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  • MIL-OSI: PFM Disrupts Wealth Management in 2025: Earn Digital Assets Risk-Free with Zero Fees

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Los Angeles, California, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PFM, the trailblazing digital asset platform, today redefines passive income generation with its no-cost wealth acceleration model. Recognized by Global Fintech Insights as 2025’s Most Innovative Digital Asset Platform, PFM empowers over 9.2 million users in 192 countries, making it easier than ever to grow wealth through secure, transparent, and 100% free digital asset management.

    New users can receive a $10 welcome bonus, earn daily earnings, and enjoy instant and free cash withdrawals — all without any upfront investment.

    Why PFM Dominates Modern Digital Asset Management

    The huge volatility of digital assets exposes many holders to the risk of uncertainty. However, PFM’s frictionless platform provides:

    • Free $10 Newcomer Bonus: New users receive $10 in digital assets upon registration, daily check-in income is $0.6.—no deposit or wallet connection required. 
    • Flexible Earning Plans: Choose short-term plans of 1, 2, or 5 days, ideal for testing and scaling.
    • AI intelligent income optimization: PFM’s AI intelligent system supports multi-currency income optimization and automatically switches to high-potential currencies; for example, through a 30-day income optimization plan, users can obtain $2,400 in digital asset appreciation.
    • Fast, Fee-Free Withdrawals: All payouts are processed within 1–5 minutes, with no withdrawal or maintenance fees.
    • Advanced Security Protocols: The platform uses cold wallet storage, 2FA, and blockchain-based electronic contracts to ensure safety and transparency.

    “Growing my portfolio by $2,400 in 30 days without risking capital felt revolutionary,” shares James Carter, a London-based educator. “PFM’s transparency outshines every wealth app I’ve tested.”

    Getting started is fast and effortless:

    • Register: Create an account and instantly claim your $10 welcome bonus.  
    • Choose a Plan: Select from 1-day, 3-day, or 5-day flexible strategies.  
    • Activate Growth: Let the system work for you—no setup, no stress.  
    • Monitor & Withdraw: Track your earnings in real time and withdraw cash at any time with no fees.

    PFM combines the security standards of traditional finance with the innovation of digital asset technology, providing:

    – Multi-layer cold wallet security
    – Two-factor authentication (2FA) 
    – Smart contract automation
    – KYC compliance across key markets

    The Future of Wealth Creation Starts Here

    As more people search for smarter, safer ways to build wealth beyond traditional banking, PFM positions itself as the ultimate free digital asset management platform** for 2025. Whether you’re starting your journey or optimizing an existing portfolio, PFM offers a low-risk, high-reward path to sustainable digital growth.

    Start your journey now – become a PFM user and claim your $10 bonus to start growing your digital assets for free.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Beeline Hits $1 Billion in Originations, Driving the Future of Digital Mortgage Lending

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Providence, RI, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beeline Loans, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Beeline Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLNE), a tech-forward mortgage originator delivering fast and flexible financing solutions, today announced it has surpassed $1 billion in closed loan originations since its inception.

    “We are certainly moving in a strong direction,” said Nick Liuzza, Co-founder and CEO of Beeline. “Reaching the $1 billion mark is a major milestone for our company. While the broader market has yet to fully normalize, Beeline’s momentum highlights the strength of our platform and the value we are delivering to customers, even in challenging conditions.”

    Recent milestones for Beeline include:

    • Receiving approval to continue listing on Nasdaq
    • Strategic partnerships with Rabbu and Red Awning to expand reach and offerings
    • April 2025 is expected to be the strongest month since the market downturn
    • 38% year-over-year growth from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9% average industry growth
    • Surpassing $1 billion in total loan origination volume

    Beeline remains focused on expanding its digital lending platform, strengthening strategic partnerships, and accelerating growth in the evolving mortgage landscape.

    About Beeline
    Beeline Financial Holdings, Inc. is a trailblazing mortgage fintech transforming the way people access property financing. Through its fully digital, AI-powered platform, Beeline delivers a faster, smarter path to home loans—whether for primary residences or investment properties. Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Beeline is reshaping mortgage origination with speed, simplicity, and transparency at its core. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Beeline Holdings and also operates Beeline Labs, its innovation arm focused on next-generation lending solutions.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the company’s prospects and anticipated future performance and trends in the mortgage loan industry. Forward-looking statements are prefaced by words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “plan,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “intend,” “seem,” “potential,” “appear,” “continue,” “future,” believe,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” and similar words. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. We caution you, therefore, against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. Our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including, without limitation, the Risk Factors contained in our Form 10-K filed April 15, 2025. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this presentation speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    Contact
    ir@makeabeeline.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ibex AI Solutions Win 2025 Product of the Year Awards from CUSTOMER Magazine

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WASHINGTON, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ibex (NASDAQ: IBEX), a leading global provider of business process outsourcing (BPO) and AI-powered customer engagement technology solutions, today announced that ibex Wave iX Translate and ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent have each earned the 2025 Product of the Year Award from TMC’s CUSTOMER Magazine, for helping clients improve the customer experience.

    “We are proud to be recognized by CUSTOMER Magazine with Product of the Year Awards for both ibex Wave iX Translate and ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent,” said ibex Carl O’Neil, EVP and GM Wave iX, Augment, and ibex CX at ibex. “Generative AI is reshaping CX, and ibex is at the forefront of this evolution with transformative AI solutions that deliver game-changing results for our clients. Our experience managing hundreds of millions of customer interactions for the top brands across major industries and unmatched business insights capabilities make ibex the ideal CX partner to ensure your digital transformation success.”

    ibex takes a solutions-driven approach to align with specific business needs and deliver real solutions for transformative outcomes. Leveraging ibex Wave iX Translate, agents and customers speak or type in their native language, which is then translated in real-time for understanding by both parties. This AI-powered solution enables two-way conversation in over 150 languages, improving communications and allowing CX organizations to better serve customers effectively, efficiently and cultivate stronger connections.

    With ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent, ibex offers a sophisticated AI solution designed for seamless and scalable automated customer and brand interactions. It provides AI-driven voice and text conversations that are customized to align with a brand’s persona and specific business needs. ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent offers human-like, infinitely scalable, and hyper-personalized customer experiences while integrating seamlessly with existing agent support systems to facilitate swift escalation and efficient resolution of more complex customer issues.

    ibex Wave iX Translate and ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent are groundbreaking AI-driven, digital-first customer experience solutions within the ibex Wave iX solution suite, which leverages cutting-edge Generative AI technology to deliver the next generation of AI and agent-assisted customer experience.

    “On behalf of TMC and CUSTOMER Magazine, I’m thrilled to recognize ibex with two 2025 Product of the Year Awards,” said Rich Tehrani, CEO of TMC. “ibex has clearly earned its place among the industry’s top solutions, and I’m eager to see how ibex continues to innovate and lead in 2025 and beyond.”

    About ibex

    ibex delivers innovative business process outsourcing (BPO), smart digital marketing, online acquisition technology, and end-to-end customer engagement solutions to help companies acquire, engage and retain valuable customers. Today, ibex operates a global CX delivery center model consisting of approximately 31 operations facilities around the world, while deploying next generation technology to drive superior customer experiences for many of the world’s leading companies across retail, e-commerce, healthcare, fintech, utilities and logistics.

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

    About CUSTOMER Magazine

    TMC’s CUSTOMER magazine, originally launched in 1982 as Telemarketing magazine, remains the go-to resource for news, insights, and strategies that elevate customer engagement across all channels. Each issue explores the latest advancements in AI-powered CX, omnichannel communication, agent enablement, customer journey analytics, conversational AI, automation, mobile and cloud-based solutions, workforce optimization, and more. For additional information, please visit https://www.customerzone360.com.

    About TMC

    TMC provides global buyers with valuable insights to make informed tech decisions through our editorial platforms, live events, webinars, and online advertising. Leading vendors trust TMC, thought leadership, and our events for branding, thought leadership, and lead generation. Our live events, like the ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW, deliver unmatched visibility, while our custom lead generation programs and webinars ensure a steady flow of sales opportunities. Display ads on trusted sites generate millions of impressions, boosting brand reputations. TMC offers a complete 360-degree marketing solution, from event management to content creation, driving SEO, branding, and marketing success. Learn more at www.tmcnet.com and follow @tmcnet on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.

    Media Contact:

    Dan Burris
    ibex
    Daniel.Burris@ibex.co

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/840448c4-942f-4b70-817e-f77074fc330f

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Colin Biggers & Paisley selected Intapp Time to modernize timekeeping and compliance practices

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALO ALTO, Calif., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Intapp (NASDAQ: INTA), a leading global provider of AI-powered solutions for professionals at advisory, capital markets, and legal firms, announces that Australian leading legal practice, Colin Biggers & Paisley, has chosen Intapp Time to modernize its timekeeping practices and enable more efficient work processes for its professionals.

    “We’re thrilled that Colin Biggers & Paisley has chosen to go to the cloud with Intapp Time,” said Laura Saklad, Legal Industry Principal at Intapp. “AI-powered data capture empowers the firm’s lawyers to focus on client delivery outcomes while ensuring full revenue realization by complying with client obligations.”

    Leading change
    Colin Biggers & Paisley’s decision to move to Intapp Time aligns with the firm’s strategy and commitment to leveraging innovative technology to enhance efficiency and compliance in today’s fast-paced legal market. During the evaluation process, firm leadership prioritized replacing their legacy solution with a new, cloud-based time system designed to enhance operational efficiency.

    “Our goal has always been to provide our lawyers with technology that saves time, fosters client satisfaction, and lets them focus their efforts on high-value client work,” said Sam Sofianos, CIO at Colin Biggers & Paisley. “Intapp Time, with its AI-powered time capture capabilities, enables our lawyers to record their time more accurately. This not only helps in improving our efficiency but also frees our IT team from the burden of managing on-premises infrastructure.”

    Modernizing timekeeping
    As a modern timekeeping solution, Intapp Time will help Colin Biggers & Paisley’s partners and professionals accurately record and submit detailed accounts of the time spent on each matter. The solution provides highly configurable templates and seamless integrations with financial and practice management systems to simplify timekeeping processes and increase timecard accuracy. Intapp Time also offers flexible timekeeping methods, native and integrated compliance capabilities, and Applied AI to help professionals easily recreate their days, adhere to client billing requirements, and minimize missed and under-recorded effort.

    Adopting a more modern, compliance-forward approach to timekeeping will help Colin Biggers & Paisley streamline its billing process, reduce billing disputes, and increase both client satisfaction and the firm’s topline revenue. Advanced reporting and dashboards will also help the firm’s leaders accurately evaluate engagement resources and track time against budget to optimize utilization and profitability.

    About Intapp 
    Intapp software helps professionals unlock their teams’ knowledge, relationships, and operational insights to increase value for their firms. Using the power of Applied AI, we make firm and market intelligence easy to find, understand, and use. With Intapp’s portfolio of vertical SaaS solutions, professionals can apply their collective expertise to make smarter decisions, manage risk, and increase competitive advantage. The world’s top firms — across accounting, consulting, investment banking, legal, private capital, and real assets — trust Intapp’s industry-specific platform and solutions to modernize and drive new growth. For more information, visit intapp.com and LinkedIn. 

    Contact
    Ali Robinson
    press@intapp.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Vodafone Business and Fortinet Expand Global Partnership to Secure Hybrid Work

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Vodafone Business expands its converged networking and cybersecurity services powered by the Fortinet Unified SASE solution to new global markets.
    • Vodafone Business has been also designated “Fortinet Global Partner” due to its expertise in designing, deploying, and managing secure connected enterprise solutions globally.

    LONDON and SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    News Summary

    Vodafone Business and Fortinet® (NASDAQ: FTNT), the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, today announced an expanded global partnership, extending the reach of their converged networking and cybersecurity services to additional countries across Europe and Asia, as well as the United States. Together, the two companies are helping businesses deliver on the connectivity needs of today’s hybrid workforce and confront the growing volume and sophistication of cyberthreats by converging networking and security into a single, seamless service.

    Large and medium-sized enterprises in Germany and in other European markets as well as multinational businesses served through Vodafone Business International can now benefit from Vodafone Business Secure Networking Services.

    These services integrate Fortinet’s industry-leading software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) and FortiSASE cloud-based security solutions to help organizations secure their networks. They provide employees with the same secure, reliable access to their work applications regardless of their location all with a single view across network health visibility, performance dashboards, and customizable reports. With connectivity across 192 countries, Vodafone Business offers the scale and reach needed to support secure digital transformation worldwide.

    Today’s announcement, with Vodafone Business attaining the “Fortinet Global Partner” status, underscores both companies’ commitment to supporting regional and international organizations across their IT and operational technology (OT) environments. The value proposition also helps enterprises in meeting cybersecurity compliance standards and requirements.

    This milestone comes amid a surge in cybersecurity incidences, including malware, data breaches, and social engineering, which rose significantly in the European Union in the first half of 2024, according to the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA).

    Marika Auramo, CEO of Vodafone Business, said: “Cybersecurity is an increasing concern for our customers both in-country and cross-border. The breadth and depth of our global partnership with Fortinet means we can provide customers with the benefits of new digital connectivity to more places whilst ensuring that their digital assets, employees, partners and users are protected.”

    Joe Sarno, Executive Vice President, International Sales, Fortinet added: “As organizations digitize and scale across borders, secure connectivity is no longer optional—it’s essential. Our expanded partnership with Vodafone enables us to deliver unified SASE solutions that combine advanced security with exceptional performance so enterprises can confidently connect users, devices, and apps anywhere in the world.”

    Under the Vodafone Business and Fortinet partnership, businesses can purchase integrated services tailored to their needs and supported by Vodafone Business cybersecurity and managed network service experts. Customers can choose from four management options, including 24×7, co-managed network and security, various service-level guarantees, and professional services, including service discovery, design, implementation, and training.

    By combining their global reach and deep security expertise, Vodafone Business and Fortinet empower companies to detect and respond to threats swiftly, reducing risk while protecting operations and customer trust.

    Notes to Editors
    Vodafone Business and Fortinet will work together to further enhance sovereign compliant network operations center (NOC) and secure operations center (SOC) services. Vodafone Business recently opened a cybersecurity center in Düsseldorf, Germany, which will be home to more than 100 cybersecurity experts to help protect enterprise customers of all sizes from online threats.

    Increased automation and AI networking experiences as part of Vodafone Business Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) Platform is another area of focus for Vodafone Business and Fortinet. NaaS meets customer digital transformation needs by bringing together Vodafone’s software-based connectivity products and services, including SD-WAN, SASE/SSE, and Wireless and Fixed Internet Transport Services. It gives customers, or Vodafone Business managed services teams on their behalf, greater flexibility to buy, configure, and manage services to meet their specific dynamic business and AI application demands.

    Vodafone Business Secure Networking offers organizations several future-proofed managed solutions connecting their users, devices, and machinery. They are:    

    • Vodafone Business Secure Firewall with Fortinet delivers a comprehensive managed security service to set up, operate, run, manage, and maintain customer firewalls in a highly secure manner.
    • Vodafone Business Secure SD-WAN with Fortinet, which is ideal for organizations that need to ensure that their operations meet security and compliance regulation, and who need a secure, reliable, and agile network as they embrace the advantages of moving workloads to the cloud. 
    • Vodafone Business FortiSASE is aimed at customers looking to adopt flexible, robust, and secure hybrid work.

    More information around the partnership and Vodafone Business’ offerings can be found here. 

    Contact details

    About Vodafone Group
    everyone.connected

    Vodafone is a leading European and African telecoms company. We provide mobile and fixed services to over 340 million customers in 15 countries, partner with mobile networks in over 45 more and have one of the world’s largest IoT platforms. In Africa, our financial technology businesses serve almost 83 million customers across seven countries – managing more transactions than any other provider.

    Our purpose is to connect for a better future by using technology to improve lives, businesses and help progress inclusive sustainable societies. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact to reach net zero emissions by 2040.

    For more information, please visit www.vodafone.com follow us on X at @VodafoneGroup or connect with us on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/company/vodafone.

    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, FortiAgent, 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, FortiEndpoint 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, FortiSEC, 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 –

  • MIL-OSI: Brett Snortland Joins Rate as Senior Vice President of Market Growth & Development

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rate, a leader in fintech mortgage solutions, today announced that Brett Snortland has joined the company as Senior Vice President of Market Growth and Development. Based in Houston, Snortland will focus on expanding Rate’s presence and production across the West Division, helping drive growth through recruitment, development, and sales strategy.

    With more than 30 years of experience in sales and recruiting within the mortgage industry, Snortland brings a proven track record of success. He has funded more than $20 billion in his career, including $3.1 billion in 2020 and 2021 alone. A seasoned relationship manager and coach to originators, he specializes in growth, P&L management, relationship selling, and strategic recruiting.

    “Joining Rate at this time of innovation and opportunity is truly energizing,” said Snortland. “This team is unmatched in its commitment to both technology and talent. I’m excited to build on that foundation and help drive significant growth across the West.”

    Snortland is married to his wife Carrie of 32 years and is a proud father to three sons. A former collegiate golfer at The University of Texas, he played professionally from 1993 to 1995.

    “Brett’s leadership style and experience in cultivating high-performing teams will be a huge asset to Rate,” said Todd Heaton, EVP and Western Divisional Manager for Rate. “He’s joining at the perfect time as we continue investing in both people and platforms to expand our reach and better serve homebuyers.”

    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 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.

    Media Contact

    press@rate.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NB Private Equity Partners Announces Updated Company Operating Metrics

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO AUSTRALIA, CANADA, ITALY, DENMARK, JAPAN, THE UNITED STATES, OR TO ANY NATIONAL OF SUCH JURISDICTIONS

    St Peter Port, Guernsey    29 April 2025

    RNS Announcement of Audited 2024 Results and 31 March 2025 Est. NAV and investor presentation dated 28 April 2025. NB Private Equity Partners (“NBPE” or the “Company”) today announces an update to previously published portfolio performance metrics, valuation and leverage statistics following the receipt of additional information. The updated metrics are LTM Revenue and LTM EBITDA growth1 as of 31 December 2024 of 8.1% and 12.1%, respectively, and 15.3x EV/EBITDA valuation multiple2, and 5.3x net debt/EBITDA2. An updated investor presentation is available on the Company’s website.
    For further information, please contact:

    NBPE Investor Relations        +44 20 3214 9002
    Luke Mason        NBPrivateMarketsIR@nb.com

    Kaso Legg Communications        +44 (0)20 3882 6644

    Charles Gorman        nbpe@kl-communications.com
    Luke Dampier
    Charlotte Francis

    About NB Private Equity Partners Limited
    NBPE invests in direct private equity investments alongside market leading private equity firms globally. NB Alternatives Advisers LLC (the “Investment Manager”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Neuberger Berman Group LLC, is responsible for sourcing, execution and management of NBPE. The vast majority of direct investments are made with no management fee / no carried interest payable to third-party GPs, offering greater fee efficiency than other listed private equity companies. NBPE seeks capital appreciation through growth in net asset value over time while paying a bi-annual dividend.

