players receive a 325% match bonus up to 5.25 BTC plus 250 free spins across four deposits:

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    A 40x wagering requirement applies, making this one of the most generous offers among NJ online casinos.

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

    Weekly Reload Bonuses:

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    Cashback:

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

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    Seasonal Promotions:

    Holiday specials, no-deposit bonuses, and VIP exclusives keep the promotions fresh, ensuring ongoing value for players.

    Game Categories

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

    Online Slots

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

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

    Video Poker

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

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

    Jackpot Games

    For big-win seekers, 7Bit Casino’s jackpot games deliver. Progressive titles like Mega Moolah and Hall of Gods feature growing prize pools, while fixed jackpots offer substantial rewards. The thrill of chasing these prizes enhances 7Bit Casino’s appeal among the best NJ online casinos.

    Live Casino Games

    The live casino brings real-time excitement with professional dealers hosting blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and game shows like Crazy Time. High-definition streams and interactive features create a social, immersive experience, perfect for NJ online casino players craving authenticity.

    Loyalty Program And Payment Options

    Loyalty Program

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

    Payment Options

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

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    Deposits are instant, and withdrawals are swift, with crypto processed in under an hour and fiat within 1-3 days.

    ✅GET IN. PLAY HARD. CASH-OUT FAST. ONLY AT 7BIT!

    Pros And Cons Of 7Bit Casino

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


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

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

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

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

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

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    6. Jump into the Games
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    This simple process makes 7Bit Casino an inviting choice for players eager to enjoy a secure and exciting gaming experience.

    ✅PLAY SMART, AND EARN MORE—LOYAL PLAYERS WIN BIG AT 7BIT CASINO!

    Safety And Trustworthiness At 7Bit Casino

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

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

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

    Responsive Support:

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

    1. Mobile Accessibility: The fully optimized mobile platform requires no app, allowing seamless gaming on smartphones and tablets, a key feature for modern NJ online casinos.
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    These attributes make 7Bit Casino a standout in the competitive landscape of New Jersey online casinos, delivering quality and excitement to players.

    Software Providers

    7Bit Casino partners with industry leaders:

    • NetEnt: Offers Starburst and Gonzo’s Quest.
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    • Play’n GO: Provides Book of Dead.
    • Pragmatic Play: Includes Wolf Gold.

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

    User Interface And Experience

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

    Summing Up 7Bit Casino’s Winning Edge

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

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    5. Is 7Bit Casino safe to play at?

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

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

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

    Contact Information

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

    Email: support@7bitcasino.com

    Disclaimer and Affiliate Disclosure

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

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

    General Disclaimer

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

    Casino and Gambling Disclaimer

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

    Affiliate Disclosure

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

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

    The MIL Network –

    May 8, 2025
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