    LEI number: 213800UJH93NH8IOFQ77

    About Neuberger Berman

    Neuberger Berman is an employee-owned, private, independent investment manager founded in 1939 with over 2,800 employees in 26 countries. The firm manages $515 billion of equities, fixed income, private equity, real estate and hedge fund portfolios for global institutions, advisors and individuals. Neuberger Berman’s investment philosophy is founded on active management, fundamental research and engaged ownership. Neuberger Berman has been named by Pensions & Investments as the #1 or #2 Best Place to Work in Money Management for each of the last eleven years (firms with more than 1,000 employees). Visit www.nb.com for more information. Data as of March 31, 2025.

    1 Revenue & EBITDA Growth: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Fair value as of 31 December 2024 and the data is subject to the following adjustments: 1) Excludes public companies, Marquee Brands and other investments not valued on multiples of EBITDA. 2) Analysis based on 66 private companies. 3) The private companies included in the data represent approximately 89% of the total direct equity portfolio. 4) The following exclusions to the data were made: a) growth of one company ($5 million of value) was excluded from the data as the Manager believed the EBITDA growth rate was an outlier due to an extraordinary percentage change c) four companies (8% of direct equity fair value) were held less than one year and excluded from the growth rates d) three companies (1% of direct equity fair value) were excluded with non-comparable time frames of LTM revenue and/or LTM EBITDA data or insufficient information to calculate a growth rate. Portfolio company operating metrics are based on the most recently available (unaudited) financial information for each company and based on as reported by the lead private equity sponsor to the Manager as of 28 April 2025. Where necessary, estimates were used, which include pro forma adjusted EBITDA and other EBITDA adjustments, pro forma revenue adjustments, run-rate adjustments for acquisitions, and annualised quarterly operating metrics. LTM periods as of 31/12/24 and 30/9/24 and 31/12/23 and 30/9/23. LTM revenue and LTM EBITDA growth rates are weighted by fair value. Growth rate data is based on 66 companies and subject to the aforementioned exclusions; underlying EBITDA reported by the GPs may include pro forma or other adjustments to LTM EBITDA in one or both periods and this reported EBITDA used to calculate growth rates may not be the same EBITDA for valuation purposes by underlying GPs. As a result, growth and valuation multiple data are not directly comparable.

    2 Valuation & Leverage: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Fair value as of 31 December 2024 and subject to the following adjustments. 1) Excludes public companies, Marquee Brands and other investments not valued on a multiple of EBITDA. 2) Based on 58 private companies which are valued based on EV/EBITDA metrics 3) The private companies included in the data represents 79% of direct equity investment fair value. 4) Companies not valued on multiples of trailing EBITDA are excluded from valuation statistics. 5) Leverage statistics exclude companies with net cash position and leverage data represents 78% of direct equity investment fair value. Portfolio company operating metrics are based on the most recently available (unaudited) financial information for each company and are as reported by the lead private equity sponsor to the Manager as of 28 April 2025, based on reporting periods as of 31 December 2024 and 30 September 2024. EV and leverage data is weighted by fair value. LTM EBITDA used by underlying GPs for valuation purposes may differ from EBITDA used to calculate growth rates due to pro forma or other adjustments and therefore the two data sets are not directly comparable.
    .

    This press release appears as a matter of record only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any security.

    NBPE is established as a closed-end investment company domiciled in Guernsey. NBPE has received the necessary consent of the Guernsey Financial Services Commission. The value of investments may fluctuate. Results achieved in the past are no guarantee of future results. This document is not intended to constitute legal, tax or accounting advice or investment recommendations. Prospective investors are advised to seek expert legal, financial, tax and other professional advice before making any investment decision. Statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and beliefs of NBPE’s investment manager. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon. Additionally, this document contains “forward-looking statements.” Actual events or results or the actual performance of NBPE may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such targets or forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: SUNation Energy Announces $1.0 Million Line of Credit

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RONKONKOMA, N.Y., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SUNation Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: SUNE) (“SUNation” or “the Company”), a leading provider of sustainable solar energy and backup power solutions for households, businesses, and municipalities, announced that it has entered into a new $1.0 million line of credit agreement with MBB Energy, LLC (“MBB”). As previously disclosed in our SEC filings, MBB Energy, LLC is an affiliate and related party of the Company by virtue of MBB being an entity controlled by Scott Maskin. The revolving line of credit agreement is annexed as an exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on April 17, 2025.

    The line of credit, if utilized, will be used primarily for working capital and corporate purposes. The Company may request one or more loans of up to an aggregate principle amount $1.0 million under this line of credit for a period of one year from the date or entry. Any loans drawn by the Company under this line of credit facility will carry interest on an annualized basis of 8%.

    “We have made significant progress in strengthening our financial profile, with a primary focus on strengthening our balance sheet and enhancing future cash flows, while meeting our financial obligations on a timely basis,” said Jim Brennan, Chief Financial Officer. “Our ability to access this fresh capital on favorable terms provides us with greater financial flexibility to invest in areas that support our long-term growth initiatives. We appreciate the continuing support of MBB.”

    With this line of credit established, the Company intends to seek a new commercial banking relationship that will include a larger commercial line of credit facility.

    About SUNation Energy, Inc.

    SUNation Energy, Inc. is focused on growing leading local and regional solar, storage, and energy services companies nationwide. Our vision is to power the energy transition through grass-roots growth of solar electricity paired with battery storage. Our portfolio of brands (SUNation, Hawaii Energy Connection, E-Gear) provide homeowners and businesses of all sizes with an end-to-end product offering spanning solar, battery storage, and grid services. SUNation Energy, Inc.’s largest markets include New York, Florida, and Hawaii, and the company operates in three (3) states.

    Forward Looking Statements

    Our prospects here at SUNation Energy Inc. are subject to uncertainties and risks. This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. The Company intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbor provided by the foregoing Sections. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations or forecasts of future events, can be affected by inaccurate assumptions, and are subject to various business risks and known and unknown uncertainties, a number of which are beyond the control of management. Therefore, actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this presentation. The Company cannot predict or determine after the fact what factors would cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements or other statements. The reader should consider statements that include the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “estimates”, “plans”, “projects”, “should”, or other expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events or trends, to be uncertain and forward-looking. We caution readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional information respecting factors that could materially affect the Company and its operations are contained in the Company’s filings with the SEC which can be found on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    Contacts:
    Scott Maskin
    Chief Executive Officer
    smaskin@sunation.com

    SUNation Energy Investor Relations
    IR@sunation.com
    (631) 350-9340

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CAI Wins Gold Stevie® Award for Best Technical Support Solution in Computer Services

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ALLENTOWN, Pa., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CAI, a global services firm, announced today it earned the gold Stevie® Award for Best Technical Support Solution in Computer Services. Identified for its efficiency within Service Desk, more than 3,600 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories.

    Building on the success from the 2024 bronze Stevie® Award for Best Use of Technology in Customer Service, CAI has further improved Service Desk with innovative capabilities to streamline processes, meeting and exceeding client demands while providing a best-in-class customer experience. With AI-powered chatbots and workflow managers, longstanding partnerships and predictive analytics, the firm’s technology-driven on results in unparalleled technical support.

    “The right technology enables superior experiences,” said Matt Peters, chief technology officer at CAI. “Through constant innovation and refinement, we combine the perfect blend of human and technological power that delivers record-breaking and industry-first results to our clients. Thanks to the talent of our teams and CAI’s ability to rapidly adopt cutting-edge technology, we are able to deliver on those results every day.”

    “Organizations across the United States continue to demonstrate resilience and innovation,” said Stevie Awards president Maggie Miller. “The 2025 Stevie winners have helped drive that success through their innovation, persistence and hard work. We congratulate all the winners in the 2025 American Business Awards.”

    The Stevie® Awards recognize organizations that have demonstrated outstanding achievements in technology and customer service.

    For a full list of Stevie® Technology Award winners, please visit: https://stevieawards.com/aba/technology-awards

    About CAI

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

    About the Stevie Awards
    Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, and the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.

    Contact:

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: From shrinking bladders to severe stomach pain: survey reveals the painful realities of ketamine addiction

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rebecca Harding, PhD Candidate, Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, UCL

    Ketamine’s rising popularity has created a paradox. While it’s hailed by some doctors as a breakthrough psychiatric treatment, it’s also driving a surge in addiction and harming people’s health. To better understand people’s experience of ketamine and how it might be best used in medical treatment, we surveyed hundreds of people who self-identify as struggling with ketamine addiction.

    Ketamine is gaining recognition as a promising, rapid-acting intervention for mental health conditions for many. Phase three clinical trials are now underway for its use with people with alcohol problems. A ketamine-based nasal spray, Spravato, has also been approved as a standalone therapy for treatment-resistant depression,

    But for others, particularly recreational users in their 20s, ketamine use can lead to more harm than healing.

    Once seen as a fringe party drug, ketamine – also known as “K” – has now entered the mainstream, gaining popularity as a nightlife narcotic and reports of widespread use in Hollywood. But with its rise have come warnings: several high-profile deaths, including actor Matthew Perry and drag artist The Vivienne, have sparked public concern.

    Medical ketamine is a regulated drug used in hospitals and clinics under professional supervision. Illegal ketamine, often used recreationally, is unregulated, may be contaminated and carries higher risks of overdose, addiction and health complications due to unknown purity and unsafe use.

    To better understand the experience of ketamine addiction and to help inform improved treatments, our research team at the University of Exeter and University College London surveyed 274 people with self-identified ketamine addiction from Europe, North America and Australia**. We believe the results offer the most in-depth data of its kind to date.

    While ketamine is chemically distinct from opioids, some users described its emotional and social toll as equally devastating. One participant described it as “the heroin of a generation”.

    This stark characterisation underscores the growing number of people seeking treatment – not only for addiction, but also for physical health complications that can follow heavy, prolonged use.

    Sixty percent of respondents reported bladder problems – a side effect well known among long-term ketamine users, but rarely discussed outside specialist circles. Many also described intense psychological symptoms such as cravings, low mood, anxiety and irritability.

    While these experiences probably reflect heavier users than the average recreational consumer, they highlight the serious harms experienced by those who become dependent.

    Alarming statistics

    Alarmingly, over a third of our respondents had never sought treatment. Among those who had, only 36% were satisfied with the care they received. One person noted: “I think they need to research drugs or options that fight K bladder, K kidneys and K stomach cramps. Ketamine can make your lifespan much shorter.”

    A recurring theme throughout the survey responses was frustration at the lack of awareness – among peers, educators, healthcare providers and even addiction specialists – about ketamine’s risks.

    “No one even understands what ketamine is or what it does,” said one participant. They added: “It shouldn’t be our job to explain the science. It should be taught. People need to be educated. There’s so much less information out there compared to drugs like cocaine.”

    Most participants had first encountered ketamine in recreational settings. Only four participants first encountered it through prescription, primarily in the United States, where at-home ketamine therapy is becoming more common. In contrast, the UK restricts ketamine use to clinical supervision.

    Crucially, the doses reported by participants were far higher than those used in medical settings. Rapid tolerance development and escalating use were common concerns.

    New treatment strategies

    To support those struggling with ketamine addiction, our findings point to the urgent need for new treatment strategies. These include pharmacological options to address physical complications like “K cramps” (severe abdominal pain often described as excruciating) and improved understanding of how ketamine causes bladder and kidney damage.

    Equally vital is improving education – both for the public and for healthcare professionals – about the risks of ketamine use and the realities of addiction. We hope our survey offers a platform for those with experience to be heard and for their voices to shape future research, clinical care and public health messaging.



    Read more:
    Ketamine: what you need to know about the UK’s growing drug problem

    This survey comes at a crucial time in ketamine’s evolving story. In response to rising recreational use and recent fatalities, the UK government is reportedly considering reclassifying ketamine as a Class A drug. However, when ketamine was reclassified from Class C to Class B in 2014, use among 16–24-year-olds increased by 231%, suggesting that harsher penalties do little to curb demand.

    Instead of relying on punitive measures, we must focus on expanding treatment access, reducing stigma and investing in prevention. Our study shows the urgent need for more research into what makes ketamine addictive, how to prevent its physical harms and, most importantly, how to help people recover and reclaim their lives.

    Celia Morgan receives funding from National Institute of Health Research (UK), Medical Research Council (UK), Economic and Social Research Council UK; Medical Research Foundation; Wellcome Trust; Awakn Life Sciences.

    Rebecca Harding 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. From shrinking bladders to severe stomach pain: survey reveals the painful realities of ketamine addiction – https://theconversation.com/from-shrinking-bladders-to-severe-stomach-pain-survey-reveals-the-painful-realities-of-ketamine-addiction-255197

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The world needs climate change leadership – it’s time for China to step up

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Yixian Sun, Associate Professor in International Development, University of Bath

    The second Trump administration has announced various anti-climate policies under its “America first” strategy. Leaving the Paris agreement, kicking off a trade war, shutting down USAid and drilling for more oil and gas will not only undermine the US’s international reputation but will undermine the global effort to combat climate change.

    With the US in retreat from climate action and Europe preoccupied by security challenges, new leadership is urgently needed. China may be poised to fill this gap.

    The country is already dominant in most clean technologies, and its top leaders say climate action can help the country fulfil its responsibilities as a major power. The Chinese president, Xi Jinping, reiterated this message at a recent closed-door meeting of heads of state, organised by the UN secretary general to discuss the climate crisis.

    After nodding to the Trump-initiated global economic shock, Xi said China “will overcome the headwinds and steadily move forward global climate governance”.

    But to take on this leadership, Beijing must first strengthen China’s domestic policies along with its support for climate action in the global south. The country has made remarkable progress on clean energy and its carbon emissions may peak this year.

    But more than 60% of the electricity generated in the country still comes from coal, and it remains unclear how fast the government plans to phase out fossil fuels. Meanwhile, some provincial governments are still issuing permits to add new coal-fired power plants.

    Coal storage in Ningbo, China.
    Alex Tao Wang / shutterstock

    There are things China can do almost immediately to show its commitment to climate action and rebuild international confidence in the Paris agreement. First, it must set very ambitious pledges to reduce its emissions for the coming decades ahead of this year’s UN climate conference (Cop30) to be held in November in Belém, Brazil.

    China was one of the many countries that missed a February deadline for submitting its targets (only 15 countries were on time). Until now, Beijing’s strategy has been to “wait and see” given the turbulence caused by the new Trump administration.

    What China ends up pledging will have a profound impact on global ambition. An ambitious target might mean reducing its emissions from their peak level by at least 30%. This is still achievable if the country can maintain its current progress in renewables.

    Despite the missed deadline, there are some positive noises coming from Beijing. In a recent high-level meeting organised by the UN secretary general, Xi announced that China’s next set of emission reduction targets, covering the period up to 2035, will cover all economic sectors and all greenhouse gases.

    This will be a major progress compared to China’s previous pledges, which only covered carbon dioxide (China is the world’s biggest emitter of the potent greenhouse gas methane, for instance) and did not integrate national targets into individual sectoral policies.

    More support for developing countries

    China has also been instrumental in bridging gaps between developed and developing countries in recent international talks. This was especially the case during negotiations at Cop29 last year in Baku, Azerbaijan, for a new global climate finance goal.

    Climate finance, in this context, refers to providing developing countries with the resources to help them reduce their emissions and adapt to climate change. China still has developing country status in the UN’s climate change convention and, as such, has no official obligation to provide international climate finance.

    Despite this, it has already provided or helped raise around US$24.5 billion (£18.32 billion) for clean energy, disaster recovery and other climate actions in developing countries. That makes it the world’s fifth-largest climate finance donor according to some estimates.

    But for this investment to have a lasting impact, Beijing needs to be more transparent about where its funding goes and how projects are financed. It should also get local people more involved in designing and implementing the projects it funds.

    Reform the system

    China should also play a major role in reforming the global financial system to make it aligned with the Paris agreement. As a strong supporter of green finance, it can influence upcoming international talks such as the Financing for Development conference in Seville, as well as the UN’s negotiations on international tax cooperation. As co-chair of the G20’s sustainable finance working group, China also has the opportunity to push for more funding to support net zero.

    China is by far the world’s biggest producer of renewables, batteries, electric vehicles and many other clean technologies, and is in a unique position to supply them affordably.

    While it has already exported lots of these products, many developing countries still don’t have the know-how or the basic infrastructure to make the most of them (solar farms are of limited use if you don’t have a battery capable of storing the electricity they generate, for instance). China can address this by partnering with other governments in the global south to share technologies and invest in manufacturing.

    With global climate leadership at risk, China has the chance to step up. As an emerging superpower with advantages in clean technologies and a leadership that recently reaffirmed their commitment to climate action, the country is well positioned. The world is watching to see if China will follow through.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Yixian Sun receives funding from UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (grant number: MR/X035956/1).

    – ref. The world needs climate change leadership – it’s time for China to step up – https://theconversation.com/the-world-needs-climate-change-leadership-its-time-for-china-to-step-up-252698

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: My Cypriot grandfather was one of millions of foreign servicemen who fought for Britain. Now I’m telling their stories

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Christiana Gregoriou, Professor in English Language and Stylistics, University of Leeds

    The second world war veteran community is far more ethnically diverse than many people realise, with over 3 million foreign servicemen serving with the British armed forces during the conflict.

    Second world war memoirs are vital records of how these servicemen remembered the war. They offer insights into their relationship to trauma and resilience and their search for meaning in life.

    May 8 2025 is the 80th anniversary of VE Day. As we mark it, it’s important that we celebrate this ethnic diversity and highlight how much this community’s memoirs can teach us about the joy of making sense and finding lessons, however challenging life may be.

    My research into second world war memoirs uses original archival materials including the memoir of my grandfather, Cypriot sergeant Phylactis Aristokleous (British Army). He was a prisoner of war (PoW) and one of the thousands of colonised Cypriots who volunteered to serve in the army’s Cyprus regiment at the time.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    My colleague George Rodosthenous is currently adapting my grandfather’s memoir into a theatrical monologue. It will form the basis of a lecture-performance which will tour Yorkshire heritage sites in May as part of a week commemorating VE Day. All are welcome to attend.

    Though his story is one of deprivation and difficulty, Aristokleous’ war experience was also one he took huge pride in. He believed his time had been beneficial and felt a strong need to share his story with others.

    Memoirists are narrators of the history they bore witness to. Though their stories appear to be individual and personal, they are in constant dialogue with their readers, and with each other, informed by experience that is rich, historic and detailed.

    The stories in these memoirs are part of a web of experiences shared with and influenced by others. Read collectively, a culturally dominant story emerges of survival and determination.

    The war experience

    My grandfather believed that serving in the allied forces and writing about his experiences in his memoir shaped the rest of his life. He claimed that his war experiences determined his outlook and prepared him for the life he led after service. All the while, he was aware that his time had also split his sense of self into parts – some of which he left “behind”.

    Even though this positivity might well be more of a feature of his character rather than the war experience itself, it is nevertheless telling. Aristokleous selected many individual incidents to write about, and my analysis of his memoir focuses on them. He acknowledged that only some of them were incidents he had witnessed firsthand; the rest were stories that others had shared with him.

    The authenticity of the stories he shared tended to be driven by his belief that collectively, and in the war specifically, groups of people from the same nations behaved in the same sort of way.

    In one instance, for example, he accepted the authenticity of a story about Australians being courageous only on the basis of him witnessing a random Australian being courageous at a different point in time entirely. The story concerned two Australians who – after killing a German guard – shot each other so they would not be arrested. He believed this story because of an incident he witnessed himself – an Australian PoW who avenged the killing of an innocent British PoW by killing the German guard responsible, only to then be killed himself.

    Even though my grandfather’s stories were compellingly told and retold over the course of several decades, writing them down helped him organise and conceptualise them into a narrative life-story. In so doing, he added unlikely connections between incidents across his life and PoW journey. He made sense of incidents that happened at one point in place and time by linking them to another place and time entirely.

    In one chapter, for example, he talked about winning bread in a raffle, a moment he linked back to having previously asked God for forgiveness for having given a hungry British sergeant dry biscuits that were not his to give away. He deemed his winning a response to prayer.

    He also drew on analogies for the prisoner experience found in the natural world, which speaks to his dehumanisation during that time. There’s the story of a prisoner’s pet-crow, Jack, for example, who hid cheese the PoWs gave him in the snow for when he needed it. From this, he suggested that the PoWs needed to do the same themselves. These connections helped him to construct sense and rationale around what he went through, and even find closure and catharsis.

    Analysis of his many anecdotes also reveals a tendency to dissociate, by using “we” instead of “I”, for instance. He also distanced himself from what was happening by using direct quotes from others in mostly foreign languages. This lends his stories an air of authenticity.

    The memoir also uses proverbs specific to his Greek Cypriot culture. This enabled him to find another purpose to his stories – to turn them into life lessons for others, particularly his own children and grandchildren.

    An enduring legacy

    Most of the second world war veteran community is no longer with us. But their experience in the form of memoirs is, and so is the enduring legacy they left behind.

    The most cynical of us may argue that life is chaotic, futile and devoid of meaning, but what these memoirs, and my grandfather, may teach us is that we can craft ourselves a narrative to help make sense of it.

    Perhaps most importantly, this multicultural veteran community serves as a powerful reminder that, despite the global conflict they endured, it was through diverse nations uniting across ethnic lines, that they were able to defend their freedom, lives and livelihoods from those who sought to destroy them.

    Christiana Gregoriou 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. My Cypriot grandfather was one of millions of foreign servicemen who fought for Britain. Now I’m telling their stories – https://theconversation.com/my-cypriot-grandfather-was-one-of-millions-of-foreign-servicemen-who-fought-for-britain-now-im-telling-their-stories-252697

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What magic reveals about the brain – and how magicians sometimes fool themselves

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Radoslaw Wincza, Lecturer in Behavioural Sciences, University of Central Lancashire

    FOTOKITA/Shutterstock

    Magicians have long been masters of mind games, turning our brain’s quirks and blind spots into moments of pure astonishment. But magic isn’t just for show – it’s become a powerful tool in the cognitive science of unlocking the mind’s hidden limitations.

    The science of magic has grown into a serious field of study, showing us how unreliable our intuitions and self-perceptions can be. However, a new study shows that magicians may be wrong about why their tricks work.

    From psychology and artificial intelligence to education and mental health, magic is inspiring fresh approaches to some of today’s biggest challenges. Today, scientists and magicians are teaming up, bringing sleight-of-hand into the lab to reveal surprising truths about how we think, see and behave.

    For example, misdirection is a key conjuring principle used to manipulate what we see, and scientific research on misdirection shows just how easily our attention can be hijacked. Other techniques such as “forcing,” involve subtle ways to steer our decisions without us even noticing. These illusions expose the gap between what we think we’re aware of and what’s actually happening in our minds.

    Magicians are masters of mind control – using techniques like misdirection to guide your attention to one thing while something else slips by unnoticed. Take English illusionist Derren Brown. He claims that, with the right mix of gestures and phrases, he can get you to think of a card he’s already predicted. Sounds wild, right?

    According to research, it actually works. Well, kind of. Not 100% of the time, but around 20%. That might not sound like much, but consider this: the chance of randomly naming a specific card from a deck is less than 2%, and even lower if we account for biases (like people often picking the Ace of Spades). So, bumping that chance up tenfold is pretty impressive.

    What does this tell us? That our decisions – what we choose, what we notice – are heavily influenced by what’s going on around us, even if we have no clue it’s happening.

    And this doesn’t just apply to magic. For example, as you are doing your weekly shop, you might think you pick your favourite brand of toilet paper because it’s the best. But research shows that people often choose whatever is placed at eye level, or in the centre of a shelf. Supermarkets know this. That’s why the most profitable products get prime shelf space – to gently (but powerfully) sway your choices.

    We love to believe we’re rational thinkers. But the truth is, we’re often guided by invisible hands – and not just the magician’s.

    Magicians were tapping into the secrets of the human mind long before scientists caught up. For decades, they’ve been using intuition to craft tricks that play perfectly on our mental blind spots. But even seasoned professionals can be fooled by their own assumptions.

    Here’s a standout example: in the magic world, it’s commonly believed that if a spectator names a card out loud (like “Queen of Hearts”), that choice is freer and less influenced by a magician than if the spectator had physically picked a card from the deck the magician is holding. Sounds reasonable, right? Except – it’s the opposite.

    Actions v thoughts

    In our recent study, we interviewed nearly 140 people after taking part in a magic trick where they either named or physically picked a card. On average, people felt more in control when they physically selected a card, and less influenced by the magician – despite what the magic community might expect.

    These findings reveal something fascinating: our sense of control is split. We feel more ownership over our actions – what we do – than over our thoughts. In other words, we trust our hands more than our heads.

    The human brain isn’t as rational as we think.
    Everett Collection/Shutterstock

    But it doesn’t stop there. Another long-held belief among magicians is that a trick feels more impossible and impressive – and creates a stronger emotional punch – when it happens in the spectator’s hands.

    Think about it: if a card magically swaps places with another while you’re holding them that should blow your mind more than if the same trick happens, say, under a box on the table.

    Surprisingly, that’s not what the research shows. In our study, participants were shown two versions of the same trick – in one version, a freely selected card changed in the hands of the participant, while in the other version, the card changed underneath a box.

    We found that people’s reactions to this kind of trick didn’t significantly change based on where it happened. Whether the cards swapped places in their hands or under a box, their sense of amazement was the same. The only difference? When it happened in their own hands, they felt more confused – but not more astonished.

    Why? We think it’s because the trick itself, just like many others out there, is already packed with emotional punch. No matter where the magic takes place, the effect is still jaw-dropping. So, it turns out, the “where” doesn’t matter as much as magicians had thought. It’s the “what” – the impossibility of the effect – that really leaves people stunned.

    So, why are some magicians wrong about this stuff? Honestly, we don’t have a definitive answer yet. But what we do know is this: even with years of experience, our perceptions can still lead us astray. That’s why it’s so important to test our assumptions – not just trust our gut. Magic gives us a powerful reminder of this by turning our mental shortcuts into moments of surprise.

    And this lesson goes way beyond card tricks. In everyday life, we carry beliefs and assumptions – about people, situations, even ourselves – that might feel true but are built on shaky ground. Sometimes, it’s just a harmless mistake. Other times, it can lead to stereotyping, misunderstandings, or missed opportunities.

    So next time you catch yourself making a snap judgement, pause and ask: How sure am I, really? A little curiosity could save you from an awkward moment – or even help you connect with someone you might’ve otherwise dismissed.

    Because if there’s one thing magic teaches us, it’s this: the mind is full of surprises – and we’re all a little easier to fool than we’d like to admit.

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

    – ref. What magic reveals about the brain – and how magicians sometimes fool themselves – https://theconversation.com/what-magic-reveals-about-the-brain-and-how-magicians-sometimes-fool-themselves-255236

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Co-working spaces aren’t just about convenience – they bring a whole range of benefits for employees and communities

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Mariachiara Barzotto, Senior Lecturer in Management Strategy and Organisation, University of Bath

    Master1305/Shutterstock

    When you think of co-working spaces – where workers from different industries come together to share a convenient workplace – you might picture a group of young freelancers hunched over laptops. But today’s co-working spaces have evolved into something more powerful – particularly in a world still reshuffling office work practices in the wake of the COVID pandemic.

    As workplaces adapt to new ways of operating, from hybrid to “digital nomadism”, co-working spaces can do more than simply offer flexibility. They can support workers’ wellbeing and work–life balance by enhancing a sense of community, building trust and new friendships, and encouraging continuous learning.

    Research I undertook with colleagues shows these spaces may also play a role in addressing societal challenges. They can provide support for workers with family or caring responsibilities and enhance digital connectivity in under-served areas by offering faster, stable internet access. They can also encourage knowledge-sharing around new technology – while reducing the need for long commutes, which brings environmental benefits.

    Other research shows that co-working staff tend to report higher levels of job satisfaction and wellbeing, particularly compared with those working at home. There are various reasons for this.

    The ability to choose how and where to work, to exchange knowledge with others on-site, and to avoid long commutes all contribute to better mental health, happiness and wellbeing.

    Productivity can also be boosted by, for example, the social support and interactions encouraged by open architecture and flexible workstations, as well as by a workplace that is much closer to home.

    Some co-working spaces have gone a step further, integrating childcare, wellness programmes and even care for older dependants. One example is COWORCare, a European initiative linking co-working spaces with family support such as kindergartens and elderly-care services. This helps parents (especially mothers) participate more fully in the labour market.

    Workers often need to update their skills to stay competitive. While informal learning happens in traditional offices too, co-working spaces can offer advantages by connecting professionals, entrepreneurs and freelancers across industries. This encourages knowledge-sharing between sectors.

    Many also host training sessions, workshops and networking events, making it easier to develop skills than when working from home or in more homogeneous office settings.

    Some of these spaces also create opportunities, both formal and informal, for young people to learn from more skilled and experienced workers. They can also help youngsters who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) into the workforce.

    This all matters because the shift to greener and more digital economies – known as the “twin transition” – is creating both opportunities and risks. Many workers, especially in rural and older populations, could be left behind without access to training or digital infrastructure. Co-working spaces specifically for older people are ideally placed to address this.

    Such spaces can act as “infrastructures of care” by helping workers feel like part of a community. Perhaps one of the most underrated benefits of co-working is how it can combat loneliness and boost morale for staff who might otherwise be working from home or face a long commute to their employer’s office.

    Remote working can be lonely – and people in the early stages of their career can miss out on chances to learn from more experienced workers.
    fizkes/Shutterstock

    During the pandemic, many people realised how much they missed casual chats and social interaction. Co-working can bring that back – even for remote workers. In fact, co-working spaces can create the kind of “light-touch” community that encourages inclusion without being overwhelming.

    Left-behind places

    Co-working isn’t just for buzzing city centres. Some of the most exciting developments are happening in small towns and rural areas.

    Governments across Europe are supporting this shift. Ireland’s Connected Hubs scheme has built a national network of remote-working hubs, aiming to revitalise rural communities and reduce the urban-rural divide.

    These hubs can provide better internet than workers may have at home, and keep talented young people in the region. They can also spark local entrepreneurship, especially when paired with funding and mentoring. For example, the Youth Re-Working Rural project across Norway, Italy, Spain, Greece, Latvia and Slovenia supports youth and creative industries through co-working and digital training.

    But these spaces aren’t a silver bullet. Our research also shows they are most effective when public investment simultaneously targets specific areas.

    This could be extending high-speed broadband to rural areas, improving transport connections and providing vocational and digital skills training. Policies that support back-to-work programmes – for example, mentoring for unemployed people, parents returning after career breaks, or those who have lost jobs reintegrating into the labour market – are crucial, alongside access to affordable housing.

    Co-working spaces can be part of the solution to making work better – not just more convenient and efficient, but more human. They can improve wellbeing, encourage new skills, and bring life back into places that have been left behind after traditional local industries declined.

    Rethinking the future of work in the face of multiple transitions – digital, green and demographic – means also thinking about the kind of spaces that make learning, connection and wellbeing possible.

    Mariachiara Barzotto 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. Co-working spaces aren’t just about convenience – they bring a whole range of benefits for employees and communities – https://theconversation.com/co-working-spaces-arent-just-about-convenience-they-bring-a-whole-range-of-benefits-for-employees-and-communities-255281

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: RFK Jr. said many autistic people will never write a poem − even though there’s a rich history of neurodivergent poets and writers

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Bradley J. Irish, Associate Professor of English, Arizona State University

    Scholars today believe Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw was probably on the autism spectrum. Bettmann/Getty Images

    U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently declared autism a national “epidemic,” calling it a “preventable disease” that is growing at an “alarming rate.”

    He went on to cast autism as an “individual tragedy” that “destroys families,” while stating that many autistic people will “never pay taxes, they’ll never hold a job, they’ll never play baseball, they’ll never write a poem, they’ll never go out on a date.”

    The remarks drew widespread criticism from researchers, advocacy groups and autistic people. They objected to these scientifically unsound characterizations of autism, along with the broad strokes with which Kennedy described autistic people, who exist on a vast spectrum.

    As an autistic English professor who studies literature and neurodiversity, I was especially unnerved by Kennedy’s contention that many autistic people will never write poetry.

    It couldn’t be further from the truth.

    Working poets

    There’s a remarkable corpus of poetry written by autistic people, who have also written novels, plays and virtually any kind of literature imaginable. The Autism Books by Autistic Authors Project catalogs 133 collections of poetry authored by autistic individuals, which represents only a fraction of the work created by autistic poets throughout history.

    One of the most well-known contemporary autistic poets is David Miedzianik, who in 1986 also wrote one of the earliest autistic memoirs. He’s published his poetry in the books “I Hope Some Lass Will Want Me After Reading All This,” “Taking the Load Off My Mind: Autobiographical and Other Poems” and “Now All I’ve Got Left is Myself: Autobiographical Poems, 1993-1996.”

    Adam Wolfond is another celebrated autistic poet. Wolfond, who is nonspeaking, has released several books of poetry, including “In Way of Music Water Answers Toward Questions Other Than What Is Autism” in 2019, “The Wanting Way” in 2022 and “Open Book in Ways of Water” the following year. And Traci Neal is an autistic poet, advocate and spoken-word artist whose work has been featured in Newsweek and NPR’s Poetry Moment.

    Autistic poets write about many topics. But their work is particularly poignant when discussing how they fit into a world that often labels them broken, incomplete or something less than human.

    In writer and poet Tito Rajarshi Mukhopadhyay’s 2010 poem “Misfit,” the speaker of the poem notes that other people often ostracize him for his differences. But he doesn’t care: 

      My hands, as usual, were flapping
  The birds knew I was Autistic;
  They found no wrong with anything.

    Poets from the past

    Beyond living writers, readers and researchers have also explored the possibility that poets from the past may have had autistic characteristics, even before autism came to be formally theorized by clinicians in the mid-20th century.

    Of course, it’s important to exercise caution when categorizing people from the past, since they lived in worlds without those terms. At the same time, there have always been people whose minds and bodies worked in ways we’d now describe as autistic. So most literary scholars believe it is perfectly reasonable to discuss it as a possibility, as long as these historical figures aren’t given a formal, authoritative “diagnosis.”

    In 2010, for example, literary scholar Julie Brown suggested that renowned American poet Emily Dickinson had characteristics – such as sensory issues, social quirkiness and a savant’s command of language – that align with those of some individuals on the autism spectrum. More recent readers have agreed.

    In fact, many historical poets, novelists and playwrights have been tentatively associated with autism or other kinds of neurodivergence, such as William Wordsworth, Lewis Carroll, Hans Christian Andersen, George Bernard Shaw and Virginia Woolf.

    Unique voices, unique perspectives

    Of course, there are countless autistic people who write poetry who aren’t famous and haven’t published books. Neurodivergent poet and educator Chris Martin, who works with autistic people around the world, helps his students discover how to express themselves in poems.

    He describes this work in “May Tomorrow Be Awake: On Poetry, Autism, and Our Neurodiverse Future,” a book that’s part memoir of Martin’s own journey and part poetry anthology of his students’ poetry.

    Autistic poet and educator Chris Martin and autistic poet Adam Wolfond, who is nonspeaking, participate in a reading in 2023.

    Martin describes the “remarkable reciprocity poetry shares with autism or autistic minds or autistic ways of moving through the world.”

    “Time and again,” he adds, “I have watched my students … grasp the hand of poetry and begin dancing like they’ve been doing it their whole lives.”

    In fact, he argues that “poetry’s patterned structure uniquely serves neurodivergent thinking.” Because many autistic people seek patterns with a “combination of knack and urgency,” reading and writing poetry, which is anchored in patterns of words, images, sounds and forms, is particularly well suited for their way of thinking.

    In a recent interview with the magazine Mother Jones, autistic poet, educator and attorney Elizabeth R. McClellan said, “I know so many poets with various kinds of neurodivergence and that adds to the way that we see the world in our unique way, and that adds to our unique voice as poets.”

    In other words, autistic people are able to expand the possibilities of poetry itself.

    Bradley J. Irish 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. RFK Jr. said many autistic people will never write a poem − even though there’s a rich history of neurodivergent poets and writers – https://theconversation.com/rfk-jr-said-many-autistic-people-will-never-write-a-poem-even-though-theres-a-rich-history-of-neurodivergent-poets-and-writers-255367

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: No whistleblower is an island – why networks of allies are key to exposing corruption

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Kate Kenny, Professor of Business and Society, University of Galway

    Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen speaks at a conference in 2022. Kimberly White/Getty Images for SumOfUs

    Whistleblowers – people who expose wrongdoing within their organizations – play a crucial role in holding governments and corporations accountable. But speaking up can come at a cost. People who report misconduct often face retaliation, job loss or legal threats, making whistleblowing risky and challenging. And when legal protections for whistleblowers are weakened, the risks only grow.

    That’s exactly the situation many workers face today.

    In the U.S., a Trump administration executive order threatens to effectively strip thousands of federal workers’ rights to whistleblower protection. The executive order is part of a larger effort to reclassify civil servants as “at-will” workers who can be sacked at any time for any reason. While federal workers have enjoyed protection against whistleblower reprisal for decades, those safeguards are now under threat. And this comes as private-sector whistleblowers have increasingly faced reprisal, too.

    Yet while the risks are real, whistleblowing isn’t impossible. Indeed, after researching whistleblowing for over 10 years, I’ve observed that insiders who successfully sound the alarm often do so with help − by partnering with allies who can amplify their message and help shield them from retaliation.

    Meet the ‘regulators of last resort’

    My new book, “Regulators of Last Resort: Whistleblowers, the Limits of the Law and the Power of Partnerships,” tells the stories of whistleblowers from Facebook, Amazon, Theranos, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers and Ireland’s public electricity service. In each case, the worker suffered reprisal and was aggressively silenced. In each case, they persisted, and allies emerged to help.

    For Facebook employee Frances Haugen, finding an ally meant teaming up with Wall Street Journal reporter Jeff Horwitz, a specialist in tech who had been writing about Facebook’s misdeeds for some time. When Haugen decided to go public about the social media platform’s knowing exploitation of teenagers and its awareness of the violence incited by poorly regulated non-English versions of its site, Horwitz was pivotal in orchestrating when and how the newspaper articles would appear, helping maximize their impact and granting Haugen control over how her story was told.

    This partnership was no accident; Haugen chose the reporter and tech expert carefully. “I auditioned Jeff for a while,” she later told a reporter. “One of the reasons I went with him is that he was less sensationalistic than other choices I could have made.”

    Indeed, many whistleblowers disclose with the wrong journalist, leaving themselves open to attack.

    At Theranos – a multibillion-dollar biotech company that turned out to be a fraud – a lawyer “friend of a friend” gave whistleblower Erika Cheung critical advice about disclosing to a regulator. This was a lifeline for the recent graduate, who feared for her career and safety after being threatened by bosses and lawyers and warned to stay silent and obey her nondisclosure agreement. Meanwhile, Cheung had no money for formal legal representation. It was that call to the lawyer that made all the difference, Cheung told me. “He said, ‘You can whistleblow.’”

    Her contact explained that if she disclosed to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, she could avail of whistleblower protection and break her NDA. She would have to do it right and focus on the details: to highlight Theranos’ “regulatory noncompliance” and demonstrate the firm was violating the rules for proficiency testing. But all it would require of Cheung was a simple email to the right organization.

    Finally, my research also detailed the many colleagues at Amazon who supported whistleblowing manager Chris Smalls in disclosing risks to life and health during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York. When Smalls was fired for speaking out and subject to racist language in internal memos about the incident that were later leaked, his close colleague Derrick Palmer described his response. “I was appalled,” Palmer said. “I just knew that they wanted to – pretty much – silence the whole effort. Anyone speaking out. That was how they were going to treat them, moving forward. Including myself.”

    Labor leader Chris Smalls speaks during a conference in Chicago, Ill., in 2022.
    Jeremy Hogan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

    This strengthened Palmer’s determination to help Smalls. Meanwhile, the leaked memo prompted letters of support and emails “from people from all over the country – Amazon workers, non-Amazon workers, that just want to help advocate as well,” as Smalls put it. In the days and weeks after, workers held demonstrations at Amazon facilities all across the U.S., with banners declaring solidarity with the New York warehouse whistleblowers.

    No whistleblower is an island

    These allies often go overlooked when the media focuses on whistleblowers. But their support is critical, particularly in an era when protections for workers who speak up are coming under increasing threat worldwide.

    Organizing whistleblowing allies involves strategy, and some nonprofit and civil society groups have become experts in this domain. Leading the way is the U.S. Government Accountability Project and its “information matchmaking” approach. The idea is simple: Whistleblowers need a whole team of other people – from experts to members of the public – on their side. And this takes planning.

    For years, lawyer-activists like those at the Government Accountability Project have been treating whistleblower protection and support efforts as holistic campaigns that entail a media operation and networking effort, as well as a legal defense.

    Take the example of Dawn Wooten, a former nurse at the Irwin County Detention Center – a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement contractor – who encountered and disclosed medical misconduct and critical failures. Dana Gold at the Government Accountability Project supported her whistleblowing with other activists, enlisted civil society groups and politicians in the cause, helped land newspaper articles in The Guardian and The New York Times, and even arranged a New Yorker podcast in which Wooten told her story.

    The information went viral, and multiple investigations ensued. Within a year, the Department of Homeland Security directed ICE to formally end its contract with the Irwin County Detention Center, citing the revelations made public by Wooten and some of the detained women.

    None of this is straightforward. In most whistleblowing disputes, the organization holds the balance of power. It has the files, the witnesses and the money to pay good lawyers. I’ve found that whistleblower allies must work with whatever limited resources they can marshal to give themselves an advantage. This means engaging influential people who might help, including pro bono lawyers, specialists who can give evidence, concerned regulators and beat journalists. In short, what is necessary is experts across all domains who are interested in the story and willing to help. And it’s the collective effort that matters.

    Even with this support, however, whistleblowers don’t have it easy. In many high-profile cases where a disclosure is made public and a whistleblower is clearly vindicated and recognized as a courageous truth-teller, they can suffer afterward. Potential employers can balk at the prospect of hiring a whistleblower, even a celebrated one. And vindictive organizations can and do continue retaliating, even years after a story has dropped off the front pages.

    Whistleblower allies and their strategies don’t offer a magic bullet. But they can help tip the balance of power, bringing public opinion to bear on an employer bent on reprisal or a government intent on coddling the powerful.

    Kate Kenny 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. No whistleblower is an island – why networks of allies are key to exposing corruption – https://theconversation.com/no-whistleblower-is-an-island-why-networks-of-allies-are-key-to-exposing-corruption-250721

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Florida panthers and black bears need a literal path for survival – here’s how the Florida Wildlife Corridor provides it in one of the fastest-growing US states

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Thomas Hoctor, Research Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture, University of Florida

    Florida panthers are a federally endangered species. Carlton Ward Jr./Wildpath

    Imagine a Florida panther slinking its way 400 miles (645 kilometers) from the Big Cypress Swamp, in the southwest part of the state, to Okefenokee Swamp, on Florida’s northern border with Georgia, without ever being spotted by a human.

    No one has yet documented a panther making this journey. But evidence suggests it happens.

    Florida panthers were once distributed throughout most of the southeast U.S., but now their number is tiny – maybe 200 or so – and their known breeding range has greatly shrunk, now concentrated in southwest Florida.

    They do show up in north Florida and Georgia on occasion when young males travel north looking to escape social pressure from adult males. Biologists have found their tracks not far south of Okefenokee. One panther made it almost to Atlanta before it was shot by a hunter.

    Large mammals such as the Florida panther and black bear literally need room to roam in order to hunt, breed and thrive. Such journeys across the state of Florida are possible thanks to the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a statewide system of interconnected wildlife habitat that turns 15 this year.

    The Florida Wildlife Corridor built on conservation efforts that date back to the 1980s and 1990s, when researchers from the University of Florida, including the two of us and our mentor Larry Harris, created maps of existing and proposed conservation areas that interlinked across the state.

    A family of Florida black bears scratches on a log in the dry season.
    Carlton Ward Jr./Wildpath

    Today, the Florida Wildlife Corridor spans 18 million acres – about half of the state.

    Ten million of these acres are protected from development. They are either local, state, regional or federal public conservation lands or they are private conservation easements. These easements restrict the landowners’ uses of the land to activities compatible with wildlife conservation, such as ranching, timber production and other sustainable activities.

    The other 8 million acres are the focus of state-funded land protection efforts to close the unprotected gaps. For now, these lands could be converted to intensive residential, commercial or industrial development.

    The corridor is an ambitious conservation project. It provides sufficient habitat to sustain healthy wildlife populations while also protecting Florida’s key ecosystem services, including water quality and flood storage. Ecosystem services refers to the benefits that ecosystems provide humans.

    The corridor is also a unique example of how conservationists can combine science with public education and outreach to protect important natural habitats – even in regions like Florida that face burgeoning population growth.

    Florida’s population boom

    Until the early 20th century, Florida was the most remote and undeveloped state on the East Coast.

    After World War II and the introduction of affordable home air conditioning, Florida transformed from a sleepy winter holiday destination to the third-most-populated state in the nation.

    Currently, about 300,000 new residents move to Florida each year.

    With this population growth came a rapid loss of natural habitat and rural landscapes. Using federal land use data, we calculate that approximately 60,000 acres of Florida habitat are lost each year.

    Florida’s development was initially concentrated along the coasts, especially in areas with extensive beaches. With the opening of tourist attractions such as Disney World near Orlando in 1971, central Florida also became a hub of rapid growth.

    It became clear to concerned Floridians that virtually all land not protected by permanent conservation designations could eventually be lost to urban and suburban sprawl.

    Responding to these concerns, Florida became a leader in land protection, which has generally been popular and bipartisan in the Sunshine State.

    Since the 1970s, Florida has protected millions of acres of conservation lands through programs including the Florida Preservation 2000 Act of 1990, the Florida Forever acquisition program that replaced it in 2001, and the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, also created in 2001.

    The authors estimate that approximately 60,000 acres of Florida habitat are lost each year to development.
    Carlton Ward Jr./Wildpath

    Scientists identify key areas to protect

    Wildlife biologists since the 1930s have observed how birds and mammals use wooded fencerows, hedgerows, streamsides and other natural corridors to travel through agricultural regions in the U.S. and Canada.

    When corridors are protected, they allow animals to travel safely across landscapes and they can save animals from extinction. They also provide people with ecosystem services such as clean water and flood protection.

    Since 1995, the Florida Ecological Greenways Network, or FEGN, has identified a statewide system of large, intact natural areas and connecting green spaces. It is now part of the state-legislated Florida Greenways and Trails System, a statewide network of recreational trails and ecological corridors.

    As conservation scientists who are deeply involved with the FEGN, we were able to make use of the state’s early investment in geographic information systems. GIS produces digital maps and other high-quality data on the locations of wildlife habitat and other conservation priorities.

    The Florida Wildlife Corridor covers nearly 18 million acres of Florida. A little over half of the acres, pictured in dark green, are conserved lands while the rest, pictured in light green, are considered opportunity areas for future conservation.
    University of Florida Center for Landscape Conservation Planning

    We continue to work with state agencies and other partners to continually update the FEGN as land use changes and as better data and tools become available to identify conservation priority areas.

    Getting the public on board

    While the FEGN proved fundamental for supporting state conservation programs, it was not widely known by Floridians or visitors to the state.

    In 2010, conservation photographer Carlton Ward and colleagues proposed a simple, unified map and a public campaign to promote protection of the top-priority lands in the Florida Ecological Greenways Network.

    Ward called it the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

    He organized a team of photographers, videographers and scientists who trekked across large swaths of the corridor to document Florida’s natural ecosystems and native species that were threatened by development.

    The expeditioners highlighted species like the Florida panther, Florida black bear and Florida grasshopper sparrow. They raised awareness about the corridor’s connection to water conservation, lands managed by ranchers and foresters, and recreational opportunities. And they produced documentary films, media and social media coverage, and public talks and events to educate the public on the importance of protecting the corridor.

    Photographer Carlton Ward Jr. paddles to set up cameras at a site in the Fakahatchee Strand in southwest Florida.
    Carlton Ward Jr./Wildpath

    Bipartisan support continues

    In June 2021, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act into law. The legislation, which had unanimous support from the state Legislature, officially recognized the corridor’s critical role in Florida’s economy, cultural and natural heritage, and protection of imperiled species and ecosystems.

    The law also reenergized legislative support and funding to acquire land directly for conservation and to establish conservation easements on private lands.

    Ranchers with the Seminole Tribe of Florida steer cattle through wooden sorting pens at the Big Cypress Reservation in southern Florida.
    Carlton Ward Jr./Wildpath

    The 2025-2026 Florida budget, which is still under negotiation, earmarks US$300 million to $450 million for land protection programs.

    And on April 23, 2025, the Florida Senate passed a resolution to proclaim April 22 as Florida Wildlife Corridor Day. The resolution affirmed the corridor’s importance as “a unique natural resource” that is essential for “preserving the green infrastructure that is the foundation of this state’s economy and quality of life.”

    There is a lot of land protection work left to be done in a race against a burgeoning human population. But Florida has proved ready to implement science-based strategies and work with willing landowners to protect a statewide wildlife corridor as a key element of Florida’s future.

    The Florida Wildlife Corridor is also a potential model for other states and regions that want to protect viable wildlife populations and ecosystem services.

    Uplands and wetlands east of Fort Myers, in the core of Florida panther territory, are part of the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
    Carlton Ward Jr./Wildpath

    Thomas Hoctor receives funding from state government related to working on the science and planning associated with the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

    Reed Frederick Noss 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. Florida panthers and black bears need a literal path for survival – here’s how the Florida Wildlife Corridor provides it in one of the fastest-growing US states – https://theconversation.com/florida-panthers-and-black-bears-need-a-literal-path-for-survival-heres-how-the-florida-wildlife-corridor-provides-it-in-one-of-the-fastest-growing-us-states-251790

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The ‘sacramental shame’ many LGBTQ+ conservative Christians wrestle with – and how they find healing

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Dawne Moon, Professor of Social and Cultural Sciences, Marquette University

    Not all LGBTQ+ Christians belong to congregations that support that aspect of their identity. D-Keine/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    Kai found Jesus as a teenager. A person of white and Hawaiian descent, Kai now goes by gender-neutral pronouns and identifies as “māhū,” the traditional Hawaiian term for someone in-between masculine and feminine. But when they first became Christian, the high-schooler identified as gay – and was committed to celibacy.

    Kai – a pseudonym to protect their privacy – embraced their church’s “welcoming but not affirming” teachings about LGBTQ+ people, agreeing that same-sex intimacy was incompatible with being Christian. It felt good to be sacrificing for the Lord, Kai recalls. But they eventually realized they were harming themself.

    “I found myself unconsciously shutting down connection,” Kai told us. “Inside, I was crumbling in every moment because I was so fervently policing myself.”

    Kai believed – and their church taught – that God’s own love is a gift, freely given. Nevertheless, they still felt that to be worthy of that love, Kai had to “surrender” their orientation and need for emotional connection, even with friends.

    “It took me a long time to be able to look back on that and say, ‘Those were days when I hated myself,’” Kai said. “I hated myself for the sake of demonstrating how much I loved God.”

    Kai began to reflect on what it meant to be Christian and concluded that Jesus didn’t have a problem with same-sex marriage, or gender beyond clear ideas of “male” and “female.” Christian “friends” quietly cut Kai out of their lives.

    As a sociologist and a philosopher, we’ve worked together to understand the experiences of LGBTQ+ conservative Christians. Kai’s story illustrates a dynamic that in our 2025 book, “Choosing Love,” we call “sacramental shame.”

    In Christianity, the word “sacrament” often refers to a particular rite, like baptism, that provides a tangible sign of God’s presence. Many of the LGBTQ+ Christians we spoke with felt that conservative congregations expected them to demonstrate shame for their identity to prove they hadn’t turned their backs on God – that God was still present in their lives.

    Weight of shame

    Some Protestant denominations fully affirm LGBTQ+ identities, same-sex marriage and gender transition, and other churches are split.

    Two women at a church in Suffolk, England, on Dec. 17, 2023, after blessings for same-sex couples were approved for Church of England services.
    Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty Images

    But when we learned that LGBTQ+ people and their allies were advocating for change in conservative churches, we wanted to hear their stories.

    In interviews and fieldwork, LGBTQ+ evangelicals told us that their churches often treated being cisgender and straight as though it were more important than the Ten Commandments. In some congregations, being LGBTQ+ is treated as an especially grave sin. But since people can’t change their sexual orientation or gender identity at will, treating these things as sins creates an experience of endless shame.

    In the “sacramental shame” dynamic, churches require LGBTQ+ people to feel and display shame as the sign that they have not rejected God. Their churches, families and friends more or less require them to act as though their very capacity to love others, and to recognize the truth about themselves, is a danger to the people they love.

    As one person recalled, “there were a lot of [friends] that I cut off. And I thought I was endangering them. I thought that I was going to poison them.”

    Feeling unworthy of the love of God and other people can make people feel like their lives are not worth living. We heard about countless struggles with addiction, depression and suicide attempts – and sometimes even physical symptoms, like unexplained asthma attacks or autoimmune disorders that developed as LGBTQ+ people wrestled with the stress of trying fervently to be worthy of love.

    Queer Christians of color

    Sacramental shame isn’t easy for anyone, but often it can be more complicated for Black or Indigenous Christians and other Christians of color. In part, that’s because centuries-old racist tropes often depict minority groups in a sexualized way, as “promiscuous” or “exotic.” Not wanting to affirm those stereotypes can make it harder for LGBTQ+ Christians of color to navigate life.

    Kai, like many Christians, was drawn to the faith’s message of love and justice for the oppressed. Religion can offer support and strength for dealing with the realities of racism. But that can sometimes turn into a pressure to disprove racism by behaving as “respectably” as possible.

    LGBTQ+ Christians who are people of color sometimes feel added pressure.
    bojanstory/E+ via Getty Images

    A Black, bisexual pastor we’ll call Imani grew up in a church that quietly supported LGBTG+ people, but she never knew it. As a young person, Imani worried that her own sexuality might cause trouble for her mother, who had already been through a lot:

    I was scared of embarrassing my mother. … All I could think about was the swirling doom that would be, if people found out. … I never even thought for a second that it was an option.

    Some white respondents, too, feared that coming out would embarrass their parents. But for Imani, silence about her sexuality seemed necessary to protect the Black community’s respectability, as well as her family’s belonging in the church.

    We also met Darren: a Black, gay man who was urged to try to fight being gay. His pastor’s ideas about how to “fix” Darren involved having him live in an out-of-state church building for four years, sleeping on the altar and fasting two days a week.

    It ended when Darren heard Christ telling him to stop hiding from life. So he went home, and his pastor told the church not to talk to him.

    Shifting views

    Some conservative Christians, including allies who aren’t LGBTQ+, are starting to change the conversation – and their own views.

    In 2024, New Testament scholar Richard Hays and his son Christopher Hays drew ire from some fellow evangelicals by publishing a book arguing that God’s mercy creates room in the church for LGBTQ+ people. Before them, evangelical leaders such as Tony Campolo, David Gushee and James Brownson had also changed their minds.

    Leaders or laypeople who have rethought the issue often pointed out to us that Jesus said all of the Ten Commandments come down to loving God and your neighbor. Some said their views began to shift when they remembered to exercise humility, realizing that they might not know everything about gender, sexuality and God’s plan.

    In interviews, many Christians talked about the power of humility.
    Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty Images

    For example, the Book of Genesis says that God created male and female; it also says God created day and night, and sea and dry land. But as transgender Bible scholar Austen Hartke writes in his 2018 book “Transforming,” recognizing night and day doesn’t preclude sunsets. The fact that there are seas and dry land doesn’t mean marshes are abominable.

    As Kai tried to share God’s love with other LGBTQ+ people, Kai came to realize that their church’s expectation for all LGBTQ+ people to be celibate “wasn’t just hurting me; it was hurting other people.” Kai decided that “As holy as this feels, it’s not the spirit of the Jesus I fell in love with when I became a Christian.”

    Humility is not the opposite of pride; it is a realistic awareness of your gifts and your limitations. When LGBTQ+ people celebrate pride, they are celebrating the often hard-won knowledge that they are human beings, worthy of love.

    Dawne Moon received funding for this project from the Templeton Religion Trust, the Association for the Sociology of Religion, the Louisville Institute, and Marquette University. In the course of conducting research for the project this draws from, she served from 2015-2017 on the board of the Center for Inclusivity.

    Theresa Tobin received funding from the Templeton Religion Trust and Marquette University.

    – ref. The ‘sacramental shame’ many LGBTQ+ conservative Christians wrestle with – and how they find healing – https://theconversation.com/the-sacramental-shame-many-lgbtq-conservative-christians-wrestle-with-and-how-they-find-healing-248961

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Almost Zion: Remembering a short-lived Jewish state in New York

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Adam L. Rovner, Director of the Center for Judaic Studies, University of Denver

    Twin bridges spanning the Niagara River lead from Tonawanda to Grand Island, New York — the proposed site of ‘Ararat.’ Kevin Menschel/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    At dawn on Sept. 15, 1825, a burst of cannon fire shook the ramshackle buildings of Buffalo, New York. Families raced down the main street to witness a grand ceremony, following a parade of soldiers, clergymen, Freemasons, musicians and Seneca tribesmen, including their venerable chief, Red Jacket. All surged toward St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the frontier town’s only grand edifice.

    Inside, a crowd of Christians, Jews and Native Americans were already packed together to witness the founding of Ararat, a tract of land on nearby Grand Island that was intended to be the first autonomous Jewish city-state in almost 1,800 years.

    Ararat’s 400-pound cornerstone, engraved with a central Jewish tenet of faith from the Bible’s Book of Deuteronomy, rested inside the church. When the swell of the organ died down, former diplomat, political power broker and playwright Mordecai Manuel Noah – the man who had dreamed up Ararat – rose to his feet.

    Today, this marker is one of the few surviving signs of the proposed settlement.
    Adam Rovner

    Described as a “stout … gentleman, with sandy hair, a large Roman nose, and … red whiskers,” Noah had draped himself for the ceremony in fur-trimmed robes borrowed from a theater. He triumphantly announced the reestablishment of “the Government of the Jewish Nation … under the auspices and protection of the constitution and laws of the United States of America.”

    Noah also welcomed Native Americans, whom he – like many Americans at the time – mistakenly believed were “the descendants of the lost tribes of Israel.” In addition, he granted equal “rights and religious privileges” to the “black Jews of India and Africa,” disclosing a rare-for-his-time sensitivity toward Jews of color.

    A portrait of Mordecai Noah by 19th-century painter John Wood Dodge.
    Smithsonian American Art Museum via Wikimedia Commons

    But Noah’s utopian ark sank with barely a trace. Not a single Jew heeded his call to settle Ararat. Noah himself abandoned ship when his calls for a Jewish republic were rebuffed by religious leaders. All that he left behind was the cornerstone.

    As a scholar who scours archives to trace connections between literature and history, I’ve seen how Noah’s efforts to found a Jewish statelet have fascinated students of both American and Zionist history.

    Noah was only the first of many modern thinkers to propose establishing Jewish territories far from the biblical land of Israel. In the 20th century, organizations seeking a humanitarian solution to Jewish persecution considered carving out enclaves the world over, including lands in today’s Kenya, Angola, Madagascar, Tasmania and Suriname.

    ‘City of refuge’

    Noah wielded considerable influence in early 19th-century America through his roles as a political party boss, helming various daily newspapers, and as a popular playwright. But he was also a marginalized outsider at a time when there were fewer than 500 Jews in Manhattan, the young republic’s largest city.

    Noah used his press pulpit to demand equality for Jews, even proposing himself as a presidential candidate. He remained one of few high-profile American Jews throughout his life, urging other citizens to acknowledge that one’s faith and patriotism need never be at odds. Yet antisemitic slurs dogged him throughout his career.

    After witnessing the persecution of Jews in Europe during his diplomatic travels, Noah hoped Ararat would be a territorial solution to religious oppression.

    ‘Noah’s Ark,’ by 19th-century American painter Edward Hicks.
    Philadelphia Museum of Art via Wikimedia Commons

    In some ways, his efforts hearkened back to the origins of America itself. Instead of the Mayflower, Noah invoked the symbolic ark of his biblical namesake – “Ararat” is the biblical name of the mountain where the ark came to a rest after the flood. In the role of the Puritans, he cast European Jewry. And instead of Plymouth Rock, he landed on Grand Island. As the cornerstone of Ararat proclaimed, the settlement was to be a “city of refuge for the Jews” – one that Noah hoped would grow to become a state and be admitted to the American republic.

    In his speeches, Noah imagined that Ararat would allow European Jews to escape persecution while simultaneously fulfilling America’s need for immigration, industry and financial capital. He also believed that his purchase of 2,555 acres of Grand Island would prove a lucrative personal investment: The recently completed Erie Canal, he reasoned, would make Buffalo a major port.

    Failure to launch

    At the time of Noah’s proposal, the Zionist movement – the modern political program for Jewish national self-determination – had not yet coalesced. Most Jews at the time believed that founding a Jewish state in the land of Israel was a pipe dream, or worse. God had expelled their ancestors from the Holy Land in 70 C.E., they believed, so taking matters into their own hands and rebuilding a Jewish state there would be blasphemy.

    Noah hoped to sidestep those theological objections by locating a Jewish polity in the promised land of America, not the biblical promised land. Nonetheless, Jewish leaders dismissed his vision as contrary to God’s will. The chief rabbis of England and France publicly condemned Noah’s plan, and the September 1825 ceremony in Buffalo proved Ararat’s high point.

    Though ridiculed in the press for Ararat’s failure, Noah took a philosophical view:

    I … stand as the pioneer of the great work, leaving others to complete it. … When sneers and mockery shall have had their day … then my motives and objects will have been duly estimated and rewarded.“

    The front page of one of Mordecai Noah’s books, published in 1819.
    Library of Congress via Wikimedia Commons

    Birth of Zionism

    Noah quickly resumed his career as a journalist and emerged as a kind of ambassador, penning articles and delivering speeches that linked Jewish and Christian America. To Christians, he explained Jewish practices. To his brethren, he demonstrated the fundamental compatibility between the ideals of Judaism and the United States, assuring them that America “is the country which the Almighty has blessed,” a land in which Jews “may repose in safety and happiness.”

    Yet Noah never abandoned his plans for Jewish self-government and ultimately advocated national repatriation to areas of Palestine, then under Ottoman control. In 1845 he published a short book, “Discourse on the Restoration of the Jews.” A young journalist whom he had befriended, Edgar Allan Poe, praised Noah’s proposal for a Jewish return to the biblical land of Israel as “extraordinary [and] full of novel and cogent thought.”

    Noah did not live to see his dreams fulfilled. After his death in March 1851, nearly 50 years passed before another playwright and journalist resurrected the idea of Jewish political autonomy: Theodor Herzl.

    Herzl’s vision laid the groundwork for the establishment of the state of Israel. Today, he is considered the father of Zionism, with his image paraded on Israeli Independence Day.

    Paradoxically, Noah is remembered today thanks only to the spectacular failure of his American Zion.

    Adam L. Rovner 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. Almost Zion: Remembering a short-lived Jewish state in New York – https://theconversation.com/almost-zion-remembering-a-short-lived-jewish-state-in-new-york-253534

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Spider-Man’s lessons for us all on the responsibility to use our power, great or small, to do good

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By George Tsakiridis, Senior Lecturer of Philosophy and Religion, South Dakota State University

    A large statue of Spider-Man at a mall in Dubai. Giuseppe Cacace AFP via Getty Images

    As a child, I watched reruns of the 1967 Spider-Man cartoon on television. I was drawn to the action and colors and, of course, the catchy tune. This was my early introduction to Spider-Man, as it was for many children who grew up in the 1960s-’80s.

    Spidey, as he is affectionately called, was a huge part of popular culture. The Spider-Man story was first released in 1962 as part of another comic book, Marvel’s Amazing Fantasy (192) #15. A year later he became his own title character, branching out into cartoons, merchandising and feature films. In other words, Spider-Man became ubiquitous.

    With the advent of films featuring him in 2002, however, Spider-Man reached an entirely new level of influence, so much so that academic interest in him increased. I edited a 2021 book in which I wrote a chapter about Spider-Man’s creeds – his main sets of beliefs, or one might say his religion: “Theology and Spider-Man.”

    A phrase that has appeared in various forms in Spider-Man lore – “with great power comes great responsibility” – is an example of such a creedal statement. I examine how this one phrase can resonate with readers and viewers to such a degree that it shapes their everyday lives and makes Spider-Man a moral exemplar to many of us.

    More broadly, however, I believe that as a moral exemplar, Spider-Man exemplifies the struggle for virtue that most of us face every day.

    Spider-Man is relatable

    Moral exemplars are figures who transcend the average human experience, achieving extraordinary feats in pursuit of virtue. They serve as models for others to follow. They can be historical figures or people we interact with every day.

    A 2017 study led by educational psychology scholar Hyemin Han states moral exemplars influence others because their stories seem relevant and attainable. The study shows evidence that people are more likely to respond to a peer’s example of good behavior and be motivated by that. This means that role models who feel relatable to our daily lives tend to have the greatest impact.

    I would argue that Marvel superheroes and the films they have inspired are popular because we see ourselves in these stories. These characters are the sort of moral exemplars that can influence our behavior because we identify with them so closely.

    Spider-Man particularly fits this bill. Peter Parker is a teenager who unexpectedly gains superhuman power. In this transformation, he is forced to struggle with moral behavior on a higher level because he now has newfound abilities to do things normal humans cannot. He can use his powers for good or selfish ends, and the effects are much more damaging than for a normal person.

    Spider-Man is popular because many people identify with him closely.
    Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

    Moral exemplars are connected in a fundamental way to virtue ethics – a framework of behavior based in core virtues such as honesty, bravery and kindness. Virtue ethics focuses on building character within versus following a set of rules.

    Moral exemplars are the people who represent virtue ethics in its purest form. They are the most virtuous in their character, displaying what all humans should aspire to when practicing virtue ethics. The virtuous hero is the one we emulate and build our own character around, being a representative of a virtuous life.

    Spidey is a perfect moral exemplar because he is relatable. He is one of us. He has limitations but invites us to work beyond them.

    Morality is Spider-Man’s strength

    In the 2021 film “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” Spidey is confronted with the choice of using his power for good or for revenge. As a portal opens to other dimensions, he encounters a number of villains from past films, including the Green Goblin from the 2002 film.

    In contrast to the Green Goblin, Spidey chooses to use his power for good. Green Goblin kills Aunt May because he wants Spidey to embrace the power he has and use it for selfish means. Aunt May serves as a moral foundation for Peter Parker, and with her gone, perhaps the Goblin sees an opportunity for Spidey to embrace power for power’s sake. He tells Spidey, “Morality is your weakness.”

    Spider-Man must struggle with the temptation to kill the Goblin in a fit of revenge – exactly the kind of self-serving thinking that the Green Goblin himself encourages. Green Goblin is the anti-moral exemplar. He embraces power and vice, while Spidey embraces doing good for others. Earlier in the film, the Goblin states, “Gods don’t have to choose; we take.” For the Goblin, there is no real morality. His power entitles him to any action.

    On the contrary, Spider-Man sees his power as a gift to be used – “with great power comes great responsibility.” Spider-Man continually sacrifices the joy in his life – his relationships, his health and his family – in order to fight villains and protect the innocent. This is practicing virtue ethics at a high level, one that reaches the status of a moral exemplar.

    Spidey’s determination to use his power for good arises out of his origin story in the original narrative found in Amazing Fantasy #15. Spider-Man feels a strong sense of guilt and responsibility due to his uncle’s death, which he feels is the result of his inaction. Thus he is committed to using his power for good.

    At first, he uses his abilities to make money wrestling or finding fame on television. In the aftermath of a television appearance, however, he allows a thief to escape because he doesn’t feel morally responsible to stop him. As the thief escapes, Spidey states, “From now on I just look out for number one – that means – me!” Soon after, he finds that same thief has killed his uncle.

    It is out of this origin story that is born his adoption of the phrase “with great power comes great responsibility.” His uncle’s death was necessary for his moral tranformation.

    Spider-Man shows us that moral responsibility does not go away just because one has power. It is in this lesson that Spider-Man exemplifies morality for us. He becomes a moral exemplar.

    George Tsakiridis 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. Spider-Man’s lessons for us all on the responsibility to use our power, great or small, to do good – https://theconversation.com/spider-mans-lessons-for-us-all-on-the-responsibility-to-use-our-power-great-or-small-to-do-good-248529

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Whooping cough is making a comeback, but the vaccine provides powerful protection

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Annette Regan, Adjunct Associate Professor of Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles

    Infants can get vaccinated against whooping cough starting at 6 weeks of age. Hill Street Studios/Corbis via Getty Images

    Whooping cough, a bacterial infection that can be especially dangerous for babies and young children, is on the rise. Already in 2025 the U.S. has recorded 8,485 cases. That’s compared with 4,266 cases during the same period in 2024.

    Like measles, which is also spreading at unprecedented levels, whooping cough, more formally known as pertussis, can be prevented by a safe
    and effective vaccine. But with anti-vaccine sentiment increasing and cuts to immunization services, vaccination rates for whooping cough over the past two years have declined in children.

    The Conversation asked epidemiologist Annette Regan to explain why pertussis has become so prevalent and how families can protect themselves from the disease.

    What is pertussis and why is it dangerous?

    Pertussis is a vaccine-preventable disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Researchers in France first identified the B. pertussis bacterium in 1906. The first recorded epidemic of pertussis is thought to have occurred in Paris in 1578.

    Infection can cause an acute respiratory illness characterized by severe and spasmodic coughing spells. The classic symptom of pertussis is a “whoop” sound caused by someone trying to breath during a bad cough. Severe complications of pertussis include slowed or stopped breathing, pneumonia and seizures. The disease is most severe in young babies, although severe cases and deaths can also occur in older children and adults.

    Some doctors call pertussis “the 100-day cough” because symptoms can linger for weeks or even months.

    The World Health Organization estimates that 24.1 million pertussis cases and 160,700 deaths occur worldwide in children under 5 each year. Pertussis is highly contagious. Upon exposure, 80% of people who have not been previously exposed to the bacterium or vaccinated against the disease will develop an infection.

    Fortunately, the disease is largely preventable with a safe and effective vaccine, which was first licensed in the U.S. in 1914.

    Whooping cough causes violent fits of coughing that can make it difficult to inhale.

    How do cases last year and this year compare with past years?

    During the COVID-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2022, pertussis cases were lower than usual. This may have been a result of limited social contact due to social distancing, masking, school closures and lockdown measures, which reduced the spread of disease overall.

    In the past two years, however, pertussis cases have surpassed figures from before the pandemic. In 2024, local and state public health agencies reported 35,435 pertussis cases to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – a rate five times higher than the 7,063 cases reported in 2023 and nearly double the 18,617 cases reported in 2019 prior to the pandemic.

    Between October 2024 and April 2025, at least four people in the U.S. have died of pertussis: two infants, one school-age child and one adult.

    Why are pertussis cases rising?

    Although vaccines have resulted in a dramatic decline in pertussis infections in the U.S., incidence of the disease has been rising since the 1990s, except for a brief dip during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Before the start of routine childhood vaccination for pertussis in 1947, its rates hovered between 100,000 and 200,000 cases per year. With vaccines, rates plunged under 50,000 annually by the late 1950s and under 10,000 per year in the late 1960s. They reached a low of 1,010 cases in 1976.

    Starting in the 1980s and 1990s, however, the U.S. and several other countries have been seeing a steady resurgence of pertussis cases, which have exceeded 10,000 cases in the U.S. every year from 2003 to 2019. They dropped again during the pandemic until last year’s resurgence.

    There is no single explanation for why cases have been rising recently, but several factors probably contribute. First, pertussis naturally occurs in cyclic epidemics, peaking every two to five years. It is possible that the U.S. is headed into one of these peaks after a period of low activity between 2020 and 2022. However, some scientists have noted that the increase in cases is larger than what would be expected during a usual peak.

    A public health worker processes blood samples during a whooping cough outbreak in Ohio in December 2010.
    National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

    Some scientists have noted that this apparent resurgence correlates with a change in the type of vaccine used in children. Until the 1990s, the pertussis vaccine contained whole, killed B. pertussis bacteria cells. Whole-cell vaccine can stimulate a long-lasting immune response, but it is also more likely to cause fever and other vaccine reactions in children.

    In the 1990s, national vaccine programs began to transition to a vaccine that contains purified components of the bacterial cell but not the whole cell. Some scientists now believe that although this partial-cell vaccine is less likely to cause high fevers in children, it provides protection for a shorter time. Immunity after whole-cell vaccination is thought to last 10-12 years compared with three to five years after the partial-cell vaccine. This means people may become susceptible to infection more quickly after vaccination.

    Vaccination rates are also not as high as they should be and have started falling in children since 2020. In the U.S., the percent of kindergartners who are up to date with recommended pertussis vaccines has declined from 95% during the 2019-20 school year to 92% in the 2023-24 school year. Even fewer adolescents receive a booster dose.

    How can people protect themselves and their families?

    Routine vaccination for children starting in infancy followed by booster doses in adolescents and adults can help keep immunity high.

    Public health experts recommend that children receive five doses of the pertussis vaccine. According to the recommendations, they should receive the first three doses at 2, 4 and 6 months of age, then two additional doses at 15 months and 4 years of age, with the aim of providing protection through early adolescence.

    Infants younger than 6 weeks are not old enough to get a pertussis vaccine but are at the greatest risk of severe illness from pertussis. Vaccination during pregnancy can offer protection from birth due to antibodies that pass from the mother to the developing fetus. Many countries, including the U.S., now recommend that women receive one dose of pertussis vaccine between the 27th and 36th week of every pregnancy to protect their babies.

    To maintain protection against pertussis after childhood, a booster dose of pertussis vaccine is recommended for adolescents at 11 to 12 years of age. The CDC recommends that all adults receive at least one booster dose.

    The pertussis vaccine’s protction wanes over time, so public health experts recommend a booster around age 11 or 12.
    SELF Magazine via flickr, CC BY

    Because immunity declines over time, people who are in contact with infants and other high-risk groups, such as caregivers, parents and grandparents, may benefit from additional booster doses. When feasible, the CDC also recommends a booster dose for adults 65 years and older.

    Vaccine safety studies over the past 80 years have proven the pertussis vaccine to be safe. Around 20% to 40% of vaccinated infants experience local reactions, such as pain, redness and swelling at the vaccination site, and 3% to 5% of vaccinated infants experience a low-grade fever. More severe reactions are much less common and occur in fewer than 1% of vaccinated infants.

    The vaccine is also highly effective: For the first year after receiving all five doses of the pertussis vaccine, 98% of children are protected from pertussis. Five years after the fifth dose, 65% of vaccinated children remain protected.

    Booster vaccination during adolescence protects 74% of teens against pertussis, and booster vaccination during pregnancy protects 91% to 94% of immunized babies against hospitalization due to pertussis.

    Families can talk to their regular health care providers about whether a pertussis vaccine is needed for their child, themselves or other family members.

    Annette Regan receives funding from the National Institutes of Health, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Global Vaccine Data Network.

    – ref. Whooping cough is making a comeback, but the vaccine provides powerful protection – https://theconversation.com/whooping-cough-is-making-a-comeback-but-the-vaccine-provides-powerful-protection-254647

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Trump promotes a radical, unscientific theory about sex and gender in the name of opposing ‘gender ideology extremism’

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Ina Seethaler, Associate Professor and Director of Women’s and Gender Studies, Coastal Carolina University

    Sexual diversity has been documented in every species in the animal kingdom, including among humans. smartboy10/DigitalVision Vectors via Getty Images

    The Trump administration claims to be rooting out “gender ideology extremism” and “restoring biological truth” in the United States.

    In a January 2025 executive order, President Donald Trump decreed that there are only two genders – male and female – and that anyone who believes differently denies “the biological reality of sex.”

    Yet as a gender studies scholar, I know what the science really says about gender and sex.

    Most researchers in my field, as well as those in other disciplines such as sociology and biology, agree that biological sex is vastly more complicated than solely the two variants of male and female. Sexual diversity has been documented among all animals, including humans.

    Trump’s claim otherwise is itself a gender “ideology” – that is, a set of beliefs and values about gender.

    Sex and gender are not the same thing

    Experts in many disciplines have shown how gender is different from sex. Sex refers to bodily attributes such as genitals, hormones and chromosomes; gender is made up of the norms, roles, behaviors and expectations people are supposed to comply with based on the culture and society they live in.

    As such, gender is socially constructed – that is, defined by a community’s beliefs and rituals. In other words, gender does not follow biology. Instead, people have what’s called a “gender identity” – an internal sense of themselves as masculine, feminine or somewhere in-between.

    There are many ways in which gender and sex don’t necessarily line up.

    Among humans, a conservative estimate by the United Nations suggests that up to 1.7% of the world’s population are intersex, meaning their bodies vary from what has been labeled typical combinations of chromosomes, hormones and genitals.

    Intersex rights advocates have long pushed for medical treatment that reflects this fact, rather than common expectations of the human body. Recognition of gender and sex diversity can significantly reduce the stigma and trauma of being an intersex person.

    In the animal kingdom, female spotted hyenas have a penis. Male seahorses get pregnant.

    It took biologists a long time to figure out that some male animals do things that defy socially determined understandings of masculinity. But once they did, groundbreaking insights into the complexity of evolutionary processes have emerged.

    By labeling the concept of gender identity as an “ideology,” the Trump administration has reduced all people – but especially transgender and nonbinary people – to a belief system, ignoring their complex human identities.

    Don’t tell this dad he can’t give birth. A seahorse couple at the New England Acquarium’s 2009 Pregnant Male Seahorse exhibit.
    Matt Stone/MediaNewsGroup/Boston Herald via Getty Images

    What is gender ideology, really?

    Trump’s executive order on gender is itself based on a gender ideology called “biological determinism” – the belief that there are only two genders and that the sex assigned at birth permanently determines one’s role in society.

    This ideology dismisses research and data that document the complexity of human life. This can have serious social consequences.

    Because adherents of biological determinism see sex and gender as one and the same, they generally want to ban puberty blockers, hormone therapy and other gender-affirming health care for trans youth. These are important and sometimes lifesaving treatments; the Trump administration and other adherents of their ideology dismiss them as medical malpractice.

    The executive order also claims that enforcing a rigid male-female divide will keep women and girls safe because bathrooms and domestic violence shelters become dangerous for women when transgender people are allowed to use them.

    Research has consistently debunked this notion. Privacy and safety problems have not increased due to the legal recognition of transgender individuals. There is no evidence that cisgender women – that is, those assigned female at birth – should fear violence committed against them by transgender women.

    Biology is not destiny

    Much of my academic work has focused on how societies rooted in biological determinism tend to be patriarchal. They are designed by men for the benefit of men, and men hold most positions of authority.

    Patriarchal countries, including the U.S., tend to value masculinity over femininity. Political and religious leaders, the media and social norms suggest women are weaker than men, more emotional and better suited for care work. As a result, they portray women as less effective leaders than men.

    Historically, these societies have limited women’s sphere of influence to the household. That, in turn, prevented them from widespread access to, and success in, economic, religious and political leadership positions, just to name a few.

    U.S. feminists in the 1960s and 1970s protested the idea that a person’s body should dictate what they can and cannot do with their life. Back then, patriarchal beliefs restricted women’s participation in sports – they weren’t allowed to run marathons – and jobs, with fields such as practicing law and surgery essentially off-limits.

    Women in the U.S. also lacked full bodily autonomy for much of the 20th century. Access to contraception was limited, and terminating a pregnancy was illegal.

    By the 1980s, women had succeeded in convincing much of U.S. society that they had the same abilities and should enjoy the same rights as men. By the early 2000s, they had made great strides toward attaining equality in education, career choice and reproductive freedom, among others.

    Trans people began making similar progress in the 2010s.

    Moving backward

    As the Trump administration reverts to a simplistic interpretation of sex and gender, public debate on these basic social and political rights is reemerging.

    There is legislation at the state and federal level banning transgender women athletes from participating in sports, bills that would make it a crime to identify as transgender and challenges to women serving in combat roles in the U.S. military.

    Abortion, established as a constitutional right in 1973, had that constitutional protection reversed in 2022. Abortion is now outlawed in 12 states; others severely limit the ability to get the procedure.

    Trump signs the ‘No Men in Women’s Sports’ executive order barring transgender women from women’s sports on Feb. 5, 2025. It was his third order targeting transgender people.
    Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

    To enforce Trump’s “gender ideology” executive order, the Department of Veterans Affairs is phasing out gender-affirming health care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention temporarily scrubbed data about women’s health that has been vital in raising public awareness and fueling ongoing research into aspects of women’s health, such as safe forms of contraception.

    The administration’s policies and ideas are ingrained in a gender ideology that predates the feminist movement of the mid-20th century.

    When asked in court during proceedings in lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of Trump’s executive order, lawyers representing the Trump administration have repeatedly failed to define what exactly the administration is referring to with the term “radical gender ideology.”

    One lawyer, when prompted by a judge, replied that he was “loathe to speculate” what the president means by the phrase.

    In my assessment, the administation’s inability to define “gender ideology” is a meaningful signal. The Trump administration is pursuing, in essence, its own gender ideology masked as anti-gender ideology.

    Ina Seethaler serves on the boards of the Palmetto State Abortion Fund and the Family Justice Center of Horry and Georgetown Counties.

    – ref. How Trump promotes a radical, unscientific theory about sex and gender in the name of opposing ‘gender ideology extremism’ – https://theconversation.com/how-trump-promotes-a-radical-unscientific-theory-about-sex-and-gender-in-the-name-of-opposing-gender-ideology-extremism-250552

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: From cats and dogs to penguins and llamas, treating animals with acupuncture has become mainstream in veterinary medicine

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Joe Smith, Assistant Professor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee

    Kevin, a King Charles spaniel, receives acupuncture treatment at a Washington, D.C. animal hospital. Alastair Pike/AFP via Getty Images

    A perentie lizard in Dallas, an African penguin in Boston and an Oberhasli goat in Chicago are just a few recent examples of animals at zoos and aquariums benefiting recently from acupuncture therapy. As acupuncture has gained wide use in human medicine in the U.S., it also has become increasingly common in veterinary practice, especially for pain management.

    The Conversation U.S. interviewed University of Tennessee Assistant Professor of Veterinary Medicine Joe Smith, a specialist in farm animal medicine and veterinary clinical pharmacology, about this trend. He describes acupuncture’s current uses for treating many species, from household dogs and cats to large animals like horses, cows and llamas:

    Is veterinary acupuncture modeled on the traditional Chinese version?

    There are two schools of thought about veterinary acupuncture. The original form of acupuncture, which has been practiced for thousands of years, follows principles of traditional Chinese medicine. It views the patient through a lens of five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water.

    Each element is associated with a different type of energy. Practitioners work to maintain balance between those energies, which they believe is essential for a healthy body to function.

    Another approach focuses on anatomical effects on the body. Practitioners place needles to achieve specific effects by stimulating muscles or nerves.

    Both versions of acupuncture can help veterinary patients. They use very small, flexible needles, about two-tenths of a millimeter wide – less than one-hundredth of an inch. The needles are placed at various parts of the body to elicit specific responses from connective tissues, muscles and nerves.

    The needles can be used by themselves, or with low levels of electrical current – a process called electroacupuncture. Both approaches are effective, but research suggests that benefits from electroacupunture last longer.

    Veterinary acupuncturists can treat nearly any animal, from a bear to a porcupine, a dog or a sea turtle.

    What does research show about using acupuncture on animals?

    Acupuncture and electroacupuncture both increase the body’s levels of compounds called endogenous opioids. These are pain-relieving substances that the body produces naturally. They work similarly to pharmaceutical opioids, such as fentanyl and morphine.

    Acupuncture increases these compounds so dramatically that the effect can be reversed with opioid antidotes, such as Narcan.

    Studies in small animal medicine show that using acupuncture can speed up healing from nerve injuries, such as spinal cord damage from herniated disks. This is a condition in which material from the disks in between the vertebra of the spinal cord is damaged, and puts pressure on the spinal cord and other parts of the nervous system.

    Herniated disks can be very painful for animals. A 2023 study found that when dogs with this condition were treated with acupuncture, nearly 80% recovered, compared with 60% of animals whose cases were managed conservatively without acupuncture. Acupuncture can also make other techniques, such as epidural nerve blocks, more effective when both methods are used together.

    Many vets are using acupuncture creatively for other purposes, such as increasing sick animals’ appetites, improving their digestion and accelerating healing from injuries.

    How does your veterinary medicine group use acupuncture?

    Our practice at the University of Tennessee has used acupuncture most extensively to help rehabilitate animals recovering from conditions like radial nerve paralysis and femoral nerve injury. We can use acupuncture to stimulate muscles or to provide pain relief, either by itself or combined with other therapies.

    In our Farm Animal Hospital, we regularly use acupuncture for recumbent or “down” animals. That’s a veterinary term for animals that have been unable to stand for extended periods of time.

    With acupuncture, and occasionally electroacupuncture, we can stimulate muscles and nerves that aren’t functioning normally. This help to prevent atrophy, or wasting and thinning of muscle mass.

    For every day that a large animal is down, its muscles atrophy and fluid builds up around injured limbs or joints. These effects can prolong their recovery, or even make it less likely that they will recover.

    By using acupuncture to stimulate atrophied muscles, veterinarians can start to reverse this process. We have used acupuncture extensively on large animals, including cattle, horses, llamas, alpacas, sheep, goats, pigs and even camels.

    One example is goats that have spinal cord injuries caused by parasite migration – a condition called cerebrospinal nematodiasis, or “meningeal worm.” Worm larvae that normally are parasites of white tail deer infect goats through the animals’ digestive tracts, then migrate to the spinal cord and nervous system. They get lost and die there, causing inflammation that can do significant damage.

    We use acupuncture and electroacupuncture to stimulate the goats’ large and accessory spinal nerves and the muscles in the animals’ legs and backs. This gives the goats more muscle function when the inflammation clears, and we believe it helps reduce their pain.

    We’ve also had good results with acupuncture treatment for llamas and alpacas, which are widely used in Tennessee’s Smokey Mountains to carry tourists’ gear up- and downhill. As large animals like these age, they can develop osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that’s incredibly painful and debilitating for them. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture can help keep them moving.

    Our equine services mainly use acupuncture for rehabilitation, helping horses recover from injuries.

    One advantage of acupuncture and electroacupuncture in large animals is that they don’t have many adverse effects. Drugs can have side effects such as nausea and diarrhea, and may cause potentially serious complications. An acupuncture needle placed by a trained veterinarian has few to no adverse effects when it’s done correctly.

    A crow and an opossum at the Nashville Zoo receive acupuncture treatment for mobility issues.

    Can pet owners be confident if their vet recommends acupuncture?

    If there is a nerve or muscle involved, there is probably a veterinary treatment option using acupuncture or electroacupuncture. New studies regularly add to our understanding of the neurology and biochemistry that underlie these therapies.

    Although we’re still learning, if your vet recommends acupuncture for an aging dog or cat – especially for chronic pain – you can be confident that it’s not a fringe treatment. As long as the person treating your pet is a licensed veterinarian, and is certified by a professional organization like Curacore, Chi University or the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, acupuncture should make your pet more comfortable and improve its quality of life.

    Joe Smith has attended attended Curacore Inc’s Medical Acupuncture for Veterinarians course.

    – ref. From cats and dogs to penguins and llamas, treating animals with acupuncture has become mainstream in veterinary medicine – https://theconversation.com/from-cats-and-dogs-to-penguins-and-llamas-treating-animals-with-acupuncture-has-become-mainstream-in-veterinary-medicine-226451

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Global Artificial Intelligence Influence on Diabetic Retinopathy Market Expected to See Significant Growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – According to reports from industry insiders the Global AI in Diabetic Retinopathy market is projected to continue to grow at a substantial rate for years to come. According to Metastat, Global AI in Diabetic Retinopathy Market is witnessing unprecedented growth, reshaping the landscape of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for this prevalent and sight-threatening complication of diabetes. As technology continues to advance, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative force in healthcare, particularly in the domain of diabetic retinopathy (DR), where early detection and timely intervention are critical. The report said “AI applications in diabetic retinopathy are gaining momentum due to their ability to augment traditional diagnostic methods. Image analysis, a cornerstone in the detection of retinal abnormalities, has witnessed a paradigm shift with the incorporation of AI algorithms. These algorithms, trained on vast datasets of retinal images, demonstrate remarkable accuracy in identifying subtle changes indicative of diabetic retinopathy. Consequently, they empower healthcare professionals with more efficient and precise tools for early diagnosis. One of the notable contributions of AI in diabetic retinopathy lies in its potential to address the challenge of limited access to ophthalmic expertise, especially in resource-constrained regions. Automated screening processes, driven by AI, enable remote and quick assessment of retinal images, offering a scalable solution to bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility. This democratization of expertise has the potential to revolutionize the way diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed and managed globally.” According to a report issued by Grand View Research: “the global diabetic retinopathy market size was estimated at USD $9.48 Billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2025 to 2030. One of the main factors expected to fuel market expansion is the growing incidence of diabetes in older individuals and the rising prevalence of blindness caused by diabetes. The introduction of novel diagnostic technologies and treatments and the increased awareness are driving the market expansion.”   Active healthcare/tech companies active in the markets include: Avant Technologies Inc. (OTCQB: AVAI), Recursion (NASDAQ: RXRX), Tempus AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: TEM), Predictive Oncology Inc. (NASDAQ: POAI), ADMA Biologics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADMA).

    The Metastat report continued: “Moreover, AI is not confined to diagnosis alone; it extends its influence on the realm of personalized treatment strategies. Tailoring interventions based on individual patient profiles; AI algorithms enhance the efficacy of therapeutic approaches. This marks a significant departure from conventional one-size-fits-all methodologies, allowing for more precise and targeted treatment plans. The continuous evolution of AI models also holds promise for prognostic applications in diabetic retinopathy. Predictive analytics, driven by machine learning algorithms, analyzes diverse patient data to forecast the progression of the disease. This foresight equips healthcare providers with valuable information to strategize long-term management plans, optimizing outcomes for patients with diabetic retinopathy.”

    Avant Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: AVAI) and Ainnova Request Pre-Submission Meeting with US FDA for VisionAI Platform Technology – Avant Technologies, Inc. (“Avant” or the “Company”), and its JV partner, Ainnova Tech, Inc., (Ainnova), a leading healthcare technology company focused on revolutionizing early disease detection using artificial intelligence (AI), today announced that The Center for Devices and Radiological Health of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received the company’s submission package requesting a pre-submission meeting with the FDA for its VisionAI platform technology and is now under review.

    Ainnova is requesting a pre-submission meeting with the FDA’s review team to discuss any questions and/or concerns about its proposed formal submission, including seeking advice to finalize the protocol and obtain agency guidance for a clinical trial of its VisionAI platform in the early detection of diabetic retinopathy. A pre-submission meeting allows companies to clarify regulatory requirements, get feedback on their plans, and potentially avoid delays or issues during the formal review process.

    The clinical studies will aim to support an FDA 510(k) submission to obtain clearance from the regulatory agency to market its technology in the U.S.

    Ai-nova Acquisition Corp. (AAC), the company formed by the partnership between Avant and Ainnova to advance and commercialize Ainnova’s technology portfolio, including its VisionAI platform and its versatile retinal cameras, has worldwide licensing rights for this portfolio. The licensing rights include the U.S., where the FDA regulates drug and medical device development, so the success of Ainnova’s interactions with the FDA are paramount to marketing the technology portfolio in the United States.

    Vinicio Vargas, Chief Executive Officer at Ainnova and a member of AAC’s Board of Directors, said, “This milestone reflects our two-tiered strategy, rapid deployment in low-regulation markets where VisionAI operates as a screening tool, and simultaneous progress toward FDA clearance for the U.S. market. Entering the U.S. will unlock significant commercial potential, and early engagement with regulators ensures we do so with speed, credibility, and a validated product.”

    For medical device applicants like Ainnova, the FDA’s pre-submission program is useful to determine a clear regulatory pathway for the successful launch of the device, including the number of patients and the number of clinics that will be needed to generate the necessary clinical data for the FDA to make an informed decision on Ainnova’s VisionAI platform. For Avant, the pre-submission meeting will help define a precise budget for the strategic partnership’s entire FDA process.   CONTINUED… Read this and more news for Avant Technologies at:   https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-avai/

    In other developments and happenings in the markets recently include:

    Recursion (NASDAQ: RXRX) recently announced it will present preliminary data during the 2025 Digestive Disease Week (DDW) meeting from its ongoing Phase 1b/2 clinical trial, TUPELO, which is evaluating the safety and preliminary activity of REC-4881 for the treatment of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). The data will be presented as a late-breaking oral presentation during the Research Forum session on Hereditary GI cancer syndromes on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in San Diego.

    “We are pleased that DDW has recognized the importance of our data in addressing the unmet needs of the FAP patient population, where no FDA-approved therapies currently exist,” said Najat Khan, PhD, Chief R&D Officer and Chief Commercial Officer at Recursion. “MEK 1/2 inhibition for the potential treatment of FAP was identified through our AI-powered Recursion OS platform, which analyzed cellular models of APC gene loss to uncover a potential first-in-disease treatment. We look forward to sharing our preliminary findings in our upcoming DDW presentation in May.”

    Tempus AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: TEM), a technology company leading the adoption of AI to advance precision medicine and patient care, recently announced Tempus Loop, a new oncology-focused platform for target discovery and validation. Loop is Tempus’ proprietary approach to novel target identification that integrates real-world patient data (RWD) with human-derived biological models and CRISPR-screens, all leveraging AI to rapidly uncover insights for pre-clinical therapeutic development.

    One of the biggest industry challenges has been translating promising preclinical experiments into treatments that can benefit patients. Conventional approaches in target discovery and validation rely on cell lines or animal models, which may not be reliable representations of human tumors. Loop’s approach is uniquely powerful because it leverages Tempus’ rich RWD to identify patient subpopulations with similar clinical, pathologic, and molecular patterns, followed by use of systems biological approaches to help reveal novel target genes and multimodal signatures. These signatures allow Tempus to seamlessly map patient subcohorts to relevant patient-derived organoids (PDOs), which the company has been expanding for years. By ensuring continuity between RWD and PDOs, Tempus can validate targets using high-throughput functional screens in models that more closely reflect patient attributes. This seamless integration—RWD to PDO and back—can help to enable rapid hypothesis generation and testing in the most relevant disease models, accelerating target discovery and validation.

    Predictive Oncology Inc. (NASDAQ: POAI), a leader in AI-driven drug discovery, recently announced that it has made significant progress along the continuum of biomarker discovery, drug discovery and drug repurposing. These latest developments build upon Predictive’s ongoing initiative to combine its in-house biomarker identification platform with its AI screening capabilities.   Identifying new indications using active machine learning and a biobank of patient derived dissociated tumor cells (DTCs) represents a novel and commercially sustainable approach to repurposing abandoned oncology drugs.

    “This efficient screening approach on a small, curated cohort of abandoned drugs identified three compounds that warrant further exploration in tumor indications that have never been examined in this way,” said Dr. Arlette Uihlein, SVP of Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery and Medical Director at Predictive Oncology. “The work that we have done successfully demonstrates our ability to utilize our active machine learning and biobank of tumor samples to capture patient response heterogeneity in less than 12 weeks.”

    ADMA Biologics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADMA) (“ADMA” or the “Company”) recently announced U.S. FDA approval of its innovative yield enhancement production process. This innovative process has demonstrated an ability to increase production yields by approximately 20% from the same starting plasma volume.

    “This approval represents a pivotal milestone for ADMA, unlocking the opportunity for meaningful acceleration in our revenue and earnings trajectory beginning in late 2025 and accelerating further into 2026 and beyond,” said Adam Grossman, President and Chief Executive Officer of ADMA. “As the first U.S. producer of plasma-derived products to achieve regulatory approval for its innovative yield enhancement production process, ADMA continues to demonstrate its leadership in modernizing and advancing plasma fractionation through agile, forward-thinking scientific development and execution. We commend our team for driving this novel process from concept to approval with speed and capital efficiency, and we thank the FDA for its thorough and timely review as well as the Agency’s commitment to expanding immune globulin access for immunocompromised patients. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue to advance our internal R&D platform—further optimizing production capabilities and progressing novel pipeline programs, most notably SG-001, our pre-clinical, investigative hyperimmune globulin targeting S. pneumonia, which exemplify our commitment to product and process innovation.”

    About FN Media Group:

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    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

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    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Resolutions of Nokia Corporation’s Annual General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nokia Corporation
    Stock Exchange Release
    29 April 2025 at 15.45 EEST

    Resolutions of Nokia Corporation’s Annual General Meeting

    Espoo, Finland – The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Nokia Corporation took place today 29 April 2025 in Helsinki, Finland. The AGM approved all the proposals of the Board of Directors to the AGM.

    The AGM adopted the Company’s financial statements, discharged the members of the Board and the President and Chief Executive Officer from liability for the financial year 2024 and adopted the Company’s Remuneration Report and Remuneration Policy. In addition, the AGM adopted the following resolutions.

    Authorization to the Board to decide on the asset distribution 
    The AGM decided that no dividend is distributed by a resolution of the Annual General Meeting and authorized the Board to resolve on the distribution of an aggregate maximum of EUR 0.14 per share as dividend from the retained earnings and/or as assets from the reserve for invested unrestricted equity.

    The authorization is valid until the opening of the next Annual General Meeting. The Board will resolve separately on the amount and timing of each distribution of the dividend and/or assets from the reserve for invested unrestricted equity so that the preliminary record and payment dates will be as set out below. The Company shall make a separate announcement of each such Board resolution confirming the relevant record and payment dates. 

    Preliminary record dates    Preliminary payment dates

    5 May 2025 12 May 2025
    29 July 2025 7 August 2025
    28 October 2025 6 November 2025
    3 February 2026 12 February 2026

    Each installment based on the resolution of the Board of Directors will be paid to a shareholder registered in the Company’s shareholders’ register maintained by Euroclear Finland Oy on the record date of the payment.

    Composition of the Board of Directors
    The AGM resolved to elect ten members to the Board. The following eight members of the Board were re-elected for the term ending at the close of the next Annual General Meeting: Timo Ahopelto, Sari Baldauf, Elizabeth Crain, Thomas Dannenfeldt, Lisa Hook, Mike McNamara, Thomas Saueressig and Kai Öistämö. In addition, the AGM resolved to elect Pernille Erenbjerg and Timo Ihamuotila as new members of the Board of Directors for the same term of office. The qualifications and career experience of the elected Board members are available on the Company’s website at https://www.nokia.com/about-us/company/leadership-and-governance/board-of-directors/meet-the-board/.

    Board members’ remuneration
    The AGM resolved that the annual fees to be paid to the members of the Board for the term ending at the close of the next Annual General Meeting are as follows:

    • EUR 440 000 for the Chair of the Board; 
    • EUR 210 000 for the Vice Chair of the Board;  
    • EUR 185 000 for each member of the Board; 
    • EUR 30 000 each for the Chairs of the Audit Committee and the Personnel Committee and EUR 20 000 each for the Chairs of the Technology Committee and the Strategy Committee as an additional annual fee; and 
    • EUR 15 000 for each member of the Audit Committee and Personnel Committee and EUR 10 000 for each member of the Technology Committee and Strategy Committee as an additional annual fee. 

    The AGM resolved that approximately 40% of the annual fee will be paid in Nokia shares. The rest of the annual fee would be paid in cash to cover taxes arising from the remuneration. The members of the Board shall retain until the end of their directorship such number of shares that they have received as Board remuneration during their first three years of service on the Board. If the term of a Board member terminates before the Annual General Meeting of 2026, the Board has a right to decide upon potential reclaim of the annual fees as it deems appropriate.

    The AGM also resolved to pay a meeting fee of EUR 5 000 per meeting requiring intercontinental travel and EUR 2 000 per meeting requiring intracontinental travel for Board and Committee meetings to all Board members. The meeting fee is paid for a maximum of seven meetings per term. Only one meeting fee is paid if the travel entitling to the fee includes several meetings of the Board and the Committees. The AGM also resolved that the members of the Board of Directors shall be compensated for travel and accommodation expenses as well as other costs directly related to Board and Committee work. 

    Auditor and Sustainability Reporting Assurer
    The AGM re-elected audit firm Deloitte Oy as the auditor for Nokia for the financial year 2026. In addition, the AGM elected authorized sustainability audit firm Deloitte Oy as the sustainability reporting assurer for Nokia Corporation for the financial year 2026. Deloitte Oy has informed the Company that the key audit partner and key sustainability partner will be Authorized Public Accountant (KHT) and Authorized Sustainability Auditor (KRT) Jukka Vattulainen.

    The AGM resolved, in accordance with the Board proposal, that the auditor and the sustainability reporting assurer elected for 2026 be reimbursed based on the purchase policy approved by the Board’s Audit Committee and the invoices approved by the Company

    Authorizations to resolve on the repurchase of the Company’s own shares and on the issuance of shares and special rights entitling to shares 
    The AGM authorized the Board to resolve to repurchase a maximum of 530 million Nokia shares by using funds in the unrestricted equity. Shares may be repurchased to be cancelled, held to be reissued, transferred further or for other purposes resolved by the Board. The shares may be repurchased otherwise than in proportion to the shares held by the shareholders (directed repurchase). The authorization is effective until 28 October 2026 and it terminated the corresponding repurchase authorization granted by the Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024 to the extent that the Board has not previously resolved to repurchase shares based on the respective authorization.

    The AGM authorized the Board to resolve to issue a maximum of 530 million shares through issuance of shares or special rights entitling to shares under Chapter 10, Section 1 of the Finnish Companies Act in one or more issues. The authorization may be used to develop the Company’s capital structure, diversify the shareholder base, finance or carry out acquisitions or other arrangements, settle the Company’s equity-based incentive plans, or for other purposes resolved by the Board. Under the authorization, the Board may issue new shares or treasury shares held by the Company. The authorization includes the right for the Board to resolve on all the terms and conditions of the issuance of shares and special rights entitling to shares, including issuance of shares or special rights in deviation from the shareholders’ pre-emptive rights within the limits set by law. The authorization is effective until 28 October 2026 and it terminated the corresponding authorization granted by the Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024. 

    Minutes of the Annual General Meeting 
    The minutes of the AGM will be available on the Company’s website latest on 13 May 2025.

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Inquiries:
    Nokia Communications
    Phone: +358 10 448 4900
    Email: press.services@nokia.com
    Maria Vaismaa, Head of External Communications

    Nokia
    Investor Relations
    Phone: +358 931 580 507
    Email: investor.relations@nokia.com  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. Reports Earnings of $1.2 Million, or $0.37 per Share, for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAMPSTEAD, Md., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”), the parent company of Farmers and Merchants Bank (the “Bank” and, together with the Company, “we”, “us” and “our”), announced that net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was $1.2 million, or $0.37 per common share (basic and diluted), compared to $1.2 million, or $0.39 per common share (basic and diluted), for the same period in 2024. The Company’s return on average equity during the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was 8.22% compared to 9.40% for the same period in 2024. The Company’s return on average assets during the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was 0.57% compared to 0.61% for the same period in 2024.

    Net interest income was $5.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, an increase of $321 thousand over the $5.2 million reported for the same period in 2024. The increase was due to a 35 basis point increase in the yield on earning assets to 5.03% for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to 4.68% for the same period in 2024. Average earning assets increased $10.6 million to $790.6 million as of March 31, 2025. Average loans increased to $593.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, an increase of $59.1 million over the $534.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The combination of higher yields on earning assets plus higher average earning asset balances was the primary reason for the increase. Offsetting the increase in interest income was the higher cost of funds in 2025. The average interest rate paid on interest bearing liabilities was 2.70% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 2.48% for the same period in 2024. Average interest bearing liabilities increased to $650.0 million, an increase of $23.0 million when compared to the $627.0 million reported as of March 31, 2024.

    A provision for credit losses of $30 thousand was recorded for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to no provision for credit loss for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The Company’s loan portfolio continues to perform at a high level with just four non-accrual loans totaling $2.6 million and two loans more than 30 days delinquent totaling $577 thousand at March 31, 2025.

    Noninterest income increased slightly to $514 thousand for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to $504 thousand for the same period in 2024. Mortgage banking income increased $24 thousand, income on bank owned life insurance increased $15 thousand, gains on the sale of investment securities increased $94 thousand, and other fees and commissions increased $37 thousand. The increases were offset by a decrease in service charges of $30 thousand and a decrease in insurance proceeds of $143 thousand due to the non-recurring receipt of insurance proceeds during the first quarter of 2024 in connection with storm damage to the Bank’s office building in Upperco, Maryland.

    Noninterest expense was $386 thousand higher for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 when compared to the same period in 2024. This increase was due primarily to a $175 thousand increase in occupancy and furniture and equipment costs, a $101 thousand increase in FDIC premiums, a $33 thousand increase in ATM related costs, and a $96 thousand increase in other expenses. The increase in other expenses was due primarily to legal fees incurred for stockholder matters and additional costs related to the Company’s captive insurance company subsidiary. The Bank’s FDIC assessment expense increased due to higher asset size and higher FDIC assessment rates. The increase in occupancy and furniture and equipment was due primarily to depreciation on the renovations and new equipment for the Bank’s Upperco, Maryland location which was placed in service at the end of the first quarter of 2024 and the Bank’s new Towson, Maryland location that was placed in service during the second quarter of 2024. The increase in ATM related expenses was due to vendor price increases.

    Income taxes decreased by $30 thousand during the quarter ended March 31, 2025 when compared to the same period in 2024 due to lower earnings before taxes. The effective tax rate decreased to 21.3% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 from 22.1% for the same period last year due to an increase in the amount of nontaxable income included in pretax income year over year.

    Total assets were $817.6 million at March 31, 2025 compared to $844.6 million at December 31, 2024. Compared to December 31, 2024, total loans, net of the allowance for credit losses, increased $17.1 million to $600.0 million at March 31, 2025. Offsetting the increase in loans was a decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $42.0 million. The decrease was primarily due to the funding of new loans of $17.1 million, a decrease in deposits of $23.2 million, and the repayment of $5.0 million of Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings. Deposits decreased to $735.6 million at March 31, 2025 from $758.8 million at December 31, 2024. The Company’s tangible equity was $51.5 million at March 31, 2025 compared to $49.2 million at December 31, 2024.

    The book value of the Company’s common stock increased to $18.44 per share at March 31, 2025 from $17.77 per share at December 31, 2024. Book value per share at March 31, 2025 was inclusive of the $15.6 million unrealized loss, net of income taxes, on the Bank’s available for sale (“AFS”) investment portfolio as a result of higher interest rates. Changes in the market value of the AFS investment portfolio, net of income taxes, are reflected in the Company’s equity, but are not included in the income statement. The AFS investment portfolio is comprised of 72% government agency mortgage backed securities which are fully guaranteed, 22% investment grade non agency mortgage backed securities, less than 1% investment grade corporate and municipal bonds, and 5% subordinated debt of other community banks. There is no indication of credit deterioration in any of the bonds and we intend to hold these investments to maturity, so no actual losses are anticipated. The unrealized loss in the AFS investment portfolio did not impact regulatory capital because the Bank elected many years ago to not include changes in the market value of the AFS investment portfolio in the calculation of regulatory capital regardless of whether they are positive or negative.

    Our Federal Home Loan Bank facility, other borrowing lines available, unpledged securities, brokered deposit access, and cash and cash equivalents provided us with access to approximately $337.8 million of liquidity as of March 31, 2025.

    Gary A. Harris, President and CEO, commented “Our loan growth remains strong with a $17.1 million increase in net loans over the past quarter. We previously announced the opening of the new Towson Commercial Banking Office. Since its inception in June 2024, the office has produced over $29 million in new commercial loans and $8 million in new relationship deposits through March 31, 2025. We believe that this new office will be instrumental in both loan and deposit growth in 2025. Our asset growth along with the Federal Reserve’s three interest rate decreases over the past seven months have led to positive gains in our net interest margin. Asset quality remains high and our liquidity position remains strong. We continue to believe that Farmers and Merchants is well positioned to grow earnings in 2025.”

    About the Company

    The Company is a financial holding company and the parent company of the Bank. The Bank was chartered in Maryland in 1919 and has over 100 years of service to the community. The Bank serves the deposit and financing needs of both consumers and businesses in Carroll and Baltimore Counties along the Route 30, Route 795, Route 140, Route 26, and Route 45 corridors. The main office is located in Upperco, Maryland, with seven additional Maryland branches in Owings Mills, Hampstead, Greenmount, Reisterstown, Westminster, Eldersburg, and Towson. Certain broker-dealers make a market in the common stock of Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc., and trades are reported through the OTC Markets Group’s Pink Market under the symbol “FMFG”.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    The statements contained herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements (as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) based on management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company. Such statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the control of the Company. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting the Company will be the same as those anticipated by management. These statements are evidenced by terms such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “should,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” and similar expressions. Although these statements reflect management’s good faith beliefs and projections, they are not guarantees of future performance and they may not prove true. These projections involve risk and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those addressed in the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of these risks and uncertainties, see the section of the periodic reports filed by Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission entitled “Risk Factors”.

     
    Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (Unaudited)
     
    Dollars in thousands except per share and share data
     
      March 31, December 31,
        2025       2024  
         
    Assets  
         
    Cash and due from banks $ 21,779     $ 63,962  
    Federal funds sold and other interest-bearing deposits   918       697  
    Cash and cash equivalents   22,697       64,659  
    Certificates of deposit in other banks   100       100  
    Securities available for sale, at fair value   123,780       125,713  
    Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost less allowance for credit    
    losses of $62.5 thousand and $35.6 thousand   21,135       20,499  
    Equity security, at fair value   530       518  
    Restricted stock, at cost   715       921  
    Mortgage loans held for sale   240       157  
    Loans, less allowance for credit losses of $4.3 million and $4.3 million   600,048       582,993  
    Premises and equipment, net   7,316       7,349  
    Accrued interest receivable   2,376       2,439  
    Deferred income taxes, net   7,246       7,606  
    Other real estate owned, net   1,176       1,176  
    Bank owned life insurance   15,429       15,324  
    Goodwill and other intangibles, net   7,024       7,026  
    Other assets   7,746       8,163  
    Total assets $ 817,558     $ 844,643  
         
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity    
         
    Deposits    
    Noninterest-bearing $ 104,379     $ 107,197  
    Interest-bearing   631,219       651,609  
    Total deposits   735,598       758,806  
    Securities sold under repurchase agreements   5,482       5,564  
    Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta advances   –       5,000  
    Long-term debt, net of issuance costs   10,858       11,329  
    Accrued interest payable   766       1,003  
    Other liabilities   6,306       6,669  
    Total liabilities   759,010       788,371  
    Stockholders’ equity    
    Common stock, par value $.01 per share,    
    authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding    
    3,175,347 shares in 2025 and 3,166,653 shares in 2024   32       32  
    Additional paid-in capital   31,294       31,136  
    Retained earnings   42,777       41,613  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (15,555 )     (16,509 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   58,548       56,272  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 817,558     $ 844,643  
         
         
     
    Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Consolidated Statements of Income
    (Unaudited)
     
    Dollars in thousands except per share data
      Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025     2024  
         
    Interest income    
    Loans, including fees $ 8,366   $ 6,882  
    Investment securities – taxable   1,051     1,579  
    Investment securities – tax exempt   156     137  
    Federal funds sold and other interest earning assets   313     468  
    Total interest income   9,886     9,066  
         
    Interest expense    
    Deposits   4,249     3,101  
    Securities sold under repurchase agreements   17     23  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances   12     13  
    Federal Reserve Bank advances   –     622  
    Long-term debt   113     134  
    Total interest expense   4,391     3,893  
    Net interest income   5,495     5,174  
         
    Provision for credit losses   30     –  
         
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   5,465     5,174  
         
    Noninterest income    
    Service charges on deposit accounts   165     195  
    Mortgage banking income   29     5  
    Bank owned life insurance income   105     90  
    Fair value adjustment of equity security   9     (4 )
    Gain on sale of investment securities   94     –  
    Gain on insurance proceeds, net   –     143  
    Other fees and commissions   112     75  
    Total noninterest income   514     504  
         
    Noninterest expense    
    Salaries   2,207     1,976  
    Employee benefits   382     606  
    Occupancy   328     246  
    Furniture and equipment   335     242  
    Professional services   173     205  
    Automated teller machine and debit card expenses   168     135  
    Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation premiums   199     98  
    Postage, delivery, and armored carrier   78     82  
    Advertising   56     48  
    Other real estate owned expense   5     3  
    Other   567     471  
    Total noninterest expense   4,498     4,112  
         
    Income before income taxes   1,481     1,566  
    Income taxes   316     346  
    Net income $ 1,165   $ 1,220  
         
    Earnings per common share – basic $ 0.37   $ 0.39  
    Earnings per common share – diluted $ 0.37   $ 0.39  
         
         
    Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc.
    Selected Consolidated Financial Data
    (Unaudited)
    Dollars in thousands except per share data
           
      As of or For the Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025       2024       2023  
           
    OPERATING DATA      
           
    Interest income $ 9,886     $ 9,066     $ 7,051.53  
    Interest expense   4,391       3,892       1,395  
    Net interest income   5,495       5,174       5,657  
    Provision for credit losses   30       –       (270 )
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   5,465       5,174       5,927  
    Noninterest income   514       504       382  
    Noninterest expense   4,498       4,112       3,757  
    Income before income taxes   1,481       1,566       2,552  
    Income taxes   316       346       651  
    Net income $ 1,165     $ 1,220     $ 1,901  
           
    PER SHARE DATA      
           
    Net income (Basic and diluted) $ 0.37     $ 0.39     $ 0.62  
    Dividends $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00  
    Book value $ 18.44     $ 17.03     $ 16.53  
           
    KEY RATIOS      
           
    Return on average assets   0.57 %     0.61 %     1.05 %
    Return on average equity   8.22 %     9.40 %     15.49 %
    Efficiency ratio   75.23 %     72.42 %     59.55 %
    Dividend payout ratio   0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %
    Net yield on interest-earning assets   2.81 %     2.69 %     3.24 %
    Tier 1 capital leverage ratio   9.48 %     9.39 %     9.97 %
           
           
     
    Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc.
    Selected Consolidated Financial Data
    (Unaudited)
    Dollars in thousands except per share data
           
      As of or For the Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025       2024       2023  
           
    AT PERIOD END      
           
    Total assets $ 817,558     $ 794,593     $ 722,679  
    Gross loans   604,352       541,398       525,485  
    Cash and cash equivalents   22,697       25,633       9,566  
    Securities   145,569       182,325       146,300  
    Deposits   735,598       655,978       637,309  
    Borrowings   10,858       71,742       24,625  
    Stockholders’ equity   58,548       53,077       50,757  
           
    SELECTED AVERAGE BALANCES      
           
    Total assets $ 816,760     $ 799,841     $ 723,106  
    Gross loans   593,653       534,566       525,516  
    Cash and cash equivalents   26,648       37,224       8,719  
    Securities   169,215       208,134       169,873  
    Deposits   634,274       550,010       501,185  
    Borrowings   4,946       69,551       36,124  
    Stockholders’ equity   54,127       51,928       49,071  
           
    ASSET QUALITY      
           
    Nonperforming assets $ 3,789     $ 1,898     $ 1,898  
           
    Nonperforming assets/total assets   0.46 %     0.24 %     0.26 %
           
    Allowance for credit losses/total loans   0.71 %     0.80 %     0.87 %
           
    Contact: Mr. Gary A. Harris
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    (410) 374-1510, ext. 1104
       

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Howard Lee: Opening remarks – Project Cargox expert panel kick-off meeting

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Good morning, distinguished guests and Expert Panel Members.

    On behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), I would like to extend a very warm welcome to you all. We are excited to have you join us today to launch Project Cargox and share your valuable expertise.

    Let me start by thanking you for dedicating your time, insights and energy to this important initiative. Cargox unites us with a bold vision: to build a more inclusive and efficient digital ecosystem for trade finance, powered by cargo data insights and our CDI data infrastructure.

    This vision is critical in today’s evolving global landscape, where trade conflicts and disrupted supply chains are reshaping established trade patterns. Many businesses, SME traders in particular, stand to benefit immensely from a more digitalised and streamlined trade finance ecosystem as they transform their business model and supply chains.

    SMEs’ access to trade finance has long been hindered by different processing pain points. For instance, the heavy reliance on paper-based documents has led to inefficiencies and difficulty in tracking and verifying the transactions. With light balance sheets, many SMEs also struggle to provide the collateral required by banks to secure loans. Furthermore, issues like duplicate financing have heightened the risk of default and fraud.

    Through Cargox, we aim to address these challenges in a few ways. First, leverage cargo data to streamline trade finance processes for banks; second, develop digital solutions to enhance SMEs’ access to trade finance, in collaboration with key partners such as the Transport and Logistics Bureau and Airport Authority Hong Kong; and third, explore connections between CDI and international data partners to support innovative trade financing use cases.

    Trade finance is inherently a complex process. For example, the export of collectible figures from Hong Kong already involves multiple parties, including the importer, freight forwarder, shipping line, port operator, insurance company, banks and customs authorities.

    Given the intricate flow of goods, services, trade loans and payments, numerous documents, such as invoices, bills of lading, insurance certificates, letters of credit and customs declarations, are required to facilitate the trade.

    To navigate this complexity, it is crucial to leverage industry expertise to gain a holistic understanding of the trade finance landscape, pinpoint areas for improvement, and identify processes for further digitalisation, particularly through cargo data. We are therefore very pleased to establish the CargoxExpert Panel, comprising representatives from the trading and trade finance industry.

    The Expert Panel will serve as a vital platform for public-private collaboration, fostering dialogue to develop a roadmap and recommendations for a more robust digital trade finance ecosystem. Your insights will be instrumental in driving this transformation.

    We look forward to charting the future of digital trade finance together with the Expert Panel members through Cargox. Our concerted efforts will help overcome traditional barriers and empower SMEs with faster, and more accessible financial services.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Chang Yong Rhee: Navigating political uncertainty while maintaining independence

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Thank you, Mr. Fernandez, for that generous introduction. And good evening to the distinguished guests who joined the dinner tonight, including President Lateef and Mr. Euywhan Kim, Korean Consul General in New York. Your warm welcome means more than I can express.

    For over a century, the Foreign Policy Association has been a leader in promoting international collaboration through public dialogue and education. Its role as a nonpartisan forum for intellectual discourse is more important than ever today, as the world experiences a rising political divide, geopolitical tensions, and global fragmentation.

    I’m deeply humbled and honored to receive this award from the FPA, and especially feel undeserving when I consider past awardees like Chairman Volcker, President Trichet, Managing Director Georgieva, and many others. Also, sharing this award ceremony with the Secretary-General of the OECD, the Honorable Mathias Cormann, makes it even more special.

    On a personal note, this medal holds a very special meaning within my family. When I got married, I made a joke to my wife, saying, “As I’ll devote my whole life to promoting world peace, you need to take care of everything else for our family.” I thank the FPA for vindicating my joke and justifying the many evenings I’ve spent away from my wife and children. 

    Acknowledging Global and Korean Headwinds

    Currently, we are facing heightened uncertainties. Globally, despite some easing of post-pandemic inflation, trade tensions are intensifying and geopolitical risks persist, reshaping supply chains and deepening global fragmentation, or reglobalization. They have triggered the global financial market turbulence and slowed down global growth. My understanding is that the IMF is going to consider lowering its world economic outlook significantly tomorrow.

    Korea is not an exception. As an export-driven economy, it is particularly vulnerable to these external headwinds. Tariffs directly reduce our exports. And, given our deep integration with key supply chain partners, our semiconductor production in Vietnam, electronics and automobile manufacturing in Mexico, and battery production in Canada will all likely be significantly affected. At the same time, weak demand from China-which accounts for over 19% of Korea’s exports-is expected to further weigh on our economy.

    To make matters worse, current challenges have been especially difficult for Koreans. As you may know, political uncertainty intensified following the former president’s declaration of martial law late last year. After about five months of turbulence, we now hope that the Constitutional Court’s recent upholding of the impeachment, along with the upcoming presidential election in June, will help settle this uncertainty behind us.

    Nevertheless, “Every cloud has a silver lining.” These political events also demonstrated the powerful resilience of Korean democracy.

    There had been moments of unrest and deep confrontation among citizens with differing political views. However, the situation was resolved peacefully and constitutionally, and now we are advancing toward the presidential election.

    Political Polarization and Central Bank Independence

    One thing that I learned as a central banker during this period of political turmoil is the importance of central bank independence-but from a different angle.

    We usually understand central bank independence to mean freedom from government interference or fiscal dominance. However, navigating through recent political challenges has made it clear to me that independence from politics is much more vital.

    This is particularly true in deeply divided political environments such as Korea right now, where the presidency and parliamentary majority are decided by only a narrow margin of the popular vote.

    Governments are appointed by an elected power. By this very nature, during times of heightened political tension, any policy decisions and announcements by governments are often filtered through a political lens and struggle to gain broad trust.

    In contrast, a central bank, as Paul Tucker describes it, is an “Unelected Power”-more free from political preference and generally perceived as politically neutral. This allowed us to communicate balanced and apolitical assessments of economic conditions, such as the economic impact of political instability, along with policy recommendations when they were most needed.

    Independence with Flexibility

    Of course, as Paul Tucker rightly points out in his book, central banks must not exploit the privileges that come with their independence.1 He argues that central banks should strictly confine themselves to a narrow interpretation of their mandate, which includes price stability and political neutrality in general.

    I agree with the spirit of that argument. But I also believe that some degree of flexibility is necessary-particularly in unexpected extreme situations, such as the political instability that Korea just experienced or crises like the pandemic.

    Let me recall a conversation I had with a central bank governor from emerging Asia when I served as the IMF’s Asia-Pacific Department Director. As many of you know, avoiding fiscal deficit monetization is generally considered one of the non-negotiable mandates of central banks.

    However, in 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 crisis, that central bank took the unusual step of purchasing government bonds in the primary market under the spirit of shared burden with the government. As the governor explained to me, it was seen as inevitable to help those suffering from COVID-19, given the unusually large need for fiscal support, the limited financial market depth, and the importance of protecting sovereign credit rating.

    Fortunately, the temporary deviation from text book central bank principles turned out to be a happy ending: the country navigated the COVID crisis without damaging its creditworthiness and returned to its pre-pandemic deficit target within two years as planned.

    Fundamental concerns about deficit monetization remain valid. However, this case demonstrates how limited, temporary policy flexibility may be necessary depending on the specific nature of economic crisis and the maturity of capital markets.

    Likewise, while leading the central bank through recent political turmoil, I often faced situations where my statements could be misinterpreted as political. For example, when both parties held opposing views on fiscal policy during the impeachment process and incoming election, discussing fiscal stimulus risked appearing partisan. Yet as central bank governor, I could not remain silent on its necessity, for two reasons.

    First, after the martial law declaration, domestic demand was falling faster than expected. Some degree of fiscal stimulus was needed to alleviate a sharp decline in major market players’ economic forecasts early in the year. Second, a bipartisan fiscal package seemed to be the best tool to send the message to global investors that Korea’s economy operates independently of political divisions and to protect our credit rating.

    While my public advocacy for fiscal stimulus created some controversy over political neutrality as expected, I believe that my decisions will stand the test of time. Yes, central bankers must be politically neutral, but as Keynes said of his mentor Marshall, economists need to be “sometimes as near the earth as a politician.”

    U.S.-Korea Relationship & Closing

    Before I close, I would like to take a moment to highlight the enduring importance of the U.S.-Korea relationship, especially in the presence of many distinguished American leaders here tonight.

    Since Korea’s liberation in 1945, the U.S. and Korea have stood together as trusted allies, sharing common values, such as freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity.

    I mentioned the resilience of Korean democracy earlier in my remarks, and indeed, the U.S. has always remained alongside us throughout our democratic journey. At a critical crossroads in history, it helped guide Korea away from communism and toward democracy. Especially for the Bank of Korea, it also provided instrumental support in shaping our legal foundations-most notably, the Bank of Korea Act.

    Despite the leadership transition and the complex geo-economic landscape in Korea, I remain confident that the U.S.–Korea relationship will be taken to the next level. I believe the ongoing support of those in this room will be truly invaluable.

    Once again, I offer my deepest thanks to the FPA for this honor, and I wish the FPA continued flourishing in the years to come.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New powers already tackling anti-social behaviour in Leicester

    Source: City of Leicester

    NEW powers to help the city council keep Leicester’s public spaces free from anti-social behaviour are already having a positive impact on the city centre.

    Since the beginning of April, a team of city wardens and community safety officers has been patrolling the city centre to raise awareness of the new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) – a suite of new powers that allows the council to take swift enforcement action against those causing a nuisance.

    Easy to spot in their branded uniforms, the authorised officers have spoken to hundreds of people in a month-long period of engagement and education, with their high-profile presence already helping to address nuisance behaviour in the city centre.

    In the past month, the team has issued more than 100 verbal warnings relating to begging in the city centre. Officers also dealt with 49 unauthorised charity collections, 220 bike and scooter offences, 73 incidents of problem street drinking, 79 incidents of unauthorised amplification and 82 unpermitted structures, such as gazebos.

    Everyone spoken to has been warned that from Thursday (1 May), anyone breaching the PSPO risks facing a fixed penalty notice of £100, rising to £1,000 if prosecution leads to a conviction.

    People found begging in the city centre have been signposted to services offering food and shelter, while those riding scooters and e-bikes have been given leaflets, advising them that illegal machines will be confiscated by the police as part of their ongoing Op Pedalfast campaign.

    City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Every day for the past four weeks, our city wardens and community safety officers have been out on the streets, making sure that everyone using the city centre knows that nuisance behaviour will not be tolerated in Leicester.

    “And the good news is, the message seems to be getting through.

    “People are coming up to our officers to tell them that their presence is making a difference, and that problems associated with street drinking or begging, or the irresponsible use of e-bikes and scooters, appear to be receding. That sentiment is also reflected in the feedback we’ve received, and we’ve certainly noticed fewer complaints about the city centre in the past four weeks.

    “From 1 May, we’ll be reinforcing that message by introducing enforcement.

    “Anyone breaching the Public Spaces Protection Order from Thursday will be committing a criminal offence and risks facing a £100 fine.

    “I hope that we don’t need to issue any fixed penalty notices on Thursday. My hope is that the risk of a fine is enough to rid Leicester of the sort of anti-social behaviour that’s been spoiling people’s enjoyment of our historic city centre for too long.”

    Introduced on 2 April, the PSPO covers the city centre within the inner ring road, together with the area around Leicester railway station, the entirety of New Walk, and the area between London Road and Regent Road as far as Granville Road.

    Within the area covered by the PSPO, an individual is in breach of the order – and committing a criminal offence – if they cause a nuisance by:

    • begging
    • collecting for charity without the council’s permission
    • using an e-bike, bike, skateboard or scooter irresponsibly
    • consuming alcohol when asked to stop by an authorised officer
    • using amplification equipment without authorisation
    • putting up a gazebo or other temporary structure without authorisation

    The full order can be seen at leicester.gov.uk/pspo

    Public Spaces Protection Orders were introduced by the government as part of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act 2014 and can be used by councils to target a range of issues in a defined public area.

    Once adopted, each PSPO is valid for three years.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Going up! Leeds United promotion parade confirmed for Bank Holiday Monday

    Source: City of Leeds

    Leeds United fans will have the chance to salute the club’s promotion-winning heroes during an open-top bus parade, it can be confirmed today.

    Fresh from clinching a return to the Premier League, Daniel Farke and his squad will be riding high once again as they make their way around a loop of Leeds city centre next Monday, May 5.

    Large crowds are expected to turn out to show their appreciation for Leeds’s manager and players on a Bank Holiday afternoon that promises to live long in the memory.

    The parade will follow a mile-long route that will take in the full length of the Headrow as well as City Square, Boar Lane, New Market Street and parts of Wellington Street and Vicar Lane.

    The Whites are scheduled to arrive in the city centre at around 1pm, with the parade set to last between an hour and an hour-and-a-half.

    Due to the high number of fans expected to attend, there will be no single focal point for the event. Instead, supporters are being encouraged to line as much of the route as possible and give the team the welcome they deserve.

    Farke and his players will be ‘on the mic’ and interacting with fans throughout the parade, meaning everyone – no matter where they are along the route – will get the same special experience and enjoy what is sure to be a city centre-wide carnival atmosphere.

    People who cannot make it to the event will be able to follow proceedings via a live stream on the club’s LUTV channel.

    The parade has been organised by Leeds City Council in conjunction with the club, and with support from agencies including West Yorkshire Police.

    Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said:

    “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to work with Leeds United to give players and fans the chance to celebrate promotion together.

    “As a season ticket holder at Elland Road, I know how much this football club means to its supporters and indeed Leeds as a whole.

    “The name of Leeds United is already known all around the world, but being in the Premier League raises the profile of the club still further and will also bring wider economic benefits to the city.

    “I’m looking forward to seeing fans out enjoying themselves, it should be a wonderful spectacle. By lining the entirety of the route, they’ll be able to secure a great view of the parade and help create a party atmosphere right across the city centre.”

    The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, said:

    “Winning promotion is a marvellous achievement by Daniel Farke and his players, they really have done the whole of Leeds proud over the course of the season.

    “Leeds United’s ups and downs are woven into the fabric of life here and, as the city’s Lord Mayor, it’s my absolute pleasure to see them back where they belong.

    “I know the club’s fans have been in party mood since promotion was secured and I’m sure they will relish the opportunity to continue their celebrations at next week’s parade.”

    Morrie Eisenberg, chief operating officer at Leeds United, said:

    “We are thrilled to be able to celebrate our promotion to the Premier League with a parade across Leeds city centre.

     “Sadly, due to restrictions when we were last promoted to the top flight in 2020, it wasn’t possible for a bus parade to take place, so we’re now delighted to be able to celebrate this promotion properly with our supporters.

     “On behalf of the club I would like to thank everybody who has helped pull the parade together behind the scenes and at local authority level, I’m sure next Monday will be a great occasion for the whole city.”

    A programme of road closures and other traffic restrictions is due to be in place across much of the city centre from 8am to 5pm on Monday. Emergency service access will be maintained throughout this time.

    The size of the expected turnout means people coming into the city centre – for the parade or other reasons – are being asked to carefully plan their journeys in advance.

    The park and ride sites at Temple Green and Stourton will be operating on the day, with First running inbound buses from there to the city centre between 10am and 1pm and return services between 2.30pm and 5.30pm.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –